GIVEAWAY!!! FREE 60 min Facial at Saul's Beauty Shop - $100 Value

I'm hosting another giveaway and let me tell you I'm SO EXCITED about this one!  Why you ask? Well it's a really awesome prize!  I'm giving away 1 60 min facial at Saul's Beauty Shop in Toronto - Value $100.  Contest open to anyone in Toronto or GTA (if you're willing to come to Toronto for the facial) - open to Men & Women - Saul's is a gender neutral joint and they actually really really want the boys out there to start taking better care of their skin ;)

Never heard of Saul's?  Well that's probably b/c it's pretty new but can I just say it's also pretty awesome!  I personally had the pleasure of getting my own facial at Saul's last week and it was probably one of the best facials I've had..no lie!  The spot itself is located right on Dundas West near Bellwoods Ave.  It also has a totally different vibe than most spas too...almost like you're stepping into someone's cute apt...not sterile or all white...that's b/c owner Eliss wanted to create a warm and friendly environment that would appeal to both men and women...reg. spa goers as well as newbies.

Eliss has been in the aesthetics biz for years and funny enough I've actually had the pleasure of receiving her services before once or twice at Aroma Wellness Clinic.  Eliss even recognized me when I came in for my facial which was surprising b/c I'm sure she saw A LOT of ppl at Aroma so kinda nice that she remembered me even though we only met once or twice before.

What makes her place different from a lot of other spas out there is as I mentioned she's really trying to make an inviting gender neutral, unpretentious environment and in fact not only does she carry a wide range of shave products for the boys out there but she also has a conditioning mask for facial hair during the male facials...facial hair and the skin underneath it need love to you know ;)

She also only carries products that are SLS and petrochemical free...she even writes up about it here on her site.

Also...and this is probably the biggest one compared to most places I've received facials from before.  Her facials are booked in time increments instead of the type of facial.  Basically when you go in you speak to Eliss about your concerns, sensitivities and the things you want most out of a facial ie. mask, extractions, peels etc. and from there she customizes your facial based on your skin type, needs, concerns and the time increment you've paid for.

So why did I enjoy my facial so much you might be asking.  Well to start off I just really liked the vibe...I actually always liked Eliss the once or twice I had her at Aroma so I knew I was off to a good start there.  Unlike most spas she doesn't play typical waterfall or meditating music but instead it's more of an old school classic slow r&b & jazz sort of thing.  Plus using the Aromatherapy Associates spa line she customizes the masks based on what she thinks you need...maybe a bit extra oatmeal or guava etc.  I had the Rose face mask.  And this was probably the best part...during the facial a lot of times the esthetician will leave the room during the steam or mask but Eliss actually gave a hand massage, shoulder massage and finally a scalp massage all during the facial...definitely aided in my relaxation!

Eliss also offers waxing services and spray tans...I'm actually going back next week for a spray tan to get my healthy "Summer glow" on ;)  I'll be sure to tell you guys about that too!

So here's how to ENTER!  Please allow a few moments for the widget to open.  Open to Men & Women.  Toronto or GTA area ONLY!

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Aroma Wellness Clinic - Spray Tan

Like many women out there I try to take pretty good care of my skin...esp as I get older.  That means a regular skincare regime - moisturizer, night creams, facials (should do this more often), staying out of the sun etc.

Because of these things (esp my obsessive SPF habit) I usually tend to remain pretty naturally pasty and pale throughout the year.  My pale complexion might not be the prettiest thing but guess what I figure years from now when I'm still looking young and wrinkle free it will all be worthwhile...plus that's what bronzer is for right? lol.

Anyway, a couple of wks ago I decided to pamper myself at one of my favourite (and very affordable) spas Aroma Wellness Clinic.  I had been going there off and on for a few years now for waxing and different spa treatments ever since I use to live in the Annex.  Overall, my experiences have always been pretty good (esp. for the price) so when I saw they had this Summer spa package deal I thought hey why not!

For the VERY low price of $99 I got to choose 4 different spa services from a list of services (btw this special is still going on for those that are interested).  Out of the list I opted for Facial, De-Stressing Massage, Brazillian Wax and Spray Tan.

I had never actually had a personalized spray tan before and I was a little nervous to be honest.  I'd done those booth ones years ago when they first came out w/ mixed results.  This one is actually done by a technician and I'd had clients and friends that had had it done before and really liked it (not at Aroma though).  I also had my friend's wedding coming up on the weekend and my dress was a very vibrant shade of pink and my skin definitely needed some colour to balance it all out.  The one thing I will note is I had to do the tan a day after the other spa treatments b/c you can't do the waxing and the tan on the same day so just keep this in mind when you book the appt.

So on the day of the tan appt. I followed all the rules listed on their website.  My technician's name was Siobhain (straight from Ireland - accent and all) and she's a really lovely person.  You can wear a disposable thong that they supply or you can go nude.  I actually opted for nude for two reasons: 1. I had a brazillian the day before and that girl saw my bits so why get shy now 2. I didn't want tan lines.   The whole spray tan thing only takes about 15 mins but I'd leave some extra time to stay in the room w/ the fan to dry the tan which will definitely help it from creasing, smudging on clothes or wearing off on anything.

I immediately loved the results!  Not orange at all and I had no creasing or weird tan marks around the hands or feet which was a prob w/ the spray tan booths.  I can't even tell you how many compliments I got on on the tan too!  Literally all my friends and even my makeup assistant were commenting on how healthy and natural the colour looked.  No one even believed it was a spray tan b/c the results looked so natural!

In fact I loved it so much I even went back this week for another tan!  If you get another tan within 2 wks of the last one it's a reduced price ;)  Another great thing about Aroma is they have an online appt. scheduler so I made my appt. online and I could even request my technician and I thought since Siobhain was so great last time I might as well go w/ her again.  Still loving my results and I'm not going to lie I think this may become another regular thing I'm going to add to my beauty regime!

Also, just a side note it's Vegan, PETA approved, Paraben Free, Organic and Fragrance Free!

Here's a couple of other pics from my friend's wedding...it looks so natural and for once my legs don't look pasty! Tans also make you look slimmer and help minimize cellulite, veins, fine lines and acne!