SkinScience Institute: Spa Review

As you may know, I reside in Northern Utah where there is plenty of wind, rain, snow and sun. The high desert gets its fair share of crappy weather. This can wreak havoc on a person's skin. Mine included. I have lived in Utah and Nevada for basically all my life so you'd think my skin would be used to the harsh conditions. Nay. I have dry/oily, wind-blown, and acne-prone skin that dislikes the seasons as much as my internal thermostat does. Basically it makes for a lot of necessary make-up tricks on my part in order to look presentable most of the time. When I was offered the chance to visit a local Utah County day spa for a service, I jumped at the chance. I normally go for pedicures at a local salon, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone and try a facial. My skin has been looking a little more haggard than usual these days so I figured it could use a little R and R.

I was allowed to bring a friend, so of course I brought my bestie and partner in crime, my older sister Clarrisa. We both arrived at the SkinScience Institute in Orem, UT for our appointments last Saturday a bit early but we ended up being about 10 minutes late because we couldn't find the place! The signs outside the office complex where it is located (across from University Mall, if you're familiar with the area) is a little confusing as it leads you to believe it could be in three different buildings. It ended up being in the one building with no markers on the doors. We mentioned this to the ladies in the school, and they nodded in agreement saying it was in the works. Apparently this is a new location, apparent as some construction efforts were still underway in the office. *shrug* We laughed it off and got set filling out a consultation form, a little like one you would see at the doctor's office, more geared towards skin care.

The front office area of the Orem SkinScience Institute.

After that we were led into a small "locker room" where we could put on a wrap ala tube top thing (which was a little small for me, not gonna lie) and bath robes (again, mine was a little small). Then we waited for our estethicians on a couch in a dim waiting area. There was a sound system all around the rooms pumping out tunes of the jungle and forest and such, it was a little odd at times but semi-soothing too. I got used to it, although Clarrisa said the bird calls reminded her of whiny babies haha.

Clarrisa is my model.

Very relaxing couch.

Our two estheticians, Becky and Sarah came to consult with us before our facials. They were super nice and sweet. Our facials were wonderful and fabulously executed. Even though I have no basis for comparison, I was really impressed with my service. The facial lasted about an hour and a half, maybe even a bit longer.

Ooh, awww, relaaaaxxxx.

I had my skin cleansed, toned, exfoliated, extractions, a mask, moisturized, an eye treatment, a scalp massage, and a neck and shoulder massage as well. Clarrisa's was a bit different as her skin is in better shape than mine and needed different treatments. All the products they used smelled amazing and were name brand, like Murad and Jane Iredale. Sarah, my esthetician, was very friendly and knowledgeable about everything. She answered and asked questions effectively and I felt really comfortable with her, which is important. Clarrisa and I were both very satisfied and felt glowing and relaxed for the rest of the day!

Claire and I with freshly facialed faces.

I totally plan on making more appointments to indulge and pamper myself and my skin. They have all kinds of treatments available, body wraps, lymphatic drainage, hot stone facials, chemical peels, waxing, lash tinting, etc. Plus they are all priced super reasonably. I mean, the facial we got is normally about $30. For almost 2 hours? Uh YES please! I do hope a few things get fixed at this location, like the restrooms weren't working and I wasn't thrilled with having a robe and a wrap that didn't fit. But overall I really loved the experience and will definitely be going back.

Services were provided for review.

SkinCareRx Friends & Family Code

SkinCareRx.com is now having a Friends and Family sale event that allows special customers a whopping 25% off!  This is a sweet opportunity and I am excited to share it with my lovely readers :)

Friends and Family Coupon Code: FF25

*Excludes some brands. Expires Dec. 1, 2010.

SkinCareRx has lots of great brands like La Roche-Posay, Barielle, Talika, and Dermalogica.  Be sure to check them out and don't let this great offer pass you by :)

xoxo,
kelliegonzo

I Want Candy and an Apothica Giveaway ***CLOSED***

hi everyone! today i wanted to share with you another great polish from Deborah Lippmann, called I Want Candy. it is an unbelievable jelly, which Deb does perfectly, that is an adorable shade of bright candy pink! it is sooooo me and i have been lemming it for a long time. i acquired it from a blog sale luckily because it is discontinued. this is three coats, and even though there is still visible nail line, i don't care because it is sooo fun and bright!

i wanted to let you all know that Lippmann polishes are not only available at her site, but also at a special place called Apothica. this store is based out of Salt Lake City, my neighboring city and state capital!  they have an amazing brick and mortar store as well as a fab online site!  be sure to check out their great selection of Lippmann polishes.  a huge plus is that they ship internationally!  they sell not only nail polish like Lippmann but also Essie, Barielle, and loads of other cosmetics/hair care brands like Two Faced, Smashbox, Cargo, Nars, Stila, and Aveda.

Apothica has graciously offered to sponsor a giveaway for a reader of Also Known As..., the prize being a $25 gift card!!

Please send all your entries to me in an EMAIL at: kelliegonzoblog@gmail.com

Rules:

- You must be a follower of this blog. Please let me know how you follow (example: Google Friend Connect, email subscription, BlogLovin', etc.) = 1 entry

Additional Entries:

- Become a fan of Apothica on FaceBook = 1 entry

- Follow Apothica on Twitter = 1 entry

- Reweet the Apothica/SkinCareRx tweet about the giveaway = 2 entries

- Leave a comment about Apothica or my review of Deborah Lippmann nail polishes on this post = 2 entries

- Subscribe to the Apothica Newsletter - found on the bottom of the website page = 2 entries

- Write a blog post about Deborah Lippmann polish including a link directed to Apothica: http://makeup.apothica.com/lippmann-collection.html = 7 entries

     * Blog entry must have 100 words and use a pre-defined anchor text and link to the page mentioned.  You would use the words "Deborah Lippmann" in your post and link that to the page you found it on Apothica.com

Also:
- I will be providing Apothica with your contact information if you win.
- Apothica will contact the winner to verify if your information is correct.
- After their verification, Apothica will email you a code for a gift card to be used at SkinCareRx.com, Apothica.com, and SkinBotanica.com
- PLEASE save SkinCareRx.com as a contact in your email so that any communication with them does not go to Spam/Junk Mail.

Open INTERNATIONALLY.  Contest runs October 11th - October 25th.

good luck!

xoxo,
kelliegonzo

the product pictured was purchased by me. this contest is being sponsored by the company of the same name. please see disclosure statement for more information.