The Little Luxury: St. Ives Apricot Scrub

Relationship status: During one lonely jaunt to my local drugstore, I stumbled across this find right in between a super expensive Oil of Olay option and a menacing generic type. For less than the price of a Subway Sandwich I slipped this baby into my basket and have since been completely committed.

What is it for? How often does your face just feel saturated with makeup, dirt, moisture or all of the above? Just splash a little water all over your face and get to scrubbing twice a week and your skin is guaranteed to feel like new.

Aromatherapy in a Bottle? Close. One up on your typical scrubs is that it doesn’t smell like some yucky hospital solution. Sweet and delightful, apricot is one of the sweetest smells you can ever imagine.

Why St. Ives? Aside from the ridiculously cheap price, I’m dedicated to this scrub because it lives up to it’s packaging and does what it says. It wakes up the skin cells through an invigorating mixture of exfoliating beads, Swiss Botanicals, and Pure Swiss Glacial Water. After just one use my skin felt clean, tout and refreshed.

Who does it work for ? It’s good for all skin types. Oily, dry, prone to breakouts– it works magic for everyone.

Add this gem to your regimen: If you’re anything like me and you enjoy the thought of splurging but hate to see the negations in your bank account then take the cheap but good route. This scrub is just as capable of delivering the glow you crave sans the sticker shock of Yves Saint Laurent. Cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturize!

Good, cheap fun: $4.29 (6 oz/ 170 grams). Order online at Drugstore.com

Get scrubbed like a pro: I have to say, St. Ives great for frequent usage, but there truly is nothing comparable to a scrub at a spa. Don’t believe me? Try one yourself for just $50 during Spa Week — see which spas are offering scrubs near you.

Hot Stone Scale: 5 out of 6

This Little Luxury Report was brought to you by: Candace Amos

The pretty face you see to the left is Karla Farach, a spa lifestyle industry innovator and the founder and president of KROIA Skincare. KROIA is formulated by using the inherent properties of color wavelengths to bring harmony and balance to the skin, combining  pure bioavailable fruit and plant extracts, essential oils, gemstones and the latest most advanced ingredients.

From growing up in the Dominican Republic to now being a mom in New York City, Karla has studied traditional and alternative medicine including aromatherapy, gemstone therapy, nutrition and chromotherapy – all of which she applies to KROIA and her personal lifestyle.

One thing she’s never studied or applied to her personal lifestyle, however, is social media. After connecting through a mutual friend, Karla expressed to me how eager she is to share her wealth of knowledge and passion for skincare, wellness, science and beauty with the world, and she’s sick and tired of old-fashioned sales and PR.  Without the foggiest idea of how to harness social networking to leverage her business, Karla has made the brave decision that she’s ready to learn.

Today’s giveaway is not only for the purpose of you winning a fantastic KROIA foaming face cream…

TO ENTER: In the comments section below, give Karla one idea or piece of advice to inspire and help jump-start her journey into the complex world of blogging and social media.

THE PRIZE: 3 winners will receive a bottle KROIA Foaming Moisturizer, based upon which pieces of advice Karla finds most inspirational or helpful. Your choice of color!  Contest ends Monday 1/25/10 at 11:59 PM EST.

But before running this giveaway, about a month ago Erin, Meghan and I each took home a bottle and tested out the product. After landing under the trend of 21st Century anti-aging in a top beauty trends of 2010 story, it lands here with 3 glowing reviews:

KROIA Yellow Therapy (energizing)

Illuminate + Revitalize Active Foaming Moisturizer “Yellow, a radiant color that reflects “light,” knowledge, ideas and the intellect. The sun shines with its rays of light to awaken our senses and energize the world.” Meghan’s review: The moisturizer has a great consistency—it’s foamy when it comes out but settles down to a light lotion when applied. I loved the citrus-y smell (apparently due to “mangosteen”, who knew?) It’s supposed to brighten my complexion, and I did notice that the lotion left a nice glowy finish. It didn’t make my already-oily skin greasier, which I loved as well, but it wasn’t quite heavy duty enough to wear at night. I think it’d be an ideal summer moisturizer for oilier-skinned gals.

KROIA Pink Therapy (anti-aging)

Intensive Renewal Active Foaming Moisturizer “Pink is the universal color of love, affection and femininity. It signifies compassion and unconditional love to all humanity.” Erin’s review: LOVE it. It’s a silky-smooth, mousse-like face moisturizer that made my skin feel tighter and glow just a little bit more. In fact, I now look so young that I am getting carded all the time again. No not really, but I feel like I should be.

KROIA Blue Therapy (soothing)

Active Calm + Balance Foaming Moisturizer “Blue, the color of truth, promotes peace of mind by helping us connect with our spiritual side.” Michelle’s review: Applying my first dollop of KROIA was a skincare moment I’ll not soon forget. It’s texture, foamy; its scent, nutty almond; the cool bursting of miniscule foamy air bubbles on my face as I applied it (upward!)—sensational. Champagne toast? Only if the product worked. Good news: I noticed an immediate firmness to my skin, and a smooth, remarkably matte finish unlike some heavier creams I’ve tried.

Read more about Karla, her products and her vision at KROIA.com. Looking forward to seeing your social media tips!

This is not a sponsored post.

January 26th UPDATE:

Karla has chosen the winners! She would like to express tremendous gratitude for ALL the helpful tips and insights, because she is now even more excited to get started– and slightly less nervous. It is no surprise that all 3 winners Karla chose have fabulous blogs of their own:

Jen Mathews, My Beauty Bunny

Melissa Finley, My Mending Hands

Sarah de Thomasis, Through Pink Colored Glasses

Scroll down for their answers – all 3 of these ladies have given fantastic advice that any beginner in blogging and social media should read. Wishing the best of luck to you on your journey, Karla; can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store!