Friday, March 28, 2014

The Neutrogena Experience


I made it back all in one piece from sunny cloudy and windy California. I missed you ladies like crazy and felt lost not having our daily chat sessions. I spent the last few days in Manhattan Beach and Los Angeles, California for the Neutrogena Skin Care Summit. I will be partnering with the company as one of their 2014 ambassadors. I look forward to sharing more about new products, skin care regimens, anti-aging serums, acne prevention and a few stellar items from their cosmetic line. 

Warning: this post might get long winded, but I am going to do my best to give a recap of the last couple of days. I could have easily broken the summit up into a few posts, but I was so excited to share my experience. I had to get it all out today. (I wore this H&M skirt and Express crop top on Wednesday.)

Express Top // H&M Skirt not online (love this one and this one) // Daily Look Heels (option here and here) // Forever 21 Clutch (option here and here) // Total Betty Society Necklace c/o // Forever 21 Bracelet (option here) // Gigglosophy Heart Ring c/o 

I landed in L.A. Tuesday morning and headed directly to Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach. I had about 10 minutes to run to my room, change clothes, freshen up, take a few deep breaths and hop on a shuttle bus to the Neutrogena headquarters for the first round of activities.


The PR team and Neutrogena staff had a quaint patio set up for lunch. The tables were filled with fresh flowers and sweet treats. We all knew that a special celebrity ambassador would be speaking at the luncheon. I had my fingers and toes crossed that it would be Kristen Bell and I literally almost died when she walked out. Yes, I am that person who gets star struck. You guys, she was adorable, flawless, witty, charming, genuine and smart. She hosted a Q&A and we got to ask her questions and also hear why she is so passionate about Neutrogena and their product offerings.


After lunch we were split into groups. My first session was all about being pampered in the beauty bar area. We got to try out Neutrogena cosmetics and hair care. My new favorite? The Moisture Smooth Color Stick in Sweet Watermelon. I can't get enough of it. I got lucky enough to have the one and only, Amy Oresman, touch up my make up. She is the personal make-up artist for Hayden Panettiere. She is also known for her work with Emma Roberts, Molly Sims and Jennifer Garner. Holy what?! Yeah, I thought the same thing too. She is beyond amazing, hilarious, personable, crazy talented and I begged her to come home with me.

If Amy wasn't enough, Sam Leonadri did my hair. Again, say what? Okay, I'll be honest, I didn't actually know who he was until this week. He is another celebrity stylist and has worked with hundreds of actresses and is globally known. His Australian accent had me a little giddy, but his magical hands were what got me fired up. He offered up some advice for my hair, introduced me to a great Neutrogena hair mask and created some super sexy waves. I tried to get him to come back to Texas too. No such luck. 


After an afternoon of pure magic, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for a networking, roof top cocktail party. It was a fun evening and the perfect chance to really get to know some of the other girls that were attending the summit. I was actually one of the only style bloggers in attendance and the only girl from Texas. The majority of the ladies were either beauty bloggers or had their own YouTube channels. I didn't know single person, but that quickly changed. I made so many new friends and learned more about YouTube than I even knew was possible. Let me tell you, YouTube is where it's at, but the thought of doing videos stresses me out. Anyway, we all had so much in common and plenty to chat about. Everyone was super friendly and fun.


Wednesday morning started bright and early at 7:30 AM with a personal, in room blow out hairstyle. Talk about first class service. We had breakfast at the hotel on the sun deck with a presentation on sun protection and learned some eye opening statistics about skin cancer. It was very informative and I for one will be more diligent with sunscreen in my house. Neutrogena's spray on sunscreen has always been a favorite of mine, but I discovered that they also offer a sun defense stick. I plan on grabbing one next time I am out. Some of the girls said they swear by it and that it's great for facial application. 

After breakfast, the shuttle arrived to take us back to the Neutrogena headquarters. As much as I enjoyed being pampered at the beauty bar the day before, Wednesday's experience was even better. I really got to see and hear all that Neutrogena stands for, how much time and research they put into their products. It took six years of research and testing to produce the exact formula combination for their Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser. It's was also refreshing to learn how strongly they believe in being eco-friendly.  

One of the most horrific, but coolest experiences out of the entire two days was having our photos taken by a machine that looked underneath our skin to show bacteria, future breakouts that could be brewing and the dreaded white and black heads we all have hiding under our skin. I say horrific because we had to remove our make up for these "x-ray like" photos. It took some courage to go bare on the face in front of a room full of strangers, but we all did it. Luckily, because I am crazy-town obsessed with washing my face and having a consistent regimen with my skin, my under the surface photos came back with an A+. Phew! We did learn that a breakout starts to form eight weeks before we ever see it some to the surface. That is why it's so imperative to have a face cleansing routine that is practiced seven days a week. Most of us only treat our skin once a blemish makes it's appearance. I have been using the Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Face Wash for years and am a true believer in it. They also have a pink grapefruit one that is simply divine. I have used it the past few days and am thinking of permanently switching to it.


After two full days, one last champagne toast and a knowledge filled summit, I traded in my heels for Converse, took a walk down to the beach, met up with an old high school friend for dinner and you guessed it, ended it all in the jacuzzi tub.

Thank you, Neutrogena and the girls with Rpr Marketing Communications. You are all a class act. Your hard work and efforts never went unnoticed. I am still blown away by all the details, hospitality and effort that went into putting this event together. I am beyond grateful and honored to have been a part of it.

Shanna

60 comments:

Unknown said...

WOW, this looks like so much fun! Good for you for keeping up with your skincare routine...that's one thing I definitely need to improve on in the upcoming months. I have a terrible habit of going to bed with makeup still on!

Also, I am SO incredibly jealous that you were able to meet Kristen Bell and hear her speak! I'm told all the time that she is my celebrity twin and would love to meet her someday!

Danielle at Framed Frosting

Unknown said...

What an incredible experience Shanna..bummer you missed our sunny days and got to experience the ever looming cloudy days.

Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com

Anonymous said...

Pretty skirt! What an amazing experience... enjoyed reading your recap! Neutrogena sunscreen is one of my favorites... we buy it in bulk at Costco!

Becky M said...

This sounds like so much fun! And so informative too! I love neutrogena products - I use the sensitive skin moisturizer every day, their face powder, and use their build up control shampoo a couple times a month. I can't wait to hear about their new products and your favorites!
Loved all the pics - and ew about the face xray, glad you got an A+, I wonder what I would have gotten. Do you use any type of clarasonic machine in your skin care routine? I noticed last time I was in the store that Neutrogena sells one and wondered what you thought!

agirlandhersparkles.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

looks like you had really great time!

this skirt is stunning!

Irene
www.thedailylace.com

Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/) said...

This is such a great experience, happy yo had fun and enjoyed it so much.

xo
​PinkSole​

Charming Lucy said...

Shanna this looks amazing! I have to agree about YouTube - I watch make up tutorials a lot! And a man with an Australian accent doing your hair? Heaven;) I am going to get the oil free wash for my daughter today! I cant wait to see what else you recommend! I need some new products pronto!! Glad you are back safely! Stop by and enter to win the most amazing nautical clutch today (you will LOVE) it and link up to Charming Fridays. Thanks for the daily dose! Susan

Nina Piccini said...

How fun!! I'm totally drooling over that H&M skirt but I don't have any stores in my city anymore :(

xo, Nina
afterthe40barfinish

Kimberly said...

Sounds like such an amazing trip - I'm so proud of you for being one of the only fashion bloggers chosen!! Can't wait to see how this ambassador role unfolds for you :)

www.pennypincherfashion.com

she.is.the.one said...

very very pretty outfit :)

fashion blog http://www.sheistheone.ch/

she.is.the.one said...

very very pretty outfit :)

fashion blog http://www.sheistheone.ch/

Unknown said...

Looks like you had a great time and you picked the perfect outfit! Good to have you back :)

xo,
http://www.chachathefashiongenius.com/

Because of Jackie said...

Oh my gosh, this looks like so much fun! I can't believe you got to meet Kristen Bell (love her.) This must have been such a surreal moment, from getting your hair and makeup done by celebrities, to trying the makeup and attending roof top parties. Thanks for sharing and letting us in on the fun, too;)

Rebecca @ Mommy in Heels said...

Super excited for you! Fingers crossed we meet at a future event!!! Loved hearing about your trip!!!!

Nicole said...

Wow, Shanna! This sounded amazing. What an opportunity. I am so happy for you. I think I am going to have to check out all of their products now. So glad you are back with us - posting away. BTW - your posts are NEVER TOO LONG!!! =)

**I am not sure if I am set up correctly to receive responses, I hope I am. =)**

AMCallahan said...

Amazing! What an awesome experience, so happy for you!!!

Heidi said...

First, you looked fantastic. More importantly, your smile is truly genuine and it shows that you had so.much.fun. Well deserved and congratulations once again.

http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Love the photos. That sounds like so much fun. I have always loved Neutrogena. Since getting my Mia 2 I have stopped using there cleanser but I do use the Neutrogena Naturals Moisturizer. I am so going and getting the smooth color stick today lol

Lauren {By Lauren M} said...

What a fantastic trip! I can't wait for more beauty-themed posts with your new partnership!

Ally said...

Loved following your instagrams about your trip! Loving that black & white flowered skirt as well.... great length!

http://www.confessionsoftheglitterati.com/

susan jakovina said...

Looks like an incredible experience! Good for you girl. Looking gorg. xo

Rebecca said...

Awwwww thanks for sharing the wonderful experience Shanna.....love the skirt ensemble you wore!

Rebecca
www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

TheTinyHeart said...

What a fun experience! So neat that you got to see Kristen Bell speak!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Cash Giveaway!

Wine and Couture said...

Love your outfit and the summit seemed so exciting! Congratulations on being a spokesperson.
xo, Lee

All That Glitters said...

It sounds like you had such a great time! So glad to have you back though:)

Sarah Tucker said...

So, I basically have a famous friend. that's what I am going to tell people :)

Ashlyn | Let It Be Beautiful said...

you look so pretty shan! i love that crop top ... you are convincing me that i need to get one myself! & what a wonderful experience you had. you will be a rockstar neutrogena ambassador & so excited for your new endeavor!

xoxo

Unknown said...

Sounds like such an amazing experience! I absolutely LOVE the outfit you wore. And gosh golly I cannot even imagine seeing my face X-ray. It would come back an F! I have a consistent routine, but I just have bad skin :( Anyway, can't wait to hear more about Neutrogena products from you! I use their face wash and have always loved their pressed powder!

Unknown said...

How fun is that?! You look amazing! Super jealous you got to see sunny, warm weather! : )

Kayla
www.lovelucygirl.com

Katie Did What said...

Okay, WOW. What an amazing experience, and how exciting that you're a Neutrogena ambassador!! Kiiiind of jealous, but mostly just super happy and excited for you :) I love Neutrogena! I AM after all Norwegian, so you know. That may factor into it just a tad. ;)

xo

Abby said...

Wow, what an awesome experience! I'm so happy for you! Thanks for sharing all the details with us... I love reading posts like this. :) Your wardrobe for the whole event was stunning. You put together the BEST outfits.

xo Always, Abby

Darcy said...

This is so amazing, Shanna! Congratulations! The Youtube community is where its at.. if I felt like I was better at makeup I would totally start one. Those girls are amazing! So happy for you!
www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com

SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph said...

Thanks for sharing this amazing experience! Kristen Bell, I would've died too. She rocks.

I'm going to check out the watermelon lip product.

Neutrogena spray on sunscreen and face sunscreen are my two absolute go-tos. Sunscreen rules the roost here! I'm a self tanner girl all the way.

NO videos for me. I can't. LOL

Sarah said...

Well this just looks like the most fun!! Glad you had such a great experience!!

Kate at Green Fashionista said...

What an amazing experience, and CONGRATS on becoming a Neutrogena ambassador. I would have gone crazy when Kristen Bell came out too... love her!

I'm scared of filming videos for YouTube as well, I'm still trying to get over the awkwardness that is style photo shoots :-P

Happy Friday!

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

Whew! I got tired just reading that one. What an amazing experience...so happy for you!! Can't wait to hear what you have to share about anti-aging products. 40 is only one year away and I have been noticing more wrinkles than I would like ;)

Jasmin daily said...

It looks like you had a blast! Glad you enjoyed yourself Shanna

xoxo
Jasmin
www.jasmindaily.com

Helene in Between said...

this truly sounds like a dream!! how fun! you look gorgeous and now i need to check out some of your recs from neutrogena!

Anja said...

You look gorgeous! Great outfit! Xo, Anja

http://vivalafashiondiva.blogspot.com

Jacy said...

Your outfit is so darling!! That skirt is amazing to begin with, and you styled it perfectly. Looks like the Neutrogena summit was fabulous too!

~Jacy
www.lovelenore.com

Whitney @ EHFAR said...

Wow.. what an amazing opportunity! So jealous!

Fonda @Savvy Southern Chic said...

What an awesome experience! Love this outfit, this is a crop top I could get into- not really a fan of them- but this one is perfect!

Kayla MKOY said...

First of all -- how did you have TWO children!?! You are so darn tiny!! Second, holy freaking KRISTEN BELL!!?? I LOVE her. I am so so so excited that you had this opportunity...and its definitely made me realize I need to be taking better care of my skin! It's the only face I'll ever have! Lol...I have to say I typically wash my face before bed and its w/ Neutrogena's exfoliating acne scrub. LOVE! I have had a significant decrease in my breakouts!

Thanks for your post ma'am. PS -- killer heels ;)

Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} said...

SHANNA!!!! This is sooooooooooooooo amazing! So excited for you and all of the opportunities that have come your way! Amazing!

Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} said...

SHANNA!!!! This is sooooooooooooooo amazing! So excited for you and all of the opportunities that have come your way! Amazing!

Unknown said...

You look stunning and HOW awesome is all of that!? I'm totes jealous! You totally deserve it lady!

Unknown said...

I just found your blog through Kayla at My Kind of Yellow and I'm so glad that I did. You are lovely and so fashionable. Basically, I love love your blog and I'm excited to find lots of fashion inspiration here in the near future!

Autumn
theausamlife.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing! Your outfit is pretty!

Carly said...

So sad we couldn't get together, this whole working with a baby thing is sucking away my social life!!!!

Next time!

jenn~the stylish housewife said...

Looks like SO much fun!!! I would LOVE to get the xray pic of my skin. =) BTW, in-room blowout?!?! Are you kidding me? I'm thinking you, me & Stesha need to hire a hairdresser to come out to our room for Friday morning!!! I am not joking! LOL.

XOXO, Jenn
The Stylish Housewife

LD, CCC-SLP said...

Shanna,

I love how you took the chance on the crop top, it looks adorable!

I've been using Neutrogena since I was probably 12 and they definitely have some good products. I would've flipped for Kristen Bell, too:)

- Lindsay

Jessie Jones said...

Very, very cool! I can't wait to learn more about their products from you!

OccasionallyAJ said...

Manhattan Beach is AMAZING. So glad you had a nice time! This sounds like it was an awesome experience. I really need to get my face scanned like you did!

-AJ
OccasionallyAJ.com

Jeans and a Teacup said...

You were in my neck of the woods! :-) What an amazing experience! Way to go girl! I absolutely love the outfits you wore. I've been looking for that black and white skirt but none of the H&M's here sell it! It's crazy! I want it so bad! :-)
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said...

You look incredible and this experience sounds like a dream! So cool that you got to meet lots of beauty bloggers/youtubers and that's awesome that you got an A+ on the skincare machine (I kind of want to try it, but don't, but do...).

Unknown said...

Loved reading about your exciting adventure at LA! You are absolutely glowing in your pictures; love your red top and that beautiful skirt <3 Congrats on being chosen as one of Neutrogena's ambassadors! Great brand and I am sure you'll do amazing things with them. I will keep on following your Neutrogena posts. <3<3 XOXO, Elif @theboxqueen

Unknown said...

Loved reading about your exciting adventure at LA! You are absolutely glowing in your pictures; love your red top and that beautiful skirt <3 Congrats on being chosen as one of Neutrogena's ambassadors! Great brand and I am sure you'll do amazing things with them. I will keep on following your Neutrogena posts. <3<3 XOXO, Elif @theboxqueen

Ashleigh said...

I can't believe you were the only style blogger! Crazy!I'm so happy/completely jealous that you had such an awesome experience. Really like the green skirt/striped shirt from the pi where you were getting ready!
-Ash
www.stylizedwannabe.blogspot.com

Cece @Mahogany Drive said...

What a wonderful opportunity!! I love Kristen Bell. That is so cool.

Anonymous said...

Stunner for sure! Loved the color ranging concept that drives smoothly...;)

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