Green beauty tips for Earth Day 2011!

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You don't have to just celebrate Earth Day together... Make it last all month! Or year! Photo: aveda.com

According to Grist.com, a site for environmental news, commentary and advice, Austin is the 15th most green city in the world. We thrive on harnessing solar energy and preserving nature through parks and recreation. Central Market and Whole Foods are staples for most people’s pantries and refrigerators, filling them with organic everything. We reduce, reuse and recycle.

But can we say the same about our beauty routines?

Do you turn the water off while you brush your teeth? Wash your face? How about shave your legs? I would bet most of us (I’m guilty too!) use disposable face wipes at night or at the gym. And even more of us probably blow-dry our hair at least three days a week.

Just as solar energy, natural preservation and recycling help to protect our environment, so does refining our beauty regimens. How?

First things first: TURN OFF THE WATER! Brushing your teeth, washing your face, applying your make-up- turn it off. Even when you shave your legs, if you turn the water off, the steam will still keep your legs moist enough to get the job done (and using just enough water to rinse your razor will save buckets- literally!). Also, see about investing in a low-flow showerhead for an even better option. Then, ditch the face wipes- they clog up landfills. Finally, it would take two trees ten years to absorb the carbon dioxide you create from blow-drying ten minutes a day for just one year. Instead, use a towel to soak up excess water, and then air-dry hair almost completely before blow-drying to cut down hairdryer time… or skip it all together! Your hair and the earth will thank you.

Aveda is not only Austin's #1 beauty care company, but the FIRST EVER to offset 100% of its electricity with wind power! Photo: aveda.com

Next, choose Aveda every time. As a city, Austin has already chosen Aveda as their number one beauty product, according to Rare magazine. Not only is Aveda a natural company, but they are also the first to offset 100% of its electricity with wind power and is the largest purchaser of organic ingredients in the world.

Other eco-friendly beauty tips?

Invest in a reusable razor- 2 BILLION plastic ones are dumped every year!

Use multi-purpose make-up, like blush that works on your cheeks AND eyes. Only one product=less packaging and transportation. Try  Aveda’s Petal EssenceTM Face Accents in Apricot Whisper or Rose Blossom, $22.50.

Always unplug after use! The straightener you leave plugged-in 24/7 is still using electricity even when it’s off.

Apply your makeup with your fingers and avoid using cotton swabs and disposable sponges (and adding more waste to landfills!).

Recycle your cosmetic bottles!

DIY! You’ll cut down on manufacturing wastes, packaging and transportation pollutants. Here’s a hair mask to try: Take three eggs and your favorite essential oil to mask the smell (Try Aveda’s Rose Absolute, $26) and whip them together. Apply the mixture to your hair from the ears down for 15-30 minutes. Rinse with clarifying shampoo (repeat if necessary). Do this twice a week for shiny, smooth hair!

Filed Under: Earth Month Tips, Environmental Responsibility, Hair, Makeup, Skin Tagged With:

Tips for a close, comfortable shave.

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According to Ultimatepersonalshaver.com, most men will spend 60 hours a year or 5 months of their life shaving more than 20,000 times. The website also says that 15% of men prefer not to shave because of the pain they experience associated with shaving, and that “most shaving accidents are caused by using dull and/or dirty razor blades, insufficient preparation of the skin and hair before shaving, and using inappropriate equipment and products.” With the help of a clean, fresh razor and these easy steps for the perfect shave using Aveda’s men’s line, no man should have to continue worrying about ingrown hair, razor burn or nicks and cuts.

 

Use Aveda's men's composition, shave cream and dual action aftershave for a comfortable shave. Photo: www.aveda.com

Step one: Prepare. It is so important to prep your skin before shaving because shaving removes almost as much skin as hair. Without first preparing your skin, shaving can leave it dry, sensitive and irritated. Use Aveda Men Pure-Formance™ Composition™, $25, during this step. Not only will its essential oils protect the skin and soften the beard, they will also help lock in moisture for softer skin.
Step two: Lather. Aveda Men Pure-Formance™ Shave Cream, $18, will leave you with a close, comfortable shave and help protect against razor burn. Aveda’s phyto-active blend and antioxidants make it specifically made for a man’s skin.

Step three: Shave.First, make sure you’re using the right equipment, especially a clean, fresh razor and a shaving brush, if you prefer. Always shave during or after a warm shower, never before, and always with warm water (it helps soften the beard and open pores). Also, make sure to shave with the grain first, adjusting on your neck if necessary, and to never apply too much pressure. For an even closer shave, some men prefer to shave a second time against the grain or across it with light pressure.

Is he shaving with the grain? Photo: www.aveda.com

Step four: Moisturize. Moisturizing after a shave with refresh and regenerate the skin. Using Aveda Men Pure-Formance™ Dual Action Aftershave, $35, will be the most important step of your shaving process. A 2-in-1 aftershave and moisturizer, the Dual Action Aftershave is clinically proven to reduce razor burn and ingrown hairs, will improve skin tone and moisture, improve skin barrier strength by 47% and acts as an all-day moisturizer, even on days you don’t shave.

Just follow these simple rules using Aveda’s men’s line of skincare products and you’ll be on your way to a closer, more comfortable shave in no time at all!

Filed Under: Men's Care Tagged With:

Help get clean water for everyone!

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Every 21 seconds a child dies from lack of access to clean water.

1 in 7 people in developing countries lack access to clean water.

The average woman in developing countries has to walk four miles (6 kilometers) to gain access to clean water.

Got your attention yet?

You can help change this by showing your support this Sunday, or in one of the many other ways to donate. Photo: www.aveda.com

April 22nd is nationally recognized as Earth Day, a day to mobilize diverse communities to broaden, expand and accelerate the environmental movement. But one day isn’t enough for Aveda- they make the celebration last all month. And this Sunday, they’re kicking it off Aveda-style with their Earth Month “Walk for Water” event in Mueller Park!

One day isn't enough- Aveda celebrates all month! Photo: www.aveda.com

Starting at 10:00AM, hundreds of “water warriors” will gather to walk four miles in order to raise awareness for the same walk many women in developing countries have to do every day just to get clean water for themselves and their families. For just $25, you can be a part of helping these women raising awareness and funds for clean water organizations. All monies will go directly to the Gulf Restoration Network and Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper organization.

Don’t live in Austin? Aveda hosts “Walk for Water” events in cities all across America. Can’t make it Sunday? There are still plenty of ways you can support Aveda’s efforts for clean water for everyone. At our Circle C location, donate $5, $10 or $15 to our Earth Month fund and be automatically entered to win one of three baskets, which include hair products, accessories, candles and even gift certificates to Truluck’s! The easiest way to donate is

Aveda will donate $1 every time you check-in... Supporting the cause has never been this easy!

to simply use your SmartPhone to check-in with Foursquare – $1 will automatically be donated by Aveda to the Gulf Restoration Network to assist in ensuring clean water for everyone. You can also purchase an Aveda Earth Month candle, support organic farming, conserve electricity and go vegetarian for a day (or two, or three!).

There are so many ways to make any kind of contribution to the Earth and the people in it, and we hope that you’ll find a way that’s best for you. We also hope to see you Sunday at “Walk for Water!”

Every 21 seconds a child dies from lack of access to clean water… How long did it take you to read this article? Now stop reading, and start helping!

You're invited! Come this Sunday to show your support for Aveda's clean water efforts and those who it helps! Photo: www.avedawalkforwater.com

Filed Under: Earth Month Tips, Environmental Responsibility, Events Tagged With: ,

Spring beauty trends: How to wear them in the office, and at night

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A high, neat chignon with bright, green eyes are two spring beauty trends. Photo: www.elle.com

One thing’s for sure- 2011 spring beauty trends are bold, bolder and boldest. Whether its bright lips and eyes, a sky high chignon or bold hair clips, these looks demand attention… which sometimes isn’t such a great thing in the workplace. Use these tips to get these spring looks at the office, but also to keep them fun and vibrant for night- after all, isn’t that what spring is all about?!

Spring Beauty Trend: Bright Eyes

For the office: Choose a bright color that yells, but doesn’t scream. Green, lavender and or turquoise do just the trick. Apply them as you would for any other shadow color: from the base, up to the crease and slightly beyond. Check out Petal Essence Eye Color Duo in either Guild Gold/Antique, Green Mist/Seaglass or Twlight/Geode, all $16. Please, do everyone a favor though, and DON’T match your eyes to your clothes!

For night: Go bold (if you’re brave enough!). Pick the screamers- neon yellow, pink and orange! Apply them boldly, just to the lid. Shadows will work, but also try a colored liner for a brighter hue. If you have a day color you love, but want to make it pop at night, use Aveda’s Color Options™ Eye Shadow Transformer, $25, to embolden it.

Spring Beauty Trend: Matte Lips

For the office: Once again, chose a color that doesn’t make all your clients just stare at your lips, instead of listening to what you have to say. Pink hues, like sherbet and watermelon, will add just enough color to make it through the day. Choose a matte finish with no shine. Try Aveda’s Uruku Color Gloss in Berry, $16.

Here's an easy way to wear hair clips in the office. Photo: www.lifestyle.msn.com

For night: Trade your pink, for orange!

Spring Beauty Trend: Hair clips

For the office: Choose a clip close to your hair color. Orlando Pita wrapped clips in faux hair at a Carolina Herrera show, but for those of us without direct access to designer duds, cheaper versions can be found at local drugstores.

For night: Clips with embellishments (think: rhinestones, beads, swirls) add personality to your nighttime look. Pick something fun, vintage or bold to pull aside your bangs- helping you achieve another spring beauty look, pinned bangs.

Spring Beauty Trend: Chignons

For the office: Keep it low and (mostly!) neat. Try a ballerina bun at the nape of your neck, or a slightly looser version, with face framing wisps, for a more relaxed look. Add a deep side part or slick it back (another spring trend!) to change it up. Aveda’s Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray, $26, will give you hold while helping you to achieve this “slicked back” style.

For night: Come on, get higher! Try a high, super neat bun. Or rough it up by adding a “hair halo,” or fuzzies. Either use a make-up brush to brush hair back and forth, or swirl your fingers in circles to achieve the same effect. Add some fun clips for an even more spring look!

Orange lips are great for spring... But maybe not the office. Try this look at night! Photo: www.lifestyle.msn.com

Filed Under: Fashion & Accessories, General, Hair