My Skin Affair » Aveda

Aveda Concept Salon Review: Planet Salon - Beverly Hills, CA.

Joanna Canton — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:56:44 +0000

I’ve never been so pampered and felt so relaxed getting a haircut and color. Ever! I went to see Ginger Boyle for a haircut and Dean Roybal for color in Beverly Hills at Planet Salon. My experience with both of them and my entire experience at the salon was of the highest quality. I’m usually very careful about referring people to different hair stylists because I’ve found that it can sometimes be a bit tricky. I’ve had a few bad experiences myself trying out new salons and stylists. I can say, with complete confidence, that I would recommend Planet Salon to anyone and everyone. And, by the way, consider yourself lucky if you’re in Ginger Boyle’s chair. She is a total rock star of hair cutting! Ginger, the owner of Planet Salon, is hip, approachable, open and unbelievably talented. She’s absolutely everything you want in a stylist. Planet Salon is an Aveda Concept salon, so I had to ask Ginger about her love for Aveda.

Why do you think Aveda is the best?

Ginger: I think Aveda is one of the best products on the market because of it’s natural process and I like to have organics. I think it’s food for the hair and the scalp. And I want to know that I’m giving my guests the very best to make their hair healthy and shiny. So far, to date, I haven’t found anything that’s comparable to Aveda. I stick to Aveda because if you really stay focused I can tell you what you need to get what you want, where if I have too many variables (other product lines) I may not be able to prescribe what your needs are and this way I feel like I can keep it simple, not have you overuse product, and I can give you the right product for your needs.

Any favorite Aveda products over the years?

Ginger: The new Texturizing Creme is one of my fave’s. It’s really soft and light and I feel that it keeps the hair clean. I started when Aveda began and I’ve always been a fan of Volumizing Tonic.

Note: I’ve been using Aveda’s Volumizing Tonic for about six months now and I love it. I have fine hair and it’s great for helping me get the extra volume that I need.

Planet Salon is an all-inclusive experience. Ginger does all that she can to ensure that it’s a very peaceful environment. She doesn’t want loud music playing, she makes sure that her stylists aren’t on their cell phones, etc. Ginger says that when you leave her salon she wants your shoulders to be lower by two inches.

While my hair was being colored by Dean Roybal, I asked him about his work.

Dean: I truly feel like it’s an expression. Like an internal expression that we put on the outside. It’s finding a mood, maybe an event that’s coming and then really working with the guest and finding out how they feel and what vibe they want to put out there, through hair color. So for me it really is art and then connecting the hair color with the hair cut is my second major thing. Because first I want the person to really feel it and have the energy behind it to really wear it and then to compliment the hair cut. Then it’s about the hair cut and coloring to the shape and making sure that I really show off the hair cut to my best ability and that way it’s such a good marriage between all of it. And that’s why we do a lifestyle consultation at Planet Salon. It’s really kind of digging a little deeper. Really listening and finding out the energy of the client and also what’s coming up in their life and what it is that they want to do.

By the way, not only did I love what Dean did with my color but he also gives an amazing hand massage!

Of course, we all look forward to a wonderful shampoo when we get our hair done…but Planet Salon takes pampering to a much higher level. When my hair was shampooed, I received a neck and shoulder massage and was offered six different oils to choose from for my massage. I chose the Blue Oil. It’s a menthol oil and it smelled wonderful and felt amazing. I was also treated to my second hand and arm massage during my visit. Yes, I was treated to two different hand massages while I was at Planet Salon and I was told that not only does every client receive a hand and neck/shoulder massage when they come in for any service, but quite often clients are treated to more than one hand massage during their visit. My first hand and arm massage, with the Aveda Hand Relief, was wonderful. But my second hand and arm massage was even better. First a hot towel has wrapped around both of my arms and hands. So relaxing! Then my arms and hands were cleansed, followed by a toner…then massaged with Green Science Firming Face Cream. This was after my neck and shoulder massage and my wonderful shampoo, so I was in heaven. And I must add that while I was getting my shampoo, a warm towel was placed behind my neck. You know how sometimes it can be uncomfortable leaning your head back to get your hair washed? Not at Planet Salon. They take care of you and make sure that you’re relaxed and comfortable every step of the way. Ginger believes that all salon experiences should be this relaxing and special. And I agree, they most certainly should be. But out of all of the salons that I’ve ever been to, this was the most relaxing experience that I have ever had while getting my hair done.

After my hair was colored and I had my wonderful shampoo/massage experience, I was treated to a Botanical Hair and Scalp Treatment. This treatment, which conditions and strengthens your hair, includes time under a micro mist that Planet Salon has lovingly named “Wally”. I loved that treatment. It was very relaxing and it’s such a wonderful treatment for your hair, especially colored hair. I was told that it will even help your hair color last longer. I absolutely love that because my color always seems to fade way too fast. So, the Botanical Hair Treatment is perfect for me.

I could go on and on for days about Planet Salon and how impressed I was with the entire facility and how wonderful my experience was there. But I haven’t told you about my haircut yet! Ginger Boyle looked like a goddess cutting my hair…holding her scissors and showing my hair who was boss. I’m usually that client who sits down and has a million things to say about how I’d like for my hair to look. I was so confident in Ginger. I gave her a very basic Idea of what I wanted and then I just let her take over and do her thing. I had no doubt in my mind that I would love whatever she did, and I absolutely did. I loved it! If you are ever in Ginger Boyle’s chair I would highly recommend letting her take the lead with your hair and do what she does best. I know that sometimes it’s scary to let go of that haircut you’ve been hanging on to for the past five years…but you will be thankful that you left your hair in the hands of this unbelievably gifted stylist. I was beyond thrilled with my color by Dean Roybal and my Ginger Boyle cut. I’m using “Ginger Boyle cut” the same way I always use the name of my favorite designer jeans. They aren’t just jeans, they’re the best jeans. And I say that with a proud smile because it takes a while to find the best pair of jeans and they are always worth the price tag when they fit perfectly. So, this wasn’t just a haircut, no…it was a “Ginger Boyle cut”. And it was fabulous! Dean and Ginger are a fierce combo! They are both artists that compliment each other beautifully in their work. So, you simply must make appointment with both Ginger and Dean. You will be getting non-stop compliments on your hair.

I love my cut, I love my color, I love Ginger, I love Dean and I absolutely love Planet Salon! It’s hard to consider letting anyone else even touch my hair after this experience. Plant Salon is now on my “must have” list.

About Ginger Boyle:
Ginger has built her reputation over the last 30 years as one of the most sophisticated stylists, gifted teachers and popular platform artists in the country. As a Global Master for Aveda, Ginger has provided advanced training and continued education to beauty industry professionals. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Glamour, Interview and Mademoiselle, as well professional trade publications, video shoots, and NBC’s The Apprentice. In April 2006, Ginger received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from Aveda for her continued commitment and leadership.

Many thanks to Ginger Boyle and Dean Roybal.

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Spa Review: The Palms Hotel and Aveda Spa - Miami

Joanna Canton — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:59:16 +0000

Guest Review by Lisa Austin

What more could one ask for? A gorgeous and hip oceanfront hotel, crystal clear blue waters, soft white sand, a private pool that begs to be dipped in, contemporary yet tranquil rooms that magically treat their guests to Aveda bath products and Godiva chocolates each evening. I can think of only one thing that could possibly make this oceanfront serenity any more perfect…an Aveda spa! If you are looking for relaxation beyond compare, The Palms Hotel in Miami has it all! Now, I love hotels with spas as much as the next person. But I REALLY love hotels with AVEDA spas! It was at The Palms Aveda Spa at the Palms Hotel where I was treated to a personalized Chakra Balancing Massage, which combined deep tissue massage, reflexology, and energy work enhanced with aromatherapy, a Palms Spa signature treatment, followed by a warm oil infusion scalp treatment.

The hotel and spa, which are both environmentally conscious, are decorated in subtle tones of earthy taupe and brown and deep shades of teal and sage. These colors were both relaxing and a reflection of their inspiration…nature. In my experience, the most wonderful thing about Aveda spas that sets them apart from others is the way they stimulate all of your senses. The smells, sights, sounds, tastes, and touch…words cannot describe the spell they can put you under. In my opinion your spa visit begins as soon as you walk through the door. So I was impressed, and happy, to be welcomed by calming and soft voices as I could hear water dripping from a fountain nearby. Awwwww, take me away…and that’s just what they did.

My massage began by personally choosing my oil. I was lying face down with my eyes covered and several balancing essential oil blends were waved under my nose and I chose the one that was most appealing to me, which ended up being Aveda Blended Chakra 1 Oil. This blend of the essences of olibanum, organic patchouli and vetiver are thought to balance your 1st chakra, which, in traditional Indian Medicine, is a center of energy force on the physical body. This is where we ground ourselves and once this chakra is in balance it is believed that one will feel a greater sense of security and healthy body awareness. I took deep breaths in an attempt to fully absorb the aromatherapy. Between the intoxicating aroma of the balancing oil and the perfect amount of light pressure and pinpoint accuracy on my pressure points, I like usual, fell into such a deep relaxation that I soon forgot where I was. Luckily, I came to just in time to experience one of the most stimulating feelings up and down my spine. Aveda Blue Balancing Oil was applied to my back, focusing on the upper back and neck. This amazing oil includes Blue Chamomile, Menthol, Peppermint, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. The menthol and peppermint erased any tension I was holding in my upper back as it warmed and tingled to the touch. Hot towels were then placed on my back. After that, my legs and feet were treated to a bit of reflexology using Aveda Foot Relief Lotion, which I have been a BIG fan of for a while, but I actually fell in love with it all over again.

To conclude my massage I was treated to a warm oil infusion scalp treatment. Perfectly warmed oil was tousled, dripped, drizzled, poured and even pulled through my hair, which was then wrapped in a hot towel. I personally found this to be the most relaxing part of my massage. Better yet, the added bonus has been the compliments I’ve gotten on my shiny hair ever since. I actually hadn’t given much thought to the apparent benefits of the hot oil. I just relished the feeling of it. So this was a pleasant surprise that lasted well into a week after my massage!

When my massage was over I took some quiet time to sip on some peppermint herbal tea in the relaxation room, which also had an abundant supply of fruit and ice water. I also indulged in the steam room, which is magnificently beautiful and relaxing in its bluish-sage hued glass tile. Following my visit to the steam room I enjoyed a Swiss shower, which combines an overhead deluge shower with multiple shower heads surrounding me from all sides. The ladies locker room was stocked with Aveda products, Zendals (yes, “zen” instead of “san”) and, oh yes, of course white, fluffy robes. Ahhhh, you’ve gotta love an Aveda spa. I especially love The Aveda Spa at the Palms Hotel in Miami, Florida!

A very special thanks to Kate Brown at The Palms Spa.

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My Current Makeup “Must Have’s”

Joanna Canton — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:00:53 +0000

It’s always difficult to pick favorites, because I have so many. But, I’ve selected a few items from my makeup bag that have been at the top of my list lately. I love trying new products. Here’s the deal…when you really go for it and splurge on great products, it makes such a big difference. Do the research, check out what’s available. Shake up your makeup routine! It’s always fun to add something new to your makeup collection and there are so many fabulous products to choose from. Check out my current list of “must have’s” and stay tuned for my next list…as I’m always finding new things that I love.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick: This shimmering powder is so beautiful, I can’t explain it. I get so excited every time I open up this compact. I’m absolutely in makeup heaven with the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick. I’m using the “Pink Quartz” Shimmer Brick and it’s become my new favorite powder. It makes my skin glow. It’s meant to be used after blush, but I also use it without blush and I really like that look as well. I dust my cheekbones with it and even my eyelids. It’s available in six different shades. Highly recommend! I love it, I love it, I love it! $38.00

Aveda Mosscara: In my interview with Alicia Silverstone she mentioned that she loves Aveda’s Mosscara. So, I had to check it out. I love this mascara! My color of choice is “Black Forest” and I love the way it makes my lashes look. It goes on very smooth and has ingredients that condition the lashes. It’s fragrance-free, there’s no smudging, and I’ve noticed that it really makes my lashes look thicker. Check it out! $16.00

Clinique Instant Lift For Brows: I am absolutely loving this brown pencil. It’s a two-in-one, with a creamy brown pencil on one end and a creamy pearlized highlighter on the other end. After I fill in my brows, I apply the highlighter right underneath my brows and it not only gives the look of a little lift but it catches the light beautifully. Sometimes, when I want that extra pop around my eyes, I lightly dab the highlighter on the inner corner of my eyes. I love that look! Highly recommend. $15.00

Korres Lip Butter: I’ve been keeping Korres Lip Butter in my purse lately. I love applying it throughout the day. Korres is such an amazing line and not only do I love their skin care products but I’m becoming a really big fan of their makeup as well. I use the “Jasmine” when I want a more subtle color and I use the “Pomegranate” when I want a little more pop of color. The Lip Butter contains shea butter and it’s very moisturizing. It feels great on my lips. You can also apply the Lip Butter to your cheeks for a natural tint. Plus, it’s petro-chemical free. $9.00

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Aveda Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser and Aveda Acne Relief Pads

Joanna Canton — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:09:05 +0000

I love using these products when my skin breaks out. The moment I see a blemish, I grab the Aveda Outer Peace products. First of all, the Foaming Cleanser makes my skin feel so clean and taut. It pumps out in a foam. I love that. It always makes my skin feel extra clean and refreshed. And, I love the way it smells. So fresh! After I wash my face with the Aveda Foaming Cleanser, I use the Aveda Acne Relief Pads. The pads make my skin feel fantastic. I also like to use these pads after I’ve cleansed my face on the days when I’ve worn foundation. It really helps to get that little extra bit of dirt or makeup off. Also, the texture of the pads gives your face a nice, and gentle exfoliation. I love that feeling. The pads have a very natural and herbal scent, which I love. Actually, I’m always a huge fan of the way Aveda products smell. When I think of Aveda, I always think of the fact that so many of their products have a spa like scent. Huge bonus for me! I love anything that makes me feel like I’m getting spa time and Aveda is great for that. Neither one of these products leave my skin feeling dry, like so many other products that help fight acne. The combination of the Foaming Cleanser and the Acne Relief Pads definitely helps me to get rid of blemishes and also helps to stop new blemishes from forming. Highly recommend!

Product info: Both products contain salicylic acid to help fight acne.

Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser: 4.2 fl oz $25.00
Outer Peace Acne Relief Pads: 50 Pads $31.50

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Aveda for the Holiday Season

Joanna Canton — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 04:00:09 +0000

I absolutely love that Aveda always has travel sizes of their best products available. They are perfect for stashing in your purse or bringing with you on your weekend getaway and being able to get away from carrying any full size bottles on your trip. Best of all, when you want to just try a new product instead of going for the big purchase, especially when you’re on a tight budget, Aveda’s travel sizes are the absolute best. In addition to their usual great assortment of travel sizes, Aveda has a fabulous list of travel sizes that are available exclusively for the holidays. Looking for stocking stuffers? Aveda has your stocking stuffer worries covered. Who wouldn’t want a stocking packed with an assortment of Aveda products? I love having a travel size of Aveda Smoothing Body Polish. That’s one of my favorites! Be sure to include one of those in your stocking. Guys…if you’re looking to surprise your sweetheart with an impressive stocking this holiday season, trust me, you can’t go wrong with a stocking that’s full of Aveda products. Happy holidays!

Aveda’s List of Holiday Travel Sizes
- Phomollient - 50ml
- Pure Abundance HS - 50ml
- Air Control - 50ml
- Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother - 40.l
- Volumizing Tonic - 30ml
- Be Curly Curl Enhancer - 40ml
- Exfoliant - 50ml
- Hydrating Lotion - 50ml
- Toning Mist - 50ml
- OP Foaming Cleanser - 50ml
- TC Exfoliating Cleanser - 40ml
- Smoothing Body Polish - 40ml
- CT Body Cleanser - 40ml
- CT Body Cream - 40ml
- CT Body Scrub - 2oz
- Damage Remedy Shampoo - 50ml
- Damage Remedy Conditioner - 40ml
- Smooth Infusion Shampoo - 50 ml
- Smooth Infusion Conditioner - 40ml

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My Skin Affair Holiday Picks

Joanna Canton — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:00:27 +0000

There are so many skin care and makeup lines that are offering amazing gifts sets this holiday season. It’s been difficult to pick my favorites, but I’ve made a short list of gifts that I love and am recommending. Tis the season to pamper ourselves and each other with skin care goodies!

Fresh: For the most beautiful gift and amazing smelling, all around fabulous, candles…Fresh Candle Trio. I want everyone I know to have this gift set for the holiday season. It’s so lovely. As always, Fresh has the best packaging. So special! The scents are Frankincense, Myrrh, and Gold. It is such a beautiful gift and all three candles smell amazing! Highly recommend. I’m crazy about this one! $45.00

Bobbi Brown: Bobbi Brown has a collection of chrome-accented palettes that I love. The colors are fantastic and versatile. Great for anyone! Their choices of eye shadows and lip sticks/lip balms are wonderful. Makes a great gift or a perfect treat for yourself. Most of the palettes come with brushes. Glitter Lip Balm Palette: $40.00

Stila: Hello superstar gift giving! Being the girlie-girl that I am, I would absolutely love to receive one of Stila’s holiday sets this holiday season. I love the 24kt Luxe Lip Gloss Collection and the Lip Glaze Collection. The Lip Gloss Collection contains four fabulous glosses, with packaging for a makeup princess. The Lip Glaze Collection contains eight beautiful shades. 24kt Luxe Lip Gloss Collection: $30.00

Philosophy: Have you seen the Philosophy Classic Cookbook? It’s so cute! The packaging is perfect. It includes 6 shampoo/shower gel/bubble bath’s. The scents are Pumpkin Spice, Red Velvet Cake, Hot Cocoa, Warm Pear Cobbler, GIngerbread, and Cinnamon Buns. The adorable cookbook package comes with three recipes inside. It’s a super fun gift with delicious scented products. Yummy! $35.00

Laura Mercier: In the fabulous world of Laura Mercier, I’m loving the Mini Lip Glace Set. The colors are perfect for anyone and would make a great gift for someone who loves great makeup. It includes five Lip Glaces. Beautiful, shiny lips in perfect shades! $48.00

Aveda: Aveda has several wonderful gift sets to choose from. All of Aveda’s gift sets this holiday season are topped with Nepali paper fabric that benefits Nepal and helps break the cycle of poverty. I love the Ritual of Relief gift set that includes one regular size and one travel size of both Aveda Foot Relief and Aveda Hand Relief. I love gifts that give back! Aveda has a handful of beautiful gifts that are really worth checking out. Ritual of Relief: $42.00

California Baby: I couldn’t forget the little one’s this holiday season. The California Baby Holiday Cheer Gift Tote includes Holiday Cheer Spritzer (for air, body or sheets), Holiday Cheer Bubble Bath and a free bath scrub. These products include the scents of vanilla, orange and lavender. They smell fabulous and relaxing. For newborns and older. $29.99

Happy Holidays!

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Aveda Hand Relief

Joanna Canton — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:28:00 +0000

Pink Ribbon Product! For Breast Cancer Awareness month, Aveda asks you on the front of the Hand Relief bottle “Have you had your annual breast exam?”. During the month of October, Aveda will donate $4 from the sale of each Breast Cancer Awareness Hand Relief to the BCRF to help advance the understanding of environmental links to breast cancer. The limited edition Hand Relief is specially packaged in a 5oz tube, a 19% increase in size, with a 7% savings.

I’m always a huge fan of the way Aveda products smell, and this rich hand crème is now on my list of fabulously scented Aveda products. It’s a subtle, fresh, and spa-like scent. My hands feel wonderful after I use Hand Relief. Silky smooth! It’s a great product and a great way to support BCA month. Get one for yourself and one for a friend. Your hands will absolutely love it!

5 fl oz $21.00

One a very personal note: Many of you have suffered a great loss from breast cancer, seen someone you love go through it and some of you are dealing with it yourselves. I, too, have lost someone I love very much to cancer and therefore, I want to dedicate this month’s Breast Cancer Awareness features in her memory. In 2006, Karen Phillips, my best friend’s mother lost her battle with breast cancer. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a caring nurse for many years. She handled her painful struggle with more grace and courage than I can explain.

To Lisa, my best friend: I honor your mother with you always.

To Karen: I love you. Thank you. We all miss you and thank you for showing us the meaning of grace.

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Aveda Smoothing Body Polish

Joanna Canton — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:00:41 +0000

I love this exfoliant and I love its lather. It’s the perfect amount of exfoliation for my body on a daily basis. It gets the job done without irritation. And I love the smell! The combination of aloe, lavender and a hint of citrus make for a very fresh scent. When I use it, it feels like spa time in my shower and that’s always what I strive for. It leaves my skin feeling soft and clean. The finely-ground walnut shells in this polish give it an ideal texture.

On a side note: For those of you who spray tan, this product is great for prepping your skin on spray day. Try it and let me know how it goes.

Product info: For body, not face

8.5 oz $23.00

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Aveda Men Shampoo Body Bar

Joanna Canton — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:30:25 +0000

I’m recommending this one for the guys this month because it’s an all-in-one and I love Aveda. It’s super low-maintenance for the guy who doesn’t want to reach for more than one product. And it’s great for the “green” guys because there’s no plastic bottle to even worry about recycling. For face, body and hair. It works for all skin types and is soap-free. Lather up guys!

Product info: Ideal for all types of skin and hair.

$14. 00

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Aveda Soothing Aqua Therapy

Joanna Canton — Wed, 20 May 2009 23:02:56 +0000

This is one of my all time favorite products for bath time. Adding this to your bath makes you feel like you’re in your own private spa. The smell of these salts immediately relaxes me. This was one of the first products that made me feel absolutely spoiled rotten during bath time. I was shooting a movie on location in New Orleans and had been put up in an amazing hotel for five weeks. Much to my delight, my bathroom was stocked daily with complimentary Aveda products, including the Soothing Aqua Therapy. I would dim the lights, put on the jazz, and fall into my beautiful tub with my Aveda bath salts as often as I could during my stay there. I fell in love with New Orleans and I fell in love with this product. Since then, I always keep my bathroom stocked with it. You can’t beat the relaxing aroma of these bath salts. It has a calming citrus smell and leaves my skin feeling very soft. Treat yourself!

Product info: Mineral-rich Dead Sea salts combined with plant-based emollients. Dead Sea salts are known for helping skin look and feel younger and smoother. Soothing Aqua Therapy can also be used in the shower to exfoliate your skin.

16 oz $28.50

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