Aveda Limited Edition Gift Sets and Travel Sizes have Arrived!!!

FAMILY. HOME. HOPE.

THE BEST GIFTS OF ALL.

Our collaboration with villages and visionary organizations in Nepal moves mountains: changing the fabric of life so families can stay intact, and women - for the first time - can participate in success. Earnings help families afford school, and help break the cycle of poverty for the next generation.

Among our 21 partner communities in Nepal, household income has risen 318% and migration for work has been reduced by 15% in 3 years.

In addition, Aveda has helped link communities in Nepal with child-rights advocates working to end abusive practices including child bonded labor and child trafficking.

When you give an Aveda gift set - topped with Nepali paper fabric - you give what really matters. Changing the outlook for a beautiful people, with beautiful intentions.

EVERY GIFT BRIGHTENS LIVES.

View our Video Story on Nepal - click here

Wellness Tips and Tricks in this Busy Season

Wellness Tips and Tricks in this Busy Season

By Jeanne McCarthy-Caparso

Life is full of stress-at home, at work, in the news. For many people, stress is so commonplace it has become a way of life. Stress isn’t always bad. In small doses, it can help you perform under pressure, rise to meet challenges and motivate you to do your best.
But beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to your health, your mood, your productivity, your relationships, and your quality of life. Chronic stress disrupts nearly every system in your body. It can raise blood pressure, suppress the immune system, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, contribute to infertility, and speed up the aging process.

If you frequently find yourself feeling frazzled and overwhelmed, it’s time to take action to bring your nervous system back into balance. You can’t completely eliminate stress from your life, but you can control how much it affects you. Relaxation techniques activate the body’s relaxation response, a state of restfulness that is the opposite of the stress response. When practiced regularly, these activities lead to a reduction in your everyday stress levels and a boost in your feelings of joy and serenity.

Bella Toccare de Spa & Salon
Top 10 Tips for Daily Serenity and Calm

1. Reconnect with nature. Take a walk and get some sunshine to help you refresh, relax and reconnect to all living things.

2. Deep cleansing breaths. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. This will bring oxygen to muscles; your heart rate can decrease as your breath gets deeper.

3. Connect with others. Spend time with positive people who enhance your life. Laugh with family and friends. Laughter truly is good medicine and will help to balance all the seriousness in life.

4. Pray or meditate. Having time to be still within yourself for 10-30 minutes allows your mind to reach a peaceful place. 5. Savor a warm cup of coffee or tea. An herbal, organic, caffeine-free tea, such as Aveda’s Comforting Tea, includes licorice root and peppermint to steep you in calm.

6. Light scented candles. Aveda’s Caribbean Therapy soy candle creates a sanctuary at home with aromas of amyris, vetiver, bay and lime.

7. Get enough sleep. Use aromatherapy—an oil such as Aveda’s Lavender or Vanilla Singular note oils in a warm bath before bed calms the nervous system, helping you to fall asleep and stay asleep.

8. Do something you enjoy every day. Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy—get a good workout, write in your journal, play with a pet, work in your garden.

9. Schedule relaxation time. Get a massage, facial, manicure or a pedicure. Go to a movie, curl up with a good book, listen to music. Do those things that best help you to decompress.10. Make your well being a priority. You cannot help anyone else unless you have taken care of yourself.

4 Weeks to Ageless Skin

How would you like to see 41% in a more lifted appearance? and a 37% reduction in visible lines and wrinkles?

Green Science Skin Care is the Answer!

Numbers you Can Trust





Our percentages are taken from clinical testing. This means they speak to scientifically proven and measurable findings - not perceived results. We're proud to share the results the Green Science system has on your skin, in our salons, in our labs, our communities, and our world.




Award-Winning Esthetics





Green Science skin care received Marie Claire Japan's first ever Prix D'Excellence de la Beaute Ethics Award in 2009 for our dedication to natural ingredients, fair trade, recycling, anti-CO2 emissions and contributions to charitable organizations.




Tradition Meets Science






Green Science's lead formulation chemist Brandie Johnson reveals Aveda's unique starting point saying, "Really, the best place to start, is with traditional ingredients and beauty rituals." This not only gives us the best of science and nature, but it can lead to surprising discoveries that help us develop innovative, new skin care.






Cactus and Collagen





"Great things can happen when scientists view raw materials in a new way," explains Brandie. Her team first turned to nopal cactus - grown on a small, family-owned and run farm located on the central coast of California - for Green Science, because of its legendary ability to retain moisture even in desert climates. But the research team made a surprise discovery: nopal cactus actually helps skin boost its natural collagen production.






Naturally Derived



We're committed to the use of naturally derived ingredients. So when formulating Green Science Replenishing Toner we chose exfoliating salicylic acid derived from wintergreen essential oil. Similarly, the toner's skin renewing glucosamine and moisturizing ceramide 3 are from a naturally occurring yeast bio-germentation rather than from animal products.






Ingredients Active in the World






We're very pleased that many of Green Science skin care's ingredients have an effect not just on your skin, but on communities aroudn the world. Aveda's use of organic argan oil - widely used in indigenous cooking and beauty rituals - from Cooperative Targanine in Morocco, an eco-minded women's cooperative, helps strengthen the socio-economic standing of women. Plai oil puchased for Green Science products sustains farmers working in rural Thailand.








Facials that Maximize Results



Amp up your Green Science results with these professional spa services.



Perfecting Plant Peel gives you the instant exfoliation and radiance benefits of a 30% glycolic peel but without the associated redness and irritation.



Pair with Green Science Skin Renewing Treatment - featuring Green Science Masque-age - to target eyes, lips, hands, neck, decollete, and other delicate areas. Four weekly treatments, followed with monthly maintenance facials are recommended.




Stop by the salon Today for a sample of the Green Science Firming Face Cream. Mention this blog and receive 10% off your first Skin Renewing Treatment with Perfecting Plant Peel!

Take a Vacation from Mascara

Why Choose Xtreme Lashes® Eyelash Extensions?

Professional Training and Eyelash Extensions Certification Program Xtreme Lashes® Eyelash Extensions are offered exclusively by licensed and credentialed beauty professionals. Unlike the competition, Xtreme Lashes® Eyelash Extensions requires successful completion of our hands-on eyelash extensions training and certification program to help ensure that you receive consistent, safe and beautiful eyelash extensions. Learn more on our Eyelash Extension Certification Page.

The Strictest Eyelash Extensions Health and Safety Standards

Jo Mousselli, President and Founder of Xtreme Lashes® Eyelash Extensions, is a registered nurse and worked for nearly a decade at Texas Children’s Hospital in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. To maintain our position as the Eyelash Extensions industry leader and to continue to earn your business, the entire company is focused on health and safety, producing only the highest quality eyelash extension products and training programs. As a registered nurse, Jo insists on nothing less

Revolutionary High Quality Eyelash Extensions Products

Xtreme Lashes® Eyelash Extensions continues to lead the industry by creating innovative eyelash extension products. Our exclusive eyelash extension adhesives, eyelashes and application supplies are the most popular and preferred choice of consumers and eyelash extensions professionals worldwide. Visit our Eyelash Extension Application Products to learn more.

Innovative Eyelash Extensions Eye Cosmetics Products

Xtreme Lashes® provides you with eyelash extensions cosmetic products that have been thoroughly tested to perform great without adversely affecting your eyelash extensions. A catalog of mascara, eyeliners, heated curlers and more is provided on our Xtreme Lashes® Eyelash Extensions Cosmetic Products page.

Certified Eyelash Extensions Stylist Available Worldwide

Xtreme Lashes® Eyelash Extensions has trained over 5,000 eyelash extensions professionals in the USA and thousands more across the world - more than any other eyelash extension company! Visit the directory of Certified Eyelash Extension Salons to find a certified Xtreme Lashes® Eyelash Extensions Stylist in your area.

The Preferred Choice by Celebrities & The Press Worldwide

Xtreme Lashes® Eyelash Extensions has been the exclusive provider of eyelash extensions for celebrity events including The Academy Awards, Golden Globes, The Emmy Awards, Cannes Film Festival and the Latin Grammy Awards. Furthermore, Xtreme Lashes® Eyelash Extensions has been featured in more publications than any other eyelash extension brand across the world! Visit the Eyelash Extension Celebrities and Press page to learn more.

Wild Pedique Pedicure

LCN Wilde-Pedique is a UV gel specifically for toe nails.



Whether you just want great looking toe nails or missing toe nails restored, partially or completely, LCN has the answer.


Pedique is an extremely elastic UV gel, which adapts to the movements of the toe. Its unique adhesive properties mean that good results can even be achieved on callous layers of skin where there is no toe nail. Pedique is effective on scaly nail surfaces, for correcting ridges and deformations, for hiding discoloration and for protecting growing toe nails.



Who would want a Wilde-Pedique Treatment?

• 
  People just wanting a bit of fun, who like a permamnet polish finish or nail art designs; very popular in the Summer and for holidays.


• 
  Clients requiring toe nail correction and prosthesis for protection because of trauma or surgery.


• 
  Patients requiring a cosmetic solution to a mycotic nail while taking oral treatment.


• 
  Those requiring relief from discomfort while wearing foot wear, either by having a protective covering over a corrective brace for an in-growing toe nail or over areas that are especially sensitive due to chronic conditions.


• 
  Clients with psoriatic nails or nails requiring protection from infection due to vertical splits, and also diabetic patients.
  

Please allow at least 1 hours 30 mins. for your first appointment and 1 hour approx. for the refills. Refills every 6 - 8 weeks.

Conquer your Fear of Waxing

The Most Efficient Way to Remove Hair from the Bikini Line is Also the Most Intimidating.

Spring is coming and with it, bikini season. Whether you're planning for a spring break vacation, an anniversary or birthday celebration, or whether you'd just like to fall into a bikini-line grooming habit for the summer, waxing is the best way to remove unwanted hair.

Waxing can seem intimidating and few women readily jump at the chance to expose such a sensitive area to potential pain.

Here are a few tips to conquer your fear.

First, it's important to know the two kinds of bikini waxes available. There's the bikini line wax and the Brazilian wax.

A bikini line wax is just that, a wax that removes hair from the area near the elastic in your underwear or bathing suit bottoms. For this sort of wax, it's not uncommon to leave your underwear or bottoms on while the esthetician simply folds them out of the way and waxes off any hair that would be too near the edge. If this is your first venture into waxing I would recommend this variety to start. This is the least sensitive area and in general, the hair in this region is not as thick or coarse, making the waxing quicker and less painful. A bikini wax can remove only a small amount of hair or, if you chose, can leave you with only a small amount, generally only covering the labia.

A Brazilian wax is intended to remove all of the hair from the bikini region. Your esthetician and you can decide which variety of wax is best for you, depending on your personal choice and comfort with the waxing procedure. A Brazilian has become increasingly popular in the United States and when performed by a licensed beauty technician, it is a perfectly safe procedure. Of course, every woman's threshold of pain varies, but truly a Brazilian wax simply sounds more intimidating than it is.

If you're the adventurous sort, go ahead and schedule a Brazilian for your first waxing appointment. If you'd eventually like to go completely bare but would rather 'test the waters' first, schedule a simple bikini line wax.

Now offering Gel Nails

We are so glad to be offering the latest in gel nails. These can be applied for toes or fingers. So if you have a nail that needs a little camouflage or alot of camouflage these nails are perfect for you!

Why LCN gel nails you ask?

LCN high quality resins contain no unpleasant odors and offer superior strength and flexibility. They will not yellow and are completely natural looking.

Check out some frequently asked questions below

Don't Gel nails break easier?

LCN light cured nails are not traditional gels. They are light-cured synthetic resins that become hard when cured in the light unit. An intentional amount of flexibility remains, and this actually prevents breakage. Like the wings of an airplane, a modest amount of flexibility actually protects the nail from breakage, lifting, and snapping.

I've just had acrylics. Are my nails too damaged to use LCN?

No. The products behind LCN Concept NNC (Natural Nail Care) are specifically formulated for clients who prefer to keep their natural nails… or are looking for safe, effective treatments to strengthen and repair weak and damaged nails. LCN also offers a Nail Stabilizer System to repair damaged nail plates before new artificial products are applied. We also offer a variety of products that will camouflage imperfections in previously damaged nails. And remember, because LCN products do not contain harsh chemicals, you'll never have to worry about adding further damage to your nails.

Will my nails stain from gardening, housecleaning, or other activities?

No. Once they harden, LCN nails are completely non-porous. That means nothing can penetrate or stain the nail!

What ingredients are in LCN?

Ingredients vary by product. We always respect our clients' rights to know the ingredients used on their nails. MSDS sheets and ingredient lists for individual products are always available upon request. Most importantly, we take pride in using only non-toxic ingredients in all our products. In fact, many LCN products (including those in the LCN Spa Series), contain all-natural ingredients that provide healthy peace of mind: tigergrass, whit tea, orchid, mint oil and aloe vera, to name a few.

Will everyone know I'm wearing "fake nails"?

No! The beauty of LCN is in the clean, natural look with and without polish. Each nail is individually sculpted to suit your individual nail shape, resulting in a highly natural looking nail treatment. Unlike conventional acrylics and gels, light cured nails achieve an elegant, natural final result

What is the difference between LCN nails and acrylics?

Acrylics contain harsh chemicals that can damage natural nails, and have strong, unpleasant odors. LCN products are safe, look more natural, and are far more durable than conventional acrylic nails. Added elasticity means less breakage, and the LCN hand and nail care product line guarantees that nails will continue to look stunning and new in between regular treatments.

The latest trend is colored gel nails and LCN has it!

Keep checking our blog, as soon as we start offering the colored gels we will let you know!

Don't forget Dad this Father's Day -

Gift Certificates make great gifts for the men in your life. What dad wouldn't love a 60 minute massage to destress and relax? Or maybe a Gentleman's Facial?

Join us on Wednesday, June 17th from 3 - 6 pm for our Men's Event at Bella Toccare Salon and Spa. We're going to celebrate the men in our lives this day. We'll have samples from our Men's Pureformance line, as well as discounts and specials.

Ladies plan to attend, if you bring the man in your life you'll receive $10 off your next appointment if you book it that night (on any service of $25 or more).

Xtreme Eyelash Extensions Now Available

We are so excited to let you know that we now offer Xtreme Lash Eyelash Extensions!

So say "Eye do to lash extensions"!

Check out our frequently asked questions below, and then give us a call to schedule an appointment or to get pricing information.....

What are semi-permanent eyelash extensions?

They are synthetic eyelashes made of a polyester material. They are made to look like a natural, perfect eyelash -- thicker at the base and thinner at the tip, with a slight curl. They come in different lengths and in many different colors, with the most popular being black. The extensions are slightly thicker than your natural lash to give you the look of a much thicker lash line. One individual synthetic lash is glued to one of your individual lashes with medical-grade glue. When done right, like the highly-trained stylists at Bella Toccare will do, your lashes will look longer and thicker, while still looking natural, and will be perfectly symmetrical and separated. No one will be able to tell that you weren't born with them, and you will not feel that you are wearing them.

· How long do semi-permanent eyelash extensions last?
They will last as long as you choose to maintain them. Your natural eyelash has a 2 to 3 month lifecycle. So, as an eyelash is naturally shed, the extension attached to it will be shed along with it. To start off, we apply a full set of 45+ lashes per eye.

· How often will I need lash refills?

Most of our clients need a refill every 2 to 3 weeks. A basic refill includes up to 20 lashes per eye. If you want a few additional lashes added to your basic refill, they are only $1 per lash. We offer a variety of refill options and packages to suit your needs and your budget.

· How safe are semi-permanent eyelash extensions?

These extensions are synthetic, completely sanitary, and hygienic to apply to the human lash. We use medical-grade glue similar to those used in surgical procedures. The extensions are glued to your lashes, not your skin. Allergic reactions are uncommon. However, should you have an allergic reaction, the extensions can be taken off quickly with our remover solution without damaging your natural eyelashes. Eyelash extensions can be worn indefinitely without causing damage to your natural lashes, so long as they are applied correctly and are properly sized for your lashes. Our technicians are extensively trained in selecting the best and safest extensions for your lashes.

· Can you describe the application process?

The application process is very relaxing and has been compared to receiving a spa service. You lie down on a cushy reclined table and have your eyes closed the entire time. Your initial full set generally takes between 90 to 150 minutes to apply, and refills can be done in as little as 20 - 60 minutes. Many of our clients fall asleep while having their lashes done.

· How do I take care of the extentions?

Semi-permanent eyelash extensions are wonderful because they will replace the need for mascara and provide a low-maintenance makeup routine. The main rules to follow are: keep your extensions dry for 24 hours after they are applied and avoid using any oil-based makeup removers or products on the lashes or around the eyes. Should you decide to use mascara, only water-based mascara can be used on the extensions. The best care for extensions is to just leave them alone, which is why they are so great. You will revel in the time it saves you in the morning when you awake looking bright-eyed and as though your mascara is already applied.

· Why is this service so costly?

First of all, this is a highly technical and skilled procedure. Our technicians are extensively trained - unlike many others out there who simply learn by watching a video or taking a one-day class. We have many clients who come to get their lashes "fixed" after they have been somewhere else. Our technicians take the time required to do the job right. The first full set can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours depending on the amount of extensions you want. After that, your refills generally take 30 minutes to an hour each time. Our technique consists of separating your natural lashes down to one single hair at a time and gluing a synthetic lash to your individual natural lash. Secondly, there are high-quality and low-quality products and services available in the market. We strive to use the highest quality products – including Xtreme Lashes™. Our combination of great skill and excellent products will show in the longevity and the beautiful, natural appearance of your lashes.

· Are Semi-Permanent Eyelash Extensions for me?

Yes - if you want to have sexier, younger, and well-rested looking eyes. Extensions first became popular with celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, the "Desperate Housewives" , Madonna, Lindsay Lohan, and other famous women. Now, it is finally available to all of us who want to look more glamorous or just have our beauty enhanced while having a lower-maintenance routine. Eyelash extensions provide a fuller, longer, darker lash line than you can possibly achieve with the best mascara on the market. The only thing that is required in order to get extensions is that you have natural lashes to which the extensions can be attached.

Aveda Reserves a spot in your Beach Bag

Aveda Reserves A Spot in Your Beach Bag

May 12, 2009 2:38 pm
In an effort to escape April’s unseasonably cold, rainy temperatures, I took a quick jaunt to warmer Caribbean climes. To prevent the chain of events that typically accompanies my tropical vacations—i.e., sunscreen negligence that segues into debilitating burns and minimized beach time—I was more diligent than ever before, slathering on layer after layer of Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen, an old stand-by. Except on my head, which was carelessly left exposed to the sun’s evil wrath for much of the trip. Needless to say, my ebony winter dye job turned slightly more red—as did my part, which became even less attractive when the peeling kicked in (ew). The whole ordeal could’ve been prevented had I filled up a few travel-size bottles with Aveda’s new Sun Care System, a 16-hour UV defense and recovery line that includes a spray-on Hair Veil, a one-step Hair and Body Cleanser, and an After-Sun Hair Masque. The three-part plan protects, cleanses, and restores the hair and scalp from the damaging effects of sun, salt, and chlorine using natural ingredients, so you get results without all the harsh chemicals often found in similar products. Wintergreen and cinnamon bark oils apparently make for good UVA/UVB inhibitors; morikue protein helps strengthen brittle, sun-exposed hair; and an antioxidant blend made with green tea extract, organic sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E helps defend against free radicals. I have less exotic plans on the South Jersey shore this summer; Hair Veil in tow, I’ll have the chance to redeem myself.
Photo: Courtesy of Aveda
—Celia Ellenberg-->
tags: Aveda, Coppertone, Hair, Water Babies

Sun, Sun, and more Sun....

We all know we should wear sunscreen on our face and body, but what about our hair?

Did you know that UV rays, salt, and chlorine all work together to damage our hair? Leaving it dull, dry, and discolored.

What can we do to practice safe sun? Bella Toccare Stylists recommend Summer Proofing your hair. With Aveda we look to nature for rescue. Our 3 part solution - with 16 hour UV defense and Recovery System - responds to summer challenges by cleansing, restoring, and helping to protect the hair with plant-based formulas.

CLEANSE with Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser - A color-safe formula

that gently and effectively removes chlorine, salt and product build-up, while helping to maintain moisture balance. Can be used daily or whenever hair is exposed to the sun, salt, and chlorine.

RESTORE with Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque - an intensive cream masque that restores sun-exposed hair, moisturizes, and helps defend against free radicals. Use this product weekly or whenever hair is exposed to sun, salt or chlorine.

PROTECT with Sun Care Protective Hair Veil - a lightweight, water-resistant UV defense mist that forms an invisible screen to help protect hair from sun exposure for 16 hours, to minimize color fadage, damage, and dryness. Use daily, or as needed whenever hair is exposed to sun.

So stop by Bella Toccare today and try out our new Sun Care products. Mention this blog and receive a FREE sample of the after-sun Hair masque (while supplies last).