Beauty School Pedicures

Even though the weather is turning colder, I'm still holding on to summer clothes and colors. Here's a nice summery color for nails, Spa Ritual in Last Tango. 

I picked this polish up when my friend and I got pedicures at the Douglas J Aveda Institute in Ann Arbor. I love going to the beauty school for pedicures. The way I look at it, I'm just helping a student get their hours to graduate!

In the express pedicure, they do the normal pedicure foot soak, nail polish removal, shaping, cuticle care, buffing, exfoliation and lotion massage.When I got in the chair the student gave me a neck pillow that smelled so good I've been on the hunt for the scent ever since. After polishing the student then has to have his/her instructor come over and check out their work.

In my experience, the students are usually a little nervous, but always very friendly and careful. And I feel like they pay special attention to detail because their instructor has to look over everything. The take a little bit longer than normal pedicures (I would block off at least 1.5 hours of time), but honestly, I don't care at all. To me, it's just extra time to relax! 

At the Aveda Institute it's $32 for an express pedicure, and you get to keep your polish. They use to have OPI but have since switched to SpaRitual, which I really like. They have a strict policy against no tipping, but this may not apply to all schools, so I would highly suggest asking when you book your appointment.

Have you ever went to a beauty school for a manicure, pedicure or hair service? If so, what did you think?

Week in Chicago

I’m in Chicago this week for work. Any fun beauty events going on in the city I should know about?

5 things I’m loving about Chicago right now:

1) The weather is beautiful…73 degrees!

2) I’m staying at the Amalfi hotel, which is connected to my building, making my morning commute a 5 minute walk indoors instead of 30 minute car ride.

3) Walking to Forever 21 with my teammates. Nothing says team bonding like a shopping trip!

4) Comfy hotel beds and not having to make them in the morning. 

4) Aveda mini toiletries. Rosemary Mint is the best!

April is Earth Month at Aveda

At Aveda, the month of April is designated as Earth Month, and since starting this event in 1999, with the help of their guests and network of salons, they have raised more than $14 million for grassroots organizations that protect biodiversity and address environmental issues around the world.

Did you know that 1 in 7 people globally (that's nearly 1 billion people) do not have access to clean water on a daily basis? There are some simple things you can do to make a difference for others around the world, including:

• Go to Aveda.com, an Aveda store or salon/spa and purchase a limited edition Light the Way candle, made with 100% organic lavender aroma. 100% of the proceeds from this $12 candle go to their global Earth Month Partner, Global Greengrants Fund. I was fortunate enough to try one of these candles out. When lit, the rooms smells like an Aveda spa! It's perfect for your bathroom or as a housewarming gift. Don't forget about Mother's Day as well, and mom will be proud knowing that her gift went towards a good cause.

• If you buy your candle at Aveda.com you can also receive this offer: Free Shipping + 2 Free hair care samples with Aveda.com orders over $40 during Earth Month. Enter code New410
  

• Visit AvedaEarthMonth.org and donate to an organization that's helping to protect water right where you live.

• Participate in one of the 100+ Aveda Walk for Water events occurring around the globe around the week of April 22nd. Visit AvedaWalkforWater.com to find the water location nearest you.

• Visit your favorite local Aveda salon/spa and participate in one of the many fun events they'll be hosting during the month of April.

Giveaway Break - Aveda Light Elements

Aveda has two new styling products out, Light Elements Texturizing Cream and Shaping Wax.

Aveda's Light Elements Texturizing Creme is a weightless creme that provides texture with a light hold. This styling finisher provides soft movement without a crunchy, stick or dry feeling, while nourishing hair. It also helps protect hair from UV damage.

Aveda's Light Elements Shaping Wax delivers weighless texture with a firm, pliable hold. This innovative styling finisher enables hair to be easily shaped and reshaped, providing strong yet pliable hold and control throughout the day. This wax also helps protect hair from UV rays.

The aroma is a fresh and spicy citrus aroma with certified organic essential oils of grapefruit, mandarin, ginger, cinnamon and a woodsy notes of sustainably sourced Australian sandalwood. Like all Aveda products, I'm sure it smells ridiculously good.

***Giveaway***

Enter to win Aveda Light Elements Texturizing Creme and Shaping Wax!

Fill out the form below to win! For extra entries, you can sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me and retweet on Twitter , or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the entries in your comment. Enter up to once a day!

This giveaway is open to US & Canada residents only. The contest will end on Saturday, April 10th. I will randomly select the lucky winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!