Transition is a change in energy and productivity from one stage to another.

Embrace It!

By SBC

MOTHER LOVE, a natural nurturing wonder of being soft and pink that only women contribute so beautifully to the universe. The ability to create and mold, instruct, guide, love and protect unconditionally is part of the beautiful life experience of being a Mother.

The dictionary defines a Mother (n.) as a female person who is pregnant with or gives birth to a child. Albeit, we know that being a Mom is much more than having a child.  There are many Moms’, Ma’s, Mama’s and Mommy’s that may or may not have given birth, yet so generously provide (v.) MOTHER LOVE to all they encounter.

Comment & Share Please – Which Mother image reflects MOTHER LOVE to you and why?

Damien Hirst . Sculpture - The Virgin Mother

The Great Illusion . Mother Nature

Gustav Klimt . Mother and Child

Paul Hellard . Animation Mother

Big Love

Regis Art Studio . Mother's Love

Mother Earth Love

SBC salutes and thanks the Goddess Mothers that provide MOTHER LOVE to all.

By Tinéa Williams

April 22, 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Earth Day was born in 1970 and ushered in the era of modern environmentalism on a grand scale. Today we live in a place where ‘going green’ is a fad for some and a lifestyle for others. Saving the planet and reducing our carbon foot-print is quickly becoming a large part of the beauty industry.

With Earth Day quickly approaching retailers across the nation (and world) are doing their part to offer or highlight an earth friendly option. Some retailers are just getting revved-up in their eco-pursuits; while others are expanding their passion for green beauty well beyond the borders of Earth Day. This Earth Day do something good for the planet and treat yourself to some environmentally conscious pampering. Here are some shining stars to consider in order for you to love your body and love the earth too!

www.lushusa.com

LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics: NAKED 6 unpackaged products for $20. Love your skin with a Solid Facial Soap, Toner Tab, Sexy Peel Body Soap, Buffy Solid Body Butter and Therapy Solid Massage Bar. These are natural, vegan, preservative free products that you take home in a 100% biodegradable bundle!  www.lushusa.com.

On Going Green: 70% of all LUSH products are unpackaged – so less waste to throw away and less energy to transport.

www.aveda.com

Aveda: Cut-Athon for $25. Love your hair by participating in an Aveda Cut-Athon. Aveda boutiques around the country have partnered with their salon counterparts to raise money for the Global Green Grant Fund www.greengrants.org. Get a great cut or color and your $25 donation goes to help providing clean drinking water around the world. Aveda uses the whole month (sometimes 2) to raise money for their non-profit global partners. Visit an Aveda salon or store for details. www.aveda.com

On Going Green: Aveda has become the first beauty company to use 100% wind manufacturing!

www.lululemon.com

Lululemon Athletica: Love your body inside and out by experiencing a new yoga class or run club event for free! Yes, I said it free. Lululemon doesn’t just sell active wear; but encourages the community to live healthier lifestyles by offering complimentary yoga classes and athletically focused events that benefit Mother Earth and our bodies. Contact your local Lululemon to see what they are offering. www.lululemon.com

On Going Green: Not only does Lululemon use recycled materials for yoga mats and some fabrics, but their charitable giving is a grassroots campaign. Stores are given the freedom to donate and fundraise for organizations that directly impact their local communities.

Photo . www.awarenessdates.com

Allow your passion for beauty to benefit the planet by shopping one of these local retailers.  Shine brightly by knowing you are doing something good for the earth and good for yourself!

Located in The 900 Shops, 900 N. Michigan Avenue, 5th Floor (next to Bloomingdales) Chicago, IL . (on The Magnificent Mile)

Shine Beauty Culture spotted Nick Arrojo center stage at America’s Beauty Show in Chicago, Sunday, March 28th.  He explained during his live demonstration that “Razor Cutting is a little like eating sushi.” (click here to see the video on Shine’s FB Fan Page)

Speak the name “Nick Arrojo” and beauty enthusiasts may remember him well as the resident stylist on TLC’s “What Not To Wear” television show.  However, in the professional world of beauty, Nick is a legendary educator, innovator and Master Stylist.  His light shines brightly!

Nick Arrojo began his distinguished career with Vidal Sasson in Manchester, England.  After 10 successful years, he joined the Wella Team in London.  In 1994, he moved to New York City as director of education for Bumble + Bumble Salon.  Three years later, he established the Arrojo Cutler Salon and became Global Master for Aveda.

Arrojo @ ABS Chicago, 3.28.10

Today, Nick Arrojo stands as the founder of Arrojo Studio in New York City, a custom-built salon featuring education, product and a color studio.   Arrojo also holds the prestigious position of Special Creative Artist for Wella and appears frequently on television and in online and print media.

You can download mobile downloadable education videos of Arrojo education on DVD, www.arrojoeducation.com.

Or, register for more than 200 one-day Master of Beauty Skills Certification Programs in the spring and summer of 2010, lead by Arrojo Master Stylist and Empire Beauty Schools.

Asian Beauty

SBC was present at this year’s Rip the Runway, airing March 15, 2010 on BET.

Nicki Minaj and Actor, Pooch Hall host the show. The biggest  (no pun intended) and best catwalk showings were the shapes and sizes. Rip the Runway embraced the “iconic, thin” model types, but the women with real curves of all sizes and cultures were clearly in high demand and received the most applause.

Wynter Hobson

Sharon Quinn

Confidence is Size Sexy!

Curvaceous Beauty!

Congratulations to RIP the Runway

for embracing all cultures and sizes of women.

True Beauty Shines from within!

GARTH . www.garthintresses.com . NYC

MAVEN GARTH

SHINE Healthy Hair, Warm Spirit

PASSION Natural Hair, Looks Relaxed

SALON Ebony Design . NYC

He hails from the ”Land of the Blessed” as it is known by the Caribs. GARTH is a native of St.Vincent, north of Grenada, south of St. Lucia, and west of Barbados.

In 1997 he moved to the U.S and began working in some of the premiere salons of Brooklyn and New York City. Though his love and passion was hair, GARTH has dabbled in Retail and the Airline industries prior to becoming the accomplished hair stylist he is today.

A seasoned hair care professional, he prides himself in having a genuine interest in your hair. His hair consultations include evaluating your lifestyle, hair texture, facial features and your hair goals.  GARTH is a 360 degree stylist with a robust affinity for color, bond & weave extensions, precision cuts, chemical relaxers & texturizers, but his newest passion is natural hair care.

“Not a lot of people take the time to do natural hair properly, deep conditioning is standard in my natural hair care services. Straightening natural hair (pressing, flat ironing, setting/blow drying) is time consuming, I specialize in helping women grow out their relaxed hair to natural healthy beautiful hair.”