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!

By SBC

Spa Week, April 12 – April 18, 2010, the brainchild of New Yorker Cheryl Reid.  Inspired in 2004 to educate hurried, stressed-out, exhausted New Yorkers about the benefits of the spa lifestyle as a normal part of a healthy lifestyle in a cost-effective way.  Discounted Spa services at approximately $50, rates you can’t get any other time.

No longer reserved as an indulgence for the rich and famous, Spa Week makes the Spa Experience an oh so affordable experience.  Spa treatments aren’t just massages, manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing, they also highlight healthy living utilizing specialty treatments to relieve stress, quit smoking, improve circulation, assist in weight loss and much more.

Today Spa Week has spread to over 29 cities across North America with over 700 participating spas, with corporate sponsors like Saab, eBay, Conair, CEW and Allure Magazine to name a few.

Shine Worthy Steals & Deals

Vajazzling (exactly what it sounds like, bedazzling your vajajay) – Vaginal Crystal Adornment, a new concept to feel great about your privates. Try Completely Bare – Bond, NEW YORK CITY, www.completelybare.com

Teeth whitening changes your reflection to the world.  Try Atlanta Medical Day Spa & Surgery Center, MARIETTA, GEORGIA.  www.atlantamedicaldayspa.com

Manicures & Pedicures are part of beauty “101.”  Experience the decadence and get your skin and nails ready for Spring. Try the 90 Min Chocoholic Manicure and Pedicure at Chocolate For Your Body , an Aveda Family Spa, CHICAGO, IL.  www.chocolateforyourbody.com

Acupuncture promotes health and alleviates pain and suffering by stimulating the internal organs to naturally treat imbalances.  It treats many conditions ranging from addictions, weight loss, depression, PMS, indigestion, allergies and headaches to name a few. Try the 45 Min Total Body Acupuncture Treatment at Farashe’ the Day Spa, COLUMBIA, MD.  www.farashe.com

Massage is one of the oldest and simplest forms of therapy.  The goal is to help the body heal itself and increase health and well-being.  Try Body Bar Spa, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.  www.bodybarspa.com

A Brazilian Bikini Wax can polish your presentation for yourself, the beach or a romantic evening. Try Toka Salon & Day Spa in Georgetown, WASHINGTON, DC.  www.tokasalon.com

Facials cleanse, exfoliate and nourish to promote clear well-hydrated skin.  A good facial captures the fountain of youth. Try Clarins Signature Youth Booster Facial Treatment at Clarins Skin Spa at Bloomingdales, Bloomingdales The Falls Mall, MIAMI, FL. www.clarins.com

Find out about Spa Week in your city and book your appointment today, www.spaweek.com.  Here’s to a stubble free, vajazzled, relaxing week, Shine Brightly with Spa Week.

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.