Top Valentine’s Gift for men (featured on The Today Show): The Art of Shaving grooming products, find them at Total Beauty Experience and give the gift of healthy skin and a great shave!  Developed in 1996 in a small New York shop, The Art of Shaving’s goal was to perfect The 4 Elements of The Perfect Shave® –  Prepare… Lather Up!…  Shave… and Moisturize.  With a hugely devoted fan base, many would agree: mission accomplished.

How’d they do it?  Simply put: what’s inside counts the most.  You can’t go wrong when you use only high quality ingredients; The Art of Shaving products contain 100% pure essential oils while avoiding drying alcohols and artificial ingredients such as colorants and fragrances, which can cause irritation and sensitivity.

Some of their standouts: the Pre-Shave Oil (preps the skin and softens the beard), Shaving Cream (softens, lifts, protects and moisturizes- talk about a multi-tasker), and After-Shave Balm (refreshes, moisturizes, and revitalizes) are must haves.  There are several essential oil scents to choose from (don’t worry unscented is available, too) based on your preference, we’re particularly loving Sandalwood right now.  It’s rich, woody, and warm- perfect for this time of the year.  The best part, the label is a deep red/wine color, which makes it perfectly packaged for Valentine’s Day.

Put it all together and what do you get?  The short answer: a great shave.  Become a believer, get a super close, comfortable shave with less abrasion… nicks and cuts along with those pesky ingrown hairs will be a thing of the past (for anyone with sensitive skin, your skin is breathing a sigh of relief).

This February 14^th, stop by Total Beauty Experience to see The Art of Shaving lineup and let our product experts help you find your perfect fit.  Your guy will be one step closer to his best skin (and shave) ever.

Dogeared Jewels and Gifts have been spreading good karma for 20 years.   Native to California, the necklaces were inspired by the natural, free-spirited beauty and easy-going energy of the coastal state.  Designer Marcia Maizel-Clarke is the genius behind their simple, modern design and delicate size.  From the beginning, the mission was simple, just: “Doing what we love, and loving what we do; creating jewelry that puts good energy out into the world, and makes personal, positive statements about the people who wear it.”

Through the years they have sure developed a following, flip through the pages of popular magazines and you’re sure to see Dogeared pieces grace the necks of many a celebrity.  Most recently, Dogeared added a new feather in its cap by making Oprah’s Holiday Picks for 2011 List.   

Who know such a small thing could make such a big statement?  Total Beauty Experience is proud to carry Dogeared Jewels, stop in to check out the collection… just in time for the holidays!  Make someone’s day with a gift that’s unique and meaningful from Dogeared Jewels.

One of our favorite gifts this holiday season has got to be 21 Drops (see them featured this November on OPRAH Magazine’s O-List!); 21 little bottles, filled with custom-blended therapeutic-grade essential oils, designed to cover 21 universal concerns. 

Invigorate, Uplift, Focus, Calm, Inspire, De-Stress, Strength, Focus, and maybe a little Hangover are some of our favorites that we’re depending on to help us get through these busy months ahead!  They’re 100% natural, organic, or wild crafted; “tested, tried, and incredibly effective.”  

The small size (and airtight roller-top bottles) makes them easy to take wherever you go and use anytime of the day.  Plus, each is packaged with a “Statement of Intention” unique to each blend that begins the treatment and encourages where to best apply your chosen Drop (for maximum effectiveness).    

Once again, it seems that good things definitely do come in small packages.  Pick some up for yourself and someone you love this holiday season.  Share a little joy with 21 Drops.

Hot Product Alert!  One of our favorite bath and body products, THYMES AGAVE NECTAR Foaming Bath, was just awarded Allure’s 2011 Best of Beauty Award for Best Bath Product.  Kudos to you, Thymes!  What a great honor to standout from (literally) thousands of products the Allure beauty experts test in order to find the best of the best.   

What’s not to love about the Agave Nectar collection?  It’s a standout.  Blended with soothing and conditioning agents, like Aloe Vera, your skin will be treated to pure luxury.  And it will be awakended with the lively combination of guava, ruby red grapefruit, and lemon blossoms.  Yum.  Like all Thymes formulations, the Agave Nectar collection is free of parabens, SLES, SLS, propylene glycol, mineral oil, petrolatum and animal-derived ingredients.

Stop by Total Beauty Experience to see the entire Thymes Agave Nectar Collection Today. 

Your skin will thank you.

SEE: it’s all about shine.  High-performance leave in technologies affect how light interacts with the hair, optimizing its visual appearance.

TOUCH: feel softness and strength.  Performance ingredients & technologies affect hair’s physical behavior, optimizing its tactile properties.

SENSE: get swept away with the scents.  You’re in for an extra treat, as all the products are designed like fine fragrances.

Wella really delivers and they make it easy to find the perfect product for you.  Their 2 core segments are categorized as: CARE (solid color packaging) and STYLING (2-toned color packaging).  To start with, here’s the skinny on the 4 lines within the CARE product family:

• BRILLIANCE (red packaging): let your color shine.  This line is designed to enhance your hair color brilliance and has specialty products (Cleanse, Nourish, & Protect) for both fine/normal and thick hair… thank you, Wella!  Two big thumbs up for the Shampoos and Conditioners in this line.

• ENRICH (orange packaging): give your thirsty hair a drink.  This line focuses on repairing and protecting dry and damaged hair.  Your tresses will be restored and left full of vitality.  Includes specialty products (Cleanse, Nourish, & Protect) for both fine/normal and thick hair.  Don’t miss the Rinse Out  product, called SELF-WARMING MASK… you’ll love the warmth but the results are even better, your hair is left super soft and shiny.

• BALANCE (purple packaging): calm down.  Calling all sensitive skin/scalps out there, these 2 fragrance-free products (Cleanse & Protect) were developed to calm and refresh… ahhhh.  For anyone that has ever had irritation and/or reacted to hair products before, jump all over this duo- you’ll get some serious relief.

• AGE RESTORE (violet packaging): hello beautiful.  Packed with extra moisture, this twosome (Cleanse & Protect) is dynamic, bringing back beauty and shine to coarse, mature hair.  After using, you’ll notice your hair is more supple, silky, and manageable.  Who wouldn’t love that?

Stop by Total Beauty Experience to meet Wella’s CARE line of products, our hair care experts will introduce you to your perfect match!  For a sweeter deal, get 15% off all month long… don’t miss out! 

Who is Mitch?  Designed by Paul Mitchell, Mitch is a new line of 7 hair grooming products made especially for men.  The group comes equipped with fresh scents, witty names, clean packaging, and the simple, straightforward mantra:

Okay, Mitch, you’ve got our attention.   

Who is Mitch for?  Since “every guy needs a wingman to make him look good…”  Mitch comes through for any style situation you may encounter.  Check out the lineup:

• Double Hitter: 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner.  Who doesn’t love the time-saving benefits of a one-step wash & condition?  This freshly-scented product will lather up nicely then wash away cleanly and will leave your hair soft, full and healthy-looking… instead of a double hitter, this is more like a home run!

• Construction Paste: if you build it, it will stay (without turning into cement).  Get that perfectly messy, undone style without flaking or crunchy-ness.  The webby-texture stays flexible while it forms and separates your strands. 

• Hardwired: for all the extreme spikey “dos” out there, “don’t” leave home without it!  Provides maximum, long-lasting hold and without flaking out on you.

• Steady Grip (firm hold, natural shine gel): my, oh my, what thick hair you have!  The best part about this alcohol-free formulation is it makes hair look and feel thicker while it holds your style in place.

• Clean Cut (styling gel): no over-styling here.  Clean Cut offers a light-to-medium hold and will leave you with a natural-looking finish that’s great for any hair type.

• Reformer (strong hold texturizer): not for the faint of heart, this matte-finish putty will give you a “gritty, modern” look and has a powerful hold factor.

• Barber’s Classic (high shine pomade): add a little retro in your life.  For all of those cool cats out there that desire a slick back style or classic look, this moderate-hold product is for you.  (It’s also great to tame curls and natural waves)

Total Beauty Experience is proud to offer the entire line of Paul Mitchell products, stop in to see them all- including the all new Mitch products.  Ladies, it’s time to “Mitch your man” and guys… its’ time to “man up” with Mitch!

Click here to see Mitch in action

In September, we think you’ll enjoy getting to know Enjoy hair products… especially since you’ll be saving 15% all month long (in store only)!

A line of hair care products designed by hair stylists for hair stylists, Enjoy believes in a “no gimmicks” approach to their products while understanding that they must continue to “evolve or die.”  Don’t let their simple, no nonsense message fool you to believe their products are simple or basic, they’re anything but!  Enjoy has made it their mission to deliver innovative products that deliver phenomenal results.  What their no-nonsense philosophy means to us= a collection of pretty amazing products to use at home! 

And, do we ever love them.  As it seems we’re not alone, they are the chosen line of MTV alum, Whitney Port, who not only uses them herself but has converted her mom and sisters into the Enjoy fan club.  In her blog, she mentions her favorite hair products are “ENJOY Sulfate Free Luxury Shampoo and Conditioner.” 

Oh, Whitney- what great taste you have.  The Luxury Shampoo and Conditioner top our list of all-time favorite Enjoy products as well!  Not only are these two Luxury products super moisturizing and help to eliminate frizz, the shampoo provides a rich lather even though it’s sulfate free (for anyone that has used other sulfate free shampoos you know that this is a pretty amazing feat).  Due to the richness, all the fine-haired guys and gals out there may find it’s a little too heavy- but other than that, we can’t find any other faults.  You can try Enjoy Luxury Shampoo and Conditioner for yourself!  Retail price starts at $23.95 for the Luxury Shampoo and $26.95 for the Conditioner.  Click here to purchase.

What are our other top picks?  Enjoy Texture Cream (retails for $17.95) and Enjoy Straightener (retails for $20.95).  Here’s what Total Beauty Experience Hair Care Expert, Andi Chandler, has to say about the two:

“What’s great about Enjoy Texture Cream is that you’re able to create nice definition (great “piecey-ness”) and achieve a firm hold that is able to stay pliable- it really is the best of both worlds.  Get the defined, piece-y style you desire without having it be poke-your-eye-out-stiff!” 

“What I love most about Enjoy Straightener is that it’s a time-saver!  Apply it to damp hair, then blow dry- not only is there no product residue but you’ll get a great smooth, straight style (just from the blow dryer) which means, if you follow with a flat iron, you spend way less time using it… so you can go and get on with your day a little sooner!”

Check out the entire line of Enjoy hair care products online, CLICK HERE

or stop in 2929 Arden Way, Sacramento to see them in person! 

Remember, all month long ENJOY hair products are 15% off in store!

The family includes:  Moisturizing Lather Shampoo, Keratin Cream Rinse, Keratin Intensive Treatment, Styling Treatment Oil, Texturizing Sea Spray, Shine Spray, Finishing Spray, and Kera Triplex 2 Step Repair (a professional in-salon treatment).

Talk about a multi-tasking lineup of products!  Containing an exclusive blend of keratin proteins called KeraTriplex™ that heals hair from the inside out; these products get to the core of dry, lackluster locks.  The Awapuhi Wild Ginger products seal and repair damaged hair, helping to keep strands strong, healthy, and super shiny.

Since many of us receive professional color and/or chemical services as well as use heat-styling tools regularly at home, the sulfate-free formulation is ideal.  Get the look you want and let the Awapuhi Wild Ginger products repair the damage… your hair will thank you!

Get to know the products:

CLEANSING AND CONDITIONING
 

• Moisturizing Lather Shampoo: rich and creamy, sulfate-free formulation; hydrates, protects color, and contains keratin protein to repair dry, damaged hair
 

• Keratin Cream Rinse: daily conditioner; detangles, strengthens, moisturizes, and adds intense shine

TEXTURIZING PRODUCTS
 

• Texturizing Sea Spray: get a tousled beach look while adding volume and movement
 

• Styling Treatment Oil: lightweight oil; eliminates frizz, adds softness, shine and silkiness

FINISHING PRODUCTS
 

• Finishing Spray: provides flexible, shiny hold, blocks humidity, and has UV protection
 

• Shine Spray: fine, lightweight mist provides a light, natural finish

KERATRIPLEX 2 STEP REPAIR (IN-SALON TREATMENT)

• Step 1: product is applied from a vial (the keratin protein is absorbed in the hair)

• Step 2: deep penetrating cream is applied, then placed under heat for 10 minutes

What exactly is the secret weapon, Awapuhi?  This perennial, known commonly as Shampoo Ginger, is found in many tropical countries.  For centuries native Hawaiians have used the fragrant juice of the Awapuhi ginger plant to moisturize and heal skin and hair.  In order to maintain its hydrating properties, much care is taken while harvesting/processing each plant- often by hand.  In 1987, after learning of this miracle plant, Paul Mitchell and John Paul DeJoria started growing and harvesting the awapuhi ginger root from their sustainable, solar-powered farm in Hawaii for use in their line of hair care products. 

Check out the entire line of Awapuhi Wild Ginger products

at Total Beauty Experience and SAVE in August:

all month long, all Awapuhi Wild Ginger products are 15% off! 

Visit us at 2929 Arden Way in Sacramento

What exactly is Keratosis Pilaris?

Many experts believe that Keratosis Pilaris is a chronic, genetic skin condition.  It appears most often on the upper arms (both on the back and outer areas), but also occurs on the trunk of the body, thighs, and buttocks.  In severe cases it can be found on the lower arms, legs, and on the face (which can be confused with acne)… basically, it can be found anywhere on the body except for the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.  Yikes.

KP typically consists of scattered, rough patches on the skin with 10-100 very small bumps (similar in appearance to goose bumps).  Dryness and redness often accompany the patchy, bumpy areas.            

What causes it?

Keratosis Pilaris is caused by a buildup of keratin (a protein and key structural agent of the skin, hair, and nails) around the hair follicle.  If a hard cap is formed over the follicle, resulting in coiling the hair inside, it can lead to an ingrown hair.  “Picking” or scratching bumps/hard caps can result in scarring.  So, while treatment and exfoliation options are recommended, care and caution should always be considered.    

Normally, the body’s natural exfoliation process sloughs away dead skin cells and debris.  In the case of Keratosis Pilaris, an excess of keratin is not only being formed, it is not being sloughed off in a timely fashion.  Remaining on the skin, this keratin surrounds and, ultimately, clogs the follicles.  The end result is bumpy, rough, dry skin. 

What can be done?

Numerous options are available for KP sufferers, from over-the-counter creams and lotions to professional treatments and prescription products.  Though varying degrees of success and satisfaction have been reported among individuals, there seem to be some general rules of thumb:

• Consistency is key, there is no overnight cure- be patient and prepared to dedicate time and effort to seeing results.

• Exfoliate regularly: try a combination of mechanical (scrub) and chemical (hydroxy acids) exfoliants.  Lactic acid and salicylic acid are great choices; lactic acid is naturally hydrating and less irritating (versus other AHAs) and salicylic acid (if a 2% or less concentration) offers both exfoliation and anti-inflammatory benefits.  In addition to exfoliating agents, look for products that also contain vitamins, like A, C, and E.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  If your skin is dehydrated, KP seems to be a little more persistent.  Drink water and moisturize regularly.  Make sure you don’t confuse dehydrated skin with dry skin- dehydrated skin lacks water, dry skin lacks oil.  Therefore, a light-to-medium weight moisturizer can be perfect, focus on humectant ingredients (like hyaluronic acid) not necessarily an oil-based formulation.

• Soothe & protect: if redness is present, it seems natural to use soothing agents (like botanicals) to calm it down.  Also, make sure that your skin is protected with at least an SPF 15 on a daily basis.  Sun damage can lead to additional conditions and issues- let’s try to limit these whenever possible!

When you join us on Thursday, July 28^th from 12:00pm-4:00pm for our Summer Skin Therapy Event, you’ll receive a professional-strength exfoliation treatment and get a one-on-one consultation with a skin care expert … 

It’s the perfect way to start saying “Bye-Bye” to your Bumpy Arms this summer!  Call us at 916.481.7994 to reserve your spot!