Congrats to Cynthia R, Tucson AZ

Cynthia won the Box of Beauty "Here comes the Bride" giveaway.  Cynthia says, "Woo-hoo!  Woo-hoo!  That's wonderful.  Thank you sooooo much!"  We say, You're welcome, enjoy!"

Meet Sandalwood

Essential oils are some of nature's best candies. They provide benefits outside and in. One of the best beauty oils is sandalwood. Sandalwood used in products comes from Sandalwood trees that have matured forty to eighty years.  The older the tree the better the essential oil. The maturity means the extract will smell stronger and heal better. Because the trees take so long to mature and sandalwood is in such high demand resources are starting to run thin. Black market sales of this precious oil are growing.  So this poses the question why is sandalwood so huge?

Sandalwood's health benefits include uses as antiseptics, anti-inflammatory, diuretics, and memory booster. Its many health benefits make sandalwood key in products like mouth fresheners, room fresheners, deodorants, and lotions.  When it comes to beauty, sandalwood's benefits are endless. Sandalwood's aroma is very powerful and lasts for a long time.  Soaps and lotions made with sandalwood will keep you smelling fresh and clean much longer than regular soap.  Another fantastic benefit of sandalwood is it actually makes skin brighter! Sandalwood works as a fantastic exfoliator. Exfoliating the skin away leaves it much brighter and more radiant.  One of our favorite benefits of sandalwood is that it has been proven to help create blemish free skin. Sandalwood is super effective at clearing up everything from acne to scars to dark spots. Sandalwood truly is nature's miracle.

Beauty Care Choices loves our Sandalwood products. 

Hempz Sandalwood & Apple Body Scrub utilizes sandalwoods fabulous scent and exfoliating properties.  After using this scrub skin will glow with an amazingly soft touch. 
Gibs VooDoo Prince uses sandalwood primarily for its scent. However don't underestimate the softness it will also provide. Beards have never been so soft, slick and sexy.
Bioelements Moisture Positive Cleanser is perfect for people with dry skin. Because this cleanser has sandalwood you know it will provide beautiful bright skin after every wash. Remove all dirt, make up and everyday grime without having skin feel tight or dry.

 HINT: Use our search bar and keyword "sandalwood" to find your new favorite sandalwood product.

Box of Beauty Giveaway now starts Monday!

We've changed our start day for our weekly Box of Beauty giveaway.  We moved it from Tuesday to Monday!  That's why you see two giveaways for today.  Go ahead!  Enter both!  The "Here Comes the Bride" Box giveaway ends tonight.  The new All Style Box of Beauty starts today and ends July 5.  Remember you can visit our blog and enter daily! 

Summer Stress...Away!

Summer can be three month of fun, sun & excitement. Kids are out of school, the sun heats up the sand and family vacations are abundant. Amidst all of this fun, stress can really start to build up. The stress of getting the kids to baseball, soccer and football. The stress of balancing work and play. Packing for camping trips & lake days, mowing lawns and taking care of gardens; each one takes its toll.  So how do you soothe away summer stress?

Here is what BCC unwinds with:

SpaRitual Close Your Eyes Organic Bath Salts - A bath can be the easiest way to relax. These bath salts are made with Geranium. Geranium is an essential oil;  fantastic for balancing hormones, relieving stress and even reducing blood pressure.  When  you are done with your bath, skin will be soothed and softened. Plus, the lovely aroma will have you relaxed inside and out. This is not a salt to use in the morning. It has so many soothing and relaxing qualities that you will have a hard time not closing your eyes. Great for after a long day of running around.

Earthly Body 3-in-1 Suntouched Candles - This natural soy candle comes in ten different aromas. Lavender is the most well-known scent for relaxation. To switch things up you may want to try Naked in the Woods. The clean woodsy smell is enhanced with pine oil. Pine oil is one of the most amazing aromas for the body. It elevates mood and is thought to possibly improve memory. After you are done smelling the beautiful aroma blow out the flame. Use the melted candle to treat you(or have your partner treat you) to a relaxing and hydrating massage.  Avocado is infused into each candle to leave your skin extra soft after use.

Body Drench Stress Relief French Lime Basil BodyLotion - This lotion is very unique. It is a fresh and new take on stress relief aromas. Instead of simply relaxing the mind and body, it also uplifts spirits.  The lime essential oil is said to cleanse and revitalize the soul.  As an added bonus lime essential oil has been proven to help varicose veins! Basil is known to provide relief to fatigued and aching muscles that stress may cause.  This highly moisturizing lotion will hydrate skin after the sun and release your senses from stress.

La Fresh Instant Body Soother Wipes - Traveling can stress out even the strongest of us. These individually wrapped wipes are compact and will fit in any bag, purse or wallet.  For whatever ails you, one wipe can help.  Have a migraine from being asked "Are we there yet?"  Wrap two fingers in the wipe and rub slow circles on your temples while breathing deeply. In moments allow the six natural oils to relieve and lift. Repeat this process anywhere on your body you need it.  The infused peppermint oil will not only relax your muscles but can also improve your mental focus.

Hair Stylist of the Year - Avant Garde

Stylist: Christian James
Salon:  Dres Hair Salon & Spa, Phoenix AZ

Stylist: Erika Fung
Salon: NC Salon, Markham ON

Remember last week we showed you the North American Hairstylist Association (NAHA) Hairstylist of the Year contenders for 2015. We thought they might inspire.  We also promised to show you the top contenders in the Avande Garde category.  Well here they are!  I'm not so sure these will inspire a new hair-do, but they certainly are creative and worth a look.  It is amazing what imagination can accomplish!


      

Stylist: Nicole Gary
Salon: Aquage, Pinon Hills, CA



Stylist: Chrystofer Benson
Salon: Christofer Benson Collective
South Weber, UT

Curls - time for some damage repair!

If your hair is curly, wavy or coiled, you know the extra care you need to take to keep it looking it's beautiful, bouncy best. If your curls have become limp, lifeless and your hair is looking more like straw than vivacious it's time for some damaged repair.

Split ends can be a terrible problem when hair is curly. They're difficult to see, but impact the strength and bounce of your hair. Regular trims will help and so will a deep penetrating intense treatment. Try Mizani Supreme Oil Satin  Crème Moisturizing Mask. It's rich in natural rice bran, argan and avocado oils to help protect from dryness and to keep hair supple.

Textured hair is very prone to tangles and a gentle touch is needed so you don't rip, tear and cause breakage.  Using a conditioning cleanser or a co-wash product is best for curls.  Brands like DevaConcepts, Mizani and ISO Buncy all are made specifically for textured and curly hair.

Thermal abuse that results in dead dry ends has only one best solution...a haircut (or at least a trim).  If you are worried about a stylist taking off too much, have her do a dry cut.  It gives more control and lets them see how much of the dead ends should be removed. 

Lack of protein can cause damage to any hair, but shows up more quickly in curly, textured hair.  Hair is approximately 91% protein and is made up of long chains of amino acids.  Maintaining naturally curly hair relies on a proper balance of protein, nutrients and oils.  Leave-in Repair Damage Protein Cream by ELC Dao of Hair works wonders!

Bride Hairstyles to Love

Every bride wants the best from her hair.  A glamorous look that suits her style and her hair!  We've found some of the best trending styles and bring them to you.  Notice this year the trend is toward hair accessories and lots of braids! A bride's look is uniquely her own, but these might give you ideas.


	
 
 

Ally Answers....Little Tricks!

Do you have a trick for keeping bobby pins in place?  My hair is thin and fine and they always seem to slip.  Diane C., Springdale, AK

Ally:  Spray them with dry shampoo. They won't be sticky like when coated in hair spray. The dry shampoo keeps the natural oils in your hair in check and the bobby pin in place. Evo Water Killer is a perfect dry shampoo to do this job.



How do you "set" lipstick?  Tiffany J., Spokane, WA.

Ally:  Try holding a tissue over your lips and applying a light layer of translucent powder. The powder will absorb the excess oils in the lipstick and the tissue provides a barrier to keep some of the natural shine.  theBalm Sexy Mama is perfect to keep the color on your lips.

No one asked, but I thought I'd share this trick too!  Ally!

Is the arm on your sunglasses getting loose? Try applying a layer of Venique Gel-Like Top Coat or any other favorite clear nail polish. That pesky little screw will hold itself in place and tighten that arm right back into place.

P.S. I would love to hear your little tricks.  Use the comments section to share them with all of us! - Ally

If you have questions about products or a beauty problem that needs a solution, you can e-mail Ally at beautycarechoices@charter.net 

Yeah for Robin W, Monroe NC. Box of Beauty Winner!

Congratulations to Robin W. who won the "Family Vacation" Box of Beauty.  Robin says, "

Thank you so much!  What a thrill to have won one of your awesome boxes!  I truly appreciate your generosity in having this and all of your giveaways."  You are so welcome Robin and we hope you enjoy it all!

Bride Essentials - 10 ten products perfect for your big day!

Every bride want to be her best on her big day.  From head to toe...everything has to be perfect!  We've looked through our over 20,000 beauty products and selected 10 we think are essential for brides to have ready in their beauty preparation arsenal.  You're unique and your deserve the very best on your big day.  

1. Baby Foot - Exfoliation Foot Peel.  Get those feet looking great in those perfect strappy little sandals you've found.  Be sure to apply at least 10 days prior to the wedding.  The exfoliation is so complete, but it will take a few days for all the dead skin to flake away!  $25.00
2. I-Envy Lashes - we have them in all lengths and styles! Strip lashes are easy to apply and give your eyes the extra pop you want!  $4.50/pair.
3. Instantly Ageless.  This "facelift in a bottle" is just what you need under make-up to remove any little lines or wrinkles and smooth out any effects of your brides night out! $40.00
4. Gigi All Purpose Honee Microwave Formula Hair Removal System.  Each kit is complete - wax, strips, after wax skin cleanser, applicators.  Do your stray facial hair, legs, anywhere! $20.00
5. Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 dramatically reconstructs hair internally and reduces breakage. This 10 minute treatment done before shampooing will give your hair back its shine and luster. $28.00
6. Flowery Pedi-Care Kit - this little gem is disposable, but has everything you need to give your nails any extra care they might need.  Great for travel too! $4.00
7. Tantasia by Jane Iredale.  The self-tanner formula does not smell and color builds over 3 days of ultimate control.  It works with your skin's own melanin so this self-tanning product looks completely natural to you. $36.00
8. Mirabella Lipstick.  Add a touch of soft shimmer or a splash of stunning.  Mirabella has wonderful colors so you are sure to find the exact shade you need.  $22.00
9. Essie Nail polish in barely there pinks to shimmering metallic to brights.  The perfect shade is waiting for you.  $8.50
10. Joico Gold Dust delivers a brilliant sparkling shine for any bride.  Add a touch to your hair or a spritz to each shoulder for an extra sparkly glow.  $8.00

Spice up your Pony Tail!

Pulling your hair up is one of the quickest things to do in the morning. Ponytails and braids are stylish and so convenient. However, what do you do when you have exhausted those two classic looks.  We have one style that is super easy and a great way to spice things up.

What you need:  2-3 Goody Ouchless Hair Elastics, hair brush and 5 minutes!

Step 1:

Start out with towel dried or completely dry hair. Brush hair thoroughly. If you use any kind of smoothing or anti frizz product now would be the time to use it. Personally I love the Herbalosophy Zen Oil to hold down fly-aways and make hair very manageable.

Step 2:

Separate out the top layer of hair. About 2" thick. Place hair in a loose pony tail using the small elastic hair tie.

Step 3:

Create a hole just above the hair tie with 2 fingers. Grab the remaining pony tail and wrap it through the hole. Under over style.

Step 4:

Take the next layer of your hair and pull it into a ponytail over the first tail. Then repeat step three. For thick hair or for extra pull back and control repeat this 1-2 more times.

Step 5:

Rock it just the way it is or finish it off with a nice finishing spray like Wella's Stay Essential Finishing Spray or for some extra bedazzle Zerran's Diamond Mist.

To all Dads from BCC

Tips for Second Day Hair

Sometimes we like the look.  Sometimes we want the look.  Sometimes we just don't have time and have to deal with the look.  However it happens, second day hair can lack shine and luster.  Even if you deliberately have second-day hair because your style that day is an up-do or braid (which are both much easier with second day hair) you still want hair to have luster and shine!
 That's where products like dry conditioners and shine sprays come it.  Everyone should have a can on hand!  Some of the best are at Beauty Care Choices.  Below, we've suggest three different brands of each.  Remember too, Beauty Care Choices has licensed cosmetologists as our customer service staff, so you can always call if you have specific questions about what product is right for you!  (866) 409-7227.

DRY CONDITIONERS

Amika has both Perk Up Dry Shampoo and Silken Up Dry Conditioner.  They are quick to use, leave your hair feeling clean.  The Silken Up also has great detangling power!

CHI Dry Conditioner is waterless.  It gives you great manageability between shampoos and adds a nice luster.  Plus it also does a great job detangling hair.

Pureology also has a Fresh Approach Dry Shampoo and Fresh Approach Dry Condition.  They restore hair softness, add shine and condition as they reduce frizz and static. 

SHINE SPRAYS

TIGI Bed Head Headrush gives you a super shine without any oily look.  It has a light citrus scent that makes you feel totally fresh!  The superfine mist works great on any length hair.

Joice K-Pak Color Therapy Dry Oil Spray will increase shine and reduce breakage.  It goes on so evenly because of the Ultra Fine mist.

L'Oreal Professional has Mythic Oil Reinforcing Milk.  It finishes a style with shine and softness, plus provides long-lasting humidity protection.  If you have baby-fine hair, this one is perfect as it gives you easy detangling.

Replenishing Moisture

Does your hair appear dull?  Is it prone to dryness and easily loses its vibrancy?  The key to keeping hair, especially textured hair hydrated, is layering products and applying them where the hair strand is most in need.

Environmental factors like changes in temperature and humidity all contribute to hair looking and feeling dry.  Prevent this by protecting hair after every cleanse by using a leave-in moisturizer.  Macadamia Professional Weightless Moisture Conditioning Mist will protect hair from everyday stressors, detangle and add moisture.  Follow with a treatment oil from the mid-length to the ends.

Over-Washing  can result in the removal of natural oils.  If you need to wash hair daily be sure to use a hydrating mask for 10-20 minutes each week. 

Prescription medication can affect hair strands and give them a dull appearance.  Use a mild clarifying shampoo that still has a healthy amount of moisture and won't strip the hair.  L'Anza KB2 Daily Clarifying Shampoo is a good one that gets rid of the surface build-up and helps normalize oil levels.  Do this only on an as-needed basis, maybe once per week.

Over-processed hair needs extra special care.  Mizani's Fiberfyl Fiber Strengthening Treatment acts as a strand-by-strand restorer.  It is formulated with give percent filloxane, a molecule that penetrates the hair fiber as a liquid, transforms into a flexible solid that fills in weak areas with a protective shield to provide damage protection without hardening. 

Keep Hair Color Vibrant between Colorings

Color fade is definitely a problem, especially during summer months when your hair is exposed to sun, chloride, salt water and more.  There are some great products available now that will keep your color refreshed.  These shampoos and conditioners deposit color each time you use them.  Your hair will maintain its vibrancy and color tone. 

One of the best out there is Pravana Nevo Color Enhancer.  This is an enriching conditioner that comes is Honey Blonde, Brillian Copper, Radiant Red, Deep Burgundy and Cocoa Brunette.  Tressa Watercolors shampoos & conditioners also come in multiple shades and really keep color true.

Blonde shades are the hardest to keep pure.  Redken's Blonde Idol is a sulfate-free shampoo and custom-tone conditioner...just calibrate to preserve tonality.  If you're a platinum blonde, Pureology's Perfect4Platinum Cool Blonde Enhancing Treatment will nix out the brass for up to three shampoos.  It's a rinse out violet treatment and perfect for cool blondes that swim!

Ally Answers...What hair product to use for men's style

There are so many products out there for styling my hair, it gets confusing.  What's the difference between cream, clay pomade, wax, etc.?  How do I know what to use? Kevin D, Flagstaff, AZ

Ally:  It all depends on what you want to do with your hair.  By asking yourself a few questions, we can find the right product for you.  Don't worry.  The questions are easy!

• Do you want to restyle hair later?
• No...Use a Gel.  It is weightless, non-flaking and good control for all hair types.
• Yes...go to next question.
• Do you want shiny hair?
• No...Use a Paste.  It creates control, definition and separation.  It works well on modern styles and softens coarser textures.
• More control needed than a paste?  Use Wax for medium hold.  It is lighter and water based.  Use a Fiber for strong hold.  It's dense and provides max hold.  Best used on short hair with some natural texture. 
• Yes...go to next question.
• Is your style short, with a natural part, vintage cool or bedhead chic?
• Shorter styles with natural partings and pompadours need a Pomade.  It's water based and feels a bit like grease.
• Vintage cool styles, those with medium to high-density hair need a Cream.  It softens coarse textures.
• Bedhead chic needs a Clay.  It is dense, pliable and creates weight and softness with high hold and can be reworked throughout the day.

Natalie S. is the Winner of the Father's Day Box of Beauty

Congratulations to Natalie S, Braselton, GA.  She has won the Father's Day Box of Beauty.  Natalie's comment:  "Oh, wow! How awesome! Can't wait to give it to the hubs! Thanks so much for the great giveaway!".  Well Natalie, thanks for visiting out blog and entering! We hope he enjoys it all!

Hairstylist of the Year contenders!

Every year the North American Hairstyling Association (NAHA) celebrates the beauty industry's finest, giving awards for Hairstylist of the Year and a stylist in each category: avant garde, contemporary classic, haircolor, make-up artist, master hairstylist, men's style and nail professional.  Below see the five finalists in Hairstylist of the Year.  Even if you don't think the style is for you, you can gather inspiration!  Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on July 12, 2015.  P.S. Wait until you see the finalists in "Avant Garde".  I'll post those later this week.

Stylist: Sal Misseri Salon: Ladies & Gentlemen, Chicago	Stylist:  Robert Grimes Salon:  RLG, Austin TX
Stylist: Allen Ruiz Salon: Jackson Ruiz Salon, Austin, TX	Stylist: Matt Swinney Salon: Evolution Experience Hair Culture, Minneapolis, MN
 Stylist: Alain Pereque Salon: Salon Saco Drummond Montreal, QC



Don't be Flaky!

We always get asked about dandruff shampoos.  Especially in summer  What are the top performers of professional salon shampoos?  Well a survey of over 200,000 Modern Salon Instagram followers gave us their top four and now we'll share them with you.

Redken Scalp Relief.  It is a 21 days treatment that gives great results.  Pyrithione zinc fights dandruff, glycerin hydrates the scalp and lavender extract soothes and clarifies.
Kenra Professional Dandruff Shampoo.  It has 1.9% zinc - most dandruff shampoos only have 1%.  Prescription is 2%.
Matrix Biolage ScalpSync Anti-dandruff Shampoo.  It's anti-bacterial, calming and weightless, plus it gives hair great body.
Tigi BedHead Reboot Shampoo.  It rebalances the pH of the scalp to help it retain moisture plus has bacteria fighting properties.

How-to-Braid Up-do...Gorgeously Simple

Sherry Says ...

Wind Blown 05 Dry Finishing Spray by Redken has a delicious fragrance!  It gives my hair texture (kind of like a dry shampoo) and styling stay power without weighing my hair down.  I always use it after I’m done blow drying my hair. I spray it in before and after curling or straightening my hair (depending on my mood) and it will stay for at least a couple of days.  Now, if you’re looking for a firm hold spray this isn’t the one you want.  I know it says ‘finishing spray’ but really I think it’s more like a ‘working spray’.  If you’re anything like me, ’m always adding a bit more, even if it’s just overspray cause it really smells that good!  I was talking with one of my co-workers and telling her how good it smells and she said “if you forget your perfume, no worries, use your back-up.” Well, you may think that sounds funny, but I truly love hair products that work and smell delightful! So, in closing if you haven't' tried this amazing product, I strongly recommend you do!
 

Create an Edgy & Sleek Men's Style

Winner! Winner! Steven E, Staten Island, NY

Wow & Congratulations to Steven.  His response..."Awesome, wife will love this".  We agree Steven.  The Box of Beauty full of travel size products is on its way to you!  Enjoy!

Father's Day...just a little history!

Father's Day had it's inspiration in Mother's Day which was approved nationwide by a resolution signed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 after 45 states had created their own Mother's Day beginning in 1880.  Creating a Father's Day did not meet with the same enthusiasm.  In 1909 a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd from Spokane, WA, one of six children raised by a widowers, wanted tried to establish a Father's Day.  She worked with community organizations throughout the state and Washington State celebrated the first official Father's Day on July 19, 1910.  This movement spread slowly.  In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged state's to observe Father's Day, however, many men of the time did not want it and "scoffed at the holiday's sentimental attempts to domesticate manliness with flowers and gift-giving".   It took until 1972 to make Father's Day a national official day when President Nixon signed the Proclamation.

Ally Answers...What's Hot

My husband and I are going on vacation for our anniversary.  Traveling from rural to urban (New York),  I want to look my best, but keep it easy and simple due to baggage restrictions.  Can you help! Linda P. Coffeyville, KS

Ally:  Hottest trends in hair right now are big volume (pack your mousse) and the low pony tail (easy).  Make-up is barely-there beauty with soft eye shadow and nearly nude lips, pus a lower lash liner.  You can add a flash of silver or gold to your hair, make-up or accessories for a really trendy look.  Joico Gold Dust can add the shimmer to hair and skin and the 1.5 oz. size for $8.00 lasts a long time). P.S. Happy Anniversary!

I'm going on a three week vacation and don't want to hassle with finding a salon but I also don't want roots to show.  What can you recommend?  Marie W.,  Mandan, ND

There are a couple of products I think will work great for you.  My Secret Corrective Root Touch-up is a spray and the 2 oz. size provides 50+ applications and is only $12.50.  Be sure to shake the can well first, then spray on dry hair in short bursts from about 4 inches away.  Repeat the short bursts until you have the coverage you want.  This comes in 8 shades so you're sure to find a match for your color and dries very quickly without harsh chemicals.

Another product I can highly recommend is Pravana's Nevo Color Enhancer Treatment.  There are five shades. You just work it through your damp hair after shampooing. This is a conditioner too!   minutes.  Leave it on a few minutes and rinse. The longer you leave it, the more color it deposits.  It's perfect for traveler and even at home because it keeps your salon color vibrant between visits. It's 5 oz. for $20.   I love it.

If you have questions about products or a beauty problem that needs a solution, you can e-mail Ally at beautycarechoices@charter.net 

New & Perfect for Travel & so much more!

Beauty Care Choices is now carrying Hollywood Fashion Secrets.  These little items are so great!  They tuck easily into your purse, backpack or carry-on!  These "Style Emergency" kits and products give you everything you need for life's little quick fixes...nail file, hair band, blister pad, fashion tape, make-up fix swabs & more.  Always be prepared with Hollywood Fashion Secrets!

Great Idea...give these as the perfect gift for a bride-to-be! $35 will get you the Style Emergency Kit [$15] (contains Nail file, Hair Band, Blister pad, Earring Back, Fashion Tape, Instant Button, Shoe Shine Sponge, Lint-Removing Sheets, Sew Kit, Stain Wipe and Deodorant Removing Sponge), Bra Converting Clip, Eye Make-up Corrector & Remover Swabs and Nail Polish Corrector & Remover Swabs.  Any bride would be so happy if any of these are needed on her big day or on the honeymoon.  Believe me, she will be so grateful!

The adventures of Rockee

Whose Rockee??  A children's toothbrush by VioLife.  He/She can wobble and wobble, can spin, but he/she doesn't fall over.  Kids love these battery operated toothbrushes.  Parents love them too because they always stand upright on the counter!  Rockee comes in green, red, purple, pink and blue, plus fun animal heads including "Chomper", "Ellie" and "Randy" and two replacement heads and the battery are included.

Rockee loves going on vacations.  They're just perfect for hotel counters because they won't lay down on them.  Rockee's a great camper too, not falling over on a picnic table. Going to Grandma's is a special treat!  Get a Rockee!

So Cool, So Fun, So perfect for Dad!

It's new and it is from HeadBlade!  ATX - All Terrain Razor has a multi-blade technology with a flow through designed.  It makes head shaving easy and only takes a single pass.  Its a 4-blade lubricated cartridge razor.  The blade in the back gently drags along the scalp so it reduces the chance of a nick.  It works great on your face, body or legs!  Refill blade cartridges too! See a "How-to-Use Video on our Video page.

Saying good-bye to the ladies & 60's style of Mad Men!

Where did some of today's hot styles comes from?  They're top stylist's reimagining of 1960's styles, some of which is inspired by the ladies of Mad Men.  Even if you've never seen the series, you'll recognize the inspiration.  Career Girl Christina Hendricks, "Joan" with her fiery red updo's that gave way to a softer look as she climbed the ladder of success, Ice Queen January Jones (Betty) with her "well-groomed wife" looks, the trailblazing Elisabeth Moss, "Peggy" who grows up and changes her hair style with each promotion and lovely Megan Calvet "Jessica", the secretary turned trophy wife. We'll miss them and their nostalgic styles.

Winner! Kelley H., Yorktown, VA

Kelley won last week's Pravana Box of Beauty.  Her response, "Wow, awesome! I'm so excited. Thanks so much for the opportunity."  Thanks Kelley! and Congratulations.

A new brand...Johnny B

Johnny B. has been making authentic men's grooming products for the past 20 years.  They look, feel, smell and perform just as a man would want.  There is a product for every man style, including pomades, gel, spray and cream.  Johnny B also makes wonderful shave products.  Beauty Care Choices is proud to bring you this brand...and just in time for Father's Day!

Vacation Essentials

Vacation Essentials - all travel sizes are on sale during June

Summer vacation! You've saved and planned and dreamed of it all winter long. Now it's time to pack. What to bring, how much to bring, air travel restrictions, car space limitations, and length of the vacation all have to be considered as you spend the day (or the frantic hour before you leave) packing. Not withstanding the clothing, you also have to pack your hygiene and cosmetic products. Unfortunately you can't just throw your whole bathroom in a suitcase to take with you, so getting these right is just as important as what clothes to pack. So, let's try to sort out the essentials:

• Shampoo and conditioner. Chances are you will be out in the sunshine much of the time. Hair needs special care when exposed to UV rays, especially color-treated hair. It may also be much dryer than normal where you are going or have more humidity. So, unless your favorite products have UV protectants and special moisturizers, you might want to invest in products that do. Travel kit sizes of many of your favorite products are available, especially in summer. Brand new and exclusive to BCC is KMS Moist Repair Kit  or Color Vitality Kit which come in a black Clutch.  Each includes shampoo, conditioner, blow dry spray, hair spray and messing cream sachets.  Only $20!  If you use 100% vegan products, Pravana has introduced Nevo Travel Kit.  It's perfect with shampoo, conditioner and Intense Therapy leave-in. 
• Styling Products & Tools. You may have a shelf full of these from shine sprays to hair spray, so consider your activities and how you will wear your hair during your vacation. You certainly won't want to spend all your vacation primping, so the quick and easy version of your hair style will probably be best. If you are planning one "special night" out during the trip, consider treating yourself to the hotel salon rather than packing a lot of items you will only need once. Totally essential is the blow dryer and flat iron.  CHI makes a cordless flat iron with a 90 minute use before needing a re-charge.  How great is that!  As for a dryer, if you don't have a travel size, Amika makes a great one that has dual voltage and comes in it's own travel bag and includes a diffuser.
• Skin Care. Again, sun, chlorine, salt water, humidity, and even hotel air and vacation foods will play havoc with your skin. The first item in the bag should be an ultra-moisturizing body lotion with an SPF protection. Don't forget the lips. Jane Iredale's Lip Drink is a perfect choice.  Absolutely perfect for easy travel is LA Fresh products.  If you haven't seen them before, check it out.  Wipes to remove make-up, polish, cleanse and sooth.  They are inexpensive, so convenient and work great!
• Cosmetics. This is always the tough one. You want to look great, but with many weight and travel restrictions you have to make some choices. First, pull out your "everyday" items. These are items like your mascara, concealer or foundation. Then look to find dual function products, i.e. can your eye shadow function as the eye liner as well. If you must have extra colors, go with the lip pencils, shadows, and lipsticks that are lightweight and perhaps dual ended. Susan Posnick Cosmetics has a whole line of great dual purpose or multi-functional cosmetics you might want to check out.
• Hygiene. Of course you pack the toothbrush, toothpaste and a brush. P.S. Check out VioLife Slim Sonic Toothbrush in a mascara-type tube! AND for kids, there is the Rockee...it wobbles but it won't tip over so brush head doesn't end up on the counter.   Also consider a bar of your favorite soap or body wash. Most hotel soaps are drying or scented with a fragrance that you may not like. This also makes your skin feel more "at home" and less likely react to external changes.

Packing these items requires some special care.  Tape each item closed before packing it. There is nothing worse than opening your bag and finding lotion spilled all over everything. If you are shopping for a cosmetic bag, look for one with special compartments or pocket so items are easily separated. I also like Ziploc bags. Again, they insure if something does spill, it doesn't ruin everything else. Finally, remember, unless you are going far beyond human habitation there is always shopping! AND, most important Have Fun and Relax!

P.S. Beauty Care Choices Travel Sizes/Products page is perfect for finding everything you need.

June is Travel Month at BCC

This month we are featuring our travel size products, styling tools and other vacation essentials.  AND we've even got travel sizes of your favorite brands for FREE when you order the regular sizes or anything else you need from that brand.  How great is that!  No more trying to pour from a big bottle to a little travel size, TSA approved bottle.  You have just the right size and all clearly labeled!  Below is a list of all the brands and FREE products, plus the code to enter at check-out to get your free stuff.  If you are planning a trip, you can see all of our travel sizes and products by clicking here!

Brand	FREE Items	Code
Wella	Brilliance Shampoo & Conditioner	brilliance
Sebastian	Penetraitt Trilliance Shampoo & Conditioner	trilliance
Sebastian	Voulpt Trilliance Shampoo & Conditioner	voulpt
Redken	Curvaceous Shampoo & Conditioner	curvaceous
Dermalogica	Cheers Kit	Cheers
Maxtrix	Hydrasource Shampoo & Conditioner	hydrasource
KMS	Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner	kmsmoisture
KMS	Color Vitality Shampoo & Conditioner	kmscolor
Thermafuse	Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner	tfmoisture
Thermafuse	Color Shampoo & Conditioner	tfcolor
Thermafuse	Volume Shampoo & Conditioner	tfvolume
Nioxin	System 1 Shampoo & Conditioner	system1
Nioxin	System 3 Shampoo & Conditioner	system3
Nioxin	System 5 Shampoo & Conditioner	system5
Nioxin	System 6 Shampoo & Conditioner	system6
Joico	K-Pak Shampoo & Conditioner	joicogold
Joico	Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner	joicoblue
Joico	Color Endure Shampoo & Conditioner	joicored
CHI	Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner	chiargan
CHI	Pure Hydration Shampoo & Aqua Charge Conditioner	chiroyals