Each winner received the following: m + h Manicure/Pedicure, Cut + Color, Makeup Application, and a goodie bag filled with our favorite milk + honey products.

Arboretum Market Winner
Tabitha (entered by her employer Lisa)

Tabitha has been my chairside dental assistant for the past four years. She is a very hard worker who has a very positive and friendly personality. She has a smile and laugh that puts our patients at ease (something not too easy to do at a dental office).

Tabitha is the mother of five kids all under the age of 10. She and her husband are raising his, hers and their kids. These kids are pretty amazing too. They are polite and sweet, and extremely well behaved in public. They are her number one priority, and it shows in the kids!

How she manages to come to work each day smiling and happy to be here is amazing! Knowing that when she leaves work each day she has food to prepare, homework to help with, kids to bathe, etc., she is just getting started with the rest of her day at 4 p.m. She’s really a neat person who I respect and admire, and oddly enough, I am old enough to be her mother! If there is anyone in this town who deserves a day of pampering at milk + honey, it is Tabitha!

These CosMedix products are available at milk + honey and our online store.

Hydrate + (Daily Moisturizer SPF 17)
This light, daily antioxidant moisturizer hydrates the skin while helping to protect it from sun exposure. With an advanced zinc oxide and natural antioxidant formula, Hydrate + provides exceptional UV protection without irritating synthetic chemicals.This light, daily antioxidant moisturizer hydrates the skin while helping to protect it from sun exposure. With an advanced zinc oxide and natural antioxidant formula, Hydrate + provides exceptional UV protection without irritating synthetic chemicals.

Serious Protection (SPF 28 Sunscreen)
Whereas most conventional sunscreens only protect against surface, sun-burning UVB light, Serious Protection’s guard extends to deeper skin layers vulnerable to photoaging. Containing a non-irritating, chemical-free, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide formula, this broad spectrum solution effectively shields against both UVA and UVB light to keep skin naturally safe.

Reflect (SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen)
Reflect offers broad spectrum SPF 30 protection in a non-irritating, oil-free formula. Combining micronized titanium dioxide—nature’s own sunscreen—with two skin-specific antioxidants, Reflect provides lightweight UV protection on the go – perfect to throw in your gym bag.

Sun Smart Skin from the Esthetician’s Point of View
By Victoria Wigg, LME CosMedix

Through the ages, having a sun tan has gone from being undesirable to being a show of status. However, as we better understand the damage caused to our DNA from overexposure to ultraviolet light, we recognize the danger behind the beauty of sun-bronzed skin.

Every time we step into the sun, we battle three different waves of ultraviolet light—UVA, UVB and UVC. While UVB is the wave responsible for tanned skin and sunburns, all three, in excess, damage the skin. This damage can range from premature wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and the breakdown of elasticity to DNA damage and even skin cancer. While the effects sometimes take years to show up, many experts believe the majority of damage occurs in the first twenty years of life. Fortunately, by utilizing proven ingredients daily, you can help prevent and reverse many of the signs of trauma.

Sunscreen is a critical part of skin protection. There are certain factors to look for when choosing a sunscreen. For instance, is the active ingredient mineral or chemical-based? Common chemical forms include avobenzone (parsol 1789), octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, ecamule (Mexoryl SX), homosalate, Padimate A and Padimate O. In contrast, there are only two mineral sunscreens approved by the FDA—titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun’s rays, while mineral sunscreens reflect them away from the skin. For this reason, many skin professionals today recommend the mineral form, which is also available in certain mineral makeup.

When it comes to combating the signs of damage, antioxidants are essential. UV overexposure often creates free radical cascades where highly unstable molecules with unpaired electrons tax the body. Antioxidants help relieve this stress by sacrificing an electron to neutralize the free radical threat. Look for tetrahydrocurcumonoids, oat glucan, D-alpha tocopherol, tocomin, astaxanthin, gluconolactone, and my favorite, L-superoxide dismutase, when comparing products. Other reparative ingredients to consider include aminoguanidine, aloe vera, copper complex and niacinamide.

Restorative treatments, like exfoliating facials, chemical peels, intense pulsed light and laser treatments, work to correct past damage. Effective corrective ingredients include vitamin A, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, azelaic acid, arbutin, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), cassia beta glycan and epidermal growth factors.

Despite the effectiveness of today’s treatments, it is still much easier to protect the skin than to reverse the signs of damage. Using proper sunscreen, avoiding the sun at the highest point of the day—11 a.m. to 3 p.m.—wearing a large brim hat and using an umbrella are sensible ways to enjoy the sunshine and soak up a little vitamin D without reaping all of the negative benefits of UV exposure. For existing sun damage, see a licensed skin professional for a complete analysis of your skin and recommendations on how to correct it.

Each winner will receive the following: m + h Manicure/Pedicure, Cut + Color, Makeup Application, and a goodie bag filled with our favorite milk + honey products.

Stay tuned for before and after pictures of all of our winners.

Our Three Winners
2nd Street District Winner
Roberta (entered by her daughter Charla)

My mom raised me and my three brothers by herself. As a single mother, my mom was never able to experience luxuries like facials, pedicures, manicures and massages. Instead, my mom was working full time and sacrificing in order to provide us with the best life possible.

Currently, my mom is going through a tough divorce and is in a bit of a funk. She doesn’t feel like getting out and meeting new people and experiencing new things. It has a lot to do with her feeling negative about herself. This makeover would be a great way to boost her self esteem and give her the push she needs to enter into her new life.

I owe everything to my mom and she deserves a makeover that would make her feel as special as she is.

Hill Country Galleria Winner
Betty (entered by her son Rudy)

If there is anyone who deserves this great gift from milk + honey, it’s surely my mother. For the past three years, my mom has lovingly (without complaint) taken care of my father who has been diagnosed with heart, kidney and knee problems. His mobility has been compromised and is currently having to perform dialysis on a daily basis from home. The entire time during these events, my mom smiles and always puts her best foot forward for our family. She’s beyond tired, but simply won’t show it.

A makeover from milk + honey would be an absolute treat for her and she would appreciate it beyond words. It’s the simple things that make her happy, and for this Mother’s Day, she deserves for the world to know how great she is. Her outlook is always positive and to this day, she still inspires me by her actions and words. I want her to feel as beautiful on the outside as she is on the inside… if that’s even possible.

Even if she doesn’t win this contest, it feels good telling someone else how wonderful she is.

Thank you mom.

Arboretum Market Winner
Tabitha (entered by her employer Lisa)

Tabitha has been my chairside dental assistant for the past four years. She is a very hard worker who has a very positive and friendly personality. She has a smile and laugh that puts our patients at ease (something not too easy to do at a dental office).

Tabitha is the mother of five kids all under the age of 10. She and her husband are raising his, hers and their kids. These kids are pretty amazing too. They are polite and sweet, and extremely well behaved in public. They are her number one priority, and it shows in the kids!

How she manages to come to work each day smiling and happy to be here is amazing! Knowing that when she leaves work each day she has food to prepare, homework to help with, kids to bathe, etc., she is just getting started with the rest of her day at 4 p.m. She’s really a neat person who I respect and admire, and oddly enough, I am old enough to be her mother! If there is anyone in this town who deserves a day of pampering at milk + honey, it is Tabitha!

Thank you again to every one who participated. It is always wonderful to see the community come together and help out.

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Feeling blue? Well, you should and it has nothing to do with April showers. milk + honey spa 2nd Street District is proud to join forces with other area businesses for the campaign Autism Speaks, the world’s largest Autism science and advocacy organization, in its Light It Up Blue campaign.

During the month of April, milk + honey will donate $5 to Autism Speaks for each blue manicure or pedicure our clients receive.

Our m + h Manicure or Pedicure, Lux Manicure or Pedicure, and our Seasonal Orange Blossom Manicure or Pedicure are all eligible for this offer. Ladies, don’t worry, we have plenty of wonderful shades of blue for you to look your best.

The Light It Up Blue campaign is to raise awareness for Autism and to help Austinites identify, support, and include those with Autism in our community.

Please check out other local businesses who are also helping raise awareness for Autism.

Indiana is representing Austin in the Mrs. Texas Pageant. When it was time for a waxing, she knew who to call. In her post “And one time my friends staged an intervention…” she talks about her nose hair troubles, including being a recipient of a nose hair trimmer from a boyfriend. Here is an excerpt …

This morning I had my first set of Mrs. Austin headshots taken, and on Wednesday night I was horrified to notice that, once again, my nose hairs were out of control. Thankfully, yesterday morning, the dear folks at Milk + Honey Spa squeezed me in for an early appointment, and believe it or not, but I fell in love with nose hair waxing even more!

Read the rest of the Adored Austin article here.

For all of your waxing needs, call 512.236.1115 and view our full milk + honey spa Waxing Menu. There are also a limited number of waxing treatments available at SALON by milk + honey.

A rejuvenating collection of anti-aging products for more youthful-looking skin.
Get ready to transform your skin like never before. Discover Results features four all-time CosMedix bestsellers proven to visibly renew and protect the skin’s appearance. This daily regimen uses highly purified natural ingredients that work with the skin to smooth, hydrate and brighten without irritation. Gentle enough for all skin types and concerns.

Discover Results includes:
*Benefit Clean: this gentle cleanser calms and protects the skin while aggressively targeting harmful free radicals. Net Wt. 100ml
*Defy: using three natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), Defy gently exfoliates for a smooth, more youthful finish. Net Wt. 30g
*Pure C: this unique Vitamin C powder mixes with any cream or serum to help brighten and firm the skin’s appearance. Net Wit. 8g
*Hydrate +: this light, daily antioxidant moisturizer hydrates the skin and shields it from sun exposure. Net Wt. 30g

Kim loves absolutely everything having to do with skin care, from the ingredients and how they affect the skin to the healing aspects of the spa.

Her favorite beauty tip is that beauty is from the inside out, let your inner light shine through and you will glow. Also use vitamin E oil and an oat + honey scrub weekly, this will help your inner shine.

Make an appointment with Kim to have her help your inner beauty shine through at Hill Country Galleria, 512.236.1115.

Krystal has been a licensed stylist since 2002. She has made her mark in the styling business. Starting as an apprentice in Denver, Krystal has mastered the art of Aveda cuts, colors, and makeup applications. She has participated in several fashion shows and fundraising events, as well as becoming an educator. She is highly talented in listening to her clients wants and needs, creating a modern twist on classic looks. Krystal has been an educator for several product lines as well as developing a sought after apprentice program in Colorado. When she is not behind the chair, you can find her exploring her new home in Austin! Krystal is located at our Arboretum salon.

Stop by SALON by milk + honey Arboretum Market for a quick consultation or call us to set up an appointment, 512.236.1115.

Maximum Poten-C
Getting the Most out of Vitamin C

It’s no secret that vitamin C is a skincare powerhouse. From fighting harmful free radicals to creating a visibly brighter appearance, the topical benefits of this super-nutrient have been proven many times over. However, despite its myriad uses, vitamin C nevertheless poses a challenge for skincare companies. Its hydrophilic nature means it degrades quickly in aqueous solutions—an Achilles heel for an industry dominated by liquid and cream-based products.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C reduces the oxidative damage to cells (including skin cells) by neutralizing free radicals in the body. It’s also required for the conversion of procollagen to collagen—the protein group responsible for the skin’s structural integrity. While most vitamin C comes from dietary sources, its benefits are diffused throughout the body when taken internally. Topical application more directly affects the skin—but only if a substantial concentration reaches the desired location without degrading.

For most skincare brands, some degree of degradation is an acceptable—even inevitable—part of product development. Customers expect serums, creams and lotions, and meeting these expectations—even at the cost of ingredient integrity—is often easier (and cheaper) than offering potent alternatives that challenge customer perceptions. However, despite such challenges, one company has done just that.

CosMedix has built a reputation for rethinking the way products are packaged and even delivered to the skin. From molecular purification to cutting-edge ingredient encapsulation, the Atlanta-based company has developed novel ways of solving skincare’s biggest challenges. Their answer to the problem of vitamin C takes advantage of a purification technology that allows the synthesis of vitamin C into its purest powder form.

Made of 100 percent, pure L-Ascorbic Acid, in a unique, crystal form, Pure C preserves this key nutrient’s potency for maximum effect. The result is a highly concentrated powder that mixes with any serum or cream to dramatically enhance its brightening, antioxidant and anti-aging benefits. By delaying liquid interaction until the moment of application, Pure C sidesteps the issue of prolonged breakdown within a liquid formula to deliver the highest concentration of vitamin C possible to the skin.

As a powder, Pure C also allows users to incorporate vitamin C into their existing regimens. For instance, a person battling hyperpigmentation might mix it with a brightening serum, like Simply Brilliant, for added spot reduction. Someone concerned with premature aging might add several crystals to a firming serum or exfoliating cream, like Affirm or Serum 16 respectively.

By combining maximum potency with user customization, it’s no wonder that Pure C is a perennial bestseller. For CosMedix, the success of its innovative vitamin powder is proof positive that thinking outside of the box—or bottle—pays off.

milk + honey is proud to announce their Mother’s Day Makeover Contest. Your mom (or mother figure) deserves to be treated like a queen, and that is exactly what milk + honey will do.

Three winners will be chosen to receive a head-to-toe makeover.

We had such a great time with our Mother’s Day Makeover last year (check out winners Robin, Mary Lisa, and Rebecca), we can’t wait to do it again.

Mother’s Day Makeover winner Nanette from 2011.

milk + honey’s Mother’s Day Makeover winners will receive the following: m + h Manicure/Pedicure, Cut + Color, Makeup Application, and a goodie bag filled with our favorite milk + honey products. We want to know why your mom should be selected. Fill out of form below by Thursday May 9, and winners will be announced Friday May 10.

The contest is closed. Thank you to everyone who entered. Click here to see the winners.

Brandy moved to back to Austin in June of 2012, but has always considered Austin “home” since she has moved back and forth between here and her hometown of Ft. Worth Texas.

Brandy has been a licensed stylist since 2002 but feels like she had been a stylist since birth. She feels hair is her medium and found out very quickly that she could never see herself doing anything else. She loves continuing education and has been a licensed instructor since 2010. She has taught at Ogle Hair School Aveda, and is a gold key Kevin.Murphy educator.

Her favorite beauty tip that she tells her daughters everyday: Do not pull on your face skin. Your skin is like a rubber band. The more you wear it out the looser it becomes.

Stop by SALON by milk + honey Hill Country Galleria for a quick consultation or call us to set up an appointment, 512.236.1115.

We’re hosting another Peel Party. This is a great way to be introduced to the power of the peel. We are featuring our Pomegranate Brightening treatment. Our talented estheticians will treat you to an informative skin analysis and a customized 20-minute peel. This exfoliating treatment is perfect for first peel clients and peel pros alike. It gently eliminates dead skin cells leaving skin with a polished, smooth texture and a bright fresh appearance. Reserve your spot today for $50. This price includes our Pomegranate Brightening treatment (regularly $95) and a $15 credit towards CosMedix products. (Peel and credit must be redeemed at the party. Cancellation policy applies.) For every $50 in CosMedix products you spend, you will receive a gift with purchase!

Expert Esthetician Rikki Stevens from CosMedix will be on hand to conduct consultations and discuss skin care regimes for all skin types. We will also have sparkling wine and some sweet treats. Peel Parties are always better with friends, so pass the word around. Call 512.236.1115 to reserve your spot now.

Shelly moved to Austin in 2006 and fell in love with the city. She left briefly to experience Seattle but quickly realized Austin was her home.

Shelly has an extensive background in the cosmetic/skin care industry. While she was in Seattle she obtained her Estheticians license. Shelly feels the role of Makeup Artist is a natural compliment to her skill set. She really enjoys the transformation process of enhancing someone’s natural features without masking them. Shelly is a strong believer that a makeup application done expertly can take a faint image and bring it into beautiful focus.

Come see Shelly at our 2nd Street District salon at 100A Guadalupe Street on Saturdays or call 512.236.1115 to make an appointment during the week!

This book includes over 30 key stretches for common areas of tightness and tension. It is also color coded by body region with clear photographs and simple instructions and includes answers to frequently asked questions about muscles and stretching.

This compact and complete guide to stretching has been designed for EVERY body, by providing support in creating and maintaining a general stretching program. Written by John Gifford, owner of Motionwise, and provider of massage and hands-on muscle care for over 24 years. He also has extensive training and certification in Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy and Exercise Therapy . The small size makes it easy to integrate into your lifestyle…throw it in a gym bag, purse or desk drawer.

21 Blends. 21 Solutions.

From Headache to Heartache, 21 Drops has pioneered the modern experience in Aromatherapy.

Cary Caster, Clinical Aromatherapist and founder of 21 Drops, has captured the proven and incredibly effective powers of natural essential oils and made them relevant for customers in today’s world.

Each of 21 Drops essential oil blends treats a particular concern or aspiration, empowering our customers to Feel Better. Be Better.

These 21 Blends set a new standard in Aromatherapy with 100% natural, therapeutic grade essential oils, each carefully tested for purity and effectiveness.

An instant poof in a jar! To give yourself the bedroom look, you can just sprinkle a few taps of POWDER.PUFF onto the roots of your hair and ‘hey presto’ you have the bedroom look when you need it.

POWDER.PUFF is also great for short hair. To create a messy casual volume, gently tap a few shakes on the hair that you want body on, and the powder morphs into a product that holds

Product Features
- Creates Volume
- Dry Matte Texture
- Weightless
- Metamorphosis Product

How to use
Shake to create! Sprinkle onto damp or dry hair at the roots to create volume and texture.

Wouldn’t it be nice to end every active week with an intense deep-tissue massage to help ease your muscles? But since we can’t always spring for a trip to the spa, here’s what we can do — use a foam roller! You may have seen people in the gym foam rolling and think it’s just for serious athletes or gym rats, but that’s not the case. There are many reasons why massaging out the tight knots in muscles is an important part of your workout routine, even if you already stretch regularly. Why..? The foam roller not only stretches muscles and tendons but it also breaks down soft tissue adhesions and scar tissue. By using your own body weight and a cylindrical foam roller you can perform a self-massage or myofascial release, break up trigger points, and soothe tight fascia while increasing blood flow and circulation to the soft tissues. No matter how much you stretch, the build up of fascia that creates muscle knots that won’t go away, which can lead to many different problems. The more regularly you use a foam roll on your tight muscles, the less painful it’ll be.

Benefits of foam rolling:

- Helps prevent common injuries. One of the most important reasons for a regular foam-rolling routine is to prevent those often too common exercise-related injuries. Many runners, for example, become painfully well acquainted with their IT band if they don’t take care to massage the band of tissue. IT band syndrome and other similar flare-ups can be caused by too-tight muscles. Foam rolling every day ensures you are massaging away fascia buildup in your muscles, in order to help prevent those areas from becoming injury trigger points.

- Helps you de-stress. Had a hard day? Foam roll your worries away. Digging for those knots “releases tension that is built up in the connective tissue to keep you less stressed,” says Tim. He recommends a simple all-over body routine in order to combat the “desk posture blues” that happen from sitting too long in the office.

-Keeps you flexible. Building up your flexibility is key for any fitness routine, Tim says, which means you constantly should be stretching and doing exercises that’ll help you gain flexibility. Stretches that lengthen your hip flexors, for example, can help combat tightness from sitting as well as lower back pain.

To purchase a gift certificate or schedule an appointment, go to our Specials page, or call 512.236.1115.

Orange Blossom Steam + Scrub + Massage
This house-made sweet citrus treat uses raw organic sugar to exfoliate the skin, and fresh grated orange zest, neroli essential oil, and ground chamomile to calm inflammation. Followed by a 45-minute massage with warm oil, you’ll leave warm, soft, and glowing!
75 minutes for $140.

Orange Blossom Manicure + Pedicure
Put some spring into your step. With our refreshing Orange Blossom Manicure + Pedicure you’ll be sandal-ready and refreshed for the sunny months ahead, plus all the goodies included in our Lux Combo.
Manicure - 40 minutes for $45.
Pedicure - 60 minutes for $65.
Combo – 100 minutes for $95.

milk + honey loves to give you the variety of the seasons with our Seasonal Treatments. There are four to choose from throughout the year, each available for three months. If you purchase a Seasonal Scrub + Steam + Massage gift certificate and miss your opportunity to use it within that three-month time period, don’t worry. Another seasonal treatment is available and just as wonderful as the last.

Again, to purchase a gift certificate or schedule an appointment, go to our Specials page, or call 512.236.1115.

Here is a portion of the news article:

As soon as I was ready (and juggling a camera and an iPad…my spa experiences for the Austinot are a bit odd), I was ushered into the luxurious dressing room. I traded in some of my equipment for a large robe and those uni-sized spa flip flops that we all love, and I made my way into the lounge area.

Milk + Honey’s large lounge could be a destination all on its own. I honestly wish I could’ve spent more time decompressing there. With a wealth of cushioned bench seating, decorative pillows and shadowy lighting that signals nap time, you won’t mind waiting for a while either. Infused water, tea and healthy snacks like fruit and almonds are available as well.

To read the entire article, click here.

If you haven’t visited our new milk + honey flagship at 100A Guadalupe Street, do so today, we’d be happy to give you a tour.

During the month of April, milk + honey will donate $5 to Autism Speaks for each blue manicure or pedicure our clients receive.

Our m + h Manicure or Pedicure, Lux Manicure or Pedicure, and our Seasonal Orange Blossom Manicure or Pedicure are all eligible for this offer. Ladies, don’t worry, we have plenty of wonderful shades of blue for you to look your best.

The Light It Up Blue campaign is to raise awareness for Autism and to help Austinites identify, support, and include those with Autism in our community.

Please check out other local businesses who are also helping raise awareness for Autism.