We rarely do reviews and giveaways for the mamás raising these bilingual and bicultural kids and I think it´s time to start changing that. Don´t you?

Earlier this year I found out that Salma Hayek had launched her own beauty line called Nuance, available exclusively at CVS/pharmacy locations, inspired by her abuelita in Veracruz, México – a Paris-trained cosmetologist. Something I’ve admired about Salma throughout her career is that she’s always stayed so connected to her roots and has gone out of her way to exalt Mexico’s virtues and to bring it’s traditions, arts, culture and beauty center stage. A prime example is the movie “Frida” which she starred and won an Oscar for, directed, produced and even made sure it was shot in Mexico. (Little bit of trivia: I was living in Mexico then and was actually an extra in the movie! I appear in a scene next to her for like 3 frames, but it was a blast!)

Now that she’s reached the over-40 stage and looks radiant, she’s decided to create her own beauty line and even dedicate it to her grandmother. I love this quote that’s on many of the skincare boxes:

“My line is inspired by my grandmother, who dedicated her life to keeping woman beautiful. My products are designed to help every woman enhance the nuances that define her individual beauty, and make my grandmother proud.”

If you keep reading the print on the boxes, you’ll find that many of the ingredients are exotic and regional to Mexico and South America, such as tepezcohuite, blue agave, nopal, and lime enzyme.

I recently attended an event in Los Angeles where I got to try many of the products and I can even admit that afterwards I found myself at a CVS/pharmacy looking for the eyeshadows, foundations and creams I had tested out! The prices are so great, products are paraben-free and I feel the shades were made just for my skin tone.

I asked if we could offer a giveaway to all of you deserving moms to pamper yourself a bit and try out this fantastic beauty line with over 100 products, and the answer was an enthusiastic YES!

The Giveaway!

Check out what will be in the Nuance Salma Hayek one of you will be lucky enough to win!

Swag Bag Goodies (total retail value of approximately $105.00):

• Nuance Salma Hayek Shea Butter Shampoo: $7.99
• Nuance Salma Hayek Shea Butter Conditioner: $7.99
• Nuance Salma Hayek Nail Lacquer (5 colors): $5.99/each
• Nuance Salma Hayek AM/PM Anti-Aging Super Cream: $19.99
• Nuance Salma Hayek Anti-Aging Smooth & Firm Elixir: $19.99
• Nuance Salma Hayek My Secret Super Brightening Hand Cream: $9.99
• Nuance Salma Hayek Style & Finish Firm Hold Hairspray: $9.99
• Nuance Salma Hayek My Secret Super Moisturizing Body Cream – Sample size with $2 off coupon
• Nuance Salma Hayek Flawless Finish Liquid Foundation – Sample size with $2 off coupon

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Beauty. Belleza. No matter which language you say it in, the word has the power to conjure up some strong emotions and memories which are particular to each individual’s own past experiences. Some of those memories may be full of happiness and self-confidence – a first crush who returned your smile, un besito, the admiring expressions of family members at your quinceñera or on your wedding day. However most women have just as many memories that bring about feelings of self-consciousness – unkind words that were said to us – (gorda, flaca, o lo que sea), or unfavorable comparisons that were made between ourselves and someone else.

The shocking thing is how early these experiences begin in a girl’s life. From a young age girls realize, though perhaps not consciously at first, that females are unfairly judged more on their physical appearance than anything else. When a girl realizes this, she has entered a state of self-consciousness that, para mejor o peor, will be difficult to shake for the rest of her life.

The people at Dove have run many campaigns in the past to deal with the way women view beauty and thus, themselves. Now Dove has a new Spanish-language initiative called “Mejor Hablemos,” – (“Let’s Talk.”)

According to Dove, “Six out of ten girls will stop doing things they love because they feel bad about their appearance” and “Only 11% of girls aged 10 to 17 feel comfortable using the word ‘beautiful’ to describe themselves.”– Please tell me I’m not the only one who finds this simultaneously heartbreaking and infuriating?

If these statistics bother you, let’s do something about it. Mejor hablemos. Dove is encouraging all mothers and mentors to young girls, (that’s you too, tía!), to simply start talking. You have the power to help the young girl in your life develop a positive relationship with beauty. You can affect her perspective on what it means to be beautiful, help her define it and herself before the media and the world we live in do it first.

Visit Dove’s Vive Mejor website for materials to help you get started.

Disclosure: This post is compensated in collaboration with Dove and Latina Bloggers Connect.

Considering how much help I need in the summer-care arena, I was thrilled to accept an invitation from Aveda, one of my favorite beauty brands, o learn more about their Summer Solutions and receive a complimentary consultation on hair, makeup, scent and skin care.  I really, really needed to hear their recommendations because a change in routine is definitely in order.

Aveda Scent

The first thing most people say about the Aveda stores and/or concept salon and spas is how amazing it smells in there.  The air is infused with all the natural oils and aromas they use in their products. They also have an extensive line they call Pure-fume which includes scented soy candles, essential oils, personalized perfumes and Chakra body mists.

Few people know that many years ago, when I lived in Mexico, I ran a small aromatherapy store in the mystical town of Tepoztlán.  Back in those–my hippie days–I was intro the chakras, Ayurveda, oils, cleanses, meditation, yoga, etc.  When the Aveda advisor showed me their line of Chakra body mists, complete with cards explaining the energy and properties of every chakra, I was immediately transported to those lighter days.

I closed my eyes and let my sense of scent choose which one of the seven Chakra aromas I was needing.  We chose #4–The Heart Chakra. Don´t we all always need a little Heart? I bought it and now my whole house smells like Heart.

Aveda Makeup

I used to be good with makeup and spend tons at it, but no more.  I always stick to very, very basics and cannot decide on one line I like that isn´t loaded with chemicals and isn´t over-the-top expensive.  I had been an Aveda hair care customer for years, but never ventured into their makeup line.  I was happy to put myself in expert hands and learn more about it and how to best apply it.

I was most concerned about finding a good foundation, concealer and eye shadows.  We found that my skin loves the Inner Light Mineral Light Foundation and concealer the best!  The foundation gives me just the coverage I want for day and I can make it stronger for nighttime just by wetting the sponge.  I also love that Aveda is conscious of  waste, so they sell responsible packaging compacts that you can reuse and refill whenever your shadows or foundations run out! That also helps keep the price of the foundation reasonable at $22.50.

Aveda Skin Care

My new Aveda skin care ritual

Our skin is our largest organ. Did you know that? Sure you did. But, how often are you conscious of what you put on it?  Think about it this way, what goes on your skin should also be able to go in your mouth. Disgusting, right?

Aveda is committed to creating products that are plant and flower based so they are as good in you as they are on you.  Loving their philosophy and commitment to it, I am now sold on their Enbrightement skin care line.  My years as a sun-worshiper are finally showing in the forms of discoloration and sun spots on my face. The Enbrightenment line was suggested by my Aveda advisor to improve my skin´s clarity and reduce sun spots. Apparently, I should start to see results in two weeks if I use it night and day!

Aveda Hair Care

Ah, my hair!  One year it´s straight, the other it´s curly, then it´s long, then short..but always a shade of brown!  Four years ago, when I was pregnant with Camila, I had lowlights on my hair and the only products I trusted to apply on my scalp were Aveda´s.  Since then, I´ve been a fan of their Be Curly products and now, thanks to my advisor´s suggestion, am using their Smooth Infusion Style Prep, just happens to be one of their most popular products.

I also learned that the Aveda Sun Care Hair products can help protect my hair from the chlorine, salt and sweat build up that comes with summer-fun, while also giving it a water-resistant UV shield. Oh, and how conveniently cool and practical is the Hair and Body Cleanser (pictured above)?

The Aveda Glow & Secret Word

And this, my friends, is my Aveda Glow

If you want to try the Aveda goodness for yourself, go into your local Aveda store location, mention the secret word “11Summer” and receive a free Aveda sample.

The Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the winner:  Brittney!

Revitalize damaged hair instantly with the power of plants. A powerful plant-based hair care system formulated to protect and help repair even the most overstressed tresses: Damage Remedy™ Restructuring Shampoo, Restructuring Conditioner and Daily Hair Repair are clinically proven to instantly repair hair damage.

Aveda will send one lucky winner the following prizes (ARV: $72):

• One (1) 8.5 fl oz Damage Remedy™ Restructuring Shampoo (USD $24)
• One (1) 6.7 fl oz Damage Remedy™ Restructuring Conditioner (USD $24)
• One (1) 3.4 fl oz. Damage Remedy™ Daily Hair Repair (USD $24)

To enter all you have to do is visit the website (Aveda.com/video), watch a “How To” video, then come back to this post and leave a comment letting us know one thing you learned from the video.

That’s all you have to do to enter this giveaway. If you want to up your chances at winning, this is how you can get additional entries (only after you’ve completed the step above):

**Please leave a separate comment for each so we can count them and avoid mistakes.

1.Tweet the following: “I just learned how to ___________________ with @Aveda and couldn’t be more excited! #AvedaSS”

2. Subscribe to receive blog updates and subscriber-only content via email and leave us an extra comment letting us know you did so or that you’re already a subscriber. Make sure to leave the comment using the same email you subscribed with.

3. Like SpanglishBaby on Facebook and join a thriving community of parents.

This giveaway ends Tuesday, June 21 at midnight PST and is open to U.S. residents over 18 years of age.  Check out the Giveaway Rules.

Disclosure:  I have been compensated to experience the Aveda products and tell you about it, as well as to host a local event.  All opinions are my own.  Nothing makes us happier than to work with brands we already know and use.