Over the recent holiday season, Sanítas Skincare and a number of spas near its Denver headquarters collected dolls for children in need. The beneficiary was Dolls for Daughters, a charity founded by Jennifer Bachus in 2007 after her daughter Kenzi was stillborn. In tribute, Bachus collects dolls each holiday season for area shelters such as Samaritan House, Denver Children’s Home, The Gathering Place and SafeHouse Denver.

“It’s important during the holidays to remember the less fortunate, especially children. Seeing their little faces light up and helping to bring some happiness to their lives is so rewarding,” says Lisa M. Crary, CEO of Sanítas. “We were delighted to support Dolls for Daughters and provide 150 dolls to Denver-area children in need. We look forward to being able to donate even more dolls next holiday season.”

Sanítas accepted doll donations at its Training Institute, as well as through Simply Moore, Urban Escape Day Spa, The Retreat Specialty Skincare, Beau Visage Skin Care & Spa and Accent Beauty Unisex Skincare Salon. Each donor received a Sanítas skincare product as a thank-you.

Aveda makes consciousness the new chic during the New York City shows.

While the catwalks inside Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week touted the latest looks for fall this month, Aveda worked hard backstage and on the streets of New York City to promote global issues that never go out of style: the need for clean drinking water and the importance of reducing waste.

The earth-friendly skin- and haircare company set up six water fountains throughout Manhattan during Fashion Week that served up New York City tap water, rated among the cleanest in the nation.

The effort was dubbed “Aveda CatWalks for Water.” In partnership with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, it raised awareness about clean water issues and encouraged the use of reusable bottles to reduce plastic waste. “New York City has some of the highest quality drinking in the world,â€� says Cas Holloway, commissioner for the city’s Environmental Protection department. “It’s important to take advantage of this invaluable resource during Fashion Week and to promote clean, high-quality drinking water and the investment it takes to maintain our system.â€�

Aveda also provided limited-edition reusable aluminum water bottles to designers, models, makeup artists and others working backstage. Aveda first began providing reusable water bottles at Fashion Week in 2008. Since then, it’s saved more than 7,500 plastic bottles from landfills.

Five fashion labels teamed with the company to make this year’s efforts even greener. The houses of John Patrick Organic, Jason Wu, Christian Siriano (left), Sophie Théallet and Rodarte advocated recycling, responsible eating and environmental kindness during fashion’s biggest show.

All participating designers replaced bottled water with New York City tap water and handed out the limited-edition EarthLust Aveda reusable bottles (autographed by the designers); eliminated the use of fur in shows and retail sales; served organic or locally-sourced food to models, stylists, makeup artists, and production staff backstage; and printed all show invitations and programs on post-consumer recycled paper.

Aveda’s Catwalks for Water program was a precursor to the company’s 2010 Earth Month initiative, which aims to raise $3.5 million during the month of April to protect clean water. It calls on governments small and large to take strategic local and global action to protect waterways, empower communities and help make clean water accessible to everyone. To date, Aveda has raised more than $14 million for environmental causes through its’ annual Earth Month campaigns.

For more information on any of the company’s green programs, visit aveda.com/aboutaveda.

You don’t need us to tell you that Valentine’s Day provides one of the biggest opportunities all year for imaginative packages and promotions. Chocolate, roses and champagne alone account for a good number of February-favored treatments, and when you add in the possibility for guests and their significant others to experience services at the same time, that’s twice as nice.

Here’s a selection of what some spas across the country are planning for this romantic—and hopefully profitable—weekend. Forget a Valentine: If you don’t have a Cupid-themed specials menu yet, take a cue from these facilities.

• The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida, is offering a 70-minute private workshop called Harmonize: The Art of the Couple’s Massage. The $190 experience helps duos learn the correct techniques for at-home usage.
• Offered through February 25, The Chocolate Spa-Sampler at The Spa at The Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania, combines a cocoa massage and bath with either a polish or sugar scrub. The three-hour experience costs $196.
• The 24K Gold Facial at Spa Réveil in Austin, Texas, promotes a youthful glow at a discounted Valentine’s Day price during the month of February of $150.
• A few hours away, V Spa at Hilton Anatole in Dallas will feature a number of special services, including the Champagne and Roses Facial (50 min.$110) and the Touch of Love Massage (50 min./$105 or $210 per couple). Both treatments include a glass of champagne.
• 800 West Salon & Spa in Marlton, New Jersey, celebrates Valentine’s Day with a spa party for clients that includes wine, cheese, shopping, manis/pedis and makeup application. The event can be the celebration, or it can be prep for another night out.

The torch of this year’s Winter Olympics has made its way to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, for tonight’s opening ceremonies. However, the head office of Éminence Organic Skin Care in Vancouver began celebrating earlier this month. Armed with Éminence’s Champagne Mimosa Body Oil—already a shade of gold itself—employees made their way to the rooftop of their office earlier this month and toasted to the global games that are taking place in their hometown.

The Olympics were not the only cause for celebration. Éminence is the official skincare sponsor for Mercedes Nicoll, a snowboarding champion who’s a member of the women’s Canada Snowboard National Team for this year’s Games. Éminence created a personalized skincare routine for Nicoll so she can tackle nature’s obstacles and go for the gold in this year’s events.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of this exciting time in Vancouver’s history,â€� says Meaghan Cochrane with Éminence. She added that the company believes that this is the opportunity to show the world what they’ve always known: “Vancouver is one of the most amazing places on earth and the reason why we call it home.â€� —Stephanie Flores

In the cold winter months, clients often look for a quick fix to revive thirsty, ragged skin. And during this slow season, adding value to services is a surefire way to bring in guests who are reluctant to leave their warm, cozy nests.

One easy way to do it is to offer paraffin hand and foot treatments in your spa. You can add them to regular manicures and pedicures for no additional cost, enticing those clients intrigued by the warming component. You could also use them to promote services such as makeup application or hairstyling for a little something extra. Plus, paraffin on its own can bring in your clients’ better halves this Valentine’s Day; men warm to melted wax as a hand treatment quite well.

What also boosts paraffin during these bleak months are its romantic scent options. Manufacturers such as clean + easy, The Industry Source, Universal Companies and Vivant Pharmaceuticals offer varieties such as Dulce de Leche, Peachy Vanilla and Pomegranate Berry.

It’s also easier than ever to keep paraffin services safe and sanitary. Rather than prompting clients to dip their hands into a common pot of wax, you can apply it in strips or line a plastic bag with product to surround hands and feet with moisture. Companies such as Therabath Paraffin Products and Spa Revolutions also offer systems that allow estheticians to insert paraffin into warm mitts and booties, which provide additional heat and comfort. —Allison Rost

Photo: Hannah Ross; Product Styling: Cristen Wilson

While the Minnesota Vikings didn’t make it to the Super Bowl, Ivy Spa Club in Minneapolis still anticipates a large influx of football widows this coming Sunday. To prepare for a Super Bowl Sunday of a different variety, the facility’s January Football Escape Sundays are being taken to the next level.

Between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on February 7, guests can receive special pricing on the 50-minute Ivy Signature Massage, Ivy Signature Facial, or Ivy Signature Manicure and Pedicure for $85 each. The party will also include refreshments—as any Super Bowl gathering does—and opportunities to win spa prices, such as Ivy Spa Club T-shirts, memberships and gift sets.

“Some of us love the Super Bowl, some of us watch for the commercials, and others would rather be at the spa,” says owner Pam Margolis. “Ivy Spa Club’s Super Bowl Escape offers the latter a fun alternative to football viewing while still taking advantage of a day to relax, unwind and indulge.”

“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a [killer] red lipstick.” —Gwyneth Paltrow

No one can really go wrong with a rouge-colored lipstick.This month, Robanda is making this most popular of shades a symbol for heart health—and helping women in the process.

In an effort to encourage healthy living, the company is raising money for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign throughout the month of February.

A portion of the proceeds from sales of Bodyography’s Red China Lipstick and the Marilyn Monroe Signature Collection Hairbrushes will be donated to the cause.

Go Red for Women uses the color red as a symbol for heart disease, a leading killer of women around the world.

For more information or to purchase these products, visit robanda.com.

A wellness-minded eco retreat draws clients and sponsors to Malibu canyon.

In these hard-pressed economic times, spa-goers aren’t booking weeklong wellness retreats like they used to. Heck, they’re not even scheduling their regular services as frequently, according to many spa owners we’ve talked to.

But they still want to feel good and live a healthy life. Figuring out innovative ways to help them do that—and build loyalty for your business—is a valuable skill to hone.

One spa owner took a risk on a daylong spa retreat—keeping things regional cuts costs and promotes green practices—to attract new clients and entice existing ones. It was booked solid.

“It was a gamble, but one worth taking,” says Randi Ragan, owner of Green Bliss EcoSpa. “In a time of economic uncertainty, it was a way to forge creative partnerships with other businesses that fall under the big tent of wellness.”

The event, held in Malibu, California, on January 16, was billed as a “New Year’s Renewal Retreat,” which focused on showcasing wellness principles clients could easily implement. Fitness, nutrition, green-lifestyle and spa professionals gave workshops on meditation, ayurvedic cooking and feng shui design. YogaWorks led two group classes. And Green Bliss therapists provided organic facials, body and foot massages, manicures and pedicures. All products used in treatments were green, including those from Eminence Organic Skin Care, Zoya and Yoga Balm.

The wellness industry is like a tight-knit family. Regular spa clients are also likely interested in healthy eating, exercise and at least a little curious about how to live a greener lifestyle. Bringing all of those elements together to educate guests can endear them to you and your spa.

“It’s all about trying to imagine new, unique and exciting ways to reach your audience and grow your brand,” Ragan says. ”I like that there isn’t one prescribed path, and that you’re only limited by your own imagination.”

Ragan is also a spa advisor, specializing in green practices. To learn more about staging retreats or greening your business, contact her at randi@greenblissecospa.com. —Heather Wood Rudulph