Aveda Environmental Lifestyle Store

Aubrey helped me out, and she was awesome. :)
I love the products, and the people who work here are always welcoming. Thanks to their samples, I was able to find things that didn’t upset my skin. And everything is environmentally savvy.

I’ve been in here a few times and wow is the staff awesome. They are super friendly, generous people who love their work and are extremely knowledgeable about the products yet not pushy. At the risk of being cheesy, I feel at home every time I enter the store. I absolutely love it here, and the ambiance has completely converted me to the Aveda brand.

Look at this I’m a dude writing a review for an Aveda Store. Well, skin care for men is important too. I don’t limit my product selection to the men’s section. Aah, but not just any store. The people at the store on 4^th Street in Berkeley are the greatest, most friendly and most knowledgable of skin and hair people I’ve engaged. I have to give a hands down «you are great» throwout to Penelope. I don’t like being partial, but she has gained my confidence and trust, so I do ask for her when I go. They sell natural and sensible products. I’m a pharmacist so I do pay attention to ingredients. The staff are astutely able to handle my queries. Aveda in Berkeley gets a five star rating from me, and that with great pleasure.

I’ve been coming to this store for years since I used to work around the block. Now I don’t work or live anywhere near there (well, Oakland but it’s not convenient to get there) but I still make sure to make my Aveda purchases here. The women that work here are wonderful and provide outstanding service. I’ve worked with Aubree a lot and she’s super nice. I just ordered some products over the phone for double points (no shipping charge!) and a woman named Sarah helped me and she was incredibly sweet as well. Excellent customer service is important to me. I have worked in customer service my whole career and it is hard work. I work hard at my job so I really appreciate good service when I am not working. THANKS LADIES OF AVEDA 4^th ST! YOU ALL ROCK!

This Aveda Berkeley store location is my go to for product even though I live in Marin as they have always been nice and helpful. The only thing I would suggest is… if you are a pure privilege member be sure you get your points! During my last visit the person assisting me «up sold me» to purchase 2 liters for 650 additional points. I bit and made a much bigger purchase then I intended to make. But then the sales lady didn’t remember to give me the extra points! Out of sight out of mind I guess. Not good. I have been calling and checking on-​line and still no points. Guess what I am saying is that if you are going to up-​sale then be sure to follow-​through on what you say to the customer! It’s been 4 weeks now and they said it should take up to 2 weeks for points to show up. I’m still calling and still following up. The points are important to me, that’s why I made such a big purchase. I shouldn’t have to do this additional follow-​up for points that should have been posted automatically.

Love the Aveda ladies here and have never had a bad experience. I’m not a big fan of this general shopping area since the people that tend to shop here are a bit, what’s the word I’m looking for… let’s say high-​end. Let’s just say I’m the hoi-​polloi in this crowd. I’m also not a huge fan of foofy hair products. But I LOVE aveda for my unruly, curly hair, and I love this shop and these ladies. They are super helpful and nice. One time I spent enough money (don’t judge me; I buy for the year) that I won a little mini-​spa party, and it was super fun and relaxing.
The products here are amazing, and the women are wonderful.

I just wanted to share with you my experience from yesterday’s Express Facial.
While all of the products used were nice and left my skin feeling quite lovely – I would hardly call what I experienced a ‘facial’. Express or not, every facial I have ever experienced took place in a quiet and relaxing environment, not in the corner of a store where other customers could walk in and watch the experience. On top of being put in a corner in a very strange chair with negative amounts of neck support – the ‘facial’ was essentially a product demo – which is something I could have received in store without having to schedule an appointment.
My experience with the Express Facial was very similar to washing my own face – or testing some products out in store if I was looking for a new face care line, the Skin Care Expert was constantly having me open my eyes and look at products – I wear glasses and had them off for the Express Facial so it was entirely moot for me to continually open my eyes, sit up and attempt to see what she was promoting during each step of the facial.
Along with the constant promotion of product – which I would have been happy to hear about after the facial or even during – a brief explanation of the items she was using then a recap at the end would have been lovely… the Skin Care Expert was constantly pulling downward on my face. I’m not entirely sure what the concept of massaging or wiping downward on the face is, but I know that isn’t the way a facial should be conducted.
After the Express Facial was finished, there was supposed to be a light touch of makeup, however the Skin Care Expert simply told me I could put on some lip-​gloss if I wanted. When I asked if the lotion she used on my face had SPF, as it was still sunny outside, she replied no and directed me to the tinted moisturizer which she put onto a sponge and handed to me. I mentioned before I wear glasses, there wasn’t a mirror handy and there was another customer sitting in the makeup chair… so I haphazardly blotted on the tinted moisturizer and proceeded to make the recommended donation.
I wish that this would have been advertized better – or perhaps I should have been more inquisitive, but it was not an enjoyable experience. When prompted, I tried to convey my thoughts and feeling to the Skin Care Expert who was a bit defensive and taken back by my lack of overwhelming phrase.
The Aveda products used on me were lovely and my skin feels amazing, but I defiantly would not seek any sort of service at the 4^th Street store again. I understand that this location is not a full salon, however to be out in the open and gawked at by other customers is not something I find relaxing or enjoyable. As I said before: I should have asked more questions about the service being provided.

While I am glad everyone else who has posted about this Aveda store has had a good experience, I did not have a 4 star, let alone 5 star experience.
I came in on a Friday, late afternoon. I had a birthday promotion card to use, which entitled me to a free product in a line that you choose your own scent. Usually, you are presented with about a dozen scents and are guided through picking one, with talk of the notes and information on the scents and chakras and what have you.
Well, not this time.
My experience here was the rudest I’ve ever gotten from an Aveda store or salon. When I went to the counter to tell the girl working that I had a birthday card to use, she waved me over to a station and told me to «just pick out whatever smell you like and what you want it in». No small talk, no welcoming.
I was a bit surprised, because everywhere else I’ve been they had incredible customer service, sometimes bordering on too nice. Not here.
After picking out my own scent and being ignored, another worker came over and asked what I wanted my scent in (perfume spray, body oil, lotion, body wash, salt scrub). This new representative seemed nicer, but she poured the wrong item into my bottle, so she had to toss it out. The second time she spilled everywhere. Her flippant comment was that it was close to closing and OH WELL.
No, not «oh well». You see, the lady who had come in before me was treated much differently than I was. She was given their whole speech on products and plants and blah blah blah. They treated me like a burden, and I’m assuming it’s because I had a coupon for a free birthday item.
However, I am an Aveda customer. The coupon comes once a year, but I shop with them much more frequently. I have been to their salons and used their spas. I love their product, but these women were just rude. The lady in front of me also got a wide array of samples, while I was tossed one.
I won’t be back to this location.
Though the women working here weren’t in my face rude, they also weren’t friendly or helpful to me. I purchased other items (as I do every year I’ve gotten my coupon) and none of their things are necessarily cheap, but still my service was very lacking.
3 stars because the store was clean and they had the products I like, whereas other stores are often sold out.

I came here with my mom on a Friday afternoon. We must have spent an hour looking at products and smelling and testing hair care products. The girl who was helping us braided my hair before we purchased all of our goodies. She was extremely nice and informative about the Aveda products. By the way my hair looked great and I got several compliments on my braid-​who knew they do free hair braiding?!

I used to use Aveda products when I was younger because my mom always had them around the house. But now, I’m a broke graduate student whose primary source of income consists of loans from the federal government. Needless to say, I have no business buying expensive beauty products… but I just can’t help myself. I really don’t like to skimp when it comes to skincare or haircare, so when my hair was feeling more dry than usual, I stopped in to Aveda to see if someone could help. For context — my hair is fine, straight, and non-​color treated… in other words, really boring, but extremely easy to care for. Not much goes on with my hair that requires maintenance, and the most I usually spend on it is a haircut every two months. That’s why, even though it probably wasn’t all that bad to begin with, when my hair started feeling dry, I couldn’t stand it! My scalp started to get itchy, it was becoming frizzier, and generally more challenging to style.
I spoke with someone (whose name I wish I could remember! Maybe Andrea?) and she recommended the Dry Remedy line. I was concerned because the shampoo is thick and pearly colored — which usually means it weighs down fine hair, but I was assured that it wouldn’t weigh down my fine, already pretty flat, hair. As I mentioned, since I was on a budget, I was hesitant to purchase both the shampoo and conditioner at over $ 20 a bottle. I hemmed and hawed for a while, asking whether she thought i could get away with buying either the shampoo OR the conditioner, and looked at other less expensive prep products, but after a somewhat lengthy discussion it became clear that Dry Remedy was the best option for me, as it would actually get to the «root of the problem» (pun INTENDED), and, although pricy, the shampoo and conditioner would last me a while since apparently you only need to use a small amount.
Fast forward to my first use of the Dry Remedy shampoo and conditioner, and I AM IN LOVE. I absolutely love when products work exactly like they’re supposed to and how you are told they will work. Dry Remedy instantly revitalized my hair, returning it to its smoother, softer, shinier state — and, as I was assured, it did NOT weigh down my hair. I thought I would only need to use this when my hair needed a boost of moisture, but I’ve started using it as my daily shampoo, in conjunction with a non-​Aveda volumizing spray and anti-​frizz serum after I get out of the shower and before I blow dry. I find that when I follow that routine, my hair looks and feels awesome.
What I love about this Aveda store — besides the fact that it has Aveda products, which are natural, salon grade, and smell amazing — is that I didn’t feel pressured into buying more than I needed, and although there are a TON of options there, the person who helped me was able to really zero in on exactly what I needed, and best of all, the product performed as promised! I was also given a hair consultation in which she used other products on my hair that I was considering — at first I felt awkward because I didn’t intend to buy anything besides the shampoo and conditioner (which already stretched my budget!), but I really felt like she was trying to help me out and just give me recommendations for future purchases — I think she understood I wasn’t planning on buying anything else, so I didn’t really feel pressured at all, and now, when I run out of my other haircare products, I’ll return and purchase those Aveda products. I consider this money and time well spent.

I was having a bad hair day. And I mean BAAAAD. I walked into the store and made a beeline over to the hair care products. That’s when Andrea noticed me.
«I’m having a bad hair day», I said.
«Do you have a few minutes?» she asked.
When I answered affirmatively, she told me to sit down. 10 minutes later, I had the most beautiful fishtail braid wrapped around the back of my head, ending in a neat little side bun that she secured with pins. It was nothing short of miraculous. And she did it all with a smile on her face and took pleasure in making me look really, really good.
I mean, I”ve always loved Aveda products, but this extra unexpected treat turned me into a fan for life. Thanks to Andrea for completely re-​working my hair… and my mood!

This shop makes me feel pretty even on my crappiest day.
The smells are lovely and natural, the staff is friendly and no-​pressure and they let me bring in my pit bull companion without any fear or reservation. In fact, when he repeatedly put his nose up the staff persons dress (he’s in that crotch-​smelling phase), she laughed it off saying «you’re a naughty boy.» (That’s class — I guess? Hmm…)
And I never dreamed that joining a mail list would be so beneficial — full-​size custom b-​day gift? Free Samples? Nice.
Almost forgot to say that the products are great. Oh, and they gave me a lovely cup of tea the last time I was in. This is how you win a girl’s heart. And entry into her pocketbook. Keep up the good work.

Excellent product as always and the sales staff was friendly, knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with.

I had spotted a fishbowl near the cash register and mindlessly dropped in a business card.
Hello! They contacted me with the news that I’d won a mini-​spa party for me and some friends!
So last night I and two gorgeous girlfriends had tourmaline facials, hand massage and exfoliation, hair products, makeup application AND a bottle of Purefume each to take home with us.
Wow I’ve always loved Aveda but this catapults them into the stratosphere of devotion for me.

Went and picked up my free bday gift…
not sure if the lady was being funny but of all the scents she showed, ohh about 8) I swear there were only 2 different fragrances.
I got the #4, soft floral scent. The rest #8 smelled tooo woodsy. pee-​ewww! LOL!
I’ll definitely be back once I find my list of products that I wanted from Aveda.

I get annoyed easily with natural hair and skin products. They never seem to do their job. Aveda is the exception. For reals.
I have been using Aveda since I was a little girl. Since my Mom went to the beauty school in Minneapolis where Aveda was founded, it was always in our home. I wasn’t even aware there were Aveda stores. I stumbled upon this one while on a visit to the M.A.C. store.
I love that it’s easy for me to go get a liter of my Rosemary Mint shampoo and conditioner and they offer me a pump for it! The Madder Root shampoo is amazing as well, but I love the tingling feeling and fresh minty smell of the Rosemary Mint.
Aveda makes my hair shine and bounce like no other product. It’s definitely not cheap, but it’s worth it. I have way less split ends now that I’m not using cheap Walgreens-​bought products anymore. The Elixer is fab as well. I spent a good 30 minutes in this store.
I heart you, Aveda. Let’s do lunch.

Oh Aveda how I love thee. Your natural products make my hair so silk-​e.
I’m in love with your Damage Remedy line, especially the deep conditioner treatment. My strands turn out so smooth and soft. Me love.

So yes, Berkeley’s 4^th street is its own beast. If it wasn’t so darn close to my office, I probably would venture elsewhere. Metered street parking is fairly available (unless you’re lucky enough to snag a spot in the back lot), it is nice to stroll the street a bit, but be prepared to sift through all the «ladies who lunch» grabbing a quick bite with their girlfriends, splitting desserts.
Aveda is one of my four stops I hit when venturing this way. I go in, pick up my giant bottle of Brilliant Shampoo to 3 bottles of Blue Malva Conditioner, walk up to the register, hand them my frequent-​buyer card + credit card, make small talk with the girls who work there, «no bag, thank you» and then I’m on my merry way.
I can’t really speak about the knowledge of the staff, as I’ve been purchasing the same products for years and immediately get down to business… but they have always been attentive and friendly, even for the brevity of my visits. I’ve been offered a complimentary «de-​stressing massage» once or twice, but had to decline due to either A. having my dog with me or B. rushing to my next place of business… neither really being conducive to «de-​stressing» (the people that REALLY need those kinds of things never have the time).
In short, I couldn’t afford NOT to go here… BLUE MALVA CONDITIONER IS MY LIFE BLOOD. Thankfully, going here is always a pleasant and easy experience. The end.

Aveda makes really nice herbally products. The Pure Abundance Hair Potion is AMAZING! Comes out of the bottle as a micro-​fine powder, but turns into a liquid upon hitting your scalp. This is the ~only~ product that gives me «animé hair» (after trying waxes, and all kinds of ‘firm hold’ hair products I’d almost given up being able to look like Vash — the Stampede, or Goku), The Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser makes my face smooth and glowy. The Total Body Cleansing Formula cleans my family’s sensitive skin of the grease and grime that wrenches are covered with by the time the checkered flag drops (and the folks at the shop will scent it with Aveda’s various fragrances to your desire). Oh and did I forget to say SHAMPURE?
The ladies at the Fourth Street shop make browsing a pleasant experience and the coupons they send are a nice lil prize.

I love their Rosemary Mint and Shampure lines of shampoo and conditioner. I use Confixor most days on my hair when it is still wet. The flax seed/​aloe gel is also nice.
For my birthday, they sent me a card to come in for a free personal scented gift. I sat in a chair, tested scents and went home with a wonderful, lavender-​scented body scrub.
In short, I love Aveda and their products!