If you are looking for green beauty’s most incredible, innovative, high-performance, multi-benefit mask, you need look no further, because I have found it:  Kana Skincare Lavender CBD (Cannabidiol) Sleeping Mask.  CBD is a hot ingredient right now, and CBD-themed products seem to be popping up everywhere but make no mistake:  Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is not just another CBD topical.  Unlike most CBD skincare lines, Kana does not private-label from anyone; absolutely everything is made in-house with never-before-seen formulations that allow CBD to shine like it never has before.  Kana strategically combines the healing powers of CBD with the cutting-edge beauty secrets of Korea; the result is likely to be the best skin you have ever had.  You can quote me on that.  I cannot remember a time I have been this beholden to a product.

Image courtesy of Kana Skincare

Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask

I have rapidly depleted a PR sample of this treasure and am so fully enamored with Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask that I have already ordered two more with my own money because I want this mask every night.  (Note:  I am not usually the type to insist on having product “backups,” but I cannot let this run out and risk losing my Kana glow.)  If you try it, you will fall in love—hard.  Everything about Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is magical, from the plethora of benefits it delivers (brightening, skin-clearing, skin plumping hydration, healing, lessening of redness/irritation) to its incredibly relaxing scent (it was blended by an aromatherapist to smell incredible and to aid relaxation and sleep) to the story of its creation.  You might think I am exaggerating about its splendor, but I am not the only one to have fallen under Kana’s spell.  An industry insider once told Kana’s founder, “You know, it can’t be magic,” only to try the Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask and quickly change her tune, stating, “Wow, it worked like magic!”

How is Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask so magical?  The formulation is sheer genius.  Its 28 natural ingredients deliver an incredible array of benefits to transform your skin to the best version of itself.  Let’s look at this gorgeous blend.  One of the superstars in Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is CBD itself.  CBD is a component of cannabis, but unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not have psychoactive properties and is legal in all 50 states—no prescription necessary—when specifically derived from industrial-grade hemp.  So why has CBD become such a buzzy ingredient for topical skincare?  It turns out that our skin has an endocannabinoid system with receptors embedded in the membrane of cells, and this system is important to basic functions like those of the nervous and immune systems.  In particular, evidence is mounting that the endocannabinoid system in skin is involved in cell growth and differentiation as well as important immune-modulating effects related to inflammation, such that the system exerts protective effects in many chronic and acute inflammatory skin conditions.  Topically-applied CBD like that in Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask can act on these receptors and help optimize the functioning of our skin’s endocannabinoid system, keeping internal processes more balanced.  In skin, CBD has been posited to have anti-acne effects, anti-itch effects, and general anti-inflammatory effects that could be helpful with a number of issues including allergic and atopic dermatitis.  As Tamás Bíró, PhD, director of the immunology department at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, told Elle, “My research group was among the first to investigate whether the skin is capable of producing endocannabinoids, and apparently most, if not all, skin functions are controlled to a certain extent by the local skin endocannabinoid system.  This includes the skin barrier, which is very important for moisture retention, sebum production, and sweat-gland function, as well as skin-centric sensory functions such as pain and itch. But perhaps most important, it appears that the endocannabinoid system controls skin inflammation—so if an inflammatory or irritation challenge assaults the skin, the endocannabinoid system fights against it.”  Given that inflammation is tied to skin aging, CBD is likely to protect against premature aging as well.  The hemp-derived CBD in Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is the ultimate soother and protector.

Image courtesy of Kana Skincare

Yet CBD is just one of dozens of beneficial ingredients in Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask.  For instance, the Sleeping Mask also features Hemp Oil itself, which provides all 21 amino acids and consists of about 75% essential fatty acids in the perfect ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids providing vital hydration and nourishment to skin.  As the full Ingredient Table below demonstrates, the Sleeping Mask features an abundance of healing, hydrating, antioxidant, nutrient-rich, and anti-aging actives.  Some of the many superstars include healing and scar-improving Lavender Oil, hydrating, soothing, and antioxidant a-Bisabolol derived from German Chamomile, skin-plumping Hyaluronic Acid, and anti-wrinkle, healing Beta Glucan.  In total, Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask offers a buffet of topical nutrition for skin and an amazing relaxation experience thanks to natural actives utilized for relaxing aromatherapy.  See the nearly endless benefits for yourself in the complete Ingredient Table below!

Image courtesy of Kana Skincare

Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is a beautiful blend like nothing else on the market.  For anyone who wants truly innovative and high-performance skincare that delivers visible benefits, Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is nothing short of a revelation.  This mask will quickly become your best friend because it’s a total giver who can solve nearly any complexion trouble regardless of whether you use her 3 times a week or–if you’re head over heels like I am–every single night.  You’ll notice rather quickly that your skin is brighter, clearer, suppler, smoother, with a natural glow.  Not only does Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask offer all these benefits, but in my experience, she delivers these benefits even to the most troubled skin and stubborn problems.  For example, I am someone who gets hormonal cystic acne that swells up under my skin and seems to linger forever; nothing—including conventional “big guns” like benzoyl peroxide–has ever been able to make any noticeable difference in these blemishes until this mask, which dramatically reduces my inflammation and speeds up the healing process like nothing I have ever seen.  Unlike conventional treatments, she diminishes blemishes while hydrating and brightening my skin, too!  If your experience is anything like mine, Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask will get you a startling number of random compliments on your skin.  Plus, the incredible lavender scent of the mask is truly its own kind of therapy; aiding relaxation at the end of the day no matter how crazy things have been. The soothing ritual of applying this sleeping mask has quickly become as essential to my nightly regimen as brushing my teeth!  I don’t want to go to bed without her!

You don’t have to simply rely on my word on how out-of-this-world Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is.  If you want more evidence, she is so cutting-edge and effective that she got a full feature along with unqualified praise in VICE (and as we all know, that’s not a publication that guarantees a flattering write-up).  The tagline for the article was “Turns out, putting weed on your face is dope!”  Like me, the author loved the way the mask chilled her skin out, and she stated that it could even help skin recover from “a night of bad decisions” (or in my case, a lack of sleep).  The last sentence summed it up, “Why didn’t we all do this sooner?”  If/when you try Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask, I guarantee you’ll be asking yourself the same thing!  Just when you think your next decision can’t get any more obvious, there’s more!  Despite being one of the best and most luxurious products I have ever tried, Kana Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask is also a total steal at just $45.  Try it and prepare to fall in love with your skin!

Image courtesy of Kana Skincare

The post Cannabidiol (CBD) Meets Korean Beauty: Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

A Line with Appeal

I am excited to share my experience in this Blissoma review.  In my tireless internet searches for “healing skincare for acne-prone skin,” I kept coming across Blissoma Holistic Skincare and Apothecary.  I was familiar with the Blissoma name and knew this natural line was a favorite of many beauty lovers, green and otherwise.  Then I discovered that the beauty blogger I trust more than any other, Mercy Hopkins, of Green by Mercy had written not just one, but several articles raving about Blissoma (for instance, she raves about a Blissoma serum, nearly all of the Blissoma moisturizers, and shares delight over her latest haul of Blissoma favorites).  I asked her if the line was as good as she made it sound, and she told me, “Blissoma is one brand that I love because they have such an extensive collection of products and are excellent at formulating for specific skin types and skin concerns. Their products are pretty great across the board; I really haven’t tried one product of theirs that I didn’t like!”  This is high praise, and it piqued my interest.

I read about the company and its products, and I quickly found myself both schooled and charmed by Blissoma founder, herbal chemist, Julie Longyear via her blog, which is packed with useful insights about skincare and infused with scientific knowledge, all without ever feeling stuffy.  Ms. Longyear writes in a down-to-earth style even while citing scientific literature and conveying a keen understanding of chemistry (for one of the countless great examples, see this enlightening article she wrote explaining the importance of pH in skincare).  Perhaps the most revelatory reading of all for yours was a three-part series entitled Consult the Herbal Chemist: Acne Rescue (see Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3) in which Ms. Longyear outlined a smarter, kinder way to treat (and heal!) acne than I had ever seen before.  She provided an explanation for and specific recommendations on four steps:

1. Eating a healthy diet of organic foods
2. Getting adequate sleep and relaxation
3. Using a gentle, natural cleansing routine each day to exfoliate, balance sebum, kill acne bacteria, and maintain proper pH
4. Moisturizing and spot treating with something soothing and anti-inflammatory

Each step jolted me with clear truth and merit.  Why hadn’t I thought of this stuff?  Ms. Longyear discussed the tendency to overtreat acne, pointing out that in attempts to kill acne bacteria or “zap” a pimple, many of us (ahem, guilty) turn to harsh actives that may dry a blemish only to also dry out, irritate, and inflame all the skin surrounding it, making a bad situation even worse.  In Ms. Longyear’s own words, “Acne is an inflamed situation—the pimple itself is swollen, aggravated, and painful. What it needs more than anything is soothing.”  I touched my flaking, painful face and nodded in agreement.  As a person with a whole variety of uncomfortable skin issues (acne, sensitivity, dehydration, signs of aging), I needed a line able to address a range of different troubles, all with an overarching emphasis on healing, regeneration, and taming inflammation.  Imagine my delight and relief when I discovered that Blissoma Skincare is intentionally formulated to create healing, regenerative results for specific skin concerns.

Choosing the Right Blissoma Product(s) for You

Ms. Longyear designs each of their skincare recipes with a specific skin problem in mind and tries to understand the root causes of that particular problem to create a true and targeted skincare solution.  Each ingredient–from herbs to oils, to juices, to vitamins and minerals—is chosen for its benefits to the specific problem, and ingredients are utilized and combined in levels proven effective by science.  Blissoma simplifies selection by allowing consumers to shop by Skin Type, yet many of Blissoma recipes’ benefits are multifunctional and extend beyond just one skin type.  If it sounds like making a choice is difficult, it is, simply because it’s hard to narrow down so many good options!   Not to worry, though, because Blissoma has a licensed esthetician on staff who offers free email consultations for personalized skin regimen advice!   If you have particular concerns, you can get expert guidance tailored to your needs before you spend a penny!

Stubborn as I am, I wanted to pick things out for myself.  Rather than restricting myself to just one skin type, I browsed the skin types that even partly applied and selected the individual products in each category that addressed my specific concerns.  Since I deal with acne, I chose two products designed for Oily/Acneic/Irritated Skin, Smooth A+ Correcting Serum and Refine Clay Renewal Treatment mask.  With my sensitivity and inflammation in mind, I chose two products from Blissoma’s collection for Ultra-Sensitive/Irritated/Dry Skin, Pure Sensitive Skin Soothing Complex, and Lavish Loving Recovery Beta-glucan Mask.  Finally, to address hormonal acne and Dry/Mature/Imbalanced skin, I selected Restore Deep Healing Oil Serum.  The Refine Clay Renewal Treatment and Restore Deep Healing Oil Serum were kindly provided as samples for my review, and I happily and eagerly purchased the remainder myself.

My order placed, I was eager to entrust my complicated, problematic skin to Ms. Longyear and her formulations.  How did the products work out for my challenging skin?  Check out my full five-product Blissoma review below.

Blissoma Review: Products for Oily/Acneic/Irritated Skin

Blissoma products for oily/acneic/irritated skin are carefully formulated to fight bacteria and calm skin simultaneously.  This novel approach will come as such a relief to anyone like myself who has suffered through the acne treatments that either made no difference or left skin parched, painful, flaking, and barrier-compromised.  But Ms. Longyear’s uniquely brilliant approach to treating acne results in products far more helpful than acne treatment-as-usual.

 Smooth A+ Correcting Serum

This gentle, healing, corrective serum has been Blissoma’s best-selling skincare product for 8 years, and for good reason; Smooth A+ is gentle, healing, and delivers turnaround skin-calming results to red, troubled, acneic skin.  This serum calms and heals acne and inflammation, all while being microbiome-friendly and supporting a healthy balance of hydration for all skin types.

Smooth A+ Correcting Serum combines 13 whole-herb extracts that provide protection and support to acneic and inflamed skin, all in a super lightweight formula hydrating enough to serve as a moisturizer for oilier skin or a hydrating serum for drier skin.  Among its many actives, Smooth A+ Correcting Serum has a strong dual emphasis on fighting bacteria and taming inflammation.  Rather than relying on harsher antibacterial actives like Tea Tree Oil, Blissoma opted to highlight Roses and Rose Essential Oil, which deliver anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects suitable for all acenic skin types, including mature and/or dry; as an added benefit, the emphasis of Rose in the recipe makes applying Smooth A+ Correcting Serum an aromatherapeutic and sensory delight.   Smooth A+ features 20 actives including anti- antibacterial and anti-inflammatory Coriander, healing Goldenrod, antibacterial Fennel, and astringent Yarrow, all of which combine to gently decongest skin and clear pores while minimizing inflammation.  The serum also features Licorice and Heather Flowers that combine to brighten the complexion and reduce the hyperpigmentation that so frequently comes with acne, with additional beneficial compounds like skin-calming Glycyrrhizin from the Licorice, anti-inflammatory flavonoid Quercetin from the Heather Flowers, and skin-healing Oleuropein from cold-extracted Olive Leaf.

The A in the serum’s name refers to its vitamin A.  Smooth A+ Correcting Serum is a rich source of vitamin A in the form of Beta Carotene, derived from freshly juiced Carrot and Carrot CO2.  With acne, vitamin A is a tried and true remedy that helps to slough off dead skin cells and to reduce sebum, reducing clogged pores.  Beta Carotene is a retinol precursor, but unlike retinol, this form of Vitamin A is not prone to causing irritation, nor does it have toxicity or sun damage issues.  Beta Carotene offers antioxidant photoprotection and also inhibits the breakdown of collagen, making it a great active for preventing signs of aging besides keeping pores clear.

Vitamin A is not the only star ingredient because Niacinamide/Vitamin B3—included at a generous 4%–is perhaps the most dynamic of all the actives in Smooth A+ Correcting Serum.  A 1995 study demonstrated that 4% Niacinamide outperformed the potent antibiotic Clindamycin in treating acne.  Besides taming acne, Niacinamide delivers a wide-ranging assortment of other benefits: building collagen, evening discoloration, maintaining hydration, reducing inflammation, and helping to maintain optimal barrier function (through its role in the production of ceramides and fatty acids in the outer layer of skin).  With so many advantages for skin, perhaps not surprisingly, Niacinamide is proven to benefit Rosacea by reducing inflammation.

The serum’s soothing hydration feels amazing on contact when applied to irritated and/or dehydrated skin.  Unlike so many acne treatments, Smooth A+ Correcting Serum does not sting or burn even when applied to sensitive or compromised skin, and rather than irritating, the serum calms and soothes.  The serum has a refreshing, lightly floral fragrance that comes from including Bergamot, Frankincense, and Rose Otto Essential Oils, which contribute therapeutic benefits in addition to enhancing the sensory experience.

The result is a product that tames acne with none of the downsides or irritating side effects of traditional acne treatments.  With regular use of Smooth A+ Correcting Serum, my skin not only became clearer, but also calmer, less irritated, and more even in tone. As someone whose skin simultaneously suffers from sensitivity, inflammation, and dehydration, this serum has been a remarkable find for me—finally, something that treats blemishes while calming my skin rather than ravaging my face!  Smooth A+ Correcting Serum delivers both clearer and calmer skin simultaneously; this is a true game-changer for sensitive and/or dehydrated acne-prone skin.

Smooth A Correcting Serum – $34.00
from: Blissoma Holistic Skincare

• Ingredients: Infusion of Coriandrum sativum* (coriander), Achillea millefolium* (yarrow), Solidago virgaurea* (goldenrod), Foeniculum vulgare* (fennel), Rosa damascena* (roses), and Taraxacum officinale* (dandelion), Aloe barbadensis (aloe) Juice*, Cetearyl Alcohol and Cetearyl Glucoside, Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel), Niacinamide, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Daucus carota (carrot) Juice*, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) Oil*, Extracts of Olea Europaea* (olive leaf), Gluconolactone, Lonicera japonica* (honeysuckle), Glycyrrhiza glabra* (licorice), and Calluna vulgaris* (heather flowers), Essential Oils of Citrus bergamia (bergamot) FCF, Boswellia carterii (frankincense), and Rosa damascena (rose otto), CO2 Extracts of Daucus carota (helio-carrot) and Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile), Populus Tremuloides (aspen) Bark Extract, Xanthan Gum, Grain Alcohol* Essential oils in this product contain: citronellol**, geraniol**, linalool**, limonene**
  *from Certified Organic Agriculture
  **natural components of essential oils

Bottom Line:  Smooth A+ Correcting Serum is a gentle, lightly hydrating serum/lotion that delivers potent anti-bacterial, skin-clearing action while promoting skin health and balance.

 Refine Clay Renewal Treatment

I have a weak spot for pre-mixed masks, so I was thrilled to try this one, which targets oily/acenic skin, congestion, discoloration, and dullness. Refine Clay Renewal Treatment is a creamy clay mask that exfoliates, detoxifies, and improves skin texture and tone.  Three things you should know about Refine: first, it is not drying like the majority of masks with clay bases, second, it offers benefits for just about any skin type, and third, it has a lovely texture that is creamy with just the very slightest hint of gentle grit; imagine a delicately textured consistency that is gentle enough that it feels lovely on sensitive and reactive skin like mine.

Refine Clay Renewal Treatment has a base of Moroccan Rhassoul Clay, which provides the skin with high levels of hydration-boosting minerals like Magnesium, Potassium, Silica, Sodium, and tissue-repairing Zinc.  Although you may think of clays as drying, Rhassoul Clay has been shown to actually improve skin hydration and discoloration and irritation.  Next, Willow Bark and freshly-juiced Celery deliver gentle enzymatic exfoliation that leaves the skin brighter and fresher, better able to breathe, and more able to absorb and benefit from other topical actives.  Soothing Chickweed and antibacterial Fennel further decongest pores and tame and prevent blemishes.  Refine is an excellent treatment mask for acneic or troubled skin. Its formula is gentle and balanced enough that even someone like me with dehydrated skin can leave it on for extended periods and maintain comfort.  This makes Refine Clay Renewal Treatment not only that much more enjoyable and versatile to wear, but also a brilliant, non-irritating spot treatment that can be left on stubborn blemishes overnight.

Refine Clay Renewal Treatment provides an excellent antidote for acne, but it is so much more, with the potential to benefit all skin types.  Luxuriously creamy Reine is definitely not your typical clay mask; rather than sucking moisture from the skin, Refine Clay Renewal Treatment helps balance the skin’s moisture, infusing hydration where it’s needed, while calming sensitivity, redness, and irritation.  The skin-calming Rhassoul Clay in Refine is enhanced with vitamin-rich Nori Seaweed as well as nourishing Cranberry Seed Oil, Red Raspberry Oil, and Omega-fatty-acid-rich Hemp Oil for restorative, antioxidant goodness and rich hydration.  The mask also delivers regenerative nutrition from Organic Roses, Olive Leaf, and Echinacea, actives that improve tone and firmness.  The resulting treatment provides a true wealth of benefits, suitable for drier and more mature skin types and oily or acneic skin.  Refine Clay Renewal Treatment is a versatile detoxifying, conditioning mask that provides a little spa luxury to home treatment.  I highly recommend it for anyone dealing with blemishes, dullness, discoloration, or texture issues.

Refine Clay Renewal Treatment – $40.00
from: Blissoma Holistic Skincare

• Ingredients: Infusion of Foeniculum vulgare* (fennel), Stellaria media* (chickweed), Lavandula angustifolia* (lavender), Rosa damascena* (roses), Porphyra umbilicalis* (nori seaweed), Ruscus aculeatus* (butcher’s broom), Rhassoul Clay, Apium graveolens (celery) Juice*, Cocos nucifera (coconut) Oil*, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Zinc Oxide*, Cannabis sativa* (hemp) Oil*, Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) Seed Oil*, Rubus ideaus (red raspberry) Seed Oil*, Extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra* (licorice), Symphytum officinale* (comfrey), and Salix alba* (willow bark), Populus Tremuloides (Aspen) Bark Extract, Gluconolactone, Cetearyl Alcohol and Cetearyl Glucoside, Extracts of Olea europaea* (olive leaf), Echinacea purpurea*, and Calendula officinalis*, Essential Oils of Litsea cubeba, Commiphora myrrha, Pelargonium roseum (rose geranium), Citrus reticulata (mandarin), Lavandula angustifolia, Pogostemon cablin (patchouli), Coriandrum sativum (coriander), Cedrus atlantica (cedarwood), Grain Alcohol*, Rosemary Oleoresin Extract citral**, xanthan gum
  Essential oils in this product contain: limonene**, citronellol**, geraniol**, linalool***
  *from Certified Organic Agriculture
  **natural components of essential oils

Bottom Line:  Refine Clay Renewal Treatment is the creamiest clay mask I have ever used!  It feels comfortable and non-drying and offers gentle exfoliation and detoxification appropriate for any skin type.

Note:  For the ultimate troubled/acneic skin turnaround, I recommend combining twice daily use of Smooth A+ Correcting Serum with Refine Clay Renewal Treatment weekly for a general brightening, restorative, and exfoliating treatment, 2-3 times weekly treatments on more actively troubled (e.g., flaky and/or acenic) skin, and as often as daily as a potent anti-inflammatory blemish spot treatment.  These two beautifully balanced acne-fighting healers complement each other beautifully and offer benefits to even dry, sensitive, and/or mature acne skin types.  Blissoma’s formulations for Acneic/Irritated Skin are a refreshing change because they tame not only bacteria but also the underlying issues of inflammation and oxidation.  This three-pronged approach offers a transformative and healing solution to acne and accomplishes it with no detrimental side effects for sensitive, dry, and/or mature skin types. Smooth A+ and Refine easily stand heads and shoulders above other acne treatments I have tried, because they address acne without ravaging the surrounding skin, compromising barrier function, or resulting in dehydration.  Instead, both products gently hydrate without clogging pores, calming redness and irritation and taming acne.

Blissoma Review: Products for Ultra Sensitive/Irritated/Dry/All Ages

Besides outstanding formulations for troubled/acneic skin, Ms. Longyear and the Blissoma team have also devoted a great deal of time, attention, and research to the treatment of sensitive skin.  Their approach is different.  As Ms. Longyear has written on her blog, “Filler ingredients (commonly found in mass-market cosmetics, shunned by Blissoma) are not “neutral” for many people.  Many will likely cause skin irritation for many customers, prompting inflammation, acne, and other problems the item was purchased to fix. Silicones often cause breakouts as they form a film over pores. Petroleum fillers and synthetic emulsifiers can confuse and clog skin, damaging its protective barrier and microbiome.” Besides utilizing only the safest and most beneficial ingredients in products, Blissoma offers consumers a free Sensitive Skin Reset Plan that details triggers of skin sensitivity, educates on the worst common synthetic chemical offenders, and provides suggestions on healing irritation and sensitivity.  If you are perplexed and frustrated with skin reactivity, the Sensitive Skin Reset Plan will help set you on a better path, with answers.  Meanwhile, feel free to peruse Blissoma’s product line of healing botanical recipes curated for sensitive skin.  I tried two of the products in the Ultra-Sensitive line and found rapid and soothing relief with both.

 Pure Sensitive Skin Soothing Complex

Carefully formulated with a range of nature’s most calming botanicals, Pure Sensitive Skin Soothing Complex is gentle enough to provide comfort on contact to even the most sensitive, irritated skin.  Plantain, long used as a soothing remedy for reactive skin, joins emollient and healing Marshmallow with its lubricating mucilage, protective and regenerative Self-Heal, and inflammation-taming, resilience-boosting Calendula hydrosol. Nettle and Butcher’s Broom are excellent sources of minerals, why are an often-overlooked key to skin hydration and also help to speed healing.  Butcher’s Broom also provides an antioxidant flavonoid Rutin, and Heather Flowers provide the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic flavonoid Quercetin.  This is blended with Shea Butter for a creamy lotion consistency that is neither too light nor too thick, and topped off with healing oils of Baobab, Tamanu, Camellia, Pumpkin, and Perilla that further combat irritation and inflammation with a mix of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, plant sterols, and vitamins A, C, D, E, and Zinc.  Though Pure Sensitive Skin Complex is free of fragrance, these oils lend it a pleasant, subtle botanical scent that is refreshingly pure, like the product itself.  Warning: sniffing Pure at length may leave you tempted to taste the recipe.  Finally, Ms. Longyear carefully designed Pure’s recipe using the feedback of countless clients suffering from allergies, sensitivities, irritation, dryness, and reactivity; as a result, Pure is free from potentially irritating ingredients like gluten, grain alcohol, petrochemicals, parabens, essential oils, phenoxyethanol, and even common botanical allergens

With trial and error, I have discovered that sensitive skincare tends to fall into one of two disappointing camps:  it is either inert (accomplishing nothing for skin) or else it’s too harsh for compromised skin (burning and/or stinging painfully on application, leaving a sensitive face even more reactive).  With Pure Sensitive Skin Soothing Complex, Blissoma has avoided both common pitfalls.  They have created an incredible product that will not sting sensitive skin and yet delivers true healing and hydrating benefits!  As someone with sensitivity and skin inflammation due to lupus, I have found Pure Sensitive Skin Soothing Complex to be gentle, actually comforting my irritated skin on contact.  More than just gentle, as I indicated before, Pure is also healing and anti-inflammatory, this is a true skin calmer for anyone dealing with allergies, sensitivities, irritation, or dryness and reactivity.

Pure Sensitive Skin Soothing Complex hydrates deeply in a light and absorbable formula, leaving skin supple and nourished with an array of botanicals that reduce reactivity and redness while improving texture and tone.  The result is skin infused with healing, non-comedogenic hydration.  Painful skin becomes healthier, soothed, more resilient, and more comfortable. For any of us looking to remedy fussy skin, this is a little miracle in a bottle.  Pure has changed my skin for the better; using it regularly, my skin has become dramatically calmer, more even and less red, with improved smoothness and hydration.  Pure Sensitive Skin Soothing Complex is my Holy Grail sensitive-skin moisturizer in a wide field of disappointments!

Pure Sensitive Skin Soothing Complex – $30.00
from: Blissoma Holistic Skincare

• Ingredients: Infusion of Plantago major* (plantain), Althea officinalis* (marshmallow), Prunella vulgaris* (self heal), Urtica Dioica* (nettle), Calluna vulgaris* (heather flowers), Ruscus aculeatus* (butcher’s broom), and Trifolium pratense* (red clover), Calendula officinalis* hydrosol, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) Butter*, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Glyceryl Stearate and Cetearyl Alcohol and Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Camellia sinensis (tea) Oil*, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) Oil*, Adansonia digitata (baobab) Oil*, Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) Seed Oil*, Cetearyl Wheatstraw Glycosides, Perilla frutescens Oil*, Calophyllum tacamahaca (tamanu) Oil*, Gluconolactone, Euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Xanthan Gum
  *from Certified Organic Agriculture

Bottom Line:  Pure Sensitive Skin Soothing Complex offers soothing relief for even the most sensitive skin–healing and hydrating without any stinging or burning on compromised skin!

 Lavish Loving Recovery Beta-glucan Mask

Lavish Loving Recovery Beta-glucan Mask is Blissoma’s richest, thickest recipe yet and has quickly become my favorite skin-soothing and hydrating mask ever.  One of the first things that caught my eye about Lavish Loving Recovery Beta-glucan Mask was its inclusion of both Maitake and Reishi Mushrooms, along with Oatmilk, all of which supply skin with ample Beta-glucan, dynamic immune-stimulating Polysaccharides shown to lessen the appearance of redness and inflammation, to significantly reduce wrinkle depth, and to infuse skin with hydration.  Beta-glucans are uniquely hydrating because they can penetrate more deeply than most ingredients, and as they travel through multiple layers of skin, they bring moisture to places most other ingredients simply cannot reach.  Besides Beta-glucans, the two medicinal mushrooms in the recipe are also rich in Vitamin D and Kojic Acid, leaving skin bright and luminous.

Next in Lavish Loving Recovery’s rich and hydrating formula, Cupuacu butter is an extremely rich source of Phytosterols (the substances that give structure to plant’s cell membranes the way cholesterol does in animal cells), which further hydrate skin, protect it from and minimizes irritation, and also help seal in moisture, while also providing over 10 antioxidant compounds.  Add to this rich hydration Omegas 3, 5, 6 that lend anti-inflammatory, skin repairing, moisturizing, and anti-aging effects while improving skin elasticity and comfort.  Next, Lavish Loving Recovery Beta-glucan Mask also features the topical nutrition of an array of beneficial vitamins: regenerative A, antioxidant E, brightening and collagen-boosting C, glow-enhancing F, and healing Zinc.  Organic oils of Pumpkin Seed, Apricot Kernel, and Perilla add to the formula’s richness and help further tame inflammation while imparting a pleasant natural scent.  Finally, Soy Lecithin provides Phospholipids, an ingredient that easily penetrates cell membranes, enhancing the nutrient absorption of the recipe’s many other incredible actives by carrying them further into the skin.  This translates to maximum benefits in skin-plumping hydration, wrinkle-smoothing regeneration, and inflammation quenching.

Lavish Loving Recovery Beta-glucan Mask provides the best hydration, soothing, and comfort of any mask I have ever used.  The texture is thick and creamy, and yet by some miracle, it does not break me out.  My dehydrated, acne-prone skin loves Lavish!  No matter how irritated my skin is, I relief the moment I apply this mask, and after wearing it, I see a much calmer, smoother, more nourished complexion.  I have found I love enjoying Lavish in several ways:  as a comforting and deeply hydrating mask treatment, as a nourishing and calming leave-on moisturizer that rebuilds the lipid barrier, as a deep conditioning hair mask, and as the most magnificent hand cream you can imagine.  Last but not least, I have mixed generous amounts of Lavish with all of my non-Blissoma clay masks—Lavish delivers the ultimate hydrating boost that transforms an otherwise overdrying clay mask into a lush balanced and creamy skin treatment.  (Seriously, Lavish improves everything it touches, including other products!)  Of all the ways I use Lavish, it’s hard to choose a favorite, but I cannot deny that it is phenomenal as an overnight leave-on moisturizer.  Whether I wear it for 20 minutes or 8 hours, treating my skin with Lavish calms areas of redness and leaves my skin plump and hydrated.  Whenever my skin reacts another product and/or become inflamed or dehydrated, Lavish is my go-to treatment.  It quickly soothes my complexion, deeply infusing my skin with calming actives and hydration, all without clogging my acne-prone pores!  I am so happy that I can use this.  Lavish Loving Recovery Beta-glucan Mask delivers dreamy comfort.  Lavish is the perfect mask for anyone with dry, mature, and/or sensitive skin, and a perfect antidote for harsh colder weather approaching.  This mask is nurturing and would make a wonderful gift!

Lavish Loving Recovery Beta-glucan Mask – $42.00
from: Blissoma Holistic Skincare

•  Ingredients: Avena Sativa (oat) Kernal Milk*, Infusion of Passiflora incarnata* (passionflower), Astragalus membranaceus* (astragalus), Plantago major* (plantain), Prunella vulgaris* (self heal), Hypericum perforatum* (st. john’s wort), and Porphyra umbilicalis* (nori seaweed), Glycerin (vegetable origin), Theobroma grandiflorum* (cupuacu) seed butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) Seed Oil*, Prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel Oil*, Extracts of Grifola frondosa* (maitake mushroom), and Ganoderma lucidum* (reishi mushroom), Aqua (and) Glycerin (and) Sodium Levulinate (and) Sodium Anisate, Perilla frutescens Oil*, Soy Lecithin*, Aspen Bark Extract, Sorbitan Stearate, Adansonia digitata (baobab) Oil*, Punica granatum (pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Xanthan Gum, Gluconolactone
  *from Certified Organic Agriculture

Bottom Line:  Lavish Loving-Recovery Beta-glucan Mask is thick, rich calming care that is a joy to use as a mask and/or as the ultimate overnight moisturizer.

Blissoma Review: Products for Dry/Mature/Imbalanced Skin

 Restore Deep Healing Oil Serum

Blissoma’s products are multifunctional problem solvers and Restore Deep Healing Oil Serum is a perfect example of this.  This lovely oil serum is deeply hydrating for dryness, nourishing to aging skin, balancing for hormonal fluctuations (including those that contribute to hormonal acne) and is wonderful for many skin types.  Restore Deep Healing Oil Serum is blended entirely cold and raw, preserving all the nutrients in its ingredients.  Over 10 unrefined seed oils offer essential fatty acids (Omegas 3, 5, 6, and 9), vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and Zinc, Xanthones (beneficial phytonutrients with potent anti-inflammatory activity), and Phytosterols (plant compounds shown to have anti-aging benefits through their effects on collagen).  Grapeseed Oil is a rich source of Proanthocyanidins, highly potent antioxidant polyphenols that are 20 times more powerful than vitamin C; Proanthocyanidins are an excellent anti-aging and skin-repairing compound, as they are anti-inflammatory, reduce skin irritation, have UV protective effects, and help remedy loss of collagen and elastin.

Red Raspberry, Cranberry, and Pomegranate Oils in the formula provide yet more antioxidants that further protect skin from free radical damage, which is one of the biggest causes of aging.  Restore’s Cranberry and Grapeseed Oils are abundant in vitamin E, which promotes skin healing and minimizes scar tissue.  Next, the Rosehip Oil in the recipe offers broad-spectrum Vitamin A in the forms of trans-retinoic acid and beta-carotene, which combine to help regulate sebum, soften scars, and boost skin regeneration.  Hemp Oil, rich in chlorophyll, lends Restore its slightly emerald hue, and Tamanu Oil helps reduce skin irritations and blemishes. Additionally, Restore’s organic Evening Primrose and Pomegranate oils are rich in omegas including GLA, which is beneficial for hormonally-impacted skin of all ages.  Finally, Pomegranate Oil also offers the additional benefits of phytoestrogens that help leave skin elastic and plump.  This dynamic serum delivers an impressive array of healing, protective, and anti-aging results.

Restore Deep Healing Oil Serum offers excellent, deep hydration and skin-plumping with a soft, nongreasy feel that is at once rich and yet fully absorbed after a few minutes.  Restore Deep Healing Oil Serum is rich enough it can be a complete moisturizer on its own, or it can be mixed into other moisturizers to make them more regenerative and hydrating.  In one smartly-crafted recipe, Restore Deep Healing Oil Serum successfully remedied several most stubborn skin challenges: irritation, extreme dryness, signs of aging, and hormonal shifts, and it left me with calmer, softer, and glowier skin.  Due to the remarkably balanced blend of actives in the recipe, this healing, regenerative serum is decadent and rich, so it feels like wonderful refreshment when applied to sensitive/mature/dehydrated skin, and yet it does not contribute to breakouts.  The fact that, despite being highly-acne prone, I was able to enjoy the sumptuous, repairing hydration of the serum without experiencing any blemishes –or even any congestion–is undeniable evidence that this multitasking formula is acne-safe.  When combined with Smooth A Correcting Serum and Refine Clay Renewal Treatment, Restore Deep Healing Oil Serum actually seems to help balance my skin and minimize hormonally-influenced blemishes.

Restore Deep Healing Oil Serum – $48.00
from: Blissoma Holistic Skincare

• Ingredients: Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) Oil*, Vitis Vinifera (grapeseed) Oil*, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) Oil*, Rubus ideaus (red raspberry) Seed Oil*, Rosa rubiginosa (rosehip) Oil*, Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) Seed Oil*, Calophyllum tacamahaca (tamanu) Oil*, Cannabis sativa (hemp) Oil*, Punica granatum (pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn berry) CO2 Extract*, Calendula Officinalis CO2 Extract, Essential oils of Cedrus atlantica (atlas cedarwood), Cymbopogon martinii (palmarosa), Citrus aurantium (neroli), Helichrysum italicum (helichrysum)*, Rosemary Oleoresin Extract, Tocopherol (vitamin E)
  Essential oils in this product contain: geraniol**, linalool**, limonene**, farnesol**
  *from Certified Organic Agriculture
  **natural components of essential oils

Bottom Line:  Restore Deep Healing Oil Serum is an exceptionally nourishing oil that delivers antioxidant-rich hydration and helps to minimize signs of aging.

Conclusion

Blissoma Holistic Skincare and Apothecary is one of the best skincare lines I have ever used.   Using time-tested botanicals validated by science, Blissoma offers a diverse array of standout problem-solving products with unique and naturally potent recipes that provide tailored topical nutrition, all at an outstanding value with price points half what other comparable lines charge.  Whatever your skin type or trouble, Blissoma likely has a solution. Better yet, unlike so many skincare products, Blissoma provides solutions without unwanted side effects.  The quality is excellent, and the price points are refreshingly accessible.  Plus, Blissoma has a staff esthetician that will offer you a free personalized skin consultation (just email esthetician@blissoma.com), and they offer Samples and Trial Sizes of their products so you can try them out before committing to full-sized versions!

As someone with a varied array of skin complaints (e.g., acne, signs of aging, dehydration, sensitivity, and inflammation), I highly recommend all five of the products I enjoyed. Blissoma’s Smooth A Correcting Serum and Refine Clay Renewal Treatment are excellent for oily, acneic, dull or irritated skin; both products tame inflammation and gently eliminate acne bacteria while also providing balancing noncomedogenic hydration and brightening skin tone.  For ultra-sensitive, reactive, or irritated skin of all ages, Pure Sensitive Skin Soothing Complex provides healing hydration, redness reduction, and instant soothing relief on contact (rather than stinging or burning), and Lavish Loving Recovery Beta-glucan Mask delivers regenerative nourishment and deep, plumping hydration. Happily, both are acne-safe.  Finally, for mature, imbalanced, or dry types, Restore Deep Healing Oil Serum offers healing, restorative moisture with wrinkle-minimizing benefits and the huge feat it actually helps to minimize hormonal breakouts; Restore is effective as a standalone moisturizer and can also seal in hydration from another moisturizer.  I benefitted greatly from these multifunctional products.  My complicated skin transformed with Blissoma SOLUTIONS, and I now feel comfortable in my skin and confident without concealer for the first time in a long while. Highly recommended!  

Next…

Find even more about why I love shopping with and supporting Blissoma in my next post.

Follow either link below to check out the Blissoma site!

Option 1: Affiliate link

Option 2: Plain Link

The post The Blissoma Review: Smooth A+, Refine, Pure, Lavish, and Restore appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

Can topical probiotics live up to the hype?  First, up
TULA Probiotic Skincare

 

 

 

 

What Attracted Me to the Line:  I have seen probiotics do amazing things for health when taken internally, so the idea of applying them topically was very intriguing to me.  The idea is that topical probiotics can strengthen the skin barrier and microbiome. It struck me as a smart innovation in theory, but I did not know if it would actually “work.”  As I read more, I discovered that the TULA line was created by a leading gastroenterologist and internist, Dr. Roshini Raj, and that there is a lot of medical knowledge that went into the line’s probiotic technology.  In addition to probiotics, the serum incorporates incredibly nutritious ingredients like yogurt extract, rice nutripeptides, chicory root extract, turmeric, white tea, blueberry extract, vitamins such as A, C, and E, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids from flax oil.

 

First Impressions: The packaging and bottles are lovely and designed in serene, calming shades of aqua that bring to mind a spa experience.  All of the ingredients are listed on the box, so you can inspect and know every single thing you are putting on your skin. The bottle is made of thick glass. The scent of TULA products is a barely noticeable, but pleasant, fragrance.

TULA’s special probiotic complex is supposed to stimulate the production of vital defense cells, making skin healthier, less sensitive/inflamed, and more resistant to environmental stressors and the aging process.  At first, I was intrigued enough to want to try it, but also a little skeptical, because how many times have I read about some new “innovation” in skin care only to end up disappointed?  Well, if you read on, you’ll see that TULA represents one of those rare, amazing times when an innovation actually lives up to its claims.

I wondered if I would immediately need to refrigerate TULA. I looked into this, and it does not require refrigeration because TULA’s probiotics are no longer alive.  As Dr. Raj explained in an interview with Forbes, “They’ve been broken down to release only their most useful elements ….[giving them] a longer shelf life without losing their powerful benefits on the skin.”

My Experience Using TULA: As I mentioned, I was intrigued, yet a little skeptical about what TULA’s “probiotic technology” could actually do for my dry, aging, sensitive skin.  Since my skin is parched, sensitive, and reactive, I am a tough test subject for skin care; I want visible results like anyone else, but harsh products do me more harm than good. To put the line to the test, I applied everything to my entire face and, more importantly, a wound on my neck where I’d had a biopsy–an area that wasn’t healing and seemed that it might scar.

 

Results? I saw the first improvement in my wound within just a couple of days; the red mark from the biopsy faded more over 2 days with TULA products than it had in weeks with other creams.  In just days, my face, too, started looking healthier and “glowier.”  What’s more, after using TULA just days, my skin tone was even enough that I didn’t even have to consider foundation or concealer (a big deal given my skin’s usual reactivity/redness).  No other product line I’ve tried (and there have been many) has given me visible improvements this rapidly. With Tula, I really do feel like my skin has a radiance it didn’t have before, and what really impresses me is that the radiance lasts all day–not just for the first five minutes after I apply it!  Best of all, after using TULA a few weeks, I got carded!  (Hasn’t happened in a while….)

The Players

TULA Exfoliating Treatment Mask – $54.00This dual phase treatment provides both a chemical and physical exfoliation to gently slough off dead skin cells to reveal a polished and glowing complexion.

My Experience with Exfoliating Treatment Mask–The Exfoliating Treatment Mask uses both physical and chemical exfolation to reveal softer, brighter skin.  I found this left my skin smooth and fresh, and despite the inclusion of clay, it is not too drying for my parched, sensitive skin.  The Mask delivers smoothing and brightening exfoliation that is gentle enough for sensitive skin.

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TULA Illuminating Face Serum – $78.00This light, easily absorbed formula helps to promote softer, even-toned skin, diminish the appearance of dark spots and helps to maintain a fresh, youthful-looking glow.

My Experience with Illuminating Face Serum–The Illuminating Face Serum is very light and absorbable, and it leaves skin gently luminous.  The glow is really remarkable because it is not a superficial shimmer nor an oily sheen, but rather a subtle, natural-looking brightness and luminosity.  Not just a temporary effect, this Serum truly seems to illuminate the complexion in a way that lasts all day and into the night.

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TULA Hydrating Day & Night Cream – $52.00Like a multivitamin for your skin, this rich, age-defying cream delivers intense sustained hydration and antioxidants protection to reduce fine lines and help improve the youthful appearance of the skin.

 

My Experience with Hydrating Day & Night Cream–Day & Night Cream provides light but effective hydration that I find perfect for daytime and under other products, as it absorbs so well it leaves little behind. For normal skin types, this would be an excellent double-tasking product for day and night, Personally, as dry as my skin is, I prefer something heavier and more deeply hydrating for night, but this suits me during the day under SPF.

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TULA Advanced Neck Cream – $80.00This super hydrating balm-like cream works to firm the delicate skin on the neck and decolletage while attacking fine lines, wrinkles and crepey skin.

My Experience with Advanced Neck Cream–-Advanced Neck Cream delivers amazing hydrating, rich and luxurious moisture that has been very healing to my parched skin.  Truly sumptuous, this is definitely one of my favorite products of the line (I like it so much I use it all over my face as well!).

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TULA Volume Defense Serum – $98.00This weightless, milky serum feels like a burst of hydration on your skin. Packed with vitamin C and retinol, this anti-aging powerhouse will leave your skin plumper and bring back its youthful bounce.

 

My Experience with Volume Defense Serum—Volume Defense Serum combines probiotic technology and Tula’s other beneficial ingredients with anti-aging Retinol to dramatically reduce wrinkles and sag.  This Serum is definitely effective; I have seen some softening of lines with just short-term use.  The inclusion of soothing and healing probiotic makes it more tolerable for my sensitive skin than other Retinol products I have used.  All in all, a highly effective anti-aging serum gentle enough for dry, sensitive skin.

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                                                  CONCLUSION

Overall Pros, Benefits, Cons:  Using TULA has lead to a dramatic improvement in the softness, evenness, hydration, and “glow” of my skin.  I have seen these improvements faster than I have with any other line.  With TULA, I am starting to see my worry lines soften as much as they ever did with prescription Retin-A (which left my skin a red, flaky mess). All the products I tried were suitable even for my sensitive, reactive, aging skin.  In fact, TULA achieved these “turnaround” results while *reducing* irritation and skin sensitivity!

BOTTOM LINE:  Highly recommended.  Slightly pricey, but worth the cost.  In my opinion, a FIND for anyone with sensitive skin.  Plus, TULA just came out with a new Overnight Rescue Treatment that promises to be even more potent, with three carefully selected strains as opposed to just one.  I have not tried it yet, but I would bet money that it’s fantastic.

The post TULA Probiotic Skin Care Review: More than Hype? appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

The Bohemian Collection is a special assortment of natural and organic herbal skin care handcrafted in small batches for the ultimate in wholesome goodness.  After admiring nearly every ingredient blend in the Collection, I knew that the products would be amazing, and they absolutely are (more on that in a bit). What caught me a little more by surprise—and has left me in awe—is the positivity, passion, and intentionality that founders and formulators Dominique and Syeed Harris put into every aspect of their creations and their business—from formulating their products only when they can bring a positive energy to the process, to enthusiastically educating customers on natural living, to generously sharing their own keen insights on passionate marriage, positive parenting, and financial peace on social media. In their mission to share and educate, the Harrises manage to be refreshingly genuine, down-to-earth, and authentically inspiring. If you do not already follow @nattynaturals, @bohemiancollection, and @allthingsonatural on Instagram, I encourage you to do so, because the Harrises are not only gifted makers but also passionate, generous, and enlightened individuals with a remarkable family.  Just one example: Ms. Harris homeschools their four children while she and her husband run their bustling business All Things O’Natural, which consists of both Natty Naturals and The Bohemian Collection.  They do this all from home while maintaining order and keeping a tidy, loving household!  (As a mom of three myself, I am utterly impressed.)  The Harrises are worth getting to know. Please do not miss my interview with Ms. Harris, which can be found here.

The Bohemian Collection Kijani Mask and Balm

The Harrises generously granted me the opportunity to try two lovely products from the Bohemian Collection: their Kijani Enzyme Mask and Kijani Green Goddess Beauty Balm.  First, let’s talk about Kijani Enzyme Mask.  This mask is suitable for anyone with normal to oily skin, and it’s especially great for those of us like myself who are acne-prone. It has a rich base of healing Manuka Honey (UMF 15+) and is loaded with detoxifying and antioxidant Matcha, vitamin-rich and enzymatic Pumpkin and Banana, as well as anti-aging Gotu Kola and Gotu Kola extract, healing and antiseptic Brahmi, antibacterial and antioxidant Ceylon,  anti-inflammatory Tumeric, balancing Rosemary CO2 extract, vitamin-rich Strawberry, soothing Calendula extract, and Essential Oils of Bergamot, Lemongrass, Sweet Orange, and Manuka.  The use of this last active caught my eye because although I had read about Manuka Oil’s virtues when researching actives for taming acne because although it appears to be widely used in New Zealand, I had difficulty finding it in products here in the US. Seeing Manuka Oil featured in more than one Bohemian Collection product (see also their Cacao Clay Cleanse) immediately told me that the Harrises dig deep when it comes to finding and using the most effective ingredients, opting for lesser known but more effective gems over more obvious choices. Why am I so excited about this?  Manuka Oil is 33 times as potent an acne-fighting antibacterial as its more commonly used cousin Tea Tree Oil, making it an excellent addition to this blemish-taming mask.  This is an amazing mask for healing and gently exfoliating acne-prone skin, while truly taming and preventing blemishes with its special Manuka-Oil-containing blend. As a huge bonus, the mask has also got all sorts of fabulous ingredients for taming inflammation and facilitating cellular regeneration.  Kijani Enzyme Mask is truly active-packed and a wonderful calming-yet-acne-fighting remedy for fussy skin. It also smells amazing and is a delight to wear.

Kijani Enzyme Mask Full Ingredients: Raw Honey, UMF15+ Manuka Honey, *Matcha, *Pumpkin, *Banana, *Ceylon Cinnamon, *Tumeric, *Brahmi, *Gotu Kola, *Rosemary CO2 Extract, *Calendula Extract, *Gotu Kola Extract, Essential Oils of: *Manuka, Sweet Orange, *Bergamot, *Lemongrass

* = Organic Ingredients

The Bohemian Collection Kijani Enzyme Mask

The perfect complement to Kijani Enzyme Mask would have to be Kijani The Green Goddess Beauty Balm. This luscious, ultra-hydrating balm blends together 22 whole plant oils, butters, and extracts, all of which come together in a nourishing, skin-calming balm.  As someone with dehydrated, acne-prone skin, I often have trouble finding sufficiently rich hydration without exacerbating blemishes, and Kijani Beauty Balm is a wonderful and rare find in this regard, offering lasting, exquisite hydration without breaking ever me out or leaving me congested. This versatile balm is one of few products I’ve tried that I feel wholly comfortable recommending for nearly any skin type (dry, mature, sensitive, acne-prone).  Kijani Beauty Balm combines skin saviors like moisturizing yet non-comedogenic Hempseed Oil, chlorophyll-rich Avocado Oil, hydrating Sweet Almond Oil, omega-rich Chia Seed Oil, healing Tamanu, GLA-rich Evening Primrose, anti-aging Rosehip Seed CO2, antioxidant and antibacterial Rosemary CO2 Extract, healing Sea Buckthorn Co2, anti-inflammatory Blue Chamomile and more for an array of nourishing and healing benefits. Although the website states that you can use Kijani Beauty Balm as a cleanser using the dry oil cleansing method, I have not tested this out, simply because I love the feel of the balm too much to remove it!  Kijani Beauty Balm has a lovely aromatic scent and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, soothed, and hydrated without clogging pores.  This is a beautiful balm for anyone, but I particularly recommend it to anyone like myself with problematic or acne-prone skin.

Kijani the Green Goddess Beauty Balm Full Ingredients: Hempseed Oil, *Avocado Oil, *Sweet Almond Oil, *Chia Seed Oil, *Tamanu, *Evening Primrose, *Rosehip Seed CO2, *Rosemary CO2 Extract,*Sea Buckthorn CO2, *Non GMO Vitamin E Oil, *Cupuacu Butter, Beeswax, *Blue Chamomile CO2, Essential Oils of: *Geranium, *Bergamot, *Myrrh, *Yarrow ,*Lavender, *Sandalwood, *Rose, Carrot Seed, Jasmine Absolute

* = Organic Ingredient

The Bohemian Collection Kijani Beauty Balm

I loved the experience and the results of using the Kijani products so much that I had to add to my Bohemian Collection stash with a purchase of my own. (When I feel compelled to spend my own money on a line this quickly after trying PR samples, you know it’s a standout!) I ordered the Cacao Clay Cleanse, a wildly popular cleanser/mask that is the most frequently repurchased item from Bohemian Collection.  Cacao Clay Cleanse is the most delicious-smelling product I have ever put on my face—imagine a decadent, rich chocolate dessert topped with floral notes, and you may get a hint of the sensory experience Cacao Clay Cleanse offers. (Full disclosure: it smells so good that I have been extremely tempted to taste it, and each time I’ve opened the jar I’ve had to muster all my restraint not to pop a dollop in my mouth.) This beauty combines Kaolin Clay, Raw Honey, Cacao Powder, Rhassoul Clay, Marshmallow Root, Need, Rose Hydrosol, Neroli Hydrosol, Witch Hazel, Apple Cider Vinegar, Pumpkin Seed Oil, and more in one brightening, gently clarifying, balancing blend.  It can be used as a deep yet nourishing cleanser or as a brightening and detoxifying mask/spot treatment.  Personally, once I put Cacao Clay Cleanse on my face, the aroma is such a delight that I am reluctant to take it off, so I love to use this as a mask and spot treatment.  It’s very effective at calming down blemishes, and it’s like having a guilt-free dessert at the same time. Treating my skin with Cacao Clay Cleanse is a stress-relieving self-care ritual that eases my mind and leaves my skin balanced and brighter. Masking has never been more delicious!

Cacao Clay Cleanse Full Ingredients: *Kaolinite (Kaolin) Clay, ***Raw Honey, *Theobroma (Cacao) Powder, *Rhassoul Clay, *Marshmallow Root, *Neem, Rosa damascena (Rose) Hydrosol, *Citrus aurantium (Neroli) Hydrosol, *Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, *Theobroma (Cacao) Extract, *Cucurbita pepo L (Pumpkin) Seed Oil, Persea Americana (Avocado) Oil, *Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary in organic olive oil base) CO2, Lactobacillus Ferment, Potassium Sorbate, Essential Oils of: *Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka), *Commiphora myrrha (Myrrh), Sweet Orange, *Juniperus virginiana (Cedarwood), *Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium)

* = Certified Organic

*** = Wildharvested from unsprayed local bee farms

The Bohemian Collection Cacao Clay Cleanse

These three Bohemian Collection treasures have some of the best, most nutritious, and skin-beneficial ingredient blends you will find anywhere, and to top it off, you can sense the love, care, and positive intentionality that has gone into crafting them. As Dominique explained in a previous interview with Melanglow, “I believe what we are feeling, our emotions, are transferred into the products; it’s all a connection. The ingredients are from the earth, which holds a ton of energy and our personal energy as humans should merge and create something dynamic. For instance, neither my husband or I will create a product if we are not in a good place mentally or spiritually that day.”  The result of such care is a skincare line that is a treat for skin, body, and spirit.  Highly recommended.

The post The Bohemian Collection Kijani Enzyme Mask and Green Goddess Beauty Balm appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

I am thrilled to be able to introduce you to Toni, the Founder and Formulator of Naturallogic Skincare.  Whether you are newly discovering Toni’s line or are a longtime fan, you are in for a treat, as Toni was exceptionally generous in our conversation. I am delighted to be able to share our candid and heartfelt interview, which I believe will deepen even loyal fans’ appreciation for Naturallogic and the unique love, expertise, and intentionality Toni puts into her craft.

Toni Ann Barandon, Creator of Naturallogic

Instead of an Introduction, a brief Note: After the interview, I was wracking my brain, trying to figure out how to describe or “sum up” Toni in a few words, and I found myself at an absolute loss. Anything I could think of was trite or oversimplifying. After staring at a blank screen for a while, I emailed Toni and asked her how she would describe herself in a few words. She replied, “I can’t answer a question like that. I don’t feel the need to describe myself. And 2-3 words would never do it, anyway.”  I smiled the moment I read her answer. She was completely right, both that 2-3 words would never suffice and that the question might not be truly answerable, at least not to any degree of truth or satisfaction.  Moreover, Toni’s willingness to easily and kindly turn down my question led to a revelation for me as I realized that I could just let go of my self-imposed expectation and forgo an introductory description entirely.  The idea had truly not occurred to me. [Sometimes (and I mean almost all the time) when things aren’t working, I forget that “stop forcing it” is an option.] 

The above is just one of countless examples of how interacting with Toni–even over email– is eye-opening, refreshing, and change-inspiring.  Toni has a way of being utterly true to and honoring herself that I have rarely encountered before, and she is one of the most generous, loving, and emotionally giving people any of us could hope to encounter.  Though it took me a while to understand, this self-honoring and deep generosity go hand in hand. As Toni has said (and explains in more detail below), “Being the truth of who we are in every moment is true humility.”  Suffice it to say, I find Toni herself and the love and intentionality she brings to every product she makes incredibly inspiring and refreshing, and I urge you to check out her outstanding high-performance holistic line. Naturallogic features true botanical wonders that have an almost magical ability to elevate skin care to nourishing self-care.

A Dream Collection of Naturallogic Goodies

 THE INTERVIEW

You healed yourself of diabetes, PCOS, and severe acne by changing the way you care for yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  Can you describe some of the healing changes you have made? 

My body healed itself. It might be difficult to pinpoint specific things because I wasn’t specifically looking for healing.  I did change my diet drastically. Also started walking every day. I felt a longing and knew it was something I wanted to do.  Prior to that, I was a terrible eater.  Despite growing up surrounded by the healthiest foods.  I started eating primarily vegetables overnight, and before long I started craving them.  I felt + looked years younger, and I had more clarity. A different kind of intelligence came with it, as well.

What I think was the most powerful part of it was why I did it.  What I realized about myself + how I felt about myself, that instigated the change. And then changing how I treat myself. Self-care, self-honor, and not betraying yourself are very key to health and healing.  They are also very personally defined, so they can look different for different people. It’s about honoring the truth of who you really are in every moment.

How has changing the way you treat yourself changed your ideas about beauty?

Being who I am gives me a sense of freedom that, to me, feels like the source of true beauty.  When I first started Naturallogic, I had a hard time calling it a beauty brand. I considered it a health + wellness brand, and that’s still true. However, I want to plant seeds about the idea that beauty is an experience rather than how something or someone appears. It really is in the eye of the beholder. It’s the one looking and experiencing beauty, who is beautiful. They, in that moment, realize it as who they are, and that’s why they can feel it + experience it. I would love for people to realize that they are beauty itself, and have the actual experience of it.

I read a little about how you became a formulator in your interview with Dallas of My Strange Days.  How did you decide to move from creating products for yourself to launching a business?

People in my life were asking for it. Whatever I was making for myself, I was also sharing with friends + family. Eventually, they asked for more and someone put the idea in my head that I could do this thing I loved for a living. It took about 3 years from there to really learn and discover how to craft proper, efficacious skin care, as well as learn how to start + run a business.

A luscious Naturallogic mix during formulation

When it comes to your journey of starting and running Naturallogic, what have the biggest challenges been at any point along the way?

Customer service has been a huge growing experience for me. I didn’t know how hard it was for me to be true to myself until then. Customer service pushed all of my buttons and brought things up in me I didn’t even know were there. Fear.  There were huge, truly testing times when I would go through periods of intense fear that I had to look at and really learn from.  It was difficult, but also one of the greatest times of my life.

Fear is just a story in the mind. It doesn’t really exist. It never did. It just “seems” to. There’s a clarity that comes with that, that has opened the door to more creativity. And fear has transformed into fun + adventure. I have fun figuring out how to help and be of service.

What have the greatest rewards been?

For me, one of the greatest rewards is the freedom—the freedom to be and to discover who I am, while doing something I love + that serves others. I love the flexibility I have had over the last 10 years and the fact that things can change. I have the time, space + flexibility to discover + enjoy life while evolving my line + creating greater + greater experiences for my customers.

I’ve always had a desire to serve and take care of people, and Naturallogic is my way of doing that.  It’s my ministry.

How would you describe your beauty and skin care philosophies?

Beauty is something we inherently are. Knowing and experiencing that is the best gift you can give yourself.

In my mind, skin care and self-care are the same thing. It can be a tangible tool to work with when you’re paying attention to yourself and giving yourself the love and time that you might not have had the chance to give yourself all day.  It’s a way to just sit and be, a reset button, a chance to feel your own touch on your skin, which anchors something in your subconscious that is just invaluable: that you care about yourself.  To feel those feelings in your body when you’re taking time and doing your self-care—whether you’re taking a bath or misting your face momentarily before getting back to what you were doing—there is the opportunity to just take a few seconds to go beyond the thought in your head and just sink down into your body and feel something lovely about yourself. The joy of who you are.

What are your biggest goals as a formulator/maker/founder?

When it comes to specific skin needs, I feel that oxidation and inflammation are at the root, whether it’s acne or eczema or aging . . . .   So I like to work with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories in every product that I make.

And overall, I like to stay on the nutritious + nourishing side of things.  I’m sure you know our skin is our largest organ and it will absorb up to 60% of a lot of what we put on it. What we eat is also important, but what maybe you don’t know is that out of all of our organ systems, skin is the last to receive nutrients from our food. Because of this, using nutrition topically is a really good idea.

And, I view skin care as a mini-meditation. It’s nice when people allow silence and sit and eat their meals without being in a rush, and I hope they’re the same way with their skin care practice.

What do you think skin troubles can teach us?

This is a multi-layered thing.  On a physical level, skin conditions are going to show us something is out of balance in the body.  I personally believe that these types of things start on an energetic level, however, and so if there’s something going on in the body physically there’s very likely something going on energetically that started that chain. Beliefs, suppressed emotions . . . .  Skin troubles are messengers, and these messages can typically be detected way before they reach the skin, but we miss them. They are subtle, and we are preoccupied with our day to day life, most of which we spend in our head.

You just need to pay more attention to yourself and love yourself, if that makes sense.  Do you notice how all these brands are now calling skin care a ritual?  There are so many shamans in the skin care industry right now, it is unbelievable. These people are coming forward as spiritual teachers. Taking time for yourself, to BE yourself + honor yourself,  really opens things up that have been blocked from flowing. When that energy gets flowing, it can open up and let life force in. Love can flow through you without getting stuck.

How do you source and select your ingredients to ensure optimal performance and potency?

I choose ingredients based on their nutrients + ability to provide certain results. When it comes to sourcing those ingredients, I’m very picky. I try to harvest locally as much as I can. For the ingredients I can’t find locally or don’t have the time + extra hands to scout, I look to local farms + co-ops I’ve known for years who have a love for what they do, impeccable ethics + reverence for plants. Same goes for ingredients I source globally.

Only the finest ingredients

Are you self-taught?  Either way, how did you begin and can you describe how you have become such an accomplished formulator today?

I spent a lot of time researching and experimenting and practicing. I sought out and spoke with formulators and other skin care entrepreneurs. I liken it to being a self-taught chef.  Maybe you didn’t go to formal culinary school, but if you work hard and train with the right people, you can become very accomplished.

Throughout the process of learning, you fall down rabbit holes of discovery and learn unexpected things as well.  The internet is a great resource, but you still have to practice your butt off. Eventually, formulating becomes intuitive. My intuitive connection to plants and ingredients has come recently, after lots of experience.  This new connection is impacting the way I formulate now, so I’m changing and updating my recipes. I’m a better formulator now than I was 4 years ago. In an effort to constantly strive to make the absolute best products I can, I have to revisit all my recipes and make sure they’re the best possible version.  I want every product in the line to live up to an incredible level of excellence.

You said in your interview with Dallas of My Strange Days that your newest products tend to be your favorites because they have come from the most realized version of yourself.  Can you describe how your own evolution and growth is connected to and translates to the products you create?

My understanding of my environment reflects my understanding of myself. And plants, formulating, efficacy, + potential outcomes are included in that. When I expand + embody more clarity, I’m able to see everything in a different + more conscious way. With my products, there’s a fine tuning that’s happening. Recently it’s as if a recipe is handed to me intuitively in an instant, and I just have to create it + put it through a test phase.

What do you see as the greatest success of your line so far and what are your hopes for the future?

Just look at my Love Notes page. What it’s done for people.

Naturallogic is my ministry.

I’m honored just by the fact that Naturallogic happened and that it’s still happening. It’s part of everything I do, almost like a partner. Some customers have become dear friends. It’s my life and gives me incredible joy.

RAREFY Flawless Complexion Facial Serum featuring Tamanu & Blue Tansy

Where do you get your ideas (for your line, products, etc.)?

Ideas can be sparked by anything, anyone or anywhere. Something someone says (whether in passing or maybe a blogger), or I’ll notice a need . . . customers may write me with ideas they would love to have access to.  Sometimes it can be inspired by a new ingredient or something unconventional (like LUNA). It always starts as something intuitive and then begins to solidify and come into clear focus as I take the first step with whatever it is. I use my background knowledge, intermingled, from there.

What would you most love to change about the beauty industry?

I don’t really know anything about the beauty industry. I’ve been on the outskirts of it, so far. So, it’s hard to say. My focus is always on what I’m doing, not so much on what others are doing.

What inspires you?

Inspiration! I don’t really know how else to answer this question. Inspiration is a powerful force. It happens, I notice, I act.

Where do you hope to take Naturallogic in the future?

Depends on how far into the future. I’m much more interested in the present moment.

I DO think about and plan for the future, but not so far ahead that being flexible with new ideas and inspirations, and able to adapt to + flow with change as life unfolds are encumbered in any way. It’s more like I have a vision I want to create or something I want to achieve, and I set it in motion and start to live it, do it, create it. There’s not a plan for wanting it to happen in a certain time frame or by a certain date. I like to do things organically and let them flow in a way that I can work with, mold or reshape them as time goes on. Flowing organically in this way allows for that without things ever being difficult to adjust to or uncomfortable to change when I change and, therefore, my business has to change with me.

How do you think Naturallogic stands out in a crowded marketplace?

It doesn’t feel crowded, to me. I know there are a lot of green beauty brands, but the ones that stand out are the ones being original and authentic. And, that’s how I live + create. If I do stand out, it’s because I create from a completely inspired place, that combines traditional herbal wisdom, ancient plant wisdom, modern science + the alchemy and conscious intention of each person who uses + enjoys the products. From the formulation of each recipe to the packaging, to the website, to the idea Naturallogic was born out of, you won’t see any other products that work like or even resemble them. And that’s why I can stay so in love with it. I’m true to myself and my own ideas.

Every beauty in the Naturallogic line

Can you suggest a few example Naturallogic skin care rituals you would recommend for different skin types or goals?

Sure! There is a Collections page on the website that covers this in more depth, and you can always send us a note for more personal recommendations at resources@naturallogicskincare.com. The line is quite extensive, and most products are wonderful for all skin types, so you can search by category (cleanser, mask, serum, etc.), find a product that you’re interested in, and be very confident that it will love your skin. For the basics for specific skin types, I recommend these:

Oily, Acne Prone

Cleanse: BALANCE Cleansing Oil

Tone/Mist/Essence: BALANCE Neroli Nutrient Mist

Oil Serum: BALANCE Clarifying Serum

Sensitive, Reactive

Cleanse: BALANCE Cleansing Oil

Tone/Mist/Essence: HYDRATE Rose Nutrient Mist

Oil Serum: RAREFY Flawless Complexion Serum

Aging, Mature

Cleanse: RADIANCE or BRIGHTEN Cleansing Gel

Tone/Mist/Essence: HYDRATE Rose Nutrient Mist

Oil Serum: PHYTO-NECTAR Super Fruit Radiance Serum

ANCIENT EARTH Micro Exfoliate is fabulous for all skin types, as a bi-weekly exfoliate.

And most of my masks are amazing for all skin types.

Can you describe the magic that has gone into your limited-edition mask/cleanser LUNA and how this magic translates to amazing skin benefits?

It’s the Moon!! It’s such an essential part of the process that creates the main ingredient. The red wine + lees.

The lees separate + settles beneath the wine during seasonal artisan wine crafting,  form over the course of several lunar cycles, and are collected at each new moon.

The interaction between the probiotics + the moon cycle creates such a lush, nutrient rich, dark purple clay that literally hydrates, nourishes + transforms skin, while giving such a divine treat for the senses. It smells deep, sweet + slightly earthy with wine + berry notes + a chocolate finish. And the feel of it on skin is cushiony, like a long, soft hug. You can leave it on for an hour or more, and you’ll want to. It’s a deeply self-nourishing + loving experience. Try to do this for yourself at least once a week.

LUNA Red Wine + Probiotic + Antioxidant Cleanse + Masque

How do you think self-limiting beliefs impact skin?

Self-blocking creates stuck energy. A block to our own expression, emotions or joy/creating our desires can definitely show up on the skin. Congestion. Inflammation. Whatever is going on internally can + likely will show up externally. It seems more obvious in some rather than others to the degree it’s happening internally and how we all deal with it, let it flow, release…   I woke up with a pimple this morning because I’ve been ignoring my need for sleep, lately. That’s a block in the sense that when my body tells me it’s tired, I stop the flow of that energy and say no by continuing to pull all-nighters. It can be that simple, or it can be something really deep. But the mechanism is the same. Stopping energy from flowing the way it naturally wants to. Then that stuck energy turns into a symptom that speaks louder to get our attention. Our body is always on our side, and will use whatever it can to reach us in a language we will notice, listen to + do something about. If we can catch it at the subtle level, we can free the energy and let it flow before it becomes a louder symptom.

Self-limit is saying no to who we are. It’s important to be humble. Truly humble. Being the truth of who we are in every moment is true humility. Not always putting others first or doing what we “think we should” be doing. Of course, it doesn’t mean putting others last, either. It’s about being what wants to come through us in each moment. Without second guessing it. That requires humility. Complete surrender, in the sense that we have to submit to the truth of who we really are, rather than trying to hide, or control or change it. That’s self-love. And our love for ourselves causes us to be love to others in the truest way.

Thank you, Toni!

The post An Exclusive & Heartfelt Interview with Naturallogic Skincare Founder Toni appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

While masks and serums have become recent skin care superstars, Nuvesse masks work quickly, achieving visibly smoother and more radiant skin with one 20-minute use and continued improvement with regular treatments, delivering almost a month’s worth of serum in each mask treatment. Cellulation Technology allows each Nuvesse mask to deliver up to 26 times more active ingredients to the skin’s deeper layer. In clinical studies, 90% of users reported smoother wrinkles and more radiant skin after just one use.
Developed in collaboration with physicians, scientists and chemists, the line boasts four complete collections using patented Cellulation Technology that allows each Nuvesse product to deliver up to 26 times more active ingredients–including HA, vitamins A, C, E, copper peptide, and antioxidants–to the skin’s deeper layer, where many skin issues and signs of aging begin. The result is visibly brighter, hydrated, and more beautiful skin that continues to improve with each application. In fact, clinical studies showed 100 percent of users noticed positive skin changes immediately after removing the mask, and 90 percent noticed smoother wrinkles and more radiant skin after just one use. Over time, consistent use of the products leaves skin looking smoother, brighter and with an overall healthy glow.

I used Nuvesse Firming and Anti-Aging Biocellulose Mask. It was easy to wear the mask as I went about my normal daily activities, and I could pretty much forget I was wearing it. I experienced no discomfort or irritation at any point, despite my sensitive skin.  Nuvesse Firming and Anti-Aging Mask’s ingredient list is simple and appealing: Water, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Beta-Glucan, Glycerin, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, Caffeine, Niacinamide, Kjellmaniella Crassifolia Extract, Hydrolyzed Sesame Protein, Copper Tripeptide-1, Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Lavandula Angustifolia.

After just 20 minutes of wearing the mask–very comfortably, I might add–I took the mask off to reveal skin that was visibly more supple, plumped, wrinkles less prominent. Though my husband says I look creepy during treatment (very true, see above), the results are quite impressive.  After a quick 20 minutes, there’s definitely a visible change in terms of how pronounced wrinkles are as well as how full the face looks.  Better yet, and the improvement lasts several days.  This is the most effective mask I have tried.

The post Face Masks Based on Wound-Healing Science: Nuvesse appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.