I am delighted, humbled, and incredibly honored to be able to share my May Lindstrom interview!  Known as the skin chef, May Lindstrom has been creating her fresh, natural, and decadent skincare delights since 2011, though her informal experimentation as a formulator began as a young girl in the outdoors.  She is a beauty alchemist who uses pure, potent ingredients to create skin treats that offer both high-performance results and an incredible experience for the senses.

May Lindstrom is a true green beauty pioneer who has and continues to elevate the industry in terms of purity and luxury, to inspire countless individuals to examine their choices, and to set the bar for skincare rituals as self-care.  Anyone who thinks that natural skincare means giving up a degree of indulgence and pleasure has not tried May Lindstrom Skin.  Her skin treats are addictive, and they have a cult-like following for a reason!  May Lindstrom’s treasures restore natural balance to the skin and offer a decadent, sensual experience that invites the user to slow down, to notice, and to take self-care to new levels of tenderness and self-compassion.  Her line is truly one of a kind.  Moreover, May Lindstrom herself is a person who embodies the term “natural beauty,” inside and out.  Her graciousness is remarkable.  In fact, I can hardly think of May without “She Walks in Beauty” by Lord Byron popping into my head.  See for yourself.

Without further ado, the May Lindstrom interview!

Photography Courtesy of May Lindstrom Skin, www.maylindstrom.com

May Lindstrom Interview:

A Candid Conversation on Sensitivity & Healing with Green Beauty’s Most Beloved Pioneer + Alchemist

The Beauty Librarian (BL): I read an interview in which you said, “My skin was a battleground from birth.”  This is very humanizing to hear, especially in light of your renowned physical beauty and successful modeling career.  How have skin challenges helped shape your approach to beauty?

May Lindstrom: It’s important to remember that we usually only see the highlight reel of people’s lives. In this time of highly filtered, sparkly social media accounts, it can be easy to lose perspective or forget that we are all human. While my skin has finally found its balance at thirty-four, it took me a lifetime to get here.

I have the kind of complexion that is so sensitive and reactive, that one application of the wrong product will leave me covered in blisters and rashes or a terrible breakout. My skin physically hurts when I do not treat it well. And the emotional toll of self-consciousness and shame that rears up far too easily – that’s no joke either.

Finding my voice and the strength to stand up and use it was quite the feat. I’m an introvert and a pleaser and that has a cost. Not having a voice to say No to the products used on me as a model was one of the big reasons I ultimately happily closed that career door. At the end of the day, I believe in making choices that resonate to my very core – and that certainly includes supporting the health and integrity of my skin and my whole self.

Photography Courtesy of May Lindstrom Skin, www.maylindstrom.com

BL:  What are the most important lessons you learned – as a formulator and human being– due to or through your experience with sensitive, reactive skin?

May Lindstrom: I believe in simplicity and know that this is what works for me on pretty much every level. While I have given an incredible amount of attention to designing products for this collection that create a feeling of decadence and celebration, my very core is as basic and grounded as it gets. Beauty truly does come from within and I know that without a healthy body and spirit, our skin suffers.

I also learned pretty early on that using even the simplest of common products (even basic soap or lotion) just wasn’t an option for my own personal body. In order to not have constant pain in my skin, I had to learn an entirely new language of care. Ultimately, this is what led to my becoming a formulator.

I believe our skin has the ability to heal itself if we let it. Sometimes our role is to get out of the way! It is our responsibility to provide abundant nutrition and hydration and to be gentle in our care. By limiting our exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme treatments, we open up to gentler methods. I build each of my products on the same philosophy and ingredients that have been treasured and shared by women all over the world since the beginning of time. I trust in earth’s bounty and the wisdom of those who came before me.

Photography Courtesy of May Lindstrom Skin, www.maylindstrom.com

BL: Which of your delicious products — in addition to heavenly Blue Cocoon– are particularly helpful for redness and inflammation and how so?   

May Lindstrom: The entire collection is formulated to work in synergy to restore balance, ultimately reviving the skin’s integrity and natural rhythm. This leads to lessened redness and inflammation no matter where your starting point was.

The Blue Cocoon is the obvious hero to address inflammatory conditions specifically, but since you prompted, I’ll share details on one more.

The Honey Mud is incredibly gentle and nourishing and helps bring relief to stressed skin. It is formulated to be true skin food.  On days you are using The Honey Mud as a cleanser, massage a plump pea-sized dollop into wet skin to emulsify into a gorgeous and silky cleansing milk. Rinse thoroughly, while massaging with the pads of your fingertips. Your skin will feel plump, hydrated and thoroughly fed.  As a deeply beneficial alternative, The Honey Mud makes the most nourishing raw enzyme treatment masque. Smooth thickly over clean and dry skin to give it a warm hug. The Honey Mud will maintain its pudding-like texture, rather than turning to a milky emulsion with the addition of water. Allow to penetrate and feed your skin for 10-60 minutes, as desired.  In periods of heightened dehydration or sensitivity, wear The Honey Mud into the shower to protect the delicate natural oils of your skin from evaporation in the heat and water, rinsing as your last step.

While I’m here, you should know about The Jasmine Garden as well – this is our gorgeously ethereal botanical mist. This formula adds just a touch of light moisture, and also provides refreshing cleansing action throughout the day with the powerfully soothing combination of witch hazel and colloidal silver. This is particularly wonderful to bring calm and relief to acne and irritation prone skin, as well as to work as a penetration enhancer for The Youth Dew and The Blue Cocoon. The Jasmine Garden infuses skin with antioxidant protection, restoring elasticity and freeing delicate complexions of redness and inflammation.

The romantic aromatic experience of The Jasmine Garden is truly a dream. Soft, sweet, fresh – like a garden of lush flowers in the tropics, somewhere near a field of cocoa beans drenched in rain. This is beautiful after cleansing and before oils, again after oils, to set makeup, and to spritz throughout the day to refresh, cool, calm and heal. I even love to mist lightly on my pillow before sleep, grounding me for perfect rest.

Photography Courtesy of May Lindstrom Skin, www.maylindstrom.com

BL:  How would you advise someone who is in a bout of self-criticism over “skin issues” to get in touch with and celebrate her/his individual beauty?

May Lindstrom:  With my collection, I make a very conscious effort to always draw attention to how amazing we already are, and how deserving we are of self-love and truly beautiful care that feeds both our skin and soul. I cringe at mainstream marketing and the stories it tells us, and mourn for the women who hear and believe these falsities about themselves.

You are not broken. You are whole, heard, and treasured. And you deserve care and touch, your own primarily.

We’ve been taught that self-care Is self-ish, and that is one of the most unfortunate messages we could be proliferating. I want every woman to know that she matters, that this time is hers, and that love that starts from the romance within and ripples out into the world, offering transformation far beyond ourselves.

My brand is an invitation for you to create the time and space for the personal connection you deserve with yourself. This action alone will transform you. What I want to is to get this message out there, to start a shift in how we care for ourselves, starting with the most basic and intimate of rituals  – how we cleanse.

Photography Courtesy of May Lindstrom Skin, www.maylindstrom.com

BL:  You have two adorable children and a lovely family. How has your conception of beauty been informed by motherhood?  How has motherhood informed your work as a beauty alchemist?

May Lindstrom:  The birth of my children reaffirmed a lot of my core beliefs, philosophies and dreams – alongside my enhanced desire to bring ritual and connection to our skin back to the lives of women (and equally deserving men!). It also resurged my hope for a cleaner, happier planet for us all to live on together. This has always been a concern for me, but bringing new life onto this Earth shines a very acute personal spotlight on the urgency of this matter. I will always operate both my business and my personal life in a way that honors and celebrates our earth mama.

Photography Courtesy of May Lindstrom Skin, www.maylindstrom.com

The post May Lindstrom Interview Spectacular! 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.

I had the delight of interviewing Michelle Ranavat, founder of the much-anticipated, Ayurvedic-inspired line Ranavat Botanics, launching in August 2017.  Rather than selling products, Ranavat Botanics offers a luxurious experience through a Royal Ritual.  The Royal Ritual consists of one of their delectable masks (just wait until you read the ingredient blends on these), each paired with a lovely hydrosol, to be followed by a saffron-infused facial oil.  Many of the ingredients are certified organic and all the products will be certified because Ranavat Botanics believes in delivering the best actives and offering full transparency. Having spoken with Ms. Ranavat about her formulations and process, I cannot wait until her launch this coming August.

Melissa (M): Can you tell me a bit about your personal journey and the story behind Ranavat Botanics?

Michelle Ranavat (MR): My dad is an entrepreneur who comes from a long line of chemists, so in a way, I always knew that launching a business was something I wanted to do as well.  My father started his business in his basement and grew it from the ground up, starting at zero, without ever taking a single loan. He set such an example of integrity.  I wanted to approach my line in the same way, so I have been working and saving for years now and have invested all of these savings into launching my line.

My mother-in-law is a veteran esthetician, and she turned me on to natural skincare.  At first, I was skeptical about whether I could get the results I was used to, but after using basic, natural products, I noticed my skin looked better than ever.

M: Do you have any advice for other entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs?

MR: Be prepared for last minute tweaks. Join an inspiring community of other entrepreneurs.  [Ms. Ranavat is a member of Bossladies (@bossladiesmag).]  You are only as strong as your weakest link.

M: Your mother-in-law was indeed blown away by the effectiveness of natural Ayurvedic ingredients; what do you think makes these ingredients so special and powerful?

MR:  When you’re backed by Ayurvedic science, it gives you a powerful framework. For instance, in India, one type of turmeric is used in food, and another type—that gives an amazing glow without any staining–is used on skin.  It is an Indian tradition that women wear turmeric masks the day before their wedding for the gorgeous glow and anti-inflammatory effects.  Ranavat Botanics will offer something similar with this special turmeric, manuka honey, lemon peel, and Fuller’s earth to enhance the effects.

M:  To what degree will your line offer dosha-specific treatments, and why?

MR:  Ranavat Botanics is heavily influenced by Ayurvedic principles, but will take a slightly more modern approach.  Ayurveda is actually a very specific and truly medicinal approach. If you truly consider real Ayurveda, there a lot of different things people do in India that would not necessarily translate well here and that go well beyond skincare. Ranavat Botanics uses many ingredients typically found in Ayurvedic treatments, but it is not a medicinal Ayurvedic line.  My line is focused on and informed by Ayurvedic tradition rather than being precisely Ayurvedic.

M:  What sorts of products can we look forward to seeing from Ranavat Botanics?

MR:  The way I think of it, Ranavat Botanics is not about selling products, but about sharing a tradition and an experience.  We are going to start by launching three power masks paired with hydrosols infused with amazing healing properties of plants. Each mask represents a Royal Ritual when paired with its hydrosol and followed by special saffron-infused oils as well which we plan to release this fall.  The ultimate Royal Ritual is to wear the mask, then infuse skin with a tonic, finally sealing in the hydration with a facial oil.

The three masks are:

Kiss of Royal-Tea:  A hydrating mask that steeps skin in beautiful Rose Petals, Rose Clay, Rhassoul Clay, exotic Gooseberry, Ashwagandha, 100% pure Manuka Honey, Hibiscus Petals, and more for calming, hydration, and skin plumping

Eternal Reign:  A rejuvenating mask for a youthful complexion, this antioxidant and anti-aging powerhouse offers a lovely combination that includes 100% pure Manuka Honey, French Green Clay, Neem, Moringa, Gotu Kola, and Vitamin C to promote regeneration and uncover a youthful reflection

False Veil: A mask for radiant skin that addresses acne and eczema, reduces inflammation, stimulates collagen, and reduces hyperpigmentation with a blend that includes Fuller’s Earth, Bentonite Clay, 100% Pure Manuka Honey, our special stainless Turmeric, Bakuchi, Licorice, Sandalwood, and Saffron for a beautifully even complexion

The three hydrosols will be:

• Jasmine–steam-distilled Indian jasmine flowers to soak skin in monsoon-like moisture
• Lavender–steam-distilled, hand-picked Himalayan lavender blooms nourish and soothe skin with healing properties
• Eucalyptus–steam-distilled, hand-picked Indian eucalyptus for unparalleled cooling and anti-inflammatory properties

M: What are some things that set your line apart from others?

MR: First, as a skincare formulator, I went through countless iterations with the same ingredients until I got it just right.  I would not rest until a formula felt perfect and delivered the results I wanted.

Second, each of our products is certified by an outside party.  For our tonics, we are going through the USDA and for the masks, we are using a company called Made Safe.  This way customers can truly have a guarantee that the ingredient list is accurate and honest.

Third, we keep the water out of our masks and deliver it in powder form in order to guarantee freshness without having to add questionable preservatives. Because honey is a main mask ingredient (e.g., the Eternal Reign Mask is 33% Manuka honey from New Zealand), it was a very special process getting the powder just right, but I love how they are now.  Not many lines offer our unique ingredients in such amazingly fresh powder form.   The other benefit to having a powder mask is that you are activating the botanical ingredients immediately before use.  It’s truly a spa-like experience and you are getting the very most out of your ritual.

M: What is the significance of the Ranavat Botanics’ Royal Ritual?

MR:  The Royal Ritual is all about elevating the ritual of self-care.  Using really great ingredients to nurture skin is not an issue of vanity; skin is the window to the world, and so taking care of it matters. You have to put in the time to take care of yourself, and Ranavat Botanics offers highly effective and enjoyable ways to make this a priority.

The post Exclusive Interview with Ranavat Botanics Founder Michelle Ranavat appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

I had the opportunity to speak with and interview Ms. Dana Jackson, the founder and creator of Beneath Your Mask.  As a skincare enthusiast and blogger, I have tried countless skin care lines and products. Many of the products I have tried have been aesthetically pleasing and well-formulated, and some of them have truly improved my skin in specific, targeted ways.  However, I never encountered a line comprised entirely of powerful, effective, healing, dynamic multi-taskers until I tried Beneath Your Mask.  Having tried samples and minis from various lines, I am very occasionally inspired to buy a standout product here or there; never have I felt compelled to immediately get a full size of every product in a line—until I tried Beneath Your Mask.  Every. Single. Product. Beneath Your Mask is the magic that results when a commitment to health and wellness meets a life of luxury and exquisite beauty decadence. If you have not yet read my review of the Beneath Your Mask experience, I encourage you to find out more about what all the fuss is about here.

On her website, Ms. Jackson shares the most vulnerable, beautiful story of personal transformation that I have ever read. I am not going to attempt to summarize it because it is perfect and true the way it is.  You can find Ms. Jackson’s story in her own words here. I guarantee that reading it will deeply enrich your reading of and excitement about the interview below, and if you keep your heart open, it just might help you feel more connected to your fellow human beings as well.

Through her battle with lupus, Dana realized, “The most important and hardest work has been taking off my mask and facing myself. I realized that God could heal me once I removed my mask and revealed my true self — not because He wasn’t willing to before, but because I hadn’t been willing to be vulnerable and humble enough to receive that healing. Hence my company name, Beneath Your Mask.”  Though fully embracing our true selves is difficult, “Beneath that mask lies a beauty that transcends being defined by society’s approval.”

Interview with Ms. Dana Jackson

Interview with Dana Jackson

Melissa (M): How has your battle with lupus informed your ideas about beauty and shaped the woman you are today?

Dana Jackson (DJ):  My battle with lupus really goes back and starts with beauty; I ended up getting diagnosed because I was going to the dermatologist and having what I thought were strange skin reactions to a prescription, but it eventually turned out to be lupus.  My battle with lupus resulted in me gaining 100 pounds of water weight; my skin was stretched to the point of pain and I got all sorts of stretch marks.  My hair fell out.  My eyes were swollen shut. I had visible lupus-related rashes.  As part of my treatment, I had to be on steroids and my face swelled up from that.

I had always valued brains over beauty, and I really didn’t devote that much of my energy or attention to beauty—until it was taken.  With my symptoms and treatment side effects, I felt like I looked like the Michelin Man, and I was extremely self-conscious. Being brought to that point deepened my sense of compassion, and I started seeing the beauty in things not traditionally considered beautiful.  When I left my life as a business manager in the music industry in Atlanta to go for lupus treatment in Los Angeles, I took one bag and the one pair of shoes that still fit me.  I left all my “stuff,” the material trappings of success behind, and its significance in my life diminished greatly.  Nothing material defined me.

Lupus took away all the “supposed to be’s” about beauty, status, womanhood, and by helping me let go of all of those pressures, eventually let me be comfortable in my own skin.

M: Can you tell me a little about what was missing in your former life as an entertainment business manager in the music industry despite all the glamor and material success?

DJ:  Looking back now, what was missing was purpose.  I am a go-getter and faced with a challenge, I could always get a specific result, as I am very resourceful. I was successful in my work, but I was working 20-hour days.  You have a huge team around entertainers, and to work well with them, you have to care about whatever they do and make it a huge priority.  I was spending tons of time and energy on ridiculous things that were in no way life or death matters.   So much of my energy and nearly all my time went towards superficial matters for people who were living in a bubble.  This was a stressful, around-the-clock job that just felt empty.

I started praying for purpose and I got diagnosed with lupus.  God answered my prayer, but not in the way I intended. I always tell people now, be very specific in your prayers.  Lupus was God’s way of stripping away things I overvalued and leading me to my greater purpose.

M: You describe a strong link between vulnerability and strength. Can you speak about their connectedness?

DJ: I am thankful that God sees enough in me to give me this opportunity (through the hard work of healing physically and emotionally) to make dramatic changes in myself and my life.  Not everyone has the opportunity to do that.  Now I look for the good and the beauty in everything.  Even in a pile of discouragement, I look for the small gems of value that I can take away.

M: How do you thrive in the face of lupus?

DJ: I try to make lupus a small part of my life.  I will say I have the diagnosis of lupus, but not that I “have lupus.”   I have taken supplements and incorporated Chinese medicine, but that’s really only a small part of what matters.  What impacts my health more than anything is my mood and stress levels.  The most important and the hardest part of thriving is the self-work.  That makes the biggest difference, but trying to change who you’ve been for thirty years is not easy.  There is no shortcut there, but it offers the best rewards.

M: Can you tell me the story of how and why you created Heal Whipped Skin Soufflé?

DJ: In 2011, I was in the hospital in critical care, had gained 100 pounds, and my skin was stretched beyond capacity to the point of extreme pain.  My mother was trying to soothe my skin, and we had to keep things very simple.  After discharge, I eventually lost a great amount of weight and was left with purple stretch marks over my body.  I started looking for solutions and came across Bio Oil, but I wasn’t satisfied with all the ingredients.  I started researching healing ingredients.  At first, I used them individually, but my style has always been go-big-or-go-home—I wanted something that did it all.  I began combining the ingredients I had researched and through many iterations, I eventually created this beautiful formula, Heal.  I made it for myself but gave some to loved ones at the holidays, and to this day, those people stockpile it, afraid of running out.

M:  When did you know you wanted to share your products with people more widely?

DJ:  I knew I wanted to create a line in 2013/2014.  I just didn’t have time, because I was still working in the entertainment industry.  I had a vision of Beneath Your Mask, but I just didn’t know the when and how, and there were other logistical issues like maintaining health insurance.  Eventually, the company I was working for was bought out.  I knew I wanted to launch my line, but it was still a huge act of faith.  I have invested literally every resource I have into launching Beneath Your Mask.  There are no investors, no backers, it’s all me. I’m paying for everything myself, putting everything I have and more into this.  Launching a business on your own is incredibly stressful, and I have to manage stress carefully or my symptoms (of lupus) will flare.  I’m striving to not take everything about my business so personally when, at the same time, Beneath Your Mask is literally my heart, sweat, and tears, my everything.

M:  How have you decided what ingredients to include in each product and where to get them?

DJ: Before I would choose an ingredient, I would research it and investigate where it’s naturally grown.  I wanted to source my ingredients in their most natural state from their natural habitat.  I really insist on the most therapeutic form of each ingredient, which means I source from dozens of different countries to get the very best.  This makes a huge difference in the therapeutic value of each ingredient and hugely amplifies what my finished products can do for skin.  I share everything I can about ingredients because I want Beneath Your Mask products to be completely transparent for customers.

M: What are your favorite things about each of your products?

DJ:  Heal Whipped Skin Souffle—this is bigger than a product. I created it in an act of self-acceptance and healing, and I didn’t intend to sell it.  People fell in love with how well it works. Ultimately, Heal helped give me a bigger perspective on life and helped me find my purpose.

Polish Detoxifying Body Scrub is unlike any scrub I’ve ever used. It’s not harsh, yet it’s extremely effective and doesn’t leave skin dry, it’s so luxurious, and I love how soft it makes my skin.

Indulge Body Elixir offers immediate soothing of itchiness, you name it.  I love how it instantly absorbs into my skin yet feels so indulgent.

Nourish Hair and Skin Serum does everything for skin and hair.  I love the scent, the glow, the hydration.

M:  What’s on the horizon for Beneath Your Mask?

DJ: We will be coming out with several new products:  a face mask, a face wash, a face toner, and a face serum.  We will be exhibiting at the Indie Beauty Expo in New York, which we’re beyond excited about!

Dana Jackson of Beneath Your Mask

The post Beneath Your Mask Founder Dana Jackson: An Exclusive, Candid Interview appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

                    After experiencing the delight of Uliv Skincare Golden Chai Facial Soufflé, I was delighted to have the chance to speak with Uliv founder Lishawn Lalonde in our exclusive interview.  I found out more about her path towards wellness in the face of an autoimmune condition as well as the story behind her company.  Having the chance to both corresponded and speak with Ms. Lalonde, it quickly became clear to me that she is a lovely person with a generous spirit.  Just two of many examples, Ms. Lalonde consciously prices her products–which could easily be priced as niche luxury items–moderately in order to keep them accessible to people, and she has started an annual company tradition of donating 100% of an entire month’s profits to charity.  Find out more about this remarkable woman below.

Lishawn Lalonde, Founder and Formulator, Uliv Skincare 

Melissa (M): How did your journey with autoimmune issues inform Uliv Golden Chai’s formulation?

Lishawn Lalonde (LL): I had inflammation issues due to autoimmune issues and went through huge lifestyle changes.  I got rid of chemicals and preservatives in what I ate and did a high-alkaline anti-inflammatory diet.  I also went through the process of clearing my mind and dealing with emotional issues.  I experienced huge benefits from using healing, anti-inflammatory ingredients internally, so I started using these healing ingredients externally.  As a former esthetician, I searched for ways to apply my anti-inflammatory, holistic lifestyle to my beauty regimen. Through trial and error, I slowly perfected the formulation using the same oils, spices, and herbs that had been so transformative in my health. I also included Coenzyme Q10, Sea Ferment, and Green Tea, because I wanted some anti-aging results as well.  I studied Le Mer for ideas, and that inspired me to include organic sea ferment.

M: Your company Uliv is about more than skin, isn’t it?

LL: The product captures my life journey. I’ve struggled with self-hatred and tried to be perfect.  When I got seriously ill, I was forced to slow down and approach life differently. I had a lot of internal healing that took place.  At the same time, I transformed my diet and lifestyle and experienced such health benefits. I came to the understanding that how I live matters.  In creating skincare, I was trying to come up with a beautiful product that would build a relationship with skin, not a reaction.  You can have ongoing results with Golden Chai Facial Souffle because skin inherently knows what to do with the ingredients.  I wanted to create something nourishing and long-term, not an artificial instant fix.  So many instant gratification products work in the moment only to end up aging you in the long run.  I wanted to provide something different.  At Uliv, the motto is: “I live. I love. I learn. How do Uliv?”  Uliv is about being intentional, thinking about what you’re putting in and on your body, building relationship It’s a product that really will make a healing difference on your skin and will bring a glow.”

M: One of the many lovely things about Uliv Skin is that, in contrast to a lot of other handcrafted green skincare companies, the consumer does not have to pay hundreds of dollars for a great product.

LL: Yes, I can’t understand where the cost is going for some of those products. I wanted everyone to be able to afford it and have access to it.  It’s not cheap because the ingredients are costly, but I want it to be accessible.

M:  Uliv has a very accepting and positive stance toward aging.  How did you come to this, and what advice do you have to help others move closer to acceptance?

LL:  As women, we have so much pressure to look a certain way. I came to this gradually.  At first, I would admire and feel pressure to look like women who had had cosmetic work done. I had to let go of the idea of turning to Botox or filler and focus instead on aging gracefully. I think we’re deceived about what beauty really is.  Media covets beauty in the wrong way—the media has turned beauty into something that you can manufacture.  Real beauty shines in your flaws. Your face is a history book.  The process of aging is a beautiful thing, and I’m learning to embrace my lines, accept natural beauty, love who I am.

M: What inspired you to go from making products for yourself and friends to starting a company?

LL:   While working as an esthetician, I started giving my cream to friends, then to some clients. Word spread, and I made it available to local people around town.  I kept getting a lot of positive feedback.  Everyone said they wanted to be able to purchase this cream. They said they needed their glow!  In terms of stepping into the business world, I had a lot of courage when I went into the Indie Beauty Expo.  We had just officially launched about two weeks before the Expo itself, so it was a huge risk, but we had a good response.  That experience gave me the confidence I needed to go into the business a little more, a little deeper.

M: What’s been the biggest challenge of starting and running your own company?

LL: The technical issues of running a business have been challenging—the business license, legal details, and those sorts of things.  Also, I had to have a lot of courage just to put my product out there, because it was so intimately tied to my personal journey. I was offering something very personal to me.

M:  I love the smell of Golden Chai Facial Soufflé. How would you describe it?

LL: The smell that I was going for was turmeric latte with notes of turmeric, nutmeg, cinnamon, and honey. 

M: You are already giving back as part of Uliv’s Mission.  Tell us about that.

LL: In the month of March, we partnered with Connecting to Cure Crohn’s + Colitis and gave all proceeds of the month to that cause.  I plan to do it again next year.  My goal is to be able to expand this and pour money into more nonprofit foundations as I become more successful.

M: What is next on the horizon for Uliv Skincare?

LL:  I want to let things organically bloom out. Our products are handmade in small batches, which is important to me.  We will be doing a bit of an upgrade on the Golden Chai Soufflé, and we are collaborating with local farms to bring even more incredible ingredients and make it even more stable. In terms of products, we are going to come out with Golden Chai Oil Cleanser and Golden Chai Nourishing Oil.  We are partnering with an olive farm that presses their own oils (using the young harvest with the most antioxidants) on new oil-based products.

Lishawn Lalonde, Founder and Formulator of Uliv Skincare surrounded by naturePlease stay tuned for more updates as Uliv Skincare unveils these new products (because you can bet I will want to try them!). 

The post Exclusive Interview with Green Beauty Maven, Lishawn Lalonde, Founder & Formulator of Uliv Skincare appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.