Pure•ly Mei Botanical Skincare is a tightly curated, sophisticated line consisting of two gorgeous hero-status plant-based products, Renew Cherry Blossom Oil-to-Milk Cleanser and Everlasting Bakuchiol and White Lupin Facial Oil Serum.  Founded by licensed esthetician and trained formulator Sarah Duran, Purely Mei is a line that is designed to bring skin back into balance and harmony by supporting the skin barrier and providing noncomedogenic nourishment.  As I told Sarah after using the products for several weeks, these are not your average oils!  Purely Mei delivers considerable benefits to even the fussiest skin types.  As someone dealing with inflammation, acne, and aging simultaneously, I feel qualified to say that both Renew and Everlasting are exceptional formulations.  Together, these complementary products represent a beautifully streamlined yet complete routine, but each product is also a singular marvel as well.  I was lucky enough to get to try both gems, and I am delighted to have the chance to tell you about my outstanding experience with each.

Renew Cherry Blossom Oil-to-Milk Cleanser is an award-winning cleanser that is perfect for anyone whose skin and/or spirit needs a little pampering.  This rich, luxurious oil cleanser is a sensory delight to use with a lovely scent that hints of its natural lavender, geranium, and orange oils.  Renew is very gentle and hydrating, but it gives a thorough clean, washing clean without leaving an oily film behind or stripping or drying out the skin. Prior to using Renew, I was skeptical of cleansers that did not contain a surfactant, but this formulation has shown me that it is not necessary for a just-right clean.  As a skilled esthetician, Sarah Duran formulated this oil cleanser very carefully, and she has a wonderful blog post in which she debunks several misconceptions about oil cleansers. The formulation is very balanced and delivers benefits for all skin types, but especially for anyone dealing with sensitivity, a compromised barrier, or acne.  The oils in Renew are noncomedogenic and high in linoleic acid, which boosts the skin barrier and helps to prevent acne, making this a perfect cleanser for fussy or “problematic” skin.  As someone with both sensitive and acne-prone skin, I’ve found Renew to be a very calming staple in my routine.  As a bonus, its star active, Cherry Blossom, is both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, reducing both the oxidative and inflammatory damage that can accelerate aging and exacerbate other skin complaints.  Additionally, Cherry Blossom helps to suppress advanced glycation end products (AGE) production and AGE-induced fibroblast apoptosis!  Renew is balanced and nourishing and leaves skin hydrated yet truly clean all in one gentle cleanse.  Renew Cherry Blossom Oil-to-Milk Cleanser  is a beautiful cleanser—a joy to use and truly calming for the complexion.

Renew Cherry Blossom Oil-to-Milk Cleanser Ingredients: *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Polyglyceryl-4-oleate, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil, *Perilla Frutescens Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil & Prunus Serrulata (Cherry Blossom) Flower Extract, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, *Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed (C02) Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf (C02) Extract, Tocopherol, Bisabolol, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, *Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, *Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Peel oil.  *Organic

Everlasting Bakuchiol and White Lupin Facial Oil Serum is truly an oil that does it all:  hydrates, heals, nourishes, regenerates, and strengthens the skin.  Everlasting is another award-winning gem from Purely Mei, and a single use will quickly show why this showstopper has already started garnering awards, most recently from the Beauty Shortlist Awards.  This silky oil serum provides just the right amount of hydration to skin and rather than remaining on the skin’s surface like some heavier oils do, Everlasting absorbs into the skin where the sumptuous oil serum can work its real magic. With its blend of vanilla-infused Jojoba, Moringa, Pomegranate, Borage, Rose Hip, and Helichrysum Oils, Everlasting smells divine and fortifies the skin with anxtioxidants and 3, 6, 9, omega-rich, nourishing oils.  Bakuchiol and White Lupin Seed Extract are two anti-aging superstars in the serum; Bakuchiol has demonstrated similar anti-aging and anti-acne activity to retinol without the irritation and potential for photosensitivity, and White Lupin Seed Extract promotes high-quality collagen production that results in smoother, firmer skin!

The visible benefits of Everlasting are obvious:  smoother, more supple, calm skin, with a healthy glow.  Best of all, Everlasting is a product that is suitable for all skin types and capable of tackling a variety of skin challenges.  I know firsthand just how healing Everlasting is.  It takes an incredibly special serum to appropriately treat and visibly benefit my skin when it is at its most problematic (e.g., dry in some spots, oily in others, irritated, and acne-prone, all while showing advanced signs of aging), and Everlasting is one of a very select number of products that I can trust to not only do no harm but also to bring my skin into better balance, to soothe, hydrate, and heal my irritation and blemishes.  True to the spirit of Purely Mei, Everlasting restores my skin to calm even when it’s been at its most difficult.  It takes a special hero product to earn your deepest trust for the times when your skin is misbehaving, and Everlasting has quickly become such a go-to hero for me.

Everlasting Bakuchiol and White Lupin Facial Oil Serum Ingredients: *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, *Moringa Oleifera (Moringa) Seed Oil, *Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil, *Rosa Mosqueta (Rose) Hip Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil and Lupinus Seed Extract, *Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed C02 Extract, Bakuchiol, *Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Berries C02 Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Bean Extract, Tocopherol (Non GMO), Bisabolol, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf C02 Extract, *Helichrysum Splendidum Oil.  *Organic

Filled with potent actives, Purely Mei is a line thoughtfully formulated by expert licensed esthetician Sarah Duran.  Purely Mei embraces a pro-aging philosophy, and its products are designed to nurture the skin and empower the user to look and feel their best at any age.  Although the line eschews gimmicky and unrealistic anti-aging marketing, both Renew and Everlasting are beautifully suited for mature skin as well as skin that craves healing, whether from irritation, acne, or both. Indeed, I think it would be accurate to call the products anti-inflammaging, as both Renew and Everlasting contain several actives that tame that inflammatory cascade that can exacerbate skin conditions and accelerate the aging process beyond what it might otherwise be.  Above all, Purely Mei is designed to support the skin barrier and restore calm and balance to the skin while providing the user with an elegant and relaxing experience, and the line succeeds beautifully in doing all this!  For anyone who is ready for a streamlined yet indulgent routine that will yield numerous complexion benefits, I highly recommend trying both Purely Mei products. This is a line worth discovering, cherishing, and sharing!

The post My Review of Pure•ly Mei Botanical Skincare appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

With the launch of Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly, the Skin Herbalists is a line to watch.  Created by one of the foremost skincare formulators in the world, The Skin Herbalists’ founder and formulator Jacine Greenwood combines the unique wisdom of both an expert aesthetician and a certified cosmetic chemist.  Jacine is the force of nature behind the hugely successful, highly effective, and much-loved line Roccoco Botanicals.  A true creative visionary at heart, Jacine is not one to rest on her laurels and was inspired to create The Skin Herbalists to make her special blend of natural plant-based miracles available for home use. The Skin Herbalists line is 100% natural skincare that proves how effective gentle plant-based skin care can be.

The Skin Herbalists Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly

The Skin Herbalists’ first launch is a gorgeous cleanser, Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly.  Starting out with a cleanser was doubtless the explicit intention.  A true expert in all things skin, founder Jacine views cleanser as the foundational, most vital step in any skincare regimen. Why is having the right cleanser so crucial?  Cleansers contain surfactants, and if not chosen very carefully, surfactants can have deleterious effects on the skin, such that a poorly-formulated cleanser can deplete vital lipids, impair the barrier, and generate inflammation.  Moreover, when an overly-stripping cleanser damages the barrier, it can remain in the skin, further exacerbating dryness and inflammation. Without an optimal cleanser, skin is compromised from the very first step, and all the other products that follow are working at a disadvantage and likely to yield mixed results. Choosing the right cleanser is the crucial first step toward setting the skin up for success, which explains why The Skin Herbalists’ first launch falls into this category.  The Skin Herbalists have created a cleanser that avoids all the common cleanser pitfalls.  With Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly, The Skin Herbalists deliver a beautiful, balanced, and gentle formulation that does not strip skin lipids, nor remain in the skin.  Instead of causing inflammation, Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly actually reduces inflammation  and alleviates redness.  This gem leaves skin clean yet soft and hydrated.

The Skin Herbalists Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly is that special cleanser that fully and effortlessly cleanses makeup and debris in one gentle step all without stripping or irritating even the fussiest of skin.  With a rich, buttery texture and gorgeous pink glow, Rhubarb Jelly Cleanser offers a gorgeous and delightful sensory experience that serves as a perfect first step and will elevate the entire skincare ritual.  Even more impressive than the joy of using it, though, is the beautiful effects it has on the skin. Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly leaves skin gently hydrated without any greasy residue, so you get a satisfying cleanse without that parched feeling that some cleansers can cause. Infused with nutrient-dense Raspberry Seed Oil, Kiwi Seed Oil, and Passionfruit Seed Oil, the cleanser provides skin with a generous dose of Omega 3.    The star ingredient, Rhubarb Extract, increases the amount of ceramides and hyaluronic acid in the skin, softening and plumping lines and wrinkles. With its skin-plumping ingredients, Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly also reinforces the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss.   A specially-chosen concentrated, plant-derived essential fatty acid, Ethyl Linoleate, effectively targets pigmentation while delivering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection, leaving skin bright and calm.  Meanwhile, Kakadu Plum Extract delivers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for calming signs of acne or other inflammatory skin issues.  The result is a truly balanced, gentle cleanser that is effective and beneficial for any skin type.

When asked what would constitute the perfect cleanser, Jacine replied, “The perfect cleanser is gentle and doesn’t dry your skin out, yet effortlessly removes makeup, deep cleans pores and doesn’t contain comedogenic ingredients.”   With this brilliant definition in mind, The Skin Herbalists Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly is about as close to perfection as a formulation can possibly get.  Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly is versatile in the way it effectively serves many skin types and concerns, gentle in the way it reinforces the barrier and boosts hydration rather than depleting them, and effortlessly effective in the way it removes makeup and cleans the pores.  Using The Skin Herbalists Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly regularly for just over a week, I am already seeing skin that is calmer, brighter, and better hydrated with noticeably less inflammation.   If you ask me, Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly truly is the perfect versatile cleanser, and I cannot wait to see what other marvels The Skin Herbalists have in store. I highly recommend giving this beauty from the Skin Herbalists a try to see just how high-performance a cleanser can be. Prepare to be impressed!

The post The Skin Herbalists Rhubarb Cleansing Jelly appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

Once in a great while, I am lucky enough to encounter an exceptional beauty entrepreneur who is as kind as she is talented.  Anis Lacerte of I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS is one such amazing woman.  I had lusted after her High Tech Copper Peptide Serum 10% for a few years when, much to my surprise and delight, Ms. Lacerte herself commented on one of my Instagram posts.  It was an exciting moment for me, and after a bit of social media interaction, I reached out and expressed my admiration and interest in collaborating, and Ms. Lacerete graciously agreed.

I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS REVIEW

I had the opportunity to try two incredible products from the I’M FABULOUS line, the TCA Toner and High Tech Copper Peptide Serum 10%, and I’m delighted to bring you my review.

I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS TCA Toner

First, let me tell you about the TCA (Trichloracetic Acid) Toner. TCA Toner is a highly effective oil reducer, pore minimizer, and exfoliant that works by removing the top layer of dead skin cells, revealing the fresh new skin that lies beneath.  I started using TCA Toner during a bad bout of acne and found that it was very good at bringing my skin back into balance.  The toner has a base of aloe and also includes skin nourishing Vitamin E along with acne-fighting Salicyclic Acid and skin-rejuvenating Trichloracetic Acid for a clear, bright complexion.  The blend works brilliantly, and it packs a punch; those of us with sensitive skin may most benefit from using it once a day rather than twice. I particularly recommend I’M FABULOUS TCA Toner for anyone who struggles with acne, as it leaves blemish-prone skin fresh and clean.  TCA Toner is serious skincare that is superb at tackling blemishes, large pores, and acne marks.

I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS High Tech Copper Peptide Serum 10%

Now, on to the gem known as I’M FABULOUS High Tech Copper Peptide Serum 10%.  This hydrating organic serum has the most impressive, potent concentration of Copper Tripeptide GHK-Cu that I have seen offered anywhere, coming in at a whopping 10%.  This serum is truly exceptional; although it comes in a generous bottle (50ml) it is a highly reparative and rejuvenating concentrate. High Tech Copper Peptide Serum 10% can work wonders even when used sparingly; in fact, this is such an intense product that it is best not to overdo it.  Ms. Laceree recommends using it just once a day and stopping for at least 12 months after using one full bottle of the treatment (50ml).

For absolute maximum freshness, the serum comes in two bottles, one with the GHK-Cu active copper concentrate and one of the Copper Peptide Activator Serum.  Combine the two, shake for 30 seconds, and you have a fresh, activated serum ready to use. In addition to the extraordinarily high concentration of the star active, GHK-Cu, the serum also boasts plumping hyaluronic acid as well as an array of branched-chain amino acids that are an essential part of the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Ms. Lacerte has put a great deal of research into her ingredient selection, and the results speak for themselves.

High Tech Copper Peptide Serum is an excellent choice for anyone with undesired acne marks, signs of aging, or both, as it addresses them beautifully. This is skin repair in a bottle.  The serum reverses multiple signs of skin aging as well as any skin imperfections by boosting collagen production at an impressive rate, and it also leaves skin with a clear and luminous glow that is special to such an usually high concentration of GHK-Cu. If you are looking for a smart way to repair and revitalize skin, you won’t do much better than this beautiful copper serum!  There is nothing else quite like it on the market.

If you love wonderful vegan skincare like I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS, don’t miss my revealing interview with brand founder Anis Lacerte here!

The post I’M FABULOUS COSMETICS Review appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

Okoko Cosmétiques founder Oyéta Kokoroko is well known in green beauty circles for her uniquely high-performance luxury skin care products, and hardly a person (myself included) can encounter her without commenting on her radiant complexion and uncommon beauty. Yet what lingers after a conversation with the Okoko Cosmétiques’ founder is her passion for excellence, her desire to unite foes for good, and her drive to elevate green beauty to its highest performance yet. As our interview reveals, Okoko Cosmétiques is ready to take part in the future of green beauty.  With the help of Okoko Cosmétiques Team Members Natalia Lavaggi and Sui-Ling Chin, Founder Oyéta is a green beauty visionary on a mission.

I read that your interests in wellness and green beauty were inspired in part by your desire to heal health concerns you had when you were young.  You educated yourself in naturopathic medicine including holistic nutrition and herbal medicine.  What are the most important things you’ve learned about natural healing?

Oyéta (O): I view natural healing as involving a combination of inside and outside changes.  When I first explored these issues, I had some health challenges that were linked to my lifestyle; when I began consciously improving my diet and paying attention to my lifestyle (by exercising, managing stress and taking time for relaxation), my problems went away.  The changes I experienced were amazing, and I became very interested in ingredients found in my food. You know what they say: “Let food be thy medicine.’ The good stuff, the simple foods, the plants foods, the fruits, the nuts, and the vegetables are really what the body needs to heal itself and be healthy.  If you are interested to know more, watch the documentary called “Hungry For Change.” It’s one of the best out there and it says it all.

We live in a highly toxic world and it’s important to take necessary measures to reduce the impact on your body, health, and environment. Try to reduce process foods, support your Farmer’s market, buy organic and fresh whenever possible, do a gentle cleanse from time to time and “clean your beauty routine” are a few steps in natural healing. As I said, the way I see it, healing is holistic. Take care of yourself inside and out. Eat clean, exercise regularly and do things that make you feel awesome. I also think that healing involves thinking about your own life story and working to be in a good place mentally. So yes your life story, state of mind, and thoughts really matter too.

Can you describe how and why your line brings together the best of botanical skincare and scientific skincare to produce such amazing results?

O: I studied natural organic skin care formulation, and most people don’t know this, but I also studied conventional skincare formulation as well.  Mainstream products are still the bulk of products sold on the market, and even though I approach things from a perspective of green beauty, I want to be informed and educated about the industry as a whole.

I find it important to study the conventional market or try to stay abreast of the latest conventional actives. I spend my free time researching novel ingredients and reading clinical studies. I’m in touch with chemists, suppliers, and pharmaceutical companies.  I’m passionate about natural and green, but I still want to work together with others with specialized knowledge. I learn from them, but at the same time, if they are a supplier, I don’t just take their word for it; I read the clinical studies and do my own digging.  I am a researcher at heart.  I like to understand what I’m buying and using—whether it’s food or beauty—really anything I’m using. I aim with my line to deliver ingredients of only the most extraordinary quality while doing good by supporting eco-driven suppliers and small cooperatives from around the world.

Can you tell us about your new mission and vision for Okoko Cosmétiques?

O: I want to bring together the good from modern science-based formulation with the best in green beauty, taking the valuable aspects of both and combining them.  I took the time to listen to green skincare consumers, and what I what I learned is that they want green formulation with proven natural active ingredients to amplify results. This feedback is really what inspired me to combine the best of natural skincare with safe, clinically tested actives. I am committed to innovation and ultimately I want to provide a top-level product line that includes bioferments, botanical extracts, functional actives, enzymes, etc.  I want my green products to deliver results on par with conventional products. But I will not use low-quality, mass-produced ingredients or fillers in my products.  If I say I can deliver something (with Okoko Cosmétiques), you can be sure I’ve done my homework on it.

At times, there’s a lot of hate between green beauty and mainstream beauty, but for me, it’s not about spreading fear; it’s about bringing something new and different to the table. I think natural skincare should be effective, not just safe. I think consumers have the right to expect more from their beauty products. Not just “safe” or “non-toxic,” it should go above that and help to improve your skin for the better. My goal is to bring green products up to the same level of results as conventional products.

What’s your process as a formulator?

O: I start with a need or a problem to solve and start imagining a product to do it.  I asked myself, what would be the benefits? How would it feel on the skin, and what ingredients do I want? Then I will imagine and develop my dream product that would do exactly that. I LOVE the development phase because I get to experiment a lot and try different combinations, textures, scents which is an incredible experience for a beauty alchemist like me. I research ingredients and actives that can help solve the problem, and then I determine through more research which of these ingredients work well together.  Then finally I formulate. Because of all the thorough researching, it takes a year even many years to formulate a product depending on its level of complexity.

What hurdles have you run into as a green beauty formulator?

O: I often hear people in the beauty community say things like “the chemical stuff just works better.” First off, what is the chemical stuff, lol? There are lots of amazing green beauty brands that have launched incredible products that perform as well or even better than their conventional counterparts. I realize that there is still lots of work to be done to promote natural alternatives. Many people still think that natural skin care doesn’t work or that they will not see the same results they were used to, which is completely false.

Another challenge is, as formulators, we have a responsibility to make products that are safe.  For example, a lot of people right now are against having preservatives in their skincare, but without them, products can end up being truly dangerous. If [a product] goes bad, someone could be harmed; people have ended up blind. We have to ask ourselves, which is the bigger danger using a preservative or leaving it out?  In the chemical industry today, there are more and more naturally-derived preservatives, so it’s possible to research carefully and choose a safe and natural one.

How do you use the products in the Okoko line?

O: The masks [Gentle Facial Treatment LA BOUE DE BEAUTÉ and Clay Face Mask LA D’TOX NOIRE] are great for relaxation and preparation.  The masks also make the serums [L’ÉLIXIR DE CLARTÉ (The Radiance Elixir) and L’ÉLIXIR DE PURETÉ Sang du Dragon (The Dragon’s Blood)] more effective, enhancing results.  After serum, I will follow with the Radiance Serum and Youth Oil LES 16 PRÉCIEUX (The Precious Oil) and then Sublime Balm.  For a truly amazing glow, I’ll mix Sublime Balm and a few drops of The Precious Oil together and then apply. And my skin looks and feels amazing!

I know this may be somewhat akin to asking you to choose a favorite child, but which of your products are you most proud of creating?

O: Haha, that’s a good question. I will need to think about it because I truly love the entire Okoko line and I find that each Okoko product works in synergy and you will see better results by using them together. But if I had to choose, maybe The Sublime Balm or The Dragon’s Blood serum. . . .

When I created Sublime Balm, people would tell me they had never seen anything like it, and it was very appealing [with lycopene from tomato oil in a sumptuous blend that includes mango butter, cacao butter, carrot tissue oil (rich in beta carotene) astaxanthin, turmeric, and rosehip oil, all balanced with white clay, bisabolol, and calendula to soothe and repair].

The Dragon’s Blood, even the name is a head-turner. This formula is designed to address a number of challenges. It was inspired by a custom formula I initially created for customers who had problematic skin. We received incredible feedback and I decided to elevate its formula. One of the key ingredients, Dragon’s blood, is a resinous sap, a healing red latex harvested from Dragon’s blood trees which contain taspine, a remarkable tissue-healing agent. I love this serum so much because it promotes skin renewal and healing in such a special way.  Niacinamide powerfully addresses inflammation, discoloration, and signs of aging.  This is a soothing serum, but it also provides gentle exfoliation with willow bark and pomegranate enzymes.  I injured myself (with a curling iron), and I have used The Dragon’s Blood to heal my scar.  I just put up Before and After pictures of my scar with no makeup [on Instagram] so that people can see for themselves how this serum performs.

[Oyeta reflects on this for a moment and smiles.]

I love the whole line. It’s me. I put my heart and soul into Okoko and I’m dedicated to creating and delivering safe, effective skincare products that can help you achieve optimal skin health and healing for real skin issues.

What do you most want your customers to get out of using your products?

O: I designed Okoko Cosmétiques to deliver a spa experience with true effectiveness. Okoko offers the opportunity to indulge and see results. There is everything you need to plump, nourish, repair and exude radiance.

What are some of the misconceptions people have and mistakes you see people making when it comes to skincare?

O: I see a lot of women with hundreds of products, especially bloggers.  Many people tend to use way too many different products and actives at once without knowing how they will mix and without giving each product a systematic chance to work.  I understand that bloggers work with brands and try new things, but with so many alternating products, how can you even begin to tell what’s working and what’s not?

Another mistake I see a lot is that people forget to keep their own needs and their skin type in mind and will use a product just because their best friend does despite differences in skin type.  When the product disappoints, is it really that the product is bad or is it just a poor match for that person’s skin?  Perhaps I didn’t see results because it was not formulated for my skin type.

Other common mistakes I see are:

• Not paying enough attention to ingredients
  • Putting too much makeup on to cover up
  • Not being consistent with your skincare routine

In this same vein, I would really like to see bloggers specify their skin type at the beginning of review articles so that readers can take the review in appropriate context.  I also see a lot of bloggers and consumers not doing their own research to verify and back up their claims.  If you want to blog for a living or be seen as a go-to reliable source, I suggest investing in a course or a book [on skincare ingredients and/or skin care formulation]. For example, Formula Botanica Diploma of Organic Skincare is a great course for beginners that will provide you a solid foundation on ingredients, formulation, and how to make products. Even if you don’t formulate skincare, you will understand how products are made and what makes them effective. This type of knowledge is a HUGE plus for a blogger. If you prefer a lesser investment, here are a few books that I recommend:

1)  The Holistic Beauty Book (Star Khechara)

2)  Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage (Len Price)

3)  Milady’s Skin Care and Cosmetics Ingredients Dictionary

I prefer to work with bloggers who do their homework, and in general, I would like to see bloggers digging a little deeper. We have to continually challenge ourselves and dig. Even as a formulator, I continually invest in my education because I want to provide the best experience possible to my customers and show that I have done my homework.

What can you tell us about your new podcast series, The Connector Podcast?

O: I was hearing a lot of frustration and confusion and, as I mentioned, a lot of animosity between green beauty and mainstream beauty.  For me it’s not about hating or spreading fear; I want to help have a discussion and provide information from reliable sources.  We’ll bring specialists like scientists, formulators, aromatherapists and other brand founders, etc. and discuss issues like, “How important is the choice of ingredients when you are buying your products?” I want to create a place where people can learn, exchange and find some answers. We’re recording several episodes before we launch and are currently looking for guests who want to be on the show. If you are interested, please get in touch with me, and let’s chat!

What drives you?

O: I try to think, how can I be of service to people?  That’s my mission.  It’s a lot of work, and I’m trying to be consistent in order to: open minds, set a higher bar, deliver advanced high-performance products that rival the results from conventional beauty products. I want to start a conversation with other brands, rally others, and invite them to take part in the future of green beauty and make it kick ass.

What’s on the horizon for Okoko Cosmétiques?

O: I’m working on developing products that fill a need and bring something innovative to the table. We are launching our limited-edition Trésor, Summer Mist, to hydrate and protect, as a special summer indulgence. There are a lot of beautiful hydrating mists on the market, but I wanted mine to be different and highly functional.  Not only is it hydrating, but it contains lycopene and will also provide UV protection due to a special key active, Venuceane. Venuceane is an active ingredient from algae ferment that provides UV protection as well as protection against infrared rays and is actually heat-activated such that when the sun is hitting you, the protection becomes stronger. So you’ve got a hydrating, antioxidant mist that will also provide protection in the sun. I’m so excited about introducing Trésor, Summer Mist this summer because the UV protection is unique and really answers a need. Please note though, that this product does not replace your sun protection, it complements it beautifully.

Watch out for Okoko Cosmétiques. We are not just about the glow, but we are here to go above that and bring something valuable to the table.

What do you love the most about what you do?

O: One of the things I love the most about what I do is the personal dialogues I have with my customers. Knowing what you like, what you need, and how I can help you with your skincare objectives. Every product is made with love and care, from my hands to yours.

Most of all, I want these products to feel amazing for you, to deliver results and to become part of your daily ritual. There is everything you need to plump, nourish and repair. Prepare to look amazing! Exude radiance.

Thank you, Oyéta for this inspiring interview! Okoko Cosmétiques elevates self-care with the finest formulations.

Be sure to watch this space, because soon we will feature a second, updated interview with
Oyéta about the Okoko Gives Back initiative, The Connector, and what’s next for Okoko!

The post Exclusive Interview with Okoko Cosmétiques Founder Oyéta Kokoroko appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

Every now and then, I encounter a formulator so exacting and talented that I would (and will) beg to try anything they create, even sight unseen, simply because I am in awe of their artistry.  Such is the case with Janice Buu, the founder of Kana Skincare and chief formulator of its out-of-this-world Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask.  I was so impressed that I had to interview Ms. Buu, and she graciously agreed.  Now, without further ado, I am thrilled to introduce you to . . .

Janice Buu, the Visionary Founder of Kana Skincare

Image courtesy of Kana Skincare

What is the story behind how you became a formulator?

Janice Buu (JB):  I was looking for natural hemp products for my father during the recovery of his bypass surgery a few years ago. I researched a lot but did not find many products that I liked in the natural skincare industry. I come from a background of health and sciences, so I quickly became interested in the subject of natural skincare formulations and decided to make my own for those who also believe in plant-based sciences.

How would you describe your beauty and skincare philosophies?

JB: Beauty presents itself when we balance our health + nutrition mentally, physically, and spiritually. I am a firm believer in total plant-based philosophy! It is the most natural way to treat, enhance, and boost what our body needs while being environmentally friendly.

Where did you get the idea/inspiration for Kana Skincare?

JB: I am American born-Chinese Korean. My mother was born and raised in Korea, hence the strong Korean culture influence on me. She has always made her own facial “masks” with things she pulls out of the fridge. I watched her by the kitchen counter cutting up cucumber slices, mixing yogurt with honey. She even washed her hair with beer! (This is almost 30 years ago!) We would put the cucumber slices all over our faces, eyes, and eat the extras that were left on the plate while chatting away at night. So as you can tell, I grew up with different views of skincare compared to my peers. My friends’ moms went to the mall and bought the newest products introduced by sales reps. It wasn’t till I was older then I realized why she always stuck by natural skincare and if she couldn’t find them, she would make them – because she had extra sensitive skin.

Combined with my research on hemp a few years ago, I thought it would be perfect to marry the two -Hemp CBD + natural Korean skincare formulations/recipes. At Kana, we test everything on myself first, before employees, before friends and family, etc.

For our first product, I am recreating the fun, bonding experience of face masking for mothers and daughters, hence our first product is the Hemp CBD infused Sleeping Mask, except 30 years later, I made a jar full of 28 active botanicals with all natural skincare formulation + aroma.

Image courtesy of Kana Skincare

Tell us a little bit about the magic of CBD as a skincare ingredient.  How did you discover its potential?

JB:  CBD is a magical ingredient that treats eczema, sensitive skin while giving it vitamin A, E, C, and amino acids. It also has strong anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for soothing/relaxing agent.

The first time I tried CBD was when I was testing out a new batch of pearl powder. I mixed some CBD, pearl powder, milk, and raw honey downstairs on my kitchen counter and applied it as a face mask, washed it off after 20 minutes and as always, it felt really good! It wasn’t when I woke up the next day, I found the overnight brightening effect, super smooth skin, and I glowed for days after, even my blemishes were reduced. So I started researching on each ingredient and separating them to test on my skin to see what it was that gave me such magical overnight effect. It was CBD!

Can you describe the process/journey behind creating Kana Skincare Lavender CBD Sleeping Mask, taking it from vision to reality?

 JB:  The sleeping mask R&D alone took about 1.5 years. It probably could have been shortened to a year, but once we got all active botanicals to sync and it worked exactly as we envisioned, then I was very picky on the consistency, texture, color, and aroma. All ingredients must be organic and/or natural, including the production process. If it wasn’t perfect, I wasn’t going to release it. Someone even joked, “Janice is not going to approve it till 2020.” I think I drove the team crazy at one point, hahah.

There was definitely a LOT of trial and error. Ideas, vision, business plans, strategies are always just different parts of the outline. Ideas form better as we practice it more and more.

Can you describe some of the cultural attitudes you have encountered, both here in the US and in Korea, to CBD?  Have these attitudes/misconceptions been hurdles for launching your product in either place and if yes, how so?

JB:  CBD is still a new ingredient in the US. I definitely think we need more education on proper use of CBD and how it may benefit us in health + beauty. It is gaining its popularity quickly on the west coast and moving to the east. CBD is only allowed for research purposes in Korea as of right now.

You have blended CBD with 28 other botanical ingredients to the effect of a hydrating, anti-inflammatory masterpiece.  What things were you going for when you selected the many various ingredients?

JB:  I was going for anti-aging and natural brightening/glowing look, so lots of anti-inflammatory agents, cell regenerating boosts, wrinkle fighters!

Why did you want to create a sleeping mask specifically?

JB:  When we sleep, our body is working hard to repair and heal us from within. So I wanted to take advantage of this and put the body to work along with these active botanicals. I travel and fly around a lot. Our bodies are dehydrated, and we break out. Although sheet masks are fun and helpful at times, it’s definitely not for someone who’s on a tight schedule. Many times, I would accidentally fall asleep with sheet masks left on my face, after a long day of meetings! Only to wake up to my sensitive skin crying for help, seeing the rash, breakouts, patches of my skin would be flakey for days after. Then I thought, if I want to mask, I want to be able to fully relax, I don’t want to wake up in 20 minutes just to take off this mask, then apply the rest of my skincare routine, then go to bed. Why can’t I just sleep with a mask?!

Although I love sheet masks, it’s a fun activity to do with your girlfriends and last minute solutions to that wedding invitation you have in a few hours!

(I see a lot of travelers and even skincare companies advertise sheet masking on the plane. It is a horrible idea, and any reputable aesthetician would be able to tell you, that they will not give you a facial in the dumpster!)

Image courtesy of Kana Skincare

How would you describe the experience you want people to have with your products?

Everyone who tries Kana will find themselves falling in love with nature, and all things natural. The aroma of the sleeping mask puts all the beauties to sleep on a field of lavenders. They will wake up feeling refreshed with a natural glow. Aromatherapy is practiced in all of our products so the beauties can achieve mental + physical health/beauty all in one step.

Efficiency. We live in a fast-paced society where we demand results and minimalism. Kana shortens skincare routines, provides proven and efficient results.

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

We have customers returning to purchase more masks for their mothers, friends, and themselves. Great reviews from press & beauty bloggers, editors all over the world. We are about to release our CBD + EGF active botanical essence in 2 weeks! There are people already pre-ordering without even testing essence samples! I am very thankful for the love and trust of people who believe in Kana. I hope countries that have not yet legalized CBD can take a step forward and look into the benefits of CBD and how it may benefit us all, especially patients. Kana will continue to create amazing health + beauty products that enhance the lives of our people.

Do you have more products in mind?  Can you give us any hints of what is to come?

JB:  Yes! We have some formulas currently in development and in the final human-testing stage, next release is EGF + CBD infused active botanical essence (28 active botanicals)! This is going to be a super fun addition for the beauties to use in their skincare routine, or to replace their existing serum with.

EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) makes a great partner with CBD because they are both healers. EGF is found in our body since birth, however, it diminishes as we grow older (in our 20’s! don’t want to believe this… but it’s true.). Without EGF, our skin elasticity would be loose! So I thought the two can partner up and help us! EGF can focus on regeneration of the cells, fight wrinkles, while CBD soothes us, packs our skin with vitamins + amino acids, and heals any inflammation!

Now Available!  Just-Released Kana Skincare CBD + EGF Active Botanical Essence

Kana Skincare’s Recently Introduced CBD + EGF Active Botanical Essence

Image courtesy of Kana Skincare

The post Meet the Visionary Formulator and Founder of Kana Skincare appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

If you read my rave review, you already know that I have fallen in love with Blissoma Holistic Skincare and Apothecary because the products work beautifully and do not cause my sensitive skin any problems.  Yet that is just one of many reasons I love this line, albeit an important one.  As long as my review was, there was actually more I wanted to say about what makes the company and its products special.  For starters, I recently came across a blog post detailing 65 Great Reasons to Love Shopping with Blissoma.  Sixty-five reasons may sound like a lot, but I agree with all of them.  What’s more, having experienced the superb quality, transformative effects, and unmatched value of Blissoma products for myself, as well as having had several helpful interactions with Ms. Longyear and Blissoma staff, I can assure you that the above list is merely scratching the surface of things that make this line so special and appealing.  I feel compelled to add a few more reasons to love Blissoma to the list.

More Reasons To Love Blissoma: My Additions to the Blissoma post 65 Great Reasons to Love Shopping with Blissoma

66. Blissoma offers spa-grade herbal skincare that effectively targets specific skin concerns and delivers turnaround results for a variety of frustrating skin troubles. This is line of truly transformative products!
67. Blissoma delivers products of unrivaled quality and integrity all at prices that are half or even a third of what other lines of comparable quality charge.
68. So many skincare lines are positioned as luxury brands and intentionally priced to be generally out of reach, even when their products are mass-produced in factories; in contrast, Blissoma is a handcrafted, small-batch line, and yet founder Julie Longyear is expressly committed to keeping Blissoma accessible. She has said, “The entire time I have been in business I have always felt like exceptional products should be accessible to as many people as possible. This to me has always meant keeping our line affordable.”
69. The folks at Blissoma understand that consumers’ trust has been abused by the beauty industry, and they see your trust as something precious they are happy to earn.
70. The Blissoma team generously gives back to their community of St. Louis, MO. (e.g., housing their production studio in a revitalizing urban neighborhood where they have established a community garden, hosting community clothing swaps and donation drives), and they actively donate to local nonprofits, such as Earthdance Farms and the House Rabbit Society of MO.
71. Blissoma founder, herbal chemist Julie Longyear, started a movement called the Green Beauty Rebellion, complete with an inspiring 5-Step Action Plan outlining everyday actions you can take to ultimately create big changes to benefit yourself, your community, and the world.
72. Longyear operates Blissoma with the explicit goal of flipping the fear-filled beauty industry on its head.
73. As part of ongoing efforts to remain transparent to customers, Blissoma lists every single ingredient–including every essential oil—on their labels, rather than hiding ingredients behind a proprietary claim.
74. When you shop with Blissoma, you can have confidence that your products have been crafted in small batches frequently, such that they are fresh and fully potent when you receive and begin using them.
75. Blissoma founder and formulator Julie Longyear is a widely respected herbal chemist with a deep appreciation for and an incredible knowledge about botanicals.
76. Longyear has authored two fantastic ebooks, both of which I recommend, that share some of her unique insights: Natural Anti-Aging Ingredients You Should Know and Solve Your Dry Skin Naturally.
77. Blissoma products tend to combine well over a dozen complementary beneficial These actives include generous doses of natural vitamins and minerals, antioxidant-rich botanical extracts, soothing seed oils rich in omega fatty acids, rejuvenating phytonutrients, active fruit and vegetable enzymes, plant-based preservatives, plant wax emulsifiers, and unrefined, raw plant ingredients
78. Rather than tossing in the latest popular ingredients, each Blissoma ingredient has been carefully chosen, with a specific purpose and function in its recipe. Every ingredient from top to bottom is essential, such that the final product would not be the same without it.
79. Longyear chooses only ingredients with solid safety records and good science behind them.
80. Each product recipe is completely unique to the Blissoma line, such that you will not find anything else like it on the marketplace.

81. Blissoma founder and formulator Julie Longyear explicitly prioritizes quality over quantity when it comes to her line. As she has said, “I’d rather spend a year on one formulation and get it really, really right than have 5 or 6 products that only sort of do what they say they should.”
82. Even within the Blissoma line, every individual product has its own collection of unique ingredients, so that when you use an assortment of Blissoma products, you are truly getting a broad spectrum of topical nutrition without much overlap or repetition. Just as it is healthy for us to eat a variety of whole foods, the wide-ranging botanical actives featured across Blissoma different products offer a complete, well-rounded assortment of nutrients for optimal skin health.
83. If you want to test the waters before committing, Blissoma offers Samples and Trial Sizes of products!
84. Blissoma offers a Loyalty Points Program that gives you 5 points for every $1 you spend. You can redeem points for samples, full-sized products, or gift certificates!  Bonus: When you redeem your points on a gift certificate, you earn more points on the transaction!
85. The team at Blissoma wants you to be satisfied with your purchase, and back this up with a generous 30 Day Return Policy on full-sized Blissoma Skin and Body products purchased directly from their site.
86. Blissoma makes skincare SOLUTIONS for a variety of skin types and concerns, yet across the line, there is a common focus on healing, soothing, and regeneration.
87. I tried five different items, and I would (and will) happily repurchase each and every one of
88. Of the five products I tried, their effectiveness across the board is particularly significant in my case, as my skin is extremely challenging. I deal with a real jumble of skin problems including dehydration, acne, sensitivity, chronically inflammation, and signs of aging, and Blissoma offered me well-rounded regenerative solutions for each of my concerns.
89. Rather than artificial, lab-produced fragrances, Blissoma utilizes essential oils of plants; essential oils infuse the product with a natural scent and are also part of the total therapeutic action, for instance providing detoxifying or regenerative effects in addition to contributing to the overall aesthetic experience.
90. Blissoma is Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free.
91. Blissoma uses no animal-derived ingredients in any of its products and is Certified Vegan, making it a truly plant-based line.
92. In a stand against animal testing, the company adopted an abandoned rabbit, Blossom, who is now housed comfortably in their store as a beloved part of the Blissoma family. Longyear explains, “We adopted Blossom to help people connect products with the very real, beautiful, loving, and honestly magically healing creatures that are suffering in the name of “beauty.” Now when our customers walk in, they will be able to put a face to the name: the victims of animal cruelty. …Since we live in a capitalist economy one of the best ways to affect change is to change consumer behavior.”
93. Louis residents and visitors can enjoy shopping for Blissoma and other carefully curated natural and cruelty-free beauty products (including high-performance color cosmetics, natural hair care, and nontoxic nail polishes) at Blissoma’s charming Botanical Beauty Retail Store in historic Flower Row at 2730 LaSalle St. Walk-ins are welcome, and their knowledgeable staff and thoughtfully pre-screened products will allow you to shop with confidence and ease as you enjoy the luxurious, bohemian loft-style setting.  You can browse the curated delights to your heart’s content and/or get expert advice from Blissoma’s  professional makeup artist or licensed esthetician.  (I so wish I lived closer to St. Louis!)
94. Blissoma Botanical Beauty offers a number of specialized professional services, including natural makeup and skincare consultations with their makeup artist or licensed esthetician, a green beauty swap service, makeup lessons, and professional event makeup.
95. Blissoma hosts all sorts of natural beauty and wellness events, as well as educational presentations providing healthy skincare education. They make a number of these events available virtually for customers who live at a distance.  Watch one of my favorites, an eye-opening seminar on how chemical and mineral sunscreens work.
96. Blissoma offers free skincare consultations by email to help you select the best items for your needs. You can email their staff esthetician for her expert advice at esthetician@blissoma.com
97. The line is enthusiastically endorsed by a large and growing number of holistic estheticians and skincare
98. The Blissoma newsletter provides thoughtful, expert content that is worth reading. (I always open my Blissoma emails and read them eagerly.) Sign up here to receive valuable natural skincare advice, informative videos, DIY recipes, exclusive sales, and inspiration on inner beauty and outer care.
99. Along with great content, newsletter subscribers receive a special code for free shipping on all orders $65 or more.
100. Blissoma thanks their community of subscribers with a fantastic yearly Summer Subscriber Sale, with significant discounts (30% last year!) on their complete line of products, making the excellent value of a Blissoma purchase even better!
101. Founder Julie Longyear cares more about customer feedback than awards and has said, “My feeling is that we are not in business to seek awards. We are in business to do good work.” Still, it’s worth a mention that Blissoma is award-winning.  Awards include Healing Lifestyles and Spas Earth Day Beauty Award, Well Beauty Blog Pick, St. Louis Magazine Editors’ Choice Winner, Alive Hotlist, Natural Solutions Beauty with a Conscience Award, Green Team Best of Beauty Award, Nation-Alist Best of Beauty Award, Gorgeously Green Beauty Award, Kiwi Natural Beauty Award, Organic Beauty Talk Best in Green Award, and Fig + Sage Editor’s Choice.
102. Blissoma is an inner beauty company, which means that they do not promote insecurity to sell their products and instead try to encourage self-acceptance. They create their products to respect and feed your inner beauty.
103. Better yet, for Blissoma, inner beauty is not a marketing tactic. When you dig into their website and blog as I have, rather than finding the usual messages targeting insecurity, you will discover that Blissoma offers reassurance and empowering messages such as, “Age is no obstacle to beautiful skin.”  I have never seen anything else so pro-aging from a skincare company before or since.
104. Blissoma’s self-loving, holistic skincare is smart, soulful, and will leave your skin looking amazing, regardless of its starting point.
105. Longyear sees the skincare she creates as something wonderful and enhancing; she recognizes that an essential beauty exists in you with or without it. As she explained in an Instagram post, “You and I are perfect and whole without modifications.  I have some stuff that will make your insides shimmy with happiness but it’s just here to add to your already amazing self.”
106. Blissoma has a great YouTube Channel, complete with collections of videos detailing: the brand, Natural Skincare Tips, Tutorials on Herbal and Natural Lifestyle.
107. With Blissoma, skincare is not about “fighting” fill in the blank (e.g., aging, acne), but rather about nourishing; it’s a way to provide topical nutrition targeted for specific skin types and needs. As Ms. Longyear has said, “Skincare and beauty can be a cornerstone of a healthy relationship to self or a key example of self-criticism and insecurity. Instead of creating a costume that we wear every day, what if we felt like each day we were meeting the world authentically as ourselves?”
108. Blissoma will leave you in awe of the power of plants.
109. With Blissoma, you no longer have to choose between your health and your looks; you can have the best of both worlds wrapped up in one amazingly healthy and high-performance line.
110. My rave review is just a drop in the ocean of endorsements this line has earned.  They have a page dedicated to love letters!
111. At the core, there is this: green beauty is full of lines that strive for and/or try to project integrity partly as a marketing tactic, but Blissoma is the real deal.

Check it out for yourself by following either link below to the Blissoma site!

Option 1: Affiliate link

Option 2: Plain Link

Silver Fern Brand

The post Even More Reasons to Love Blissoma appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

Beneath Your Mask, ecoluxe skincare line

Let’s talk about Beneath Your Mask, the phenomenal new skincare line from Ms. Dana Jackson.  If you haven’t read her personal story about her life-threatening battle with lupus and how that led her to start Beneath Your Mask, you are missing out on some powerful inspiration.  Please do yourself a favor and read it!  After you read her story in her own words, check out our exclusive interview here.

Ms. Jackson originally became interested in skin care out of a deep desire to heal the damage done to her skin by lupus-related weight changes and harsh medical treatments (i.e., chemotherapy).  She wanted products that were highly effective yet safe, non-irritating, and non-toxic such that they would not tax the immune system. Unable to find non-toxic products with the power to heal her skin in stores, Ms. Jackson decided to create them herself.  Through her exhaustive work as a formulator, Beneath Your Mask was born.  Each product in the line is crafted to restore and rejuvenate skin (or hair) while reversing the harmful effects of exposure to environmental toxins, health challenges, and stress.  The line—comprised of Polish Detoxifying Body Scrub, Indulge Total Body Elixir, Nourish Skin & Hair Serum, and Heal Whipped Skin Souffle–bridges the worlds of clean beauty and ultra-luxury and deep healing.  Using any one of these products is like a mini-trip to the spa; the scents, which are amazing and transporting, come from pure, steam-distilled essential oils.

In terms of the active ingredients in each of the line’s four products, Dana literally scoured the world to find the most restorative organic botanical actives available anywhere, such she sources her carefully-selected ingredients from 25 different countries.  All Beneath Your Mask products are free of phosphates, parabens, sulfates, toxins, GMOs, and synthetic colors or fragrance.  In one more example of exquisite attention to detail, every product comes packaged in dark violet Miron glass to lengthen its lifespan and increase the potency of active ingredients.

Now that you know a little about the “creation story” and uncompromising standards driving Beneath Your Mask, let’s visit each product.

Polish Detoxifying Body Scrub

I did not think I could love a body scrub.  I was wrong. Polish has the most divine texture of any scrub or exfoliator I have ever tried. The scent is exotic and alluring, and that is just one aspect of its considerable appeal.  On dry skin, Polish is a satisfying salt scrub exfoliator with nice initial grit that gradually transforms into a luxurious hydrating oil as you rub it in.  What you get is serious exfoliation and with a luxe hydrating finish.

I have very sensitive skin that generally cannot handle scrubs, but I fell so in love with Polish upon experiencing the way it melts into a rich oil, that I could not resist also using it on my face, multiple times.  Even with my sensitive skin, it was fine. You see, if you are in the mood for something gentle, Polish melts into a luscious liquid gold almost immediately when it contacts water. The result is a scrub that is miraculously adaptable and appropriate for all areas of the body (even the face) and all skin types (even sensitive). This kind of versatility is truly unique. With Polish, you can have anything from gritty exfoliation with a smooth finish to a rich and luxurious, face-appropriate cleansing oil. Either way, you get an amazingly nourishing, healing, and detoxifying formulation that leaves skin soft, smooth, and hydrated.

Polish is the first and only scrub I have ever loved. I have tried my share of products, and nothing else on the market even approaches it. A true multitasker, Polish is full of an array of healing ingredients to tackle signs of aging, inflammation, blemishes, free radicals, scars, stretch marks, and more.  In short, Polish is blow-your-mind wonderful.

INGREDIENTS: *Dead Sea Salt, §Aloe Vera, **Colloidal Oatmeal Flour, *Avocado Oil, Bentonite Clay, *Grapeseed Oil, *Sweet Almond Oil, †Golden Jojoba Oil, *Lemongrass Essential Oil, **Lavender Population Essential Oil, §Vitamin E, *Tea Tree Essential Oil

*CERTIFIED ORGANIC

** ORGANIC

†WILD HARVESTED

§NON-GMO PLANT SOURCED

Indulge Total Body Elixir

Beneath Your Mask Indulge Total Body Elixir is aptly named.  This revitalizing, nourishing, and protective blend is a far cut above any other body oil I have seen or tried. Rather than scrimping on high-quality actives and/or using lots of unpronounceable fillers (as so many body products do), Indulge Total Body Elixir knocks it out of the park with a results-driven blend of 19 pure and carefully-chosen plant oils.  These high-quality plant ingredients include, to name a few, Baobab Seed Oil from Senegal (hydrates, firms, promotes elasticity), Pomegranate Seed Oil from Israel (powerful antioxidant, diminishes both wrinkles and blemishes), Camellia Seed Oil from China (balances, maintains healthy pH), Sea Buckthorn Berry CO2 Extract from Germany (fabulous for taming inflammation and promoting healing), Macadamia Nut Oil from the US (reduces inflammation and promotes healing), Tamanu Oil from Madagascar (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and antioxidant properties), Myrrh Essential Oil from Kenya (anti-aging, revitalizing on a cellular level), Geranium Oil from Egypt (tightens skin, boosts UV protection, astringent and anti-inflammatory), and Carrot Seed Oil from India (balances and protects skin, offers rejuvenating effects).

What results is a multi-tasking, skin-transforming elixir bursting with a dynamic blend of anti-aging, balancing, healing, and antioxidant actives as well as beta-carotene and vitamins A, C, D, and E.  In addition to all the beneficial actives, Indulge is formulated to match skin’s natural lipid balance. I have never seen a body oil with such an impressive, beautiful ingredient deck. Indulge is the first and only body oil to impress me enough that I immediately wanted to put on my face.  (Yes, all things Beneath Your Mask are so well-formulated that I inevitably start applying them to my face.) Having used this decadent elixir on my face and body, I can tell you that Indulge absorbs easily, imparts a subtle radiance, and imbues skin with an incredible softness and smoothness.  Moreover, like all Beneath Your Mask products, Indulge is quite healing; it has helped calm irritation I had been experiencing and has also been soothing and non-aggravating for my blemish-prone skin.  In my mind, Indulge is green beauty’s premier body elixir.

INGREDIENTS: *Sunflower Oil,  *Baobab Seed Oil,  *Grapeseed Oil,  *Apricot Kernel Oil, **Camellia Seed Oil, †Golden Jojoba Oil, *Macadamia Nut Oil, *Sweet Almond Oil, *Tamanu Oil, *Pomegranate Seed Oil, †Sea Buckthorn Berry CO2 Extract,  *Ylang Ylang Essential Oil, **Lavender Population Essential Oil, *Grapefruit Essential Oil, †Myrrh Essential Oil, *Geranium Essential Oil, †Carrot Seed Essential Oil, *Lemongrass Essential Oil

*CERTIFIED ORGANIC

** ORGANIC

†WILD HARVESTED

§NON-GMO PLANT SOURCED

Nourish Skin & Hair Serum

Nourish is a comprehensive repairing and balancing treatment that achieves versatile benefits for both hair and skin in one magical blend. The ingredients are amazing and offer a wealth of ingredients both individually and together.  Here are just some of the highlights in this blend of 15 oils: Hemp Seed Oil from Canada (softens and strengthens hair, calms and pumps skin), Safflower Oil from Austria (promotes thickness and shine in hair, fights acne with high levels of linoleic acid), Rosehip Seed Oil from Chile and South Africa (revitalizes and reduces dandruff, provides hydration as well as antioxidants and essential fatty acids for skin), Macadamia Nut Oil from the US (prevents moisture loss and reduces hair’s brittleness, anti-inflammatory), Pomegranate Seed Oil from Israel (reduces build-up and dandruff, fends off free radicals and reduces skin inflammation), Neem Oil from India (increases manageability, prevents against acne scars), Lemongrass Oil from India (prevents dry scalp and hydrates skin), Lavender Oil from France (prevents hair shedding, antibacterial for skin), Tea Tree Oil (prevents build up in hair, protects against skin infections including acne while reducing inflammation), Carrot Seed Oil (strengthens and prevents split ends, healing and rejuvenating for skin) Sage Oil (combats hair loss, acts as an antifungal/antimicrobial/antioxidant/anti-inflammatory while providing hydration), and Rosemary Oil (balances scalp and stimulates hair growth, stimulates cell renewal and helps to heal problem skin) and Cedarwood Oil from Morocco (contributes to hair growth, protects and hydrates skin).

How does Nourish perform?  Nourish actually leaves my hair looking healthier—providing subtle sheen and sleekness without leaving a greasy residue or buildup. In addition to smoothing fly-aways and restoring luster, Nourish also boosts hair’s manageability, conditions, and even successfully prevents dandruff when used on the scalp.  I have definitely noticed a difference. The benefits of Nourish for skin are every bit as remarkable.  As someone with dehydrated skin prone to blemishes, I love the way Nourish hydrates skin while balancing it, prevents blemishes, reduces redness and inflammation, protects from free radicals, and rejuvenates–all in a single formula.  Without question, Nourish lives up to its growing reputation as the most comprehensive skin and hair serum ever made. Beneath Your Mask Nourish Skin and Hair Serum can do it all; I have come to think of it as my complexion and hair cure-all.

INGREDIENTS: *Hemp Seed Oil, *Safflower Oil, †Rosehip Seed Oil, *Macadamia Nut Oil, *Pomegranate Seed Oil, *Neem Oil, *Lemongrass Essential Oil, **Lavender Population Essential Oil, *Tea Tree Essential Oil, *Peppermint Essential Oil, *Thyme Essential Oil, †Carrot Seed Essential Oil, *Sage Essential Oil, *Rosemary Verbenone Essential Oil, *Cedarwood, Atlas Essential Oil

*CERTIFIED ORGANIC

** ORGANIC

†WILD HARVESTED

§NON-GMO PLANT SOURCED

Heal Whipped Skin Souffle

Can you imagine a decadent whipped skin soufflé that hydrates and heals the driest of skin (even cracked skin), soothes away irritations and redness, minimizes signs of aging by promoting skin’s elasticity, and protects skin from free radical damage, all while also healing blemishes and marks left behind?  It sounds too good to be true, but I found it all in Beneath Your Mask Heal Whipped Skin Souffle.  Heal is one of the most nourishing moisturizers I have ever tried, and it’s also an incredibly effective healing skincare product.  My skin is always in need of some sort of healing, and Heal Whipped Skin Souffle always delivers; moreover, Beneath Your Mask’s Skin Souffle heals my skin where other high-profile healing lotions and creams have failed.

Of all my skin woes, the worst and most stubborn issue I deal with is cystic acne across my jawline. The blemishes take forever to heal, and even once they finally resolve, they leave behind angry red marks that can take months to finally disappear. I tried countless products to no avail until I used Heal Whipped Skin Souffle. This luxurious and creamy soufflé is the one and only product I have found that helps heal my cystic acne; not only that, it is so healing that it rapidly minimizes acne marks as well.  I have been amazed.

Keep in mind that Heal, the best acne treatment I have found, is not even specifically targeted to acne; it is just extremely effective at healing troubled skin, whatever the trouble may be.  Having tried dozens upon dozens of reparative skincare products in my efforts to heal lupus-related inflammation and adult acne, I have never found a product that restores my skin like Heal does.  How does Heal achieve its incredible results?  With a superb formulation that includes Shea Butter from Ghana (nourishes and reduces inflammation), Vitamin E from Spain (fends off free radical damage and assists in healing), Grapeseed Oil from the US (regenerative and anti-aging), Avocado (speeds up healing) and Sweet Almond Oils from Kenya (softens, draws out toxins), Golden Jojoba Oil from Israel (balances skin’s pH and treats acne), AEA Certified Pure Emu Oil from the US (anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and brightening effects), Lemongrass Oil from India (reduces inflammation), Lavender Oil from France (antibacterial and antioxidant), and Tea Tree Oil from Australia (treats acne, cuts, sores, and irritation).  All these carefully-sourced ingredients come together in a synergistic blend in Heal to deliver incredible healing results. In a line full of exceptional products, Heal has rightfully earned its place as Beneath Your Mask’s hero and most beloved product.  Heal Whipped Skin Souffle has got to be one of the beauty industry’s best-kept secrets; Heal is a gem for anyone with vulnerable or imperfect skin (read, anyone).

INGREDIENTS: *Shea Butter, §Vitamin E, *Grapeseed Oil, *Sweet Almond Oil, *Avocado Oil, †Golden Jojoba Oil, Pure Emu Oil, *Lemongrass Essential Oil, **Lavender Population Essential Oil, *Tea Tree Essential Oil

*CERTIFIED ORGANIC

** ORGANIC

†WILD HARVESTED

§NON-GMO PLANT SOURCED

CONCLUSION:  I give my highest recommendation to every product in the Beneath Your Mask lineup. This is a line you are going to want to experience for yourself; your skin and your senses will thank me!

Beneath Your Mask lineup

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What attracted me to the product:  Erasa XEP 30 had such impressive results in clinical trials (applying the concentrate twice a day just for two weeks, subjects’ lines and wrinkles were reduced by an average of 64%) that I had trouble believing that it would live up to its advertising.  I wanted to see if the product really delivered results as dramatic as the claims.  I was skeptical, but then again, if it lived up to its claims, I definitely wanted to be using it…

First impressions: The concentrate has a light, pleasant floral fragrance and is a lovely pink peach color; XEP 30 spreads and absorbs easily and leaves very little if any residue.  As someone with sensitive, reactive skin, I was not sure if I would be able to tolerate a product as potent as XEP 30.

Sensitive Skin Tolerability: With many potent anti-aging ingredients and products, my skin stings/burns, dries out and flakes, revealing angry red splotches where the irritation is worst; I end up looking far worse than I did when I started. To my great relief, Erasa XEP was not painful to apply and did not cause any irritation or adverse skin response. Instead, with its many anti-inflammatory ingredients, XEP 30 actually calmed my skin and reduced redness while doing its anti-aging magic.

XEP 30=Botox in a Bottle? The anti-aging results achieved are similar:  Erasa XEP 30 has been shown to reduce wrinkles by 74% in 14 days. However, unlike Botox, XEP 30 does not cause “frozen face.”  Erasa’s tri-peptide formula still allows for natural facial movement and expression, so you look natural, only better.

Results: After just one night of using XEP 30, my husband (unaware that I had a secret weapon) complimented my skin, noticing how smooth it looked.  By the end of the second day, I could tell my lines were softening. Within a week of using XEP 30 twice per day, my skin looked visibly less dull and more radiant. Deeply entrenched lines were far less visible.  Perhaps most impressive of all, areas of my face that been starting to sag–my jawline, marionette lines, under the corners of my mouth–were firmed back up.   This is within one week.

         

After seeing my own results, I had to ask myself, why doesn’t the whole world know about XEP 30?  This is an anti-aging product so good, part of me wants to shout about it to the entire aging world.  Another part of me wants to keep it my little secret, sharing it only here and with my closest and truest girlfriends.  I think the reason it continues to fly under the radar is that most satisfied Erasa XEP 30 customers are keeping this secret to themselves.

Conclusion:   Erasa XEP 30 Extreme Line Lifting and Rejuvenation Concentrate is both the fastest-acting and most effective anti-aging product I have yet had the privilege to try.  For me, a year of prescription Retin-A did not yield anti-aging results half as dramatic the ones I got within one week of using Erasa XEP 30. Additionally, I found XEP 30 concentrate far less irritating than either Retin-A or retinol. Even if you have had trouble tolerating other anti-aging ingredients and products, I highly recommend giving XEP 30 a try.  It is suitable for and calming to moderately sensitive skin.With XEP 30, my skin not only looks younger and firmer, but also generally healthier–brighter and more even with less inflammation.

Bottom Line:  If you want to look younger, stop wasting money on all the things that don’t work, and invest in a bottle of Erasa XEP 30.

Update:  Erasa XEP 30 is uniquely effective.  The only thing I would add is that to maintain its striking results you need to apply it consistently and not let yourself run out of the product for more than a day or two.

The post Erasa XEP 30 Review: Time in a Bottle appeared first on The Beauty Librarian.

1 Plant Stem Cell Antioxidant
2 Algae Bioactives
3 Certified Organic
4 Antioxidant Intellimune Super Seed Oil Complex
5 Active Aroma/Flavor Oils: Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil,3 Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil,3 Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil,3 Styrax Benzoin Gum,3 Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil,3 Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil,3 Myristica Fragrans (Nutmeg) Kernel Oil,3 Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil,3 Santalum Spicata (Sandalwood) Oil,3 Flavor (Nectar Type),3 Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil3
6 Naturally Occurring Component Of Organic Essential Oil Blend

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I have a passion for testing and writing about anti-aging skincare, particularly skincare with the potential to tackle what I have termed skinflammaging (a combination of the terms skinflammation and inflammaging). I am a licensed clinical psychologist & devoted mom of three spunky young daughters (and two fabulous shelter dogs).  I am also a lupus warrior.  I have always loved skincare and have been a sunscreen worshipper  ever since I was old enough to apply it. My interest in taming inflammaging was sparked by seeing how rapidly and dramatically lupus—with its chronic inflammation–aged me, despite all my years of taking good care of my skin. I am living proof that inflammaging is not just an abstract theory.  Though I may not ever reverse the damage entirely, I am determined to slow it down by taking time for self-care, managing inflammation, and by making healthier, more conscious choices about what goes in and on my body.

My ups and downs with lupus have shown me both the fragility of our human bodies and also our deep capacity for resilience.  I realized (finally) that my everyday choices matter.  I now question the everyday products I use and have decided it is time to be more conscious about where these products come from and what is in them.

Lovely with Lupus is a beauty and wellness blog focused on celebrating our individual beauty and taking time for nourishing skincare rituals that tame inflammaging.

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