What is your skincare philosophy?
As someone with celiac, I know that skin health begins on the inside. I believe that how we take care of ourselves through food, movement, stress management and our engagement with life are the most important factors in creating a strong foundation for healthy skin. Then, products come in. Products can be transformational, but if we are ignoring the basics of taking care of ourselves, we are tasking our products with a harder job. For me, if I eat gluten in any form, it shows up on my skin, so I avoid it completely. I don't believe we need to eliminate everything and live in a a state of deprivation (I've done that, and it was pretty joyless, honestly). I actually think being open and curious is one of the basic tenets of healthy skin. My skin reflects how I feel, so I find that the nourishment of all parts of me, is the best route to healthy, vibrant skin.
How would you describe your skin?
My skin is reactive and shows all. It's gotten much stronger over the years, but it tells my story out of the gate. It's an interesting combination of being resilient while being sensitive. I guess it's a lot like me.
What does your daily skincare routine look like? Does it differ between night and morning?
AM: Wake up, splash cold(ish) water on my face. Follow with a swipe of Marie Veronique + Kristina Holey Balancing Hypotonic, then C Therapy Serum, Soothing B3 Serum (this product has changed my skin and made it much less reactive), Barrier Restore Serum, Barrier Lipid Complex (I don't love the smell of this, but it really works) and then Josh Rosebrook Tinted Day Cream in SPF 30. Then I do a quick touch of Kjaer Weis Foundation, RMS Lip2Cheek in Modest, Butter Lip Balm, a spray of Sigil Solutio or Prima Materia or Bodha Plants scent. Then four drops of Alexis Smart Sunshine Remedy and her First Aid Kit (EVERYTHING she creates speaks deeply to me; I love her, I love her magic creations). Then I'm off.
PM: I love to use my ZIIP at night (stay tuned, we will have these soon; in retail and also as a facial treatment!), it's helped with my rosacea more than anything, I can't believe the results when I am using it consistently. Wash with Marie Veronique + Kristina Holey EO Free Oil Cleanser (this cleanse can be up to four minutes, and is a deep massage I give myself), swipe with Balancing Hypotonic, dab of Gentle Retinol Night Serum, Soothing B3 Serum, Barrier Restore Serum and then Barrier Lipid Complex. I like to finish with May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon in the winter and a couple rolls of F. Miller's Eye Serum.
I also like to mask once a week with Activist Manuka Honey or the LESSE Bioactive Masque. We are also in the process of developing our skincare range so I've been trying many different formulations, lots of testing going on behind the scenes for this project. Stay tuned, it's going to be good.
What other practices do you have that support you feeling your best?
Kundalini is my constant. I have a daily practice that grounds me and brings me back to the present like nothing other. I also love to move, but lately my schedule hasn't allowed for as much of that as I'd like. Baking bread, and cooking in general make me feel great; the practice of sharing what I've created with others in such a tangible way brings me immense joy. I also love spending time by myself, and have been allowing more of this into my life. Time to read, and honestly just stare out the window have been incredibly healing for me as of late. I just lost my Mom, and sitting quietly and thoughtfully with this new reality has been incredibly healing.
What does Beauty is Wellness mean to you?
Someone pointed out to me recently that they were not physically well, and they took issue with this statement. I think that's a valid concern, and one that I understand as someone who felt unwell for a long time. I am not saying that you can't be beautiful without the highest state of wellness, I think beauty is beyond the physical state, and when I speak of beauty I am speaking of the energy of it, not just the physical state. In John O'Donohue's book, Beauty, he brilliantly analyzes and dissects the word and its meaning in all its forms. He separates the word glamour from beauty and shares the impact that beauty, as a concept, has on our lives. It's a brilliant musing on its power and one that he is much better at articulating than me. If you are interested in the idea of beauty, I highly suggest reading it.
What is your go to when your skin is feeling less than stellar?
Rest, water, movement, Kundalini, time alone, time spent with my husband, more vegetables and a mask.
What do you wish more people knew about skincare and clean beauty?
That it works. Using products that are loaded with nutrition, energy and intention effect us in ways way beyond how our skin looks. By investing in cleaner products with committed makers, you are voting for what is important to you and I believe that conscious decisions have the ability to effect change. I know almost every person behind the brands at CAP, and I can say that having a connection to the person making the products we use is incredibly powerful. You are supporting someone's dream and vision, and in effect changing the landscape of a category that for so long has existed to fix us, hide our flaws or make us different. My version of clean beauty is one that is inclusive, aspirational and generous, and here for all.
