As body care manager, it's literally my job to try the dozens of new products we consider bringing in every month, in addition to the wonderful products we already carry! There are so many that I truly love and adore, and yet I have my particular favorites - the ones I return to consistently because they make me feel beautiful, clean and confident, and ready to face the day. I'm excited to share them with you.
Thesis Body Cream in Lavender Fields I feel like I’ve been searching for this body butter my whole life. But seriously, it’s divine. I massage a thin layer on right after the shower, and it absorbs completely, keeping my normally parched winter skin fully moisturized and smooth. Oil-based lotions can penetrate the layers of skin much better than water-based ones can, and this cream is chock-full of amazing organic oils including sunflower, jojoba and coconut in addition to raw shea butter. Thesis products are locally made by a family owned company using only the purest ingredients.
Acure Sensitive Facial Cleanser I’ve been using this cleanser for the last two years and love it. It’s formulated with argan oil and probiotics which are soothing to my sometimes irritable skin. I wet my face with lukewarm water and apply the cleanser, massaging in circles until all the dirt is removed. Then rinse and pat dry. Just a small amount is enough to clean my whole face, so it’s also a wonderfully affordable choice!
Thesis Rosemary & Citrus Makeup Remover I was thrilled when we brought in this makeup remover. For years I had been using coconut oil with fair success, but the application process was messy and the removal even worse. I’d end up with an oily sheen in and on my eyes! This makeup remover from local skin care company Thesis is truly wonderful - made from organic jojoba, sunflower and apricot oils that naturally dissolve dirt as well as cleansing essential oils like rosemary and orange. I put a little bit onto a cotton pad and massage into my skin, then use the other side of the pad to remove any makeup.
A Wild Soap (Desert Sage) This soap reminds me of Eastern Oregon, where my husband and I have family. We’d drive west from Portland and watch as the landscape transitioned into fields of gorgeous sagebrush in the high desert. The smell brings me back to that place I love, and so this soap has a special place in my heart! A Wild Soap makes natural soap bars from premium ingredients with sustainable palm oil and organic coconut oil, as well as bentonite clay for extra cleansing.
Dr. Hauschka Melissa Day Cream I have been using this moisturizer every day for the last 4 years. It works perfectly to balance my combination skin which leans normal to dry with occasional oil in my t-zone. Dr. Hauschka has been formulating incredible natural skin care products for 47 years focused on biodynamically grown plants that heal both the skin and the earth. This day cream is light, goes on smoothly, and keeps my skin glowing and break-out free.
Hurraw Earl Grey Lip Balm I grew up with my mother’s mantra “it’s an Earl Grey day” - her drink of choice throughout my childhood. The smell of bergamot oil brings me a calm and peaceful energy, and now I can have it every time I moisturize my lips! The Hurraw lip balms glide on smoothly and are made from raw, organic and fair-trade ingredients. There’s always a stick in my pocket and in my bag.
Mineral Fusion Sheer Moisture Lip Tint I absolutely love these lip tints. They glide on smooth and layer perfectly - a pop of color for the workday and an extra few layers for a night out on the town. I use Flicker - it’s a berry-tinted red made with cocoa butter and a lip-firming peptide.
Dr. Hauschka Volume Mascara This is the ultimate natural mascara - doesn’t leave anything wanting! It’s smudge resistant and applies evenly, making my lashes full and long without the dreaded raccoon effect. It stays on throughout the day and washes off easily at night - my sensitive eyes love it!
Badger Balm Aromatherapy Stress Soother While not technically a body care product, this stress soother has definitely saved me a wrinkle or two! I carry it in my bag always, and in moments of everyday tension (Boston traffic, anyone?), I massage it into my wrists and temples. The calming aromas of chamomile and lavender are expertly mixed with cedarwood for strength and tangerine and spearmint for energy. When I am relaxed and stress-free, I feel like a more beautiful person inside and out.
Mineral Fusion Nail Polish in Garnet I love this nail polish - it comes in a wide range of great colors and is free of the major chemical offenders including formaldehyde, toulene, camphor and dibutyl pthalate. Garnet is my go-to shade for the holiday season - the perfect pop of color to pair with a fun outfit.