News

Natural deodorant is all the rage right now, but it miiiiight send the wrong message in gift form. We've compiled a list that takes the guesswork out of your holiday shopping and will be sure to delight. Choose one you think they'll love or make a basket for extra smiles!

Pair this pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory muscle rub with an hour massage to ease the discomfort of painful muscles & joints for someone you love. $36

Give the gift of self care to someone who doesn't take enough time for themselves. Full of crucial minerals and vitamins for the skin, this Turmeric + Kelp Renewing Mask is an oceanside spa in a bottle. $32

For your friend who is up on all the latest trends, this K beauty inspired facial spray is magic for skin and smells like roses. $48

This oil can be used from head to toe and unlike comparable oils moringa oil is naturally rich in the cytokinin zeatin, known for stimulating cell division, growth, and delaying aging of cells. $26

This Turmeric and Coffee Detox Body Polish is designed to stimulate circulation, activate the lymphatic system, and gently remove excess buildup of skin cells and impurities. Plus it's oil free so you don't have to worry about your Aunt Sally slipping in the shower. $30

I had to include another from The Good Hippie because their products are so gorgeous, they wrap themselves...and this facial steam is heaven. $32

Can't decide? That's what gift cards are for! Available in the amount of $25, $50, $75, $100, or $200.

Wishing you stress free shopping and a happy holiday! 

I'm excited to introduce Lindsay Hoffmann to you all! She will be helping us maintain our space at Grant's in San Diego and also occasionally contributing to our social media efforts, blogging, newsletters, etc. Check out her very first blog post below. (I think it's pretty amazing!)

...

The days are long, the air smells sweet, the sky is clear, and I have this urge to put a tiny umbrella into each and every beverage. After having moved to California a year ago, I thought maybe I’d be jaded with that blissful feeling of the warm sun on my face; I am happy to report that that feeling so far is lasting, no matter where you reside.

Of course, with that joy comes that little voice telling me to put on my hat and sunscreen because the sun is NOT just a source of happiness and vitamin D, but also a potential fireball of skin-damaging rays. Hence, my summer look is a lovechild between California dreamin’ and Lydia from Beetlejuice (it works, I think). We all know it's important to safely soak up some rays and get your vitamin D. However, too much of a good thing can leave your skin a painful shade of pink. It's important to get in tune with how much sun your skin can handle. Pair this knowledge with the right tools and we can get back to enjoying our poolside umbrella-drinks...safely.

I know it’s tempting to throw on a sundress and get outside ASAP, but if you think you might be in the sun long enough to burn, pause. Before you put ANYTHING on, lay on some sunscreen. This way you’ll be less likely to miss key spots while trying to avoid your clothes, and it ensures you’re applying before you’re even outside and vulnerable. Physical blockers instantly protect so there's no need to delay your adventures! Seek shade and cover up as best you can throughout the day (the bigger the hat, the better, in my opinion!).

But which products should you use? Check out EWG.org’s sunscreen database here to see their recommendations. When you’re shopping around, there are some ingredients commonly lurking in sunscreen to watch out for - oxybenzone, a synthetic estrogen that can be disruptive to hormone balance, and vitamin A, also labeled as retinol or retinyl palmitate. When used topically, vitamin A has been shown to quicken development of tumors and lesions... the opposite of what we’re trying to achieve, here! Look for mineral-based products using zinc-oxide, which offer full spectrum protection and peace of mind. As always, make sure to check the ingredients of all skincare products before purchasing.

San Diego-made Soul Spot is an easy read with just 5 simple ingredients and it's great for babies and surfers alike! 

Recently I’ve been loving Suntegrity, whose "5 In 1" Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen hits all the marks with EWG (check it out!) and keeps my skin glowing. It even has a tint (there are four shades) so I still look sun-kissed. And when the sun actually does kiss me? I just love it right back.

As the weather turns cold and dry, your skin may need a little more love to keep dullness, dry patches, roseacea, eczema, and acne at bay.  If your skin is on the dry side, it can be tough to keep up with your skincare needs during these months.  Shifting your routine with the seasons will go a long way.

1.You may want to think about ditching your facial cleanser and adopting the oil cleansing method. The oil cleansing method is a great way to clean (oil dissolves oil!) and gently exfoliate (you use a washcloth to wipe away the oil). If you deal with acne, don’t let oil scare you! You might be surprised by how much your skin improves with this method. Pro tip for the blemish prone: apply a 1:4 apple cider vinegar:distilled water mixture after oil cleansing and before moisturizing!  

2. If you just can’t bring yourself to skip the suds, make sure you are using a gentle castile soap based cleanser instead of a detergent based one. Common ingredients to avoid: SLS, SLES, and Natural Plant Derived Cleansers. Detergents are harsh and strip the skin, contributing to all the skin ailments listed above. 

3. You may need to up your exfoliation game during the winter...in frequency, not harshness! Your exfoliant of choice should ALWAYS be gentle or you will create tiny scrapes that lead to acne. Check out this one that doubles as a mask.

4. After cleansing and exfoliating you will want to hydrate, tone, and readjust the ph of your skin with a hydrosol, aloe juice, or both. Don't skip this step! Your face oil or serum won’t absorb nearly as well without these penetration enhancers.

5. Run from any moisturizers that contain preservatives or emulsifiers due to water or aloe content and choose a moisturizer composed of only the cold pressed oils your skin is thirsty for! Know which oils are best for your skin type. Mature skin will do better with a richer oil like Moringa and hemp-based oils are best for acneic skin. If the skin around your eyes gets dry, you may want to layer a balm or butter on top of your face oil in that area. Your body butter may do the trick!

6. Still feel like your skin needs a bit more love? Facial steams and masks are quite luxurious and might be necessary now and again. Be sure to take the time to care of yourself!

We all know soft, glowing skin makes us feel fantastic, but sometimes we forget how enjoyable the process can be. Create space for a skincare ritual that makes you feel amazing inside and out!