Hard to believe that it's 2020. Is it just us, or does it feel like 2019 flew by? 2019 was an exciting year that brought a huge shift in beauty consciousness with consumers seeking cleaner beauty alternatives, being mindful of product ingredient lists and prioritizing sustainable packaging. As a trusted clean beauty spa and boutique, we are constantly seeking out and testing the most effective clean beauty products to incorporate both into our facial services and onto our store shelves.
1. Unburden Serum (formerly Anti-Inflammatory Serum):
Laurel has reformulated this stellar serum to calm, soothe and strengthen irritated, compromised and inflammed skin. It's a concentrated moisturizer, serum, and elemental defense oil in one. Our clients covet it for reducing inflammation, which is the root of all skin concerns including cystic acne, rosacea, redness, broken capillaries, excessive dryness, loss of elasticity, and hyperpigmentation.
TIP: Spritz Laurel Hydrating Elixir II (which delivers immediate hydration and soothing relief to reactive, irritated, inflamed skin) and 4-6 drops of the Unburden Serum. Massage into the skin and follow with a dime size of the Recovery Balm.
2. Sun Defense:
Are you reapplying your sunscreen every 2 hours? Eminence's Mineral Sun Defense offers a convenient, easy to apply and reapply brush powder for on-the-go sun protection! This water and sweat-resistant sunscreen contains natural minerals, including zinc oxide to give your skin a weightless physical layer of non-chemical SPF 30 sun protection. The minerals impart soothing anti-inflammatory properties, making it suitable for all skin types, including those prone to acne and rosacea.
TIP: Apply in the morning, follow with a spray of toner to bind the powder. Tuck the SPF tube into your backpack, purse, tennis bag or ski jacket and reapply throughout the day (even over makeup or post workout). To remove oil buildup and dirt from the brush, cleanse the bristles with alcohol.
3. Fireweed Toner:
Fireweed is a gentle healer. it is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and full of Vitamin C. Toners are often an overlooked step in a skin care routine yet they effectively improve the skin's function as a protective barrier. Wild Hill sustainably harvests fireweed when it flowers from clear-cuts on Vancouver Island and distills & tinctures it at the height of freshness.
TIP: Apply 4 spritzes to the face and pat into the skin. If it quickly disappears, its a sign that your skin is dehydrated. Reapply and follow with your oil-based serum or moisturizer to help penetrate the oil into your skin while hydrating the skin.
4. Seabuckthorn Best Skin Ever:
Living Libations Seabuckthorn BSE has a devoted following among our clients and it's not hard to figure out why. This dual-purpose facial cleanser and moisturizer is ideal for all skin types. Seabuckthorn oil contains a high vitamin C content and helps gently dissolve dirt while balancing the skin.
TIP: As a cleanser, massage 2-3 pumps onto dry skin, add water and then remove with a warm (not hot) cotton face cloth. As a moisturizer, spray your toner onto your face and then massage 2-3 pumps of Seabuckthorn BSE into your damp skin.
5. Vital Balm:
Josh Rosebrook's Vital Balm Cream is a new product in 2019 but it didn't take long for it to become a favourite. It's a light, smooth yet potent moisturizer that combines the barrier benefits of a natural balm with the easy absorption of a cream. This healing formula is packed full of calming and soothing ingredients including aloe vera, honey, blue tansy, avocado oil, ashwaganda, turmeric and Indian Senna seed oil, also known as 'botanical hyaluronic acid'. Hyaluronic acid is known as the skin plumper. It increases moisture retention which helps lock in hydration, resulting in a plump, firm and well nourished complexion.
TIP: Massage a dime size amount of Vital Balm onto skin that has been spritzed with the the Hydrating Accelerator to prepare the skin to effectively penetrate and enhance delivery of the nutrients of the balm.
6. Forma Rosea mask:
.eluo is a stunning Canadian brand that has formulated a collection of exfoliating facial polishes + masks to elevate the daily ritual of cleansing. The Forma Rosea mask is made with colloidal pink kaolin clay, rosehip, coconut and chamomile to hydrate even the driest of skins, draw out impurities and balance the skin.
TIP: For a relaxing and exfoliating mask, activate one tablespoon of powder with a small amount of water, facial oil or honey to form a soft, rich mousse in a bowl. Gently rub over a clean, damp face with your hands or a mask brush and relax for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with warm water or remove with damp cloth to rehydrate the mask as you cleanse.
7. Silk Pillowcases:
Every woman needs to own one! Our silk pillowcases are made of luxurious, long strand 100% mulberry silk. The silk offers a smooth glide which helps minimize wrinkles and sleep creases, as well as prevents hair tangles and breakage. As silk is cooling, it helps to wick away sweat and is ideal for those who overheat while they sleep. Silk is naturally hypoallergenic, mite and mold resistant.
Seaweed is extremely healing, hydrating and nourishing for the skin. Seaflora's Wild Sea Kelp Body Lotion contains raw, certified organic Phaeophyta and Chloroyphyta seaweeds, aloe vera, coconut and apricot oils to protect and heal sensitive, inflamed skin including eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. This soothing body lotion softens and moisturizes the skin while improving tone and elasticity.
TIP: Apply to damp skin after your bath or shower and bring along for every trip to soothe, heal and hydrate sunburned skin.
ILIA has hit the jackpot with their True Serum Foundation: a complexion-perfecting, serum-infused foundation that is equal parts skin care and color correction. With buildable coverage, it is versatile for either a quick run to the grocery store or a full face glam night out. It's glowy without looking greasy and leaves a velvety, luminous glow to the skin while minimizing the appearance of pores. The infusion of aloe leaf, rosehip, jojoba and marula oil makes it is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.
TIP: Pump 1-2 pumps of the Foundation to the back of your hand. Apply with a Foundation Brush starting at the center of face and working your way outwards. Press the palms of your hands onto your face to help further melt the foundation into your skin.