Before you head to the beach, here’s your self-care homework
Words by JAKE HEDDAEUS
Photography by MARK GRIFFIN CHAMPION
No single product can do it all, but for beauty and wellness junkies, there’s pleasure to be found in a daily, ritualistic bath, skin and hair routine. Thoughtful testing of products with new formulas and natural ingredients is a never-ending process of discovery. Reflected below, we have sourced the very finest California ingredients and formulas: sustainably sourced Pacific seaweed in OSEA’s Vitamin Sea Serum; nourishing nut oils in Rare El’ements’ conditioner; and nutrient-rich botanicals and antioxidants in the Active Treatment Essence by Vintner’s Daughter. Could your routine do with a California revamp? That’s a rhetorical question …
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FOR A BEACH BODY
KAI body wash, $38. MUSE Body Ritual scrub, $28. AGENT NATEUR Holi(oil) Youth body serum, $95. NATURE OF THINGS Nourishing body cream, $90. CORPUS NATURALS California natural deodorant, $22.
STEP 1: Kai Body Wash
Malibu-based Kai Fragrance, known for its cult-favorite fragrances, has crafted the perfect foaming cleanser to jumpstart a restorative bathing experience. Formulated with ingredients such as vitamin E and extracts from comfrey, cucumber and ivy, this body wash will rid your skin of impurities while soothing and moisturizing the skin. You’ll love the white floral scent released upon your body.
STEP 2: Muse Body Ritual Scrub
Scrub and physical exfoliation enthusiasts, look no further than Muse’s Body Ritual scrub. The fine sugar grains marinate in lavender, eucalyptus and coconut oils, making for a spa-like experience and leaving your skin feeling soft and renewed.
STEP 3: Agent Nateur Holi(oil) Youth Body Serum
Tighten and nourish your body with Agent Nateur’s Youth body serum, which uses a range of organic and natural ingredients like rosehip oil to refine skin texture, resulting in smoother skin while reducing signs of aging.
STEP 4: Nature of Things Nourishing Body Cream
Your search for the perfect body moisturizer ends here. Formulated with shea butter and botanical oils, Nature of Things Nourishing body cream is a fast-absorbing, deeply hydrating balm that leaves your skin soft and rejuvenated. Plus, the light citrus and floral scent will not overpower a perfume should you opt for a fragrance.
STEP 5: Corpus Naturals California Natural Deodorant
A step not to be skipped! This made-in-California, plant- and mineral-based deodorant is a nontoxic alternative to traditional drug store brands that contain chemicals. And with a fragrance encompassing notes of seal salt, bergamot, white musk and jasmine, the smell will transport you to a serene California landscape.
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FOR SKIN THAT GLOWS
OSEA Ocean cleanser, $48. VINTNER’S DAUGHTER Active Treatment Essence, $22. OSEA Vitamin Sea serum, $68. AGENT NATEUR Ageless eye serum, $89. RETROUVÉ Dynamic Nourishing face cream, $235.
STEP 1: OSEA Ocean Cleanser
All good skincare routines start with a nontoxic cleanser. The Malibu-founded company’s Ocean cleanser uses algae extract filled with vitamins and minerals as well as lactic acid to gently exfoliate the skin. Effectively removing impurities from the skin, you’re ready for your next step.
STEP 2: Vintner’s Daughter Active Treatment Essence
Formulated in California’s wine country, Active Treatment Essence works as an alternative to traditional toners. The fast-absorbing essence will deeply penetrate your skin for a serious boost of hydration. It’s packed with nutrient-rich botanicals and uses a unique fermentation process that amplifies absorption, making it crucial to maintaining an all-day glow.
STEP 3: OSEA Vitamin Sea Serum
Time for your vitamins! Your skin will love this lightweight serum that is rich in vitamins A, C and E, and uses organic seaweeds that reduce the appearance of fine lines. With just a few pumps, your skin will appear youthful and radiant.
STEP 4: Agent Nateur Ageless Eye Serum
Say farewell to tired-looking eyes. With ingredients like caffeine, cucumber and daisy flower, this eye serum alleviates puffy eyes and reduces visible dark circles. Be prepared for people to ask you what you’re using to achieve your wide-eyed, healthy look.
STEP 5: Retrouvé Dynamic Nourishing Face Cream
Lock in moisture with the Dynamic Nourishing face cream. This creamy moisturizer utilizes the power of lamellar gel technology, which helps skin maintain its hydration levels throughout the day. Enjoy nourished, nongreasy, smooth skin all day long with this game-changing cream.
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FOR HEALTHIER HAIR
RARE EL’EMENTS Pure shampoo, $38. RARE EL’EMENTS Essential Lite conditioner, $40. PHILIP B. detangling and toning mist, $28. SHEILA STOTTS natural boar and nylon bristle brush, $100. KELSEN Signature pomade, $28.50.
STEP 1: Rare El’ements Pure Shampoo
This Beverly Hills-founded company sought to bridge the gap between the professional and natural hair care industry, and they delivered on that mission. This sulfate-free shampoo uses a handful of clean ingredients like watermelon seed, black seed and marula oil to naturally cleanse, nourish and prevent over-drying hair.
STEP 2: Rare El’ements Essential Lite Conditioner
Follow your shampoo with this light conditioner by Rare El’ements. Packed with ingredients like exotic rainforest butters, baobab, and marula and camelina oils, it will restore shine and replenish vital nutrients and moisture.
STEP 3: Philip B. Detangling and Toning Mist
Applied on wet clean hair, this leave-in mist uses apple cider vinegar to manage the pH balance of tap water and a blend of essential oils to detangle and manage frizz, making it a necessary step for shiny, healthy and knot-free hair.
STEP 4: Sheila Stotts Natural Boar and Nylon Bristle Brush
Professional hair designer Sheila Stotts founded her L.A.-based company to bring the salon experience into homes. This natural boar brush will revive your hair, giving it a natural, healthy sheen. Bonus: It also works well as a body brush.
STEP 5: Kelsen Signature Pomade
For the perfect fresh-from-the beach look, apply Kelsen’s Signature pomade. Using organic ingredients, the beeswax-based, lightweight cream is your go-to for an easy, natural look. Apply to slightly damp hair starting at the roots and work your way to the ends.
June 5, 2020
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