• Beauty,  Eco,  Gift Guide,  New York,  San Diego

    Elevate Father’s Day Gifting with Made: Sustainable Beauty for Non-Toxic Masculinity

    In the realm of beauty and grooming, Made stands out as a beacon of sustainability, performance, and non-toxic masculinity. As veterans of the beauty industry, the founders of Made embarked on a mission to support a community often labeled as non-essential, all while setting an example of environmental responsibility and ethical product choices. Their commitment to simplistic and minimalistic packaging, less plastic usage, reusability, vegan formulations, and cruelty-free practices speaks volumes about their dedication to both quality and conscious living.

    Looking Good and Making a Difference

    Made’s ethos revolves around the belief that beauty and grooming products should not only enhance one’s appearance but also contribute positively to the environment and individual well-being. With a range of high-performance products priced affordably from $12.95 to $35, Made offers a sustainable alternative for those seeking quality without compromising on ethics.

    Signature Items for Father’s Day Gifting

    1. The Secret Sauce – $19.95: This leave-in lotion is a versatile gem, suitable for hair, body, face, and beard care. Its nourishing formula hydrates and revitalizes, making it a must-have in any grooming routine.
    2. The Beefy Bar Good Rub – $22: For a refreshing bath experience, the activated charcoal bath bar infused with scents of charcoal, bourbon, and bacon is a unique indulgence. It cleanses deeply while leaving a subtle, masculine aroma.
    3. Customizable Razors – $25: Made offers customizable razors that cater to individual preferences. With a subscription option available, maintaining a well-groomed look has never been easier or more eco-conscious.

    Why Choose Made for Father’s Day?

    1. Eco-Friendly Beauty: Made’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of their products, from packaging to formulations. Gifting Made is a way to support eco-conscious practices.
    2. Non-Toxic Masculinity: In a world where toxic masculinity norms persist, Made celebrates and promotes a healthier, non-toxic definition of masculinity through their products and values.
    3. Performance and Quality: Despite their eco-friendly focus, Made doesn’t compromise on performance. Their products deliver results while being gentle on the skin and the planet.

    This Father’s Day, consider elevating your gifting game with Made. Not only will you be offering quality grooming essentials, but you’ll also be contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive vision of beauty and masculinity. Give the gift of looking good and making a difference with Made.

  • Beauty,  Eco,  Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  New York,  San Diego

    Empower Your Skin with SKWAD’s Teen Skincare Revolution

    Let’s dive into the inspiring journey of SKWAD, a skincare brand that’s rewriting the rules and championing inclusivity, effectiveness, and eco-consciousness. It all started with Elise Kandrac, a mom of 3 teenagers, who noticed something profound about her kids’ self-esteem and the products available for their skincare needs.

    Elise’s lightbulb moment came when she realized that her children’s confidence was more influenced by how they felt about their appearance than by their actual achievements. This led her to question why skincare products for teens were often gender-specific. After all, shouldn’t skincare be about feeling good in your own skin, regardless of gender?

    Elise embarked on a mission to create gender-neutral skincare solutions, beginning with her own family. She found it challenging to discover products that were gentle yet effective for her daughter’s skin and virtually non-existent options for her son. This gap in the market fueled her determination to challenge the status quo and introduce skincare that’s all about nourishing and protecting young skin without the need for gender labels.

    Fast forward to today, and SKWAD is not just a skincare brand – it’s a movement. Inspired by Elise’s strong family ties to Hawaii, SKWAD embraces values of inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and a commitment to doing better for our planet. The brand’s mission is clear: skincare that’s good for you and good for the Earth.

    One of the standout products from SKWAD is The Starter Skincare Set for Teens. Imagine having all your besties in one place at the same time – that’s the feeling this set brings.

    The set contains:

    • SKWEEZ Gentle Exfoliating Face Wash (100ml)
      • A gentle yet effective face wash that brightens and softens the skin while protecting its moisture barrier.
    • SKWIRT Hydrating and Exfoliating Facial and Body Toning Spray (100 ml)
      • A versatile toning spray that hydrates, clarifies, and refreshes the skin, suitable for use as a toner or standalone spray.
    • SKWISH Hydrating Moisturiser (100 ml)
      • An easy-to-use moisturizer packed with non-greasy oils and antioxidants, improving hydration and skin barrier function.
    • SKRAPE Nourishing Face Mask & Shaving Cream (100 ml)
      • A dual-function mask that hydrates and protects the skin, suitable for use as a shaving cream or face mask.
    • SKWAD Toiletry Bag For Teenage Girls and Boys
      • A stylish and practical toiletry bag made from sustainable materials, perfect for organizing your skincare essentials on-the-go.

    In essence, SKWAD isn’t just about skincare – it’s about empowerment, inclusivity, and making a positive impact. By challenging norms, prioritizing effectiveness, and embracing sustainability, SKWAD sets the bar high for teen skincare and environmental stewardship. Join the SKWAD movement and let your skin and the planet thrive together!

  • Beauty

    Amplify Your Salon’s Experience w/ Pure Brazilian Hair Care

    Pure Brazilian Hair Care is helping salon and spa owners bring their establishment to new heights! Formulated and manufactured in Brazil, Pure Brazilian offers the best hair smoothing system on the market. A hallmark of professionalism and exceptional haircare, Pure Brazilian’s products feature an easy-to-apply formula, give radiant shine, strengthen the cuticle, eliminate frizz, and improve hair health by protecting the cuticle.

    These hair essentials have a special formulation of minimal chemicals to give maximum results. Hair color pops, as cuticles are sealed with moisture.

    Formulated and manufactured in Brazil, Pure Brazilian offers the best hair smoothing system on the market. A hallmark of professionalism and exceptional haircare, Pure Brazilian’s products feature an easy-to-apply formula, give radiant shine, strengthen the cuticle, eliminate frizz, and improve hair health by protecting the cuticle. These hair essentials have a special formulation of minimal chemicals to give maximum results. Hair color pops, as cuticles are sealed with moisture.

    Pure Brazilian is honest about their ingredients and keeps their line small and simple. Their products also reduce blow-dry and styling time, protects against heat damage from styling, and prevents split ends and breakage, which promotes growth. Visit their Amazon store here.

    Pure Brazilian Deep Conditioning Masque

    Frizz doesn’t stand a chance! Creamy, buttery and loaded with moisture and nutrients, this hair masque balances the pH at the end of the treatment while fortifying the cuticle using essential nutrients like Keratin and Acai. Color safe, this masque promotes shine, smooths the hair shaft, and leaves hair feeling like satin. $10 at https://purebrazilian.com/collections/essential-home-care/products/deep-conditioning-masque

    Pure Brazilian Leave-In Conditioner

    Keep hair lustrous and silky! This ultra reparative Keratin infused conditioner re-constructs dry damaged hair by restoring keratin proteins, the building blocks of hair, that have been depleted by chronological aging or styling, chemical and environmental damage. It is formulated with a fortifying ingredient complex of Bulgarian Rose Water, Bombyx Silk, Quartz and crushed Pink Sea Pearls that pampers the hair with opulent hydration, smoothness and shine. $28 at https://purebrazilian.com/collections/essential-home-care/products/leave-conditioner

    Pure Brazilian Silk Smoothing Balm

    Made with Keratin, Hydrolyzed Silk and Coconut Oil, this smoothing balm controls and softens unruly hair. Features a heat and humidity-resistant formula that will leave your hair feeling light, bouncy and gorgeously sleek. Use regularly before styling for faster drying, more manageable hair with fewer tangles, less frizz, better hold and smoothness that last. Salon perfect results every time! Retails for $30 at https://purebrazilian.com/collections/essential-home-care/products/smoothing-balm

    Pure Brazilian Anti-Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner Duo

    This set features a sodium-chloride free shampoo that is gentle on your hair and scalp for daily use. It is formulated with Keratin, Vital Nutrients and Cocoa Seed Butter that helps protect and prolong your Pure Brazilian treatment; leaving your hair shiny, frizz-free and healthy. The set also features daily conditioner that leaves hair moisture rich, more manageable, and frizz-free! This rich, moisturizing conditioner is made with vital nutrients, along with keratin and bamboo that helps create luxurious softness and shine. The duo retails for $48 at https://purebrazilian.com/products/shampoo-conditioner-duo?_pos=2&_sid=27da10ded&_ss=r

  • Beauty

    CLARINS MULTI-ACTIVE: A CUTTING-EDGE SOLUTION TO COMBAT STRESS-AGEING

    Clarins, the world-renowned French beauty brand, shakes up skincare with New Multi-Active: a revolutionary day and night duo designed to combat stress-induced ageing and restore youthful radiance, 24/7.  I had the opportunity to try the day/night cream from this collection and love its luxurious feel. It has made a difference in just one week’s time.

    New Clarins Multi-Active Day and Night

    After years of research, Clarins Laboratories identified the detrimental effects of stress and fatigue on the skin, commonly referred to as stress-ageing1. Through meticulous typology studies, the research team uncovered eight2 visible signs of aging intensified by hectic lifestyles and daily stressors which accelerate the natural aging process.

    The research revealed that stress triggers a thinning of the epidermis, compromising the skin’s barrier function and altering its texture. In stressful conditions, up to a 24% reduction in epidermal thickness was observed. Moreover, increased stress levels slow down the renewal of epidermal cells, leading to visible premature signs of aging: dullness, wrinkles, fine lines, and rough skin texture. Additionally, decreased fibroblast activity in the dermal layer results in diminished collagen and elastin production, essential for maintaining skin firmness.

    To conclude, these two studies revealed how stress and lack of sleep visibly accentuate 8 signs of ageing2:

    +9.5% Increase in the size of pores +14.2% A more uneven complexion +16.4% More hollow features +15% Severity of wrinkles and fine lines3
    +20.3% Overall look of fatigue -13.4% Drop in skin tone +12% Increase in insensible water loss – skin prone to dehydration -2.4% Less luminosity4
    1. Phenomenon responsible for skin ageing linked to stress caused by the pace of life. | 2. Size of pores, skin tone, severity of wrinkles and fine lines, overall look of fatigue, look of facial features, skin radiance, uniformity of the complexion, hydration. | 3.Clinical typology study on 73 women aged 25-40, for 6 months. 4. Clinical typology study on 41 women aged 35-50, after 5 hectic days.

    Introducing New Multi-Active: The Ultimate Solution

    Harnessing the power of cutting-edge ingredients (90% ingredients of natural origin), the Multi-Active range empowers the skin to reclaim an healthy, youthful glow while smoothing fine lines and redefining skin texture.

    Clarins Innovation: The Skin Charger Complex

    At the heart of the Multi-Active range lies the Skin Charger Complex, a pioneering blend enriched with:

    • 2% Niacinamide: Also known as Vitamin B3, this potent anti-ageing molecule visibly smoothes fine lines, and refines skin texture.
    • Sea Holly Extract: This resilient plant thrives in adverse conditions, serving as a bio-inspiration for Clarins. It helps to reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier and target the first visible signs of aging.

    Together, this supercharged complex delivers an immediate healthy-looking glow, the skin barrier is reinforced all while providing 24 hrs hydration.

    After 28 days of using Multi Active Day and Night Duo:

    Lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced by 34%**  + 36.4%* visibly smoother skin 93% skin is smoother*** 88% more looks more even***
    +7.5%* more even complexion -50%**  visibly reduced signs of stress 92% skin is firmer***  86% skin looks less tired***
    -10.8%* visibly minimized pores8 46%** visibly reduced signs of fatigue 91% skin is more radiant***  86% skin texture is refined and more even*** 
    90% skin quality is visibly improved***

    *Clinical study – Multi-Active Day Cream – All Skin Types – 32 women – 28 days **Self-evaluation – Multi-Active Day Cream – All Skin Types – 104 women – 28 days ***Consumer test – Multi-Active Day Cream – All Skin Types – 105 women

    Multi-Active line is also enriched with:

    • Organic Teasel extract* revitalizes to boost skin’s glow.
    • Organic Strawberry Tree Fruit extract* refines skin texture and visibly tightens pores.
    • Betaine moisturizes and plumps the skin’s surface.
    • Anti-aging tetrapeptide helps visibly firm while renewing skin overnight (Night cream)
    • Clarins’ Anti-Pollution Complex of Organic White Horehound, Furcellaria and Nipplewort extracts helps minimize damage from environmental pollutants—indoors and out—including skin-aging blue lights from electronics.

    *Organic ingredients are produced in accordance with European regulation (CE 2018/848).

    Multi-Active day offers rich, melting textures that are infused with an energizing, mood-boosting scent of Lily of the Valley, White Flowers, Rose, Musk, and Cedarwood. While Multi-Active Night’s soft, cocooning texture is infused with a soothing, calming scent of Bergamot, Rose, Jasmin, Hyacinth, Orris, Musk, Cedarwood, and Amber to help you get a good night’s rest.  The line is available for AST and Dry Skin.

    Clarins T.R.U.S.T.: A one-of-a-kind commitment for better, safer skincare

    Clarins’ T.R.U.S.T. initiative (Traceability. Responsibility. Uniqueness. Security. Transparency.) provides full traceability of the ingredients that go into our Multi-Active products—from farm to formula through blockchain technology.

    Clarins Multi-Active Line is available on www.clarins.com and at all official retailers, including Sephora, Ulta Beauty and Amazon.

    ABOUT CLARINS

    Celebrating 70 years Clarins , was founded in a professional Parisian beauty institute by Jacques Courtin-Clarins in 1954. Clarins has family-owned and is distributed in more than 140 countries—offering skincare innovations for face and body, men’s, and makeup. With unique expertise in Phyto-chemistry, Clarins Laboratories are considered pioneers in the fields of plant science and technology. The brand values are rooted in an ongoing dialogue with consumers, an abiding respect for nature and people, and commitments to sustainable sourcing, including Le Domaine Clarins—our organic farm and open-air laboratory in the French Alps. Clarins is accelerating its sustainable actions to become a Certified B Corporation by 2025. Currently carbon neutral, the company will further reduce its carbon footprint by 30% and become 100% plastic neutral using 100% recyclable packaging by 2025. Partners include: Pur Projet—more than 756,000 trees planted to date; Plastic Odyssey—a three-year expedition across three continents with 30 stopovers to fight against plastic pollution; and Mary’s Meal—more than 43 million school meals provided to children in need by the end of 2024.

  • Beauty,  Eco,  Los Angeles,  San Diego

    Maysama – Award-winning skincare – backed by science, powered by Green Rooibos Extract API

    Have you ever tried a Pressed Serum? Let’s experience the Green Rooibos Pressed Serum by Maysama together! Maysama is an eco-luxury brand that produces skincare, devices, and sustainable accessories like headbands and face cloths.

    The Green Rooibos range is created based on Aspalathin-enriched Green Rooibos Extract and backed by science from the Nelson Mandela Institute in South Africa. A line suitable for all skin types. The Pressed Serum is an antioxidant product formulated with 1.3% Green Rooibos extract and 3% Niacinamide.

    Green Rooibos Pressed Serum

    • Award-winning antioxidant serum formulated with Green Rooibos Extract [GRE].
    • Patented extraction, enhances antioxidant potential of our GRE 70-fold
    • Proven to enhance outcomes with Red LED Light Therapy treatments
    • Formulated with 1.3% GRE, 3% niacinamide and loaded with humectants.
    • Sustainably sourced ingredients, eco-friendly glass packaging & recycled cartons
    • Vegan & Leaping Bunny approved
    • Free from essential oils, fragrance and known EU allergens
    • Suitable for sensitive skin and rosacea
    • pH 5.0 ‚Äì 5.5

    Reasons why Rooibos is Good for the Skin

    Green Rooibos serves as a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-mutagenic agent as well as a rich source of Alpha Hydroxy Acids [AHA’s] and zinc, known for their anti-ageing properties.

    Science Reveals Rooibos as a Star Ingredient for Cosmetics

    Maysama’s Aspalathin-enriched Green Rooibos Extract, produced with a patented extraction process, has superior bioavailability and is a true bioactive ingredient for cosmetic application.


    Maysama is an eco-conscious, science-backed skincare brand developed with pulse light therapy and green rooibos (unfermented leaves) to achieve the exact results you are looking for! Higher in antioxidants than its red counterpart and 70 times more potent with red light help, rooibos is at the heart of all skincare products offered. Optimizing skincare, Maysama Beauty combines the antioxidant power of Aspalathin-enriched green rooibos skincare with LED light therapy for improved outcomes for skin rejuvenation. Follow them on Instagram @maysama_beauty.

  • Beauty,  New York,  San Diego

    TruffLuv – Combines the luxury of Black Truffle with love for hair care

    Many elements contribute to hair damage – chemical treatments, sun exposure, and heated tools, to name a few. Only TruffLuv uses expertly curated formulas, with black truffle as the hero ingredient in every single product, to deliver the highest level of restorative properties. Reparative ingredients transform damaged, lifeless hair to strong, soft, and healthy hair with vibrant shine and life.

    For a nourishing and calming cleanse that won’t strip away natural oils or color, the indulge Collection’s Truffle Shampoo from TruffLuv replenishes and refreshes all hair types for an unmatched level of softness and shine.

    TruffLuv is a beneficial ingredient to hair; high in antioxidants and micronutrient to revitalize dull, damaged hair while nourishing and moisturizing it. The Award-Winning Black Truffle Collection is the first of its kind and it’s incredible for all hair types. Infused with Black Truffle Extract, rich in proteins, minerals and amino acids to repair and rejuvenate your beautiful hair.

    TruffLuv Shampoo gently cleanses and clarifies hair and scalp. Removes buildup, excess oils, balances the scalp’s pH level achieving an unmatched level of natural hair softness and shine, while improving hair elasticity & strength.


    This
     collection provides unparalleled results! Restored and rejuvenated hair, silky smooth strands, frizz free and shiny hair, sealed split ends, hydrated hair with locked-in moisture, and volumized locks full of body & bounce.

    TruffLuv believes taking care of your hair should be a gratifying experience of self-care. Everything they do is with Luv – which means their products are Cruelty Free, Paraben Free, Sulfate Free, and Color Safe.