Holy Grail Part 1

On MakeupAlley my fellow beauty junkies often talk about their HG products, or Holy Grail products, the ones that they can not live without and have no idea how they ever functioned without them.
I have my own HG products, the ones that I am so satisfied with that there is no need to ever shop for another product in that category.
Unfortunately, I also stray periodically because I am bored or I hear about a new product, but with an HG I know I will always return to it no matter how far I stray temporarily.
In no particular order, here are a few:

Deodorant: Dr. Hauschka floral, hands down. I refuse to use aluminum based anti-perspirants but I live in a very sweaty climate (during the summer) DH is the only one that has come through for me consistently.
Runner up: Crystal Body Deodorant, roll-on. I actually discovered this when I was in Amherst for my DH training. I had been trying to be frugal and had not bought a new DH floral deodorant when I ran out, instead replacing it with another natural roll on. It failed me miserably and I did not want to start my training feeling paranoid about my body odor. I went to the local Rite-Aid and decided to try the CBD roll-on and really liked it. It crumbles under pressure at times but has a lovely subtle scent and is much more effective than other natural deodorants I have used....and I've tried quite a few.

Mascara: Blinc Kiss Me Mascara,Black
I discovered this when I was living in Berkeley and have been using it ever since. It does not smudge or flake or run. Seriously. It also gives great definition. This is the only mascara that I can use on my lower lashes. When you remove it it comes off in little clumps instead of a crazy black river.
My only complaint is that it leaves the lashes feeling a bit rubbery/stiff which never bothered me until I had kids and became lower maintenance. Now sometimes when I wear it I can't wait to take it off. But I still love it.
Runner Up: Dr. Hauschka Intermezzo, Royal Blue
After discovering Blinc I thought I would never have the need for another mascara. One day, though I used a mascara that my friend and DH account manager gave me and loved it. It's great for days when I'm not wearing much makeup, it gives very subtle definition and the blue makes my eyes look whiter and brighter. The wax base leaves the lashes still pliable and soft and it does not make a mess when washed off.

Shower Gel: Enfusia Vanilla Cleansing Elixir
I am a vanilla addict and this is such a yummy product. It is locally made, organic and produces abundant creamy suds. I also use it to shave with. Love love love.
Runner Up: John Masters Blood Orange and Vanilla Body Wash
This comes in a handy pump and smells divine.

Shampoo: Giovanni Golden Wheat Shampoo
I always come back to this shampoo. It has great ingredients and increases volume. Could be a bit better at detangling, though.
Runner Up: Dr. Hauschka Macadamia and Orange
I used to strongly dislike the DH shampoos. They are low-foam (almost no-foam) and that bugged me. I was used to massaging my scalp with a million bubbles. I gave it a shot, though and really loved how great my hair felt. I get tangles easily and this is one of the only shampoos that helps keep my hair from being a snarly wreck. Here is an easy way to use it correctly:
Instead of adding more shampoo until it feels sufficiently foamy put only how much you need for the length of your hair: quarter for long, nickel for medium, dime for short. Massage in, resisting the urge to add more. Tell yourself that although it feels like there is no way this is getting your hair clean that it is in fact getting it clean and doing a great job of nourishing it too, instead of stripping it with all those harsh foaming agents. Rinse. Do not repeat.

Lipstick: Tie- These colors are all very similar and I can use them interchangeably. They all have great staying power and are the perfect color for brunettes.
Glominerals Snapdragon
Very creamy and smooth satin finish
Dr. Hauscha #11 Effetuoso
Also very creamy but slightly more matte
Peacekeeper Paint Me Empowered
Really super saturated color

Owen Wilson!

Today I was at Whole Foods doing a Juice Beauty demo. I had a very successful demo, lots of interest and sales and when I was through I left a few samples in the drawer for the staff to hand out in my absence.
I had no idea they would be put to such good use!
My friend and former co-worker, fellow holistic esthetician, T called tonight to tell me that Owen Wilson came in looking for hair gel and a new moisturizer. He said he didn't like Dr. Hauschka...bummer but he was interested in Juice Beauty. He tried the testers (luckily I cleaned them today!) and loved it. He took samples of the oil-free moisturizer and the nutrient moisturizer, promising to return.
Yay!!!

Update: Owen did return and bought the nutrient moisturizer!

MamaSpa Wellness Center

I was laying in bed nursing the boys thinking about how it's sometimes hard to blend being a mom with having a career, in my case a holistic esthetician/makeup artist/skincare rep. I love my work so much and lately when I am working I feel the most rapport with other moms. Bring up a case of hormonal melasma and I'm right on top of it.
Also, I know so many talented mamas who haven't gone back to work because they care more about motherhood than getting some lame job and I know talented women (ME!) who are basically trapped in their houses because it is too overwhelming to get out. I was just thinking how incredible it would be to be able to go to a space where you can drop your kids off with a sitter who is also a mom, grab a latte and ACTUALLY DRINK IT WHILE IT'S HOT, get a new bra, pop in for a brow wax and, well since the kids fell asleep you may is well take a yoga class or get a pedicure.
Or--you have a bunch of baby clothes that your kids outgrew so you stop by, drop off your bag and get to choose a few new items in their size.....and pick up a new lip gloss and a multivitamin while you're at it!
Or--you are a mom who likes to care for children or you're an esthetician (me!) or you are a therapist (my MIL....you don't need to have given birth recently!) and you need a great job where you can bring your kids.
Enter MamaSpa Wellness Center, where every woman is a well woman! No one has to put their jobs on hold or stay isolated in their homes because it's too overwhelming to venture out!

For Moms, by Moms: (EVERY employee is a mom!)

Here is a stream of consciousness list of what could be available--

Facials, waxing, skincare services, makeup classes for moms and teens, makeovers
Manicure/Pedicure
Hairstylists
On-site childcare for employees and clients
Yoga classes
Acupuncture
Therapists specializing in postpartum depression, mother's issues, and child stuff (art therapy, etc.)
Parenting classes
Post partum doulas
Nutritionist
Cafe
Toy lending library
Baby clothes swap nights
Mom's night out with free makeovers once a month
boutique with some clothes, local jewelry, nursing bras, etc.
Lactation consultant, LLL meetings
Support groups for PPD, special needs children, grief, etc.
A rotating space for mom artists to hang/sell their work
Craft room


I wish this could exist...can you imagine the amount of money it would take??? I know so many women that could work there with me, though. *sigh*