Our Facial Care Protocols are a step-by-step guide with information regarding the why and how to achieve best results from our earth-based products.
Links to all of our products are included in these protocols so you can easily build your optimal routine.
Daily Protocol
The basic Daily Protocol is just 5 basic steps to achieve and maintain a more vibrant, healthy and renewed complexion. For enhanced results, we recommend incorporating daily use of a 6th step, our Gua Sha massage tool, for truly transformative results!
Step 1 - Cleanse + Exfoliate
Cleanse - The first step to any facial care regimen is to start with a clean and pristine base. Our gentle non-stripping sulphate-free Palmarosa Charcoal Cleanser was formulated for all skin types and to address a multitude of skin issues including imbalanced oil production (dryness, oiliness, combination skin), acne and signs of premature aging. Just as our gut has a natural boime that maintains the health of our entire body, so too does our skin have it’s own biome that protects from outside invaders such as harmful bacteria and environmental toxins. Unlike most cleansers, our Palmarosa Charcoal Cleanser effectively cleanses and detoxifies while honoring the skin’s delicate biome.
To use: Emulsify a few pumps between wetted hands. Employ morning and night, prior to daily application of Complexion Water and Facial Serum or Yarrow Buttercream.
Exfoliate - Call it step 1.5 as it’s not necessary to exfoliate each time you cleanse. Especially for mature and sensitive skin types, be cautious of excessive exfoliation as it can be damaging to skin. For periodic exfoliation (we generally recommend 2-3 times per week), our Cranberry Walnut Facial Scrub is a true hero at sweeping away dirt, pollution and dead cells while nourishing new cells as it deposits a fine protective layer of beneficial oils and butters over the epidermis. This scrub can actually be used on its own as a combined exfoliating cleanser since it’s butter balm base, when emulsified with water, does the work of a non-drying cleanser.
To use: Emulsify a small amount between hands with a bit of water to activate. Massage over entire face, neck and décoletté. For maximum benefit, allow to sit for a few moments in order to allow the clay to draw out sebum and debris. Wash away with warm water and lightly wipe away and excess with a cloth or sponge.
Step 2 - Hydrate + Tone
We all know that adequate hydration is integral to the optimal functioning of our cells. With an abundance of skin-enhancing botanicals, our Complexion Waters not only hydrate but also soothe, tone, repair and nourish skin cells.
As hydration is key to glowing skin, our Complexion Waters are a daily essential which can be used throughout the day and are designed to be used in tandem with oil serums— Original Facial Serum or Rosehip Argan Facial Oil. We recommend a few mists alongside oil serum application and throughout the day for extra doses of skin-nourishing hydration along with some calming and grounding aromatherapy.
To use: Apply before Facial Serum or anytime throughout day as extra hydration or a calming aromatherapeutic mist is needed.
As one of our top multi-taskers, the Cleansing Nectar can be left on the skin as a nourishing toner and skin hydrator. It’s filled to the brim with reparative botanicals, nourishing honey and enzymes. As its pH balanced for skin, our Cleansing Nectar honors the skin’s naturally effective acid mantle deterring harmful microbes as it cleanses, exfoliates + nourishes.
To use: Dab a decent amount onto a cotton round and apply over face, neck and décoletté. If you experience a tingling, it’s just the enzymes doing their work, though it is a more condensed formula and many people like to dilute this product with a touch of water.
Step 3 - Moisturize + Nourish
Oil and water. These are the fundamental components of skin and overall body health and balance. As they say, oil and water don’t mix, not without a bit of coaxing anyway. For a cream, an emulsifying agent is used to bind the two. When used separately—as with a water-based toning mist combined with an oil serum—it’s the emulsifying effect of our fingers in action that performs the marriage.
For morning, we generally recommend the Complexion Water with Oil Serum combo. This tends to be best for most skin types and will provide a nice and evenly hydrated base for makeup application after a few minutes of allowing the combination to integrate.
For evening, our Yarrow Buttercream ideal as it provides all of the same benefits of an oil serum/complexion water combo along with more protective and reparative benefits which are further bolstered during the sleeping hours when skin is in its natural repair mode.
Additional considerations: For those with skin prone to dryness, healing from damage or in need of more protection against wind and cold, our Yarrow Buttercream for daytime use is really ideal. Dryer and colder climates necessitate the need for a more substantial barrier which our Yarrow Buttercream provides while hotter more humid climates necesitate a greater ability for the skin to breathe more freely in which case our oil serum complexion water combo is a perfect solution.
To use our oil serums: add a 3-5 drops to palm of hand along with a few mists of Complexion Water; emulsify between hands and press into face, neck and décoletté. Or, for the added benefits of a good massage, mist face with Complexion Water then apply Oil Serum to face, neck and décoletté while incorporating a bit of muscle-toning lymph-draining massage as you integrate the two.
To use our Yarrow Buttercream: starting with just a pea-sized amount, dot over face, neck and décoletté then massage in using circular and upward sweeping motions.
Our Yarrow Buttercream is also a miracle product for hands. Massage as much a desired into hands and watch the instant transformation!
Step 4 - Day + Night Nutrient Boosters
It’s been shown that our bodies process different types of nutrients more efficiently at alternating times of day. In the morning, and earlier in the day (/waking hours), our bodies process and utilize vitamins more effectively while later in the day and evening (/sleeping hours), it’s minerals that are more optimally processed and utilized. Our Day and Night Nutrients Booster Serums were formulated with this in mind. For this reason, our anti-oxidizing vitamin-rich Day Nutrients Booster Serum is best used in the morning while our mineral-rich Night Nutrients Booster Serum is more effective when applied in the evening as the body begins its more intensive process of repair and renewal.
To use: Apply after oil/serum massage. Smooth 2-3 pumps over face, neck and décoletté.
Step 5 - Eyebright Coffee Bean Eye Cream
Lifting, hydrating, refining, de-puffing… it’s all here in our Eyebright Coffee Bean Eye Cream. Our ultra-light caffeinated (with all the benefits of green not roasted coffee) eye cream was formulated to renew, protect and moisturize the delicate and often challenging area around the eyes. Potent antioxidants and cell-nourishing botanicals aid in the minimization of fine lines while working beneath the surface to fortify and hydrate cells. This cream is an excellent choice for those who wish to reduce fine lines, puffiness and dark circles.
To use: Disburse 1 pump between middle and ring fingers then apply using butterfly pats around eye area.
Step 6 - Facial Sculpting + Detox
Yes, we can confirm, the hype around Gua Sha is real! Compelled by the noticeable personal results from using just a basic gua sha tool, we set out to offer a design that addressed everything. This tool needed to hug every curve of the face for ultimate detox and sculpting benefits while offering a gently serrated edge to address fine lines and wrinkles. After a number of trials with various designs it was clear this was the one!
How to use:
We recommend incorporating at least a short (6-8 strokes each section) full facial and neck massage twice daily for miraculous results. Even if shorter sessions can be done more frequently, you’ll find the practice so relaxing and results so encouraging you’ll not want to skip a day. While you will see visual results in the quality of your skin, the effect is also working on the parasympathetic nervous system which aids in keeping a relaxed state of being for that “radiant beauty from within” effect.
Start by generously misting Complexion Water onto a freshly washed face. Follow with our Facial Serum, applying generously over your face and neck. The stone must be able to glide freely and easily over the skin with no pulling or tugging as this is counterproductive. Also be sure the keep a light hand and maintain a 20-45 degree angle to surface—in other words, hold the stone more flat against than perpendicular to the skin surface. Take time throughout this ritual for some long and deep cleansing breaths.
Specific Technique:
Each section is done in 8-12 slow strokes (though less is just fine). Do one side then the other as you go up from neck to brow, one section at a time. You may place a finger at the starting point of each stroke and/or just hold the hand that is not in use over your heart as you breathe deeply and slowly glide the stone. A light touch is what you’re going for. Pressing too firmly does not yield better or quicker results so, again, keep a light hand and take your time.
1) Neck - glide the longest side of the stone from upper shoulder to behind ear twice, then twice again in 4 sections toward the center of neck.
2) Jawline - use the tighter curve to glide the stone from center of chin to just under ear and pause at the end giving a slight massage.
3) Lower cheek - using the longer jagged edge, draw the stone from edge of mouth outward toward ear.
4) Nasal crease - in the little valley where the nostril meets the cheek, use one of the pointy edges to apply light pressure in downward strokes.
5) Cheekbone + Under eye - you can address both areas with this particular design. choose the curve best suited for your face though, in general, the looser curve is the best fit for most. starting under eye by the nose, draw the stone outward and upward following the cheekbone.
6) Brow - using the short jagged side, start between the brows and run along the arch of each eye brow from center around orbital of eye. to address creasing and release tension between the brows, hold the short jagged side at a T to the top of the nose bridge and wiggle upward.
7) Forehead - using the long jagged side, begin just above the eye brow toward the center and draw upward to hairline. repeat in sections around your brow arch to the top of your outer cheekbone. additional strokes may be done over any fine lines at outer eye area.
Weekly Protocol
Our Weekly Facial Care Protocol is a total of 8 (with 1 optional) steps consisting of the 5 basic products from our Daily Facial Care Protocol along with a meditative and pore-purging Herbal Steam as well as detoxifying and exfoliating Clay Mask of choice. We recommend this at least every two weeks and up to 3x per week for a deeper detox.
Optional Step - Pink Love candle ceremony
Candles have long been used as tools in ceremony for prayer and meditating on the light of Source. Setting an intention and expressing gratitude for the time you’re taking for yourself as well as the abundance of botanical and mineral allies that support our well-being is an excellent way to align with your center and set the mood for your Self Care Ritual.
As you settle in, you might try on this mantra I’ve carried with me for years now. It has a way of cutting through the noise and aligning me with those things I value most.
health, wealth, happiness;
fun, love, gorgeousness;
clarity, prosperity, vitality, serenity.
thank you, thank you for the abundance of beauty in my life; may I have the eyes to see it around me always.
Step 1 - Cleanse + Prep
1a. Palmarosa Charcoal Cleanser - The first step to any facial care regimen is to start with a clean and pristine base. Our gentle non-stripping sulphate-free cleanser was developed for all skin types and to address a multitude of skin issues including imbalanced oil production, acne and signs of premature aging. Just as your gut has a natural boime that maintains the health of your entire body, so does your skin have it’s own biome that protects from outside invaders such as unsavory bacteria and environmental toxins. Our Palmarosa Charcoal Cleanser effectively cleanses and detoxifies while honoring the skin’s delicate biome.
To use: Emulsify a few pumps between wetted hands. Employ morning and night, prior to daily application of Complexion Water.
1b. Cleansing Nectar - filled with beneficial enzymes and skin-enhancing botanicals, our Cleansing Nectar will prep the skin to get the most out of your next steps. By following with the steam, you are inviting the nectar to go deeper into the skin to do its magic. The enzymes will be working on loosening dead and dull cells which will make an easier task of removing the debris in the following mask and exfoliation steps.
Step 2 - Herbal Facial Steam Detox
Our Botanical Facial Steams are a dry mixture of skin-enhancing botanical that you will steep like a tea, allowing an array of beneficial phytochemicals to deliver benefits to the skin while inducing a detoxifying sweat and opening pores.
A facial steam is key to a deeper cleanse as it opens up pores and softens congesting sebum and blackheads, making them easier to remove. Steams promote circulation as well which helps to deliver nutrient-rich blood to the surface layers of the skin.
To use: Place a small handful of herbs in a bowl large enough for steam to rise over your face, neck and décoletté. Pour boiled water over and allow the herbs to steep for a moment. Create a steam tent with a towel large enough to cover your head and bowl. We encourage taking this time for thoughts of appreciation and intention with each inhale and releasing of outmoded beliefs and unhelpful concerns with each exhale.
Step 3 - Clay Mask Magic
We’re enamored with clay for it’s multitude of skin-transforming benefits. Applying a clay mask to skin at least once per week will help to oxygenate the cells, regulate sebum production, improve skin tone, detoxify, unclog and reduce the size of pores as well as eliminate acne, eczema and psoriasis-causing bacteria. Though various types of clay differ in their particular effects, clay in general will rejuvenate and regenerate skin for a clear and glowing complexion.
Our dry mask allows you to mix in whatever “activator” you desire. Our favorites are organic yogurt and organic or local honey for the added benefits they provide though you may also consider a dash of our pore-minimizing and botanically-rich Complexion Water, tea or apple cider vinegar for other benefits.
To use: Start with about 1-2 T. of yogurt with 1 tsp. of honey (manuka is our top choice) , then thoroughly mix in about 1 tsp. of clay powder. Apply to face with a brush and let sit for appx. 10-15 minutes. Excess mask may be kept refrigerated for 3-4 days.
Step 4 - Exfoliate
In this step you’ll want to remove the bulk of your mask with a natural sponge then do a gentle exfoliation to ensure any residual clay mask is removed.
You may also use an exfoliating cloth such as our Binchotan Charcoal Face Scrub Towel or Sasawashi Face Scrub Towel to effectively remove the Clay Mask, some of which may have settled into pores or be hiding out in nose creases, hairline or behind ears. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry.
Our vitamin C-rich Cranberry Walnut Facial Scrub does an amazing job of softening, nourishing and protecting skin as it exfoliates.
Step 5 - Tone + Hydrate
We all know that adequate hydration is integral to the optimal functioning of our cells. With an abundance of skin-enhancing botanicals, our Complexion Water not only hydrates but lends to skin soothing, mending, toning and nourishment as well as cell-regeneration and reduction of uneven pigmentation. Our OBL Complexion Water is a daily essential designed to be used with our Rosehip Argan oil serum. Together, this team will really up your skincare regimen to a new level! We recommend a few mists alongside oil application and throughout the day for extra doses of hydrating nourishment as well as some valuable deep-breathing time.
To use: Apply a few mists to hand with 3-5 drops of Facial Serum, emulsify between hands and apply to face.
You can also tone + hydrate in this step with our Cleansing Nectar. As one of our top multi-taskers, the Cleansing Nectar can be left on the skin as a nourishing toner.
To use: Dab a decent amount onto a cotton round and apply over face, neck and décoletté. If you experience a tingling, it’s just the enzymes doing their work, though many people like to dilute this product with a touch of water.
Step 3 - Massage + Moisturize
A traditional face cream consists of two primary elements: oil and water. Using these two main elements independently naturally eliminates anything not totally necessary (i.e. no fillers and less preservation required) while allowing more room for condensed and undiluted botanical ingredients. A little goes a very long way with these two.
We especially love the emulsification (marriage of oil and water) step of our facial care protocol as it creates an opportunity for some therapeutic manual pressure which is key to facial toning and detoxification. Our Facial Serum also creates amazing results when used with our gorgeous Agate Gua Sha Stone.
To use: add a 3-5 drops to palm of hand with a few mists of Complexion Water, emulsify between hands and press into face, neck and décoletté.
Step 7 - Day + Night Nutrient Boosters
It’s been shown that our bodies process different types of nutrients more efficiently at alternating times of day. Our Day and Night Nutrients Booster Serums were formulated with this in mind. In the morning, and earlier in the day, our bodies process and utilize vitamins more effectively while later in the day and evening, it’s minerals that are more optimally processed and utilized. For this reason, our anti-oxidizing vitamin-rich Day Nutrients Booster Serum is best used in the morning hours while our mineral-rich Night Nutrients Booster Serum is more effective when applied in the evening as the body begins its more intensive process of repair and renewal.
To use: Apply after oil/serum massage. Smooth 2-3 pumps over face, neck and décoletté.
Step 8 - Eyebright Coffee Bean Eye Cream
Lifting, hydrating, refining, de-puffing… it’s all here in our Eyebright Coffee Bean Eye Cream. Our ultra-light caffeinated eye cream was formulated to renew, protect and moisturize the delicate and often problematic area around the eyes. Potent antioxidants and cell-nourishing botanicals aid in the minimization of fine lines while working beneath the surface to fortify and hydrate cells. This cream is an excellent choice for those who wish to reduce fine lines, puffiness and dark circles.
To use: Disburse 1 pump between middle and ring fingers then apply using butterfly pats around eye area.
The Mask + Steam Reset Ritual
Why and how often?
An end-of-week detox is a great habit to purify, relax and restore. As a ritual, it represents the intention for releasing the week before + prepare for a fresh week ahead. Even if weekly is a bit more time than can be spared, seasonal transitions are also an ideal time for detoxing.
“Resetting” our skin periodically especially during times of transition (say, during a transition to natural skincare from not so natural, when coming off of birth control, moving to a new climate, etc.) is extremely helpful in navigating bodily changes and/or reactions that come up as a response to change. A reset is aimed at purging and bolstering the skin to help with adapting to adjustments of any kind.
A Mask + Steam ritual not only detoxes the skin but aids in respiratory elimination as well.
Here’s how it works + some of the myriad benefits:
Warm, moist botanically-infused vapor from the herbal steam helps to thin out mucus so it can drain more easily. The steam also helps soothe inflamed and irritated nasal passageways which allows for easier breathing.
While you are receiving all the respiratory benefits of the steam, it is also working to decongest skin, encouraging pores to relax and open as the warmth of the vapor penetrates deeply and melts hardened sebum which holds all of the dead skin cells, pollution, dirt and other debris that needs to be purged at a deeper level than a more surface daily cleansing can do. Sweating is induced which aids in pushing out toxins from within.
With the skin preparation taken care of by the steam, the clay mask then goes to work drawing out all the pollutants, bacteria, sebum and other pore-clogging debris. The clay mask deposits skin nourishing minerals as it tightens the skin resulting in smaller pores and a more refined and clear appearance overall.
The many benefits are not only seen but felt! After a steam mask session, the feeling is a great lightness and revitalization. We encourage incorporating meditation, mantras and/or sound therapy into your session as the steam/mask ritual is ideal for enjoying stillness and going within which also rejuvenates the mind and spirit making the overall effect all the more nourishing and revitalizing!
What you’ll need:
HERBAL STEAM - choose from our 4 seasonally inspired herbal steams. Each steam offers a number of skin health as well a respiratory and nervous system benefits.
CLAY MASK - purifying, balancing and mineralizing, we have 6 masks each with specific benefits.
CLAY MASK FAN BRUSH - velvety soft and so nice for gently gliding on a freshly whipped up pot of Clay Mask. Vegan friendly and easy to clean.
FACIAL SPONGES - perfect for removing your Clay Mask. Starting as compact dry wafers, simply hydrate with water and they expand into a nice gentle skin-stimulating little helper.
EXFOLIATING FACIAL TOWEL - Our Binchotan Charcoal or Sasawashi Facial Towels are excellent for removing any remaining clay mask after you’ve removed the bulk of it with your sponges.
How to:
Steam -
Add a small handful of your herbal blend of choice to bowl and cover with water just off a boil (not too hot, be kind to your skin).
Cover the bowl with a towel large enough to enclose your head, neck and shoulders in a tent of sorts. When you’re ready and the warmth of the steam is tolerable, slip in and pull the towel around you to minimize escaping steam. Sweating is beneficial but suffocating is not. Make sure you’re regulating according to what your body is asking for.
Enjoy 5-15 minutes of slow deep breathing while you allow the botanical-infused steam to do its work. We encourage you to spend this time as a practice, releasing mental clutter, focusing on thoughts of gratitude and wishes of well-being for yourself and others. Thoughts of appreciation for our botanical allies is also encouraged. And set clear intentions for what you may wish to manifest if you have a desire in your heart.
Strain resulting tea through a mesh strainer and set aside to add to your bath for enhanced benefit.
Mask -
Our concentrated dry clay mask blends can be incorporated with any combination of yogurt, honey, teas, aloe water and/or hydrosols for a supremely beneficial skin treatment (see benefits of each “activator” below).
In a small bowl, blend 1 teaspoon of your clay mask powder into your “activator” of choice.
Using your mask brush, apply a thin to moderate layer of mask over your face, neck and décolleté (upper back as well if this is an area prone to congestion or other skin issues like psoriasis).
Allow your mask to set until dry (drying time will vary depending on how wet your mask is and how much was applied).
note: Many people will experience itchiness during the drying time which can be mild to intense. In most cases, this is from the drawing and tightening effect of the clay. If you experience, burning, removing immediately and completely as you may be experiencing a reaction or your skin may be detoxing too heavily.
When you’re ready, remove the mask completely with a wet sponge. Remove any remaining with a lightly exfoliating facial towel and just a minimal amount of cleanser if needed. It’s not necessary or desirable to scrub all the mask away completely as leaving some residual minerals is beneficial.
“Activator” options:
Organic Yogurt (dairy or vegan) adds skin nourishing probiotics and skin-conditioning fats.
Organic or local Honey* provides a myriad of proven benefits to skin for reduction of inflammation, youth preservation and wound healing.
Black tea is high in antioxidants and polyphenols that are known to delay the premature aging of our skin.
Green tea provides numerous anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce skin irritation, redness, and swelling.
Herbal Teas offer any number of benefits depending on their respective constituents. You can easily make use of any tea you’re sipping on by adding a dash to your clay mask.
Aloe Water provides a myriad of benefits including expedited healing of wounds, reduction in redness, soothing of skin issues such as burns, eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc.
Hydrosols - born from the steam distillation of botanicals, hydrosols have been found to be as beneficial as they are delicious for skin and overall well-being.
Complexion Water - our complexion waters offer added benefit as they are a blend of hydrosols, essential oils and/or botanical extracts.
*We highly encourage using only organic and/or local honey to ensure higher standards in the treatment of our generous bees as well a the nutritive/enzymatic value in the honey they provide.