A lesson in commitment I learned from my skin care routine: I’m an all in or all out kind of person. I go big or go home. But I’m learning these days that any big change requires baby steps. I think we can all agree that the baby steps are easier anyway, and that applies to your skin as well, and sometimes the small investments will show you if you are prepared and ready to make a bigger one. A little deep for skincare I know, but I always wonder how committed am I actually going to be to the health of my skin when I go to make a purchase. Do I really need to spend this money if I’m not going to follow through? So as for my personal testimony, I started small and bought an all natural cleanser. I used it everyday, and it felt great. Simple, but consistent. And I learned to value the process of taking care of your skin. I made it my ritual. Morning and night. It became less of a step in a routine and more of a self care endeavour. Overtime that step became something to look forward to. It felt good. It smelled good. It looked good- i noticed real results. I wanted more. I was ready for the next step. Start with one small thing, stay consistent and then in time you can graduate to new levels and products. That’s how growth and health happens- you start small and graduate to new levels. So if you’re out there, and you’re like me, and you’re struggling with committing to process that is taking care of your skin, and just want to reach for the quick and cheap products on the drugstore shelves, take heart. It’s okay. Start with just one all natural product. Of course, I believe Native Atlas's cleansing oil is the best way to start. Your skin will thank you. Once you've seen the real results that little baby step can produce, graduate to another product a little bit later. Perhaps a toner. Then an oil. Then an exfoliant. And throw in a mask because you deserve it (and take my word for it, you'll want it!) Take your time. You'll find they really are all better together. All natural skin care is for everyone. It truly makes all the difference. Take the first baby step. Then build your ritual.

 

For your motivated friend (or friend that needs motivating): Marie
Kondo’s book, “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying up”. This book doesn’t just give step-by-step instructions for organizing, but enables you to simplify every area of your life.

 

For your on-the- go friend: The BKR glass water bottle. Inspired by
fashion trends, you’ll find plenty of sizes, colors, and options to choose from. www.mybkr.com

For your spa loving friend: Dry brush to go with your Native
Atlas oils. This gift will exfoliate, improve circulation, clean pores, minimize cellulite, stimulate the lymphatic system, and give a natural energy boost.

For your wellness loving always detoxing friend: Pursoma Minerals De Mar, with sea salt, chlorella, and kelp, this is a major detox and body
reboot. www.pursomalife.com

For the peace loving friend: Vital proteins Matcha Collagen, Vital Proteins
Matcha Collagen is sourced from high-quality Japanese matcha green tea and grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine hide to ensure top quality and maximum nutritional benefit. www.vitalproteins.com

For the artist: The Object Enthusiast x Native Atlas Vanity Trays. Limited edition beautiful and unique handcrafted pieces. 

 

As a makeup artist, I’m repeatedly asked the questions, ‘do you know anything that can help get rid of the dark circles, the bags, and wrinkles.’ These are not only from the mothers of the bride, but girls in their twenties and thirties that, like most, are realizing that perhaps commercial beauty standards have led us astray. They expectantly wait for me to share some industry secret, the one bottle of magic elixir that will photo-shop their faces for them. Their faces fall as I shoot a series of questions back at them, ‘are you drinking water? Eating sugar?’, sounding more like a nagging mother than the close girlfriend that will dish the dirt. Search online for a remedy of any beauty problem and you’ll be bombarded with advertisements promising to erase your blunders away. The problem is, they are offering temporary solutions, not to mention chemicals and toxins. That tiny 2 ounce eye crème that cost more than your mortgage payment is only skin deep, if you don’t have a lifestyle of wellness to support it.

Truth is, all the topical treatments are only a band-aid. Beauty begins on the inside. I’m not just talking about kindness and love, although they will definitely make you more attractive. I’m talking about your insides, your organs, and specifically your gut. How? Here are some key components to improve your inner beauty.

ELMINATE TOXINS:
We are taking in toxins left and right. Breathed in city air lately? How about showered inunfiltered water, ate processed food, used regular beauty products? Then you are encountering, perhaps unknowingly, toxins that build up in the body, stored in a variety of organs, and yes even your skin. One of the first steps towards wellness is eliminating the toxins you can see. Switching your household cleaners, detergents, soaps, toothpaste etc., will lighten your body’s workload. Also if you haven’t kicked smoking, at try to cut back as much as possible. This can be a long process, so making minor changes now can make major changes to your health.

HYDRATION: This is a big one. Everyone knows it, but not everyone does it. Drink plenty of water between meals, which will also curb cravings, but not just any water. Quality over quantity. As much as you can, drink pH balanced alkaline water. It’s not only what you drink that matters, its what you absorb. If you’re not ready to purchase an entire filtration system for your house, start small. I’ve switched out my shower heads to provide filtered water in the shower or bath, which was surprisingly easy and accessible thanks to Amazon Prime. Tap water
contains over 300 chemicals and pollutants including (but not limited to) Heavy metals, endocrine disrupting hormones, pesticides, and fluoride. Whether you choose a multi-filter system, reverse osmosis or distilled, do your research and find which is best for you. Try adding lemon or a tsp of apple cider vinegar first thing in the morning to kick start your organs and flush out impurities. Need a mega boost of minerals and rehydration? Try coconut water and pink Himalayan Sea Salt.

LIMIT CAFFEINE: I was trapped in the caffeine fix myself until I went cold turkey. Within a week, my body adjusted and I haven’t looked back. Caffeine dehydrates you and stresses your adrenals. If you can’t quit, at least cut back. Also, watch what you’re putting in your caffeine, chances are its not helping to improve your health. Love that hot drink on a cold day? Switch to green tea, which also helps detox your body.

SUGAR, DAIRY, & GRAINS:
Between Halloween, Thanksgiving, and heading into the holidays it can be tough to limit sugar, dairy, and grains, but your body will be relieved if you can. Sugar is one of the major causes of puffy eyes and breakouts, not to mention itching and dryness. Think you’re clear because you didn’t eat the cake at the party? Not so fast, sugar is hidden in unlikely places like salad dressings, and don’t forget at the end of the night, alcohol is sugar. Dairy and Grains are common allergens, along with eggs, nuts and shellfish, if you’re noticing rashes, skin irritations or red patches, you could have a mild food allergy and not know it. If you’re concerned, I recommend working with a functional doctor to test for allergens. If you’re curious try eliminating sugar (or any problematic food) for three weeks and see if you notice a difference.

PROBIOTICS:
Everyone knows that probiotics aid in digestion, but did you know they affect allergies and eczema? Not only that but they support a healthy heart and brain and boost your immune system. They are one of the first steps towards gut health and digestion and if you’re taking supplements, you want to be able to digest them.

ALOE VERA:
Thought it was only for cuts and burns? Think again. Ingestible Aloe Vera (gel or juice) balances the body’s pH level, improves circulation, heart health, and heals the gut lining. But it doesn’t stop there. Aloe Vera improves menstrual and uterine problems as well as skin health and bad breath. It’s blend of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes make it a power player in your wellness routine.

COLLAGEN:
The secrets out that bone broth heals a host of issues with your gut. But those of you that don’t love sipping broth everyday can turn to collagen peptides. By the time you’re 25, your body slows the production of collagen. Taking a minimally processed clean label collagen, like Vital Proteins, will supplement your diet and you guessed it, help with hair, skin, nails, bones, joints, and even healing the gut lining. Add it to your smoothies or tea. Bonus, it packs an extra 10g of protein with each scoop.

VITAMINS C, D, E, K:
This is an extensive category that deserves its own article. To give the short and sweet version, make sure you are taking quality vitamins. Most Americans consume a descent amount of vitamin C in their diet, but lack D, E, and K, all of which are incredibly beneficial to the skin. Besides taking vitamins orally, they can make a major difference when applied topically.

HEALTHY FATS:
Avocado oil, red palm oil, nuts and seeds all pack a power punch in the health department. Make sure you pick a good source of your Omega 3’s, a pollution free, highly sustainable, eco-friendly source. In addition to Fish and fish oils, it can be found in Chia seeds, Flax seed, and walnuts.

BALANCED LIFESTYLE:
Let’s face it, when you’re stressed, it shows. Getting plenty of rest at night and learning how to deal with stress during the day will help your entire body function better, not to mention lessen those worry lines in your forehead. Taking time for yourself each day to be reflective and find inner strength will set your body up for success. When you go to sleep at night, your body goes to work at healing itself. Don’t cut it short. Give yourself time to regenerate cells and restore hydration. Then when stress arises throughout the day use those well rested brain cells to problem solve in healthy ways instead of old habits of coping. This is not a comprehensive list, but a jumping off point. Making some of these changes, even if they’re small, will tip the dominos in your favor. Don’t shame yourself if you’re not doing these things. Start somewhere and take note. I guarantee the benefits won’t just be clearer skin, brighter eyes, and shinier hair. You will begin to feel better. After all, that’s what your after. An inner glow is irresistible. Support your inner self before your outer self because beauty really does start from the inside out.

Our top picks this holiday exemplify our gold-standard for beauty: natural, thoughtful luxury. From the hostess with the mostess to your favorite manly-man, we have gifts to impress everyone on your list. While you're at it, add them to your own wish list (or skip the waiting and get a little something for yourself).

NORDEN CANDLES.

Norden has taken a classic crowd-pleaser and elevated it to swoon-worthy status. Made start-to-finish in Encinitas, CA, these vegetable-based candles are hand-poured into striking, heirloom-quality stoneware meant to be repurposed and enjoyed for years to come. Using the highest-quality essential oils and ingredients available, they evoke memories of past travels with scents like our favorite "Big Sur" (5oz, $35). Norden's gorgeous candles and luxury home goods can be found on their website.

 

RMS BEAUTY. 

A cult-favorite among green-beauty enthusiasts, RMS is created from raw, organic food-grade materials. Because they are unprocessed, ingredients retain all of their nutrients and skin-nourishing properties, creating a synergistic interaction with skin that promotes healing and life energy. Makeup-bag-mainstays "Un" Cover Up ($36) and Living Luminizer ($38) have received multiple beauty awards for their abilities to enhance and awaken skin from the inside out. Colours are easily blended to create a customized palette that will transform and simplify your beauty routine. Stock up here.

 

HAPPY SPRITZ.

By now, most of us are aware of the dangers of synthetic fragrances. Smelling amazing shouldn't compromise our well-being. Enter Happy Spritz. These 100% natural, cruelty-free essential oil sprays offer aromatherapy and health benefits that enhance each part of your day. From waking up to winding down, and every yoga session and outdoor adventure in between, there is a scent to leave you feeling and smelling amazing. Bonus: a portion of proceeds goes to animal rescue and welfare efforts. The minimal, modern packaging is SO good, gifting is as simple as adding a bow. Single Spritz blends and sets are available at happyspritz.com. 

The thought of adding oil to your face may make you cringe - many of us have spent our lives avoiding it at all costs (hello, oil-free EVERYTHING). But in fact, using the right oils has been proven to actually treat common skin woes from dry skin to acne (yes, acne!) and all your worries in between. Here a few reasons we are obsessed:

Oils are naturally plumping and moisturizing, without the addition of water or other fillers. Many cosmetics companies add waxes, petrolatum and silicone to products to help seal in moisture and add a silky texture. At best, these don’t provide long term solutions. At worst, they are known endocrine disruptors and environmental toxins (yikes!). Packed with essential fatty acids, face oils melt beautifully into the skin, instantly smoothing (bye bye, fine lines and flakiness) while supporting and repairing the lipid barrier, so skin stays moisturized, naturally.

Oils are nutritional powerhouses. Pure oils are rich not only in essential fatty acids, but each oil contains a unique profile of vitamins and potent antioxidants. From brightening to reducing scar tissue, minimizing wrinkles to building healthy cells, oils nourish skin from the inside while protecting from environmental aggressors and outside irritants and bacteria. 

Face oils make other products more effective. Many skin products and treatments sit on the epidermis, not able to penetrate the fatty, waterproof lipid barrier. Because oils are lipophilic, meaning they combine with other oils, they act as a carrier that allows additional ingredients and treatments to pass through to the deeper layers of skin, where they can really work their magic, while protecting skin from irritation. Increased benefits, decreased side effects? Yes, please.

There is something for everyone. Dry and aging skin? Exotic marula and rosehip seed oil are miracle workers. Oily or acne-prone? Lightweight hemp seed and jojoba oils regulate sebum production (balanced oil = less breakouts!) while fighting inflammation and irritation. And that’s just the beginning. By combining base oils like these with high-quality essential oils and other botanicals, you reap the synergistic effect of a blend that is just right for your skin type and needs. 

To wrap up our voyage this week, let's talk about the skincare ingredient that is making South Africa a skincare mecca.

MARULA OIL.

The drought-resistant marula tree grows tall and leafy in the harsh, dry weather of the South African bush. It has been used for thousands of years for everything from food and medicine, to alcoholic beverages and fertility predictions. And while each part of the tree is usable, the healing properties of the oil in the marula fruit’s kernel are particularly noteworthy. So what is all the buzz about?

It. is. a. powerhouse. Exceptionally rich in omega oils -6 and -9, it hydrates like none other without leaving skin greasy. Rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin C, with 60% more antioxidant power than argan oil, it reverses photo-damage and smooths fine lines. Its small particles reach the deepest layers of skin to boost cellular activity, increasing collagen and elastin while strengthening the lipid layer. This means skin is firmer, smoother and brighter (read: GLOWING). Marula oil’s antibacterial and soothing effects heal scar tissue and blemishes while reducing redness and inflammation. And because it absorbs effortlessly without clogging pores, all skin types will benefit from its miracle-working powers.

Pale to golden in color, with a nutty-sweet aroma, marula oil is your skin’s new best friend. Because we love it so much, we made it the base of our Anti Aging oils. A few drops at nighttime will ensure you wake up looking better than ever. Find yours here.

Last week, we showed some of our favorite images of South Africa. This week, we'll share some of its beauty secrets. Add them to your skincare arsenal, sit back and scroll through those pictures again and bask in South Africa’s glory without leaving your home.

ROOIBOS TEA.

Rooibos tea, also known as Redbush tea for the red hue it takes on during natural fermentation, is a caffeine-free, herbal tea grown only in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. The unique flavor is compelling enough, tasting slightly of honey and caramel, but its health benefits are what has everyone talking, due to its ability to treat conditions such as headaches, eczema, hypertension, allergies, insomnia, diabetes, arthritis, and the list goes on!

Packed with alpha hydroxy acids and minerals, along with a potent antioxidant content, it supports and strengthens skin from the inside out while fighting premature aging, even improving mental focus and clarity. At bedtime, it promotes relaxation and improves sleep. We’re currently loving fairly-traded Zumi Organic’s Rooibos Chai, which packs all the punch of traditional rooibos with the added spices of chai, all-around perfection on these chilly, Fall nights.

Here at Native Atlas, we are fueled by our love of beautiful people and places. Today, we kick off our Explore series, where we'll dedicate the blog to places around the globe that inspire us and produce some of our key ingredients. This week, we'll be in one of the most diverse and endearing countries in the world: South Africa.

One journey to South Africa and it's easy to understand why it regularly ranks among the top destination spots in the world. This place is a bucket-list must! Pristine beaches, exotic animals, endless adventure, great wine, and an enduring, vibrant people with a rich history. Scroll through to get a glimpse of its charm, and stay tuned for Part 2, where you'll find out how to bring some of this beauty home. 

Rooibos tea is crushed and laid out to dry in the fields. Photo: Rodger Bosch, www.MediaClubSouthAfrica.comKaroo semi-desert. Carnarvon, Northern Cape province. Photo: Graeme Williams, www.MediaClubSouthAfrica.comRed earth is used to protect the skin from the sun. Central Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal. www.MediaClubSouthAfrica.comQuiver trees, used by the Bushmen to make quivers for their arrows. Photo: Graeme Williams, www.MediaClubSouthAfrica.comDesigner Laduma Ngxokolo creates brilliant, modern clothing steeped in cultural pride. Photo: MaXhosa by LadumaA fruit trade in Johannesburg's city centre. Photo: www.mediaclubsouthafrica.comA guide at Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.