Tag Archives: Beauteabar

The First Ingredient is Love

Kypris Beauty

It’s hard not to come back from A Night for Green Beauty and be thinking of anything but A Night for Green Beauty. So let’s not just yet, k? One of the many incredible moments I had during those few days in LA was being introduced to Kypris Beauty. The name stems from Greek mythology and the line also happens to be other worldly divine. For those in tune with prehellenic times, the goddess Kypris is actually Cypriot and was able to maintain her divinely feminine goddess roots even after Cyprus was conquered many times over and in spite of the warring culture. The line is made of three serums to combat skin issues – hydration, aging, blemishes – and three beauty elixirs to pamper you like a goddess. My favorite elixir being 1,000 Roses because obviously the essential oils of 1,000 Bulgarian roses. Swoon.

Kypris Antioxidant Dew

I knew I would like the products, and I did immediately, but I’m so drawn to the energy of Kypris and founder Chase Polan. Kypris is about beauty with a soul supported by science. It’s effective, yes, but there’s a story. For starters, the first ingredient in every product is love. As in, printed on the label and listed up top. L-O-V-E. For any other brand, that may come across as disingenuous but not for Kypris. I had an exchange with Chase on Instagram about Antioxidant Dew – a hydrating serum meant for city types trying to rise above all of that pollution and stress on the skin – and she recommended I mix a few drops with a beauty elixir to make a micro emulsion. For good measure, she also told me to if I really want to do the “whole shebang” to give myself an “honest compliment” when applying so I start the day feeling like a million bucks. You know what…I did both and it felt great. I recommend chatting yourself up with a dose of positivity at early hours of the morning. Kypris just launched at BeauTeaBar this week. Naturally, Marissa is just as excited and is packaging up a special mini Antioxidant Dew with all Kyrpis orders through Sunday.

PRIME. Polish. SHINE. Repeat.

AILA-PolishMy manicure might be the same today as it was yesterday but make no mistake: I am a new woman. I finally finished Friday Night Lights and I’m trying to cope with what life will be like with no new episodes to watch. I realize that this is so 2011 and I’m not trying to stir up any emotions for anyone that has already reached the point of acceptance but my wounds are fresh. I nearly chewed off my nail in the penultimate scene with that ball spiraling through the air (not a spoiler…the show is about football!) but caught myself before I ruined my manicure which is going six days strong. Do you like? AILA is a new discovery that I’m really excited about. It’s available exclusively at BeauTeaBar right now. Aside from the chic glass block bottles, this niche brand uses some non-traditional ingredients in its mission to create a healthier nail system.

AILA Nail Polish

The PRIME base coat is infused with garlic which has a rep in the med community for being a natural anti-fungal and nail strengthener. The female founders are both physicians so this nod to medicine makes sense. But it’s the SHINE top coat that is surely stretching my mani so far. Ginger is a bright poppy hue that looks even better with a little slick on top. It’s going on my toes next!

Also…Texas Forever (ahhh!)

Oh, Canada. You’re My Favourite.

Toronto

I don’t think I spend enough time on a boat, guys. This enlightenment came after cruising around Lake Ontario last week during a company party.  Seeing Toronto from the water was just three straight hours of #nofilter moments happening right in front of my eyes. My coworker snapped this photo randomly a few hours in (read: a few hours of drinks in) and it is my accidental fav of the night. I think she nailed the “we on a boat” perspective. This week’s pretty picks are an ode to an inspiring 36 hours in Toronto. You could say they are my “favourites.” Be back soon, Canada.

Canada Fashion and Beauty

ILIA Lip Crayon – We have a Canadian to thank for the best organic lipstick, ever. Not surprisingly, ILIA makes one of the best lip crayons, too. Karma Chameleon is a coral to be reckoned with! // Vasanti Exfoliator – Someone commented on this post and reminded me of this scrub. I got this in my Birchbox and it was the first I’d heard of the brand. I was all WHO makes this and how can I try EVERYTHING they make. The answer: a) Canadian group of gal pals and b) exclusively in the U.S. thanks to BB. // Cover FX Cream Concealer – A few years ago when I was in New York for The Makeup Show, I spent some time with the Cover FX team in from Toronto and learned all about their approach to complexion…which is world class coverage. // Willow Bark Tonic – Stark’s founder Jessica Lafleur has a refreshing POV. She’s the first to admit she doesn’t even like the beauty industry…and her line of natural skin care, which she makes by hand in Montreal,  is her way of making change happen. This face tonic is legit. // Leather Clutch – How amazing are these Scout & Catalogue bags?  Classic and simple at its best. The other side of this leather bag is actually suede. //  AILA Nail Polish + Cuticle Therapy – This brand new line of nail care is developed by two physicians who are trying to create less toxic nail polish. I think they’re nailing it… //  Haut Cosmetics  – My go to source on all things niche (Marissa of BeauTeaBar!) turned me on to this vegan makeup line. The brighteners are like erasers of all the things you want to hide and you can purchase mini samples before committing to the full-size, which is so convenient.

Top photo credit: Kristin Rogers

correction: AILA is actually based in LA and Nashville! 

Bold Babes: Marissa Waller of Beau.Tea.Bar

Marissa-Beautea-BarI’ve mastered the art of e-tail therapy. Sure, I’ve got my favorite shops around Chicago but much of my damage is done online. I catch myself getting lost into the Etsy abyss on the regular. It’s not time wasted if you enjoy it, yes? If Pinterest says it’s OK… Since shopping is always more fun with friends, I’m introducing a new series called Shop Talk. Grab a bevvy…in this case, a mug of tea, and read on about one of the best places to shop for green beauty: Beau.Tea.Bar.

The stunning babe behind BeauTeaBar is Marissa Waller. She has the most enviable hair, kind heart and gives off so many positive vibes that you every time you shop with her it feels personal. From the tiny samples she surprises you with and the genuine gratitude and joy she expresses when you shop with her. Marissa dished to me on what it’s like to be on the other side of the aisle. Or in this case, computer. It’s no surprise that BeauTeaBar took shape while she was grooming that beautiful blonde mane!

How did the idea for BeauTeaBar come about?
Like most brilliant ideas it arrived when I was about midway through an epic shampoo (you know those ones when you just know your hair is gonna look damn good when you’re done!) I was geeking out (as I do from time to time) and became quite proud of myself when I realized what a clever name I had conjured up mid-suds… BeauTeaBar.

Call it divine intervention, a stroke of luck, or OCD but for two years I became infatuated with this silly little concept of blending the best of non-toxic skin care and organic teas. Eventually I became so consumed by it that last December I opened up my own little shop on the interwebs that serves up the freshest skin care, hair care, and makeup you can find (and some organic tea of course!). That is how BeauTeaBar came to be.

Haut-Cosmetics-BeauTeaBar

What do you look for in brands that you carry in your store?
The first question I always ask is: does this brand have the same integrity and standards that I uphold for my customers and myself. All products must be clean, safe and effective (I personally try every single product we stock)! Aside from that, I try to find new and exciting brands that I can partner with as we both grow and expand in our own ways. I’ve been so fortunate to connect with some of the most inspiring women I have ever met while searching for products to bring to the shop. I truly love supporting those brands and I feel blessed to share them with my BeauTeaBar family!

How are you working to stand out in the eco-beauty space?
We’ve developed a bit of a reputation as the place to shop when you want the hard to find green beauty treats, and we couldn’t be more honored (I’m a total misfit at heart)! Of course we have a lot of your favorite staple brands and cult favorites at BeauTeaBar, but we also stock a ton of brands you can’t find elsewhere. We love bringing you something new and fresh all the time! Watch out because we have some big plans for this summer:)

studio-78-paris

What’s in your makeup bag right now?
Inside my makeup bag you will definitely find Studio78 Paris mascara and concealer (BeauTeaBar fans know these two gems all too well!) I’m also really loving all of the products from Haut Cosmetics right now. Their BB Cream is rocking my world! All of their stackable products are super convenient to stuff into your makeup bag and everything they make is packed with raw superfood ingredients (so even if I can’t stop myself from eating the French fries I still feel like I’m kinda healthy… totally illogical and false I know, but fun none the less).

Do you ever drink coffee? I just have to ask!
Yes ma’am! I love an afternoon iced coffee here and there (especially during the summer months).

What’s been the most exciting moment since you opened BeauTeaBar?
Seriously, every single day is exciting beyond anything I ever expected. I get super excited when I get to answer emails from customers looking for some product suggestions (sorry if you’ve emailed me a question and I’ve sent you back a novel length explanation, I’m learning to contain myself). I get really fired up when I get to pack up some green beauty treats to be sent off to their new homes. And I go wild when I get to announce new products to our customers (bonus points if it’s something they’ve never heard of before). Not to brag or anything, but I REALLY love my job!

P.S. If you’re a teacher or nurse, take note: BeauTeaBar offers you a 10% discount every day! Send her an email and she’ll hook you up!