2019 Gift Guide: Boston-Based Beauty
For anyone who may have noticed, winter is officially upon us in New England and that means, the holiday season is here! While I haven’t procured the ultimate holiday symbol (my Christmas tree for those of you wondering, and yes, I go real), that doesn’t mean I haven’t been working diligently to curate the ultimate wish list of things to give and get this holiday season.
As a newly minted 30-year-old, skincare has become the utmost priority for me when it comes to my personal and self-care routines. Regular facials, moisturizers and cleansers have all made their way into my routine to the extent where I now find myself preaching about my experiences trying “this pumpkin enzyme” or “that gentle foaming face wash”. While I definitely don’t have it all down to a science yet, there are a few folks who most certainly do. So much so that they now hawk their products at brick-and-mortar stores, at pop-up events across the city or on-line for you to browse when no one is looking. These brands are, for one reason or another, disrupting the beauty space in Boston and that is what really sold them to me as deserving of a spot in this year’s holiday round-up:
AESOP | While they’re not exactly Boston-born, I am never not coveting a complexion the likes of Anna Torv so I figure this Australian-based brand must be doing something right. Plus, their store on Newbury Street is a modern design lover’s dream. Whether you’re in the market for beauty, hair or skin, Aesop promises “meticulous attention to detail” which is exactly the level of service my skin and self-care routines want, need and deserve. No more are we sampling every product at SKINMARKET (R.I.P.). It’s time to elevate our products and shopping experience and Aesop knows just how to do that. Even their Twitter feed is pretty!
BAUDELAIRE | Okay so again, not technically Boston proper but this brand is New England-based, beloved and shows up in plenty of stores across the city. Likely known best for their soaps and personal fragrance, Baudelaire has added moisturizers, bath and shower goods and other personal care accessories since they first showed up on my radar. Their products are great for keeping, gifting, or sharing as a hostess or house warming gift. Get more gifting ideas from their Facebook!
BUSY BEAUTY | The idea for Busy Beauty came to founder Jamie Steenbakkers in the shower and I love that for her. Who hasn’t come up with their best idea, comeback or American Idol audition song while absolutely drenched with suds collecting at their feet and their cat clawing to be let into the bathroom? (…just me?) I was first introduced to Busy Beauty following a barre class on Newbury Street and could really appreciate the problem I didn’t even know I needed to solve. The blessing and curse that comes with being a busy lady is that there’s never enough hours in the day to drink the coffee, do the workout, catch the train, do the work, enjoy the lunch, call your mother, make the dinner, work on the passion project, take the shower etcetera etcetera etcetera. And frankly, sometimes it’s not wall that fun to feel like you have to pack it all in. Cue the fresh entrance of creatively crafted body wipes for every girl and woman you know who somehow makes it all happen. Get inspired to “get fresh fast”!
CLN & DRTY | If you’ve been following me for a while you know that I have been on the “Support Your Local Boss Babe” movement for a while now and that the brainchild of Paula Tamara Hoss has been in my repertoire in one way or another. Then, it was the Rosewater Micellar Water for Dry Skin & Rosewater Facial Mist and now I’ve tried the Basic Witch Lip Balm and (Goodbye) Headache Aromatherapy so when I tell you that it actually feels better knowing I’m using non-toxic products to treat or care for my needs, you know it’s not just hyperbole. “Like” it? You’re going to LOVE it.
FARMAESTHETICS | Once upon a time I had a fun retail gig that hosted some pretty awesome pop-ups in-store before hosting an aligned brand inside your brick-and-mortar was cool. That was when I met Farmaesthetics and fell.in.love. I love that founder, Brenda Brock, is a seventh generation farmer because it means that she really understands how to sustainably source ingredients. I love that she used to sell her herbal apothecary products from a farm stand and that they’re now internationally sold through Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. I love that she empowers her community through gift-giving guides that are spot on. With an HQ in Newport, RI, Farmaesthetics deserves a spot on this list because if you had to, you could plan a day trip to pick it up IRL. You’re going to want to follow this brand well beyond the holidays!
FRESH | Did you know: Your favorite Sephora brand was created right here in Boston? That’s right, “In 1991, Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg were Russian immigrants living in Boston, and they saw the need for beauty that was both effective and indulgent.” And thank goodness for that because the Sugar Lip Treatment is a must have for anyone who suffers from dry lips or likes to have a compact but luxe source of hydration at the ready. Actually, pretty much anything from the Fresh line would make for a great stocking stuffer. I don’t make the rules. Catch me dropping all the likes on their Instagram page…
INTOXICATED COSMETICS | A chance Instagram DM (yes, I really do respond to those) led me to connect with the founder of this truly badass newbie on the Boston Beauty scene and the rest is basically history. If you haven’t met Intoxicated yet, don’t be intimidated by their ultra-cool packaging or syringe-inspired applicator. Built on the idea that Botox isn’t make for everyone, this lined is created and based on the beauty, anti-aging and antimicrobial properties of naturally occurring venom. Perfect for the skincare junkie in your life, this product line just took a DNA test and, well, you know the rest…just make it Facebook official, already.
LEAP ORGANICS | The next sustainably sourced, skin-friendly and priced fairly product you didn’t know was founded in Boston is LEAP Organics, a brand that even ensures its packaging is made from recycled goods. I like that they’re not trying to be an expert in all categories, by offering just four products that are certified organic and fair trade. Why does this matter? Because a good product is only as good as the business practices and ethics behind it and since reaching this conclusion, not just about the products I use, but the way I live, I have realized that beauty is only skin deep if you treat it that way. Consider me a follower.
LIVING PROOF | I really enjoy it when preconceived ideas about abilities and limits don’t hinder the progress of good ideas. I mean, imagine having a team of MIT scientists on your team? And that is Living Proof. Making literal hair magic with science at its core. More than just shampoos, conditioners and treatments, Living Proof has a real passion for perfecting your hair regardless of whether you just washed it or it’s “a day old”. For fine-haired chicks like me, this is the stuff that keeps my attempt at beach waves intact and I’m happy to show them some love.
ORGANIC BATH CO. | I’m a sucker for a good love story and the tale of Organic Bath Co. is exactly that; a love story between a woman and her personal care products gone awry, a love story about the partner who rose to the occasion and created a product with natural ingredients that would love her back and a love story for wellness through accessible and safe skincare. I recently saw founder, Gianne, speak at a We Are Women Owned event and I was blown away by her honesty and transparency about what it takes to be a smart businesswoman. While it may not have been her intent, that was when she sold me on her brand. Like I said, beauty is only skin deep if you treat it that way and Gianne is truly creating a product that you can like, love and maybe even buy for yourself.
MY HOLIDAY PICKS:
1. Baudelaire Long Handle Complexion Brush, $9
2. Busy Beauty Showerless Shave Gel, $10
3. Aesop Classic Shampoo, $22
Want more than just beauty ideas for the holidays? Check out my Partners page for more brands I love to love and recommend highly!