By Anna Griffin, Editor in Chief
One of the lessons I have learned this past year is to find things that make me feel good, and it’s become a natural habit to seek joy in each day. February is always a month where I want to hunker-down and be cozy, waiting for the first, glorious signs of spring and as life now begins to feel more positive again, I am inspired to make self-care a daily priority. Admittedly I have felt a little on edge recently, and in those moments I know I need to stop, breathe, get present, and do something that will effortlessly snap me out of it. These twelve products all contribute to lifting my spirits, whether it’s a spritz of my favorite toner, boosting my complexion with a brilliant serum, a great shower with my favorite gel, or putting on a glamorous pair of earrings just because. A little of any of these and I’m feeling good again.
$29 USD
This delicately, rose-scented balm makes my skin happy, as it leaves it silky soft and makeup free. Effective at removing stubborn cosmetics such as waterproof mascara and liquid eyeliner, full-coverage foundation, lip stains and eyelash glue, Makeup Assassin washes away the debris leaving skin clean and dewy. Vegan, cruelty, gluten and paraben-free, its creamy consistency is gentle yet powerful, leaving a light layer of oil to protect skin’s mantle, for a radiant and healthy complexion.
PC: Wondergloss
$39 USD
There is something soothing and uplifting about spritzing Immortal Mist while taking a deep breath in, inhaling its beautiful scent while it hydrates and revitalizes my sometimes-stressed skin. Infused with Helichrysum, also known as Everlasting or Immortelle plant, which is highly regarded for stimulating collagen production and reducing inflammation, aloe and other rejuvenating botanicals help soothe for visibly refreshed and radiant skin.
PC: Biodara
$88 USD
Anything rose-scented takes me to my happy place and especially this nourishing moisturizer, which is intensely hydrating, restoring vitality and radiance. This light yet nutritious cream promotes cell regeneration and makes skin glow with rose, ginger, rose hip and calendula, while clinically proven to smooth and reduce wrinkles for a healthy, nurtured and youthful complexion.
PC: The Organic Pharmacy
$20 USD
100% Pure is one of my favorite brands, for their clean, effective products and uplifting scents, and whether first thing in the morning or last thing at night, my shower is a positive experience that immediately lifts my spirits. Richly hydrating while washing away dirt and impurities, my skin is moisturized with coconut oil, soothing aloe and mineral-rich, red algae, and left with a gentle aroma of fresh blood oranges that remind me of sunny days in the Mediteranean, and happier, carefree times.
PC: 100% Pure
$29 USD
Alterna products make my hair happy, which makes me happy, and this is my new favorite. On those days between washes when my hair needs a pick-me-up, Another Day leaves my hair looking and smelling fresh with a bright aroma of sea berry and mandarin. A vegan translucent and lightweight dry shampoo, it cleanses and refreshes, absorbing oil and product build-up, while maintaining my mane’s natural shine.
PC: Alterna
$5 USD
The scent of roses and the emolliating texture of this lip balm is pure bliss to me, especially as it sensuously inspires my senses after application. Phthalate, paraben, and gluten-free, its organic rose essential oil, beet powder, pomegranate and shea butter, moisturize and nourish my lips while leaving a soft sheen that is perfectly kissable.
PC: The Grapeseed Company
$38 USD - Two Pack
This fabric exfoliator is a new favorite for its ease and gentleness in making my face clean, soft and radiant, with its dual-textured smart fiber pad infused with copper oxide. Naturally improving skin’s texture and creating a luminous glow while gentle enough for sensitive skin, these anti-bacterial and self-disinfecting, soft pads remove dead skin cells and clean pores only using water, for a clean and youthful face.
PC: OURA
$57 USD
This lightly citrus-scented serum feels so good to apply after a long day in front of the computer. My tired, thirsty skin drinks it in, immediately hydrating and soothing, while its uplifting aroma puts me in a great mood ready for sleep. Reparative and revitalizing, Night Worker is a clean, anti-aging Vitamin C cream that hydrates, brightens and helps to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while you sleep. Lactic Acid formula nourishes, firms and exfoliates, while Beta Carotene and Paprika Extract help promote a brighter, more even skin tone, for replenished, glowing and younger-looking skin.
PC: Arcona
$48 USD
There is nothing better for my soul than spreading kindness and positively impacting another’s day. Wearing this hoodie always inspires a great reaction from others with its gentle reminder to Be A Kind Human. Beyond its coziness and comfortable, relaxed fit, I love that its message has meaning and that Be Kind & Co are donating 2% of each one sold to Children Mending Hearts, a non-profit that is dedicated to combating bullying and intolerance by inspiring empathy in children through art and service-learning programs.
PC: Be Kind & Co
$325 USD
A little sparkle is always a good thing and after an unglamorous year, these Multi-Gemstone Dangle Earrings from House of Ellure’s Illumination Collection, are a perfect pick-me-up for both my mood and my style. These meticulously crafted earrings feature hand cut, hexagon-shaped amethyst, sky blue topaz, green amethyst, London blue topaz, and crystal, set in sterling silver with a stingray-textured post, and with the brand’s mission to empower women to radiate the highest versions of themselves, I always shine a little brighter when wearing them.
PC: House of Ellure
$37.45 USD
Starting my day with nutritious greens ensures I get my veggie needs met, bolsters my immunity, and floods my cells with wellness. I always perform better when I take time to nourish myself, and nothing is easier than making a smoothie full of goodness and adding these delicious, tropical, greens. 100% fermented and certified organic, one scoop provides 6 g of clean, plant-based, superfood protein, antioxidants, and micronized, medicinal mushrooms, to support immune health and help me thrive.
PC: Whole Earth & Sea
$15 USD
The delicious scent of vanilla always makes me happy, especially when it comes with a touch of natural shimmer. This body lotion has a subtle yet lasting aroma, leaving my thirsty skin hydrated with a soft sheen. Packed full of organic shea butter, avocado and flaxseed oils, and aloe, this ultra-hydrating lotion provides a perfect finish with a natural glow, and with it’s EWG verification, it’s a safe, clean choice for healthy, nourished skin.
PC: C’est Moi