Etsy Finds: The October Union

 I was browsing through the skincare section on Etsy.com recently when I came across an interesting new brand, The October Union.  The October Union, owned and operated by Kimie Rosenthal in Ventura, Ca., boasts an impressive offering of made-to-order products, including everything from an Herbal Face Tonic to Botanical Perfume Oils.  After placing my order (the Charcoal Detox Mask+ Spot Fix, a new fave), I decided to get more acquainted with the brand through an interview with the super friendly Kimie.  Read below to learn about her favorite products, skincare routine and more!

*Photo via theoctoberunion.com

Why did you decide to get into natural skincare? 
 It was like I fell down the rabbit hole. I’ve always had a “nose," meaning I can pick up a scent in the air or on somebody and I am almost always able to determine what its source is. I’ve always loved to collect and try new perfumes and beauty products (from stores like Sephora...what girl doesn’t?) and I was subconsciously buying “green” products.  Then, I was given a bottle of homemade lavender essential oil for my birthday and I think that’s when it clicked. I wore that lavender essential oil as perfume and as time passed I started to became super sensitive to synthetic scents in perfumes, hair products, laundry detergents, etc. If something had any synthetic scent in it, it would leave me with a headache and a feeling of frustration. So I started making my own perfumes by blending essential oils and I became so fascinated with it. I started studying natural perfumery and trying exotic oils and resins. I became, in a sense, obsessed. I studied aromatherapy, which led me to herbalism and natural skincare, and now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. It is a blessing that I can share compassion and connect with nature at the same time. 

What is your favorite ingredient to use and why?  
It’s hard to choose just one, but my favorite ingredient is probably rose petals. It sounds simple, but the color is just so beautiful and their scent, so faint and lovely. Another one is Labdanum, a thick, sticky resin extracted from the Cistus plant. The smell sends me over the moon! Those are definitely my favorites.  

*Photo via eofdreams.com

*Photo via wikipedia.org

Which product from The October Union range is your absolute favorite? 
Night Oil, hands down. It is such a unique blend of seriously healing and nurturing oils.  Also, the scent is so lovely. I’ve never seen anything else like it and I’m very proud that I came up with its one of a kind formula:) Also, I just made an awesome aftershave tonic for guys and its packaging is my most favorite. Ever. Not surprisingly, the aftershave is wonderful as well (say the men who’ve tested it).

*Photo via theoctoberunion.com

What has been the biggest challenge for you in creating natural and effective skincare?  
Getting people to give up the junk they’ve been using and make the switch to completely natural. Skincare can become a vicious cycle if you are using the wrong products. Going completely natural will almost always improve the condition of the skin. It’s better for us and it’s better for the rest of the planet. 

Tell me about your daily skincare routine, morning and evening.  Additionally, include any products, such as masks, oils and mists, which you don’t use everyday.  
My skincare routine has become fairly simple since I started using my own creations. In the morning, I usually only wash with warm water, raw honey or our Cleansing Grains. At night, if I’m not too tired, I use an oil cleanser or our Honey+Rose scrub followed by a face oil based on what my skin needs. Recently, I’ve been using plain almond oil at night. A couple times a week I’ll use a toner, like our Herbal Tonic, after cleansing and once a month I’ll use a mask or herbal steam to deep clean. I usually don’t wear face make-up so I don’t really feel the need to cleanse my face with a soap or foaming cleanser. Because of this, I feel my skin has become more balanced. When I do need to remove make up, I use an oil cleanser and our eye makeup remover (I’ll be releasing an oil cleanser available in the shop very soon). If I have some pimples come up, especially around my moon cycle, I’ll dab on some Charcoal Detox Mask + Spot Fix to those spots and leave it on for a while. This always helps them to not get worse, heal and go away faster. I carry a hydrosol mist with me and an constantly spraying my face, hair and body with it throughout the day to refresh. My favorite hydrosol is, of course, rose. <3   

 

*Photo via theoctoberunion.com

So there you have it, folks!  Kimie is clearly well-versed in her craft and swears by her own products.  There's not much more you can ask for when it comes to skincare products.  Stay tuned for my own review of her products (hint, hint... they're all amazing!).

Wednesday Roundup

Buenos días, as they would say if we were in Mexico (and, oh, how I wish we were).  While this week has been just about as busy as the last few, I am excited about my little getaway to Chicago this weekend where I'll be watching my boyfriend run in the Men's Health Urbanathalon®.  It should be a good time.  I know it's supposed to be pretty chilly there, but I've got my chunky sweaters and I am so ready for it...and the Chicago-style hot dogs and pizza. Yum!

So, what have I got for you all on this lovely Wednesday?  Let's see...

Sugar Paper LA 
Sugar Paper, Los Angeles designs some adorable little notebooks that make your average Mead notebooks look somewhat inadequate.  I always keep a small notebook in my purse for ideas and things, so as soon as I've filled my current one up, I'll be hitting them up for a new one.  For some reason, their aesthetic seems kind of Lauren Conrad-y to me and I am so into it.  Also, starting on October 27th, they will be sold at Target for a limited time. Yay!

*Photo via sugarpaper.com

InStyle: Amy Poehler  
I kind of cracked up when I read Amy Poehler's recent "On My Mind" in Instyle and I thought it was just too good not to share.  I love how she doesn't take herself too seriously and I personally think it's good practice to laugh at yourself at least once a day.  Thankfully, I'm pretty clumsy, so it's not too hard for me.

My picture is a little too small to read, so here's the best quotes:

"My daily beauty regimen... like any young woman, I cover myself in whale oil, put on a pair of wax lips and head out the door..."
"What do I keep in my purse? A tiny man.  He hands me things as I need them.  My monocle, my mustache-- you know, the basics."
"I wore Stella McCartney... All her pieces feel special and match my signature accessory: a fake solid-gold hand."


Etsy Addicts Anonymous
Ok, so I'm officially addicted to Etsy.  I recently purchased three things from there in one week, so get ready for some serious Etsy Finds, plus an interview with The October Union's Kimie Rosenthal!

That's a lot of product and little embarrassment...

So, that's all I've got.  Have you all anything to share on this fine Wednesday?

Introducing "Etsy Finds"

As many of you could have guessed, I am a huge Etsy Bath and Beauty fanatic. I have found some incredible brands on Etsy and each shop owner I have spoken to has been extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. I just love the personal aspect of chatting with someone from whom I've just ordered a product. Since I find myself ordering more and more products from Etsy, I've decided to start labeling all Etsy purchases with "Etsy Finds". It's kind of a new "blog series", if you will.

Additionally, I am going to label these "Etsy Finds" as such so that those of you who prefer my mainstream brand posts (i.e. Josie Maran, Garnier Fructis, Living Proof, etc.) will be able to find those more easily. It's going to keep everything a bit more organized!  

I will be heading out on vacation here soon (tomorrow actually), but I have a couple more posts planned before then. I hope everyone is having a wonderful week and that your weekends are equally fabulous. Talk to you soon!