BobCut Magazine x To Dew List: Big Beauty Edit 2020
I’m so thrilled to be part of this years Big Beauty Edit for BobCut Magazine. Seriously, screaming! I was given eight products to test and review from skincare to haircare, for a month, and discussed with Anthony (the founder) all the pros and cons. You can check out the feature on their site here, but I also wanted to speak to each product in my own words.
What i’m most excited about is that the whole collection is made locally, which I feel is important to support local companies, especially now. And after reviewing each product, I noticed an un-intentional theme of balance throughout the collection — which i’ll get into below.
So here is my very long (sorry) breakdown of all these products. Here we go…
Skincare group
Monastery Made, Flora
Monastery Made is a natural skincare line (and spa) that’s made locally in Northern California. Flora is a cream serum, yep you read that right, a cream serum! I’ve never tried a formula quite like this one. It's surprisingly lightweight but packed with some major hydration. So much so, that I didn’t need much moisturizer within this routine. It’s DNA is packed with some pretty solid ingredients including hyaluronic acid (hydration), ellagic acid (for that collagen boost/protects against UV), and elderflower berry (soothes the skin/evens skin tone/reduces fine lines). Now, let’s talk about the packaging. It’s undeniably one of the prettiest bottles on my shelf, love the minimal vibes with the bold silver bottle, it’s truly a beaut!
After two days of using this serum, my skin became more even in tone and texture, reducing any redness I typically see. After a week of using this product I could notice the difference in the elasticity of my skin and the fine lines around my eyes were starting to disappear! Which is the real win here… I would highly recommend this product for any skin type, as it seemed to balance my pH out very nicely, and for sure will be a new staple.
Cons? I would say right when you pump the product into your hand it smells a little like hair dye, but once you activate it onto your skin it has a really nice honeycomb scent to it. Another con, I would also say is the price, this is a bit expensive but a little does go a long way.
Check em: monasterymade.com
Botnia Skincare, Daily Face Cream Light
Botnia Skincare is locally made in Sausalito, CA and they also source their ingredients locally, which is pretty freaking cool. Their focus is on natural/organic ingredients, which I 100% support these efforts. First impression, I love the packaging. I’m a sucker for minimal, and with the ingredient graphic on the package, it definitely leans into that pure, clean, natural vibe. In regards to ingredients, this moisturizer has jojoba oil which actually mimics your skins natural oils making it absorb really nicely. There’s also rose (for inflammation) and vitamin E/B5 (which helps keep your skin cells healthy).
It’s a super light-weight formula that sinks into the skin very quickly. I like that there’s no greasy residue left behind and it kept my skin hydrated throughout the day. If you’re someone who likes layering with heavier products like oil or SPF, this is the perfect moisturizer for that. I will say if you have dry or normal skin I would check out their Daily Face Cream Heavy, it may be better suited for you.
Negatives? I didn’t really like the smell of this product. If you follow me, you know that I prefer skincare with minimal to no fragrance at all. This one smelled very strongly of juniper, if fragrance doesn’t bother you, this could be for you!
See more from these guys: botniaskincare.com
Cocokind, Sleep Resurfacing Mask
Cocokind is a certified organic skincare line! Which is pretty rare and amazing. Their Sleeping Resurfacing Mask is infused with great ingredients including bakuchiol, which is a plant based retinol (exfoliation) and ayurvedic (reduces fine lines/dark spots/even skin tone). Basically this overnight mask is supposed to help with brightening the appearance of your skin and also balancing your skin.
What I love about this mask is the formula. I was pretty shocked by how thin the mask was. It’s definitely not like most overnight masks which are typically heavy, sticky or vaseline-like. This was the total opposite, it was light weight, it dried very quickly and it actually stayed put all night! I was pretty skeptical as to how this mask could possibly infuse any hydration, I could hardly see or feel it on my skin. After day one folks, ONE, my skin was totally neutralized. This is something I do not see everyday. I had beautiful balanced skin that felt soft AF and ready for my makeup. Even after three days of not using the mask my skin felt smooth! I didn’t have any breakouts, which is a win. I also made my dry-skinned husband try this, and he had similar results.
Cons — during application the mask was a bit sticky, which my initial thought was, typical (insert eye roll here), but ya’ll proved me wrong, that dried up real quick. So I guess not really a con. That’s all I got, it’s a damn good mask.
Get yours here: cocokind.com
Lifestyle group
Mija, The Superstar Matcha Powder
I was so thrilled when I got Mija’s Superstar matcha powder. I love that the founder had a more realistic approach to edibles? ingestible? than most brands do. She was looking at the whole body/gut vs just focusing on one concern like hair health or acne. This matcha is not your typical match mix, it’s a full-spectrum supplement jam packed with your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, alkaline greens and phytonutrients.
The mixture itself smells like candy, or some other childhood-like thing that I still can’t put my finger on… i’m not mad about it. The texture is a lot thinner than a standard matcha but don’t let that fool you, the flavor is there. I really liked drinking it on it’s own, hot or cold water did the trick. I can see this going really well in a black tea for a boost of sweetness. Superstar had a sweet berry-like flavor that felt like a solid mid-day treat.
The only con I had was that the powder itself had a hard time dissolving, it settles on the bottom where you have to re-mix it or add more water to finish the dose. Other than that, I highly recommend this mix, especially if you’re bad about taking your daily vitamins like me!
Do your body good: mijanaturals.com
Roots & Blooms, Paris Candle
Roots & Bloom is actually a natural skincare company that happened to make THE BEST SMELLING CANDLE EVER. Oh my God where do I begin… opening the box to this soy candle just made me melt. It’s transformative, it’s intoxicating, it’s orgasmic, it’s the most perfectly balanced scent i’ve smelled in a very long time. Watch out Aesop, a new scent God has risen!
Top notes include bergamont and petigrain, mid notes are of jasmine, gardenia and neroli, and your base is sandalwood, eucalyputus and musk. This candle is affordably priced and a must-have (for every room)! Con is that you don’t have this candle in your house yet. Get it. Now.
The only candle you’ll ever need is found here: rootsblooms.com
Bath and Body group
GM Reverie, Shampoo and Conditioner Duo
I talk about haircare products every so often, and I must introduce to you GM Reverie. They are a clean and vegan haircare line from California. This duo is good for any hair type, and I love that both of these products are packed with so many amazing essential oils.
Not gonna lie, I was pretty skeptical about a natural hair care line, most leave my hair feeling dry, or lack the nutrients my color treated hair needs. But boy was I wrong! The shampoo was lovely and did a great job at balancing my oily hair, while their conditioner just blew my mind. As soon as I applied the product through my hair, I was shocked how it just melted, making my hair feel like butter! I’m OBSESSED. After using this haircare duo for just a few days, my hair looked incredibly healthy and I was able to reduce the amount of leave-ins that I typically use. I like that both have pretty subtle fragrances, I hate anything too overpowering. Overall, love the results of these two: they de-tangled my hair, gave my hair a nice healthy sheen, and infused a boost of hydration into my ends. If there is one take-away from this review, it’s get this conditioner.
Your new fav conditioner by: gmreverie.com
Urb Apothecary, Cactus Milk Bath
I’ve been a long time fan of Urb Apothecary. I use their plao santo body oil, the green tea face oil and really dig their charcoal cleanser. They are an organic skin and body line that truly takes ingredient into account. This particular Cactus Milk Bath helps keep skin soft and is great for soothing irritations (goodbye body acne). It uses yarrow powder (helps with circulation/anti-inflammatory), linden (makes your skin soft/smooth/clears up acne or rashes) and cactus (antioxidants, vitamins and electrolytes). Also let’s call out their packaging, it’s beautiful and would step-up anyones bathroom decor.
I’m all about that #SelfCare life, so bath soaks are totally my jam. This Cactus Milk Bath has a nice coconut smell to it, and instantly puts me in the relaxation zone. When I got out of the tub, my skin felt so soft and smooth. I purposefully didn’t put moisturizer on to see how much hydration infused into my skin, and I was less dry than normal. Again, try this product if you suffer from body acne, i’m sure it will clear it right up!
The only con, which I assumed would happen, is when the powder hits the water it can clump, and you have to break that up. Not the end of the world, but not seamless.
Check out all of their stuff here: urbapothecary.com
Color group
Aether Beauty Co., Supernova Highlighter
Aether Beauty Co. is a local color brand who is deff making a buzz in the beauty space. I love that they have infused rose hip oil into this product, which helps with hydration, boosts collagen and protects against sun damage — love a good two-in-one! First impression, that packaging is on point and the color of the highlighter is gorgeous.
I love that the formula is really buildable so you can transition from day to night. I like that it wasn’t glittery and more shimmery which I think makes it a more diverse highlighter. It pops really nicely when you build it up, and is great for face, eyes or body! The powder didn’t flake or melt away.
Shine bright: aetherbeautyco.com
Ingredients
Monastery Made, Flora
Aloe Barbadensis, Rubus Ideaus, Jasminum Grandiflorum, Rose Bourbonia, Sodium Hyaluronate, Leuconostoc, Sambucus Nigra, Salvia Sclarea, Lavendula Angustifolia, Salvia Officinalis, Xanthum Gum, Cera Alba, Rosa Mosqueta, Dalburgia Sissoo, MIchelia Alba
Botnia Skincare, Daily Face Cream Light
Water , Juniperus scopulorum Hydrosol, Simmondsia chinensis Seed Oil, Squalane , Matricaria recutita Glycerin Extract, Limnanthes alba Seed Oil, Lactobacillus and Cocos nucifera Fruit Extract, Emulsifying Wax, Theobroma cocoa Butter, Potassium Sorbate, Benzeneethanol, Vitamin E, Essential Oil Blend
Cocokind, Sleep Resurfacing Mask
Water, Glycerin, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Water, Glyceryl Stearates, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Squalane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Bakuchiol1, Beta Glucan, Tephrosia Purpurea Seed Extract2, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caramel, Sodium Dehydroacetate
Mija, The Superstar Matcha Powder
Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder, Organic Moringa Leaf Powder, Organic Goldenberry Powder, Organic Goji Berry Powder, Organic Camu Camu Powder, Organic Lucuma Powder, Organic Chaga Mushroom Powder, Organic Avocado Powder, Organic Hemp Seeds Ground Powder, Organic Chlorella (Cracked Cell) Powder, Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Nutritional Yeast Flakes, Organic Lychee Flavor Powder, Organic Ginger Root Powder, Organic Turmeric Root Powder, Organic Honeydew Melon Flavor Powder, Organic Stevia Leaf
Roots & Blooms, Paris Candle
ECO Soy Wax, Cotton Wick, Phthalate Free Fragrance Oil and Essential Oils
GM Reverie, Shampoo
Aqua, Lauryl glucoside, Coco glucoside, Sodium cocoyl glutamate, Caprylyl capryl glucoside, Glyceryl laurate, Sodium lauroamphoacetate, Gluconolactone, Sodium lauroyl glutamate, Sodium PCA, Sodium lactate, Arginine, Aspartic acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Hydrolyzed sweet almond seedcake, Phospholipids, Hydrolyzed oat protein, Panthenol, Phosphorus, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Calcium pantothenate, Magnesium salicylate, Zinc gluconate, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, PCA glyceryl oleate, Citrus paradisi (pink grapefruit) peel oil, Citrus aurantium amara (neroli) flower/leaf oil, Backhousia citriodora (lemon myrtle) leaf oil, Citrus bergamia (bergamot) peel oil, Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) leaf/flower oil, Jasminum grandiflorum (jasmine) flower oil, Vanilla planifolia (bourbon vanilla) fruit extract, Santalum spicatum (sandalwood) wood oil, Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) seed extract, Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae (balsam) resin extract, Pogostemon cablin (patchouli) leaf oil, Bisabolol, Phenethyl alcohol, Sodium benzoate, Sodium phytate, Citric acid, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate
GM Reverie, Conditioner
Aqua, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetyl esters, Biosaccharide gum-1, Behentrimonium methosulfate, Orbignya speciosa (babassu) nut oil, Sodium PCA, Sodium lactate, Arginine, Aspartic acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Pentaclethra macroloba (pracaxi) seed oil, Orbignya speciosa kernel oil, Astrocaryum murumuru butter, Euterpe oleracea (acai) pulp oil, Citrus paradisi (pink grapefruit) peel oil, Citrus aurantium amara (neroli) flower/leaf oil, Backhousia citriodora (lemon myrtle) leaf oil, Citrus bergamia (bergamot) peel oil, Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) leaf/flower oil, Jasminum grandiflorum (jasmine) flower oil, Vanilla planifolia (bourbon vanilla) fruit extract, Santalum spicatum (sandalwood) wood oil, Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) seed extract, Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae (balsam) resin extract, Pogostemon cablin (patchouli) leaf oil, Bisabolol, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Phenethyl alcohol, Dehydroacetic acid, Benzyl alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate
Urb Apothecary, Cactus Milk Bath
Cocos Nucifera Powder, Avena Sativa, Sodium Bicarbonate, Dendritic Salt, White Kaolin Clay, Powders of Opuntia Ficus Indica L., Tilia sp. and Achillea Millefolium, Cocos Nucifera CO2, Good Energy
Aether Beauty Co., Supernova Highlighter
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