There's something special about Laurel Canyon, nestled in the hills between West Hollywood and Studio City. It can almost trick you into thinking you're in a small town, complete with its own country style general store. The area still holds the spirit of the 1960's and 70's, when it was a hippie hideout for artists, musicians and creatives. It also holds a special place in my heart, its the location of the restaurant where my husband first told me he loves me and the first home we lived in together (sans roommates). I can now say that I have another reason to love the canyon, one of my new favorite skincare lines is created there. Kari Jansen is an Ayurvedic practitioner and herbalist who handcrafts delightful beauty blends for her line Poppy and Someday, from her home in Laurel Canyon. She is a bodyworker whose treatments were just featured on vogue.com, Kari started creating her own products to help better nourish her clients. She found that they were missing vital oils necessary in supporting the nervous and immune systems. Kari concocts Poppy and Someday with ingredients provided by the earth, making products to heal and balance the mind and body. These ingredients are either grown by Kari in her home garden, or collected on her wildcrafting adventures. Along with natural healing plants, Kari also uses solar and lunar energies, as well as crystal infusions to enhance the special properties of her products. I couldn't be more excited to include Poppy and Someday in our directory, a truly natural line made with love and intent. Read on for more about the products I've been using.
- Gypsy Rose Toner
I have a thing for facial mists. My skin tends to get pretty dry in LA, the moisture just gets sucked right out. Mists are great for a little pick me up throughout the day, or layered under your favorite moisturizer as part of a daily routine. This delicious version is a wonderful blend of rose hydrosol, rose otto essential oil, evening primrose oil, palmarosa essential oil, witch hazel extract and alkaline water. Hydrating, toning and soothing, with a beautiful light scent. Not only is my skin prone to dryness but it is also very sensitive, rose and witch hazel are a great combo for my "fun" skin type (or any skin type). Witch hazel is balancing, while rose hydrates and calms. The Gypsy Rose Toner is infused with rose quartz for a little added love and compassion, we could all use more of that. Shop here.
- Marfa Moon Mist
The most uplifting scent, a wonderful tourmaline crystal infused body and room spray. I might be addicted to the heavenly blend of frankincense, petitgrain, lavender, pinon pine and ylang ylang. The essential oils are mixed with alkaline water, calendula hydrosol, calendula extract and jojoba oil. Each ingredient was thoughtfully selected to create a mist that is grounding, calming and helps clear out negative energy. Learn about each elements unique properties and shop the spray here. Also, there is just something about the gentle clink of the tourmaline crystal against the blue glass bottle, give one a little shake and hear for yourself.
- Emerald Salve
I was in the midst of some gnarly back pain when Jamie Arrigo (www.wallaceandjames.com) posted an article about this magical salve. It immediately went on my list of things to try. The main ingredient of this natural healer, cannabis infused olive oil. I have been a believer in the healing properties of cannabis for many years (born and raised in Humboldt County after all) but this was my first experience using a topical salve. I'm in love. Thankfully my major back pain has subsided, but I hold a ton of tension in my neck and shoulders; it leads to pain, discomfort and sleepless nights. The Emerald Salve works wonderfully to help relieve tension and the associated pain. It also works wonders on the lower back pain that I am gifted from PMS. This one is definitely a new staple for the ole medicine cabinet. Shop here.
- Coriander Herbal Lip Stain
The most beautiful light scarlet tint and a soothing natural balm. The color comes from a combination of Alkanet root (a member of the borage family) and beet root. The two are infused in extra virgin olive oil and combined with shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax and of course coriander essential oil. Coriander is known in Ayurvedic medicine for its warming properties and ability to aid in digestion. We end up ingesting whatever we put on our lips (through drinking, eating, talking, kissing..) not only is this product all natural and safe to ingest, but it actually contains ingredients that are beneficial for our bodies. I love the gentle scent, subtle color and soothing moisture provided by this stain, its light yet replenishing. shop here.
Shop all Kari's products at www.poppyandsomeday.com and follow along @poppyandsomeday.