My Coachella Beauty Essentials

Alphabetical order:

Brad Sea Minerals Purify Cleanser: A great detoxifying cleanser that is very gentle for even normal skin. Lots of skin nourishing essential oils, retinols, and minerals to sooth and revitalize skin. Said to fade scars and brighten skin, but I have not seen this happen. Despite that, a very good regular cleanser to have in your skincare arsenal. Perfect at the end of long days spent outside. (Full Review)

Jack Black Beard Lube: (razor not shown) A very cool and refreshing cream that takes on three rolls, essential for a busy weekend out! It is shave oil, shave cream, and facial treatment in one. It is very light and has Jojoba and Eucalyptus to texturize facial hair and condition skin. Plays well with razors for a fine close shave in minutes. A must-have travel item for guys.

Jack Black Sun Guard SPF 45: A heavy duty sunscreen for when time calls for a serious sunscreen. Oil free and paraben free, this sunscreen is packed with vitamins (Plantago Leaf Extract, Calendula Extract, Edelweiss Water, Vitamin C) and a healthy dose of physical and chemical sunscreens. A bonus, this sunscreen is water and sweat resistent which means good long term wear in the outside heat! This was MADE for Coachella!

John Varvatos Artisan: A subtle choice that exudes understated masculinity with a modern edge, Artisan is a class apart from all major fragrances. It is light, delicate, and evolving. The top notes are unmistakably citrusy, that develops with a twist into a modern woodsy scent that doesn't risk offending. Strong enough to be present while keeping the air of mystery. This is a scent for the guy who does not seek to be loud but rather quietly captivating.

Omorovizca Balancing Moisturizer: A cooling and light gel cream that keeps skin happy and hydrated through the day (and night) without disturbing skin's natural sebum production. A lot of moisturizers I use tend to leave my skin with a greasy shine which leads to breakouts by the end of the day if I'm not careful. This balancing moisturizer makes sure the grease and sebum production are in check which is so important when you're outside and might get sweaty. This keeps skin hydrated without risking the grimy feel at the end of the day.

Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum: A anti-aging treat from New York socialite Tata Harper's line of all natural, green beauty products. This uses 29 actives to stimulate collagen and restore skin vitality and radiance. The rejuvenation is key for so much environmental exposure and I look forward to using this light cream at night to bring my skin back to health.

Tom Ford Oliver Sunglasses: A classic timeless design that is right for any situation. I consider this a refined upgrade to those Ray Ban Wayfarers EVERYONE had on last summer and the year before that. I got mine in a Tortoise Shell to stand out from the crowd so this isn't mistaken as a black acetate Wayfarer, which I'm sure there will be many of in the hipster/yuppie crowd.

YULI Cellular Lip Conditioner: A concentrated serum to protect lips with a plethora of actives including an Antioxidant Complex, UV shields, Supercritical extract blends in a glass roll on. This conditioner is made of completely food-grade ingredients so you don't have to worry about chemicals being ingested. Lips immediately feel the boost of conditioning agents and becomes silky within minutes as the serum sinks into skin. Leaving behind no bogged down or heavy greasy feeling that is common with lip balms. (Full Review)

YULI Liquid Courage: This essential antioxidant serum was one I raved about when I first tried this small, niche line as a green, natural alternative to Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Acid, read that review here. This is truly a revolutionary product! Research has shown that Ferulic Acid when combined with vitamin C+E, increases skins photoaging protection by up to 8-fold and has synergistic benefits including: neutralizing free radicals, building collagen, stimulating anti-aging benefits and regulating hyperpigmentation. The botanical seed complex contains the densest concentration of nutrients since the seed is the life force of the plant and CO2 extracts/Black Garlic bioferment to up the preventive antioxidant activity. Skin damage doesn't stand a chance. You really can't do your skin wrong when you nurture it with this serum.

YULI Panacea Elixir: If it seems I am crazy about YULI, it is because I am. As a brand, they are the epitome of a under the radar niche brand: quiet, modern, & cool but as a product line they offer some of the most unique innovative products without relying on harmful chemicals. Panacea Elixir is the most essential product on this list because I will use this probably every hour. It is the ultimate refresher that will break down sweaty, tired, grimy complexions and invigorate skin. It is so healing and balancing which keeps breakouts at bay and it just smells so amazing! If anything makes you believe in the power of pure botanicals, it is this intoxicating mist!

YULI Cellular Lip Conditioner

When I decided to pursue skincare that was made with more natural ingredients, for some reason lip products were the last on my list to change out. I am very loyal to what has worked because my lips are incredibly prone to dryness. During the coldest, driest times, my lips would be chapped, cracked, and bleeding, it isn't pretty. I was an avid fan of the iconic Kiehl's Lip Balm and on my driest days, always carried a tube of Aquaphor. Then I read a study that said around 80% of the products we put on our lips is digested, I took a closer look at the ingredients list. When I realized the primary ingredient in these products is Petrolatum, and both contain parabens, I was a little aghast that I was putting carcinogic products right on my lips and into my body!

After doing more research, I learned about how balms work by creating a barrier that seals moisture and prevents air and water from breaking through. Essentially we're suffocating the lips under layers of waxes and balms, and some studies cite this as a reason that lips too dependent on balms lose their natural ability to retain moisture over time. So I started looking at the green brands out there and saw YULI's Cellular Lip Conditioner.

It's described as a multivitamin serum/conditioner concentrate with an antioxidant complex to deeply heal and rejuvenate lips from within. I looked at the ingredients and no waxes or balms - just a serum. The way the product works is through using its nourishing serum with supercritical extracts and skin softening Vitamin E to  actually TREAT damaged lips instead of just coating it.

I have to say that within minutes of applying the conditioner, my lips felt plumper and definitely rejuvenated all without the heavy feeling you get with balms. I think whats important to realize is that this isn't a lip balm but rather a conditioning serum that restores and rejuvenates lips. So some people might confuse its non-heavy feeling for weak moisturizing power but this product moisturizes in a different way. The avocado and camellia seed oil are deeply nourishing and contain natural squalane which keeps cells moisturized. The antioxidant complex repairs lips but also protects lips from UV damage which is so important since lips are frequently exposed to the elements. This product is different from balms because with balms, you have to keep relying on them but this product helps your lips be their healthiest over time.

The best part is that the entire product is food-grade and thoughtfully made to be edible and safe enough for pregnant women. Just such a wonderfully effective and well made product that is loaded with lip saving nutrients. You must buy some, your lips will thank you.

Available at YULI Skincare ($26)

SACHAJUAN Normal Hair Shampoo

My shampoo changes as often as my cleanser and lately I've been obsessed with a Swedish line called SACHAJUAN that I discovered through Woodley&Bunny. The sales people tell me that Ellen DeGeneres swears by their stuff but that is besides the point.

SACHAJUAN is extremely simple, from the bottles to the no frills label, but thats their appeal. It kind of reminds me of a even more pared down Davines. The Normal Hair Shampoo uses something called Ocean Silk Technology to stimulate hair and scalp and give it a healthy look.

I noticed after a week of using it that my hair seemed stronger, softer, and shinier. I don't have long hair so the fact that I notice a positive difference in such a short amount of time really speaks to how wonderful this shampoo is. This is a daily shampoo, which is important for me because I need something not harsh but that also cleanses my hair which tends to get oily and prone to dandruff if I don't take of it. Using this shampoo has left my hair and scalp balanced and I definitely see myself buying another bottle.

SACHAJUAN Normal Hair Shampoo - $24

Soma Innovative Water Filters

Anyone who regularly reads this blog knows that I love drinking water, I've reviewed two water companies and this one is one of the most special yet. While research is still being done on the sustainability of packaged drinking water, and toxicity issues are a cause for alarm with plastic bottles, I've stumbled onto something different and exciting.

Meet the SOMA Water System, a beautiful and innovative way to get wonderful tasting, clean water. The magic in this brilliantly engineered piece comes from the revolutionary filter which is comprised of 100% compostable materials such as Malaysian coconut shells, vegan silk, and a special food-based PLA plastic that is considerably safer than ordinary plastics on the market that leech out toxins.

The glass carafe is extremely sturdy and holds a wonderful amount of water, but let's not kid ourselves - the design is the selling point. Not only will it look good in any setting, but the design is decidedly minimalist and utilitarian. The shape makes it easy to grip and gives it increased surface area.

Unfortunately this is not currently sold on the market (I told you I love an underground, niche brand), but for those interested, bookmark: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zachallia/soma-beautifully-innovative-all-natural-water-filt to stay up to date on availability. They've finished fundraising and met their goals, so those of you who missed out on placing an order might have an opportunity in the near future!

Celine FW13 RTW

Celine was the highlight of Paris Fashion Week. Each look was demure, romantic, and chic in only the way that the French can produce. But there was a true creativity and passion behind the seemingly simple silhouettes. Each cut had a purpose, each draping so fresh and refined, one can't help but recognize Philo as a master designer on top of her game. 

Elijah Liu

Love this kid, a shame he didn't make it further. We could use a Chinese-Mexican Bieber!

YULI Pure Mask Review

From one of my favorite new cult lines, comes a mask that is true to their DNA - made with natural "good for you ingredients", using advanced science and technology, and delivering results that truly make a difference. It's obvious that YULI is not only a "natural" line but a line deeply rooted in incorporating the most advanced breakthroughs thanks to the founder Yun's background as a chemist who has formulated products for various brands before creating her own line of "uncompromisingly effective" skincare.

Pure is the quintessential mask that clears blemishes, purifies skin, gently exfoliates and renews skin, and provide anti-aging nutrients. Pure comes as a powder that is water activated. This keeps it fresh and active, preventing the need for fillers such as preservatives, alcohols, silicones, emulsifiers that can irritate skin and be bad for overall health, this also means 100% of the formula is active. The base of the mask is made of a composite blend of 4 types of mineral rich antioxidant clays, then loaded with traditional botanicals (Mung Beans, Rose Petals, Willow Bark, Cucumber) which hydrate, fight inflammation, and irritation, with botanical enzymes to gently exfoliate and clarify skin, and an advanced Biophotonically charged Matcha to really repair and improve skin. I'm so impressed with YULI's list of ingredients that are both high-end, powerful, and inventive. Unlike a lot of high end brands that promote natural, clean ingredients, YULI does not overpower their awesome products with things like essential oils that are needless and mainly used for scent, instead their products have a beautifully natural subtle scent.

The non-activate mask in powder form

Per YULI's suggestions, for winter to add some moisture benefit and infuse more nutrients that can be delivered by the mineral-rich antioxidant clays, I mixed in some Royal Jelly with the mask as I was activating it with filtered water. It became a silky fluid mask that was scented of honey rose tea, just delicious! Infusing royal jelly helps the mask stay hydrated, for those who do not need something too active that purges skin of impurities.

Activated Mask (w/Royal Jelly)

I used a few drops more water than I really needed but its okay because it goes onto skin very velvety and creamy. You can really feel your skin drinking up all the nutrients like it has been starving all week for this treat! The texture made the product work really well in restoring balance to moisture and really infusing my skin with the nutrient cocktail in there. The wonderful thing about their clays is that they're so full of minerals and nutrients that they're wonderful to balance any skin type: dry/mature skin will benefit from the nutrients whereas acneic skin will benefit from the sebum balancing properties.

Upon washing off, I felt my skin looking brighter and yes- glowing. I don't want to use that word because it seems every mask says it will leave complexion glowing, but I never really notice a difference besides my skin feeling lighter at least but this mask truly left me looking in the mirror in amazement and how healthy and bright my skin appeared. All the grime and gunk trapped inside the pores are gone, all blemishes are minimized with redness calmed, the gentle exfoliation makes skin feel and look brand new, and I even noticed that smile lines even appear more "relaxed" possibly due to the collagen stimulating nature of the anti-aging actives. There is no dryness and yet dry patches are neutralized as well, and skin looks calm and restored.

I highly recommend this active but non-irritating mask. It truly shows the power of a naturally formulated, advanced product and is bar none the only mask I'll be using from now on. It is available for $52 and because it is in powdered form, a little goes a long way so you really get your moneys worth for this finely created mask that will change your skin! It is a must go-to weekly treatment I use no matter what I'm doing or where I am because it truly is the one thing you need above all else to make your skin the best it can be!

Available at YULI Skincare $52 - Here