Indie Beauty Brands You’ll Want to Try from This Year’s Indie Beauty Expo

Did you know that when it comes to beauty, indie brands are one of the fastest-growing categories? I personally love discovering new brands and was thrilled to be chosen by the IndieBeautyExpo (IBE) to curate my own personal clean beauty boutique called onTUWI.

onTUWI stands for Team Up With Indie and it is a platform where influencers are asked to style a digital boutique with their favorite brands from the IndieBeautyExpo (IBE), which was held in Los Angeles last month. From close to 200 beauty, wellness and lifestyle brands, I chose 11 of my favorites that were represented at IBE, and I will be selling them through my online boutique at a 20% discount when you use the promotion code Melissam20.

My boutique will only be open for a limited time, so check out my fave picks below to see which ones you may want to try for yourself, and to read a bit more about each individual brand’s mission.

Click the images or shop buttons to purchase directly until March 31st and remember to use special promo code Melissam20 to receive 20% off all purchases!

Hush & Hush MindYourMind Supplement

What do you get when you blend natural sleep aids like tryptophan, valerian root, holy basil leaf and magnesium together? A good night’s sleep with no sluggishness the next morning! 

Hush & Hush TimeCapsule Supplement

I’m all about looking and feeling 10 years younger, and with a little help from TimeCapsule I get a boost of energy and my skin and hair have never looked better. Hacking the aging process from the inside out!

Daily Concepts Daily Bio-Cotton Makeup Removers

Clean beauty and sustainability go hand in hand. These reusable, washable cotton pads check both of those boxes and remove make-up easily without the hassle of tiny fibers getting stuck in your eyelashes like with disposable cotton balls or pads. 

evanhealy The Daily Balancing Ritual Kit

(with Cleanser, Hydrosoul, and Oil Serum)

This product trio centers around rose geranium and its ability to harmonize any oil imbalance. Make this cleansing ritual part of your routine and leave your dry winter skin happy and harmonious. 

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

Watch out sun-damaged and wrinkled skin! This serum helps with reducing both of these woes as it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration while plumping skin with moisture.

Winged Radiance Body Oil with CBD

Perfect for after shower or bath, this oil keeps skin super-hydrated from head to toe with 100mg of CBD. It is also great to calm irritated skin after shaving. 

berlin skin Sandalwood Facial Cream

Made using sustainable practices, this lightweight face cream is free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances to soothe and restore skin texture. 

Root Pretty Hair Day Dry Shampoo

Packaged in a recyclable bottle, this clean beauty dry shampoo is a champion at soaking up excess oil using organic, natural ingredients. It comes untinted or in a brown tint.

Province Apothecary Rejuvenating + Hydrating Face Serum

There’s nothing like a good face serum and this one is a gem! It has an incredible fragrance and is full of plant oils absorbing easily into the skin to hydrate and firm.

Moon Boost Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum

Who wants long lashes, raise your hand! One hundred percent natural, vegan, organic and cruelty-free, this serum is made to leave your lashes and browns conditioned and growing…and the best part…it won’t break the bank like lash extensions!

PYT Upgrade Highlighter

Color: Front Row

A satiny, smooth, buildable powder highlighter that adds an instant sun-kissed glow to the skin. Gives a natural look and is enriched with jojoba seed oil and vitamin E. Vegan, hypoallergenic and of course, cruelty-free.

I hope you’ll discover a favorite or two from this list of hidden gems. I’m proud to help support these brands and the entrepreneurs behind them through the onTUWI platform. Make sure to follow me on Instagram where I will be storying these brands over the next few weeks so you can get to know them a bit better! 

xxMelissa

Who What Wear Feature: We’re in Our 50’s and Use These 10 Basics to Stay Chic!

“With good basics, you’ll have endless options.” As I head toward my mid-fifties, that quote has become my mantra. Not only does a closet filled with well-chosen basics make getting dressed easier, but they also act as the perfect foundation to play with seasonal up-to-the-minute fashion without going head-to-toe trendy. I always like to start with basic pieces as the canvas and pair them with the latest cat-walk inspo. My blogging bestie, Janet Gunn, and I wrote about this very basic subject in our latest feature for Who What Wear called, “We're in Our 50s and Rely on These 10 Basics to Look Chic.” Read on to see some of our favorite staples and how we style them to showcase our own individual looks.  

What do straight-leg jeans, a blazer, and a white button-down all have in common? They are the holy trinity of closet essentials! Being in our 50’s, both of us have definitely had our share of “what were we thinking” fashion moments. But through a lot of hit or miss over the years, and experimenting with different styles and trends, we have learned one crucial tip that we now swear by. Basics are your best friend. Thankfully, as we’ve gotten older our fashion choices have gotten wiser! We’ve each developed our own signature styles by anchoring with the basics and then adding accessories and seasonal trends to bring out our fashion personalities. Just as a house needs a solid foundation to build upon, so do our wardrobes.

In addition to a few other key pieces like a crew neck sweater, white t-shirt, leather jacket, trench coat, black boots, and a classic handbag, basics are the building blocks of an always put-together wardrobe. Oh, and let’s not forget our favorite animal print…leopard! This classic cat has definitely made its way to basics status in our fashion bibles!

Acting as the perfect canvas to experiment with trends, these staples can take you from casual to chic in a New York fashion week minute! And best of all, they don’t have to be expensive! See how we each style our unique looks starting with similar affordable basic pieces every woman should own.

The Blazer

A blazer is a non-negotiable essential and you can never have too many. Wear a black belted blazer with a denim skirt trend to add a level of chic off-duty style, or pair a boyfriend cut with other classic besties like a white t-shirt, and jeans or a silk midi.

The Power Suit

Technically a blazer with matching pants, every boss babe, aspiring and established, should own one of these.

The White Blouse

Nothing says crisp, clean and fresh like the perfect fitting white button down. Our motto- when you find one you like, buy a few!

The Straight Leg Denim

Straight leg denim paired with the right shoe - classic pump or boots- can amp up your business casual look, taking you from a lunch meeting to an evening of cocktails and brainstorming.

Bag shown above by Parker Thatch - medium mimi camo bold red

The Cozy Sweater

Whether you’re going for a classic crew or mock turtle-neck, everyone needs a cozy sweater they feel fabulous in.

The Classic Trench Coat

A trench coat is always tres chic! Especially when combined with a classic white t-shirt and on trend denim. Checks all the boxes!

The Leopard Print

Got a little leopard in our life! Remember how we said leopard was a basic for us? We weren’t kidding!

The Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is a no-brainer in our arsenal of basics. What other piece in your wardrobe can serve as classic and on-trend, retro and modern at the same time?

The Black Boot

High, low, or over the knee, boots are always made for walking…in style.

The Classic Bag

Every girl needs a classic handbag to finish off her look. A pop of red adds a little flair to a classic, structured shape.

“Trendy is the last stage before tacky.” -Karl Lagerfeld

Want to steal our looks? Shop the carousel below for even more great basics! And to read the full article on Who What Wear, click HERE!

Who What Wear Feature - Top 7 Natural Non-toxic Self-Tanners for the Most Perfect Sun-kissed Glow!

Just like wearing the perfect outfit or a great hair day can make me feel fabulous, having a golden tan does the trick for me too!

I love having sun-kissed skin, but as I’ve gotten older I have become more conscious of minimizing the effects of sun damage, so I turn to self-tanner to get my 24/7 golden glow. While I’ve tried countless brands over the years, in 2019 I made a commitment to clean up my beauty routine. In my latest feature for Who What Wear, "7 Nontoxic Self-Tanners That Deliver Glowier Results Than the Actual Sun,” I share my tried and true favorites, as well as tips to make a tan look natural and last as long as possible. 

With a new year (and a new decade) upon us, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button, create intentions and detox your beauty routine. Why not start with your self-tanner? Read on to see my recommendations in the full article and make 2020 your most glowing, nontoxic tanning year yet!

I love sporting a healthy, tanned glow all year round! A great tan magically seems to improve the tone, texture and color of the skin—plus it does wonders to camouflage imperfections. Gone are the days where you had to bask in the sun for hours to look like a bronzed goddess or use a smelly, toxic self-tanner that turns your skin into looking like a roasted turkey! 

Over the years, I’ve road-tested countless self-tanners and have decided this year to try some of the non-toxic ones to see how they compare. These products have exceeded my expectations big time so I’ve put together a list of my favorite clean-beauty, self-tanning products that are not only safe to use but also provide the most gorgeous, naturally bronzed skin. 

In order to get the best, most natural and long-lasting tan, make sure your skin gets some TLC before and after tanning! The most important tip I can share when it comes to best practices for self-tanning is to exfoliate beforehand to ensure even coverage. I like to use the Dermasuri Exfoliating Scrub Mitt  from head to toe in the shower. Unlike loofahs or bath sponges, this mitt’s unique fabric texture removes surface layers of buildup and dead skin cells instantly! I use the mitt with water, or with my favorite body scrub.

The botanical-based self-tanning products listed below are all derived from organic ingredients and formulated without any harsh chemicals, preservatives, parabens, or unnatural fragrances. And, the best part, orange skin is nowhere to be found; all of these suggestions offer the most natural, golden look! Also, I only tried products that went on clear or white and did not stain clothes or sheets. 

1. Whish

This natural self-tanner is at the top of my list--it hydrates the skin and the scent is an incredible combo of coconut milk + verbena! The streak-free formula goes on just like your favorite body butter and can be used every day. After the product develops, the tan is a perfect golden brown. It’s free from parabens, sulfates, DEA and TEA, with naturally sourced organic ingredients that also firm and moisturize. I’m so obsessed with this product that I shared it with my husband and daughter who both have fair and sensitive skin. They are huge fans now with bottles of their own!

2. Kora Organics

An amazing gradual self-tanner, this is my fave for a buildable tan. Its super-natural color is great even for fair-skinned girls. They use DHA that is naturally derived from sugar which is a safe, non-toxic alternative to naturally brown the skin. Free from harmful chemicals, it has a pleasant spa-like scent and is great to use year-round. Leave it to Miranda Kerr to create a certified organic self-tanner that’s a true winner!

3. Botanic Tree

Great for sensitive skin with no fake tan smell, it’s vegan-certified and free from anything toxic. The quick-drying lotion goes on white and is also streak-free, with natural ingredients such as jojoba, avocado, apricot, grape seed, and coconut. This formula can also be used on your face and is perfect for all skin types. I found the tan to be very natural and gradual so it’s good to use daily if you want to build up a rich glow.

 4. Beauty by Earth 

Say hello to perfect sun-kissed skin! This tanning product does a great job of covering up natural skin imperfections and leaves you with a glowing, golden color. I love that the simple, natural and organic ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and Japanese green tea leaf extract, leave my skin looking and feeling fabulous. It’s is also a great alternative to the top brands that sell chemical filled tanners. I’m not the only one that thinks so—you can check out the 4700 five star reviews on Amazon too!

 5. Isle of Paradise

I am extremely picky when it comes to self-tanners for the face and found this one to be amazing with its color-correcting technology! Just add the clear drops to your fave moisturizer and integrate into your regular skincare routine for a perfect sun-kissed glow. You can feel confident putting this on your face since it’s cruelty-free, 100% vegan and made using certified organic ingredients. It has low pH levels, non-sensitizing and hypoallergenic ingredients, and pure oils. There are no mineral oils, petroleum, gluten, GMOs, or toxins. This formula offers light, medium, and dark tan options. I like to use medium as it gives me the perfect amount of glow every time!

6. Vita Liberata

I wrote about this self-tanner on The Glow Girl blog in the summer of 2018 when it made its debut. This invisible foaming tanning water is super-fast drying and perfect when in a hurry or you have to get dressed quickly after applying. It also leaves the skin with a great natural glow and will never stain even the whitest clothing or sheets! It’s also contains certified organic ingredients and made with natural extracts like pomegranate, papaya, aloe vera and licorice to enhance skin with no tell-tale self-tanner scent. Tip: I like to wait 4-8 hours before showering off to make sure to get the full effects of this tanner!

7. The Organic Pharmacy

This self-tanner was developed using a unique DHA derived from sugar beets, which is an Ecocert-approved ingredient from one of the UK’s best natural, cult clean-beauty brands. All of their products are 100% non-toxic and between 90 – 99.9% organic. Their formula comes in a glass bottle pump and goes on as a natural-colored lotion leaving skin with a gorgeous bronzed glow as it develops. The scent is mild and it blends easily, leaving skin super moisturized.

The Best Moisturizers to Take Your Tan to the Next Level

After your tan has made its debut, it's important to moisturize and keep skin hydrated to help the color last as long as possible. Below are my clean beauty favorites that will surely extend the longevity of your gorgeous glow…

Eighteen B Hydrate + Restore Rich Cream 

I just discovered this face cream and I’m obsessed! Made with B-silk protein which is known to improve skin texture and firmness, I use this on my face to keep it moisturized after I tan. With ingredients like ceramides, leaf extract, and sunflower seed oil offering fantastic hydration, it also softens my fine lines and makes my face feel smoother. 

Golden Ray Glow Drops Face Oil 

I love to use oils to keep the skin on my face deeply moisturized and to prolong my faux tan as long as possible. I’ve been using my newly launched face oil daily (in partnership with Olie Organic Face Oils), with its incredible active ingredient, French Marine Algae! This natural ingredient not only builds collagen but also locks in hydration for the best moisture retention.

Primally Pure Body Butter 

This organic body butter smells incredible, with ingredients that are safe enough to eat. It’s an all-natural, deep moisturizer--because it’s so hydrating, my tan lasts much longer if I apply it after the tan is freshly developed. A little bit goes a long way so the jar lasts a while!

I have been working on this article for months and have personally tested each and every product listed above to give you the best options for a clean beauty tan that will leave you with the safest and most beautiful natural glow all year long! Whether you want to look like an exotic sun-worshipper or just enhance a sallow-skinned winter look, I’ve got you covered! 

xx Melissa

Check out the full feature on Who What Wear HERE!