Time and time again, when speaking with or interviewing connoisseurs and/or makers of green beauty brands, the motivation to make cleaner choices almost always comes from a major health concern or life-change.
I am no different--mine came after having our first child and discovering I had food allergies and a degenerative vein disease.
Leah, owner and found of Leahlani Skincare, is no exception. After battling cystic acne and realizing her body was severely out of balance--Leah set out on a journey of holistic healing.
"Fate led me to Spa Luna, a holistic esthetician school on the Island of Maui. With no prior knowledge of skincare and never having had a facial in my life, I felt a strong pull to trust my intuition... so off we went. My husband and I packed all of our belongings and moved from Oahu to Maui to embark on this new journey. In life, we have so many defining moments... moments that change our very existence. My experience in the year I spent on Maui did just that, it changed my life. For the next few years, I immersed myself in the world of holistic skincare, and soaked in as much knowledge and advanced education as I could. I became a Spa Director at the Hilton Spa on Kauai and also had the privilege of having my own private esthetician practice. Working one on one with my clients during this time proved to be my most valuable education. I have had the honor of touching hundreds of precious faces over the course of years in my practice, each face told a story of skin longing to be heard and longing to be healed."
I knew I was in for a treat as soon as I opened my box from Leahlani Skincare. The scent of tropical fruit and florals permeated my room and I was all to eager to dig in.
I was immediately greeted with her trademark tagline: "From my loving hands to yours. Truly Enjoy." and finishing, personal touches like a handwritten note and pineapple washi tape.
I didn't delay. I tried everything that night...and continued use throughout the weekend. My skin was so happy!
I began my new skincare ritual with the Kalina Cleansing Powder. It comes in loose form, and is activated with water. You can mix in a bowl or in the palm of your hand, before cleansing the skin. A delightful combination of coconut milk, oatmeal, exotic clays and tropical fruits all kissed with wild vanilla--it was definitely an exotic sensory experience. My skin was soft, refreshed and gently clean.
Step 2 for me was the Meli Glow Mask. This is a nectar fusion mask packed with active enzymes, hyaluronic acid and nourishing clays--all married with organic Hawaiian Nectar.
When I first opened this jar, it smelled like a fruity, raw honey. I got some on my instinctively licked it off (no shame!), and it was delicious!! I definitely don't advocate eating your skincare, but how exciting when the ingredients are clean enough for you to do so! This mask is meant for dry, mature skin to increase circulation and oxygenation of the skin. My skin had a visible glow and was noticeably softer after just one use.
Step 3 was the Bless Beauty Balm. This stuff is surely a Hawaiian sunset in a jar! This velvety blush-pink balm is a gorgeous union of organic butters and cold-pressed oils, infused with active botanicals, orange essence and grounding blue tansy. This beautiful concoction proved to be a very effective, lightweight moisturizer for me. It smells like what I imagine heaven might smell like, and made my makeup brushes smell like it for days!
I've read that some of Leahlani's followers like to remove makeup with it--but I couldn't bring myself to wipe or rinse it away!
Last but not lease, another fan favorite: the Mermaid Mask. This nutrient-dense mask packs its punch from spirulina (native to Hawaii) and chlorella--combined to nourish, purify and renew the skin.
I loved that it smelled like my morning green smoothie, and left my skin so refreshed! Leahlani fans are invited to join the mermaid movement by submitting a selfie while wearing this mask. Called the "Mermaid of the Month", mask lovers have a chance to win a Leahlani Skincare $50 gift card if their selfie is chosen! Be sure to visit their site for details.
Overall, this line is in my top 5 green beauty brands I've ever tried...seriously. I love the brightly packaged products, all formulated with organic ingredients--most of which are native to Hawaii. I loved the personality and love that was obvious within each product, package and message we exchanged. This is truly a magical line and I lovingly invite you (with total urgency!) to check it out for yourself!