Skincare

Lynn Loves

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

 
 

Welcome back to Dove Loves, Lynn’s definitive guide to the products and pieces she’s loving - her favorites du jour, the holy grail of what she’s coveting, researching, talking about, and obsessing over.

 
 
 
 
 

I mean the name alone is so good. Mermaid Mask. It instantly makes me happy and is so fitting, especially given that Leahlani, the organic beauty line, was born on the shores of Kauai and features lush Hawaiian nectars and all natural ingredients. The mask is the most incredible blend of Spirulina, Chlorella clay and honey. A gorgeous emerald green color, this is is truly superfood for your skin. It cleanses, nourishes and leaves you glowing. I use it a few times weekly in the morning. My skin feels and looks so healthy that maybe I’ll change my name to Ariel.

 
 

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leahlani mermaid mask

My Top Summer Sunscreen Picks

Written by Erika Bloom & Photographed by A Wild Dove

Now that you’ve grabbed those first rays of summer, it’s time to get serious about sun protection. There’s nothing better in the summer than playing in the outdoors, but we should protect our little ones’ skin while doing so. Organic, all natural sunscreens ensure we are nourishing them with effective coverage without adding harmful toxins. I choose products that are not only organic, but free of chemicals (phthalates, petro-chemicals, synthetic preservatives and parabens), and full of the right kind of effective physical sunscreen. Zinc oxide is great, but we must also consider particle size. Larger zinc particles are better for us and our kids, as non-nano particles can enter human cells, interact with our biology, and confuse our immune systems.

 
 
 

After these important considerations, I won’t compromise on luxury, feel, and experience. I look for something with a lovely scent, that rubs in without a white shadow, won’t cause breakouts, and stays put for continual coverage.

 

Here are my faves, selected from a lifetime of trying organic sunscreens and wandering the world in the sun, and from the clear and opinionated feedback of my two little adventurers, Alexander and Anabella.

 
 
 
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Loving Naturals Adorable Baby Sunscreen SPF 30

Loving Naturals Adorable BabySunscreen SPF 30 is my favorite all around bottled sunscreen. Yes, it says it’s for babies, but my big kids don’t mind, and I love this one for me as well. It exceeds my non toxic standards and has a physical sunscreen but truly goes on clear. It is the least white of any liquid zinc sunscreen I’ve ever used.

 

TruKid Sunny Days sport Daily sunscreen SPF 30

My daughter loves the citrus scent (which comes from natural, perfume free oils) of TruKid Sunny Days Sport Daily Sunscreen SPF 30. I love that it goes on white so I can see she’s fully covered but then can be rubbed in to barely there for lasting coverage. It’s packed with organic ingredients and lasts through a 60-minute swim.

 
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Purple Prairie Botanicals Sunstick

I’m obsessed with Purple Prairie Botanicals SunStick. The ingredient list is so pure and organic you could almost eat it. The cocoa butter gives it a subtle, chocolaty smell that’s delicious. It moisturizes skin with coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and sunflower oil leaving skin soft and glowing but not shiny. The diameter of the stick is larger than most so it’s easy to apply on the whole body. Because it’s 2oz and a solid, I can take it in my carry-on when we travel so I don’t have to check luggage but can ensure I have healthy sun protection for my family no matter where we are.

 

Badger Sport SPF 35 Face Stick

At SPF 35 and 80 minutes of water resistance, Badger Sport SPF 35 Face Stick is the strongest of the bunch. Still it is 98% organic, doesn’t feel thick, and can be rubbed in for no white cast. It says it’s for face but it’s also good for adding on to more likely to burn spots on the body, like the tops of the shoulders. For the scent averse, this one has virtually no smell at all. The small and slim package means I can keep it in my purse or even in my pocket for on-the-go application.

 
 
 

BeautyCounter Protect Lip Balm SPF 15

 

SPF for your lips is equally as important as the rest of your body. Sun damage and sunburn can affect this sensitive area. Beautycounter Lip Balm features aloe, shea butter and a plethora of rich natural oils that hydrate beautifully. The sun protection is zinc non-nano particles, which are super effective and healthy. You and your kids will love reapplying it throughout the day.

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Basket Bag by Vanessa Seward

 

As modern mamas living in the over information age, (where everyone is an expert and parenting opinions are shared as freely and easily as an Instagram post) it can be tough to filter through the white noise to find the facts. Naturally, we’d love to consider ourselves wise in all sorts of ways, but the truth is sometimes we’re scrawling SOS in the sand. Good thing we’ve got the guidance and expertise of our own personal rockstars: the people who inspire us on the daily. Our rockstars (our flock) are enthusiasts, professionals and influencers in the fields of wellness, travel, education, style—the list goes on. Each one brings a profoundly different perspective to the table, one informed by their own experiences and outlooks. And that perspective is priceless.

They say it takes a village…we say it takes a flock.

Lynn Loves

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

 
 

Welcome back to Dove Loves, Lynn’s definitive guide to the products and pieces she’s loving - her favorites du jour, the holy grail of what she’s coveting, researching, talking about, and obsessing over.

 
 
 
 

I’ve always been a fan of Tata Harper. I love her philosophy of non-toxic and 100% natural ingredients. There are no fillers. Every single one of her active ingredients (sometimes ranging from 9 to 29) serve a purpose. She produces her beauty products locally on a farm in Vermont, in small batches that are as green as possible. If that weren’t enough, her products are effective and feel so luxurious. I recently heard Tata speak at Space NK Apothecary, where she shared her story, her mission and her favorite ways to use the products. It was skincare 101 for the mind, body and spirit, to the say the least. And of course I wanted it all, but here are a few products I walked away with that I’m loving...

 
 
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Purifying Cleanser

 

This cleanser does exactly that - purifies. It removes dead cells and the build-up that comes from living in New York City and leaves your skin feeling moisturized and hydrated. And I LOVE the smell, it’s like a sense of calm.  With a blend of sugars, broccoli extracts and essential oils, it’s the perfect way to start and end the day.

 
 

Boosted Contouring Serum

 

This IS “your daily facelift.” It lifts, tones, firms and sculpts. I use it morning and evening on my face and neck. I feel the difference instantly. When I’m in a rush, I just mix it in with my other serums and it blends super easy. And of course, the smell is heavenly.

 
 

Resurfacing Mask

 

Truly glow in a jar. This mask makes your skin super radiant. It plumps, reduces pores and gives you an “instant glow.” I use it 2-3 times a week for 20 minutes in the morning while I’m doing my morning routine. Like all of her products, the smell is amazing. Think of it as a shot of espresso for your skin. We’re talking instant boost.

 

Lynn Loves

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

 
 

Welcome back to Dove Loves, Lynn’s definitive guide to the products and pieces she’s loving - her favorites du jour, the holy grail of what she’s coveting, researching, talking about, and obsessing over.

 
 

Dr. Barbara Sturm super anti-aging serum and spf drops

 
 
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Super Anti Aging Serum

This is, hands down, the hero product. Magic in a bottle. I’ve noticed a huge difference in my skin since I started using the Super Anti-Aging Serum from Dr. Barbara Strum. It’s packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients that make your skin smoother and prevents new wrinkles from forming. It plumps, firms, add moisture and since it’s full of peptides, it boosts collagen like nothing else.

 
 
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SPF Drops

Why didn’t I think of this ? It’s genius. You simply add the 50 SPF drops to your favorite moisturizer and you’re out the door. Or you can use it on it’s own. It contains active ingredients of Cassia Extract, Vitamin E and Beta-Glucan, so it also slows down the onset of wrinkles and improves discolored skin tones. Now we really have no excuses not to wear SPF everyday because It’s. That. Easy!

 
 
 
 

C Class

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

 

When we found out Joanna Vargas was launching a Vitamin C serum, we knew we needed to get in. On. That. We usually pop the vitamin in pill form as soon as we start sneezing, but we had no clue how great it is for the skin too. According to Joanna, Vitamin C is the prime building block for a great complexion and that it can aid any skin condition. Read on for more intel on this magical serum.

 

A Wild Dove

OK so we need the Vitamin C breakdown. What exactly does Vitamin C do to the skin upon application?

Joanna Vargas

Vitamin C brightens the skin, evens out pigment, and reinforces your elasticity at the molecular level. It guards the skin against cell mutation, caused by exposure to sun and pollution in your everyday life.

 
 
 
 
 
 

A Wild Dove

Wow, ok. Major benefits it sounds like!

Joanna Vargas

It will also extend the life of your skin cells, so you will just look younger the more you use it!

 
 
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A Wild Dove

Whoah. That sounds like magic! What about the classic Vitamin C pill? How does topical application compare to oral ingestion?

 
 

Joanna Vargas

They're similar in concept. Both provide the body with an extra layer of protection against cell mutations while reinforcing cellular function.

 
 
 
 

A Wild Dove

Are there any risks to Vitaminc C in topical application?

Joanna Vargas

Vitamin C is very unstable so you have to go with a trustworthy skincare line. It’s hard to maintain potency in the bottle. Also some formulas can be very drying. I tried to be very aware of those when creating my Rescue Serum.

 
 
 
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The Skin We Live In

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

There’s a reason Naomi Watts and Julianne Moore entrust their skin to Joanna Vargas, facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection. Not only are her products amazing, but Joanna’s philosophy centers around caring for the complexion from the inside and out. It’s not enough to have great serums and eye creams, but our diets must reflect healthy choices that will make us glow. So given the rising temps, we asked Joanna for a little advice on how to weather the summer transition and what it means for our skin. Her answers, below.

 

A Wild Dove 

Ok, so we all need a skin detox after winter. Your Spring Clean Detox Facial sounds like magic. Can you tell us more about it?

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Joanna Vargas 

I love seasonal product changes and treatments. The skin changes so much depending on weather and humidity levels. Detoxing after a long winter is something I think everyone should do, and greens are an excellent way to do that!

 

A Wild Dove 

Greens inside and out! For in-home maintenance, it sounds like the Daily Serum, aka "green juice for the skin," is an extension of the facial. Can you describe?

Joanna Vargas 

My all-natural Daily Serum is packed with vital greens and is inspired by my love of green juicing. It contains oat grass juice for the lymphatic system, chlorophyll for oxygenation, vitamins A, C, E, and F found in leafy greens, and hyaluronic acid. My favorite ingredient is galactoarabinan.  It causes more cell turnover than a glycolic but it’s anti-inflammatory, so it doesn't cause irritation. It's the top selling product in my salon because it works for everyone and it’s my secret weapon for dull skin.

 

A Wild Dove 

That sounds amazing. How do you refresh your skin to transition it into spring/summer? Either through treatments or product changes?

 

Joanna Vargas 

Spring and summer skin needs less moisture but just as much TLC because of our increased exposure to the environment. A change in the weather really changes the needs of our skin. Once the weather gets warmer, I suggest changing your skincare routine to just serums. In addition to my Daily Serum, I also have a nighttime formula called Rejuvenating Serum, which is made from argan oil for vitamin C, jojoba oil for balancing oil production, olive oil, a skin softener, neroli oil for better circulation, and rose hip oil for environmental protection. It improves your skin’s ability to heal and the texture of the skin.

I also always encourage people to carry a little bottle of rose water spray in their bag. Rose is awesome for hydrating skin when mixed with water and feels incredible when you are getting sticky from walking around outside.

 
 

A Wild Dove 

Wow! Well, we love it and now we know why! What are some the ways we can avoid breakouts and oily complexions in the summer heat?

 

Joanna Vargas 

Summer skin gets stressed immediately after our first big weekend in the sun. Not only does our skin have to adjust to the drying effects of air conditioning, we have the sun, sweat, pollution and sunscreen all attacking our skin! It's hard to maintain great skin in the summer, but a good start is to exfoliate twice a week to clean pores and get rid of the dry dead cells on the surface of the skin.

 

The Joanna Vargas Green Juice Recipe

 
 

  • 4 leaves romaine

  • 1 stalk celery

  • 1 whole cucumber

  • A handful of spinach

  • A handful of parsley

  • A handful of kale

  • 1 whole apple

  • A dash of lemon and ginger

 

find out more

joannavargas.com

Lynn Loves - Memorial Weekend Edition

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

 

In our latest Dove Loves, we’re bringing you fashion and beauty products that we’ll be obsessing over all weekend long. Straight from Lynn, herself, get the scoop on the lust-worthy items that are tried, tested and adored by A Wild Dove.

 
 

These were love at first sight. Between the rose color and the velvet, I feel like I am wearing slippers all day. They are super comfy and perfect for denim, dresses and shorts. I have a feeling I will be living in these this summer.

 

 
 

An all natural balm with a blend of olive and shea oil, beeswax and grapefruit essential oil. You can use it everywhere - lips, eyes and cheek. The No 2, is sheer with just a hint of berry color for that perfect summer, rosy glow. It’s super hydrating and the shape is perfect for that sun-kissed lip look. AND it’s so tiny which makes it perfect for running around.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Hands down the happiest thing I own. They just make me smile. I am SO not an earring girl, but these may have converted me. They are perfect with anything and everything - jeans, dresses, beach days, city nights. Even though they are big, they're so light that I forget I’m even wearing them.

 
 
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It uses a combination of fruit extracts to exfoliate and
then, like magic, transforms into a milky toner that washes off. I love using their Daily Orbit Energizing Essence to follow, even though you don’t really need a toner since it does both. It’s a minimal product and perfect for those days when there just seems to be no time for that extra step.

 
 
 
 

Love Love Love. I’m all about large rings and well, this is perfect. I don’t wear much jewelry, but I love statement pieces (see Gaya Earrings above). It feels so much easier to put on one or two big pieces and then you’re out the door. And the marble is so unique, I feel like I'm wearing a piece of art.

 
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A WILD DOVE

 
 
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