Body Care

My Month of Josh Rosebrook 

By Dev, CN Manager + Skincare Connoisseur

A compliment we frequently get at Cambridge Naturals is that there’s always something exciting and new waiting for customers on our shelves. In a general sense, I would say that every industry puts a lot of energy behind building expectations for the hot new thing that everyone simply must have. 

One downside of this tendency in our wider culture is that - in all the hustle and bustle of identifying new up-and-coming brands and fun products - it’s easy to overlook the accomplishments of truly foundational, innovative brands. Brands with products that opened industry doors and delighted consumers in unexpected ways, setting up new possibilities and standards in skincare from which those new up-and-comers work.

One such brand, and the focus of this specific post, is Josh Rosebrook. 

Josh Rosebrook introduced his skincare line to the general public in 2009, with a focus on high quality botanical and biomimetic ingredients. (Within the realm of skincare, biomimetic refers to ingredients that “mimic” the natural compounds produced in the human body. These aid in the absorption and maintenance of our skin’s natural pH range. A great example of this is botanical hyaluronic acid, which is highly similar to the same hyaluronic acid our bodies produce in our joints, eyes, etc.) Josh and his team have truly put in the work to produce skincare products that are founded in research-driven cosmetic science.

After an informative brand training, I was recently given the generous opportunity to try a sequence of their face care line, from cleanser to face balm. As a fun challenge to myself (and as a way to really test the renowned excellence of their products,) I decided to use nothing but Josh Rosebrook face care products as part of my daily routine for at least a month. Which I did this July!

(Important note: I didn’t stop after a month! You probably won’t want to, either.)  

Here’s a more specific run-down of the products I was gifted, all of which have unique formulas and strengths on their own, but make botanical and biomimetic magic together. 

  1. Complete Moisture Cleanse Gel: one thing I appreciate about JR’s skincare line is that you can easily tell from the scents alone that they utilize high quality botanicals in their products. No cloying fragrances at all. Their cleanse gel is pleasantly mild and a great choice for anyone with sensitive or reactive skin. It leaves my skin feeling smooth but not stripped of necessary moisture. 

  2. Daily Acid Toner: time to tone! JR’s acid toner is a powerhouse of actives, including citric, malic, glycolic, and pyruvic acids. It’s a great exfoliator and the addition of aloe means that it isn’t too drying, and will leave your skin happy and pH-balanced. 

  3. Active Infusion Facial Oil: a great moisturizer on its own, for all skin types. It contains a uniquely gentle retinoic acid ester that provides the antioxidant and age support benefits people are seeking in retinols, but without the associated high level of sensitivity afterwards. Feels light and amazing underneath the next one on our list…

  4. Vital Balm Cream: the true darkhorse of this experiment! I didn’t go in expecting to love this specific product so much, but I’m afraid this is one I won’t be giving up anytime soon. It has a delightful whipped, sponge-like texture and a fantastic scent. It melts into your skin and absorbs quickly, leaving you feeling plump and glowy for hours afterwards. 

The following two products are ones I already owned and, of course, already swore by:

  1. Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30: Particularly in the hot summer months, a good SPF is indispensable. Josh Rosebrook’s SPF day cream is light, goes on smoothly, and is additionally a great base for any cosmetics you might want to follow with. They also have produced a tinted formula to cut down on the milky cast for those with darker skin tones.

  2. Advanced Hydration Face Mask: Not a daily product for me, but could be for you! A great staple to have for times when a little extra moisture is needed, or when skin is particularly dull or lackluster. Great for use overnight if you want to wake up with deliciously plump skin. I would say that all of JR’s products are extremely clean and mildly pleasant smelling, but the Advanced Hydration mask is a stand-out in this category with a beautiful color to match. 

After a month, I would say that I noticed some specific changes in my skin that I was happy to see. “Plump” is the one word I would lean on the most; my skin was very hydrated and dewy, even after a full workday. I received a lot of compliments on how soft it both looked and felt to the touch, which was definitely downstream of how gently resurfacing and balance-focused their skincare line is. 

It’s a brand I would highly recommend to those with reactive and sensitive skin in particular, as so many of their products are geared towards retaining moisture and keeping the facial skin balanced. I always wake up and look forward to the simple ritual of my face care routine, and the added enjoyment of getting to experiment with just a single, powerful line of products is one I’d be more than willing to try again! 

Additionally, this past month we did a fun mini-facial event with Josh Rosebrook, as well! Keep an eye on our social media and newsletter for similar opportunities in the future.

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The 'No Makeup' Makeup Look!

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By Allison, Supplies Coordinator & Green Beauty Enthusiast

Makeup can be overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out or trying to achieve a certain aesthetic. Today, I am going to spotlight the ‘No Makeup’ Makeup Look with a step-by-step guide.

Here is how I achieved effortless radiance: (Disclaimer: I am an enthusiast, not an expert!)

  • Fill brows with brow pencil.

  • Give brows hold by combing through with a brow gel.

  • Now for the eyes, apply tinted sunscreen to the lid and set with a setting powder.

    • I applied the Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream Tinted SPF as a base to my lids and followed up with setting powder (before applying eyeshadow).

    • This will help the eyeshadow stay without creasing.

    • Again, for more coverage opt for a concealer on the lids instead of tinted moisturizer. 

  • Apply eyeshadow.

    • I used the Jane Iredale PurePressed Eyeshadow in Pink Quartz. I applied the lightest shade to the whole eye using a fluffy eyeshadow brush to brighten the eye. Then, I applied the medium shade to the outer corner of the crease to give the eye some shape and definition - make sure to blend it so that you aren’t left with harsh edges.

  • Apply mascara to finish off the eyes. 

  • Use a multi stick to apply blush.

    • I used the Axiology Multi Stick Tinted Dew in Humble to give my cheeks a bright yet natural rosiness. I applied it to the apples of my cheeks, but lots of people have a preferred blush location for their personal face shape - so apply it wherever you like!

    • Cream blush will give a natural radiance to the skin that is desired in the ‘No Makeup’ Makeup Look - powder blushes will create a more matte finish.

  • Finally! Lips - apply the same multi stick used for blush to your lips

Now let’s up the glam just a little bit! (optional)

The final elevated look!

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Great Gift Idea! Budget-Friendly At Home Spa Night

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By Alyssa P

CN Buyer, Herbalism Student

Give your loved ones the gift of a budget friendly, at home spa night! As fun as the holidays can be, they can also bring stress and a lack of time to slow down. A gift that can help facilitate an evening dedicated to caring for body and mind might be just what’s in order for that special someone. Plus, the whole bundle costs under $25 and has enough for multiple uses of everything (with the exception of the bath bomb).

A bottle of Plantlife Castor Oil is first on the list- it is an excellent moisturizer and makes a great scalp and hair mask too. To use castor oil as a hair mask, place a few drops all over your scalp and rub in. You can also apply it directly to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave on for about 30 minutes. While you’re waiting for the castor oil to get all soaked in, you can make an herbal facial steam with a custom herb blend (some herb ideas are listed below). To make your steam, heat up some water in a medium sized pot. You don’t need much water- only about 16 oz or so. When the water starts boiling, take the pot off of the heat, add in your herb blend (4-6 tablespoons total is plenty), and cover with a lid. Covering the pot will keep in all of the volatile oils that aromatic herbs contain which can provide extra benefits for you skin. Let the pot cool down for about 10 minutes, and then uncover, find a comfortable spot, and lean your face over the pot and cover yourself with a towel to make a mini steam room. Breathe in the scent of the herbs for 10 to 15 minutes. This is also a great practice to use in times of congestion, as the steam will help to move everything along.

Wash out your hair mask with the next item on the list- a Just Soap Shampoo Bar. I love this shampoo bar because it’s extremely cost efficient at $3.99 as well as cleansing without stripping the hair of natural oils. It also contains rosemary which is an amazing herb for overall hair health. You could also take a nice long bath with a Relaxus Bath Bomb and light the cutest mini candle in the store to add some ambiance. Relaxus bath bombs come in a variety of relaxing scents including lavender, chamomile, and rosemary, and the candle smells like cinnamon.

Together, this gift bundle will be sure to help relax your friends and family without putting too much financial strain on yourself. Here is a cost detailing below:

Plantlife castor oil $4.99

Facial steam herb blend ~

1/4 oz by weight each:

All together this will cost around $22 total!

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Make Your Own Hydrosol for Summer!

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By Dev Foster
CN Manager & Hydrosol Afficionado

Is there anything more refreshing than a sweet botanical hydrosol on a hot day? 

Floral and botanical hydrosols have always been popular in skincare routines, either post-cleanser or just any time for a quick and nourishing pick-me-up. Hydrosols are actually condensate waters produced during the steam distillation of essential oils, as a by-product. They retain the water soluble vitamin and mineral content of the plant matter, whereas essential oils retain the fat soluble plant content, with few-to-no vitamins or minerals. 

As such, depending on the plant used in the hydrosol, it can have beneficial properties for skin health, texture, and tone. Popular hydrosols used in skin care products include rose, lavender, chamomile, witch hazel, and frankincense, among many others.

It’s surprisingly easy to make your own custom hydrosol at home using simple distillation! Yes, without a still. You might have all the tools you need right now in your kitchen already. Today we’ll be making one with lavender, rose, and frankincense. 

Find many delightful dried herbs in our bulk section!

Materials:

  • Large cooking / stock / canning pot with lid

  • Heat-safe stand (canning racks are perfect if you have a canning pot, but you can use any heat-safe bowl or tin as a stand, or even a large enough rock with a flat surface.)

  • Heat-safe bowl (to collect hydrosol in.)

  • Around 3-5 cups of flowers, herbs, etc. Fresh is ideal, but dried is great as well. For this recipe, we’ll be using 2 cups of organic dried lavender flowers, 2 cups of organic dried rose petals, and a half cup of organic frankincense resin, all available in our bulk section. 

  • Distilled water 

  • Ice cubes

The process:

  • Wash all of your equipment to eliminate potential bacteria. 

  • Place your stand (rock, ramekin, rack, etc.) in the middle of the pot and place your heat-safe container on top of the stand. This container is where hydrosol will gather. 

  • Around the base of your stand, place your flowers / herbs / etc. Cover them with distilled water until they’re just submerged; there’s no approximate amount of water needed.

  • Turn the pot lid upside down and place it on top of the pot; place a pile of ice cubes in the inverted lid.

  • Turn on the heating element to low/medium heat beneath the pot, and simmer for as long as necessary; hydrosol can be produced in as little as 25-30 minutes or over the course of hours with replenished ice, water, and organic materials. It all depends on how much hydrosol you want to collect. 

The hydrosol itself, at the end of this process, should be translucent. After about an hour with the amount of dried lavender, rose, and frankincense resin used for this recipe, the end result was ~16 ounces of delicious smelling hydrosol. The water your flowers and herbs were soaking in can also be strained and also used as a refreshing botanical spray, or in other skincare products like lotion. Hydrosols keep best in the fridge, and typically last several months or more. Dispose of your hydrosol when it begins to smell off or 'bloom' with noticeable cloudy matter; for this reason, it's often better to keep them in clear bottles rather than tinted glass. Happy DIY-ing!

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Earth Day is Every Day: Low-Waste Picks for Daily Sustainability

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Small Steps, Big Impact!

by CN team member Courtney

Cambridge Naturals Camp Mug

This camp mug is coming with us everywhere this summer. It’s made by Miir, whose values are centered around lowering their impact on the environment, and giving back to the community. Our 12oz mugs are a breeze to carry and clean, and can easily hook onto a backpack thanks to the steel handle. 

Gladrags and Menstrual Cups

If you’re a menstruating person, these reusable menstrual care products might soon change your life! As many of us know, waste created by traditional menstrual care products is responsible for a portion of the globe’s plastic waste. Purchasing reusable menstrual care products not only reduce waste, but they save SO much money. Have you ever added up the cost of a monthly box of tampons or pads…? Aside from the plastic packaging, the price tag over a lifetime of menstruating is sky high. 

No Tox Life Vegan Dishwashing Block

These dishwashing blocks are made of simple ingredients that will get your dishes squeaky clean, sans harsh chemicals and plastic. The ingredients are biodegradable, septic safe and completely plant-based. We use these to scrub our dishes and sinks alike. 

Georganics Mouthwashing Tablets (and everything else they make!)

Mouthwash is no longer something that lives in a giant bottle under the sink (is anyone else’s dad still a loyal Listerine fan??). These sleek tablets are not only plastic free and highly portable, but they are made with ingredients you can pronounce and recognize: Sodium Bicarbonate, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Mentha Piperita Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Colourings, Menthol, Thymol, Limonene. Plus, Georganics estimates that their tablets will last you about 3x longer than the average bottle of mouthwash. 

Heart Grown Wild Intuition Face Steam

For anyone who loves skincare, but doesn’t love how it can negatively impact our planet’s waste (heavy packaging, long travel time, overharvesting of endangered medicinal plants), enter Heart Grown Wild. Santalena creates all of her products with love in her Vermont apothecary. She partners with a local forestry company when sourcing her wild plant ingredients, and takes great care in working with what’s seasonally available. Her packaging is simple and reusable and the ingredients are so natural, you can easily find them in many of our tea blends. 

 
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DIY Mask Refresher Spray!

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Mask feeling a little funky from breathing your own breath? Perhaps it’s especially funky after a few handfuls of Organic Sea Salt + Onion Cashews? CN team member Emily J. has created a super simple recipe for a mask-refreshing spray that you can take anywhere! Let us know if you give it a try : )

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Heal your winter skin!

Ahhh, the joys of wintertime in Boston. Shorter days, bone-chilling temps, icy sidewalks, frigid winds whipping through the streets. As if that wasn’t delightful enough, one’s skin begins cracking and peeling, and that dormant dermatitis temporarily finds a new and vigorous lease on life.

But fear not! There are healthy solutions to dry and itchy skin. Along with drinking lots of water and getting ample rest, our squad of staff experts have some go-to favorites for keeping your epidermis baby smooth all winter long!

Evanhealy's Blue Cactus Beauty Elixir

”I slather on Evan Healy's Blue Cactus Beauty Elixir every morning after washing my face. It keeps my face super moisturized and has really helped with the amount of dry flaky skin on my nose and cheeks. The sweet smell of Blue Tansy oil is an added bonus!'“
- Stephanie, Body Care Buyer

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Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm Cream

”Josh Rosebrook Vital Balm Cream is that product I can’t live without. Clean ingredients, works wonders on my dry skin, giving it immediate relief, especially during the winter season. It is light yet super hydrating, a little bit goes a long way and it also gives my skin a dewy look after application. Definitely recommend!”
- Jessi, Body Care Buyer

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Heart Grown Wild In The Trees CBD Body Oil

”This body oil is phenomenal! Not only does it smell like an evergreen forest, it has just the right amount of CBD oil to truly soothe tired muscles and nourish dry or inflamed skin.”
- Ellen, Body Care Buyer

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Weleda Skin Food

“The scent is just so unique, and it has a thicker texture compared to other lotions that I really like. When I need serious repair for my dry hands and cuticles, Weleda Skin Food is my go to!”
- Mike, Grocery Buyer

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Alaffia Fair-Trade Unscented Shea Butter

”Alaffia’s Unscented Shea Butter is a year-round staple for me, but especially in these dry winter months. I find that adding even a tiny dab to my daily face regimen helps stop dry, flaky spots from forming, and leaves my skin with a nourished glow. Sometimes I’ll even use it as a face mask – slathering my face with a thick coating, letting it sit for an hour or so, and then taking the excess off with a warm damp cloth. And on days where I’m blowing my nose a lot, applying a little shea butter afterwards can keep my skin from getting angry.”
- Sam, Body Care Buyer + Assistant Manager

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Ginger Chi Jade Roller

“Is there anything more luxurious than rolling a cool, smooth stone over your skin? Perhaps, but this certainly does the trick for me. Jade rollers have been used for centuries in China to refine the skin, enhance elasticity, tighten pores, increase circulation, and soothe inflammation. My tired and worn-out winter face feels amazing after I apply on my facial oil and roll!”
- Emily Kanter, Co-Owner

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Dry Skin Brushing

”Dry Skin Brushing has been a transformative addition to my skincare routine. Dry brushing somewhat forces me to take 10 minutes to myself and focus on each inch of my body. Working in long, slow strokes or small circles, I work my skin brush from my ankles to my armpits and everywhere in between. I feel and see a noticeable difference in my skin's softness as well as experiencing a rejuvenated, renewed feeling of shedding the old and welcoming the new. Dry skin brushing is an easy addition to a routine or a perfect way to start a new routine. Wake up every inch of YOU!”
- Caitlin, Body Care Lead

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Beauty Uniform: Julia Teren of Thesis Beauty

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Julia Teren, founder of Thesis Beauty

Julia Teren, founder of Thesis Beauty

By Mary, The Naturalist Contributor & Body Care Buyer

Reading the label of a skincare product is like reading a nutrition label, except worse. There’s an ingredient list, common allergies, there are chemicals I know I want to avoid, chemicals that sound like I should avoid them but are really just a fancy name for Vitamin E which I don’t want to avoid, and there are ingredients I covet. There are oils we all know and love (Jojoba! Rosehip!) and oils we didn’t know about before we saw them bottled and prepared on the shelf (Moringa!). Then there are 4 different kinds of the same oil and 3 different moisturizers claiming to target sensitive skin. It reminds me of the first time I moved out of my parents house and had a panic attack, standing in the middle of the bread aisle at a supermarket in West Hollywood, overwhelmed at 18 years old by the sheer amount of options I had and wondering whether I should even be eating bread anyway.

Julia Teren, founder of Thesis Beauty and self proclaimed Beauty Purist, has created a line of incredibly pure and effective skin care while making sure labels are easy for consumers to digest. I discovered Thesis like many of you probably did: while longingly searching for non toxic skin care that actually worked. Thesis also became my first realization that skincare could be the next local food movement. By choosing Thesis I’m supporting a local family owned business that uses premium organic ingredients without charging me a premium price. By supporting Thesis, I’m helping grow the rich community of makers, artists, and healers that call New England their home.

Below, Julia shares her own experience with discovering pure beauty and how Thesis came to be.

Thesis is a local favorite among Cambridge Naturalists, what was the first product you created as a brand that led to the growth of the company?

First of all, we are so proud to be part of the awesome Camberville community and Cambridge Naturals and grateful for all the unbelievable support we are getting! Thank you so much!
The first product I came up with after months and months of extensive research was the serum Lullaby for Dry Skin. At the time I was struggling with skin dryness exacerbated by living in an urban area such as Los Angeles. The weirdest thing was that my skin was dry, but still breaking out. At times it would actually swing in the opposite direction and produce crazy amounts of sebum while still feeling awfully dehydrated, flaking, and just looked embarrassing. Nothing I got in stores (and at the time I was dead set on going organic and natural) could fix this, no matter the price. So it was my priority to make something soothing and moisturizing for the face first to alleviate dryness, clear flaking, and stop breakouts. Countless hours were spent to come up with this truly balanced, nutritious formula that was light, moisturizing, and smelling great.

They say you have to spend at least 10,000 hours to master a skill, I think I paid my dues beyond that. In the meantime I was also trying to formulate a good cream because my shins were so dry and itchy I was scratching myself to tears. Dozens of failed experiments later, a silky Lavender cream was born. Those two were my saviors and the formulas have experienced minimal changes since their debut because they were so successful.

Julia and Serge

Julia and Serge

How has Thesis changed since those beginnings?

Well, it's been a journey. We started back in 2009. We had a different name and very much homemade packaging, and the bottles and jars were blue. I had to master Photoshop and photography skills from scratch in order to come up with professional-looking labels. In fact, I had to re-design them at least 3 times. But from the very beginning, and to this day, we have been focusing on eco-friendly packaging, mostly glass with sun-protective qualities. So on the surface, the design has changed, but our organic-vegan-eco ethos is firmly rooted in all we do.

I love the term “beauty purist.” It sums up those of us searching for nontoxic and sustainable skincare products perfectly. When/how did you first become a self proclaimed “beauty purist?”
I think I have this perfectionist mentality where everything has to be done to the highest standards or it's not worth doing at all. So I can relate to how frustrating it can be to read skincare label. Say, as a beauty purist, you want to find a product that would be organic, vegan, and simple. What you find instead: asterisks on the labels with exceptions, or in-brackets explanations with the "derived from" theme, or with free-from list of ingredients while the ingredient panel would be plagued with a lot of other chemicals. So when I started Thesis I decided it must be the best or what's the point in wasting ingredients.

What’s your daily skincare routine? Does this change with the seasons or while traveling?

That is a very good question. My friend just asked me yesterday: "Which products in your line do you use?" and I replied "All of them!" - that's because I developed them originally to tackle my own skin issues. In summer, when it's hot and steamy my dry skin behaves more like combo type, so I use products intended for oily/combo skin to curb excessive sebum production and control pores. As heat subsides and we step into cooler, dryer months my skin swings back to its normal, dry self, so I begin to swap one product after another to gradually revert back to the dry skin routine. But regardless of the season, I am trying to be good about following simple steps: #1 Removing makeup, if necessary. I really only wear mineral mascara and occasionally mineral eye shadows. Lately I got obsessed with super bright lipsticks, so those may require makeup remover for sure. #2 Cleansing. I love Tender as Petals for its mildness, and it's also just very slightly scrubby and gives me a gentle massage. #3 Moisturizing - it's everything for me. The one thing that I can't forget while traveling or under any other circumstances is a moisturizer. #4 Scrubs and masks - whenever the life of a busy mom permits. I sometimes apply a mask even just for 5-10 minutes before little hands start knocking on the bathroom door, but it already makes me feel better, taken care of, and the skin is certainly very happy even with this effort. I am grateful that this routine liberated me from camouflaging my skin with foundations because there is usually nothing to camouflage anymore.

The Thesis Beauty Team (including Bjorn)!

The Thesis Beauty Team (including Bjorn)!

What has inspired or continues to inspire your beauty uniform?

The raw movement. Several years ago I got inspired by bloggers and recipe books describing raw, living foods - the dishes on those photographs looked better than what they were called to substitute! To that end, I feel like organizing my kitchen better played a very important role in improving cooking habits and transitioning to raw.


I try to apply raw principles to my skincare formulas as well - most ingredients are raw, unprocessed and food grade. It also made me look deeper into supplements and vitamins, so now I only use raw, organic vitamins, live probiotics, unprocessed proteins, etc. Raw and organic ingredients provide maximum benefit to the skin and the body which has been confirmed by a number of studies. I can attest to that with my own experience. I also used to get enough sleep, but with when our son came I haven't slept in probably 2 years. I attribute my energy and complexion to the beauty uniform that I am trying to uphold as best I can.

If you could offer one piece of advice to aspiring beauty purists, what would it be?

Reading labels and understanding ingredients is essential, so it pretty much boils down to educating yourself about what should and shouldn't be on your plate, in your lotion, in your laundry, etc. Another aspect of it is the perceived beauty standard touted explicitly or subliminally by media, movies etc - they are forced upon us. Also at play are our inner unresolved issues, complexes that prevent us from loving and accepting ourselves as we deserve. I strongly believe that healthy is beautiful - the rest is passing trend.

Do you have a favorite Thesis product or one that is particularly special to you?

Serum for Dry Skin is my favorite moisturizer. It helped me normalize my skin, transition to a purist routine, and eventually drop camouflaging with everyday makeup.

Thank you so much for sharing your Beauty Uniform with us, Julia! For updates from Thesis follow them on instagram @thesisbeauty

Not just a number: Introducing Plain Jane Beauty

By Caitlin, CN Body Care Lead

In a world cluttered with toxic cosmetics, it’s no wonder that choosing the right foundation can be such a daunting task. Making the switch to safer can seem like a lifestyle overhaul, especially when you’ve been (as so many of us have!) bowing at the feet of conventional cosmetics for years. At Cambridge Naturals, we understand the need for clean cosmetics that actually work, and most importantly, we understand the urgency of partnering with inclusive beauty and body care brands that offer a variety of styles and shades - suiting the needs of all of our diverse customer base, not just a small selection.

“Being a ‘green’ and sustainable business is more than just paper recycling, car pooling and water conservation. Those things matter too, however, it also includes fostering business relationships with like-minded vendors and manufacturers; sustainable ingredient sourcing, product packaging; fair labor practices and social and economic responsibility.”
— Lake Louise, Founder of Plain Jane Beauty

Our latest partner in the Body Care Department is Plain Jane Beauty - a champion in inclusive and clean cosmetic formulation. Formulated by certified makeup artist, Lake Louise, Plain Jane Beauty offers 17 shades of liquid foundation from ivory to ebony - and we carry every one of them! Lake Louise tasked herself with creating a cosmetic line that had foundations for all shades without compromising the health of your skin or the performance of her products. With fabulous foundation names like “I am Exquisite”, “I am Magnificent”, "I am Brilliant" and “I am Radiant”, Plain Jane Beauty affirms your lifestyle choices, your power of choice, and your strength and beauty.

Lake Louise Ziwa, founder of Plain Jane Beauty

Lake Louise Ziwa, founder of Plain Jane Beauty

Plain Jane Beauty’s liquid mineral foundations blend aesthetics with ethics. Using natural mineral pigments, certified organic ingredients and plant oils such as frankincense, neem and calendula, your skin will be fully nourished without feeling greasy or clogged!

Not only is Plain Jane Beauty making strides with cosmetics, but they’re making strides as a “green” business. Lake Louise says “being a ‘green’ and sustainable business is more than just paper recycling, car pooling and water conservation. Those things matter too, however, it also includes fostering business relationships with like-minded vendors and manufacturers; sustainable ingredient sourcing, product packaging; fair labor practices and social and economic responsibility.” Plain Jane Beauty uses fair trade coffee, cocoa powder and shea butter, certified organic ingredients whenever possible, and makes a conscious effort with eco-friendly packaging and promotion. Plain Jane Beauty reuses shipping packaging and boxes, prints all marketing materials locally and on recycled paper and uses vegetable-based inks. We are excited to offer this brand in store, and we know you’ll be excited by this wide range of colors, too!

We highly value our partnership with Plain Jane Beauty, and we welcome you to come try out their products with us! Please ask our Body Care team for a sample to try out! We are happy to help you find the shade that best suits you!

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The Father's Day Gift Guide

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It's time to celebrate dad! If you're having trouble finding the perfect gift, Caitlin has rounded up some of our favorite clean and effective body care and lifestyle products to show dad some love:

Brothers Artisan Oil “The Wash”

Charlestown, MA based Brothers Artisan Oil delivers quality cleansing for face, body and hair all wrapped into one! Tea Tree and Charcoal for those long days that need washing away and Blood Orange, Lemon and Lavender for a nice, relaxing weekend wash to relish in.

LEAP Organics Lip Balms

Hyper-local brand LEAP Organics will have your father figure moisturizing their lips in style! Eucalyptus Mint, Lavender and Citrus flavors all feature fantastic artwork of animals in need of our help! When you buy LEAP Organics, you’re supporting local and supporting LEAP’s charitable partner, 1% for the Planet, which receives 1% of LEAP purchases. The earth will thank you!

A Wild Soap Bar Timber and Coal Soaps

These chunks of soap stack perfectly on any surface, and lather incredibly well! If your dad is looking for that powerful, grounding signature scent, look no further! Handcrafted in small batches, A Wild Soap Bar’s Jory Hanus “celebrates the average hardworking American whose hands helped build this great nation, providing a nostalgic look back at a simpler, more honest time”. Worth a wash!

Badger Basic Shave Kit

Fellow local B Corp, Badger, is dedicated to taking care of parents and their children offering the babies at work program and partially subsidized, reasonably priced childcare. Something else Badger is doing for parents is providing the perfect self care products. With the Basic Shave Kit, dad will be enjoying his “me time”, too!

EnviroCare Combs  

Made in the USA from 100% recycled material, GMO and BPA-Free - what’s not to love?! We love EnviroCare because they’re a family-owned business that’s been around for over 40 years, just like Cambridge Naturals! Gifting EnviroCare Combs this Father’s Day not only will make your dad’s hair happy, but it will support an environmentally conscious family-owned business, too!

Maika Travel Kits

Want to ditch the idea of one-time use gift wrapping this Father’s Day? Put your dad’s gifts in these great travel cases by Maika! Printed on recycled canvas with eco-friendly inks, these are sure to be something your father will feel great about using over and over again!