First, what was the first skincare product that you ever made? What was the inspiration to do so?
The first product that I ever made was 'Olena Oil and it is still a favorite of many. This is the most traditional product in our lineup and was actually our medicine cabinet go-to healer long before it became a Honua favorite. It's a sun infused blend of antioxidant rich Hawaiian oils infused with anti-inflammatory 'Olena (turmeric) and our magical healing Noni plant. This Hawaiain potion helped heal burns, rashes, wounds, cuts, bites... better than any cortisone. So when I became an esthetician and skin became my focus, I realized how beneficial this blend could be for sun damage, acne, skin regeneration, inflammation... and it sure was.
What is your favorite botanical ingredient?
Hmm, I have a few but if I had to pick ONE it would be 'Ōlena or Hawaiian turmeric.. You will find this ingredient in a few of my products because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. About 15 years ago while studying the underlying issues of skin conditions, I found inflammation was the root cause of almost all skin conditions. That's when I decided to put that to the test and created a few of my own skincare tinctures using the most potent Hawaiian anti-inflammatories. 'Olena was my hero ingredient and proved herself well. She helps treat the root of underlying skin conditions while helping topically to both calm and brightening the complexion.
Do you have a favorite product in your current line?
I don't really have a favorite as they all do different things for my skin, and actually each has its own inspirational story of why/how it was created. BUT... right now during this time of quarantine, I would have to say my Pa'akai Cleansing Cream as it has Hawaiian ocean water in it .. which helps to heal my soul and gives me some much needed ocean therapy. My skin also loves salt water, so this cleanser makes my skin happy.
Our customers are crazy about your SPF day cream. Natural sunscreens, facial ones specifically, are so difficult to find that don't feel dry/cakey and/or look super white on the skin. What is your secret??
Oh this one took me over 2 years to perfect.. It was my first lab collab, so I can't take all the credit, but I believe it's the perfect blend of oils, Noni, Laukahi and just the right amount of non-nano zinc and emulsifiers. There were many versions that didn't pass the test.
Your Beauty Water is such an interesting product, and I think our customers often see it on the shelf (or website) and think of it as just a toner. But it is so much more! Can you share a little bit about the product... how it works and how to use it?
Thank you, it is a fun one. A multi-tasker for sure and not just a toner. I created this one when I was a make-up artist so I could exfoliate my models on location. As an esthetician I understood that flawless make-up meant I needed to create a flawless canvas, and many times models would show up with dry, flaky skin in need of a good exfoliation. So I created a liquid exfoliant that I could pump on to a cotton round and use without water or making a mess. This blend of BHAs, AHAs and Enzymes (from Papaya, Hibiscus, Sugarcane and Willowbark) helped to instantly remove flakes, brighten and tighten skin while leaving it fresh and glowing. I named it Hawaiian Beauty Water as I feel a beauty water describes it best…brighten, tighten, exfoliate and tone all in one step.
Did you ever create a total skincare failure? What did you learn from that experience?
Hahaha a couple.. my first turmeric mask which I used at my apothecary spa in Hawaii when I first started left people with bright yellow/orange faces for hours, lol. It had tremendous benefits, as long as you didn't mind being yellow all day…haha. What did I learn? That some people didn't love looking like an oompa loompa…and so eventually learned how to create extracts and use other oils and ingredients that help to neutralize the color and make it absorb without the stain factor. I have also created masks that explode out of the jar using too much active honey. I have lots of fun creation stories.
I just turned 40.... what's your advice for skincare over 40? ( I get to ask selfish questions right??)
Not selfish at all. I'm actually loving my skin the most I ever have as I enter into my 40s.
First of all, It's not too late to turn around damaged skin or to start taking good care NOW. I wrecked my skin for 20 plus years growing up in Hawaii (too much sun) and was told by esthetics teachers 15 years ago that the damage was done and that it would only get worse. But I started doing these things and I feel like my skin is almost better now that it was 15 years ago.
1. SPF (zinc based) daily.. even if you think you aren't going to be in the direct sun. If you are heading to the beach or a long day in the sun, bring it with you to reapply.
2. Your skin's best friends... Antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and omega fatty acids both topically and internally. Most of the ingredients in my skincare products, I actually consume internally as well. To be clear I don't eat my products, lol…just some of the ingredients. 'Ōlena, Noni, Ni'oi (chili pepper), honey and Mac Nut Oil are some of my favs.
3. Gentle but regular exfoliation to keep skin looking fresh while increasing skin cell turnover
4. Lots of water, hydrated skin always looks more youthful
5. Smile.. expression lines are inevitable, but people won't notice them and you will enjoy them a lot more when you are wearing a nice big smile.
These are such unique times we are living in and everyone is finding their own way through it. What is your #1 self care practice right now?
Spending as much time outdoors...walking, biking, gardening, playing with the kids or even working. Even if I'm on my laptop working, I like to set up on my covered patio so I can get fresh air, sunlight and enjoy nature or people (since we can't really hang out with people right now.. it's kinda nice just seeing neighbors stroll by.)
Anything else you want to tell us?
Hmmm.. I love to travel and have not been to Cambridge yet. Would love to come visit the store in person one day and meet you all in person!
We could love that too!!!
