Trial Skincare Sets from Blissoma
Photo courtesy of Blissoma
This St. Louis-based skin care company was founded by Julie Longyear, who describes the brand as an “elegant marriage of herbal form and function." It uses all vegan and organic ingredients to provide groundbreaking skin care benefits for all skin types. Blissoma offers Trial Skincare Sets ($48) depending on skin type (mature, dry, sensitive, or combination). Each trial set consists of generously sized (still TSA-approved) samples based on one’s skin care types and needs. The sets are designed to last long enough to show benefits within the skin and the ingredients are endorsed by estheticians. 2730 Lasalle.
Cream Eye Polish from RMS Beauty
Photo courtesy of Blissoma
RMS Beauty’s basic philosophy is to provide top-grade cosmetics and skin care products that are completely organic. They provide the skin with beneficial nutrients without tampering with the color pay-off. Its Cream Eye Polish in Myth is a beautiful taupe, crème eye shadow that can be worn alone or as a metallic pop on a smoky eye. It suits all skin tones, which makes it a perfect gift for any makeup minimalist or enthusiast. Select RMS Beauty products can be found at Blissoma.
Beauty Box from Heritage1933
Photo by Bri Collier, courtesy of Heritage1933
Latoya Thompson created Hertiage1933 to start “a movement” of celebrating natural beauty, and to provide basic hair and skin care to less fortunate women and children in need of maintaining and improving their “well-being and self-esteem.” Hertiage1933 is a St. Louis-based brand that is proud of formulating and using “non-toxic” ingredients for hair and skin care. Thompson has created a beautiful Beauty Box (discounted at $19.99 until December 25) consisting of the multipurpose Ms. Know It All Whipped Hair & Body Moisturizing Butter; Purity, a Bentonite clay-based mask; the O.M.G. Seal & Moisturizing Oil, which is packed with natural oils to provide shine, hair growth, and increased health of the hair, and can also be used as a body oil; But First, Coffee: Exfoliating Coffee Scrub, which exfoliates the skin and reduces the appearance of stretch-marks, the harshness of eczema, and other skin conditions. The Beauty Box is available exclusively online. Select Heritage1933 products available at Blissoma.
Body Balm Candle from Bonnie
Photo courtesy of Bonnie
This candle and skin care brand is based in Chicago, and owner Sarah deHebreard has cleverly created the Body Balm Candle. They "use specific proportions of pure soy wax to fuel the flame and plant-based butters and oils to provide skin-nourishing moisture," deHebreard says. To use, wait for a wax pool to form after lighting the candle. Then carefully dip a fingertip into the wax and (cautiously) massage onto dry skin. Scents range from succulent to elegant. Blackberry & Sage ($21) scent is a good, subtle gift for both males and females. Available online or at Urban Matter (4704 Virginia).
Smell Good Daily Tonic Body Spray from West Third Brand
Photo courtesy of West Third Brand
West Third Brand is based outside of Austin, Texas. Founder Michael Loring Probst has created a line of fragrances that embody the tradition of classic perfumery. It's both affordable and adaptable, depending on the wearer. Each scent takes a long time to formulate and create, and each product is made “by the touch of human hands.” A good unisex gift is the Ambre Notti body spray ($36). The combination of cedar and sandalwood scents—with undercurrents of patchouli, white musk, and Tonka bean—makes it appropriate for both women and men. Available online or at Urban Matter.
Shaheera Bhutto is a professional makeup artist living and working in St. Louis and Los Angeles. She specializes in fashion editorial and commercial work.
