September is here, and I’m just about over this heatwave and ready to turn my head towards all things Fall. The kiddos are back to school, the lunch boxes are packed, and after a busy summer, I’m beginning to think about renewing my commitment to myself (hello fitness & healthy eating) and my skin. I mean, whose skin doesn’t take a beating during those months of sun, surf, and sweat? ๐๐ฝโโ๏ธ Well, if you’re right there with me, the September Art of Organics box has you covered.
This monthโs theme, Embrace, is perfect for this period of transition. The featured artwork is from Moglea, an Iowa based stationary and product line that uses antique presses and traditional printing to create unique pieces for your home. After discovering the print this month, I can’t wait to add a few beautiful cards to my stationary collection. The understated neutrals have me longing for cozy sweaters and cozy layers. It’s another great artistic collaboration.
Now, let me tell you about these two great products in this month’s box.
September Art of Organics x Embrace
Thisย Clean Beauty Boxย is all about embracing your age and the cooler months ahead. In your 20s you don’t think about age much, I mean, you’re going to live forever, right? But when you hit your 30s (or mid-30s), you begin to think about your age in a way that you never thought about it before. One day you find yourself married with three kids and you start to think “holy shit I’m getting old.” But it’s ok because good skincare can fix a lot of problems. And aging beautifully is totally possible. This month’s box serves up two products that can help you do just that.
This month features two full-sized serums, theย Wabi-Sabi Botanicalsย “Age Gracefully- Targeted Treatment Serum” ($59) a new to the scene heavy hitter; and theย Odacitรฉ Adventurine Kiss Lip Serum ($44), which is getting tons of buzzย onย Instagram.
Wabi-Sabi Age Gracefully Targeted Treatment Serum
I was excited to see Wabi-sabi Botanicals in this Art of Organics box because it was on my list of ‘brands to learn more about.’ Yup, I have a list. Wabi-sabi made the list because of the brand’s commitment to biodynamic, sustainable and impactful skincare. I love that Wabi-Sabi sources some of the most unique ingredients from the far corners of the globe and does so by engaging the women artisans and creators in those communities. All of their products feature organic, wild-harvested, highly potent ingredients that will nurture your skin. Their commitment to paying fair wagesย and in fundingย Kiva micro-loans for women (setting aside 10% of their proceeds to do so) means you can feel good about investing in your skincare routine.
***To learn more about Kiva, a San Francisco non-profit that connects people through micro-loans which help alleviate poverty check out Kiva.org.***
The Serum
I’m so glad my introduction to Wabi-sabi was through this beautiful multitasking serum. The Age Gracefully Targetedย Treatment Serum may only have three ingredients, but it does not feel skimpy at all. And while it’s not uncommon to find green beauty products withย minimal ingredients, this lineup is quite unique. Organic Cacay Oil is three times more potent than rosehip oil, helps stimulate collagen production and is a natural retinol. This combats fine lines and wrinkles. Up next we have Organic Aรงai Fruit Oil which utilizes chlorophyll to oxygenate your skin cells and plump you up! Lastly, theย Green Coffee Oil,ย cold-pressed from organic green coffee beans, gives the serum a rich scent and feel. It is also chock-full of antioxidants.
Because this serum has a nice viscosity, you can use it in quite a few ways. You can add a drop to any mask you are wearing to give it a boost (my fave), use a teeny drop as an undereye treatment, or use it as a traditional final oil in your routine. A little goes a long way, so be sure to start with about a half a pump. If you’re concerned about using retinol, don’t be, this one is completely safe.ย This naturally occurring retinol is mild and does not cause photosensitivity so it can be used any time of day. Because I tend to experience PMLE, I still keep it to nighttime use, but that is a personal preference. To learn more about retinol use while breastfeeding, check out my post HERE.
Odacitรฉ Adventurine Kiss Serum
You guys, I have seen this lip serum all over Instagram. I had finally decided just to put it in my online cart and buy it when it showed up on my doorstep. Jackpot!ย Odacitรฉ makes a ton of beautiful products. I love their serum concentrates and recently got to try out their Black Mint Cleanser (spoiler alert: I love it), but this product has had so much buzz I wasn’t sure it would live up to the hype. You guys… it does!
Now let me first explain that this is not a balm. This is a lip serum.ย If you’re looking for something thick and highly moisturizing, this ain’t it. This may not be a thick balm, butย added to your routine, it can take your lip game to the next level.
The Aventurine Kiss Serum has beautiful botanicals to hydrate your lips like baobab, moringa, and pomegranate oil. The addition of ย Vitamin C and CoQ10, which are packed with antioxidants, help prevent wrinkles along your lip line. This serum also has mint andย capsicum which give you that tingly sensation and help to plump up your lips. I also love the inclusion of the Green Aventurine crystal, because who couldn’t use a little good luck and prosperity. ๐
I have been rolling this on multiple times a day, and I can’t believe the effect it has had on the look of my lips. I’ve noticed the reduction of fine lines right around the edge of my lips, and I swear it has reduced the look of the pores that line my upper lip. I have a recurring blemish (like for the last 15+ years) on my upper lip that has been MIA since I’ve been using this product. Ya’ll… Ya’ll… Magic. โจ
This is a truly special product, in my opinion. The thing is, I don’t think about treating my lips. Do you? I think about exfoliating and moisturizing them, but treating them is a game changer. Just as you treat your under eye area, the lips are really sensitive and show signs of aging very easily. This serum will keep those lips looking young.
I’ve been using it in the morning before putting on lipstick, and at night before applying a thick balm to seal it all in. {and about 10 times throughout the day. don’t judge me.}
Ready to try it?
This box has aย $103 valueย and only costs youย $39 with a subscription. If you’re interested in the September Art of Organics Clean Beauty Box get it while the getting is good. I have a feeling this one is going to sell out.
Subscribe HERE. Art of Organics has an initial subscription commitment of two months, but after that, you can cancel at any time. Membership also comes with a 15% discount to their online store.
Have you tried either of these products? I’d love to hear what you think.
Xo, Kimberly Fe'Lix