I’m an omnivore when it comes to health and wellness and I love trying different products and modalities for radiant living.
As founder of Musings Magazine, a digital newsletter that profiles leaders in responsible innovation in the beauty and wellness, agriculture and technology, fashion and social impact entrepreneurship industries, I get to sample creations and learn about companies that are addressing solutions for a more decarbonized and sustainable world.
Last year Musings profiled a product I really enjoy: M.S. Skincare’s Mantra Skin Perfecting Cleanser, made with a non-drying, herbal formula that cleanses skin without disturbing its natural balance. Ethically sourced with clean ingredients and sustainably packaged, Ayurveda is at the core of this plant-based apothecary line that combines the finest Eastern and Western beauty traditions with a commitment to working with small farmers who share an aligned vision for a regenerative world.
I also choose products based on stories which resonate with me. When Justine Hutteau’s use of chemical-filled deodorant caused a benign tumor in her armpit, she worked with a pharmaceutical doctor to develop a range of all-natural, personal care products made in France. I love her natural, vegan, cruelty-free deodorant Respire which comes in some delightfully refreshing fragrances.
I am also drawn to products because I simply love the gestalt of them, their packaging, scent or how they make me feel. I’m a huge fan of Chanel’s Les Beiges, Sheer Healthy Glow Moisturizing Tint Broad Spectrum with SPF 30 which I use as my foundation. Last March Chanel launched Mission 1.5° — their commitment to tackle climate change in line with the targets of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement including reducing carbon emissions across operations by 50 percent, shifting to 100 percent renewable electricity globally and financing projects that enable vulnerable communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
I believe particular products invite us to nourish ourselves with self-care as healthcare. Just as Mother Earth needs to breathe, so do we. My self-care includes a wide range of practices including Vedic meditation that I learned from Amy Kalaczynski (Montauk Meditation Club) walking and swimming — in a pool or a dip into the ocean — practicing Poi dancing with great music, eating a mostly-healthy, plant-based diet and growing a small garden and channeling my creative pursuits including my own product, Muses Neck Potion No. 9™, which is the first creation of my Muses Collection. I wanted to create an organic roll-on product that revived our spirits with beautiful scent profiles and also have enough CBD and anti-inflammatory herbs to help joint pain. Neck Potion No. 9™ is created in collaboration with Hudson Hemp, which cultivates best in breed cannabis plants. I apply Muses Potion on pressure points, on my wrists and neck, providing what I call a “Muses Moment” where I pause, to pay attention to my breath and simply breathe, and experience a moment, less restricted from neck pain and simply embrace gratitude.
I believe we all need time to rest, rejuvenate, and reimagine our world and our place in it. Our lives were completely transformed during the pandemic. With many of glued to our devices, our couches and closets turned into offices, there has never been a better time to create an essential, everyday product potion for the explosion of neck and joint pain.
Summer also provides time for my husband and I to race competitively on International One Design sail boats in July and August. With sun sensitive skin, a big part of my daily routine is protecting it with the EltaMD line of sunscreen, particularly the UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. I also rely on French Girl’s Rose Sea Soak, which is divine for a luxurious bath and what I call “mermaid time” after a long day I also use French Girl’s Nail & Cuticle oil as well. I love the science behind Biosance’s Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream and Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Mask. When I’m anxious before a flight or just in need of a chill pill from too much muchness, I use Chill (in pill or chocolate form) from 1906, a mix of THC, CBD plus two stress-reducing plant medicines like magnolia, used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for a calming effect, and L-theanine, an amino acid derived from green tea, which stimulates the brain’s alpha waves to promote serenity.
Finally, because I want to live a vital and vibrant life, I take a daily probiotic from SEED and make sure to see Richard Firshein, MD, author of “The Vitamin Prescription,” for vitamin drips, integrative anti-aging consultations and my morning stash of vitamins. I also eat lots and lots of the king of antioxidant foods — blueberries!