She’s a Natural
About 10 years ago, I decided to Just Say No. I chose to walk past those ubiquitous drug store beauty products filled with chemicals, taunting me with their sparkly packaging and promises of eternal beauty. In hindsight, I realize my body had always given me signs of its unrest. I’d get a rash, acne or severe dryness with most of the chemical filled products I tried. And the scents, oh the scents! They were either sickeningly sweet or completely overpowering like a whiff of smelling salts. All of it was just too harsh. NOT NATURAL.
It’s really such a strange notion that even the most informed and modern consumer still puts unknown chemicals onto/into their bodies without a second thought! I’ve found its not for a lack of caring but more often a it’s a lack of time, money and/or information. I can attest that it’s very time consuming to do research on each and every product to determine which item, in which line, in which brand is organic/natural. Ain’t nobody got time for that!!!! So my current approach is to find specific clean beauty brands that tick all the boxes and then let them do the work!
I discovered Oxalis at a pop up at Vibrant Market on Magazine Street a few years back. I was given a sample of the facial cleanser and daily glow serum to take home and just loved them both. The products felt and smelled beautiful in the most natural way - subtle, feminine and luxurious at the same time. The results were immediately visible. A clearer and more dewy complexion. I was even more thrilled to find out that the founder is a local and the products are ALL made in nola! Hooray!
Erin Wexstten, the founder of Oxalis is originally from Illinois but has grown her brand in both Brooklyn and New Orleans. She is certified with the School for Herbal and Aromatic Studies in Organic Body Care Products, which is recognized by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA). I was able to track her down recently to ask her a few questions about clean beauty, sustainability and of course Mardi Gras.
Epiphany: Why is sustainable/natural skin care so important to you?
Erin: Well, we are nature, so it only makes sense to me to work in tandem with the natural world. Skin health is more than skincare, but I do believe that using a primarily clean/natural skincare routine has long term benefits, such as supporting and protecting the microbiome and not stripping it of vital oils, healthy bacteria and nutrients. We are transparent about our ingredients, sourcing, and efficacy of our products; nothing is in there that doesn’t serve a purpose. We are committed to continuing our sustainability efforts, and 99% of our bottles are glass, which can be recycled/reused/upcycled and we use minimal packaging across the board.
Epiphany: Which of your products do you find you recommend the most?
Erin: Ohh, this is such a tough question! I think if you’re looking to enhance your face care routine, start by using our Daily Glow Facial Serum. It’s formulated to support all skin types and is loaded with powerful, anti-inflammatory plant oils containing key vitamins and antioxidants. A few drops onto damp/wet skin every morning will give you a healthy glow and work to protect your skin from daily stressors. At night, I’m a big fan of what I like to call “The Triple Dream Team”, which is my everyday evening routine. First, cleanse with our French Sea Clay + Pineapple Enzymes Facial Cleanser by adding a few pumps to your hands and massaging onto dry skin for 30 seconds. Then, add a bit of water to create a milky emulsion and massage another 30 seconds. Rinse and then spray your whole face generously with our Rose + Neroli Toning Mist. Follow that up with 5-6 drops of our delicious, velvety Nightly Renewal Serum and love all up on your face with gentle massage and deep breathing. Sweet dreams and supple skin abound!
Epiphany: What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Erin: I love helping people achieve their individual skin goals and create meaningful routines for themselves. Our relationships with our customers are not simply transactional, it’s a relationship, and a pretty intimate one at that. I’ve met so many people in these last 6 years and the fact that Oxalis can support people in their everyday routines and rituals truly fills me with so much joy and delight. I’m also grateful that the work we do can help make a small but mighty impact in the communities and institutions we believe in as well.
Epiphany: What are your favorite natural smells? And why?
Erin: I’m a huge Jasmine lover, there is just something so intoxicating and mysterious about that flower! I also love anything woody and earthy, maybe it’s because I grew up in the deep woods of Southern IL and it just smells so fresh and natural there. I’m nostalgic about a lot of smells from my childhood, cut grass and those woods but, now I also find myself eager to smell the rich New Orleans spring and summer smells like Jasmine, Sweet Olive, and humidity - it’s not a “smell” per se but if you live here, you get it. It’s a feeling.
Epiphany: What’s new for Oxalis in 2021?
Erin: We’re working on a few new things that I’m excited about, but not quite ready to share! We’re hoping to continue our efforts towards even more sustainable packaging, which has always been a priority. We are working towards an expansion with Whole Foods so if you’re in the Houston/Dallas/Austin area, look out for us in July! I’m excited for this year of growth and fostering an even deeper relationship with our incredible community.
Epiphany: Favorite place to get a cocktail? What cocktail?
Erin: I am not much of a cocktail drinker, but I do like a French 75 every now and then, and of course you must grab it from the timeless French 75 bar. I am a wine lover, though, and I’ll enjoy one pretty much anywhere!
Epiphany: Favorite Mardi Gras activity?
Erin: All of it! Though there is nothing like Mardi Gras day. Those Tuesdays have been some of the single best days of my life. Besides that glorious day, dancing with the Mardi Gras Indians on Thoth Sunday at Le Bon Temps Roule is incredibly special! I am celebrating my 5th year as a New Orleanian and I am sad we’re not celebrating like we usually do but it is still such a magical time.