Hey…

…YES I know I’m raggedy. Listen, between y’all emailing me and hitting me up on Specktra and sending me Facebook messages…

I’m here.

Habibi has been taking me to TASK! Let me tell you, it’s an interesting thing when your company is like HAHAHAHAHAPHUCKYONEEDTOSLEEP and decides to grab hold and breathe on its own. In what seems to be ‘out of the blue’ – I have requests and upticks in business sales (and customer ones), inquiries, distribution plans, production shows, professional interest and use, and private labeling…

LISTEN.

I started Habibi 13 years ago, and always wanted it to be 100% honest in terms of ingredients, claims, and longevity. That means I moved incredibly slow to make it well known. I was hesitant to reach out, slow on the uptake of reactions, and kind of minimized its actual impact. There are a crap-ton of companies out there who promise to change your skin and your life from the very first application. Trust me, as a reformed product junkie I have sunk hundreds of thousands of dollars into those claims. I’m sure I’m not alone. It took me a long time to make the switch from product victim to product innovator. And for that I had to leave these borders. US skincare is lacking for me… always has been. And it honestly wasn’t until I got eyebrow deep in Asian skincare that I really started to understand synergy… particularly without the use of chemicals or harsh (even natural) ingredients. I made friends with several Chinese Herbalists and learned about the value of ‘balance’ and ‘harmony’ between the user and the product… much like the balance of organ function to harmonize the entire body. Sound esoteric? It probably is. But you know what? It works.

That’s why the serum changed into the awesome sauce that it had the potential to be. That’s how GAIA was born (body care is coming people!), and that’s how subtle upgrades (from the elimination of shea butter in face moisturizers to the addition of tremella mushroom in the face and body serums) began to form and take tangible shape. I pulled back, moved some pieces around, and came up with a whole new level of awesome. Add to that streamlined packaging from bottles to shipping…

…all while continually filling orders…

…and it’s been a busy season for ya girl.

SO. I’m back. I am. Viseart Warm Mattes has been making my life beautiful and a full review is coming. So is the foundation one I promised because honestly I’ve been using the same stuff for more than a year, and I think it’s fair to say they are actual favorites. I love and miss you, and I haven’t forgotten about you!

Love & Light and Ciao for now!

 

Samples are all Shipped!

Thank you to everyone who participated! The last of the Seven Veils Luxury Serums went out this morning. Thank you guys for being so patient. Let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns!

❤

FREE Seven Veils Serum!

Hey Guys,

Remember when we did the GAIA giveaway and you all gave me such beautiful, valuable feedback (which was absolutely applied)? I’d like to do that with a serum formulation that is still in the beta phase. I’m OVER THE MOON about it, but I always want to put it in as many hands as possible so that I can get HONEST (not trade or paid) feedback.

So you guys know how this works. All I need is a comment here saying YES I WANT ONE (or something to that effect)! And then back that up by sending your mailing address to us on the FACEBOOK PAGE. Why there? Because we transfer all social media data to a specific bank to keep up with you guys and it helps us serve you better. I’d like you to try it for a week and give feedback, then keep using it up (you’ll get enough for about a month’s supply) and let me know what you think overall. That’s it.

This serum is designed to work for almost everyone. If you have allergies to essential oils (lavender, roman and german chamomile, neroli, frankincense and sandalwood) then you can’t use this. But if you’re oily, dry, mature or sensitive (but not to the things I mentioned) then you should be fine.

I’ll have them sent out on a first come, first served basis. I hope you guys love it as much as I do!

All the stuff… and a Bronzed FOTD

Hey!

All work and no play man… ALL WORK AND NO PLAY. I’m scheduling some time off because I’ve been doing the MOST. I’ve been teaching more yoga than practicing, and giving just a bit too much of myself. Between Habibi drop offs and pick ups and meetings and what not, I have to remind myself to breathe. I actually yelled when I found out I had to squeeze in a meeting today.

Not so yogi.

So yeah.

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HABIBI Organic Essential Bath Bombs! #bath #body #bathbomb #luxury #love #loveyourbody #loveyourself #habibibody #habibilife

A post shared by Habibi Bath & Body (@habibibody) on Feb 23, 2016 at 4:33pm PST

In the middle of all the business crap, I go back to my first love (creating) whenever I can. I am not a fan of bath bombs as they stand on the market today, so I’ve been experimenting with packing more into the standard formula to really give you a bathing experience worthy of Habibi. A few hits and a WHOLE LOT OF MISSES later, I pulled together a recipe that will both hold that fizz that everyone likes, but also take care of your skin. One of these babies will basically make you feel like you’re bathing in silk.

My raggedy friends keep coming on social media talking about “Look! Orange Cheesecake!” SMH. While they do look DELICIOUS, they will not taste like orange cheesecake if you decide to take a bite. And I am not responsible if you decide to take that challenge. Just saying.

So that’s that. My current packaging is OOOOOOKAY. Not amazing like I really want, so I’m working on that. My other issue with bath bombs is that they’re generally unsanitary with the way they’re currently sold. If you’re a fan of the biggest bath bomb maker in the country, then you know that all kinds of random mofos have had their hands on your bath bomb before you actually purchase it and drop it in your tub. And then you’re soaking in all the cooties in the universe… NO MA’AM! Can’t do it. So while I love all the little boxes and what not that are floating around right now, I’m all for upping the ante. Who has time to be mediocre?

I’m also working on the most amazing bath soak you have ever used in your life! I used it last night… MAMA! Limited though. Look for it around Mother’s Day. Ain’t no way in the world I’m mass producing that stuff. It is literally that precious. Gonna be so AWESOME though! It might come out again around Holiday ’16…

See what I mean? All the stuff.

Meanwhile, I did a bronze thing with a lot of matte in between. Some people can do the full ‘glow’ look, but on me it is always more GREASE than GLOW. So there’s a whole lot of Innisfree powder between the brows, under the eyes, and on the chin. I dug out the Guerlain Africa Rhythm Bronzer (which is a true bronze, my goodness) and used it as a blush/contour, and eyeshadow through the crease. Tom Ford’s Metallic Mink Pencil is on my waterline, and Kat Von D Tattoo Liner is on my lashline. Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara and Anastasia Brow Definer round out the whole eye thing. The Burberry White Highligher (that thing is magic) is on the high points of my face and on my lids. That’s Marc Jacobs lipstick in Mahogany on my lips, covered in Anastasia Lip Gloss in Gilded. The base is a mix of that Natasha Denona Glow Foundation madness (which is so much more grease than glow. I’m just saying) and NARS Velvet Skin Tint (what? I’m being open. Hush).

Forgive the hormonal mishaps randomly sprinkled on my skin. I’m getting a facial tomorrow.

 

Coming with me to 2016…

The year is nearly up, and I refuse to make a single resolution. Instead, I’ve set short term goals (like getting the tint pulled off of Liz’ front windows ’cause after 5 years I got pulled over… AS IF! #lagirlproblems) because there’s a much better chance of achieving them. While there is plenty for me to leave behind in 2015 (the motto for the new year is SIMPLIFY), there are some practical items that I’ll be dragging along with me.

BODY:

Jade (thin) Yoga Mats. I know it doesn’t sound like a big deal but when I tell you that I keep several of these in my car, one in my suitcase (it never gets unpacked), and one in the house… I’m not kidding. Since I probably exclusively practice yoga (what do I mean probably, and WHY haven’t I cancelled my gym membership? SMH Goal for 2016. Yep), I can pull one of them out anywhere and practice or meditate. They are damn near like a security blanket at this point. I love them because you can literally fold them down into a small square like a scarf and shove them into the tiniest spaces. They weigh next to nothing, and they grip like nobody’s business. That and a little bottle of homemade mat cleaner and I’m good to go. Since I’ve been training private clients (and the #1 excuse is: I don’t have a yoga mat), it’s easy to whip them out and lay them down and declare DOWNWARD FACING DOG. 😉

Habibi SPIRIT Deodorant

You’d think that a person who has access to so many fragrances wouldn’t opt for the one universal unisex one, but I’ve been using this deodorant every single day since formulating it over the summer. The scent is light and non-offensive, and busts funk on men and women with a single swipe. Between practicing and teaching, there’s little to no time to freshen up between classes so literally a swipe is all I have seconds for these days. The best proof is after class #3 and someone is like: “You smell so fresh…” there have been times when I’ve lifted my arm to take a whiff, just to make sure they’re telling the truth. I gave them as gifts after my last training, and now all my yogi omies are singing the praises. It’s good stuff, even if I am a little biased.

Holika Holika Aloe Gel

Man look. I’ve already talked about having no time. When I tell you that there is a bottle of this in just about every mobile thing I own (I’m talking gym bag, purse, car…). First of all, the packaging is mad convenient. There’s a ton of product and a little bit goes a long way. If I have to shower at the studio, it goes head to toe… HEAD TO TOE. I’ll even slap some on the edges of my hair to keep it flat under my wrap (natural hair DO care) because the sweat/pouf struggle is real. It keeps my skin under control in a pinch because with all that heat, some bacteria is bound to try to sneak in these pores… and I am NOT having it. I rinse my face between classes, slap on some gel and follow with my next must have.

HABIBI Seven Veils Luxury Serum

It’s probably real raggedy for me to be toting this around like it didn’t cost a damn mint to formulate. But my excuse is that I make it, so I’ll take the hit for being ratchet with it. I keep one tucked safely a bubble pouch (see… raggedy) in my gym bag. I will run a pump through my hair with the aloe (what did I say about the pouf struggle?) and always ALWAYS one pump on my face. Sometimes a little around my eye and lip area. Everything gets so dry after teaching hot yoga, so healthy moisture non negotiable. Habibi was born of a need to deal with my own skin problems. So I practice what I preach early and often.

FACE:

I’ve been using NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer since it came out years ago. I’ve converted many a makeup skeptic to its wondrous finish and staying power. Now I hear that NARS is getting cute and thinking about discontinuing it. Why… WHY FOR HELL would you discontinue one of your absolute best products? That had better be a rumor. As soon as I found out I had an appropriate meltdown and bought two. I might get two more while you playing. That is NOT cool NARS. Not cool at all. I swear up, down and all around by this stuff. And trust me when I tell you I’ve used all manner of foundations and tinted moisturizers and nothing holds a candle to this stuff for natural finish and performance. I’m so mad about this. I’m going to drag this relationship on for as long as humanly possible. Hmph.

Beauty Bakerie Lip Whips are a recent discovery for me. They require quite the learning curve (I’ve ended up with lips drier than the Sahara Desert… walking around lookin’ like Ashy Larry with a hint of color), but once you master the art of putting these babies on, they do NOT MOVE until you take them off with an oil based cleanser. They’re not kidding about the staying power. Although I love Dose of Colors, these actually last longer. I’ve worn them while teaching the hottest, sweatiest yoga classes, then food and drinks after, and my lips will look as good as the moment I first applied it. These lippies are EVERYTHING. Love.

And every oily girl must have Innisfree No Sebum Powder in her arsenal. Forget what you think you know about HD powders and oil control everything; this little pot of magic is cheap and highly effective. On my oiliest days I layer the tinted moisturizer BETWEEN layers of this powder. Stuff’s epic. I buy them 3, sometimes 4 at a time. Like the aloe, there is a pot of this everywhere I  need to be, including a backup in my glove compartment. I’m so serious about this powder. The only thing that would make it better is if I could get it from my local beauty supply instead of having to raid Amazon.com every few months.

That’s it! I’m dragging all this goodness into the New Year with me! What are ya’ll carrying through with you?

 

 

 

FOTD: Quick Shimmer

I’ve been running around like a madwoman trying to make sure everyone gets their Habibi for Christmas, and it’s sometimes a challenge to not throw on a pair of sweatpants and a bandana and run out the door for some crisis or another. On this particular ‘fire extinguishing’ endeavor, I managed to put on a little makeup so that I didn’t scare small children…

FACE:

Guerlain Lingerie de Peau (Dore 24)

Bobbi Brown Pressed Powder (Golden Orange)

Dior Blush (Rosy Glow)

EYES

By Terry Ombre Blackstar (Ombre Mercure)

By Terry Ligne Blackstar (So Black)

Chanel Kohl (Santal)

By Terry Mascara Terrybly (Black)

LIPS

By Terry Rouge Terrybly (Bare Instinct)

This was a very quick makeup; took about 15 minutes. Now, if I could only be this swift about getting these bazillion orders out the door…

Living Beauty Holiday Boutique

We (read: The Habibi Team) are proud supporters of The Foundation For Living Beauty. So when the founder asked me to be part of the Holiday Boutique, I was happy to oblige.

I gathered the team and we whipped up a ‘collection’ of bath and body products for the event, the night before the event. This is done on purpose. Because Habibi products are ultra fresh, we wanted the stock to be less than 24 hours old when we introduced it to the boutique guests. Most of them are ‘Living Beauties.’ That means they have, are fighting, or have survived Breast Cancer. They are incredibly sensitive to fragrance, and their skin can’t handle any additive, preservatives or other garbage typically found in many skin care items. Some are in or have been through chemotherapy, which means we have to be very careful about how we care for their skin.

The day of the boutique was rainy, and we weren’t expecting much in the way of reception. But the Living Beauties showed up and showed out! They fell in love with the product, and were receptive to instructions on how to get the most out of every application.

The great news is, we sold out of almost everything. We even took a stack of ‘pre orders’ to fulfill in the coming weeks.

All in all it was a good time. We were honored to be part of the event, and donated 20% of the day’s sales to the Foundation.

Giveaway: Habibi Bath & Body Wash (Jasmine & Orange)

Hey Guys!

The month of November is one of transition for Habibi, and we’re making the switch from plastic to glass. The shower gels may end up being in plastic still (there have been concerns about bottles being slippery and possibly falling and breaking), but the overall look is definitely changing. To celebrate the change, I’m doing a giveaway!

(plus, it’s my  birthday month and I’m feeling like ‘presents for everyone!)

The new bottles are bigger (16oz), so there’s more product to last longer. We’re hoping that everyone is as excited as we are about the change!

The giveaway rules are same as it ever was… you just have to publicly follow the blog to be qualified. You can amp your chances (an extra entry) by following the Habibi Bath & Body page on Facebook, and following @habibibody on Twitter. As always, the giveaway is open internationally.

THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 30TH.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Miracle Worker: Ginger Root

I have a confession: I am wholly, totally, and completely addicted to Ginger Root. I use it in and for just about everything these days. I take a straight Ginger Shot (juiced Ginger Root) almost nightly, sprinkle a bit in soups and over salads, and add a shot of it to juice blends to give it a little kick.

I started taking ginger regularly for immunity-boosting … but quickly became fond of the taste and sweat-inducing burn it provides. One of my dearest friends got me into it, while teaching me how to juice fruits and veggies. I quickly developed a taste for it.

What I love about it is how FAST it works. One of my family members had strep throat… which immediately sent the rest of us into a panic. Within 24 hours of contact with him, i got that distinct ache and ‘tickle’ in my throat … you know the one that tells you something is about to infect your body in the worst possible way. I immediately made a ginger shot (and hit it with a shot of cayenne), and took it before I went to bed. The next day, the tickle was gone, and I never got sick.

I discovered Ginger Powder (specifically, Wakaya Organic Ginger Powder) while poking around Space NK. It has the same properties (and is a bit ‘damp’ to the touch… like it’s just been pressed and is not completely dry), and is a lot more convenient to use. I use this to sprinkle in teas or soups… or take alone (washed down with water) for a daily immunity boost.

I also use it in skin care (I’ve blended it to make a fantastic ginger fragrance, and added it to shower gels, lotions, balms and body scrubs), and find that it leaves my skin tight and tingly… and smelling sweet and a little spicy. I love it.

I now swear by Ginger Root. I’ve not found any adverse side effects (unless you count a boosted metabolism as an adverse side effect) with my body, and I feel like I’m operating a peak capacity. Ginger Root works for me. I don’t know that it’ll work for everyone, but my personal experience has been extremely positive.

You can find out more about the benefits of Ginger Root HERE.

A Little Ad for HABIBI…

You guys remember the photo shoot that I did with Bryan Frank and the model with the last minute confirmation?

Well, I got the ad back (that she graciously posed for) for Habibi Bath & Body:

Cute!