An interview with Kirstie Crowder of Honest Rituals
@skinbykir

How did you become an esthetician?

I originally went to UCSB to become a therapist and studied psychology there. I worked at a variety of rehabilitation homes working with children. I always loved skincare and thought it was the most beautiful form of self-care. At the rehabilitation homes, I taught the children how to instill self-care into their daily lives and they always felt so relaxed and at peace after tending to their skin.

From this beautiful experience, I then went to esthetician school and developed a love for facial massage and clean, natural beauty products. It was meant to be when I found Honest Rituals, a holistic skincare studio in Topanga Canyon.

What is your own personal skincare regime?

I personally use many oils to nourish my skin. I love to oil cleanse with the the Living Libations Sandalwood Best Skin Ever. I then second cleanse with the Odacite Blue Aura Cleansing water, this product is infused with turmeric and holy basil.

I then lather the skin in the Gara Orange Blossom Hydrosol. While the skin is a little damp, I go in with the Living Libations Rose Glow Serum and the ACTIVIST Green Botanical Serum. Lastly, I nourish my skin with the Herbivore Lapis Oil.

First thing you do every morning?

I start every morning with giving little kisses to my two little bunnies (I have a Lionhead named Lint and a Holland Lop named Poot. They are the little loves of my life). I then light some sandalwood, make a coffee and tidy up the house.

I love the act of cleaning and doing laundry in the morning, it’s therapeutic. It also feels nice to come home to a clean house after a long, busy day treating clients.

Skin care advice you find yourself repeating?

I always find myself treating the skin as gently as possible. Our skin is delicate and should be treated with care and love. Our skin does not need to be over cleansed or over exfoliated or over treated. Our regimes do not need to be complicated. When I don’t follow the acts of simplicity with my skin - that’s when it starts to feel unhappy, over stripped, dry and inflamed. I have noticed the same pattern with the clients that I treat as well.

What are your thoughts on aging?

Aging is nothing short of beautiful and sweet. I always ask my older clientele “What is something about your skin that you’ve always loved and want to highlight in this treatment today?” My clients always smile after this question because it’s not a question typically asked. Clients are typically asked about the negatives and what’s lacking when it comes to their skin.

Aging skin should be nourished with antioxidants and nutrient rich botanicals. I always recommend a thick, soothing balm to lock in all moisture as well. The Odacite Blue Balm or the Honua Moonlit Glow Balm are lovely options. In regard to treatment, I would recommend The Facial Sculpting Massage with the Botanical Peel and Light Therapy add on at Honest Rituals. This transformative treatment uses intuitive, deep pressure facial techniques to lift, tone and strengthen facial muscles. The Botanical Peel and Light Therapy will target pigmentation and fine lines.

Favorite skincare ingredient?

My favorite skincare ingredients are Blue Tansy and Honey. Both ingredients are two very powerful antioxidants, on top of being anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Blue Tansy and Honey can both be used to treat a wide range of skin concerns, such as redness, inflammation, acne, eczema, and sun damage.

Thoughts on the skincare industry right now?

The skincare industry can be a bit overwhelming, there are too many treatments and too many products. Clients are wanting to try it all. I am a strong advocate for consistency and simplicity. Find the right treatment and products that work uniquely for YOU.

How do you incorporate ACTIVIST Mānuka Honey into your practice and/or own personal routine?

ACTIVIST Mānuka Honey is essential in my day to day life. ACTIVIST Mānuka Honey goes straight into my tea and coffee, but also goes straight onto my face as a cleanser and a mask. I also use ACTIVIST Mānuka Honey in our treatments at Honest Rituals. I will lather the honey on my clients skin if they are experiencing an active breakout. There is nothing more nourishing and soothing, internally and externally!