THE FOUNDER OF SOAPWALLA, THE CULT NATURAL DEODORANT BRAND, ANSWERED OUR QUESTIONS
WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR LAUNCHING SOAPWALLA?
My motivation came out of necessity! I suffer from lupus, an autoimmune disease that can manifest itself in many ways. Like others who live with lupus, I experience terrible skin rashes, hives, and extremely irritated patches. At my worst, I could barely use water on my skin without irritation. Soapwalla was born late one evening after months of unsuccessful research for face and body products that would not aggravate my skin issues. I tried everything I could find on the market, and eventually decided to start making my own products—ones that were as healthy and nourishing as possible. The product line grew from there.
WHAT IS YOUR SKIN TYPE?
I have very sensitive skin, partly due to my autoimmune disease. My skin does not tolerate harsh or highly active ingredients well.
WHAT IS YOUR DAILY ROUTINE? WEEKLY?
Every morning, I gently apply the Hydrating Facial Toning Mist to my face, neck, and décolleté, followed by the Repairing Facial Serum. I then apply The Balm, a concentrated repairing balm, under my eyes and around my lips. If I am going outside, I also apply a thin layer of sunscreen.
Every evening, I wash my face and neck with the Shea Butter and Eucalyptus Soap, then apply the Hydrating Facial Toning Mist and the Repairing Facial Serum. If my skin is dry or if I have been exposed to the elements all day, I also apply a thin layer of The Balm over my entire face and neck.
2 to 3 times a week, I also apply the Phosphorescent Mask for 10 to 15 minutes.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BEAUTY INGREDIENTS?
There are so many! But I particularly love Jojoba, Prickly Pear Oil, and a very good lavender essential oil.
WHY ARE NATURAL AND ORGANIC INGREDIENTS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR BRAND?
I find that natural ingredients can work just as well—if not better—than synthetic ingredients. I also love working with living materials that change with the seasons, that smell slightly different depending on where in the world they were grown, and that interact together in sometimes unpredictable and magical ways. I also appreciate that when we work responsibly and thoughtfully with natural ingredients, we leave a very small footprint on the planet.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU GET A PIMPLE?
I make a custom spot treatment that I apply to blemishes as soon as I notice them appearing. Usually, the treatment stops them in their tracks!
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT ANTI-AGING?
I’m not worried. I want to take care of my skin so that it continues to take care of me for the rest of my life (laughs). But living with a chronic illness has really helped me put my personal beliefs into perspective. I’m not bothered by fine lines or a few grey hairs. I’ve worked hard and earned them :) I protect my skin from sun damage, try to eat well, and drink plenty of water. I want my skin to be healthy and resilient.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SOAPWALLA PRODUCT?
Ahh! That’s so difficult—it’s like choosing a favorite child! But the product I absolutely cannot live without is our Repairing Facial Serum.
DO YOU USE BEAUTY TOOLS?
Not really. I have a gua sha that I use from time to time when I remember. But I’m not the best at remembering to use it!
WHAT DO YOU USE FOR YOUR BODY?
I use the Deodorants of course (I use them all—I like alternating between the four scents). I also use the Luxurious Body Oil. Once a week, I exfoliate my body with our Almond Luxe Body Polish. It smells amazing! I love taking baths, so I also use our four Bath Salts in my evening bathing rituals.
DO YOU HAVE A BEAUTY TIP?
Drink plenty of water and laughing is a great way to release stress!
CAN YOU SHARE A DIY BEAUTY RECIPE?
Yes! I have a great face mask: 1/2 overripe avocado, well mashed (it’s the perfect recipe for that sad, bruised avocado sitting on your counter right now). 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt (I like plain coconut yogurt, but any plain yogurt will work). Mix well, then apply to a clean face, neck, and décolleté using gentle upward motions. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and then apply your favorite Soapwalla toner and the Repairing Facial Serum. Can be used 2 to 3 times a week. If you have leftovers, add a pinch of salt and eat it with chips!
WHICH DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS DO YOU TAKE?
I take vitamin C, D3/K2, and glutathione every day. I also take triphala and a trio of Ayurvedic herbs daily.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BEAUTY FOODS?
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE fruit. I eat pretty much every fruit. I’m especially obsessed with blueberries, nectarines, mangoes, and papayas. These are my favorite beauty foods.