I love lipstick. I am notorious for wearing bright shades of pink and red and coral, all year long. If I take the time to think about it, I hate that I have no idea what’s in my lipstick though. When it comes to many of the beauty products I use I plead ignorance as to what I am actually putting on my body… Unfortunately after talking with the owner of Buffalo Gal Organics Kasia Cummings I learned that I am not alone in my naive approach to beauty products and the chemicals we expose ourselves to.

Years ago Kasia’s daughter Erin suffered from rashes after using hand sanitizer frequently at school, such a commonplace formula made up of unpronounceable chemicals, that were causing her to break out in rashes. Maybe it was motherly instinct, maybe it was her background as a medicinal chemist, but regardless the hives and skin reaction drove Kasia to concoct a lotion to treat her daughter’s redness and pain. She described this experience as the catalyst that launched her towards making the high quality cruelty free, plant based organic skincare products that Buffalo Gal Organics prides themselves on today.

There is a community of strong successful women behind the doors of Buffalo Gal. When they invited myself and 4 other local bloggers into the store last Saturday for a “Galentines” party I noted a common theme (besides pink glitter and hearts!!) almost immediately. Whether I was speaking with Kristine Koch, licensed esthetician, Brittany Fruchtel massage therapist (I highly recommend her!) or Graciel Evenstorm, floral curator and tea extraordinaire, each specialist emphasized their concern with helping people to make better choices.

I had a skin consultation with Kristine of Nickel City Skin Care where she asked me about my goals for my skin and what products I am currently using to reach them. I laid down on her table and she examined my face under a black light, where she walked me through it with brand new eyes; pointing out oily patches, early signs of aging and black spots on my nose that I always shrugged off as unchangeable black heads. She recommended that I use their Skin Renew Cleanser 2-3 times a week in shower for 5-15 minutes and explained that the hyaluronic acid might be just what my skin needs. I have only used the cleanser twice since leaving the shop, but it smells and feels great! I’m going to make an appointment for a facial treatment with her next. Learning about the “science of beautiful” from each of these ladies was so interesting and informative!

Graciel, of the Soul in Bloom, and I had bonded quickly when I visited the store in the spring, sharing a common love of tea and flowers. We picked up where we left off when she started talking to me about how I could use teas to change my life. She asked about what I am experiencing or need in my life and my mind immediately went to a solution for my anxiety (read my last post for a little insight on that). Graciel gave me a loose leaf herbal tea blend of rose and peppermint, intended to help me relax. I like having this healthy option that tastes delicious, to calm down with.

Our Galentine’s Party included That Vegan Baking Betch sugar cookies, Papercraft Miracles homemade valentines and great company, but it was the education that I left with that really sticks out in my mind. I didn’t feel like anyone was trying to sell me anything, I felt like these hard working women wanted to help determine how to make my life better! What better way to celebrate Valentines Day, than by showing yourself and your skin, the love that you deserve? On that note I just booked myself a rose oil massage with Brittany… until next time ❤