Imagine an island paradise, anywhere in the world: sunshine on your face, sand beneath your toes, shimmering waves splashing against your body….and all of this bottled up within arms reach. In skincare? For me, Leahlani Skincare conjures up all the ecstasy of paradise for your skin. Am I a little obsessed? Yes, and for good reason. Read on to hear about my experience with this popular island-inspired skincare brand.
Based on Hawaii’s beautiful island of Kauai, Leahlani Skincare boasts a beautiful collection of small-batch, handmade products that incorporate botanicals, clays, tropical fruits and nectars native to and representative of Hawaii. The thoughtfulness and love that goes into formulating these products truly demonstrates how this brand embodies “aloha-infused skincare,” not to mention why Leahlani is so deserving of its popular following.
While it’s taken me a while to write this review, it doesn’t mean I’m any less in love with Leahlani Skincare products: I’ve learned exactly how I can enjoy a little aloha in my daily routine, especially during these darker, colder winter months. Here are my thoughts about the first few products I’ve tried from Leahlani (certainly not the last):
Bless Beauty Balm: The Bless Balm was one of the first Leahlani products I knew I had to purchase not only for its beautiful and unique pink color, but because of the gentle, hydrating formulation. “Rich, organic shea and cocoa butters coalesce together with the most salubrious organic and cold pressed beauty oils to nurture and bless your skin (and lips) for an unparalleled softness.”
The scent is heavily floral (sweet orange blossom and blue tansy) but pleasant and calming. The texture of this balm is light yet weighty enough to lock moisture in and quickly absorb into any dry spots. Due to the nature of the organic and cold pressed oils in this balm, the product emulsifies on your fingertips, making it easy to blend and melt onto skin. I love to gently press this balm into my skin and also, a little goes a long way.
Bless is a product I frequently use before I go to bed since it keeps my dry skin very hydrated and extremely smooth, resulting in glowing, nourished skin when I wake up. You can also use this balm on any dry spots on your body, face, eye areas, or as lip balm. I’ve used this balm during the daytime too but not as heavily since it can appear a bit too greasy on my skin. While I’d be weary of the scent if you’re sensitive, I cannot recommend this beautiful balm enough to those seeking gentle hydration and nourishment. 30ml for $48.
Bless Beauty Balm ingredients: Organic cold pressed argan oil (Argania spinosa), organic cold pressed camellia seed oil (Camellia oleifera), organic Shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), organic cocoa butter (Theobroma Cacao), organic cold pressed maracuja passionflower oil (Passiflora Incarnata), organic cold pressed moringa oil (Moringa Oleifera), organic cold pressed marula oil (Sclerocarya Birrea ), cymbidium grandiflorum orchid extract, wildcrafted blue tansy oil (Tanacetum annuum), neroli oil (Aurantium Dulcis), organic rosehip fruit (Rosa Moschata), rose clay and LOVE.
Mermaid Mask: Probably the product that Leahlani Skincare is most known for is it’s cult favorite product, the Mermaid Mask. This “superfood” facial mask is described as “potent” and “nutrient dense”, with a deep green color thanks to powerhouse superfood ingredients, organic chlorella and organic spirulina. “We use the cleanest and most pure source of organic chlorella on the planet, which is grown in outdoor pools under the sunlight and contains cell walls that are “opened” or “cracked” using a specific process that preserves nutrients and increases absorption.” The powerful, nourishing ingredients serve to purify and renew the complexion through properties that strengthen skin cells, boost circulation, fight breakouts and moisturize skin.
The most unique feature of the Mermaid Mask is the texture: a moist mask mixture that’s not only gentle, but also very easy to apply. The Mermaid Mask’s unique wet, gel-like formula means that it won’t completely dry on skin, and it also effectively locks in moisture without drying or cracking on skin. You only need to wear this mask for 5-15 minutes before the magic begins.
I love that the Mermaid Mask thoroughly nourishes and purifies my skin without being overly drying or irritating. I’m amazed every time I use this mask because it is so gentle yet quite powerful at diminishing impurities and reducing blemishes instantly. Plus, the radiant glow that this mask imparts on my skin is another reason to continue using this regularly. This mask has become a necessity in my normal skincare routine. $32 for 50ml.
Mermaid Mask ingredients: Organic Hawaiian raw honey, organic Hawaiian spirulina (Spirulina Maxima), pure organic chlorella (Chlorella Vulgaris), french green clay, pure sea clay, luminess algae, organic sea buckthorn CO2 (Hippophae Rhamnoides), vanilla CO2 (Vanilla Planifolia), essential oils of: (organic orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis), moroccan chamomile (Tanacetum annuum ), roman chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), bee balm (Monarda fistulosa) , geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens), palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia), ylang ylang (Canaga Odorata), rose (Rose Damascena), white lotus flower absolute (Nelumbo Nucifera), beeswax absolute (Apies millifera), coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum), and LOVE.
Mahana Coco Infusion: I use coconut oil to remove eye makeup because I enjoy how effective, moisturizing and nourishing it is. As I’ve seen many beneficial effects of using coconut oil, I’m always curious about skincare products which utilize the ingredient in various ways. Leahlani’s Coco Infusions are multi-purpose body oils with unrefined coconut oil as a main ingredient, along with various other organic cold pressed oils. Coco Infusions provide rich, healthy nourishment used as an all-over body oil, on ends of hair as a treatment, or on legs as a shaving product.
A little bit goes a long way in terms of nourishment, while skin is enveloped in uplifting tropical scents, and instantly moisturizes skin. In my opinion, Coco Infusion is a bit on the heftier side in terms of body oil texture, but it provides superior, long-lasting nourishment. My skin never experiences dryness or flakiness when applied. Due to unrefined coconut oil’s ability to solidify in cold temperatures and melt in warmer temperatures, Coco Infusions may be more solid in texture at times. To ensure an a softer texture, squeeze the bottle to get the oil out or place the bottle in hot water.
Mahana, the scent I purchased, is intoxicatingly sweet, bright, and tropical. It truly reminds me of a sunny, summer day bottled up. “Mahana is pure warmth, liquid sunshine. Infused with exotic vanilla bean and kissed with the lingering scent of sweet coconut, Mahana will take your senses on a journey to a warm, tropical beach.” Not only do I want to try all the Coco Infusion scents, I’m most definitely placing a future order for the Mahana Perfume Oil! $24 for 118ml.
Mahana Coco Infusion ingredients: Unrefined coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera), organic cold pressed kukui oil (Aleurites Moluccana), organic cold pressed macadamia oil (Macadamia Ternifolia), organic cold pressed sea buckthorn CO2 (Hippophae Rhamnoides), vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), proprietary blend of organic fragrances and LOVE.
Aloha Ambrosia Morning Moisture Elixir: I normally do not prefer facial serums for daytime wear over creams, but this superfood elixir has completely changed my mind. Aloha Ambrosia is a lightweight “elixir” meant to be applied in the morning, and is specifically formulated to hydrate and nourish skin. It’s so hydrating that I can substitute this elixir for my daily moisturizer (either Odacite Beautiful Day Moisturizer or Pai Skincare Day Cream) or I add a drop of this into whatever daytime cream I’m using, if I want to tone the “glow” down a notch. This elixir provides me with all-day hydration, silky smooth, glowing skin, and has improved overall evenness in my skin tone and texture. It instantly transforms and nourishes skin!
Aloha Ambrosia not only treats the skin with youth enhancing antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and nutrients that boost cellular oxygenation and regeneration, it also features Leahlani’s divinely beautiful signature blend of jasmine essential oils, a sweet floral, energetic and romantic scent. Jasmine not only provides an uplifting scent (and stimulates the release of serotonin), but also benefits the skin by “balancing moisture, reducing dryness, gently fading scarring and minimizing breakouts due its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.” Using Aloha Ambrosia is one of my favorite ways to start the day and wake up my skin. I really love how quickly absorbing this elixir is and how it leaves my skin smooth, glowing, and extremely happy! If you’re skeptical of daytime facial oils, I’d definitely recommend you give this product a chance: I’m not sure I’ve tried anything else quite like it! $52 for 32 ml
Aloha Ambrosia ingredients: Organic cold pressed olive squalane oil (Squalane), Organic cold pressed jojoba oil (Simmondsia Chinensis), organic aloe (Aloe Barbadensis), organic acerola cherry oil (Malpighia Glabra), organic mangosteen oil (Mangosteen Pericarp), organic goji berry oil (Lycium Barbarum), organic passionfruit seed oil (Passiflora Incarnata), organic cold pressed kiwi seed oil (Actinidia chinensis), organic guava oil (Psidium Guajava), organic sunflower oil (Helianthus Annuus), proprietary blend of essential oils and LOVE (Aloha).
Citrus and Citrine Regenerating Toner: Not only does this toner smell wonderful, it hydrates and smooths skin instantly. Formulated with various natural ingredients from the sea such as pure Hawaiian spring water, alaea salt and sea silt, this toner utilizes unique ingredients to brighten, smooth, and revitalize skin. The fresh scent of organic orange and grapefruit are not the only uplifting aspects of this toner: each bottle contains a tiny Citrine gemstone that’s been purified by the Hawaiian sea and sun. “Citrine emits a strong vibration of joy, prosperity, energy and abundance. Citrine also helps to clear negative energy. Mist often, and may each spritz envelop you with energizing aloha.”
I can think of no other reasons to continue loving this toner: it has a scent that reminds me of fragrant, summer days, emits seriously uplifting, energizing vibes, and leaves my skin super smooth, nourished, and refreshed. Plus, this toner is definitely worth it for a ton of product in this 100ml bottle. Never has a toner made me feel so happy and energetic at anytime of day! $32 for 100ml.
Citrus and Citrine Regenerating Toner ingredients: Hawaiian spring water, organic aloe vera (Aloe Barbadensis), alaea (hawaiian sea salt with alaea volcanic clay), hawaiian sea silt (sea silt ferment), essential oils of (neroli (Citrus Aurantium), organic orange (Aurantium Dulcis), organic grapefruit (Citrus Grandis), organic mandarin (Citrus Deliciosa), organic tangerine (Citrus Tangerina), witch hazel distillate (Hamamelis Virginiana), sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), lemon fruit (Citrus Medica Limonum), organic vegetable glycerin, leucidal liquid (radish root ferment), organic turmeric (Curcuma Longa), and LOVE.
My experience with Leahlani Skincare has resulted in nourished skin that is more radiant, smooth, and relaxed than before. These products have helped my skin recover from the busy, rough and tumble that I put it through daily! I plan to continue to use and try out more Leahlani products in the future. The unique local ingredients and thoughtfully handcrafted formulas make using Leahlani Skincare products almost as special as visiting a tranquil island in-person! Okay, maybe not quite as awesome as a trip to Hawaii, but it’s as close as one can get to island life if you don’t live there. 😉
You can also purchase Leahlani products from more of my favorite green beauty shops now: CAP Beauty, EcoDivaBeauty.
