with Britanie Faith

Britanie Faith is a renowned natural beauty advocate, wellness writer, holistic health enthusiast, freelance makeup artist, and photographer. Her passion and determination come from spreading the word that, ultimately, creating organic beauty always comes from the Inside—Out. She is adamantly committed to researching the myriad ways of incorporating gifts of ayurvedic principles, holistic & Chinese medicine, aromatherapy, yoga, meditation, energy healing, diet, herbalism, and positive thinking into our lives to facilitate healing.

1. What inspired you to get into holistic skincare?

I've been on a quest to holistically heal myself from the challenges of Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia, GERD, and anxiety disorder issues since my teenage years. Due to an inability to detox properly (MTHFR mutation) and a compromised digestion, I became obsessed with living a clean, green holistic lifestyle and limiting exposure to as many toxins as possible on my quest to heal myself. All of this has fueled my passion for helping others deal positively and proactively with their own concerns, and that is my #1 driving force behind beautybybritanie.com . Being able to share my journey and connecting with my readers is what makes me the happiest. A few years ago I worked with Natalia Rose on her book, Detox 4 Women, and learned so much in the process about fueling my body with the highest quality foods and assisting the body to detox properly. The skin is our largest organ, and it's so important to care for it with holistically prepared skincare using organic and natural ingredients.

2. Tell us about your beauty regime.

I have a very sensitive constitution, so with that comes highly sensitive and reactive skin. As much as I love testing natural beauty products, I find my skin prefers a simple regime based around raw honey mixed with turmeric for face masks, pure organic jojoba and sweet almond oils for cleansing, and light moisturizers. I also use rosewater to tone my skin and Aloe Vera as a treatment for acne, scarring, dermatitis, and skin irritations.

3. What do you eat for your skin?

I stick to my approach of, "Less is Always More". LESS processed foods + MORE high-quality organic foods from the earth = HEALTH. In my eating plan I concentrate on filling my plate with organic veggies. I eat a small amount of meat and I choose organic & free-range, always. LESS stress about things I cannot control + MORE exercise and positive thinking = PEACE OF MIND. One of my favorite quotes to find peace throughout the day is, "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." LESS of a toxic burden on the body's detoxification system + MORE conscious purchasing of organic, toxin-free, and natural beauty, household and wellness products = NATURAL BEAUTY. In order to have a beauty regime for your skin, you must incorporate each of these components as an integral part of your whole body approach to life. Beauty is as beauty does, if you will.

And specifically: Water. Green and herbal teas with Rooibos, Rose Petals, and Hibiscus. Chlorella. Wheatgrass. Coconut Water. Manuka Honey. Avocados. Good fats (Coconut & Olive), Herbal Tinctures from Sleeping Monk, and Sun Potion, Moon Juice Shop, and of course Flower Essences (my favorites are Lotus Wei and Alexis Smart).

4. What would an ideal day look like for you?

Waking up slowly. Taking my time, as mornings are often hardest for me with energy and muscle pain. Lots of stretching, yoga, and meditation, followed by one cup of French-pressed organic coffee and a light breakfast before I start working on my emails, writing, and my blog. Walks outside in nature with my rescued Pitbull, Tayo. Rest in-between work. Lots of herbal tea and balanced meals throughout the day. Nights are for sharing and cooking organic foods with my love. Watching movies and reading are favorite pastimes of mine. I really believe in the slow living movement and simplicity in all things.

5. What are some of your morning or night rituals for yourself?

People are surprised when they learn I never wash my face with anything other than water in the morning. I always use a water filter (both sink and shower), so I splash my face with cold water upon waking. I then spritz my face with a toner or flower water for hydration and follow with a few drops of serum or moisturizer. For me less is more, for so many reasons; one being I have super reactive and sensitive skin. Most days I don't even wear makeup. I like to let my skin breathe as much as possible. I make a habit of always sitting in the sun for around 15 minutes daily to get a healthy glow and my daily dose of Vitamin D (I avoid the sun during the strongest hours of the day).

In the morning I always start with a glass of spring water filled with a teaspoon of Chlorella and a few drops of CellFood to help oxygenate my cells. I then apply essential oils of Peppermint, Lemon, and Lavender to my feet and neck to help with fatigue and allergies.

I am constantly spraying Lotus Wei flower elixirs around me and my environment for cleansing and mood-enhancing properties.

At night I dry brush my entire body and then practice Abhyanga Ayurvedic Massage, which is massaging your body with organic oils. I use Sesame Oil. I do this before showering and it helps detoxify the body and tone and protect the skin. I take sleep very seriously, as I suffer from a few chronic health issues that are made worse by not sleeping properly. Before bed, I apply Uma Calm Wellness Oil combined with Lotus Wei Quiet Mind Serum to my feet, back of neck, and back of ears. I take Sleeping Monk Well Rested Herbal tincture under my tongue combined with Sprayology Sleep Ease Homeopathic Spray. I also put crystals underneath my pillows.

6. What are your top 5 products in your holistic medicine cabinet?

Manuka Honey in my tea and to add to my Laurel Whole Plant Organics face masks. Rosewater to spritz throughout the day on my hair and face. The aromatherapy benefits of rose are incredibly relaxing. Uma Essential Oil Blends and Sleeping Monk Herbal Formulas and, of course, Lotus Wei Flower Elixirs, serums, mists, anointing oils, etc. These are staples in my holistic medicine cabinet. I feel so happy when I'm applying, ingesting, and spraying these flower and gem essences. These are pure magic and are necessities in my daily life.

7. What makes you happy?

Love. Sunshine. Flowers. Animals. Crystals. Tea. Herbalism. Kindness. + Simplicity.

8. Where is your favorite place?

I have many, but they seem to always revolve around beautiful tea shoppes (Beauteabar in Cold Spring Harbor, NY), Natural Parks near the ocean (Acadia National Park), and Organic and Natural Beauty Stores. I like to surround myself with beauty in all forms.

House of Citrine