November 1 
A few days ago, I had the honor of joining Biossance at their headquarters. I caught a very early morning flight and had some trouble getting situated…
I was in sneakers and towering at 5 feet tall, I couldn’t lift my carry-on luggage over my head and into the overhead compartment. I literally closed by eyes, mumbled a few positive words, and power lifted the thing over. And it didn’t work! I tried again and nothing. For the third time, I changed into my heels (yes heels!), mumbled a few positive sentences, and got the thing over. What I needed was not strength, but a few inches! As you can see, I was beyond happy after I landed and to see familiar faces at the Biossance headquarters.
We started our time together with a lab tour, and I got to see a glimpse of their intensive process of squalane extraction (100% plant-based squalane derived from a fermentation process using sugarcane) and other skincare products they’re currently developing (very exciting and I can’t wait to share them with you!). We ended the day with lively discussions about the science behind SPF formulations, the order of how products should be applied to achieve maximum effectiveness, and the appreciation for green make-up products.
I learned a lot from this trip but what stayed with me are these 3 things:
- How do you apply your skincare products? For me, I instinctively think it should be in the order of consistency where the thinnest looking products go first and then the thickest… essence, face oil, moisturizer, sunscreen lotion, eye cream. What I learned was mind blowing (at least for me!)… the order should be from the most to the least amount of water content for maximum effectiveness. Our skin naturally absorbs in this order. So it should be… essence/toner, eye cream (the Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel is a top seller at Sephora!), moisturizer, sunscreen lotion, and last, face oil (no water). I switched over and am now applying in this order and wish I knew sooner. Applying the face oil last helps seal everything in, and my foundation glides on smoother and more even now.
- And this leads to my next point… make-up. On our second day, make-up artist Katey Denno gave us personalized make-up tips and looks. What makes her special is that she only uses natural make-up products. She introduced me to Kjaer Weis and Ilia (afterwards, I went and bought the cream foundation right away!). I’ve learned so much about clean beauty from Biossance that I want to transition to green make-up now. I’ve been using the Kjaer Weis foundation since and love it! It’s creamy and sets in the most beautiful natural way. I always put the Biossance 100% Squalane Oil or the Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil on before applying the foundation for a super smooth texture and dewy look.
- And lastly… This one goes back to the beginning. On my last night with Biossance, I sat next to the CEO of Amyris, the parent company of Biossance. Amyris developed an anti-malarial drug that saved millions of lives. With this biotechnology perspective, they set out to reduce the environmental impact of squalane production. One of the ways squalane, which is an incredibly effective moisturizer, is harvested is from shark liver. Biossance instead created a 100% plant-based squalane that is derived from a fermentation process with sugarcane. Not only does this save sharks, but it’s incredibly sustainable. Remaining true to their roots, Biossance donates to support malaria eradication. I know their story very well, because that’s how I fell in love with them.
Happy Wednesday everyone and thank you so much for reading! And a very special thank you to Biossance for the incredible weekend and for partnering on this post!
O U T F I T :: Caroline Constas dress | Tiffany & Co. rings
B E A U T Y :: Make-up by Katey Denno | For a dewy glow, Biossance 100% Squalane Oil under Kjaer Weis cream foundation | Ilia ‘Polka Dots and Moonbeams’ highlighter | Ilia ’99 Red Balloons’ lip color
Thank you so much for reading!
