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I recently became an ambassador for Skincando, a local, organic, all-natural and woman-owned skincare brand out of D.C. It’s been a godsend to start using natural products (that actually work) and Skincando is dedicated to helping women make the jump to green beauty in all its forms. Last Sunday I spent an amazing afternoon with the whole Skincando squad touring two of the most well-stocked (and chic) green beauty destinations around D.C.
We started the day at the speakeasy Garden Spa – Skincando’s HQ – for fresh juices and cuddle time with Elmer, the spa’s bunny rabbit mascot. I first visited the spa at the end of May, when Skincando’s founder, Sara Damelio, sat me down for a skin consultation and cleansing facial to get my face ready to re-set.
After a deep, exfoliating clean including a little ultrasonic dermabrasion, Sara prescribed a total skin detox. She sent me home with Skincando’s wild honey cleanser+mask and sage+gold toner with healing colloidal silver and copper, and instructions not to use moisturizer, retinoids, or anything else on my face for 30 days. It was a little intimidating for someone who’s used to slathering at least some glycerin from Whole Foods on my face every day – but so far it’s been going great!
After meeting the other Skincando ambassadors and taking some photos with Mark, our photographer and videographer for the day, we hopped in a sleek ride courtesy of Reston Limousine to visit our first stop, Take Care shop in Georgetown.
Dedicated to clean, all-natural beauty, Take Care offers thoughtfully crafted organic, natural, and plant-based products. I loved the extensive line of makeup it carries, from classics like RMS beauty, to brands I hadn’t heard of like ILIA and No.25, an extensive line of 10-free nail polish.
The store’s fresh white and powder pink aesthetic is very minimal and Scandinavian – it made me feel instantly relaxed. Even better, the back of the store opens up into an airy co-working and event space!
We chatted with Take Care’s delightful owner Becky about all things green beauty and enjoyed hibiscus tea infused with CBD bitters from Cordial Organics. I’d never taken CBD before and was pleasantly surprised at how I really did feel extra calm afterwards.
Next, we zoomed off to the newly opened Veer & Wander store in Union Market. Founded in San Francisco, Veer & Wander is all about non-toxic (vs. all-natural) beauty and is also a woman-owned business.
The industrial-chic D.C. store carries Skincando’s entire line as well as an extensive selection of CBD products that I was excited to discover, from LA-based drink company Vybes (I had more CBD to drink and it felt great!) to Wildflower and Lord Jones. There’s even a mask bar in the back of the bar where you can relax with a face mask and a drink.
Our day ended a short walk away at Oku Sushi where we enjoyed cocktails, a tasting menu, and personalized cookies from Sweets by Sara S. We felt so pampered!
I will definitely be back to both Take Care and Veer & Wander next time I’m in D.C. Since Skincando’s speakeasy Garden Spa has limited hours, it’s great to know there are two retail stores that carry their products. Especially since three weeks into my skin detox, my skin feels – and looks – amazing. My face hasn’t been dry and at the end of the day despite not using moisturizer, and it’s definitely less oily.
The whole experience has encouraged me to start shifting other parts of my life to non-toxic and/or all-natural, and sustainably produced products. I went online this past week and bought a lipstick and tinted face oil from Kosas, a makeup brand I discovered at Veer & Wander. I’ve also been using a little tin of CBD-infused highlighter from Cordial Organics that Becky sent us each home with.
I love that Sara’s vision for Skincando is to introduce women to quality green beauty products in every aspect of their lives, and that she’s dedicated to supporting other woman-owned businesses as well. Use my code primpy05 for 5% off your Skincando order plus free shipping!
Check out my Instagram story highlight for more behind-the-scenes from our field trip, and stay tuned for more in my green beauty journey!
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Photos 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 14 by Mark.
I LOVED reading your post! I have been exploring green and clean beauty recently. I am so excited to check out Take Care in DC!
It’s the cutest space, and the owner Becky is so knowledgeable. She selects everything for the store herself. I was just there again last weekend to pick up some all-natural eyeshadow and 7-free nail polish.