beauty

Lynn Loves - Beauty

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

Welcome to Dove Loves.

Here you’ll find Lynn’s definitive guide to what she’s loving at this very moment. Consider them her favorites du jour - the holy grail of items she’s coveting, researching, talking about, obsessing over - the products across all categories she’s deemed can’t-live-without-worthy and needs to share with you right now. Each month we’ll be bringing you these Dove Loves straight from Lynn herself.

Consider them tried, tested and approved directly from the source of all things A Wild Dove.  Up first? BEAUTY


NATURA  BISSE C+ C  BODY CREAM

“I love this cream for firming and tightening,” says Lynn. “It’s chock full of Vitamin C and the results are amazing. I really see a difference. I’m kind of obsessed with the smell too. And the orange bottle, well, it just makes me happy. It’s a perfect day cream since it’s not too heavy, but still leaves me feeling hydrated.”


LEGOLOGY AIR-LITE

“Hands down my favorite. I can’t live without this product. It smoothes, firms, tightens. It does it all. It also comes in a smaller tube, which is perfect for traveling, since I definitely can not leave home without it.”

 

AGENT NATEUR & SHIVA ROSE HOLI (ROSE) - Nº4 DEODORANT

“I have tried so many natural deodorants and this is the only one that really really works. I love the original scent too, but the Shiva Rose Holi (Rose) is my favorite. I have never really liked rose products, but this one converted me and I’ve recently bought a bunch of other rose products (I’ll be sharing those soon).”


THE NUE CO (DEBLOAT FOOD AND PREBIOTIC)

“It’s magic. It’s a mix of ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and brown rice protein and because it’s food based, it really works from the inside out.

I use it every morning by adding it to my smoothie, mixed with all my Sun Potions and Super Elixir. This product does exactly what it says it does - debloats. It’s anti-inflammatory, so it really calms your stomach.”


JOANNA VARGAS REJUVENATING SERUM

“This product leaves my skin feeling instantly hydrated and so refreshed.  I love the way my skin feels and looks - so dewy! The scent is also a heavenly blend of Argan, Neroli & Olive Oil, which I love. I use it every morning and evening and I mix it with my other serums. I use less in the morning since it’s more oil based but in the evening I load up for night time rejuvenation.”


SHOP THE STORY

Natura Bisse C+C Body Cream | Legolgy Air-Lite | AGENT NATEUR & SHIVA ROSE HOLI (ROSE) - Nº4 DEODORANT

THE NUE CO (DEBLOAT FOOD AND PREBIOTIC) | JOANNA VARGAS REJUVENATING SERUM

Beauty Rituals - Erika Bloom

Written by Erika Bloom & Photographed by A Wild Dove

 

She’s a mama, Founder of Erika Bloom Pilates, a wellness practitioner and member of our Flock. If that weren’t enough, Erika Bloom does it all with a glow that emanates from the inside out. She’s the embodiment of the lifestyle she touts - one of all natural, organic living, from her food to her shampoo. We asked Erika to talk through her beauty rituals with the hope that we’ll maybe get her glow. Read on below.

Our inner health and happiness is reflected in the glow of our skin, the strength of our hair, our expression. My primary focus in my beauty routine is good sleep, low stress and clean eating.  I complement this with skin and hair care rituals encompassing beautiful, luxurious, natural products. I absolutely love the experience of moving through the many steps of cleansing, treating and hydrating.

I choose my products starting from the premise that I would never put something on the outside that I wouldn’t put inside. We absorb the products we use through our skin. Essentially, if I wouldn’t eat it, it doesn’t go in my beauty cabinet. Luckily, there are so many amazing, effective products that satisfy this.

My days are busy. I’m always moving, whether it be exercising, teaching clients or playing with my two children, so throughout I need to refresh my hair and skin. I add smoothness to my hair with Kapuluan Raw Organic Coconut Oil. I tone my face with Tammy Fender Essential C Tonic. I hydrate and give my face a dewy glow with either Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Coconut Water Hydrating Mist or Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence.

Natural deodorant is a must. Going from a chemical anti-perspirant to a pure product can be a hard transition but if you manage odor with clean eating and low stress and find the natural deodorant that works with your body chemistry, then you’ll find success. For me it’s Agent Nateur’s holi (stick). It goes on clear and keeps me fresh.

True Botanicals Hydrating Cleanser | Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum | Tammy Fender Essential C Tonic

My nightly face routine starts with cleansing with True Botanicals Hydrating Cleanser. It naturally hydrates with oils while still removing makeup and impurities. It has been amazing for preventing breakouts without drying out my skin. In the morning I start by toning with Tammy Fender Essential C Tonic. Aloe, Green Tea, Vitamin C, Ginseng and Bergamot restore and feed my skin.

Next is a facial mist. The ritual of surrounding myself in a cloud of essential oils is so calming and centering. It also treats the skin and preps it to absorb my serums. I use the Nutrient Mist from True Botanicals. It contains algae extract to replenish and kombucha to restore balance.

My favorite serum (and desert island product) is Tata Harper's Rejuvenating Serum. I can wake up puffy and creased, put this on and look like my best self pretty instantly. It’s packed with effective natural ingredients that improve tone, texture and lines. I love how it feels and smells and how it works under makeup.

Last, I dab on a facial oil. Right now I’m using Suti’s Rejuvenate Organic Face Oil. It’s chock full of amazing ingredients including rosehip seed oil, evening primrose oil, argan oil, sandalwood, frankincense and neroli. It adds glow for day and deep balancing hydration for night. The essential oils lift my mood and help me sleep.

Fearless Tray by Alexandra Von Frustenberg

A few times a week I take the time for a mask. Herbivore’s Brighten mask improves the color and clarity of my skin. Josh Rosebrook’s Cacao mask is genius at clearing and shrinking pores. The beauty of using natural products is that they don’t just make the skin look better, they actually make it healthier. Many chemical products coat the skin to make it appear smooth but they aren’t actually improving quality or truly hydrating. It makes me feel good to choose things that are good for my insides and outside and that really work.

Herbivore Brighten Mask | Josh Rosebrook Cacao Antioxidant Mask

My body and hair routine is rooted in the same natural principles as my face care. Pre-shower I dry brush with gloves for skin exfoliation and improvement of lymph flow and circulation. I wash and condition my hair with products from John Masters Organics, Rahua and Innersense. Then I use a leave in conditioner from Innersense. It leaves my hair smooth with a beach-y wave. Post-shower I hydrate and nourish my skin with Tammy Fender Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil. Lavender essential oil is so calming for me and I love its subtle scent.

If I need to transition to an after work meeting or event, I add lift to my hair with Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo and add scent with LURK oil or Tata Harper Love Potion. They smell amazing and enhance my mood and health with pure essential oils.

The self-care component of using these products is such a part of my wellbeing. I am so grateful to these amazing brands for creating products that are so pure, so effective and so beautiful. And because my products are natural and non-toxic, I can snuggle and hug my children knowing that they are being exposed to healthy ingredients as well.  

Tammy Fender Bulgarian Lavender Body Oil | Agent Nateur holi (stick) Natural Deodorant | Tata Harper Love Potion | Lurk Perfume Oil | Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo | Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave In Conditioner | Kapuluan Raw Organic Coconut Oil


FIND OUT MORE

WWW.ERIKABLOOMPILATES.COM | Instagram @erikabloompilates


As modern mamas living in the over information age, (where everyone is an expert and parenting opinions are shared as freely and easily as an Instagram post) it can be tough to filter through the white noise to find the facts. Naturally, we’d love to consider ourselves wise in all sorts of ways, but the truth is sometimes we’re scrawling SOS in the sand. Good thing we’ve got the guidance and expertise of our own personal rockstars: the people who inspire us on the daily. Our rockstars (our flock) are enthusiasts, professionals and influencers in the fields of wellness, travel, education, style—the list goes on. Each one brings a profoundly different perspective to the table, one informed by their own experiences and outlooks. And that perspective is priceless. They say it takes a village…we say it takes a flock.

Spaced Out Skincare

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

Beam us up Scotty, because we’re taking a trip to space - Space NK, that is. Yes, we are talking about the go-to beauty boutique for insiders, professionals and product junkies like ourselves.

Brands upon brands of luxury creams, fabulous color cosmetics and top haircare products. We recently hung out at Space NK’s new Brooklyn outpost, where we basically felt like kids in a candy shop, since our version of candy is primers, glosses, shimmer sticks and hair oils. The store is clean, chic, well-lit and so warm and inviting. Plus, with its prime Williamsburg location, it makes it even easier to shop from whichever side of the river you’re on.

Space’s beauty gurus just released their spring edit - a powerful mix of products like amazing highlighters by Kevyn Aucoin, the ultimate eyelash curler by Surratt and the most glam mascara by Rodial . They also carry the super exclusive Byredo line, ONLY available at the BK-NK (got that one?) and in their San Francisco boutique. We added a bit of our faves to theirs, for the must-shop list for Spring that will have you looking photo-ready.  


 
 
Copy of C73A2691.jpg
Copy of C73A2602.jpg

Relevée Lash Curler by Suratt Beauty | Lash Dance Mascara by Smith & Cult | Glamolash Mascara XXL by Rodial | The Neo-Limelight by Kevyn Aucoin | The Neo-Highlighter by Kevyn Aucoin | The Neo Powder Brush by Kevyn Aucoin | Surreal Skin Foundation Wand by Suratt Beauty | Lipstick Chess by Lipstick Queen | The Expert Lip Color by Kevyn Aucoin


 
 

Regenerating Cleanser by Tata Harper | Elixir Vitae Serum by Tata Harper | Ultramoor Mud Mask by Omorovicza | Phytoactive Anti-aging Cream by Royal Fern | Neck & Decolletage Treatment By 37 Extreme Actives | Cucumber Balancing Elixir by Kat Burki


Tracie Martyn Shakti Resculpting Body Cream | Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil | Malin + Goetz Peppermint Body Scrub | Ren Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish | Kat Burki Hand Therapy

 

Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner by Oribe | Volume Powder by Sachajuan | Voluminous Shampoo and Conditioner by

Rahua | Hair Oil by Quai | Extreme Caviar Scalp Mask by Miriam Quevedo

 


 

SpaceNK Apothecary Brooklyn


Mama Said - Eva Alexandridis

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

What on earth could a plastic surgeon have in common with astronauts?
Not much, we would assume. Well, fortunately for our skin, Dr. Yannis Alexandridis realized quite a bit.

When the London-based plastic surgeon started his practice, he couldn’t find skincare that would help heal his patients’ skin effectively following cosmetic procedures. In continuing his research, he found that skin ages faster in space due to environmental extremes and sought to collaborate with scientists responsible for astronauts’ well-being. Enter 111 Skin, a performance-driven skincare line that uses a special patented formula in its highly coveted, sell-out serums, masks and creams that we are obsessed with.

Speaking of obsession, Dr. Alexandridis’ wife Eva, who runs the business side of 111 Skin, is an inspiration in her own right. She’s hip, global and is the perfect physical manifestation of what space-age skincare can do. Not to mention, she’s a Mama balancing it all. We sat down with Eva to chat work, skincare and how she puts family first.

CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH HOW IT OCCURRED TO YOU TO CONNECT SKINCARE WITH ASTRONAUTS? A SEEMINGLY UNLIKELY CONNECTION, NO?

Your skin ages faster in space because of environmental extremes. For that reason, Dr. Alexandridis sought to collaborate with space scientists responsible for the well-being of astronauts. Our aims were essentially the same – creating a formula to protect, repair, prevent aging and nourish the skin. The key ingredient in our NAC Y² formula, N-Cystine, is an essential amino acid given to astronauts to delay damage from environmental extremes and radiation.

WOW. OK THAT MAKES SENSE. WHAT WAS IT LIKE COLLABORATING WITH SPACE SCIENTISTS? CAN YOU GIVE US A PEEK INTO THAT INITIAL CONVERSATION?

It was very exciting. It was great to work with an extremely talented and a knowledgeable group of people who understood our aims and needs of what we were looking to create. Astronauts need to have the most effectives formulas to cope in extremely harsh conditions – there is higher radiation, and no gravity – both accelerate aging and that needs to be balanced off with proper supplements.

THAT SOUNDS HARSHER THAN LIVING IN NEW YORK! WAS THERE A “TRIGGER MOMENT” IN CREATING 111 SKIN? OR DID IT HAPPEN OVER TIME?

In the beginning, my husband had no intention of creating a skincare range. He created the Y Theorem Repair Serum to help patients heal after surgery; it was a small little bottle that he would give complementary to clients in his clinic after they had surgical or nonsurgical treatments, but many were coming back and asking for more. It became almost impossible to stock, so he decided to create a range for everyone to use.

 

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS IN FIGURING OUT THE EXACT INGREDIENTS FOR THE NAC Y² ? DID YOU HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT SHOULD BE INVOLVED OR WAS IT PURE TRIAL AND ERROR?

We had an initial idea but we worked closely with the space scientists and after a few revisions came up with the perfect ingredients. The key amino acid is the ingredient that is used in space to delay negative environmental conditions. The potent form of Vitamin C – Ascorbil Phosphate was suggested by Dr. Alexandridis, as it is a star antioxidant that can treat acne on the surface, stimulate collagen and also has skin-whitening abilities.

 

AND WHAT ABOUT GLUTATHIONE...SOUNDS LIKE A MIRACLE WORKER. HOW DID YOU HAPPEN UPON IT OR IS IT SOMETHING YOU’VE BEEN WORKING WITH FOR A LONG TIME?

As a medical student in the U.S. training to be a surgeon, Dr. Alexandridis administers Glutathione injection for liver failure so he knew it was vital for life. It plays an important protection role by neutralizing harmful free radicals and repairing cells.

That’s incredible. OK now for some Fun questions. Can you take us through a typical day in terms of your diet and wellness regimen?

I start everyday with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice; it’s such a refreshing wake-up that gets me energized for the day ahead. After a proper breakfast of granola or fruit, I usually walk my youngest to school for some quality time together. Right after school drop off I have either a quick run or a 30 min workout session at home (using fitness DVD’s). Sadly I do not have one whole hour to dedicate to a gym session and that is why I discovered the DVD’s-they travel with me everywhere as it is so easy to do 30 minutes anytime. I do try to have a work lunch. I love dark chocolate and have a bit every day. Dinners are usually at home with the kids, healthy recipes following the Mediterranean diet, lots of fresh fish and grass fed meat and always variety of veggies.

What’s your favorite ritual with your family?

My husband and I work in close proximity to each other, my office is around the corner from his Harley Street Clinic. We try and see each other for a quick lunch once or twice a week and in the evenings we spend time with our two sons and stay off email and phones to avoid being distracted by work issues. Family holidays are always set in advance and never changed for work related issues. Skiing in February and sailing in the Greek islands are a yearly occurrence. Recently we started diving. My 11 year old son, my husband and I dive together while our 6 year old stays on the surface snorkeling. Luckily he sees just as much exciting corals as we do in the deep waters.

Love that. What’s your “therapy?”

Spending time with friends and family. Family is so important and watching my sons grow up and planning activities for us to do is what makes me most happy.  I also love to take time out to go for a run, having previously trained as an athlete, taking time to exercise clears my head and prepares me for the day. Our new addition, a Jack Russell, allows us all to hang out more together as a family, as we go for long walks in the park together.

You're stranded on a desert island, what are you five must-haves?

My husband, kids, Y Theorem Repair Serum, music and champagne.

What makes you fly?

Seeing my kids laugh for no reason and seeing my business grow with the help of my very young and talented team.


FInd out More

www.111skin.com

What’s in your Bag? - A Wild Dove’s Lynn Levoy

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

For our first WIYB series, we look no further than Founder and Creative Director of A Wild Dove, Lynn Levoy, who is always toting an oversized sack full of goodies to take her from AM to PM. When running around the city, whether for work, play or Mama-ing, (yeah we just made that up), Lynn’s   go-to bag these days is a large Celine Cabas Twist tote. “The bigger, the better,” says Lynn. “Somehow they seem to get larger each time I buy a new one. And then they become like a big black hole...” Well, let’s do a deep dive into that black hole, complete with makeup, tech gadgets, sunnies and so much more...

Lip Balms - “I don’t wear much make up, but for some reason I need multiple clear glosses at all times. Lately, Glossier’s Coconut Balm Dotcom is my go-to. I have one at all times and even all around my apartment. I also love Glossier Lip Gloss. It’s so gooey. On that random occasion that red is in order, I go for Glossier Zip.  It's very satin and not heavy at all. It's super low maintenance. And Rodin Lip Balm with a slight sparkle. Just because.”

Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler - “I use it everyday, even when I’m not wearing mascara. It gives my eyes an extra pop.”

YSL Shocking Mascara - "I've used it forever. I have tried everything but I always go back."

Shu Uemura Mascara Brush/Comb - “A makeup artist told me about this years ago. It’s a lifesaver. When I do wear mascara, I like lots and lots of coats. It’s the only way to get the clumps out and separate your lashes.”

“And I always use Glossier’s Pink Pouches perfect for make up and just about anything else."

Glossier Coconut Balm Dotcom & Lip Gloss | Rodin Lip Balm | Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler | YSL Shocking Mascara | Nars Copacabana Multiple | Nars Concealer | Shu Uemura Mascara Brush/Comb | Anastasia Brow Pencil & Clear Brow Gel

 

 

Vintage Ray Ban Aviator Sunglasses With Yellow Lens - 

“My latest find. Obsessed.”

 

Eye Glasses by Culter & Gross | Yellow Vintage Sunglasses by Ray Ban | Black Sunglasses by Saint Laurent

Notebook by Moleskin | Wallet by Commes de Garcons | Graphic Pen by Pigma | Camera by Canon

Moleskin Notebook -  “I love a list. And nothing is better than crossing off to do’s.”  

Pigma Graphic Pen - " I'm very particular about pens for some reason. This is my current fave.”

Epi Pen - Callum was diagnosed with a peanut and nut allergy at two years old. I never leave home without two pens at all times.”

Love Note from Callum - “Nothing makes me happier.”

Snacks - “Especially with Callum’s peanut/nut allergy, I never know what the food situation will be, so I basically carry a small shop at all times.”

Kid Robot and Plus Plus Building- "Best distraction."

“And I of course never leave home without my iPad, iPhone, chargers, headphones, water, Trident Minty Sweet Twist and my wallet - the stars

make me happy."

 

Aurelie Bidermann pouches (these bags come with your your purchase. They're the best, I use them for everything).  “My bag is full of them to stay organized, except I then can't remember what’s in which one and I end up opening everyone one. People behind me in line love it..."

 

Pouches by Aurelie Bidermann | Hand Sanitiser by Aesop | All Electronics by Apple

 

Oversized Twisted Cabas Bag by Celine | Top by Nili Lotan | Jeans by Vetements | Boots by Balenciaga | Ring by Jennifer Fisher


Dios Mio!

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

We’re not ones to buy into hype, particularly in the form of skin care. Sure, we invest in top quality products, but we refuse to hop on the latest fad or high end cream. Which is why Mio Skincare is SO GOOD. Mio delivers results - whether in the form of pregnancy body care, aging issues or all around tightening and contouring. We could go on and on singing the praises of the phenomenal line, but we picked our faves below- 

 

Shrink to Fit

Fortified with a high concentration of antioxidants, caffeine, rosemary extract, green tea and horsetail plant, this luxe moisturizing cream is designed to help reduce the appearance of uneven, bumpy areas and increase skin’s elasticity. A natural combat for trouble spots like hips, thighs and arms. And who doesn’t need that?

 
 
 
 

Dry Brush

This exfoliating brush features natural boar bristles and massage nodules that removes lazy skin cells and dirt. By polishing and massaging all over to stimulate circulation, you’ll eliminate layers of dead skin and improve its overall appearance. Done and done.

 

Get Waisted

We like the sound of this already. The gold standard of the Mio assortment, this amazing cream is formulated with Rhodofiltrat Delessaria, pharmaceutical grade caffeine and Oat Protein Complex to help replenish moisture to improve the look and feel of skin as well as flatten and contour those pesky little bulges that come with age.

The Activist

Get marching! The “superfood of skincare,” this body oil works to soothe skin while balancing the look of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. It’s intensely hydrating, antioxidant rich formula delivers moisture and nutrients deep down to boost strength and elasticity. It also pumps bounce and radiance back into aging skin! Bonus.

 
 

Double Buff

This non-abrasive scrub is dedicated to revealing brighter, smoother, more even toned skin using an omega-rich exfoliator of pumice, lava and bamboo. Extract of fig and organic shea butter also hydrates and moisturizes while organic sweet almond oil soothe sensitive skin. The results are smooth and supple looking skin with renewed clarity and radiance.

 

 

Workout Wonder

Perfect for pre and post-workout, this gel is like a spa session for your muscles that helps to soothe and cool. Featuring a cocktail of herbs and extracts like horse chestnut, horsetail extracts and a natural blend of essential oils, the formula leaves limbs feeling energized and ache-free.