skincare

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

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.  


 
 
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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

Our Modern Day Healer - Angela Shore & Jiva-Apoha

Written by A Wild Dove 

 

Angela Shore came into our world like a beam of light that warmed us from within.

This was six years ago and she was in the process of starting her Ayurvedic oil brand Jiva-Apoha and gave us some samples to try. In one fell swoop, we were hooked.

(Personal favorite? Atman, meaning spirit. It’s calming, grounding and purifying). Since then Angela has touched so many lives with her oils and her presence. Her seasoned past, having studied Ayurveda in Kerala and working under a master healer and seasoned medicine woman for 15 years, comes through in every product.

She is truly healer in her own right, whose oils help others find peace, relief and answers. 

We are honored to feature Angela and Jiva-Apoha as she embodies everything A Wild Dove is all about.

Read on as she shares her beautiful journey below -

Full disclosure - We love your oils. So naturally we’d love to know how you were introduced to oils and the impact they've had on your life….

I became a believer in using plant and essential oils almost 30 years ago, tapping into anything that was cutting edge in alternative healing for the body. I learned how to cook with root vegetables, spices and herbs; it all went hand in hand in recognizing the choices that offered good health. Back then I did my first cleanse, detox, and had a strict vegetarian diet for some time. It was truly the beginning to feel the difference in shedding layers physically and mentally which brought me to finding my spirituality.

Amazing. And what benefits can modern women receive from having these oils in their life? How about Ayurveda in general?

Prevention is a modern way in caring for ourselves. The more we educate, gain knowledge, practice ancient remedies and treat our skin with the best oils, the more we can achieve in feeling better with a peace of mind. Skincare is body care, which is a personal love in healing. In Ayurveda, it’s normal to oil the body for 20 minutes before rinsing which is traditional. In the West, it’s more common that people may not have enough time to practice, so it’s easier to have an oiling body ritual as a steady grab as soon as you step out the bath or shower, which in return allows the oil to absorb right away in the pores, gives the body what it needs by receiving nutrients, nourishes the tissues, organs, and gives an overall glowing physical appearance in moisturizing.

Can you tell us how you create the oils?

Jiva-Apoha oil blends are created with a feeling that resonates a story; each chosen oil essentially make up’s the unique healing properties. A day in the lab requires devoted attention as each is bottle is made by hand with clarity. It’s a soothing joyful rhythm; where energy exudes within on the receiving end.

I treat each order as a personal healing.

 

Speaking of clarity what's your definition of balance?  

Happiness.

How do you maintain it?

Keeping a healthy routine by positive choices, working with good diet and supplements and letting go of what no longer serves energetically. Time is of essence and I choose to surround myself with people who live for creating happy moments.

 

Love that. Can you describe your favorite ritual of the week?

Going to a quiet place within, sometimes with bodywork or a visit in nature.

And where, when and with whom do you feel most alive?

I’m stimulated in extreme environments - from sensory overload in cities to driving through the desert, to experiencing other cultures. I get a rush in the journey itself exploring new places and travels. I’m most alive when I work with the divine.

Can you describe your journey in launching Jiva-Apoha and any mistakes you've made along the way that have helped you grow? Do you have any lessons to impart?

It’s a learning process as every business has its ups and downs. I started Jiva-Apoha on credit. In some ways it’s been challenging, which in retrospect has brought me more personal growth in the making. I just want to continue building solid relationships and doing good business with others who are in full support of where Wellness can lead to down the road.

Ok, switching gears. What is your spirit animal?

Cheetah.

WHO ARE YOUR DREAM DINNER PARTY GUESTS AND WHAT IS YOUR DREAM SETTING?

At this very moment; Barack and Michelle Obama, Meryl Streep, Winona LaDuke, Mark Ruffalo, LaDonna Brave Bull Allard, Mavis Staples, Neil Young, Susan Sarandon, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, Anthony Bourdain, Gloria Steinem, Julianne Moore, Viggo Mortensen, Viola Davis, Leo DiCaprio and Dalai Lama.
We’re sitting in a rustic farm setting with lush rolling hills on a private tropical island surrounded by turquoise blue water.

That sounds heavenly. And how has music shaped your path? What's your greatest music memory?

Music has opened my heart and keeps my spirit alive in motion all these years. I have many great music memories. As a young kid I started going to shows but one vivid memory in 1977, I snuck through backstage with my Uncle Ricky at Fleetwood Mac concert during their Rumours tour. I remember my heart beating fast and sliding past security while Mick Fleetwood was on the longest drum roll.   

What makes you fly?   

Benevolence


Angela Shore - Photographed by Martin Sobey | Jiva Apoha Products -  Photographed by Eric White & Styled by Lynn Levoy


FIND OUT MORE

www.jivaapoha.com

Loyal to the Oil

Written & by Photographed A Wild Dove

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Oils are definitely having their moment in the beauty world. And why not, they keep our skin looking dewy and our hair shiny.

As winter is now fully upon us, we need that extra boost of hydration to keep ourselves looking as glowy as we do throughout the summer months.

Here are some of our favorites -

 

Sunday Riley Juno Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil

We are literally glowing after using this product. Its botanically active blend of cold-pressed, powerhouse seed oils helps brighten your skin without feeling greasy. It leaves skin soft and even blends well with make up. Mix it in with your everyday moisturiser, to save time and for extra radiance.


 

Kahina Giving Beauty Prickly Pear Seed Oil

We’re fans of everything about this amazing line. But the Prickly Pear oil is a totally magic elixir that really works !  It brightens under the eyes for those prone to dark circles and reduces spider veins throughout the body. Rich in vitamin K and antioxidants. It’s light, non-greasy and leaves your skin glowing, tight and super soft.

 

 

 


 

MIRIAM QUEVEDO GLACIAL WHITE CAVIAR HYDRA PURE PRECIOUS ELIXIR

This exquisite oil is a blend of White Caviar,  Organic Baobab and Camellia Oil combined with precious gemstones.

The result  -  it leaves you hair feeling super silky with zero build up. It’s the perfect amount of hydration and its non-greasy formula doesn’t weigh down hair. Oh, and it also smells amazing...