The 24k Gold Remedy for Luscious Lips
Eco-luxe minimalism is the only way to soothe the soul and survive these times. We need the plush comfort of abundance that nature provides, amid the sea of panic-shoppers, yet we need to be humble in how we indulge — a willingness to conserve.
Our lip health is one way to nourish basic needs. With over 1 million nerve endings in our lips, they deserve a bit of attention beyond slathering them with a layer of color or Vaseline when they’re chapped.
When we were babes and tots, they were among our primary method of learning lessons (too hot, too cold), learning new things (chocolate, couch), and expressing ourselves. As we age, lips become central to our survival (coffee too hot, too cold), intimacy, and communication.
We usually only remember this when they’re burned, cracked, or peeling.
To inject some all-natural healing, use this 4-step lip care routine, complete with a chat with Laura, founder of Henné Organics, who tells us more about living a minimalist-inspired lifestyle. Her lip care collection is affordable, quality, and precisely what the mouthpiece calls for — it even features a serum that is applied with a 24k gold plated rollerball, which is much more beneficial than the standard plastic applications, and looks stunning when you pull it out after lunch.
Step 1: Exfoliate.
Don’t pout, pucker up and splash your face with warm water first, then cool water to help re-close the pores. Use a circular motion to apply the Henné Lip Exfoliator to gently lift the dead skin on the lips. Exfoliating helps to neutralize discoloration and the blend of shea butter, coconut oil and other essentials in Henné helps to restore long-lasting softness. Laura also uses organic natural flavoring since the product get so close to our tastebuds; but advises that we don’t eat it [Editor’s note: we did].
Option: Massage in a bit of the Henné Lip Balm, afterwards, to seal in the moisture.
Step 2: Lip Serum.
Firm and plump the lips with the Henné Lip Serum — a mix including the über rare Artic Cloudberry, and Lingonberry seed oil. Each ingredient is packed with antioxidants and fatty acids to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (yes, in the lips) and vitamins like C and E to nourish the skin. It comes in a gorgeous glass bottle and feels heavenly cool against the lips because of the 24k gold plated rollerball used for application. The gold is more sanitary and antimicrobial than the steel beneath it, and stimulates blood circulation.
All you need is 2-3 layers and a few minutes before applying another product for this to fully absorb. Shake the bottle first.
Step 3: Mask.
We usually avoid the lips when we do a face mask. This one’s designed specifically to fill in the gaps of our beauty routine. The Sea Buckthorn seed oil has more Vitamin C than an orange, more Vitamin A than carrots and is the only plant source that has Omega 3, 6, 7, and 9.
The Black Cumin seed oil — a renowned anti-aging fave of Cleopatra’s — helps protect the skin from environmental stressors, discoloration, and dehydration.
Apply a thick layer of the Henné Lip Mask and let it set for 15-30 minutes.
UWM: You’ve traveled a bit, what’s your favorite place to meditate/people watch/be inspired?
Laura Xiao: The countryside in Sweden during the summer. It's so picturesque and serene, and the familiarity puts me at ease.
What were you doing before Henné?
I was doing web and graphic design for companies.
We can tell. The packaging is gorgeous! Do you remember the precise “aha” moment, when you said to yourself, Henné is my full time gig?
After about a year of working on Henné. Initially, I was working on it about 70% of the time because I had to do some side work to help pay the bills. After a year was when I started focusing 100% on just Henné.
So it’s definitely your passion project. Respect. What is it about the expression of minimalism in Sweden, specifically, that you love?
I love that there is no clutter. It’s not only aesthetically beautiful but it gives me a kind of peace of mind.
Bonus Question: Is your house full of Ikea, like ours?
Yes it is! A lot of random things (coffee cups, some chairs, throw pillows, etc).
You know, their furniture designs are a good way to stay organized. What’s your favorite getting-dressed-to-go song on your playlist right now?
Lizzo, “Like a Girl.”
We love. Getting ready for Zoom like:
Not only is your beauty regimen gorgeously minimalist, your fashion style is too. If you could rock only one "fancy" accessory forever…?
Sneakers.
Favorite flower of all time?
Roses.
Of course :) Elegant in their simplicity. [Note to self: Remember to slow down and smell them on your next walk.]
Step 4: Lip Tint.
Gently remove the Lip Mask with a tissue, sip tea, and then complete your lip care with a pop of color. All you need is one layer of the Coral, Bare, Azalea, or the Intrigue shade to brighten your smile and your day. Add a few more layers, if you dare, to create a sensational selfie — no filter needed.
