truth serum

Thanksgiving is here, and with it comes with lots of gratitude and even more food than normal. And while we here at KG like to encourage healthful eating for best complexion results, Thanksgiving is one day we say throw caution to the wind. Do we want whip cream with that pumpkin pie? Oh yes, we do. However, the day should not be a total food guilt trip, so we went off in search of the silver lining. We found that many of the ingredients and foods we eat on Thanksgiving have powerful skin-loving properties, so chew on that as you...

Even when winter skies are cloudy or grey, Seattle sparkles with light during the holiday season. Here are some ideas for a very merry visit. Let’s start with the venerable Pike Place Market – a beloved Seattle institution since 1907. Fresh produce, home of the famous “flying fish” vendors, flowers, specialty products galore. It was the first location of Beecher's Handmade Cheese. Market parking available at garages located just below the market; elevators take you straight to market level. Nearby you'll be able to check out Smith Tower Observatory. Historical and stately, this landmark tower in Pioneer Square was built in 1914,...

Our famous Halloween icon also packs a powerful punch when it comes to nutrients, making it a winner for your skin. Here are four ways to take advantages of pumpkin properties – like alpha hydroxy acid and Vitamins A, C and E – to help your skin glow, no candle required. DrinkPumpkin Seed MilkSoak 1 cup seeds in water overnight. Hang in mesh bag to dry. Blend with 4 cups water in Vitamix. Strain into jar and squeeze milk through pulp. Keeps in fridge for 5 days. SnackRoasted Pumpkin SeedsWash raw seeds. Boil seeds in salted water for 10 minutes...

Foundation obviously plays a key role in any makeup routine because, well, it’s the foundation all else is layered upon. However, one of the more difficult things to do is select the right shade for your skin tone, as women are often overwhelmed by walls of 50 shades and beyond. At Kari Gran, we simplify it. Not only do we have a short list of ingredients that comprise our Mineral Foundation, but we also offer just 8 shades. Our experience shows this small curated spectrum still ensures a perfect fit for most, while not overwhelming anyone. Our foundation shades are simply...

Remember the days of 3 network TV channels?  Feels like ancient history compared to what’s available today:  hundreds of tv channels, subscription services that make binge-watching entire seasons of a show so easy, e-readers, blogs and now… podcasts.  I’ll admit, I was a little late to the podcast party - now it seems everyone and their sister has one.  Who has time to listen to them all?  Probably no one, which is why it’s handy to have guides to help navigate your way to find the ones that spark your interest. Here’s a brief list of some of our favorites: ...

Ever heard of sea buckthorn?  Sounds a bit like a spooky plant that grows deep underwater, or a dark potion out of a Harry Potter book, doesn’t it?  Well, read on, because Sea Buckthorn is having a moment. I first discovered sea buckthorn at Expo West way back in 2011, just as I was developing my formula for our Essential Serum.  Its eye-popping orange berries lured me in and when I discovered it was grown in Nordic countries, I was even more captivated (being a good Scandinavian girl and all).  I learned that Sea buckthorn is actually a spiky, hard-to-harvest...

Here at Kari Gran, we’ve never been shy about encouraging a holistic approach to your all natural skin care regime, as truly, products can only get you so far. What you eat and drink impacts your complexion, for better or worse. With fall upon us, I wanted to share a few in-season superfoods for your skin. If they catch your eye, eat in abundance! 1. Pumpkin – These are not just for Halloween and crafts –pumpkins are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, found in both the flesh and the seeds. Eating pumpkins can help repair sun damage and slow...

Shhhhh….I’ve got a secret. You don’t have a skin type. You have skin. Skin changes as you age, as the sun rises, as the season changes, as your hormones wax, as your hydration wanes, and because of a million other little things that affect your living, breathing, beautiful shell. Over the years you’ve been asked (or told) by magazines, makeup artists, salespeople, etc., what type of skin you have – Dry? Normal? Combination? Oily? – as they try and diagnose what products you should use to “treat” your complexion. Here’s my take: forget all about that. The problem is you’re...

It’s that time of year again, the wind is getting crisper, the leaves are changing color and the PSL can be found in the hands of coffee lovers everywhere. The first day of fall is fast approaching (9/22), and that means it’s time to double up on your Essential Serum. Weather and temperature changes can really do a number on your skin. Ever go from perfectly moisturized to dehydrated, flaky skin in a snap? The best remedy is simple – protect your skin and keep it moisturized. I typically suggest using one to two pumps of serum during the day...

If you consider “old age” two of the most depressing words in the English language, watch this utterly charming and funny film.  It might give you a new appreciation for life after 80, 90 and beyond.  Its premise is that there are riches to be had in your (really) later years:  more peace of mind, discovering what’s truly important to you, and more time to share with friends and family.  It’s also a great testament that trying to find that magical anti-aging product is pointless.  What’s that saying?  “Aging happens”? Carl Reiner decided to make this film when he was...