One snowy afternoon in the West Village of New York City, a beautiful blonde babe whom I hardly knew showed up at my doorstep. Holding a jar of body cream that she'd cooked up in her kitchen, the girl asked if she could give me some to try. Essential oils and nourishing ingredients to prevent and reverse aging? Sure! The moment I tried a swipe, I was instantly hooked. I begged for jar after jar off of the stuff while helping to brainstorm names, logos, packaging for the addictive beauty butter in an effort to share it with the world. About 3 years later, Beth Shuman launched 8 Faces beauty (named for the 8 Faces of the moon cycle) with the cream that brought us together as creative collaborators and fast friends.
In honor of the upcoming harvest moon on October 5th I got soulful moon-goddess, Beth, to spill her secrets for harvesting the magic of a full moon; and just what makes her cream so powerful.
(Hint: It's more than just the cute crystal that comes along with each jar. Scroll down for a discount code and see for yourself!)
Before I discovered 8 Faces, "boundless oil" was a term I didn't know. Now it's something I can't live without!
Why do the moon phases mean so much to you?
I started to think about the moon as something very special when I was traveling in South East Asia. I’d never really experienced an unobstructed view without the light pollution of a city and during the full moon I felt like I was being recharged. I could feel this energy in all my cells, almost like a moonlight bath. When I returned home I would actually seek out places where I could stand under the light of the moon… if even just for 5 minutes while walking my dogs. The same feeling of renewal would wash over me. After that, I started to read about all the phases of a lunar cycle and learned how each phase really does offer a time of transformation.
"" Each phase comes with it’s own energetic influence that begins to build as they each pass. For example a new moon is the beginning of a new cycle - a time to align with intention, get clarity on goals and plant the seeds of what you want to bring into your life. ""
How can we use the moon as guidance in our daily lives?
Each phase comes with it’s own energetic influence that begins to build as they each pass. For example a new moon is the beginning of a new cycle - a time to align with intention, get clarity on goals and plant the seeds of what you want to bring into your life. The crescent moon is about intuition and opportunity, as well as about nourishing yourself.
Altogether, there are 8 lunar phases, each with it’s own influence and energy. It’s nice to keep a journal to see how you are feeling during each stage and how to harness the energy in your own life.
What are your favorite full moon rituals?
I have a few but my favorite is to fill a glass jar with pure water and place it on my windowsill or better yet sealed in my backyard under the light of the full moon (even if it’s cloudy it will still work.) I make an affirmation or just think about something I’m ready to release - the key is setting the intention. I then imagine the water soaking up the beautiful vibrations throughout the night. In the morning, the water is charged and I drink it throughout the day tuning into my intention with every sip.
I think about it like this - water is impressionable, and if the moon can turn the tides, then imagine what it can do to your little jar of water ☺
What's so different about 8 Faces from other body butters?
I wanted the product to have many uses - boundless uses - but I’ve suggested 8 uses that I love on the website. I also wanted to include organic ingredients that were highly effective and worked together beautifully. Combining 18 USDA certified organic ingredients, I created a blend of active botanicals that would nourish my skin and give me instant visible results.
8 Faces’ scent and texture are also very unique. We spent almost 2 years perfecting a texture that doesn’t leave a greasy feeling and is fast absorbing – and because it’s a concentrated formulation, a little goes a long way. The scent is uplifting and bright – perfect for delighting the spirit and calming the mind. When you smell it, you can’t quite put your finger on what the scent is, but that’s what makes it so intriguing.
""We spent almost 2 years perfecting a texture that doesn’t leave a greasy feeling and is fast absorbing""
What's the most magical ingredient?
The magic comes from Amla Berry – a super-fruit containing powerful antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and a rich source of essential fatty acids. Thanks to Amla’s high levels of antioxidants and Vitamin C, our solid oil improves suppleness, reduces visible signs of aging, and brings a wonderful glow to your skin. It’s also great for bringing shine and strength to hair – making it perfect for use as an all-in-one product.
Amla has been used for centuries in Ayuverdic medicine and beauty, but I hadn’t seen it in any skincare or beauty products available on the market. I actually started including Amla in my diet first. Once I noticed the improved radiance, glow, and feel of my skin, I knew Amla had to be one of our key ingredients.
How did you know that this stuff was special when you were concocting it?
I knew I was onto something when my own skin started improving dramatically. I was using the stuff everywhere... on my hair, the ends stopped breaking and it grew longer. My skin felt firmer and had an even toned glow. When my friends and coworkers started noticing, I knew it was legit!
MAGICAL MOONBEAM OFFER!
Hey you know what's more exciting than this interview? Your very own jar of boundless oil for 15% off. PLUS a gorgeous Citrine point crystal in a little pouch, all the better for manifesting moon magic all the time. Or gifting to someone special. Just enter overthemoon at checkout!
Follow @8facesbeauty for more celestial inspo and product info!
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