Big Beauty Edit 2017: Best Of Bay Area Beauty + Wellness

Big Beauty Edit 2017:

The Bay Area’s Best Of BEAUTY + WELLNESS

This year, the cat’s out of the bag. The Bay Area has stepped up their beauty + wellness game ten fold. Of course, we live in the glory of innovation and design so how it translates to local beauty makers is no fret. We’re proud to feature the must-have products that are born, bred, or have made home in the Bay Area. Our rundown includes face, body, hair, men’s grooming, and services.

But we also hear you loud and clear.
We’re also excited to share our reader’s top picks for 2017. Stay tuned to the end of the post for an exclusive reader giveaway.

Go out and pamper with pride.

photography by Ashley Tarr (unless stated otherwise,) video by Stacy Kim
written by the Bob Cut Editors.

 


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Vintner’s Daughter // Active Botanical Serum

While researching her ever more complicated skincare regimen, winery owner, April Gargiulo realized that almost all of her highly touted skincare products contained high levels of ineffective, toxic fillers. Working on creating a hero formulation, the daughter then took her secret ingredient to the mainstream where her clients are swearing by it, “it’s the best thing that has happened to my skin. I had terrible rosacea and my pores were huge. My doctor can’t even believe the results. Thank you.” // $185, Vintner’s Daughter, vintnersdaughter.com


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Skinn Cosmetics // Moisture Wand

As an industry veteran, Dimitri learned that the majority of the money at the big cosmetics houses is not spent on the product. In fact, it seems to go everywhere but the product: ad campaigns, department store counter space, Park Avenue offices, and most of all, packaging. Believe it or not, most companies spend more money on the container and fancy boxes than on the formulations inside. To the Skinn team, ingredients is the cornerstone of their wide array of blush and moisture wands. Introducing the first-ever Moisture Rush Volumizing Wand, designed to help fill in and plump parts of the face and body that appear to have sunken or caved in over time. // $34.50, Skinn Cosmetics, skinn.com

Urb Apothecary //
highlighting serum

This shimmer serum has a base of high linoleic safflower, argan oil, and rosehip seed oil to nourish the delicate skin around the eyes while micas give you a subtle luminescence. The ball roller applicator dispenses product evenly across skin without overly highlighting the skin to death. // $22, Urb Apothecary, urbapothecary.com

Petaluma & Co. //
Korean Face Masks

At Petaluma & Co., the obsession with skincare and the constant hunt for natural ways to smooth and refine every facial inch. The team is obsessed with natural beauty products, constantly searching for the best at-home facial solutions to get faces luminous and radiant. Founder Sophie Song-Fang geeks out over the latest sheet mask skincare products that are dermatalogist-tested and proven to deliver more youthful-looking skin while preventing future damage. Taking care of your skin is a reflection of optimal health from the inside-out. // $3 — $6, Petaluma & Co., petalumaandco.com


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lemonhead //
space jam birthday bitch

A glitter mousse perfectly concocted for festival ready looks, Lemonhead sets the innovative bar of how we see glitter products in today’s market. A superpacked combination of confetti, hex and stars blended with base hues of iridescent barbie pink and silver. Spacejam is a multi-use product of intensely concentrated glitter pomade ideal for hair and body applications. Apply with brush or finger. Dries quickly sealing glitter particles in place with little to no fall-out. Removes with water or makeup remover. // $32, Lemonhead, musebeauty.pro


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LILAH b. // Tinted Lip Balm

Not only being beautifully designed, the Lilah B. brand has impressively designed a pod of lip color that sustains long wear while remaining true to hue. A smooth, nourishing balm that wraps the lips with rich, moisturizing comfort. The incredibly creamy texture soothes and relieves dry, chapped lips. The sheer tint gives you just the right amount of pigment, yet multi-tasks by providing instant softness and lasting hydration. // $36, Lilah B., lilahbeauty.com

Tatcha // KYOTO RED Silk Lipstick

The geisha’s timeless vermillion lip remastered for the modern woman. Rooted in a shade that is one of the most distinctive, symbolic colors in Japan. This gorgeously spun red lipstick glides smoothly over the lips without creating any weird gummy chapped-ness. That’s an A+ winner in our book. // $55, Tatcha, tatcha.com

Earth Tu Face // Skin Stick

A best selling multi-stick for face, lips, and body. The Earth Tu Face premier herbal balm for protective hydration is a day bag essential. This all-purpose Skin Stick provides three key benefits: skin healing, moisture and protection. The aromatherapeutic scent hails from the roots, leaves and flowers of Geranium and Vetiver. The smooth, botanical salve is packaged in a 100% compostable tube. Zero plastic = zero waste on the planet. // $34, Earth Tu Face, 4609 Shattuck Ave, Oakland, earthtuface.com

FAT AND THE MOON // Eye Coal

Fat and the Moon has been mixing and brewing, and testing then mixing some more to finally come up with a simple, mineral-based deep creamy eye coal! Since traveling to India, the team had been collecting trend data to clearly perfect the pigment. Searching for an equivalent product not loaded with sketch ingredients, the final result comes in a cute tin to easily store. The Eye Coal uses charcoal made from burned Puja and Ghee. // $18, Fat and the Moon, fatandthemoon.com


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REVERIE // Hair Milk

Fueled by nourishing ingredients derived from coconuts, olives, almonds, and other natural sources, this leave-in conditioning treatment does more than tame frizz. The lightweight formula also protects and moisturizes, leaving hair soft, silky, and shiny without weighing it down. Suitable for all hair types, Milk is infused with a rich blend of 16 essential oils that imparts a fresh, herbal scent that is beloved by men and women. // $42, REVERIE, gmreverie.com


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EO PRODUCTS //
SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

Coconut & Hibiscus Sulfate Free Keratin Shampoo brings the tropics to your shower experience and restores your hair’s natural beauty. Formulated with nutrient-rich botanical extracts to repair and protect hair from the daily damage of heat styling, chemical processing and color treatments. The plant-based cleansers work gently to remove buildup and leave hair clean and refreshed. Take it from a Bay Area-based company who have been recognized for their enviromental efforts. // $8.99 separately, EO Products, eoproducts.com


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Soap Cauldron // Shampoo Bars

Yes, these are exactly what you think. A bar that acts strictly as shampoo is what we’ve needed for years now. The sleek and smooth Mandarin blossom & salendula Shampoo Bar imparts natural weight and shine making it ideal for straight and thick hair types. Key actives, natural botanicals, gourmet butters, oils and essential oils leave hair shiny and sleek without stripping away natural oils. Say goodbye to that Dove you’ve been using. // $7, Soap Cauldron, soapcauldron.com


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S/he Studio // RISE body oil

A true Bay Area classic, S/he Studio has been popping up in all our favorite skin and body care stores. Their Rise Body Oil is topping the body care list this year: Rising notes of spicy Cardamom and warming Benzoin blend with the citrusy scent of Bergamot to awaken the senses. Nourish the body, mind and spirit in massage, bath and after shower. A combination of Jojoba and Almond oils, their body oils moisturize and absorb into skin without leaving a greasy residue. We’ll take it. // $45, S/he Studio, shestudio.co

EO Products / Citrus Deodorant

For the guy or gal on-the-go who absolutely hates white marks or residue. This certified natural deodorant is effective, containing organic Ethanol that eliminates odor at its source. A crisp, refreshing blend of citrus essential oils gives this deodorant its cool scent. Contains no aluminum salts, propylene glycol or zinc salts that can clog pores and toxify the system. Stay fresh, organically. Coming in 4 fl oz., it’s thoughtfully packaged in a recycled blue bottle. // $6.99, EO Products, eoproducts.com

In Fiore //

Fleur Vibrante Solution Botanique

This curative remedy-in-a-bottle contains a potent cocktail of fortifying antioxidants, flavonoids, and essential amino acids that penetrate deep within skin tissue to optimize cellular function and refine the texture of epidermis. For those who struggle with “esti-jargon,” this product is the real deal. Flavonoid-rich Sea Buckthorn nourishes and protects skin from environmental pollutants while marula oil neutralizes free radicals and helps build healthy collagen. This precious skin-strengthening formula plumps the skin, ameliorates signs of wrinkling and dehydration, and imparts a sun-kissed glow. // $150, In Fiore, infiore.net

FORM + MATTER //
Lemongrass Body care kit

Perfect for all skin types, the lemongrass body care kit by Form + Matter is a shower buddies dream. Made from no harsh chemicals, the silky smooth gel texture easily glides and penetrates rougher body skin for that coveted velvet finish. Best of all, you can get an auto-refill if and when you love the kit. // $55, Form + Matter, weareformandmatter.com

Floss Gloss // PALAZZO PLEASURES

Known for their innate eye for stylish cuticles and chemical-free formulas, the ladies over at Floss Gloss are entering the world of cruelty-free, chemical-free, and safe on skin with pride. Their newest release, PALAZZO PLEASURES, is a milky lilac color that’s perfect for transitional “seasons” in San Francisco. Floss Gloss is proud to be formulated without Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP) or Xylene // $8, Floss Gloss, flossgloss.com

Black Cotton //
Body Butter In Whipped

Sworn by our closest of friends, Black Cotton products are hand crafted (in Oakland) and packaged in small batches using the finest plant oils, handmade infusions, exotic butters with healing essential oils. Using minimal ingredients that hold true to their natural state and profile. Their rich and simplistic products provide nourishment and healing properties that will make your skin feel supreme. // Black Cotton, facebook.com

Eau De Yosh // Koning

Developing perfumes since 1994, Yosh has stayed a Bay Area bellwether in the scent scene for many a year. Growing up with a botanical background, the philosophy behind Yosh is that no one is classified or filed into a box based on their likes or dislikes — the beauty of perfumery is the adventure of leading one to a scent that truly resonates with them. Using both natural essences and scientific-based materials, the feelings you’ll feel from their impressive line are one to be classified as energetic. // By Appointment Only, Eau De Yosh, eaudeyosh.com

 

Call of the Vialed // VIALED FLOWER

Call Of The Vialed’s signature scents are stripped down, jeweled, but in total control. At first, the niaouli is supported by a hypnotically fresh chord of grapefruit, lavender stalks, and rosewood. But then night-blooming tuberose surfaces, and its cognac floralcy lets out an undeniably sultry sigh. And like your favorite friend with benefits, this leathery oud does not mess around. This particular scent is unisex and makes a great gift for both him and her. // $90, Call Of The Vialed, callofthevialed.com


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Every Man Jack

The feeling of your stubble growing out usually induces two visceral reactions. 1: Finally shading on my “at-risk-chin”, 2: Please don’t break me out. To help with both of those unfortunate situations, San Francisco Men’s care company, Every Man Jack understands the science behind beardism. Of course, they have also mastered the art of underarm hair — the citrus deodorant is a medicine cabinents favorite amongst SF men and beyond. // $6, Every Man Jack, everymanjack.com

BAXTER OF CA //
Mint Hair Conditioner

You can’t forget about the skin located under all of that hair. With all this spring weather about, you gotta keep that scalp nice and fresh — lather in the minty goodness that Baxter of CA is bringing to the table, and don’t worry ladies, this is also safe for your hair too. The mint conditioner restores moisture as it helps rebuild the hair with it’s protein-packed formula. Botanicals and vitamins promote hair manageability, counteract dryness and add natural shine–without weighing hair down. // $19, Baxter Of California, baxterofcalifornia.com

The Joint SF // barbering

From mobile services to now a full-scale retail storefront, the commonly known Barber Walters is open for business in the historic lower Nob Hill neighborhood. Men rejoice. Bringing the hardworking ethos into the lower Nob Hill, Barber Walter’s opens his own barbershop where his dedicated clientele can come to under one roof to get the signature cut that the barber delivers every time. The joint offers many services such as barbering, skin care for men, facials, and day spa services. // 1014 Larkin, San Francisco, thejointsf.com

Juniper Ridge //
Desert Beard and Face Oil

The Desert Beard & Face Oil is an organic jojoba-based moisturizer that men gravitate towards. The scented wildcrafted fragrance is distilled from plants from the Mojave Desert of Southern California. The unique desert plants make for a truly different kind of fragrance: rugged and complex, like the desert it comes from. Apply generously to face and facial hair; experience the desert trail with the Juniper Ridge team, not some kind of fragrant inspiration of the trail, but a true-piece of it, itself. // $35, Juniper Ridge, juniperridge.com

Strand SF // Barbering

Strand in Little Saigon is a hidden gem that we needed to know, recommended by a reader — the team strives for the perfect cut, buzz, and trim every time. And their services… Crazily cheap: a buzz cut can start at $17 and goes forward at $20. Go get lined up for spring with these hair wizards. // 704 Larkin St, Little Saigon, strand-sf.com

The Refinery Grooming Club //Barbering

Opened since April 2013, The Refinery Grooming Club is the place in the Mission to get precise hair cuts and beard trims. Originally The Refinery was a one-man show, operating out of a studio on 18th Street.  In January 2016, the team expanded and opened their storefront on Mission at 22nd. Perks such as hot towel treatments are complimentary, as they seek to give patrons an experience leaving them revitalized and ready for everything San Francisco has to offer. Classic touches and personalized attention valued. Level up your hair. // 2589 Mission St, Mission, therefinerysf.com

Fellow Barber // Styling Cream

A true SF favorite, Fellow Barber believes in and celebrates barbering tradition. Since opening in 2006 in Downtown New York City, they have grown independently to multiple locations in New York and San Francisco, with over 100 employees. Along the way, they have developed their own grooming product line, which is now being sold in barbershops and retailers worldwide. Cray. Their styling cream, however, is a serious game-changer. Made for both beards and scalps alike, ideal for the guy who doesn’t spend a lot of time with a comb, throw it on and swipe away. // $22, Fellow Barber, fellowbarber.com


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BITE BEAUTY LIP LAB // Create your own

Pucker up because the Fillmore shopping district has welcomed in a new resident to it’s already impressive armada. Bite Lip Lab is the cult brand that locals love and women outside of the bay crave. This is the lip to lip experience you’ll definitely want to try. Here’s how it works for the first timers: a Bite beauty advisor will meet you at the door and from there you can ask for either the A La Carte ($55 per person) for 1 predetermined lipstick shade or a custom shade ($150) for 2 shades that are uniquely crafted then and there. From either selection, you get your fill of whether you want matte, gloss, luster, different scents, all-natural… The list goes on and on. // 2142 Fillmore St. (Pacific Heights), bitebeauty.com


Photo by  Danielle Rueda

Photo by Danielle Rueda

EDO SALON // Hair Painting

Turning major heads in the Bay Area hair world, Edo Salon in the Haight Ashbury has just debuted their mastery hair painting technique and owner / innovator Jayne Matthews demonstrates the wonderment of this painterly skill. No art degree needed, the careful technique involves actual paint brushes and a ton of tin foil. Consultations are available via their online booking and prices will vary. // 601 Haight St, Lower Haight, edosalon.com


Photo by  Raquel Vanacio

Photo by Raquel Vanacio

ONSEN Bathhouse and tea room

When we first caught wind of the one-of-a-kind experience in SF, we were on Instagram browsing the 9 gorgeous photos on their feed thinking, “is this for real?” Happily, it was. Onsen, the Japanese-inspired restaurant and urban bathhouse in the Tenderloin, is finally open after years in the works. Local couple Sunny Simmons and Caroline Smith have been working to transform the former City Automotive auto body shop at 466 Eddy St. since 2013 to a spa oasis for the community to experience. // 466 Eddy St., Tenderloin, onsensf.com — $25 for a 3 hour soak.

CINTA SALON SKINCARE //
Aveda Elemental Nature Facial

Working with some of the best facialists in town, Cinta Salon has employed nothing but the best skin soothers. When booking your appointment, we immediately ask about their Aveda Elemental Nature Facial: restore healthy balance to your skin with a customized facial geared to address your particular skincare issues. Specialized products, customized formulations, essential oil aromas, and facial techniques from Aveda are used making this an experience not to be missed. // 3 Grant Ave, San Francisco, FiDi, cinta.com


Photo via Shutterstock

Photo via Shutterstock

Sparkle Nails // 3D Nail Art

With a serious passion for nail art, Sparkle SF owner Mia Rubie offers luxe, eco-friendly alternatives to your regular nail treatments. Her highly skilled staff uses toxin-free Floss Gloss polish to make your nails look their best, and Sparkle even offers at-home-gel-removal kits for DIY removal as well as various hand creams (all organic, of course). // Prices vary by appointment, 1193 Valencia St, Mission, sparklesanfrancisco.com

AQUATICA NAIL SALON

From what our editor’s testify: this spot is constantly poppin’. Been around since the early part of the decade, Aquatica Nail Salon flies under the radar offering it’s customer’s quality, fast, and friendly nail service. Fans even raving, “This is by the far the best [nail salon] I’ve been to in the Outer Richmond!” Now that’s a reputation to live up to. // 5707 Geary Blvd, Outer Richmond, 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.


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Glossier // Cloud Paint

What took the SF Muni by storm has brought the clouds of NY’s sunsets to the Bay. Cloud Paint, the newest addition to the Glossier family, introduces color to the perfect skin tone. Made for the avid face painters, a little goes a long way. Offered in four shades, you’ll be sure to find one that’s complimentary. // $18, Glossier, glossier.com

First Aid Beauty

Skin matters, especially yours. At First Aid Beauty, they understand that not all skin is created equal – that’s why they offer a wide variety of products that allow you to create a skincare routine that meets your personal needs. Because when you feel confident in your own skin, you can do anything. Now that’s a FABulous thing. // First Aid Beauty, firstaidbeauty.com

Lush

Your bathtub thanks you for inviting color to it’s life. If you know Lush and it’s history in SF, the brand laid it’s roots here before going global. Famed for their bath-bombs: an Instagram story isn’t complete without the hand and bath-bomb heading straight into the water. // Prices vary, 240 Powell St, FiDi, lushusa.com

Body Time

Body Time® is a locally owned and family run skin care company that has been catering to its customer’s skin needs since 1970.  They have a variety of face, body and hair care products for the customers to love—the Body Time® Classics Line is a collection of unscented products that can be custom scented with any of their Perfume Oils or Essential Oils.  Many of these products have been customer favorites for over 40 years. Now that’s dedication. // Prices vary, 5521 College Ave, Oakland, bodytime.com


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Savage Jenny // Radiance Shimmer

Born straight in the Bay, Savage Jenny has flown under our radar for quite some time but we’re so happy we got introduced. A hay hitter in their collection of cruelty-free products is there metallic highlighters that even astronauts could see from space. We use it on our cheekbones, nose bridge, and our cupid’s bow. We would use it everywhere if we could. // $29, Savage Jenny, savagejenny.com

Mario Badescu // Rose Water Spray

If you’ve ever browsed Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie, you have most likely picked up this brand in passing. Good deal, yes, even better product? Most definitely yes. The perfect setting spray for makeup, the skin-boosting feeling is the Mario Badescu Rose Water Spray. Easily, for $7, this is a day bag, travel bag, and overnight bag essential. // $7, Mario Badescu, mariobadescu.com

ETTA + BILLIE // Skin Balm Duo

Because a balm for our face, lips, and nails wasn’t enough; having a perfect skin balm is key for fighting chalky elbows. Loaded with some of the finest organics on the market, it’s a perfect traveling size for activities such as biking, camping, and swimming in, specifically, chlorine. Keeping a couple of these tubes around doesn’t hurt either. The Skin Balm Duo is great gift for a friend, co-worker or yourself with a skin nourishing mix of organic cocoa butter, fair trade shea butter, and organic virgin coconut oil while beeswax that naturally helps skin retain moisture. // $21, Etta + Billie, ettaandbillie.com

Milk Makeup

At Milk Makeup, they believe it’s not just about how you create your look; it’s what you do in it that matters. They see personal style as the ultimate form of self expression and encourage experimentation — from bare to bold, and everything in between. All Milk Makeup products are cruelty-free and made with the best possible ingredients, with hydrating jojoba, coconut, orange peel, and grape seed oils; fruit and vegetable butters like mango and shea; packaging that allows for minimal to no preservatives. // Prices vary, Milk Makeup, 33 Powell St, FiDi, milkmakeup.com

the Woodbridge

The Woodbridge is a salon founded by Mike and Ashley Melamed. Ashley, an accomplished salon and editorial stylist of 11-years. Mike Melamed, a 10-year salon industry veteran with an expertise in salon consulting and client experience. The combined efforts of both Mike and Ashley have created their ideal salon offering not only service, but art, skill, and client care. // Prices vary by appointment, 2072 Chestnut St, Marina, thewoodbridgesf.com

Lighten Up Shoppe

Lighten Up Shoppe was founded by maker, Joy, in the sunny northern California city of San Mateo.  Lighten Up Shoppe was created out of her love for candles and crafting.  She believes that you can change the ambiance of any space with a single lit candle.  The warmth and glow of her candles can transform any room into a sanctuary. After a long day, take a moment to breathe, light a candle, and lighten up. // Prices vary by candle, Light Up Shoppe, lighten-up-shoppe.com


Love what you saw?

Enter our giveaway below to receive a custom package of makeup, skincare, and more! You will also receive a copy of issue 3.

Only one will win and the contest closes April. 17th. The winner will be alerted by email from our editors. Shipping and handling will be covered by Bob Cut Mag but any damages in transit is not responsible by the brands or the magazine.


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