One of my favorite parts of traveling is finding souvenirs – haha! I LOVE going into kitchey shops full of cheesy things! I’ve really been trying to cut down on useless crap though so I’ve diverted my souvenir attention to something else useful and that I love more than cheesy t-shirts and magnets – handmade beauty products! I love sleuthing things out that only locals know about or things that can’t be found back home but are readily available in the travel locale. I especially love finding local products that are handmade from small businesses that you otherwise would never know of. On my recent California road trip I discovered a ton of beauty & body products (+ some miscellaneous) – a few that I’d run across before and a lot that I hadn’t ever heard of. I wanted to share my finds with you along with some really awesome shopping spots I found along the way. There were so many beautiful shops that there wasn’t time to stop in all of them but I made a good effort. Some people are just such incredible merchandisers with their goods that the set up convinces me to purchase something – it’s like sorcery! (And obviously their goal) I’m such a sucker for beautiful things! Check out my finds below (brace yourself – its a long but good one):
First Stop: LA
Morton Essentials – Natural Deodorant
Made in: LA
We stopped at Whole Foods for a few things we forgot to pack and this pink packaging caught my eye. Then I saw that it was made right there in LA so I had to grab it. It’s a light creamy deodorant that neutralizes odor and smells lightly of grapefruit. It’s completely free of aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and propylene glycol.
Soap The Earth – Sea Salt Soap Healing Surfer Suds
Made in: Malibu
On our way out of LA we saw this grocery store off the highway called Vintage Grocers, and while I had no idea what a vintage grocer meant, it looked like it might have a natural vibe so we pulled over. I was right, there was a great selection of natural and healthy Food and Beauty Products. I saw this soap brand and decided to try the “Surfer Suds” variety because, when in Rome ya know. It’s a cold-pressed soap made with sea salt and spirulina (sea vegetable) soap that are both healing and soothing for the skin. It reminds me of the ocean that i miss oh-so-much!
Beachy Kleen – Wipe Out Sand
Made in Malibu
I snagged this at Vintage Grocers too. I think the checkout guy thought I was silly for just buying a few random beauty goods – but that’s the life of a beauty blogger, man! This product caught my eye because it’s unique and although we weren’t going to be by California beaches for that long, we’ve got beaches here in Chicago so I know this will come in handy. It’s an arrowroot based powder that you sprinkle on sand covered skin, brush off with a towel and voila! The sand is gone and your skin is left smooth and smelling nice so no pesky sand gets in your vehicle or home.
Stop 2: Ojai
Shop 1: Fig
This was the most beautiful and well-merchandised shop. It’s tucked away behind a tiny brightly colored entrance and is found at the end of a long open-air hall that’s lined with unique goods. Once inside it still feels like you’re outside with the high ceiling and windows that pour in natural light. It’s on the main shopping street in Ojai and is among good company with the shops that surround but this one was definitely my favorite. It’s bright, sunny and full of an incredible selection of handmade goods including home, body care, accessories and baby goods.
- Ojai Botanika – Pink Grapefruit Soap
Made in Ojai
This soap was the first thing I eyed at Fig with it’s pretty pink color and light swirls topped with a creamy white layer – the artistry! It’s vegan and made with organic base oils. It’s scented with 100% pure essential oils and smells lightly of grapefruit. It’s so pretty I don’t want to use it but I also think it’s going to be so luxurious so I must! - Yellow House Handmade – Pink Moonstone Crystal Card
Made in LA
I also found this gem (ha) at Fig. I love this concept – it’s a bracelet, good vibes and a card all rolled into one. I bought this for myself with no intentions of sending, however this would make a fantastic gift. There are a ton of other semi-precious crystals to choose from, all with different vibes and meanings. It can be worn as a bracelet or a necklace – I’ve been wearing it as a bracelet (although it’s slightly too big for my tiny wrists). The crystal I chose was the Pink Moonstone that carries vibes of feminine energy, insight and new beginnings.
Shop 2: Farmer and the Cook Market
We stopped at this market for lunch but were pleasantly surprised to find the handmade goods for sale too. It’s primarily a restaurant serving locally gown and organic fare, a lot of it vegetarian, but that have a small market selection selling all-natural, clean, handmade items ranging from personal care to snacks, sweets and household products. It was quaint, chill, off the beaten path and truly local feeling.
- Wildcare – Golden Hour Glowing Body Oil
Made in Ventura – not to too far from Ojai
From this sweet market I snagged this shimmering golden body oil from Wildcard that I’d been eyeing for quite some time. It’s shimmer is subtle and the scent is jasmine with base undertones of vanilla bean and spicy clove. Nourishing oils of apricot kernel (restores vitality) and sweet almond (skin restructuring properties) smooth and hydrate skin leaving a healthy glow – and not just because of the golden flecks. - Ojai Chocolat – Lavender Mint
Made in Ojai
This cute little chocolate was also found at the market. There is no sugar and no dairy used to make it so it is vegan, paleo and diabetic friendly. I have yet to taste it, but sounds intriguing. I can only assume that it has some health benefits being 72% raw cacao and with the addition of lavender and mint it has healthy calming effects. That’s what attracted me to this flavor in the first place. I’m always looking for things to aid in relaxation and chocolate is at the top of the list!
Honorable Mention Stores:
deKor&Co
I stopped at Dekor and while I didn’t purchase anything, I highly recommend a visit. It’s a fabulously merchandised grand and airy space that’s full of natural light highlighting all their fabulous products. Beautiful setups full of unique goods surround and include categories of home decor, art, fashion and natural beauty products and makeup. There is even a tea bar you can grab a beverage at while you shop.
I really wanted to stop in both of these stores but wasn’t able to because they were unfortunately closed – next time though!
- In The Field – Lifestyle boutique with a gallery-like vibe full of eclectic treasures.
- Summer Camp – custom framing, vintage, home & lifestyle goods.
Stop 3 – Santa Barbara
Shop 1: Plum Goods
This was a fun store, again with really nice merchandising, full of home, body care, baby, gift items and paper goods. Most of the stores nearby it are larger retailers so it was nice to shop something that was more local.
- Santa Barbara Soaps – Rose Garden
Made in Santa Barbara
These are luxury sea salt soaps that are crafted with pure Pacific sea salt, coconut milk and avocado and coconut oils. This one smells perfectly of roses and has a slight shimmer for a beautiful aesthetic. - 24 Blackbirds – 75% Madagascar Chocolate
Made in Santa Barbara
This chocolate is a single origin artisanal chocolate made with certified organic beans from Madagascar. It’s flavor profile is dominantly fruity berries and citrus with an underlying cream and cocoa finish. It has the most simplistic and whole ingredients of Organic Malagasy Cocoa Beans and Organic Cane Sugar.
Shop 2: Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market
We were lucky enough to be in town on the day that the farmer’s market is held in the downtown area. There is nothing more that makes you feel like a local than shopping goods directly from area farms so we decided to stop and peruse. We didn’t grab any food items, although it all looked so fresh and tasty, but instead found a few stands that had body care items made from honey and lavender.
- San Marcos Farms – Lavender & Honey Soap
Made near Santa Barbara
This soap is from a local bee farm that produces honey, bee pollen and beeswax candles in addition to this soap. Honey is very moisturizing and soothing so it makes a great skin conditioning soap. The addition of lavender also helps calm skin as well as the senses. - Lucky Dog Lavender
Made Near Santa Barbara
This dried lavender smells so good! It’s from a small family farm that uses sustainable and organic practices in their growing process. Not only does this smell soothing and contributes to relaxation but it looks pretty too. They also make soaps, essential oils and hydrosols from the lavender they farm.
Stop 4: Lipoma
Luffa Farm
The Luffa Farm was one of my can’t skip stops on this trip. You know those crusty, straw-like loofas you can buy at the store? These are nothing like them! They may come from the same type of plant but here at the Luffa Farm they grow and farm these naturally and organically as possible to produce a soft, luxurious and not-at-all scratchy sponge to help you exfoliate gently. These sponges last longer too as they can be washed and still retain their structure. They give free and very educational tours so you can see the Luffas at all stages of growth. They also have a gift shop you purchase the Luffas and other bath and body products in. Here’s what I got:
- Luffas
Like I said, these are nothing like the type you find in stores. They are not treated with chemicals that make them stiff so they retain their soft natural structure. I got a small body one and a facial sponge. The texture is soft enough for daily use which is great because exfoliation (but not abrasion) of the skin is so important for flushing the pores and increasing circulation that helps with cell turnover. Even though they are soft, they are still sturdy and can be used for household cleaning as well. Because they are lighter and airier than traditional store bought loofas they air-dry much quicker and are not prone to mildew. These come in multiple different sizes for whatever your exfoliating needs may be. - Glycerin Soap
Glycerin is an emollient, meaning that it creates a moisture locking barrier on skin and helps keep in hydrated. It’s also a humectant, drawing in moisture, so it’s a double whammy for dry skin. Not only is glycerin good for those with regular dry skin but also those with eczema and psoriasis. - Lavender Oil
This is a pure essential oil made from lavender farmed right on premises. Lavender oil has an infinite number of uses ranging from aromatherapy for calming and relaxation to wound healing, itching and headache remedies. It’s great to rub on muscles for tension release and as a pain minimizer. If you’re having trouble sleeping a dab on the temples can help soothe you into slumber. - Peppermint Foot Tea
These tea bags, full of simply peppermint leaves and peppermint oil, provide a soothing soak for tired feet. Simply fill a container or your tub with warm (hot but not too hot) water and drop the tea bag in. Let it steep for a few minutes like you would a regular tea bag and then add your feet and kick back to enjoy the relaxing, refreshing sensation and the soothing aroma. It’s a great first step to a home pedicure or nice to do right before bed after a long day. - Dang-It Doll
This may seem like a silly purchase but never underestimate the power of releasing your anger through appropriate means. This kitschy little doll is filled with lavender and probably rice or something. It’s a tool to throw around when you’re feeling frustrated. Not only do you release some of that build up tension by tossing this around, but when you hit it against something the essential oils from the lavender buds release their aroma and in turn release your emotional build-up. I can attest this has made me feel better on multiple occasions.
Stop 5: Cambria
Shop 1: Lucia Apothecary
Cambria was a tiny little town that Highway 1 ran right through. The main street is adjacent to the highway and you can see it as you drive by. I was drawn to stop because there were some brightly colored buildings right there that seemed like a good photo op but we drove down the row of shops and discovered Lucia Apothecary. While I didn’t purchase anything, I still wanted to mention because they had a great selection of body products ranging from soap to body scrub and wash. All products are sulfate and paragon free and are made right there in Cambria.
Stop 6: Big Sur
Shop 1: Phoenix
If you stop by Nepenthe restaurant (that I mentioned in my recent post) you must also make a stop at the gift shop right by it and take a look around. It’s feels like a mountain shop tucked in the side of a cliff – which it is! It’s packed full of any kind of gift item you might be looking for on two floors of shopping delight, from clothing and household goods to books, cards and kids toys. I found a ton of natural beauty/body items – many local.
- Big Sur Country Soap
Made in Big Sur
These soaps are all natural, earthy and full of texture. They are made with only the finest ingredients including coconut and olive oils, pure essential oils and organic herbs, flowers, spices, grains and seeds. This particular bar is the Cherry Oat Poppy Scrub variety and smells like a delicious cherry almond with the poppy seeds added in for gentle exfoliation. - Salt Roots Soap Company
Made in Big Sur and Santa Cruz
These small-batch, handcrafted, artisanal soaps caught my eye with their gorgeous labels and then drew me in with their all natural ingredients list. They are pure, mild soaps that gently cleanse skin without over-drying or irritating. I got the Bixby soap bar which is scented with basil, lavender and orange essential oils creating an earthy, citrus aroma. It’s made with the following blend oils: coconut, organic palm kernel, sunflower, rice bran, olive, caster, avocado and sweet almond as well as moisturizing shea butter. It also has brazillian clay and french green clay that draw impurities out of skin leaving it clean without feeling dry. Pink himalayan sea salt is full of antioxidants and minerals and is an exfoliation aide. - The Incense Match
This is the one thing I got that’s not locally made in California but I had to share because it’s so clever. Incense can be confusing or messy but not with these guys. It’s and all in one deal – just light like a match, let it burn down a 1/4 of an inch, smudge out and put in a heat safe dish (like a fancy ashtray) to enhance the surrounding air with it’s emitted aroma. There are 16 scents to choose from.
Stop 7: Monterey
Shop 1: Wharf Marketplace
We stopped here in search of a snack and found a market stocked with tons of fresh prepared food and local food goods. They have delicious cookies and friendly employees (that convinced me I needed 3 of those said cookies- but I’m not mad about it). They also have a nice wine selection and a bar that has a happy hour during the week. It’s located in a historic building that was built in 1874 as Monterey’s first train station.
- Lucky Dog’s Bakery – Peanut Butter Cookies
Made in Santa Cruz
I saw this little pack of organic doggie treats and HAD to buy it for my furry girls. They love peanut butter and I love organic. These biscuits are fresh-baked with all natural, organic ingredients including oat flour, barley flour, peanut butter, eggs, honey, flaxseed, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. They are free from wheat, corn, soy and preservatives. Only the best for my gals! - California Crisps
Made in Panorama City
These are an all natural, pure and wholesome snacks made simply from sliced fruit that’s dried leaving thin, colorful crisps almost too pretty to eat. They lose none of their flavor or color in the drying process so they are delicious and handy to eat. There is no added sugar, additives or preservatives. You can also choose organic varieties of each fruit if you want. I’ll have to try the blood orange variety next, they are just so beautiful!
Stop 8: Santa Cruz
Shop 1: Agency
This is a bright and colorful home decor store stocked with goods ranging from hand made art and kitchen wares to modern Swedish style decor pieces and furniture. I didn’t purchase anything from here but it was definitely worth a stop to gather ideas. Many of their items are available on their web store too.
Shop 2: Synergy Organic Clothing
This is a local clothing company based in Santa Cruz that makes all organic clothing for women including tops, dresses, outerwear and yoga wear. The company has a sustainable mission and commits to empowering not just the employees who construct the garments but those that wear them too. Again, I didn’t purchase anything here but loved seeing not just an organic clothing line, but an entirely organic based store. It’s inspiring!
Shop 3: Stripe
This was my favorite shopping stop I found in Santa Cruz because it’s where i found some local beauty goods. Not only did I find that here but the shop was expertly merchandised with fantastic art installation on the wall including a giant sign of their name made from old keys behind the register (this now makes sense because I see that they also do interior design services). In addition to bath goods they have home wares, mens and women’s accessories, office goods and children’s things.
- Urb Apothecary
Made in Santa Cruz
Made with simple, chemical free ingredients these skincare finds are simply made with only the highest quality organic ingredients. All products are cruelty-free and contain no SLS, parabens, preservatives or additives. I decided to try the Rose Clay Bar Facial Mask because I was intrigued by the concept of a dry mask bar. It’s super easy to use and requires no hassle of mixing in a dish. You simply wet your face first and lightly rub the bar all over leaving a thing layer of the clay behind. Let the mask dry completely then rise off with warm water – piece of cake! It’s made of French Pink Clay and kaolin clay which are both gentle, mild and are perfect for sensitive skin. They help to detoxify and cleanse skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting circulation. I also grabbed the Cuticle Cream Stick as I was intrigued by the convenience of this product too. It’s formulated with rich butters and healing herbal infused oils that help mend dry cuticles. You simple slide stick over cuticles and massage it in while gently pushing back your cuticles. Again – super easy! Both great products for people on the go!
Sundari – Lotus Hand Oil
I found this product at a local grocery store in town while trying to find a snack (I had to peruse the beauty section obviously). I also purchased this product because I was intrigued by the convenience factor. It’s a hand oil for dry skin (which I always get badly in the winter) that contains natural plant oils with a floral/mint scent. Oils tend to be more pure with fewer ingredients needed than a hand lotion so nothing unnecessary is added. It’s incredibly easy to apply – with it’s roller-ball application you just roll on the back of your hands for immediate relief. It’s fast absorbing and non-greasy so it really is no hassle.
So those are all the goodies that I discovered along our trek up California’s coastline. It was the best trip with some fun finds along the way. Check out my trip suggestions post if you haven’t already and let me know if you’ve tried any of these fabulous products or have any other shopping suggestions along the drive!
