When it comes to being one with nature, I’m a study in confusion. I don’t hike (I prefer to walk through shops). I don't camp (though I love a good roasted marshmallow). And I don’t eat organic apples (I know they're better for me, but I really don’t like the taste).
But when it comes to my beauty routine, I love all-natural products. From my Organic Surge Triple Bergamot Shower Gel in the morning to my J.R. Watkins Lemon Cream Body Cream at my desk, I believe the adage: you are what you cleanse, moisturize, and make-up with.
I didn't always think this way. But a few months ago, Kristen Ma, co-owner of Pure+Simple, an all-natural spa and skin-care shop with three locations in Toronto (and online shopping!), called to tell me she'd written a book. She asked if I would read it, and if I liked it, to endorse it when it went to print.
At first I was nervous. What if I didn't understand the book? What if I didn't like it? But when I learned the premise of Beauty 2.0, I was intrigued. The book combines the principles of ayurveda -- that everyone is one of three doshas: pitta, vata or kapha (aka fire, air or water) -- with skin biology to help you understand the root causes of skin ailment and how, by feeding your body with the right foods and chemical-free products, you can get a flawless, glowing complexion. And who doesn't want that?
I read the book in one sitting and am now officially a believer that your dosha has everything to do with your skin appearance (provided you use SPF, obviously).
The only tricky part is actually sticking to the rules. Last week was the test. Beauty 2.0 was released and Pure+Simple hosted a launch party for Kristen. In keeping with the theme, the event featured hors d'oeuvres by dosha -- so you could eat and drink at the table that was best for your skin.
After doing the dosha quiz in the book, I knew that I was a pitta (firey!), which meant I was supposed to avoid spicy foods (I love salsa) and irritating products (so-long microdermabrasion) that would cause my fair skin to flare up. I was determined to stick to my dosha at the party, and so I headed to the pitta table. At first, it wasn't a difficult task, given that all the appetizers not only looked like works of art, but were made from scratch using all-natural, fresh ingredients by Kristen's mom and co-owner of Pure+Simple, Jean Eng. My first choice--an avocado fruit tart--was amazing. I thought I was doing so well.
Until my friend tried the pumpkin cheesecake from the vata table.
And I crumbled. I had to try it.
And when we went to get a glass of tea to wash away the guilt, I was forced to choose between my dosha tea (Green Mango -- not my cuppa tea) or kapha's tempting Chai. But I held firm and got the good-for-me green mango tea, and so did my friend.
We were so proud of ourselves for getting back on the dosha wagon, that when we left the party, we went next door and rewarded ourselves with spicy sweet potato fries and a bottle of shiraz.
My face shows my shame.
Do you have a hair or skin-care question for Kristen Ma? Leave your question in the comments and we'll get her to answer!
Thought that was sweet? You'll enjoy:
Saijojo Natural Haircare
Consonant Body Organic Skincare
Discover Your Dosha