Made by Marin

MADE BY MARIN Laurel Whole Plant Organics

LAUREL SHAFFER’S PROVERBIAL roots have long been planted in the holistic beauty industry. “Green living has always been extremely important to me,” she says, “and avoiding toxic ingredients in beauty products was an absolute must.” An inherent interest in the healing power of plants and a longtime love of spas inspired her to start making spa-worthy products in her home kitchen. At first she sold them at local farmers’ markets, but now the Laurel Whole Plant Organics product line (formerly Sequoia Beauty) has a home of its own in Sausalito. Opened in March, Laurel’s new space serves as production headquarters, a setting for facial treatments and a retail home for the company’s namesake products along with other Bay Area green beauty brands. It’s a sure recipe for a streamlined, shoppable and sustainable day at the spa. PHILOSOPHY “We want anyone who uses our products to understand the importance of self-care and to feel loved and nurtured by the products and — most important — by themselves,” Shaffer says, summing up her company’s mission. The formulas in the Laurel line are 100 percent whole-plant organic, largely locally sourced and based on the latest in plant science. The curated raw ingredients are also ideal for restorative treatments, Shaffer says, as they foster the sort of sensory experience only nature can provide. THE SCOOP Laurel’s product line includes serums, balms, cleansers, masks, exfoliants and oils, each crafted from a short list of active, organic ingredients. Prices range from $20 for a lavender lip treatment to $88 for a restorative balm boasting a waterless, potent blend of calendula, sea buckthorn, comfrey, sandalwood and more. BEYOND MARIN To try Laurel products in an atmosphere of rejuvenation, visit one of the company’s partnering spas in the Bay Area — Credo Beauty in San Francisco, Imogen Skin Care in Corte Madera and the Spa at Hotel Healdsburg all offer facials featuring the brand. WHAT THEY SAY “We as a society are awakening and learning more about where our food comes from, but it’s also important to be aware of where our beauty products come from and who makes them, from what and how,” says Shaffer. “The most effective and luxurious skin care can and should be raw, organic, farmsourced, handcrafted and made with love.” laurelskin.com CALIN VAN PARIS

Laurel Shaffer

Left to right and top to bottom (stacked products): Facial Serum: Antioxidant, $80; Facial Serum: Sun Damage Repair, $72; Body Oil: California, $80; Facial Cleanser, $48; Lip Treatment: Citrus Spice, $20; Healing Balm, $54; Facial Mask: Gentle, $50; Facial Elixir, $44; Eye Serum, $68; Eye Balm, $60

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Farmer Fresh

It’s that time of year again. Local farmers’ markets that are not held year-round have opened again. That means you can spend your evenings or weekends perusing the local produce stands, sampling new foods or purchasing some local goods right in your neighborhood. For a full list of Marin County farmers’ markets, head to marinmagazine.com/markets.

Hit the Trails

With the weather set to get hot and humid in the coming months, now may be the perfect time to hit the trails for a morning, afternoon or all-day hike. We have a comprehensive list of hikes in Marin County, along with the distance of each and where they are located, online at marinmagazine.com/ hikes. Do you have a favorite trail that’s not on our list? Let us know on our Facebook page.

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Get Covered Contest Celebration

Join Marin Magazine staffers, cover contest winner Ingrid Lockowandt and the 12 finalists at the Get Covered Contest Celebration April 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bon Air Center in Greenbrae (Suite 302). Enjoy refreshments and view art by this year’s Marin Open Studios participants. Hope to see you there.

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Summer Beauty Week at Saks

The end of May means summer is near and what better way to prepare for summer parties and other events than to head to Saks Fifth Avenue San Francisco’s Summer Beauty Week? From May 28 to June 6 receive an exclusive beauty gift with your $75 in-store beauty purchase. Can’t make it opening day? Grab some friends and head to Saks on Saturday, May 30, and nosh on some light bites and refreshments from All Seasons Catering from 1 to 6 p.m. For more information call 415.438.5264.