Melissa Middleton Lanman

Beauty Banter: Q&A with January Olds

It was the utmost pleasure to meet January Olds in person, at her favorite (and now mine) restaurant, Cafe Gratitude, in Venice Beach, CA a month back. We bonded on beauty, horoscopes (she’s a Scorpio!), fashion, and travel, while eating and sharing two bowls of raw goodness. We were fast friends.

January was a born skincare devotee. Growing up in coastal Southern California, she would perform facials on her Grandmother when she was young, mixing her own concoctions. Years later she would become a licensed aesthetician, started her career at skincare brand, Epicuren, and traveled the world for five years in her dream job as an educator and aesthetician. Currently settled into Santa Monica, January is now three plus years into starting her own brand, January Labs, selling it mainly online, and a few boutiques in LA and New York. Upon meeting her, she is literally a walking human version of her brand. Grounded, all natural beauty, with integrity, but approachable, even though she towered over me at 6 feet tall.

Her line is simple. One day and one night moisturizer, a tonic, a peel, and a cleansing gel. They are light, but very hard working, smell heavenly, and are designed to be used with other skincare products like sunscreen or your favorite eye serum. My favorite product in the line is the Power Peel. A gentle but extremely powerful 15-minute mask that detoxifies and brightens the skin instantly. I use it almost every Sunday after a workout, while in the steam room. It contains cinnamon oil, that you can smell and feel – a tingling sensation that tells me it’s “working”. Her day moisturizer smells like sunshine and imparts that dewey glow you only get in warm climates thanks to the “water to oil” emulsion of the formulation – it goes on lightly, but moisturizes all day. Her night moisturizer is your best friend, it sticks with you until you wake up and wash it away, unlike most moisturizers that evaporate quickly, especially in New York central heat.

Being the avid traveler, for pleasure and work, I asked January to share some of her travel favorites, tips, and tricks to staying healthy while on the road.

1. My skin always freaks out when I travel. Any tips to maintaining a good skincare routine when on the road?

Definitely plenty of water. Hydration is so important for the skin especially while traveling. I also recommend hydrating the skin….my restorative tonic mist is really ideal. Not only does it have rose water, but it also has sodium PCA which is an incredible humectant and re-hydrator.

2. Favorite things you never leave home without?

My sunglasses, Dior Addict Lip Glow (keeps lips hydrated and the color is perfect), a cashmere scarf, (great for a wrap or a blanket, I am always cold on planes) Bose headphones, and my iPad.

3. How about staying healthy while traveling? I find if the city isn’t as crunchy as I wish to be, I fall victim to bad food. Any tips?

I always pack raw nuts and dried fruit. Also, I am not a fan of protein bars because usually they are packed with sugar, but the Papa Steves bars are delicious and healthy. I am obsessed with Schizandra by Surthrival. You simply mix the powder with water and drink it throughout the day. This is fantastic for the skin and detoxifies from within. It also boosts energy and the immune system. I like wine so I always make sure to drink a glass of water per glass of wine—though it’s a lot easier said then done.

4. Where is your favorite place to unwind?

I love Kawaii and Careyes, but for something a little more accessible for a weekend get away I love to go to Two Bunch Palms in Palm Springs. It is so simple and understated. I always feel refreshed when I leave. The spa isn’t fancy, but the massage therapists and facialist’s have been there for years and they really know what they are doing. It’s definitely a hidden gem worth noting.

5. Travel fashion favorites?

Linen is so comfortable for travel, so really love Calypso for dresses. A simple white linen dress is my favorite. For swimsuits and hats I go to Malia Mills. Her suits are actually made for women with curves and the material is heaven.

6.Any beauty secrets you can share?

It sounds a little crazy but ice is an amazing beauty aid. It calms puffiness and inflammation, so it is perfect post flight. Especially if you have an event the same day you land. It is a great quick fix. I just put a few ice cubes in a washcloth and use as a compress on the skin. I love my cleanser. I use it twice a day–I also add a teaspoon of baking soda to it to make a scrub three times a week. It is super gentle and it looks like you had a mini facial.

7. What are your tips to stay fit while traveling?

I love walking. I am usually up so early that I love to get out and explore first thing in the morning. I grab a coffee and go. Its a great way to get a feel for the city you’re visiting.

8. Who is your vacation muse?

Probably Jackie O. Every photo I see of her on vacation is perfection from head to toe. I love her effortless, chic style.

9. Recommended vacation reads?

I just read Writers Between the Covers. It is a quick, easy, and salacious read! I loved it!

10. What is your 9-5 beauty and wellness routine when at home?

I always wash my face in the morning, even before my workout. Post workout is always a green drink with a lot of cucumber (fabulous for the skin). My day products are, of course my day cream, Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer (great for evening out the skin tone), NARS Illuminator in Laguna, Lancome Definicils mascara, and my Dior gloss.Throughout the day I mist with my Restorative Tonic Mist. Keeps the skin refreshed and dewy. My night cream is really all I use in the evening, its all you need. It is essentially a serum, exfoliant and lotion in one! It is SO important to wash your face before bed, I must heavily stress that!

January Labs is sold online at www.januarylabs.com. For a January Labs Signature Facial see spa listings in CA, NY, MA, LV, HA below:

NEW YORK

Manhattan: Love Adorned
http://loveadorned.com/index.php

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston: Julie Michaud Prettyology
http://www.prettyology.com

NEVADA

Las Vegas: Skins 6|2 @ The Cosmopolitan Hotel
http://www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

WASHINGTON

Seattle: Deity Skincare
http://www.deityskincare.com

CALIFORNIA

Santa Monica: Skin By Lovely
http://www.skinbylovely.com

Laguna Beach: Aquaterra @ The Surf and Sand Hotel
http://www.surfandsandresort.com/aquaterra-spa/

Huntington Beach: Heather Bradley
http://bradleybeauty.com/about/

Santa Monica: Skin Santa Monica
Sara Turbeville
http://skinsantamonica.com

Burbank: Ethereal Oasis
http://charlenemarie.me/ethereal-oasis/

Beverly Hills: Skin Style
Erica Zotner
http://skinstyleinc.com/Contact.html

Santa Monica: NewBeauty @ Fred Segal (Santa Monica)
http://www.fredsegal.com

Newport Beach: Amarees
http://www.amarees.com

HAWAII

Honolulu: Beautiful Evolution Medical Skincare
http://www.beautifulevolution.com/index.html

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