Featured Post
Kristina Holey & Anna Gold on the Arcana Tinctures
Dr. Anna Hsieh Gold, the creator of Arcana herbal tinctures, is a key collaborator of star facialist Kristina Holey's. Here, these two superwomen discuss their work together and how the Arcana tinctures fit in.
Mija Superstar: behind the supplement with Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN
MIJA Superstar was developed by a registered dietitian with serious credentials: Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN is one of the most well-respected nutritionists in the Bay Area. Naturally, we were full of questions for her.
Mija Superstar smoothie recipes
We asked Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN to share some of her favorite smoothie recipes with us — because one of the best things about her Mija Superstar supplement is how nicely it works in your morning smoothie.
Simple Concentration Meditation instructions from Juniper
Juniper Meditation Center shares their simple steps for a meditation that can be done on a daily basis for a calmer and more disciplined mind.
What Dara's using on her face: December 2019
In answer to our customers’ most frequently asked question when Dara’s not in our studio, she's sharing which skincare products she uses every day.
Astrologer Rose Theodora on what to expect as 2019 comes to a close
As we approach the end of the decade, we asked celebrated astrologer Rose Theodora to tell us what to expect from an astrological perspective.
Dermatologist Macrene Alexiades on her new Macrene Actives line
We've been enthusiastic supporters of Dr. Macrene Alexiades and her 37 Actives product line since its very beginning. And we're delighted to now be one of the first retailers to introduce her updated product line, which includes new formulas, new...
A humectant glossary, inspired by San Francisco, from Dr. Pedro Catalá
We were delighted to have Dr. Pedro Catalá, creator of TWELVE Beauty, visiting us from Spain this month. During his time here, he wrote this absolutely lovely journal and invited us to share it with you as a guest blog...
A Pro's Holiday Makeup Tips for 2019
We asked SF makeup artist Melissa McMillan how to freshen up your look this holiday season — whether you’re just looking to spice things up for everyday or just to add a little glitter for evening events.
The Science Behind TWELVE's new Clementine Cleansing Balm
The Clementine Cleansing Balm is the latest addition to the stellar TWELVE lineup. Here, creator Dr. Pedro Català explains why it works so well with just five ingredients.
Traditional Chinese Medicine 101 with Dr. Anna Gold, creator of Arcana
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest forms of medicine; it’s been practiced for over 5,000 years. Even more awe-inspiring, to us, is the fact that it is not only still widely practiced, but also increasingly used to...
Introducing the Ayla Sea Soak
Our first Ayla product has so many fascinating stories attached to it — and we’re so incredibly excited about it — that it’s hard to know exactly where to begin. So we’ll start with what it is: the Ayla Sea...
All about hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a real problem for many, and an annoyance for many more. Elizabeth K. Hale, M.D. gives us an unbiased expert perspective on what it is, how it can be prevented, and the best treatments.
Brand Spotlight: S5
S5 has been designed to address chronic skin stress — a common culprit behind redness, sensitivity, and adult acne. Laura, S5's founder, tells us the story behind S5.
Lycoconfort & skincare during chemotherapy: thoughts from BioRecept’s founder
Anne Dupouy-Camet created her best-selling Lycoconfort de Peau moisturizer for her mother during her chemotherapy treatment. “It was the only thing that could soothe her skin,” she noted — and it’s our go-to for those whose skin is so parched...
Skincare during cancer treatment: TWELVE founder Pedro Català weighs in
Dr. Pedro Català started creating his TWELVE formulas while working as a pharmacist at a London oncology clinic. It’s no wonder his products are so wonderfully soothing — and he's full of excellent advice on how to care for skin during cancer...
Rose Theodora on astrology basics & Scorpio season
Rose Theodora is a celebrated astrologer who currently resides in Spain. We're thrilled that she will visit Ayla for a residency at the end of October — just in time for Scorpio season.
Summer-to-fall makeup tips with Susanne Manasi Persson
Manasi7 creator, makeup artist Susanne Manasi Persson, shares her top tips on the summer-to-fall transition — which can be a tricky one from a makeup perspective.
Dr. Thomas Cowan on how (and why) to eat more vegetables
Dr. Cowan’s Garden vegetable powders are food supplements in the truest sense: they’re actually food. Their creator — Dr. Cowan — is a holistic MD and prolific author in our home city of San Francisco.
Tips for curls from EVOLVh founder Boris Oak
Much to our delight, EVOLVh’s founder, Boris Oak, popped in for a visit to our SF studio. Even more delightful? He told us his secret to keep curls frizz free. Read on for his tips and an introduction to the...
How stress affects your skin
According to Dr. Amy Wechsler, one of a handful of doctors in the United States board-certified in both dermatology and psychiatry, stress can have a major impact on the condition of our skin — particularly as we age.
TWELVE formulator Pedro Català on in-flight skincare and humectants
Pedro Català — founder and formulator of TWELVE Beauty — is one of the most thoroughly educated founder-formulators we know; he has not only a pharmacy degree, but also a PhD in Natural Product Formulation, a subject that he also teaches at...
A guide to our favorite healthy mascaras
We're a very, very picky bunch; you may know this already. It's one of the reasons why we keep our product collection so tightly edited. Another reason is that we don't want to overwhelm you unnecessarily with choice — but still,...
Brand Spotlight: Manasi7
Manasi7 was created by Susanne Manasi Persson, a Stockholm-based makeup artist. It has an approach to makeup products that is at the same time deeply thoughtful and refreshingly boundary-crushing, inspiring us to mix and match and play.
Tricks for more volume from EVOLVh's founder, Boris Oak
EVOLVh does many things well; one of the first things we noticed was how beautifully volumizing their products can be. No crunch, no dryness — just bouncy, shiny, touchable hair. So we had to ask their founder, Boris, “How do...
Tricks for better hair color from EVOLVh's founder, Boris Oak
Much to our delight, EVOLVh’s founder, Boris Oak, popped in for a visit last week with some new products that are not only excellent, but also might fall under the “where has this been all my life” category — especially...
Air pollution's effects on skin
A clear link between air pollution and accelerated skin aging has been demonstrated in a number of studies in recent years. We asked Parisian pharmacist, skincare researcher, and chemist Anne Dupouy-Camet to weigh in.
Brand Spotlight: Activist Manuka
Activist Raw Manuka honey is in a class of its own. We hadn’t spent too much time thinking about honey before spring 2019, to be candid. Then Activist came to us, and everything changed.
Retinol, Retin-A, and other retinoids: what they do and how to use them
Is an over the counter retinol product enough, or do you need to get a prescription retinoid like Retin-A? To get the straight scoop, we consulted Seth Matarasso, MD, our favorite West coast dermatologist.
Happy Tea: A closer look at Ayla + MyHavtorn sea buckthorn tea
We fell hopelessly in love with the delicate, health-boosting sea buckthorn leaf tea that our friends at MyHavtorn make from the sea buckthorn trees on their Swedish farm. So we asked them if we could buy all of it.
Niacinamide in skincare: key benefits and the latest news
Pedro Català, founder of TWELVE Beauty, is one of our most trusted resources for ingredient information; he is constantly evaluating new raw materials and is known for his exacting standards. These days, he's particularly excited about niacinamide.
Brand spotlight: Olio E Osso
Olio E Osso’s founder, Paola LaMorticella, has been the go-to makeup artist and stylist for top athletes for the past 25 years. Here, she shares application tips for her best-selling Tinted Balms along with various secrets about her fascinating life....
Marie Veronique on mitochondria, cellular respiration, and skin health
When we asked the brilliant chemist Marie Veronique about what's new in skincare, she said, “It’s all about the mitochondria.” (Mitochondria: it's the new microbiome.)
Tips for healthy hair and scalp from a top dermatologist
We asked nationally recognized hair loss expert Diane Berson, MD a question that we figured most of you would have: "How can we keep our hair and scalps healthy so that we don't lose our hair in the first place?"
Brand Spotlight: Ursa Major of Vermont
There's just something about Ursa Major's healthy, gently-priced, and active-lifestyle-minded products from Vermont that we love. So what's the story behind this cool brand? Read on for the inside scoop from Emily Doyle, one of its founders.
TWELVE formulator Pedro Català’s tips for dehydrated skin
Dehydration: it's the common link between combination and dry skin conditions, and it's the reason why Pedro Català created his marvelous moisture serums.
Brand spotlight: EVOLVh hair care
If you don’t already know the story behind this company, it’s a great one: EVOLVh is a partnership between Boris Oak and Gary Smith, the chemist responsible for such hair product superstars as Jhirmack, Jheri Curl, Frizz-Ease, and KMS.
Vintner's Daughter: The formula behind the results
Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum has been called many things: "Unicorn Tears," "The Face Oil to End All Face Oils," and "The Best Natural Beauty Product of All Time." Why is it so effective? We got the scoop from its creator....
Brand Spotlight: Marie Veronique
Marie-Veronique Nadeau and her eponymous skincare line had been on our radar for some time. But it wasn’t until someone described her as a “mad scientist with a heart of gold” that we really sat up and paid attention.
DIY beauty: expert tips & words of caution
DIY face masks are a lot of fun. But as founder-formulator Dr. Pedro Català of TWELVE puts it, “Natural product formulation is a science, not an experiment.” Who better to ask for a perspective on the DIY craze?
Sunscreen tips from a top dermatologist
To understand what we need to know about sunscreen and clear up a few frequently asked questions, we spoke to Elizabeth K. Hale, M.D., a leading expert in the field of dermatology with a particular passion for sun protection.
Product combining with May Lindstrom
May Lindstrom is often referred to as a "Skin Chef," and one of the things we love about her products is how well they work when mixed together. We asked May to lead us through her favorite product combinations.
Brand spotlight: May Lindstrom
We’re delighted to be the first and only SF retailer for May Lindstrom, the much-swooned-over line of gourmand skin treats. These remarkable, luxurious formulas make skincare not only results-oriented, but also truly pleasurable. Read on for the story behind them.
Makeup tutorial: Kosås Color & Light duos
Want to learn how to use the beautiful Color & Light duos from Kosås? At Ayla's SF studio, makeup artist Melissa McMillan demonstrates the use of these palettes featuring wearable, blendable blush, bronzer, and highlighter colors.
The story behind Foot Therapy
We've been hunting for an excellent exfoliating foot cream since 2011. Learn more about that search — and the beautiful product that MyHavtorn created for us as a result — here.
The story behind our name
Ayla, pronounced ā-lah, is an old Irish name that means “bearer of light.” The reason why we chose an Irish name for our business is one of our founder's own models of brighter beauty; learn more about her here.
Frizzy, limp hair: How to tame it
Bradley Crane is not just one of San Francisco's best stylists. He’s also a truly excellent teacher who understands how to break techniques down for real people dealing with real life situations: time-crunched mornings and San Francisco fog, for starters....
Kristina Holey & Marie Veronique on perioral dermatitis
Two of our favorite skin gurus, Kristina Holey & Marie Veronique, recently visited the Ayla studio together to share some of their wisdom about perioral and periorbital dermatitis: what it looks like, common triggers, and suggested approaches.
Video: A top dermatologist's acne tips
In this video, the brilliant Dr. Macrene Alexiades shares her top acne tips: understanding key external causes, considerations when choosing anti-acne skincare products and prescription treatments, and ways to prevent acne scars.
Brand Spotlight: BioRecept
BioRecept was created by one of France’s top skincare formulators (pictured above, during a visit to Ayla) as her personal passion project. These hyaluronic acid-infused formulas leave skin glowing — and we're thrilled to offer them exclusively in the US.
A natural approach to clogged pores
Clogged pores and blackheads plague most of us at least some of the time. We asked Julia March, master facialist for such clear-skinned beauties as Linda Evangelista and Liv Tyler, to tell us her most surefire solutions for clogged-pore aggravation.
Brand Spotlight: Les Fleurs de Bach
We didn’t know much about Bach flower essences before we stumbled upon Les Fleurs de Bach during a recent trip to Paris, but now that we do, we just have to tell you about them.
Brand Spotlight: MyHavtorn Organic Skincare
We were delighted to be selected as the first online retailer in the US to carry MyHavtorn's sea buckthorn-infused organic skin care products. Why are we such ardent fans of MyHavtorn? Let us count the ways.
Hair loss: What's normal, and when to be concerned
While washing your hair, do you sometimes stop and wonder if so much of it should be going down the drain? We do. So we asked Diane Berson, MD, a leading dermatologist and national hair loss expert, for advice.
Brand spotlight: TWELVE Beauty
We’re always very excited to introduce a brand to the US for the first time —especially when it has considerable pent-up demand and a founder who’s also the formulator (because then we can ask all kinds of questions).
Fragrance 101 with the creator of Ellis Brooklyn
Ellis Brooklyn was created by Bee Shapiro, a chic Williamsburg mom who happens to be a style columnist for The New York Times. When we wanted to get a little Fragrance 101, Bee was naturally the first resource we thought of.
Inika Foundation Shade Finder
Inika's Certified Organic BB Cream & Liquid Foundation both come in 6 shades; Inika's Baked Mineral Foundation comes in 8 shades. How do you choose the right one? We've got you covered.
Ian Marber on nutrition basics — and his daily diet
Leading nutrition consultant Ian Marber represents a voice of reason in the world of nutrition, a realm that can be confusingly contradictory. During his visit to our SF studio, he helped us reset with a few pieces of advice for everyone.
Kosas Shade Finder
Kosas put together a brilliant chart to help you figure out which lipstick and Color & Light palettes (Creme or Pressed) might work best for you. Still torn? Call us.
Skin changes during menopause: A top dermatologist's guide
Many of our lovely customers come to us for help with skin care challenges related to perimenopause and menopause, so we approached top dermatologist ad menopausal skin expert Jeannette Graf, MD, for advice on the best solutions.
All about rosacea, eczema, redness, & sensitive skin
Red, irritated skin can be a mystery. Is it rosacea? Eczema? Are you simply a delicate flower? Leading dermatologist Elizabeth K. Hale, MD, helps us sort out the differences.
TWELVE formulator Pedro Català's secrets to better toning
Pedro Català — founder and formulator of TWELVE Beauty — is one of the most thoroughly educated founder-formulators we know; he has not only a pharmacy degree, but also a PhD in Natural Product Formulation. As one beauty editor put it, "What Pedro doesn't know...
How often should you shampoo, and does shampoo stop working?
Shampoo: It seems like it should be the simplest step in hair care, yet contradictory advice about it seems to be coming out of everyone's ears. To clear things up, we approached Josh Rosebrook, celebrity hair stylist.
Dermatologist Macrene Alexiades, MD on skin firmness and elasticity
Firmness and elasticity are top of mind for many of us these days. For more on this topic, we interviewed Dr. Macrene Alexiades — the revered dermatologist with three Harvard degrees and one of the most enviable CVs in her field.
The story behind Dara's Oil
One of our founder's favorite products was whipped up specifically for her sensitive complexion by Marie Veronique herself. Marie tucked “Dara’s Oil” into our shipments from her lab from time to time, to be discovered with a squeal of delight.
Non-toxic beauty products: why they matter
Whether you call it clean, nontoxic, green, or — our favorite — healthy, this part of the beauty world has been our sandbox since the day we launched in 2011. Here's a closer look at the why and the how.
Kristina Holey & Anna Gold on the Arcana Tinctures
Dr. Anna Hsieh Gold, the creator of Arcana herbal tinctures, is a key collaborator of star facialist Kristina Holey's. Here, these two superwomen discuss their work together and how the Arcana tinctures fit in.
What Dara's using on her face: December 2019
In answer to our customers’ most frequently asked question when Dara’s not in our studio, she's sharing which skincare products she uses every day.
A humectant glossary, inspired by San Francisco, from Dr. Pedro Catalá
We were delighted to have Dr. Pedro Catalá, creator of TWELVE Beauty, visiting us from Spain this month. During his time here, he wrote this absolutely lovely journal and invited us to share it with you as a guest blog...
Lycoconfort & skincare during chemotherapy: thoughts from BioRecept’s founder
Anne Dupouy-Camet created her best-selling Lycoconfort de Peau moisturizer for her mother during her chemotherapy treatment. “It was the only thing that could soothe her skin,” she noted — and it’s our go-to for those whose skin is so parched...
Skincare during cancer treatment: TWELVE founder Pedro Català weighs in
Dr. Pedro Català started creating his TWELVE formulas while working as a pharmacist at a London oncology clinic. It’s no wonder his products are so wonderfully soothing — and he's full of excellent advice on how to care for skin during cancer...
Air pollution's effects on skin
A clear link between air pollution and accelerated skin aging has been demonstrated in a number of studies in recent years. We asked Parisian pharmacist, skincare researcher, and chemist Anne Dupouy-Camet to weigh in.
Retinol, Retin-A, and other retinoids: what they do and how to use them
Is an over the counter retinol product enough, or do you need to get a prescription retinoid like Retin-A? To get the straight scoop, we consulted Seth Matarasso, MD, our favorite West coast dermatologist.
Niacinamide in skincare: key benefits and the latest news
Pedro Català, founder of TWELVE Beauty, is one of our most trusted resources for ingredient information; he is constantly evaluating new raw materials and is known for his exacting standards. These days, he's particularly excited about niacinamide.
Marie Veronique on mitochondria, cellular respiration, and skin health
When we asked the brilliant chemist Marie Veronique about what's new in skincare, she said, “It’s all about the mitochondria.” (Mitochondria: it's the new microbiome.)
TWELVE formulator Pedro Català’s tips for dehydrated skin
Dehydration: it's the common link between combination and dry skin conditions, and it's the reason why Pedro Català created his marvelous moisture serums.
DIY beauty: expert tips & words of caution
DIY face masks are a lot of fun. But as founder-formulator Dr. Pedro Català of TWELVE puts it, “Natural product formulation is a science, not an experiment.” Who better to ask for a perspective on the DIY craze?
Sunscreen tips from a top dermatologist
To understand what we need to know about sunscreen and clear up a few frequently asked questions, we spoke to Elizabeth K. Hale, M.D., a leading expert in the field of dermatology with a particular passion for sun protection.
Kristina Holey & Marie Veronique on perioral dermatitis
Two of our favorite skin gurus, Kristina Holey & Marie Veronique, recently visited the Ayla studio together to share some of their wisdom about perioral and periorbital dermatitis: what it looks like, common triggers, and suggested approaches.
Video: A top dermatologist's acne tips
In this video, the brilliant Dr. Macrene Alexiades shares her top acne tips: understanding key external causes, considerations when choosing anti-acne skincare products and prescription treatments, and ways to prevent acne scars.
A natural approach to clogged pores
Clogged pores and blackheads plague most of us at least some of the time. We asked Julia March, master facialist for such clear-skinned beauties as Linda Evangelista and Liv Tyler, to tell us her most surefire solutions for clogged-pore aggravation.
Skin changes during menopause: A top dermatologist's guide
Many of our lovely customers come to us for help with skin care challenges related to perimenopause and menopause, so we approached top dermatologist ad menopausal skin expert Jeannette Graf, MD, for advice on the best solutions.
All about rosacea, eczema, redness, & sensitive skin
Red, irritated skin can be a mystery. Is it rosacea? Eczema? Are you simply a delicate flower? Leading dermatologist Elizabeth K. Hale, MD, helps us sort out the differences.
TWELVE formulator Pedro Català's secrets to better toning
Pedro Català — founder and formulator of TWELVE Beauty — is one of the most thoroughly educated founder-formulators we know; he has not only a pharmacy degree, but also a PhD in Natural Product Formulation. As one beauty editor put it, "What Pedro doesn't know...
Dermatologist Macrene Alexiades, MD on skin firmness and elasticity
Firmness and elasticity are top of mind for many of us these days. For more on this topic, we interviewed Dr. Macrene Alexiades — the revered dermatologist with three Harvard degrees and one of the most enviable CVs in her field.
Tips for healthy hair and scalp from a top dermatologist
We asked nationally recognized hair loss expert Diane Berson, MD a question that we figured most of you would have: "How can we keep our hair and scalps healthy so that we don't lose our hair in the first place?"
Frizzy, limp hair: How to tame it
Bradley Crane is not just one of San Francisco's best stylists. He’s also a truly excellent teacher who understands how to break techniques down for real people dealing with real life situations: time-crunched mornings and San Francisco fog, for starters....
Hair loss: What's normal, and when to be concerned
While washing your hair, do you sometimes stop and wonder if so much of it should be going down the drain? We do. So we asked Diane Berson, MD, a leading dermatologist and national hair loss expert, for advice.
How often should you shampoo, and does shampoo stop working?
Shampoo: It seems like it should be the simplest step in hair care, yet contradictory advice about it seems to be coming out of everyone's ears. To clear things up, we approached Josh Rosebrook, celebrity hair stylist.
Kristina Holey & Anna Gold on the Arcana Tinctures
Dr. Anna Hsieh Gold, the creator of Arcana herbal tinctures, is a key collaborator of star facialist Kristina Holey's. Here, these two superwomen discuss their work together and how the Arcana tinctures fit in.
Mija Superstar: behind the supplement with Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN
MIJA Superstar was developed by a registered dietitian with serious credentials: Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN is one of the most well-respected nutritionists in the Bay Area. Naturally, we were full of questions for her.
Mija Superstar smoothie recipes
We asked Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN to share some of her favorite smoothie recipes with us — because one of the best things about her Mija Superstar supplement is how nicely it works in your morning smoothie.
Simple Concentration Meditation instructions from Juniper
Juniper Meditation Center shares their simple steps for a meditation that can be done on a daily basis for a calmer and more disciplined mind.
Astrologer Rose Theodora on what to expect as 2019 comes to a close
As we approach the end of the decade, we asked celebrated astrologer Rose Theodora to tell us what to expect from an astrological perspective.
Traditional Chinese Medicine 101 with Dr. Anna Gold, creator of Arcana
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest forms of medicine; it’s been practiced for over 5,000 years. Even more awe-inspiring, to us, is the fact that it is not only still widely practiced, but also increasingly used to...
Rose Theodora on astrology basics & Scorpio season
Rose Theodora is a celebrated astrologer who currently resides in Spain. We're thrilled that she will visit Ayla for a residency at the end of October — just in time for Scorpio season.
Dr. Thomas Cowan on how (and why) to eat more vegetables
Dr. Cowan’s Garden vegetable powders are food supplements in the truest sense: they’re actually food. Their creator — Dr. Cowan — is a holistic MD and prolific author in our home city of San Francisco.
How stress affects your skin
According to Dr. Amy Wechsler, one of a handful of doctors in the United States board-certified in both dermatology and psychiatry, stress can have a major impact on the condition of our skin — particularly as we age.
Brand Spotlight: Activist Manuka
Activist Raw Manuka honey is in a class of its own. We hadn’t spent too much time thinking about honey before spring 2019, to be candid. Then Activist came to us, and everything changed.
Happy Tea: A closer look at Ayla + MyHavtorn sea buckthorn tea
We fell hopelessly in love with the delicate, health-boosting sea buckthorn leaf tea that our friends at MyHavtorn make from the sea buckthorn trees on their Swedish farm. So we asked them if we could buy all of it.
Brand Spotlight: Les Fleurs de Bach
We didn’t know much about Bach flower essences before we stumbled upon Les Fleurs de Bach during a recent trip to Paris, but now that we do, we just have to tell you about them.
Fragrance 101 with the creator of Ellis Brooklyn
Ellis Brooklyn was created by Bee Shapiro, a chic Williamsburg mom who happens to be a style columnist for The New York Times. When we wanted to get a little Fragrance 101, Bee was naturally the first resource we thought of.
Ian Marber on nutrition basics — and his daily diet
Leading nutrition consultant Ian Marber represents a voice of reason in the world of nutrition, a realm that can be confusingly contradictory. During his visit to our SF studio, he helped us reset with a few pieces of advice for everyone.
Summer-to-fall makeup tips with Susanne Manasi Persson
Manasi7 creator, makeup artist Susanne Manasi Persson, shares her top tips on the summer-to-fall transition — which can be a tricky one from a makeup perspective.
A guide to our favorite healthy mascaras
We're a very, very picky bunch; you may know this already. It's one of the reasons why we keep our product collection so tightly edited. Another reason is that we don't want to overwhelm you unnecessarily with choice — but still,...
Brand spotlight: Olio E Osso
Olio E Osso’s founder, Paola LaMorticella, has been the go-to makeup artist and stylist for top athletes for the past 25 years. Here, she shares application tips for her best-selling Tinted Balms along with various secrets about her fascinating life....
Makeup tutorial: Kosås Color & Light duos
Want to learn how to use the beautiful Color & Light duos from Kosås? At Ayla's SF studio, makeup artist Melissa McMillan demonstrates the use of these palettes featuring wearable, blendable blush, bronzer, and highlighter colors.
Inika Foundation Shade Finder
Inika's Certified Organic BB Cream & Liquid Foundation both come in 6 shades; Inika's Baked Mineral Foundation comes in 8 shades. How do you choose the right one? We've got you covered.
Kosas Shade Finder
Kosas put together a brilliant chart to help you figure out which lipstick and Color & Light palettes (Creme or Pressed) might work best for you. Still torn? Call us.
Kristina Holey & Anna Gold on the Arcana Tinctures
Dr. Anna Hsieh Gold, the creator of Arcana herbal tinctures, is a key collaborator of star facialist Kristina Holey's. Here, these two superwomen discuss their work together and how the Arcana tinctures fit in.
Mija Superstar: behind the supplement with Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN
MIJA Superstar was developed by a registered dietitian with serious credentials: Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN is one of the most well-respected nutritionists in the Bay Area. Naturally, we were full of questions for her.
Mija Superstar smoothie recipes
We asked Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN to share some of her favorite smoothie recipes with us — because one of the best things about her Mija Superstar supplement is how nicely it works in your morning smoothie.
Dermatologist Macrene Alexiades on her new Macrene Actives line
We've been enthusiastic supporters of Dr. Macrene Alexiades and her 37 Actives product line since its very beginning. And we're delighted to now be one of the first retailers to introduce her updated product line, which includes new formulas, new...
A humectant glossary, inspired by San Francisco, from Dr. Pedro Catalá
We were delighted to have Dr. Pedro Catalá, creator of TWELVE Beauty, visiting us from Spain this month. During his time here, he wrote this absolutely lovely journal and invited us to share it with you as a guest blog...
The Science Behind TWELVE's new Clementine Cleansing Balm
The Clementine Cleansing Balm is the latest addition to the stellar TWELVE lineup. Here, creator Dr. Pedro Català explains why it works so well with just five ingredients.
Traditional Chinese Medicine 101 with Dr. Anna Gold, creator of Arcana
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest forms of medicine; it’s been practiced for over 5,000 years. Even more awe-inspiring, to us, is the fact that it is not only still widely practiced, but also increasingly used to...
Introducing the Ayla Sea Soak
Our first Ayla product has so many fascinating stories attached to it — and we’re so incredibly excited about it — that it’s hard to know exactly where to begin. So we’ll start with what it is: the Ayla Sea...
Brand Spotlight: S5
S5 has been designed to address chronic skin stress — a common culprit behind redness, sensitivity, and adult acne. Laura, S5's founder, tells us the story behind S5.
Lycoconfort & skincare during chemotherapy: thoughts from BioRecept’s founder
Anne Dupouy-Camet created her best-selling Lycoconfort de Peau moisturizer for her mother during her chemotherapy treatment. “It was the only thing that could soothe her skin,” she noted — and it’s our go-to for those whose skin is so parched...
Skincare during cancer treatment: TWELVE founder Pedro Català weighs in
Dr. Pedro Català started creating his TWELVE formulas while working as a pharmacist at a London oncology clinic. It’s no wonder his products are so wonderfully soothing — and he's full of excellent advice on how to care for skin during cancer...
Summer-to-fall makeup tips with Susanne Manasi Persson
Manasi7 creator, makeup artist Susanne Manasi Persson, shares her top tips on the summer-to-fall transition — which can be a tricky one from a makeup perspective.
Dr. Thomas Cowan on how (and why) to eat more vegetables
Dr. Cowan’s Garden vegetable powders are food supplements in the truest sense: they’re actually food. Their creator — Dr. Cowan — is a holistic MD and prolific author in our home city of San Francisco.
Tips for curls from EVOLVh founder Boris Oak
Much to our delight, EVOLVh’s founder, Boris Oak, popped in for a visit to our SF studio. Even more delightful? He told us his secret to keep curls frizz free. Read on for his tips and an introduction to the...
TWELVE formulator Pedro Català on in-flight skincare and humectants
Pedro Català — founder and formulator of TWELVE Beauty — is one of the most thoroughly educated founder-formulators we know; he has not only a pharmacy degree, but also a PhD in Natural Product Formulation, a subject that he also teaches at...
Brand Spotlight: Manasi7
Manasi7 was created by Susanne Manasi Persson, a Stockholm-based makeup artist. It has an approach to makeup products that is at the same time deeply thoughtful and refreshingly boundary-crushing, inspiring us to mix and match and play.
Tricks for more volume from EVOLVh's founder, Boris Oak
EVOLVh does many things well; one of the first things we noticed was how beautifully volumizing their products can be. No crunch, no dryness — just bouncy, shiny, touchable hair. So we had to ask their founder, Boris, “How do...
Tricks for better hair color from EVOLVh's founder, Boris Oak
Much to our delight, EVOLVh’s founder, Boris Oak, popped in for a visit last week with some new products that are not only excellent, but also might fall under the “where has this been all my life” category — especially...
Air pollution's effects on skin
A clear link between air pollution and accelerated skin aging has been demonstrated in a number of studies in recent years. We asked Parisian pharmacist, skincare researcher, and chemist Anne Dupouy-Camet to weigh in.
Brand Spotlight: Activist Manuka
Activist Raw Manuka honey is in a class of its own. We hadn’t spent too much time thinking about honey before spring 2019, to be candid. Then Activist came to us, and everything changed.
Happy Tea: A closer look at Ayla + MyHavtorn sea buckthorn tea
We fell hopelessly in love with the delicate, health-boosting sea buckthorn leaf tea that our friends at MyHavtorn make from the sea buckthorn trees on their Swedish farm. So we asked them if we could buy all of it.
Niacinamide in skincare: key benefits and the latest news
Pedro Català, founder of TWELVE Beauty, is one of our most trusted resources for ingredient information; he is constantly evaluating new raw materials and is known for his exacting standards. These days, he's particularly excited about niacinamide.
Brand spotlight: Olio E Osso
Olio E Osso’s founder, Paola LaMorticella, has been the go-to makeup artist and stylist for top athletes for the past 25 years. Here, she shares application tips for her best-selling Tinted Balms along with various secrets about her fascinating life....
Marie Veronique on mitochondria, cellular respiration, and skin health
When we asked the brilliant chemist Marie Veronique about what's new in skincare, she said, “It’s all about the mitochondria.” (Mitochondria: it's the new microbiome.)
Brand Spotlight: Ursa Major of Vermont
There's just something about Ursa Major's healthy, gently-priced, and active-lifestyle-minded products from Vermont that we love. So what's the story behind this cool brand? Read on for the inside scoop from Emily Doyle, one of its founders.
TWELVE formulator Pedro Català’s tips for dehydrated skin
Dehydration: it's the common link between combination and dry skin conditions, and it's the reason why Pedro Català created his marvelous moisture serums.
Brand spotlight: EVOLVh hair care
If you don’t already know the story behind this company, it’s a great one: EVOLVh is a partnership between Boris Oak and Gary Smith, the chemist responsible for such hair product superstars as Jhirmack, Jheri Curl, Frizz-Ease, and KMS.
Vintner's Daughter: The formula behind the results
Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum has been called many things: "Unicorn Tears," "The Face Oil to End All Face Oils," and "The Best Natural Beauty Product of All Time." Why is it so effective? We got the scoop from its creator....
Brand Spotlight: Marie Veronique
Marie-Veronique Nadeau and her eponymous skincare line had been on our radar for some time. But it wasn’t until someone described her as a “mad scientist with a heart of gold” that we really sat up and paid attention.
DIY beauty: expert tips & words of caution
DIY face masks are a lot of fun. But as founder-formulator Dr. Pedro Català of TWELVE puts it, “Natural product formulation is a science, not an experiment.” Who better to ask for a perspective on the DIY craze?
Product combining with May Lindstrom
May Lindstrom is often referred to as a "Skin Chef," and one of the things we love about her products is how well they work when mixed together. We asked May to lead us through her favorite product combinations.
Brand spotlight: May Lindstrom
We’re delighted to be the first and only SF retailer for May Lindstrom, the much-swooned-over line of gourmand skin treats. These remarkable, luxurious formulas make skincare not only results-oriented, but also truly pleasurable. Read on for the story behind them.
The story behind Foot Therapy
We've been hunting for an excellent exfoliating foot cream since 2011. Learn more about that search — and the beautiful product that MyHavtorn created for us as a result — here.
Brand Spotlight: BioRecept
BioRecept was created by one of France’s top skincare formulators (pictured above, during a visit to Ayla) as her personal passion project. These hyaluronic acid-infused formulas leave skin glowing — and we're thrilled to offer them exclusively in the US.
Brand Spotlight: Les Fleurs de Bach
We didn’t know much about Bach flower essences before we stumbled upon Les Fleurs de Bach during a recent trip to Paris, but now that we do, we just have to tell you about them.
Brand Spotlight: MyHavtorn Organic Skincare
We were delighted to be selected as the first online retailer in the US to carry MyHavtorn's sea buckthorn-infused organic skin care products. Why are we such ardent fans of MyHavtorn? Let us count the ways.
Brand spotlight: TWELVE Beauty
We’re always very excited to introduce a brand to the US for the first time —especially when it has considerable pent-up demand and a founder who’s also the formulator (because then we can ask all kinds of questions).
Fragrance 101 with the creator of Ellis Brooklyn
Ellis Brooklyn was created by Bee Shapiro, a chic Williamsburg mom who happens to be a style columnist for The New York Times. When we wanted to get a little Fragrance 101, Bee was naturally the first resource we thought of.
Inika Foundation Shade Finder
Inika's Certified Organic BB Cream & Liquid Foundation both come in 6 shades; Inika's Baked Mineral Foundation comes in 8 shades. How do you choose the right one? We've got you covered.
Kosas Shade Finder
Kosas put together a brilliant chart to help you figure out which lipstick and Color & Light palettes (Creme or Pressed) might work best for you. Still torn? Call us.
TWELVE formulator Pedro Català's secrets to better toning
Pedro Català — founder and formulator of TWELVE Beauty — is one of the most thoroughly educated founder-formulators we know; he has not only a pharmacy degree, but also a PhD in Natural Product Formulation. As one beauty editor put it, "What Pedro doesn't know...
How often should you shampoo, and does shampoo stop working?
Shampoo: It seems like it should be the simplest step in hair care, yet contradictory advice about it seems to be coming out of everyone's ears. To clear things up, we approached Josh Rosebrook, celebrity hair stylist.
Dermatologist Macrene Alexiades, MD on skin firmness and elasticity
Firmness and elasticity are top of mind for many of us these days. For more on this topic, we interviewed Dr. Macrene Alexiades — the revered dermatologist with three Harvard degrees and one of the most enviable CVs in her field.
The story behind Dara's Oil
One of our founder's favorite products was whipped up specifically for her sensitive complexion by Marie Veronique herself. Marie tucked “Dara’s Oil” into our shipments from her lab from time to time, to be discovered with a squeal of delight.
The story behind Foot Therapy
We've been hunting for an excellent exfoliating foot cream since 2011. Learn more about that search — and the beautiful product that MyHavtorn created for us as a result — here.
The story behind our name
Ayla, pronounced ā-lah, is an old Irish name that means “bearer of light.” The reason why we chose an Irish name for our business is one of our founder's own models of brighter beauty; learn more about her here.
The story behind Dara's Oil
One of our founder's favorite products was whipped up specifically for her sensitive complexion by Marie Veronique herself. Marie tucked “Dara’s Oil” into our shipments from her lab from time to time, to be discovered with a squeal of delight.
Non-toxic beauty products: why they matter
Whether you call it clean, nontoxic, green, or — our favorite — healthy, this part of the beauty world has been our sandbox since the day we launched in 2011. Here's a closer look at the why and the how.
