Friday Finds: Self-Care Essentials

Are you going out less these days? Of course. Are you still sticking to your normal weekly beauty routine? Probably not—and what is normal anyways? Regardless of how often you need to clean up and be presentable, you shouldn’t skimp on the self-care regimen. This week we’re highlighting some of our favorite new products from a few California-based companies.

Baxter of California makes quality skin, hair and shave products, and you can’t go wrong with any item you select, but this Deep Clean Shampoo is our new favorite off the line. Simple and clean, just like their packaging, this sulfate-free shampoo is perfect for rinsing out dirt, oil and product build-up, and invigorates the scalp with ginseng and menthol. If you share your shower with someone, be prepared to split the bottle.

Jack Black came on the scene nearly 20 years ago when men’s skincare wasn’t as crowded an arena as it is today, and their scents are decidedly masculine without making you smell like a lumberjack out on date night. This new Hydrating Body Lotion—from a new Black Reserve line—infuses notes of cardamom and red cedarwood but mixes them with more relaxing elements like lavender and bergamot for a nice balance. The black matte bottle looks nice on the bathroom counter, too.

This next company, Jaxon Lane, absolutely exploded onto the scene, and in very little time has racked up major PR accolades—from Men’s Healthand GQ to Vanity Fairand The Today Show—as well as some nice celebrity endorsements. The husband and wife team from San Francisco wanted to take the advanced skin care science from South Korea and create a product that western consumers could understand and appreciate. The result is three simple but effective products: a Shake And Wake exfoliating enzyme powder cleanser, the Bro Mask, and this Rain or Shine daily moisturizer with a nice and high SPF. Non-greasy, doesn’t stink, and won’t leave white residue.

Last but certainly not least, something a bit more potent for those targeted areas. Papa & Barkley are a California company that creates consumer wellness and lifestyle products activated with pure cannabinoids and cannabis terpenes: gummies, patches, tinctures, balms, drops…you name it. Their products include various formulations, from THC-rich to CBD-only, but this 1:1 Releaf Repair Cream is what we’re highlighting. Boosted with powerful natural anti-aging ingredients like squalane and ectoin, this cream protects against wrinkles, age spots, and environmental stressors. Use it in targeted areas for the face and neck. A little goes a long way!