045. The Joys of Esthetician Visits, Uncommon Yarrow, and Recently Watched

Talking about the annual physical for my face, hydrosols, and films I’ve recently watched.

Hi! I’m Maggie, and welcome to Tender Forms Off-Camera: a weekly newsletter about slow beauty and slow living. If you enjoy and would like to support this newsletter, click the button below! No pressure but thank you if you do.

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Uncommon Yarrow Treatment Sanctuary

As with all my newsletters and content, this is not sponsored! It may feel that way with my copious amounts of gushing and love and endless lines about products, but it all comes from the heart.

At the beginning of the new year, I visited one of my favorite people, Rebecca Biederman of Uncommon Yarrow. Rebecca is both a licensed massage therapist and esthetician, and Uncommon Yarrow is her bodywork and skincare studio. I think of it as a physical for my skin (I realize this probably works better for dermatologists, but let’s just run with it).

How often one visits an esthetician is entirely up to the individual. Though budget comes into play for me, I don’t stick to a recurring appointment because a. I don’t own a car and b. I try my best to take care of my skin on my own time. That’s why I view a visit to an esthetician as my yearly physical. I seek a professional opinion. Someone who knows their stuff can look at my skin, see what’s doing good, what needs mending, and how to go about it. So every year, I treat myself to a holistic facial. And I don’t get the short half-hour or even hour-long one; I splurge for the longer treatment. After all, it’s once a year!

As with physicians, finding an esthetician who understands you and your skin philosophy is essential. Sometimes it takes a few appointments before you find one who feels meant for you. I had an incredible stroke of luck finding Rebecca and felt like I was hanging out with an old friend the first time I met her.

Rebecca’s one of those souls that’s beautiful inside and out. She radiates an energy of love that makes you relaxed when you’re around her. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and almost always taking extra courses on herbalism and massage. I see her efforts of always learning and growing, so I know I’m in good hands whenever I visit. That, and she’s been practicing bodywork and skincare now for over 13 years!

Botnia Custom Treatment Bar (L), Room Details (R)

Rebecca has a treatment offering where you can specify if there’s a particular brand you’d like to try. On my first visit back in November 2019, I did a full skin consult with her to assess my skin and find products that catered to it. She’s the one who introduced me to pAra botanica, one of my favorite skincare lines. And though I had planned to visit last year, I was lucky enough to snag an appointment at the beginning of January this year.

Rebecca is a curator herself, and I am always drawn to the items she talks about. It was through her Instagram (@uncommonyarrow) that I found Botnia, so of course, that was the brand I wanted to try this time. She did a full custom Botnia facial for me, and it was exquisite. The brand creates science-driven organic, plant-based skincare and focuses on quality and have their own micro-farm. They truly embody “farm to face.” Their products are also extremely user-friendly, work for a wide range of skin types, and I love their brand design and packaging. It’s another brand I’m hoping to try a lot more of this year.

My appointment was an incredible facial and massage. Rebecca’s hands work magic: strong to work out pesky knots, increase circulation, restore my body back to its best, and gently smooth out the stress lines, all while working in the beautiful mists, serums, oils, and balms. Because this was a Botnia-centric facial, I thought I’d share a few of the items she used:

• Renewing Face Wash: Caters more towards aging skin than their Daily Face Wash. I definitely want to get a bottle of this. Plus, they offer refills in a fully recyclable aluminum bottle!

• Clarity Oil: I love everything about this.

• Wisdom Oil: I thought Clarity would be the one, but this one is equally beautiful, and now I can’t choose between the two.

• Their seasonal hydrosols: Juniper and Piñon

• A custom face mask from their “back bar.” The designer in me just loved seeing the treatment shelf. The brand design is so clean, easy to navigate, and is very calming for my eyes. They also offer back bar training to estheticians, and I always get very jealous when I see those announcements on Instagram. I wish I could join the training!

Heart of Gold (L), Botnia, evanhealy, AKT Therapy, pAra botanica (R)

Her studio stocks all the brands she uses for general perusing and of-the-moment shopping. I also conveniently picked up a restock and mask brush the last time I went there to treat my mom to a facial. Above are just some of the items, beautifully arranged, its own little boutique.

And the space is filled with so much life, literally. Rebecca adorns all rooms with plant-life, and there’s always a stunning floral arrangement from Hilary Horvath Flowers.

Floral Arrangement by Hilary Horvath Flowers (L), Waiting Space Details (R)

I wanted to include Rebecca’s voice in today’s newsletter too, so here’s a little Q&A!

Q: I know you as so much more than just an esthetician: a friend, a teacher, a product curator, just to name a few. What is something people don’t realize estheticians can offer?

A. Maybe people don’t realize how much estheticians (and bodyworkers) genuinely care about them! I have learned that one of the most important parts of my job is to listen to clients—to really listen. My skills as a bodyworker have improved over the years and I am able to listen not only with my ears, but also my hands, my arms and my intuition. I am also learning to listen to the plants themselves, but I feel like such a beginner in herbalism (maybe I always will! The more you know the more you don't know). It's like a language I am constantly learning to speak.

It may seem trite, but I genuinely want to make the world a better place. As a bodyworker, as an esthetician, I want people to feel good in their bodies. I want people to feel their best, to feel grounded, to learn to create their own nourishing homecare rituals. I want people to feel like they can learn to love themselves and listen to their own bodies. Sometimes being human can be so lonely and isolating. It is such a profound experience to connect with another person and hold space for them, to really be physically present with them, and to provide therapeutic touch. I truly love it. I think it’s exactly what I'm supposed to be doing.

What do you like most about client visits?

Building the relationships. So much of my work is about this. I have built many lasting relationships with my clients that have spanned almost 10 years. In holistic skincare in particular, relationships over time are very rewarding because I can truly work with people through many skin cycles, watch how tone and texture shifts, watch how the acid mantle supports itself and someone’s skin health really begins to shine.

The other thing I love about seeing clients is giving them tons of love and positive feedback. As you probably know about me by now, I do not think we should be treating our skin like a war zone. So much of the beauty industry (of which esthetics is part of) is based in shame and fear and feeling like we are never enough. It is a radical act to stare at our own faces and try to make peace. To say out loud, even if we don’t believe it, over and over, everyday, “I love you.”

It truly is my goal to create healing space for my clients to begin to heal from the inside out. I have been in some dark places with my self esteem, with my skin, with my weight, with my body. I hope that I can really share my compassion with my clients and help them in my own small way to navigate this winding road of healing and self discovery. I do love people. I believe that no matter who comes in and lays on my table, it is a space of love. On the most basic level, I love client visits, because I love therapeutic touch and want people to feel good! And massage, plant-based skincare, getting your head rubbed, it feels good!

Because I have to relate all things to film and television: what is something you’ve seen in esthetician character portrayals that drives you nuts?

Hahaha, I’m trying to think of seeing a facial in movies or TV…I can tell you what drives me crazy about massage in movies and television and that’s the very lazy portrayal! It barely looks like anything is happening. Most of the time it’s used as a way for two people to talk to each other as they get side by side massages that look decidedly unrelaxing. Necks craned to one side, one small towel (no cozy blankets) covering the body, and the therapist just sort of distractedly rubbing the upper back. I suppose if it’s in a movie or show then it’s a way for the characters to do something or talk to each other in order to move the plot forward and no one wants to watch a character be completely silent while they drift away under a cloud of facial steam. Plus, why is no one ever dressed in regular clothes? They’re always in some kind of uniform. Especially pre Covid-19, I loved dressing up for work. But that’s just me.

If you could offer one free piece of advice, what would it be (skincare related or not)?

Well, as you know, I love to offer lots of free advice lol. Don’t think about massage and facials as a luxury. Massage is medicine. Spending time and money on small batch skincare really does make a difference. When you are supporting a small business like mine, you are also supporting other small businesses, small farmers, the environment, our local economy, and women owned businesses. For example, speaking for the product lines I carry, they are all handmade, meticulously sourced (usually directly from the farmer), woman owned and created and operated, constantly innovating and improving, and incredibly healing and effective.

A bottle of Oil Serum may cost anywhere from $70-$90, but it is incredible. It will last generally at least 6 months, sometimes longer. Every ingredient is active, fresh and harvested with integrity. The ripple effects of using these kinds of products from these types of small companies is profound. All that being said, I know this doesn’t always feel accessible. Holistic skincare can also be pretty simple—raw local honey, a high-quality hydrosol and a high-quality oil like jojoba, argan, or rosehip seed oil. And, my last bit of advice for us all—even me—don’t buy things because you are being sold the idea that you are imperfect. Try and base it in a sense of care, love and nourishment. We are all perfect as we are right now today, this second.

(L) Rebecca by © Cait Pearson, (R) Uncommon Yarrow Hydrosols, Photo by me

Having visited Rebecca during COVID, I only had photos of her with her mask on. Still, I wanted you to see her lovely face! Here she is captured in a moment of hydrosol joy by Cait Pearson. And speaking of hydrosols…

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Uncommon Yarrow Hydrosols, 2oz.

You might remember way back in Newsletter 002 when I included the Uncommon Yarrow Lavender Hydrosol in a round of empties. I loved it but found I preferred bottles smaller than 4oz. Lucky for me, Rebecca has 2oz versions available now of her hydrosols! All are from a farm in Northern Washington and distilled in copper alembic stills. Copper stills are known for their antimicrobial properties and provide hydrosols with a sweeter aroma.

She kindly gifted me five of her latest, and I just have to gush about these, so bear with me. I’ve been so enjoying adding more water and water-based products into my routine lately. My skin is easily dehydrated, so why wouldn’t I take all the opportunities I can to give it a boost of hydration? I do two to three rounds of hydrosol cascades throughout my skincare routines. It leaves my skin hydrated and happy. I’ll note the price and include links where I can. Some are listed on her website, but she is always available via DM or email (rebecca@uncommonyarrow.com) to help with orders!

Yarrow Hydrosol* ($20 | 2oz, $30 | 4oz)

You’ve already seen the yarrow hydrosol in my morning and evening skincare routine newsletters. This one’s excellent for reactive, irritated, or oily skin. It’s incredibly healing and balancing, two words that summarize my skincare philosophy, so it’s a win! I’ll restate here that its scent can be potent to those unfamiliar with it. It takes on a root-like, funky quality which I personally love, but I know it may not be for everyone.

German Chamomile Hydrosol*

I’m sure you’ve caught on by now that my skin is a chamomile fan, no matter the type of chamomile. This one offers such a relaxing and delicate scent: calming and stress relieving; it’s perfect for evening routines. Though I also mist it throughout the day when I need a crave of calm.

Rose Hydrosol* ($25 | 2oz, $40 | 4oz)

I cannot stress the magic of this hydrosol. It has a beautifully delicate and sweet rose scent and a whisper of something green. It transports me to the heart of a rose garden, letting my skin and body sigh with relief. Rose is intensely hydrating, making it great for easily dehydrated and inflamed skin (also me). Gentle and nourishing, I wish I could swim in this.

White Sage Hydrosol*

This one is the definition of purifying. White Sage is known for being antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, and help with pain relief. This one is a triple threat working as a purifying room spray, an antiseptic for the skin, and believed to ease menstrual symptoms. The scent is magnificent. I find myself torn between wanting to spray it all over my body versus all over my room. Alas, I’ve done both because I love it so much. This hydrosol is so invigorating, cleansing my spirit, body, and space.

Rose Geranium Hydrosol*

This is the only one I’ve left untouched because (drumroll, please) it’s included in my Instagram giveaway! Rose Geranium is excellent for all skin types. It is found in so many items across clean beauty for a reason. It’s anti-inflammatory, soothing, and healing, and the scent is a crowd-pleaser.

This and the following are in my “Thank You Giveaway” for reaching 1,000 over on Instagram:

• Monastery Rose Cleansing Oil (I’ve written about the brand in three newsletters already! I’m a fan. Use this link for 20% off your order)

• Rituel de Fille Blood Set (two forbidden lipsticks and one enchanted lip sheer)

• Rituel de Fille Ash & Ember Eye Soot in Incantation (Use this link for $10 off your order)

Head over to the post for rules and details! The giveaway closes on Friday. Good luck!

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Because this newsletter is already too long (what else is new), I’m just going to share two recent films I’ve watched.

‘Rocketman’ ★★★ © Paramount Pictures

I really enjoyed ‘Rocketman’ (Hulu, Prime Video). I loved the cast, though my number one reason to watch it was the lead, Taron Egerton: great actor, singer, performer. This film broke my heart, showed me how talented he is, and got me grooving practically through the entire thing. Musical lovers, let this one sweep you off your feet. Also, Jamie Bell is incredible in this, and I’m still waiting for ‘Fred & Ginger’ where he’ll play Fred Astaire.

‘Judas and the Black Messiah” ★★★½ © Warner Bros. Pictures

You can sell me almost anything with LaKeith Stanfield, but with Daniel Kaluuya, Jesse Plemons, and Dominique Fishback (one of two redeeming qualities of HBO’s ‘The Deuce’)? That’s hook, line, sinker. And this is a good film. I would have given it four stars if it didn’t drag in some areas. Of course, the acting and cinematography are beautiful.

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As always, I hope you have a great start to your week! See you next Sunday!