We were first introduced to Adina, the amazing woman behind the organic, small batch skin care company, S.W. Basics of Brooklyn on Instagram. They gave us a bit of virtual love and we are so glad they did! Adina started making skin products for herself because she didn't want to "cross [her] fingers and hope that the stuff [she] put on [her] body is safe because it smells like wildflowers or claims to reverse aging." She wanted to create skin care products that actually are safe for your skin. She realized that people "want[ed] great skin, but [didn't] want to hurt yourself or the planet to get it." We found that we completely aligned with the message of S.W. Basics which is why we had to interview her and introduce her to you all! Ps. Contest to win some of their amazing products below!
Question: When did you first become interested in skin care?
A: No way! I'm from South Florida originally. Not that I'm super proud of that, especially these days. But the beaches!! Then I struggled in Manhattan for years before realizing Brooklyn was like a secret perfect place right next to an even more perfect Manhattan. I've been so happy here, it's more my speed. People who hate on Brooklyn are really hating on how awesome our lives seem. They're not wrong.
Q: What is your favorite S.W. Basics product and why?
A: The cream for sure. It's the entire reason I started the company. There is zero reason to moisturize your skin with five thousand different products and ingredients. Shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil are all great on their own, and they're even better together. The simpler the better. It's incredibly healing and soothing and rich.
Q: What inspires you in nature?
A: Everything! I mean it's just so ridiculous how much we've created synthetically with no need to. And I'm not even that big of a hippie. I understand we need medicine and durable materials and whatever. But we definitely don't need all these chemicals. Not in our homes, not in our bodies, and not on our bodies!
Q: Where did you learn about how to make these products?
A: It was a long, painful process. Lots and lots of bad batches. Lots and lots of research. Our cream took me two years to perfect.
Q: Favorite ice-cream flavor? (just because!)
A: Well I have a very public obsession with Steve's Ice Cream. Their salty caramel should be made illegal. http://instagram.com/p/
Love Adina as much as us?! Enter to win a Bestseller Mini Kit & Organic Lip Balm Flight along with two set Way Basics Box set (over $100 value)! Enter by liking them on Facebook, following on Instagram or Twitter. More ways you show them love, the more chance you have to win! Be sure to also tell us what you love about them in a comment below so we know you entered!
Contest ends August 10th.
