What Do Emma Stone, Zoe Saldana, and Olivia Wilde Have in Common? They All Trust This Hollywood Hair Stylist

In the world of red carpet beauty, there’s polished and then there’s Mara Roszak. Known for her effortlessly chic, natural approach to hair, Mara has quietly shaped some of the most iconic looks of the last two decades. From Emma Stone’s whimsical pixie grow-out to Zoe Saldana’s glossy waves and Olivia Wilde’s undone elegance, her signature style is both artful and intuitive, always enhancing, never overpowering.

But for Mara, great hair is more than just a finished look, it’s a feeling. What began as a teenage obsession in Laurel Canyon eventually led to a career styling Hollywood’s elite, and most recently, to the creation of her own clean, high-performance haircare line: RŌZ (pronounced “rose”). Designed to bring the same elevated, editorial-quality hair home, RŌZ reflects everything Mara believes in: softness, intention, sustainability, and care.

We sat down with Mara to talk about the evolution of her craft, her long-standing relationship with Emma Stone, and why she believes the best hair moments start with a deeper connection to yourself.

You’ve styled some of the most iconic beauty looks in Hollywood. What first drew you to hair, and did you always know this would be your path? I’ve been obsessed with hair for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Laurel Canyon, surrounded by nature kookie artists. I started playing with my own hair afer i turned 13 and developed a frizzy curly mane, post puberty. The trend was very much straight hair at the time, i was determined to “fit in. After mastering my own blow out, i turned to my close friends, styled them for birthdays, bar mitzvahs, prom! It really brought me out of my shell and connected me to my community, sisterhood! I went to beauty school at 16 and began styling hair professionally shortly after. What I love most about hair is the ability to help people feel confident and authentically themselves—seeing the transformation and joy that great hair can bring aloows me to feel fully in my purpose. RŌZ is an extension of that. 

You’ve been working with Emma Stone for years. Can you share a favorite hair moment you’ve created with her, and what makes that creative collaboration so special? Trust is key, and it is something that is formed overtime. We also have SO MUCH FUN in the process. I have so many favorites, its hard to choose. We've been working together almost 20 years, so there are tons to choose from, we've covered sleek modern, to old Hollywood, and everything in between. She is someone who can really take on any style (and color) . However, I am loving her 90’s whimsy pixie grow out right now and am personally having SO much fun collaborating with her on looks and different ways to style it. There really are endless looks and its so cool and chic! 

Your brand, RŌZ, is rooted in clean, elevated haircare that performs. What inspired you to create your own line, and what was missing before? I’ve curated my hairstylist kit over 20+ years with the best of the best products that allow me to create ANY hairstyle on every hair type. I noticed nothing in my kit was clean or in sustainable packaging—that delivered the professional level results required on set and red carpet. 

Every RŌZ formula is tested on set and in the salon (sometimes for years) before it makes it into the line. Formulating products is a true labor of love, challenging in all of hte ways because there aren't products that perform like ours on the market. Im so proud of our formulations and truly want everyone to experience them. They will change their hair!

Your line is clean, plant-powered, and high-performance. Which ingredients or formulations are you most proud of, and why? I’m especially proud of Evergreen Style Cream, which we launched earlier this year. It took years of testing, tweaking, and refining to get it just right, and I truly believe there’s not another product out there that’s like it. I wanted something that was lightweight - with flexible hold while keeping hair soft, moldable, never stiff or flaky. It’s infused with shea butter and pea protein, which supports hair health, a key focus for me while formulating. For me, as a hairstylist, that combination is everything: hair needs to move naturally, feel healthy, and still hold shape. It’s such a versatile product - it can be used for defining waves and taming flyaways, or creating a sleek sculptural updo. 

Many people don’t know how to style their hair without heat. Which RŌZ products help support a natural, air-dried look that still feels polished? A lot of people want that effortless, polished look but aren’t sure how to get there without heat. For me, it’s about hydration, and smooth definition. That’s where Milk Hair Serum and Santa Lucia Styling Oil come in. Milk gives light weight hydration and smoothing so the natural waves and texture form beautifully without frizz. I like to combine Milk with Santa Lucia styling oil which is also incredibly light weight and adds more smoothing, defining and frizz free shine. BOTH are also clinically proven to protect from up to 450 degrees of heat if you do heat style. Shop Milk Hair Serum Here. Shop Santa Lucia Styling Oil Here

If someone’s new to RŌZ, what should they start with — and why? It always comes back to the foundation of good hair: Foundation Shampoo and Conditioner. Wash days are the most important part of haircare, this is when hair receives nourishment, moisture, and attention. The shampoo cleanses gently without stripping, and the conditioner restores softness, smooths, and strengthens each strand. Starting here sets the stage for everything else—texture, styling, and long-term health. Shop the duo here. 

What’s one product every person should keep in their kit for quick styling on the go? Milk Hair Serum. Its the daily moisturizer for your hair. it’s lightweight, nourishing, and versatile, like a daily moisturizer for your hair. I use it on damp hair to hydrate and enhance natural texture, or on dry hair to refresh, smooth, and soften between washes. Its our best seller for a reason, everyone needs it.  Shop Milk Hair Serum here.

Are there any surprising ways to use your products, maybe something people don’t expect, but you do all the time? I love using our ROOT lift spray before a blow out for touchable volume, but also in lieu of a dry shampoo-like product. I spray it on dry day 2 and 3 roots and hit it with the blow dryer and my hair is totally revived post traveling and in between washes for beautifully refreshed hair! Shop ROOT Lift Spray here. 

What’s your personal hair routine for everyday? I definitely keep my own personal hair routine simple. I often wash my hair at night (it's the only time I have with two young kids) and I’ll go to bed with damp hair. People often ask if sleeping with wet hair causes damage, and my answer is no, not if you care for it properly. I’ll run a few pumps of Milk Hair Serum throughout my hair before brushing through and then pull it back into a tight bun. In the morning I'll add Santa Lucia through mid lengths and ends, then fully air dry my waves. On occasion I'll give myself a blow out which will last for 3-4 days. Before blowing I'll use Santa Lucia on damp hair before blow drying and it cuts down dry time significantly, and has a huge impact on the effortless smooth results. 

What’s your bigger vision for ROZ? Where do you want to take the brand next—more SKUs, salon education, editorial, global expansion This feels like such an exciting chapter for RŌZ. There’s a real palpable energy across the team, and we’re all learning so much and so inspired by all the possibilities ahead. My hope is that we grow with intention—expanding thoughtfully, building trust with our community, and continuing to prove that performance and clean can exist in the BEST of formulations that truly change your experience with your hair.

I want RŌZ to be a brand that shows up everywhere hair lives: in the salon, on set, in your bathroom, and across the world. And I want us to keep leading with care and artistry. We’re just at the beginning of what’s possible.

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5 Morning Rituals for Energy (Coffee Free)

You know that feeling when you wake up and your first thought is, coffee please? Same. But here’s the thing. There are other ways to wake up that help you feel energized, calm, and clear headed without relying on caffeine to get you going. These small, feel good rituals help you start the day with real, lasting energy.

Below are five simple ways to build your morning around nourishment, movement, and moments that make you feel genuinely good, featuring a few plant based favorites from Anima Mundi.

1. Start with a Happiness Herbal Drink
Featuring Happiness Tonic Powder

If your mornings could use a little lift, start here. The Happiness Tonic from Anima Mundi blends roasted roots and adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola to support calm, steady energy. The flavor is warm and malty, almost like a cozy latte but completely caffeine free.

Whisk a spoonful into your favorite milk and sip it while you ease into the day. No rush, no noise, just you, your cup, and a few quiet minutes to wake up gently. Shop here

2. Wake Up Your Qi
Featuring Qi Energy and Stamina Powder

Instead of reaching for your phone, try this. Take a few deep breaths, stretch a little, or move around to get your energy flowing. Then blend a spoonful of Qi Powder into a smoothie or warm milk.

This blend includes maca, ashwagandha, and astragalus, all herbs that support stamina and balance. You will feel awake but not wired, which is exactly how mornings should feel. Shop Here

3. Make a Mushroom Cacao Smoothie
Featuring Adaptogenic Powder with 7 Medicinal Mushrooms and Cacao

Chocolate for breakfast? Always a good idea. This smoothie tastes like a treat but works like a wellness ritual. Blend banana, nut milk, and a scoop of Adaptogenic Powder for a creamy cacao drink that helps you focus and feel grounded.

With reishi, lions mane, and cordyceps, it brings steady energy and mental clarity without any caffeine. It is the kind of morning moment that feels indulgent yet restorative. Shop Here

4. Ground Yourself with Suma
Featuring Suma Brazilian Ginseng Powder

If you wake up feeling scattered or low on energy, Suma root can help bring you back to center. Known as Brazilian Ginseng, it has been used for centuries to support vitality and balance.

Mix a small spoonful into warm water with honey and lemon. Sip slowly and take a few mindful breaths. It is a simple ritual that helps you feel calm, strong, and ready to start your day. Shop Here

5. Try a Cold Shower Reset
No products required, but an herbal latte after is highly recommended.

It might sound intense, but this practice truly works. Alternate between warm and cool water for a few minutes, then finish with a short burst of cold. It wakes you up instantly, boosts circulation, and clears your mind.

A Morning That Wakes You Up Naturally

Energy does not have to come from caffeine. It can come from moments of mindfulness, movement, and small rituals that help your body wake up in its own rhythm. These simple practices are gentle reminders that how you start your morning shapes how the rest of your day unfolds.

The post 5 Morning Rituals for Energy (Coffee Free) appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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Cleobella x Häti Home Brings Slow Living and Artisan Craftsmanship Home

Cleobella and Häti Home recently came together at Santa Monica Proper to celebrate a collaboration that has been in the works for years. The evening was relaxed and full of warmth, with both founders, Angela O’Brien and Kallie Branciforte, surrounded by guests who share their appreciation for design that tells a story. 

The event reflected what both brands have built their names on: community, connection, and a deep respect for artistry. More than a typical launch, it felt like an evening celebrating a shared love for slow design and thoughtful living.

A Friendship Rooted in Bali
The idea for this collaboration began long before it was ever official. Angela and Kallie first met in Bali years ago, drawn to the island’s spirit of creativity and its culture of craftsmanship. They bonded quickly over their shared love of natural materials, handmade design, and the kind of beauty that comes from imperfection. That friendship would eventually inspire this collection, a seamless blend of Cleobella’s global sensibility and Häti’s modern approach to home design.

Both founders are mothers and entrepreneurs who have built their brands with intention and longevity in mind. Their time in Bali shaped the way they see the world and continues to influence how they design. When you look at their work side by side, it feels like two different languages speaking the same message: beauty should be lived in, not just looked at.

The Story Behind the Collection
The Cleobella x Häti Home collection captures that philosophy perfectly. It pairs Cleobella’s signature patterns and earthy tones with Häti Home’s clean, timeless oak silhouettes. The result feels effortless but deeply considered, marrying form and function in a way that feels warm, tactile, and quietly elevated.

Each piece in the collection reflects the things both brands value most. There are handcrafted details, organic textures, and natural wood finishes that bring warmth to every room. Soft performance fabrics balance durability with comfort, making each piece as practical as it is beautiful. It is furniture meant to be lived with, the kind that invites people to sit down, linger, and feel at home.

Angela’s approach to Cleobella has always been rooted in the idea that every piece carries a story. Her designs are inspired by the artisans who create them and the traditions that sustain them. For this collection, she carried that same storytelling into the home, where Kallie’s design philosophy met it naturally. Häti Home’s aesthetic is grounded and timeless, built around pieces that grow with a space rather than define it. Together, they have created something that feels alive, personal, and lasting.

Design That Encourages Slowing Down
What makes this collaboration special is not just how it looks but what it represents. Both Cleobella and Häti Home share a belief in slowing down, in making choices that prioritize meaning over mass production. They remind us that the things we live with every day can be a source of calm, creativity, and connection.

The collection invites people to pause and consider their surroundings in a more mindful way. The materials tell that story on their own: oak, linen, and handwoven textures that age gracefully and reflect the rhythm of real life. It is a collection that fits into family homes, creative studios, and quiet corners alike, designed to support the moments that happen within them.

It also represents a shift in how we think about home design. In an industry often driven by trends, Angela and Kallie created something that resists the idea of new for the sake of it. Instead, they focused on longevity and intention. Every choice, from the responsibly sourced wood to the soft color palette, speaks to the value of creating things that endure.

Sustainability with Heart
Sustainability has always been central to both brands, but here it goes beyond materials and production. It is about the relationships behind the work, the artisans, the communities, and the craftsmanship that make it all possible. Each piece carries that sense of purpose.

The Cleobella x Häti Home collection was created with respect for both people and the planet. Every element was chosen for its durability and its ability to bring warmth into a space without excess. It is sustainability expressed through simplicity and restraint, proof that mindful design can be both beautiful and functional.

The post Cleobella x Häti Home Brings Slow Living and Artisan Craftsmanship Home appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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When Hollywood’s leading women need results, they call Lauren Kleban

When Hollywood’s leading women need results fast, they call Lauren Kleban, the powerhouse behind LEKFIT, the cult favorite workout that blends sweat, sculpt, and serious fun. After transforming the fitness scene from her Hancock Park home studio, Lauren has now opened a stunning LEKFIT space in Los Angeles that feels more like a house party than a gym, complete with marble details, music that moves you, and an energy that keeps you coming back for more.

We caught up with Lauren to talk about building one of LA’s most beloved fitness communities, why rebounding is the ultimate multitasker, and what it really means to move with joy.

You started as a professional dancer and choreographer, at what point did you realize there was space for a method like LEKFIT? As a professional dancer, I was also very engaged in the fitness industry. At that time, dance-based workouts were really taking off, think Zumba, The Grind on MTV, pole dancing, it was all on the come up! I knew that at some point I’d have to transition out of performing, and that fitness would be my next career path. I wanted to build something that could carry me forward when I became a mom for the first time that became LEKFIT.

The method itself was born because I saw a gap. Dance fitness classes back then felt like traditional dance classes, lots of stopping and starting, learning choreography, then going full out. I wanted people to experience a workout, something continuous, very, very simple to follow choreography, and designed to keep your heart rate up while moving with joy.

Most importantly for me, this was the “bikini body ready” era and I wanted to shift far away from that ideology in my teaching. I didn’t want LEKFIT to be about punishing your body like other popular workouts at the time. I wanted to come at it with a dancer’s mentality which is about movement as healing, moving through things, loving and embracing your body, and getting all the benefits of moving, instead of trying to punish the body.

How would you describe the LEKFIT method to someone who’s never tried it? LEKFIT is a really unique, complete fitness method that offers cardio, strength, sculpting, recovery and lymphatic drainage in one.  We deliver new workouts both online and in LA seven days a week. No two classes are ever the same, and everything is structured so you can safely move your body every day.  We believe in moving your body every day of the week,  but not in the same way every day. You can’t lift heavy every day, just like you can’t only stretch every day, which often makes it challenging for people when trying to find a studio and deciding between CrossFit, pilates, barre etc. We’ve built the perfect balance so your body feels challenged, restored, and strong without the need to have multiple studio subscriptions or run around town - from strengthening and sculpting to lymphatic flow and stretching, we have you covered.

Rebounding, sculpt, strength, choreography, what makes these elements so transformative together? It’s the structure and specificity that make it transformative. Every week we release nine new workouts, and each one is completely different. Some days we’re at the barre, some days on the mat, some days combining cardio and strength, or focusing on using just our own body’s resistance. Each week has is tailored to have its own focus and flow, heavy to light, sculpt to restore, so your body never gets bored or plateaus. You’re always moving safely, always working the entire body, and always keeping your system guessing, which is important so the body doesn’t get complacent. We want to take the guesswork out of it for you. All you have to do is press play or show up in LA, your body stays engaged, challenged, and evolving. 

You talk a lot about lymphatic flow. Why is that piece so important, especially for women? All our bodies have a lymphatic system, but it doesn’t have its own pump, so you have to move it manually. The rebounder is the best way to do that. Sure, you can get a lymphatic massage or dry brush, but rebounding activates your lymphatic system while also detoxing the body and engaging every muscle, especially the pelvic floor. When you’re bouncing, you’re literally pumping and clearing toxins, improving circulation, and strengthening from head to toe. It’s incredible for health, energy, balance, and recovery. Honestly, I still can’t believe when I see people choose to do something besides rebounding - that's how good it is, a true multitasker.

When a client is preparing for a film or red carpet, how does your approach shift compared to when you’re training them for everyday strength and longevity? When a client is preparing for something specific, say, a film role, I’ll tailor their workouts to fit that character or physical demand. But more often than not, people come to get ready for red carpets and events. My philosophy is that we should all aim to be camera-ready all the time, not out of vanity, but because it’s healthier than constantly cycling between extremes. That push-and-pull, getting “ready” and then letting go, is basically yo-yo fitness. I prefer a sustainable approach: consistent movement, hydration, and nutrition is really, really important. The goal is to look and feel strong, healthy, and confident always, not just when a big moment comes up.

What did you want the new LEKFIT studio to feel like the moment someone walks in? When somebody walks into the LEKFIT studio, I want them to catch all kinds of feels! We designed it to be very similar to my home in Hancock Park, which is where LEKFIT first got started in my home studio. I wanted it to feel like walking into the most elegant, fun, and inviting house party. You walk through the patio, the music’s bumping, there’s a marble check in desk and black chevron floors - it’s gorgeous but warm and I want you to just feel like you're home but in a blissful elevated way.

The most important thing is that everyone feels welcome. I know the workout looks intimidating and truthfully, it is hard. It will always be hard. My motto is: if it’s not hard, I’ve failed. But I never want anyone to feel out of place. The culture we’ve built is supportive, inclusive, and community-driven. You’ll sweat, you’ll be challenged, and you’ll leave feeling incredible and you’ll be surrounded by people who are cheering you on.

What kind of culture are you trying to build for women inside this space? We’ve built a culture where women feel strong, connected, and completely themselves. From day one in my garage to now, I’ve seen friendships form and confidence grow, that’s what it’s all about. I want you to come in, and you know you're going to sweat and you know you're going get worked and you're going leave feeling energized and amazing. LEKFIT is a space where people feel welcome and celebrated. Everyone is so supportive of each other and welcoming. It's just the most amazing thing.

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Living Well with the Founders of Cowboy Colostrum: On Friendship, Curiosity, and the Spirit of Modern Wellness

Before Cowboy came to life, Steph and Jessy were two best friends chasing better health, swapping wellness hacks, and realizing that maybe feeling good didn’t have to be so complicated. Then came colostrum, the natural powerhouse that changed everything. What started as a shared discovery quickly turned into a mission to bring a little more honesty, heart, and fun back into wellness.

In this Living Well chat, the Cowboy co-founders talk about building something real from the ground up, partnering with Pressed Juicery, and why their secret to balance comes down to three simple words: left, right, left. It’s wellness with a wink—and a reminder that sometimes, the best things are the most natural.

Living Well with Jessy Shenfeld and Steph Stoikos

Before Cowboy existed, what was happening in your own lives and health journeys that made you stop and say: “we need to bring colostrum to more people”? Steph: We were both chasing better health in our own ways - trying every supplement, every “biohack,” and realizing how disconnected modern wellness had become from nature. When we found colostrum, everything shifted. It wasn’t another supplement or quick fix - it was elemental. Something our bodies instantly recognized. That moment changed how we thought about nourishment. We wanted to build something that brought that simplicity and truth back to wellness - to help people reconnect with what’s real.

Jessy: Once we learned what it was and how powerful it could be, it felt crazy that so few people knew about it. We wanted to take this ancient, primal ingredient and bring it into the modern world the right way - responsibly sourced, whole, and true to its roots.

As co-founders, how do your personalities and strengths complement each other? Both: Cowboy works because we balance each other in all the right ways. Steph leads with creativity and storytelling, Jessy with structure and execution. We always joke we’d make the world’s most boring married couple - there’s literally zero friction between us. We’ve been best friends for ten years and have never really disagreed, only had conversations that deepen how we understand each other. We see the world through the same lens, often thinking or saying the exact same thing at the same time. That kind of alignment runs deep - it’s built on trust, respect, and shared vision - and it’s the reason Cowboy feels so cohesive.

The name Cowboy Colostrum is bold and unexpected in wellness. What story or energy were you hoping the name would capture? Steph: We wanted something that felt alive - something that could exist outside the clean, sterile wellness box. Cowboy felt raw and human. It’s about spirit, not aesthetic. Freedom, grit, simplicity. It nods to a time when people lived closer to the land and relied on what nature gave them. The name had an energy to it - strong and untamed. It carried the same heartbeat we wanted the brand to have.

Jessy: The name just fit from the start. It felt real and grounded which is exactly what we wanted to bring into wellness. “Cowboy” has this energy of independence and honesty; it’s not trying to be perfect, it’s just authentic. That spirit mirrors everything we do - getting back to the basics, staying close to nature, and doing things with integrity.

Colostrum has been around for centuries, but recently it’s become buzzy. What makes Cowboy’s approach different from the other brands popping up right now? Steph: Most brands treat colostrum like a commodity. We treat it like gold. We collect only within the first day after birthing when it’s at its most bioactive, and we never strip or de-fat it. Ours comes from family-run dairies that honor the calf first. What you get is whole colostrum - pure and potent, the way nature designed it before wellness made it a big buzzword.

What made Pressed Juicery a natural match for Cowboy in terms of brand values, audience, or product fit? Jessy: Pressed has always stood for making real nourishment accessible. Their audience already cares about quality ingredients and rituals that make you feel good. When we started talking with their team, it just clicked - their clean, fresh approach to health and our mission to bring ancestral nutrition to modern life aligned perfectly. Plus, it’s fun seeing colostrum go mainstream in a bowl next to bottled green juice.

Besides colostrum, what supplements or practices are absolute non-negotiables for you right now? Both: We both live pretty holistically. Daily movement is non-negotiable. We try to get most of our nutrition from real, whole, nutrient-rich foods - things like raw dairy, bone broth, eggs, and good meat. We’re not big on extensive supplement protocols, which is why we love colostrum - it’s simple, effective, and close to nature. Beyond that, we love magnesium and electrolytes for balance, creatine for strength, and sunlight/nature for everything else. Quality time with family, friends, and our dogs is just as essential. Wellness for us is as much about connection as it is about nutrition.

What do you think your generation brings to wellness that’s missing from the older models? Steph: We’ve stripped the pressure out of wellness. Our generation doesn’t want to live by a checklist - we just want to feel good and live well. It’s about quality, balance, and being human. There’s a shift toward ritual instead of routine, toward nourishment instead of optimization. You can care about your health and still enjoy your life.

Jessy: I think our generation approaches wellness with a lot more softness and honesty. It’s less about rules and more about rhythm - finding what actually works for your body and your life. People are craving connection, not perfection. 

What advice do you have for someone who has an idea but thinks they’re too young to pull it off? Steph: Don’t wait for permission or for the perfect moment. Both are myths. The most meaningful things start from curiosity and a little bit of chaos. You learn by building, by trying, by failing and adjusting. Youth is an advantage; you see possibility before the world tells you how it’s supposed to look. Trust that instinct - it’s your greatest teacher.

Do you have a mantra or phrase you say to yourselves when things feel overwhelming? Both: “Left, right, left, right.” It’s our reminder to just keep moving one step at a time. When things feel overwhelming it helps bring us back to the moment. It’s our way of remembering that this whole thing is a ride, and you can’t control every turn. Just stay on the horse.

What’s an assumption people make about young founders that you love proving wrong? Steph: We’re not here to prove anybody wrong - that’s never been the motivation. Our focus has been to build something real, something that feels true to us. The work speaks for itself. People will always have assumptions, but when you stay grounded in your vision and your values, the results naturally shift the narrative. We’d rather lead by example than convince anyone we belong.

How do you each personally define “living well” at this stage of your lives? Jessy: Living well is about slowing down enough to actually feel life - not rush through it. It’s family, nature, and good food.

Steph: For me, it’s about being grounded and inspired at the same time. When I’m creating, taking care of myself, and showing up for the people I love - that’s what living well looks like.

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Are You Buying Gifts or Feelings This Holiday Season? A Therapist Explains

The holidays have a funny way of turning even the most grounded among us into emotional economists. One minute you are just “picking up a few things,” and the next you are calculating love in receipts and justifying it as festive generosity. Between family expectations, endless group chats, and social media feeds that make everyone else’s season look flawlessly wrapped, it is easy to lose sight of what we are really spending for.

According to  Erin Pash, MA, LMFT, a licensed therapist, Founder, and former CEO of Ellie Mental Health, it is rarely about the gifts themselves. It is about what we are trying to express, prove, or avoid feeling. In this refreshingly honest conversation, Erin unpacks the emotional side of holiday spending and offers smart, practical ways to stay grounded, generous, and actually present this season without the financial hangover come post-holiday season.

The holidays are often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, they bring anxiety around spending. From a therapist’s perspective, what’s really happening emotionally when people start to overspend during the holidays? Holiday overspending is rarely about the gifts—it’s about what we’re trying to express, prove, or avoid feeling. People often try to demonstrate love in tangible ways, compensate for perceived shortcomings like not being present enough, or create a “perfect” holiday that erases difficult childhood memories. The compressed timeline creates urgency and panic, which activates our stress response. When stressed, we make impulsive decisions we wouldn’t normally make. Add in cultural messaging that spending equals caring, and you have a perfect storm for emotion-driven financial decisions.

How much of our relationship with money and gift-giving is shaped by childhood experiences or family patterns? Enormously. If you grew up with financial instability, you might overspend to prove you’ve “made it” or ensure your children never feel the lack you experienced. If gifts were how love was expressed in your family rather than through words or time, you might equate your worth with how much you spend.

Family scripts are incredibly powerful: “We always go all out for Christmas” or “Money doesn’t matter when it comes to family.” These messages, absorbed in childhood, can override our adult logic and financial reality. We’re not just buying gifts—we’re trying to recreate magic, avoid past pain, or prove we’re different from our parents.

We all know that “feel-good rush” after buying a gift. What’s happening emotionally when spending feels like stress relief? When we buy something, our brain releases dopamine. For a moment, we feel productive, generous, and in control. We’ve “solved” something. But that relief is temporary and often creates a rebound effect.

Spending as stress relief is avoidance coping—we’re not addressing the underlying stress (relationship tension, grief, loneliness), we’re just temporarily distracting ourselves from it. The stress returns, often with added financial anxiety, which can lead to more stress-spending. It’s similar to emotional eating—the behavior provides short-term comfort but doesn’t resolve what’s actually wrong and often makes us feel worse.

What are the most common emotional triggers that lead people to overspend during the holidays and how can they recognize them early? The most common triggers are:

Guilt and compensation: “I work too much, so I need to make up for it with gifts.” Warning sign: using “should” a lot or feeling you need to prove something.

Comparison and inadequacy: Feeling you don’t measure up to others on social media or in your family. Warning sign: shopping while scrolling Instagram.

Childhood wounds: Trying to give your kids the Christmas you never had. Warning sign: feeling intense emotion while shopping.

People-pleasing: Using gifts to keep the peace or avoid being seen as cheap. Warning sign: anxiety about others’ reactions overriding your financial comfort.

Loneliness: Shopping to feel connected to the season or fill an emotional void. Warning sign: shopping when you’re feeling isolated.

To recognize these early, pause before purchases and ask: “What am I really trying to accomplish? What feeling am I trying to create or avoid?”

If someone notices they’re shopping to soothe stress or loneliness, what’s one healthier action they can take instead? First, name what you’re actually feeling: “I’m lonely,” “I’m anxious about seeing my family,” “I’m sad this is our first holiday after the divorce.” Just acknowledging the emotion can reduce its intensity.

Then choose one action that actually addresses that feeling:

- If lonely: Reach out to someone. Connection is what you’re craving; purchases can’t provide that.

-  If stressed: Do something that genuinely calms you—walk outside, stretch, listen to music. These actually reduce stress hormones.

- If feeling inadequate: Write down three things you’ve done well this year that had nothing to do with spending.

- If avoiding difficult emotions: Set a timer for ten minutes and let yourself actually feel what you’re avoiding.

Don’t just stop shopping—replace it with something that meets the actual need.

For those feeling pressured by family expectations or social media comparisons, what’s a realistic way to stay grounded? Get clear on your own values. Ask yourself: “If no one would know or judge my choices, what would I actually want the holidays to look like?” That’s your north star.

For family pressure, try: “We’re doing things differently this year, and it feels right for us.” You don’t owe anyone a financial explanation.

For social media, remember you’re seeing curated moments, not reality. That perfect photo doesn’t show the credit card bill or the stress behind the smile. Consider a social media break during the holidays, or notice when you’re comparing and deliberately close the app.

Create your own definition of success—maybe it’s one meaningful conversation with each family member or staying within budget while still feeling generous. Find one person who shares your values and check in with them regularly.

If someone already feels they’ve gone overboard, what’s the best emotional reset they can do to release guilt and refocus?

Drop the shame spiral. Beating yourself up doesn’t change what’s spent, and shame makes it harder to make good decisions going forward.

If someone already feels they’ve gone overboard, what’s the best emotional reset they can do to release guilt and refocus? Try this reset:

Acknowledge without judgment: “I spent more than I intended. I’m human, and I was trying to do something positive.”

Honor your intention: You were trying to show love or create joy. That matters, even if you lost sight of your limits.

Separate spending from your worth: Overspending doesn’t make you a failure. It means you care deeply and got caught up. That’s fixable.

Make one concrete next step: Look at what you bought and ask what truly aligns with your values. It’s okay to return things or have honest conversations about simplifying.

Focus forward: Ask, “What do I want the rest of this season to feel like?” Then make small decisions that align with that.

Practice self-compassion: Talk to yourself like you’d talk to a good friend. You’d probably say, “The holidays are hard. You’re figuring it out.”

Every moment is a chance to refocus. The best time to start is now—not January 1st, not next year, but right now.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The post Are You Buying Gifts or Feelings This Holiday Season? A Therapist Explains appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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Where Holistic Meets High Tech: Inside Heal LA and the Ammortal Chamber

Heal LA is one of those places you hear about from someone who is really into wellness, but the moment you walk in, you understand why. The space is quiet and minimal, with soft light and a calm that feels natural. No crystals, no gimmicks, just a sense that everything here was created to help you slow down and breathe a little easier.

Founded by Dr. Jessica Sharratt and Dr. Brenda Perry, Heal LA blends modern science with traditional healing. Treatments range from acupuncture and integrative therapy to hyperbaric oxygen and cryo dry floats. But the one everyone talks about is the Ammortal Chamber, a wellness machine that costs around $160,000 and promises to reset your body and mind in twenty five minutes.

And yes, it is exactly as intriguing as it sounds.

The Setup
Inside the Longevity Studio, everything feels thoughtful and quietly high tech. There is a Vemi bed, a Hyperbaric chamber, a HaloTherapy sauna, and a Cryo Dry Float, but the Ammortal Chamber instantly stands out. It looks like something you might see in a futuristic wellness lab, softly glowing in red light and promising deep restoration.

Before getting started, the team explained how it works and asked me to choose a voice, male or female, to guide the experience. I went with the female voice, calm and steady. You undress so the infrared light can reach your skin more effectively. They offer disposable undergarments if you prefer, but the bed is perfectly warm and comfortable either way.

Once I was settled, they placed a small cannula under my nose for molecular hydrogen therapy, which sounds clinical but simply feels like gentle airflow. Then the session began.

Inside the Chamber
The chamber closes around you and fills with a red light that is bright for a moment before softening into something calming. Then the vibration starts. It is deep and rhythmic, moving through your body until it feels like your pulse has synced with the sound. It is part sound bath, part meditation, and part complete sensory immersion.

After a few minutes, I stopped trying to figure out what was happening and let myself drift. The voice guided me to set an intention, focus on my breath, and stay open to the experience. Time felt like it slowed down. When the session ended, I opened my eyes feeling grounded, calm, and awake all at once.

The After
When I got out, I felt clear and alert. My body felt lighter and my mind felt focused in a way it hadn’t in a while. A friend who tried it told me she cried through her session because it brought up a lot for her. Mine wasn’t emotional like that, but I did walk away feeling calm, balanced, and genuinely reset

The Science Behind the Calm
The Ammortal Chamber combines multiple layers of science backed therapies designed to help the body reset:

+ Multi wave pulsed electromagnetic fields that encourage cellular repair

+ Vibroacoustic therapy that balances the nervous system through sound and vibration

+ Red and near infrared light that boosts circulation, energy, and collagen

+ Molecular hydrogen inhalation that supports recovery and reduces inflammation

It is a lot of technology, but what you actually feel is presence.

Heal LA feels like a glimpse into where wellness is headed. Every part of the experience is thoughtful, from the design of the space to the way each treatment fits into a larger philosophy of balance and restoration. It’s modern and grounded, built around the idea that healing should feel as good as it is good for you.

Heal LA is located at 3201 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Manhattan Beach, CA

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Why Your Toothbrush Isn’t Doing Enough (And What Science Says to Add Next)

We have all been there. We buy the newest whitening toothpaste, switch to electric brushes, and try every trending hack that promises a brighter smile. But here is the truth no one really talks about. We are obsessed with the look of our teeth and rarely think about the health of what is holding them together, your gums.

It turns out, the foundation of your smile may be the most overlooked part of your oral routine. And while the industry keeps giving us whiter and shinier ways to clean, few have asked the question that actually matters. What if your toothbrush is missing something essential?

So when we got our hands on the BON CHARGE Red Light Toothbrush, our first reaction was the same as yours. What is this? Is it even necessary? And is this just another device jumping on the red light therapy trend right now?

Naturally, we had questions. So we tested it for ourselves, then reached out to the team at BON CHARGE to ask some real questions about the science behind it.

Is It Really Necessary or Just a Wellness Gimmick

When you first hear about a toothbrush that beams red light into your mouth, it is easy to roll your eyes. After all, there is a gadget for everything now. But here is the thing: red light therapy is not just a passing wellness trend. It is one of the most studied light technologies in modern science, used for everything from skin rejuvenation to muscle recovery. And now, researchers are finding it might play an important role in supporting gum health too.

In simple terms, red and near infrared light help your cells make energy. When this light reaches the soft tissue in your mouth, it can “wake up” the cells responsible for keeping your gums strong, healthy, and supported. Several studies have found that these wavelengths can reduce inflammation, support healing, and help gum cells maintain their structure.

One key study published in Materials found that specific red and near infrared wavelengths improved the health and survival of human gum cells while helping support gum cell viability and healthy cellular responses. The research suggests these light wavelengths may help cells repair and regenerate naturally.

So yes, the concept might sound futuristic, but it is backed by science. Whether it is necessary depends on how proactive you want to be about long term oral wellness. Brushing and flossing keep your teeth clean, but light therapy supports the foundation beneath the surface, where true smile health begins.

What the Science Says

The science behind light therapy sounds complex, but it is actually simple. Red light and near infrared are wavelengths that your cells can absorb. Once absorbed, they help create more cellular energy, giving your tissues the fuel they need to function and stay healthy.

In everyday terms, this means light can do what toothpaste and mouthwash cannot. It supports your gums at a deeper level, where traditional brushing does not reach. While it is not a substitute for brushing or flossing, light therapy works as an added layer of support that helps strengthen the foundation of your smile over time.

What Makes the BON CHARGE Red Light Toothbrush Different

Think of this as brushing reimagined. The BON CHARGE Red Light Toothbrush pairs two wavelengths of light that work at different depths to create a complete gum care ritual.

Red Light at 660 nanometers works on the surface layers of gum tissue where irritation or sensitivity often starts. It helps energize the cells responsible for healing and supports recovery after cleaning.

Near Infrared Light at 830 nanometers travels deeper below the surface where it can encourage local circulation and support gum vitality over time.

The two wavelengths, 660 nanometers for red and 830 nanometers for near infrared, work together to support the tissue beneath the surface while the brush’s sonic technology handles the rest. With up to 320 vibrations per second, it delivers that crisp, polished clean you usually only get from a professional visit.

It also comes with four brushing modes because not every morning or mouth needs the same level of intensity. Clean mode is your daily go-to. Sensitive mode is great for when your gums need a little extra care. Care mode sits comfortably in between, and Polish mode gives that just whitened finish when you want to look extra fresh for the day.

When we tried it, the bristles gave a nice satisfying clean, and watching the soft red glow light up our reflection was unexpectedly cool. When we asked what sparked the idea, the answer was surprisingly straightforward. Red light and near infrared are already used to support skin, muscles, and recovery, but the team noticed that oral care had been left behind. Katie Mant, the Co-Founder of BON CHARGE, saw an opportunity to apply that same science to an area most people overlook - the gums.

She explained that research points to these specific wavelengths as potentially beneficial for gum tissue, which forms the foundation of a healthy smile. The goal was not to reinvent oral care but to make it smarter and more supportive of long-term gum health.

Why It Matters

For years, oral care has been about surface results, whiter teeth, fresher breath, and a minty finish that fades in minutes. What rarely gets attention is the foundation that actually determines long term oral health: the gums. They are living tissue, not just the frame for your smile, and they need energy and circulation to stay healthy.

That is where light comes in. The science around red and near infrared wavelengths points to something simple but powerful. When your cells have more energy, they function better. For your gums, that means stronger tissue, better recovery, and continued vitality over time.

The BON CHARGE Red Light Toothbrush taps into that idea, bringing light-based care into one of the most familiar rituals we have. It is a small shift, but one that reframes the way we think about daily care. For years, we have focused on cleaning what we can see. The future of oral wellness might just be about energizing what we cannot.

We’ve teamed up with BON CHARGE to give readers an exclusive offer. Take 15% off the BON CHARGE Red Light Toothbrush with code TCM15 and bring a little light to your daily ritual. [ SHOP NOW]

All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health-related programs. This story is brought to you in partnership with BON CHARGE. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers.

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The Cauliflower That Finally Earned a Main Character Moment

Every so often, a cookbook lands on our radar that makes healthy cooking feel exciting again. In Good Health: Uncomplicated, Allergen Aware Recipes for a Nourished Life by Rachel Riggs is exactly that. Known for her hit Substack Minimalist Kitchen, Rachel brings a refreshing, down to earth energy to allergen friendly cooking, turning simple ingredients into dishes that feel indulgent and joyful all at once.

Her Tahini Charred Cauliflower with Dates and Mint is the perfect example. Cauliflower florets are roasted until golden in a creamy tahini coating, then hit with a bright squeeze of lemon, fresh herbs, and the sweet caramel pop of Medjool dates. It is unfussy, wildly flavorful, and the kind of recipe that reminds you healthy food can still have a serious wow factor.

Tahini-Charred Cauliflower with Dates + Mint

Excerpted from In Good Health: Uncomplicated, Allergen-Aware Recipes for a Nourished Life © 2025 by Rachel Riggs. Reproduced with the permission of Figure 1 Publishing.

SERVES 4

Sauce

1/3 cup (80 g) well-stirred tahini

1 large garlic clove, grated

1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (optional; see Note)

3/4 teaspoon pink salt

Cauliflower

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into small florets

1 lemon

Handful of mint leaves, torn in half

Handful of dill, torn into smaller bits

4 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped (see Note)

Maldon flake salt, for sprinkling

Sauce Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

This can be made in advance so the flavors have a chance to mingle, but don’t refrigerate because it needs to be pourable.

Cauliflower Position a rack in the top third of your oven. Preheat oven to 500°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place cauliflower florets in a large mixing bowl, then drizzle with tahini sauce. Using a rubber spatula, toss for 3 minutes, scraping from the bottom and turning the bowl, until it’s all well coated. Place florets on the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out with as much space as possible.

Bake for 20 minutes, until charred and tender but not mushy. Remove from the oven and let the cauliflower cool for 5 minutes. Transfer it to a platter.

Using a Microplane, grate a dusting of lemon zest over cauliflower. Cut lemon in half, then add a light squeeze of juice. Top with mint, dill, and dates. Sprinkle with flake salt. Serve warm or at room temperature.

NOTES
If you are avoiding nightshades, omit the Aleppo pepper. Choose the drier, firmer dates from the package to use here, as they are less likely to stick together once chopped.

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In Conversation: Gail Simmons on the Dinner Table as a Safe Space and the Power of Shared Meals

For celebrated culinary expert and Top Chef judge Gail Simmons, the dinner table has never been just about food. Long before she became known for championing chefs and elevating meals on screen, the table was where her own family gathered to process life, the beautiful, the complicated, and the unspoken. It was a place to sit together, even when finding the right words was not easy.

Gail’s understanding of that sacred space deepened as a teenager, when her older brother Alan was diagnosed with schizophrenia, an often misunderstood and deeply stigmatized mental illness. In the midst of uncertainty, family meals became a quiet constant, a return to presence, to ritual, to simply being together. There were no grand speeches, no perfect conversations, only bowls of noodles at a small vegan restaurant in Toronto’s Chinatown and the unspoken comfort of being fully seen.

Now, through her partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb and the COBENFY Connections campaign for World Mental Health Day, Gail is opening that table to others. She recently hosted an intimate dinner with individuals living with schizophrenia and their loved ones, a powerful reminder that food can be more than nourishment. It can be an invitation to listen, to witness, and to say you are not alone.

We asked Gail to reflect on how the dinner table became a safe space in her own life  and how shared meals can open the door to connection, advocacy, and hope.

In Conversation with Gail Simmons

When you hear the phrase “the dinner table as a safe space”, what comes to mind from your own family experience? Ever since I was young, my parents made a point of having our kitchen and family table be a safe space where we could come together to debrief life, process the world around us, have honest conversations and connect. Now that I’m a parent, I do my best to enforce that same ethos for my own family and make our time together cooking and eating truly unconditional. This doesn’t just apply to my home either, but also to how I see connection with the greater community – the restaurant and food community I spend so much time with in my professional life. There is a constant fight to make mealtime at the table sacred, especially as life is full of stresses and distractions, which make it harder than ever to do so. I think having the kitchen table as a safe space is such an important concept. It’s where loved ones and strangers alike can engage in meaningful dialogue and connect. It’s a vital, universal human experience, no matter who or where you are. It grounds us, strengthens our relationships and sustains us in every sense of the word.

You’ve been open about your personal experience as a sibling of someone living with schizophrenia. Can you share a moment when a meal with your family felt like more than just food, when it created a space for connection, comfort, or healing? I was a teenager at the time my older brother, Alan, who was in his early twenties, was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a persistent and often disabling mental illness affecting how a person thinks, feels and behaves. Through my family’s experiences, it became really clear to me just how important it is to talk about schizophrenia and mental health in general. That’s why I was so interested in partnering with Bristol Myers Squibb on the COBENFY Connections campaign.

There were not just one or two specific moments with my family when meals felt that way. I think it’s more about the cumulative feeling of knowing that every meal we shared was an open conversation. I have fond memories with my brother at this one vegan Chinese restaurant in Toronto’s Chinatown. My brother was vegetarian for most of his life and vegan for some of it, and I’ll always remember going there with him, slurping noodles and just being together. It was a place where he didn’t have to explain being vegan to anyone, since this was when it wasn’t as easy to get good vegan food everywhere, and it was a place we both loved. To this day, whenever I drive by or go home to visit my family, I think about that spot and always associate it with him.

From your perspective as a culinary professional, what is it about sharing food that opens people up? I truly believe the table is at the heart of human connection. It’s where stories are shared, meals are enjoyed and relationships, as well as communities, are created. For example, until recently through the COBENFY Connections campaign,  I had never actually had the opportunity to sit down at a table with other people who have shared experiences with schizophrenia, either as a care partner or as someone with the diagnosis themselves. This experience instilled a sense of community and hope, knowing that there are people out there who share my family’s reality and can relate to it directly. I hope through this campaign others struggling with the condition will identify with us and feel the same.

What do you wish more families knew about supporting a loved one with a persistent mental illness? Never give up hope. Everyone’s journey looks different, and some people need more time to find what works for them. Through my partnership with Bristol Myers Squibb as part of the COBENFY Connections campaign, I spent time cooking and sharing a meal with people living with schizophrenia and their care partners. We had an authentic conversation, shared our perspectives and our realities and connected over our experiences with the condition. By spotlighting their inspiring stories, including real experiences from people living with schizophrenia and taking COBENFY, I want others struggling with the condition to know that they are not alone and that having the right support and finding the right treatment for them is important. To learn more about the campaign or our experiences shared around the table, people can visit connections.bms.com.

For families who want to make their table feel safer, where should they start? Time together around the table doesn’t have to be limited to just breakfast, lunch or dinner – it can be anytime. Establishing the table as a place to gather with one another and have conversations, both easy and difficult, can allow for families to better understand each other and how to be there for one another. It helps build a sense of empathy and fosters deeper connection. When I had the opportunity through this campaign to sit at the table with people who have this shared experience with or family connection to schizophrenia, it was so meaningful to me. It reinforced the importance of talking about mental health conditions like schizophrenia more openly, to help change the stigma around it and to find community, support, and the treatment that’s right for you. It’s nothing to be ashamed of or to keep inside, and you usually find out that more people can relate to it than you would think.

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Inside the Flow: A Guide to Lymphatic Drainage Using Gua Sha

If you’ve ever woken up puffy, sluggish, or just not quite yourself, chances are your lymphatic system is asking for a little extra love. Think of it as your body’s hidden cleansing network just beneath the surface of the skin responsible for clearing out toxins, refreshing tissues, and keeping that lit-from-within glow alive. When lymph is flowing, your complexion looks brighter, more sculpted, and energized. When it stagnates, the results are just as visible: dullness, congestion, and inflammation.

That’s where the ancient ritual of gua sha comes in. While massage and dry brushing can move circulation more broadly, gua sha offers a precise and deeply restorative way to guide lymphatic fluid out of the places it tends to pool, especially in the delicate areas of the face. Few know this better than Wildling co-founders Jill Munson and Gianna de la Torre, who have spent years perfecting tools and techniques that awaken the body’s ability to detoxify, oxygenate, and renew.

We sat down with them for a lymphatic drainage 101, how it works, why it matters, and exactly how to use gua sha to sculpt, de-puff, and recharge your skin (and whole system) from the inside out.

What exactly is lymphatic drainage and why is it important for overall health and beauty? The lymphatic system is our body’s natural cleansing network, it clears and eliminates toxins which greatly impacts the skin.  It’s essentially a network of cleansing vessels flowing just beneath the surface of our skin. It removes waste and helps to nourish our tissues with fresh nutrients. When lymphatic flow is healthy, skin appears brighter, less puffy, and more sculpted. When it stagnates, we see dullness, congestion, and inflammation. Supporting lymphatic flow is one of the most simple profound ways to enhance overall health and radiance.

How does gua sha specifically support the lymphatic system compared to other methods of drainage? While massage and dry brushing stimulate circulation more broadly, gua sha offers a more precise approach to draining lymphatic fluid that is pooling in certain areas of the body.  Our Empress Stone’s edges are intentionally shaped to contour to the face in order to flush and stimulate the lymphatic system.  The technique for lymphatic drainage is incredibly gentle, this is key. Gua sha gently stimulates stagnant fluid to drain and eases muscular tension in the face, this awakes your skin’s ability to detoxify, oxygenate, and renew. It’s not just skincare, it also opens the flow of energy in the entire body.  You can stimulate overall health by working on the face alone. [ Shop Empress Stone Here]

Can you walk us through a gua sha sequence for depuffing around the eyes and jawline? Start with clean, well-hydrated skin and plenty of slip. Apply the Wildling Empress Hydrasoothe Face Mist and a few drops of the Wildling Empress Barrier Repair Oil. 

1. Neck Prep: Glide from just under the jawline down the neck toward the outer collarbone to open the drainage pathways for the entire head and neck.

2. Jawline Sculpt: Anchor your opposite hand and sweep the stone from chin to ear in smooth, upward motions to lift and define.

3. Eye De-Puff: Using the rounded edge, sweep gently under the eyes from the inner corner to the temple, then above the brow to open and lift.

4. Final Drain: Finish by sweeping down both sides of the neck once more to flush everything out.
Each stroke should feel grounding, never forced. Think of coaxing, not pushing. Within minutes, your skin looks more sculpted, your energy lighter.

Which oils or serums pair best with gua sha for lymphatic drainage? Facial oil is essential for gua sha, so that your tool can glide over your skin without friction. Lightweight, glide-friendly oils are ideal, they allow the stone to move effortlessly without tugging the skin. We love our Empress Barrier Repair Oil, formulated with wildcrafted botanicals like Balm of Gilead to soothe inflammation and support microcirculation.  We call this oil “gua sha in a bottle” because it supports the actions of gua sha.  Avoid heavy creams, silicones, or fast-absorbing gels, which can cause drag. Look for whole-plant formulas that nourish while allowing your tool to truly flow. [ Shop Empress Barrier Repair Oil Here]

Are there common mistakes people make when attempting lymphatic gua sha at home? Yes, using too much pressure with your gua sha stone is the most common mistake that people make. Lymph lies close to the skin’s surface, so gentle, consistent pressure is far more effective than force. Skipping the neck or moving too quickly can also stall results, since the lymphatic system works best with slow, rhythmic strokes. Think of it as a moving meditation, one that rewards patience with lasting radiance.

What qualities should someone look for in a gua sha tool for lymphatic drainage? Choose a stone with smooth, sculpted edges that fits comfortably in your hand and naturally hugs the contours of your face. The material matters too, natural stones like Bian, Jade, or Stainless Steel each carry distinct energetic and cooling properties that enhance the ritual. Quality craftsmanship ensures an effortless glide and lasting harmony with your skin’s energy field. Our patented Empress Stone, carved from sustainably sourced Bian stone, was intentionally designed to activate lymphatic flow, release muscle tension, and restore the skin’s innate vitality — it was perfected for over two years by an acupuncturist, holistic esthetician, and an herbalist.

What products do you personally reach for when you want maximum sculpting and drainage? Our go-to ritual begins with the Starnectar Barrier Protect Jelly Cleanser to gently purify and prep the skin. Follow with the Empress Hydrasoothe Face Mist to awaken and hydrate, then layer on the Empress Barrier Repair Oil for slip, nourishment, and glow. The Empress Stone completes the ritual working deeply to detoxify, lift, and sculpt the complexion. For amplified results, we seal in hydration with the Moonbounce Plumping Moisturizer and finish with the Cosmic Intervention Night Repair Mask to restore flow from the inside out, reconnecting you to your most luminous, lifted self.

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