May Lindstrom's Recipe for Healthy Summer Skin

When you think of a luminous summer complexion, beautifully tanned or expertly highlighted skin might come to mind. But a skin-nourishing diet and restorative, natural skincare products are a safe and effective way to achieve those same results. May Lindstrom’s organic skincare line is one of my favorite resources for achieving a summer glow. From her cult-loved Blue Cocoon face balm, to her nourishing honey mud cleanser, Lindstrom’s products leave your skin feeling detoxified and hydrated in the best way. This Los Angeles based, self-proclaimed “skin chef” (and actual former chef), uses sustainably sourced, cruelty-free, organic ingredients in all of her recipes. Here she shares a bit more about what inspired her to start the line and her own formula for healthy skin. Enjoy! XXJKE

Rip & Tan: What inspired you to start your company?

May Lindstrom: My adventures into skincare began as a small girl. Growing up, I would spend full days mashing wild plants into a pulp and covering myself in these vibrant green liquids and clays I would dig from the iron-rich soil in my yard. I have been a formulator of sorts from the very beginning, moving from child’s play, to cooking in professional kitchens, to the creation of the May Lindstrom Skin treats. 

The collection was born out of a desire to create blissful moments in my day, a time-out morning and nighttime ritual that was just for me. Having formulated for years out of necessity —I am blessed with highly sensitive and chemically reactive skin—I yearned to create something simply luxurious that would become a beautiful catalyst for whole-self wellness for every woman. 

Rip & Tan:  What is your typical work day like?

ML: I wake to the sound of my chickens, gossiping outside my window. I wander out into the early light of the day to feed them and our potbelly pig, and then the dog and cat. After, I wake my darling daughter and we start our day. Breakfast, getting dressed, pigtails for her, and then rushing her out the door to preschool with my husband. I grab a little something to eat and tea, and sit outside to look through emails, organizing and prioritizing the day ahead.

When I finish, I head into the studio, taking phone meetings on the way in more often than not. When I arrive, I step into my heaven. The studio feels more like a bakery than a lab, and always smells insanely delicious. I make the rounds and say hello to everyone on my small team, exchanging hugs and seeing that everyone has what they need to get the day off to a good start.

Back at my desk, I sit down with a stack of stationary and begin hand-writing letters to each of the clients who orders through our website directly. This is always a treasured part of my day, my moment of gratitude for each person who entrusts me with their skin—our most intimate organ. After that, I work on guiding clients through personalized rituals, responding to press and wholesale inquiries, and corresponding with our many vendors. On the best days, I’ll step into my creative corner and play with some of the formulas that are constantly spinning around in my head. There is lot of variance in my days and weeks, factoring in meetings and lots of travel to educate partners, seek ingredients, and meet clients, but these are constants.

I try to leave the studio by six-thirty so I can make it home for dinner and snuggles with my little one and my husband before bedtime. The hours go quickly and there is always more to do. On the drive to my house, I roll down the windows and let in the last colorful traces of California sun for the day, breathing deeply. When I walk through my front door, I do all I can to just be home and fully present with my two most important people. My world is a beautiful whirlwind.

Rip & Tan:  If you could put one product in the hands of every woman, what would it be?

ML: The Blue Cocoon is my absolute favorite treat of all time. It’s essentially the most beautiful facial oil you’ve ever experienced in a unique waterless and wax-less balm form. In the jar, it is a solid. Once it touches skin, it turns immediately to a lovely fluid. You can use it as a daily hydrator or as a spot treatment for eyes or lips. It contains blue tansy, which calms and relieves inflammation and is also used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety.

Rip & Tan:  What skincare tip or piece of advice should every woman follow?

ML: Eat the rainbow. Move your body. Breathe. Romance yourself to the point of blushing. Know that you are beautiful. Beauty is a reflection of your inner self—prioritize your own deliciousness, and be truly, fully, authentically you. Be sure that you create time to rest your body and your mind, to play and encourage opportunity for learning and joy, to share yourself fully with others and also to embrace moments of time alone. When we are happy and intimately immersed in our world, our beauty cannot help but shine through.

Rip & Tan:  What’s next for the brand?

ML: I have so many dreams about what is ahead. We are growing quickly, but our foundation of intimacy, luxury, and personalized customer service keeps us compact and concise. I have no desire to add dozens of new treats to the line, but I very much wish to continue adding to our story—whether through collaboration with other artisans, or just a few more special products that I feel deeply pulled to develop.  I am also looking for more ways to delight each client individually, asking myself what more we can be doing to show our appreciation for every woman who feeds this dream.

Photos: Brittany Wood