Betsy O’Brien is a writer, blogger, content creator, model, and podcaster from Santa Barbara. In 2020, she launched The Bets Life, a blog and social media account highlighting personal writing, international travel, and must-visit local spots. Here, she curates her local clean beauty brands.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but what beauty products are in the hands of the beautiful? Whether you’re seeking a decadent body oil, luxurious facial cream, or results-driven facial serum, these Santa Barbara-based brands have you covered (from head to toe). With these, you may just experience the sought-after California glow.
For forty years, Earth Science Beauty has created clean beauty and personal care products. They source ethical and sustainable ingredients, give back to the environment, and develop affordable products backed by science. Supporters of the National Forest Foundation and the Surfrider Foundation, they’re passionate about plant-based formulas and protecting our planet. Bestsellers: Chamomile & Green Tea Eye Makeup Remover, Fragrance-Free Almond-Aloe Moisturizer, Apricot Facial Scrub. earthsciencebeauty.com
The first vinotherapy skincare line to upcycle the CA wine industry byproduct of grapeseeds launched in 2004. While usually discarded, the antioxidant, vitamin, and resveratrol rich grapeseeds are given new life and purpose with The Grapeseed Company. What began with wine-based scrubs and lip balms, has evolved to over one hundred face, hair, and body products found in downtown and Carpinteria stores. They offer a Scent Bar experience where you can customize perfumes, mists, lotions, and more. thegrapeseedcompany.com
Licensed esthetician Nina Lafuente lovingly crafts her small batch skincare oils. After searching for an oil to use on her clients, Nina decided to formulate her own 100% organic product: Love Your Body Oil. Each bottle is infused with rose quartz crystals to enhance self-love and the oil may be applied to the face, hair, and body. Her sister product, Love Your Face Oil, may be used on its own or added to facial sunscreens or moisturizers for extra hydration. ninalafuente.com
Salt Cave Santa Barbara was established around holistic health, focusing on the purifying and revitalizing benefits of pink Himalayan salt and Halotherapy, a treatment that involves breathing in salt-particle-infused air. Their central location on State Street offers mineral spa services including, of course, salt scrubs. They make their own salt-infused body and facial items, including soaps, lotions, aromatherapy sprays, bath soaks, facial toners, and lip balms. saltcavesb.com
The mother-daughter duo behind Santa Barbara Company aims to make gift-giving local and sustainable. Whether it’s for an event, corporate gifting, or a present for a friend, Santa Barbara Company makes gifting easy at their converted downtown bungalow shop and Big Blue delivery van. Their product line features a diverse product range, including mists, balms and salves, bath bombs, teas, and salts. They support the community by highlighting small batch products and artisanal makers. santabarbaracompany.com
Lemyn Organics prioritizes natural and organic ingredients and formulations that deliver results. Each product is constructed in small batches and tested on the founder. Family-owned and operated, Lemyn Organics believes in fresh skincare with no fillers or preservatives for maximum potency and efficacy. Popular products include their 97% organic and medical-grade hand sanitizer gel, peptide and retinol face oil serums, and cold-pressed beauty oils. lemyn.com
In her free time, you can catch Betsy snuggling with her two fluffy rescue cats, E-biking around town with her husband, and enjoying the many gorgeous local beaches and hiking trails. Find Betsy on social media at @thebetslife, thebetslife.com, and on all major podcasting platforms with The Bets Life Podcast.