Transition to Sustainable Beauty

Eco Tips, Makeup Artistry

I typically hold onto my beauty samples with good intentions. I plan to use them. Unfortunately, I find a drawer full of the plastic containers at the end of the year. One thing that has really helped me is to politely turn these samples away. Alternatively, I collect them and donate them to the less fortunate.

During the holidays, I feel grateful when I donate all of my samples. This gratitude is what sparked me to share this blog. We are all becoming more conscious in our daily lives. Now, more than ever, I’m asked how to build a more sustainable beauty routine. It’s important to consider what to keep in mind when making new purchases. Deciding which options are best is key. I’m asking everyone this important question – How can we set higher standards for our self-care?

Choose natural, bio-degradable ingredients – Go through your current regimen. Look at what ingredients are in them. Dig into how the company sources their ingredients. Investigate the impact all of this has on the earth. Determine whether it helps or hurts. This research is a great place to start. What we use matters!
Pay attention to the packaging of your products and how you store them. Glass, metal, wood, bamboo, hemp & seagrass have all become very reliable for packaging. They allow for recycling or upcycling. They are also the perfect option for organizing your essentials in your bathroom or purse.
Be aware of your local recycling programs. Discover zero waste companies in your area.
Learn more about your Oregon recycling programs here. Discover other free recycling programs here. Find out how to recycle, compost, and sort out garbage in the PDX metro area here. Plus, find zero waste companies in your area for refilling skin and body products, house essentials, and cleaning tools. UTILITY zero waste in Portland, OR is setting new standards!
Ditch any disposables – Natural, bamboo pads for makeup removal is a better option than cotton. Try muslin cloths for exfoliation instead of other options. Use a mini fan brush for putting on mascara instead of a disposable wand. Instead of plastic razors, use metal handles with metal heads that are replaceable.
Look at what the water content is. The most important factor is a higher content of quality oils & botanicals. These can penetrate your skin barrier, made up of lipids, ceramides and fatty acids. Additionally, when using a water, choose a nutrient-rich version. It should contain rice water, green tea, or added plant and herb benefits.
Where are the products sourced and what is the company philosophy? Do your research! Use websites like Environmental Working Group and check for certifictions like Leaping Bunny. Do these companies have reef safe standards within their sun protection? What standards are they setting within their platform? Are they creating solutions or are they just part of the greenwashing and trendy hype?
Use refillable beauty products like Om Beauty Oil available online and pickup at my studio.

You may decide that some items are not needed anymore. This could happen when you try a new beauty routine. You aren’t sure what to do with these items. Don’t throw away your new or lightly used toiletries and skin & body care. Our local women’s and children’s shelter can use your items. It’s the perfect time of year to pay it forward. To make this a habit, set a reminder on your phone each month. Remember to grab unused items and supplies. Drop them off at Kelli Thomsen Beauty or Rose Haven during your next visit.

Rose Haven is located at 18th & Glisan NW Portland. They are a day shelter and community center. They serve women, children, and gender non-conforming folks experiencing trauma, poverty, and physical and mental health challenges. Restoring stability and dignity for 3,500 guests annually, they are always taking new and gently used supplies. Please call with any larger donations 503-248-6364 and they are open until 4 PM most weekdays. See their needed supplies list here: https://rosehaven.org/helping/donate-supplies/

If you are looking to transition to sustainable beauty and want to meet me for a personalized makeup lesson, please schedule HERE

I can’t wait to help others be intentional and more conscious! Take a deep breath. Write down 3 things you want to do to be more sustainable. Reward yourself once you finish them. Then, do a happy dance for me! Cheers to Mother Earth – May she prosper & grow!

For a sustainable wedding, look to these local vendors below to kick off your conscious special day (vendor list from photo in blog)

Ecotrust / Redd on Salon > https://ecotrust.org/our-venue/#redd

Ellie Asher Photography > http://www.theashersphoto.com/

Greater Good Events > https://www.greater-goodevents.com/

Bramble Floral > https://www.bramblefloraldesign.com/

Arden Event Collective> https://ardeneventco.com/

Your Perfect Bridesmaid > https://www.yourperfectbridesmaid.com/

Claire La Faye > http://www.clairelafaye.com/

White Pepper Catering & Venue > http://www.whitepepperpdx.com/

Beauty Checklist for a Care-Free Wedding Day: The Art of Clean, Intentional Preparation

Wedding Prep

Your wedding day is a profound celebration of love. Your beauty experience should reflect the depth and intention of that moment. At Kelli Thomsen Beauty, we believe true beauty begins long before the wedding day. It starts from birth and continues with care, preparation, and mindful choices.

Clean beauty isn’t just a trend – it’s a commitment to your skin’s health and the world around you. In the weeks leading up to your wedding, your skin tells a story of preparation, hydration, and intentional care. It’s not about masking or transforming, but about revealing your most radiant, authentic self.

Nurturing Your Skin from Within

Hydration is the cornerstone of luminous skin. We’re not just talking about drinking water. We’re discussing a holistic approach that nourishes your body and skin. Each glass of water is an investment in your glow. It helps to create a natural radiance that no makeup can replicate.

Weekly skincare rituals become your secret weapon. A gentle exfoliation removes dead skin cells, allowing your natural texture to shine. Hydrating masks aren’t just a luxury. They are a moment of self-care. This prepares your skin for the most photographed day of your life. A lightweight beauty oil can be revealing, evening out skin tone and providing a subtle, natural luminescence.

The Final Week: Preparing Your Canvas

As your wedding day approaches, your skin needs calm and consistency. Three days before the wedding, it’s time to press pause on active skincare treatments. This means setting aside exfoliants, retinol, Vitamin C and any intense skin interventions. Our goal is a calm, clear complexion that’s ready to glow naturally.

What We Bring to Your Wedding Day

We don’t just bring makeup – we bring an entire experience. Professional makeup chairs, The Makeup Light for perfect illumination, and a carefully curated selection of clean, consciously sourced products. Our approach is about creating a moment of peace and preparation, ensuring you feel completely comfortable and confident.

Beyond the Physical: The Emotional Preparation

Your wedding day beauty is about more than just looking good. It’s about feeling confident, present, and absolutely yourself. We understand that every person’s skin is unique, every texture different, every personal style distinct. Our job is to enhance, not to change – to support, not to transform.

Practical Wisdom for Your Day

Bring your favorite lip color. Share your skin sensitivities. Communicate your preferences. Your comfort is our highest priority. We want to create a beauty experience that feels as good as it looks – stress-free, intentional, and entirely yours.

Preparing for Your Beauty Experience

To make the most of your wedding day beauty preparation, we recommend coming to our chairs with clear, intentional goals. This means bringing:

Photos of looks you’ve loved on yourself in the past
Inspiration images that truly resonate with your style

Pro tip: When selecting inspiration photos, choose images of people who share similar characteristics with you. Look for those with a matching skin tone, face shape, eye color, and hair type. This helps us create a look that’s authentically you.

Our scheduling process is designed for your convenience:

We’ll send out the detailed schedule two weeks before your wedding day
You’ll share this schedule with your wedding party
If anyone in your party might arrive later, let us know in advance
We can strategically place later arrivals at the end of our schedule

We understand that timing is crucial. We ask you to be prepared at the start of your scheduled service. Our goal is to create a smooth, stress-free experience. This lets you fully enjoy your preparation.

Commitment to You

We have decades of experience. We are deeply committed to clean and conscious beauty. We’ve helped countless couples look and feel their absolute best. We are more than just makeup and hair artists. We are your beauty partners. We are dedicated to bringing out your most authentic, radiant self.

Ready to begin a beauty journey that’s as unique as your love story?

Design your dream wedding day look during our design & preview session

Makeup Artistry, Wedding Prep

Designing your dream look before the wedding day allows you to have peace of mind, while also feeling beautiful. I understand how valuable the time is getting to know our couples and we take the time during the design session to get to know your beauty aspirations and start to build an amazing relationship so we can understand your needs. My goal is to bring out your natural radiance and create a photo-ready look, without over saturating or making it feel heavy.

It is important to see that we are working in professional lighting (day light), a comfortable makeup chair and the products I use are clean. I strive to be sanitary and use disposable tools to keep the skin safe from the transfer of potential harmful germs. I understand that you may need help putting on jewelry and potentially help placing your veil or florals in your hairstyle, all of those extra touches.

When you reach out, expect a passionate person on the other end and a conversation geared towards discovering your needs and understanding any ideas you have already been contemplating. Sharing a Pinterest board and sending ideas of what you love for makeup looks can be beneficial, but having a converation and getting to know you is my cup of tea. The more I get to know you, the better prepared I’ll be.

A common misconception is that I will create the same look from person to person. I don’t work this way, because I get to know your skin type, understand any current sensitivities, know what your day to day comfort level is and I want to understand what attributes you love about yourself. This means there is no correct wedding makeup method or cookie cutter option that will work for everyone. This is why I feel it is crucial to have a design session – because there is only one YOU!

Last, but not least – the makeup &/or hair design session allows me to help create a very calm and therapeutic beauty space on the day of the wedding. Without this prior connection and ability to communicate needs, there is no way of you knowing how the wedding day will take shape and can leave little time for adjustments.

Image of bride at makeup trial run before wedding

What can you take away from your design & preview session:

-Learn about skin type and what products to use leading up to the wedding day

-Get to Know your face & eye shape +placement of products for the your attributes

-Recommendations on products and tools for daily use, before & after the BIG day

-Skin Treatments & Eye Treatments that are wonderful for pre-wedding beauty

-Professional advice on how to schedule the timeline for beauty on the wedding day

-Recommendations on application of makeup to look good in natural light & flash photography

-Best in class products for touch-ups throughout the wedding day & evening

-Recommendations for hair styles to work with the makeup look

-Recommendations of other great wedding vendors in the area: photographers, officiants, caterers, cake & dessert artists, bands &/or DJ, plus many more.

What I recommend for the makeup trial session:

Wear a white or light shirt – v neck or as close to the neckline of your outfit or dress is best

Come with a clean face, no mascara, lipstick or anything, as I am starting from scratch to build the final look.

If you plan to do a spray tan before the wedding, it is ideal to show up with the spray tan for the makeup session as well – Schedule your airbrush tan HERE

If you know you want to wear your hair up or down for the BIG day, it is best to come with the hair similar for the makeup session. I also have clips and tools to help keep hair back and am happy to give advice on complimentary hair styles.

Bring pictures of what you like and what you do not like. I am happy to offer advice and show you options that are best once I meet you in person.

How to Balance Sensitive Skin?

Skin Care

Epionce products are completely unique and unlike anything else on the market. The doctor who created the botanical based skin care line made the formulations, based off of his experience with very sensitive skin as a young child. The skin care company only launches products that the doctor can personally use and professionally test, making Epionce the leader in results-oriented skin care for sensitive skin.

What makes Epionce unique? They have complete control over their manufacturing process from start to finish – from original research and sourcing botanical ingredients to production and distribution. This guarantees fresh product, made in small batches, and protects the proprietary nature of the formulations so we experience amazing results without irritation.

Experience superior anti-aging results with two Epionce heroes — Intensive Nourishing Cream and Intense Defense Serum. Known for their clinically-proven benefits, these products help round out your regimen to help improve the appearance of skin’s elasticity and radiance, while locking in moisture.

Cleansing is the first step in an effective healthy skin regimen. Start with a clean slate using a gentle cleanser that removes impurities and prepares skin for the rest of your routine.

Toners are an effective addition to your regimen in any season. Use Balancing Toner in cooler months to give the skin a boost of moisture and hold in hydration. For warmer weather, spray Purifying Toner to help control factors that lead to oil and shine.

Your skin’s health is important. Protect it with Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50, recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen for daily use.

Clinically proven Intense Defense Serum has been shown to help improve the visible signs of aging better than leading professional-strength serums. Non-irritating botanical ingredients make it ideal for every skin type.

Freckles vs dark spots: what’s the difference and how to address them.

As part of the MelanoLyte Skin Brightening System, MelanoLyte Pigment Perfection Serum helps reduce the visible appearance of dark spots and imperfections. Experience brighter-looking skin with a daily nighttime serum.

Lytic Gel Cleanser is a fan favorite on the west coast. The award-winning cleanser is formulated to effectively clean stubborn, problem-prone skin + the newest refreshing formula is Purifying Wash, with Salicylic Acid and Willow Bark Extract. Both of these effectively treat and prevent acne blemishes on the face and body, without over drying or irritating the skin.

✨Enjoy Epionce Discounts throughout the year using my CODE AT CHECKOUT | 20121024 and make sure you are on my newsletter list, so you know when the Epionce sales drop!

With Love & Awareness,

Why Vitamin D & Sun Protection Matters

Eco Tips, Skin Care, Travel

As a licensed esthetician and advocate for skin cancer prevention, I ‘ve learned there is a balance in getting ideal amounts of Vitamin D, while protecting oneself from the damaging effects of UVA/UVB rays.

There are some key things that I recommend doing to minimize the chance of skin cancer and maximize intake of Vitamin D:

Finding shade, putting on a hat and wearing sunglasses mid-day – the prime time for over exposure.
Getting sun in the morning and afternoon – The best way to know how long to stay in the sun during these safer times, is to figure out how much time it takes to get the first sign of a burn (when you start to get pink) and then cut that time in half. For example, if it takes an hour to get pink, then 30 minutes in the sun is safe and will increase your Vitamin D levels.

There are some common myths about Vitamin D, so a quick background is important for everyone to fully understand why it’s vital daily. Vitamin D is not a regular vitamin, it’s a fat-soluble steroid hormone that we are designed to obtain through sun exposure. Many people think that diet is sufficient for optimum levels, but we are realizing from new tests and many studies in the past decade how wrong we have been. When Vitamin D levels are low or even average, we are increasing our risk of disease and infections. The only way to know if we are vitamin D deficient is via blood testing, but there are some signs and symptoms that are prevalent in people who are deficient: darker skin, feeling sadness regularly, 50+ years of age, being overweight or having higher muscle mass, achy bones, head sweating and issues with digestion.

Sun protection products for skin cancer prevention

Vitamin D, Sun Protection, and Skin Cancer Prevention

The optimal range appears to be somewhere between 50 and 70 ng/ml. There is so much information out there about how important it is to get our levels up, because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 32 percent of children and adults throughout the US are vitamin D deficient and this number is growing!

I have some amazing tips for keeping your sunscreen regimen healthy:

Do not use sunscreen as a tool to prolong your time in the sun.
Avoid sunburn.
Slather on at least 30 minutes before exposure.
Do not use tanning beds.
Examine your skin and check for new moles or growths regularly.
Make sure to use enough sunscreen and cover all areas including your scalp and ears! (1 ounce of sunscreen, about the amount you can hold in your palm, to fully cover all exposed areas of your body. Rub the sunscreen thoroughly into your skin.)
Reapply sunscreen after getting in water and every 2 hours for optimum protection.
There is no such thing as sweat proof or water proof.

Here are my favorite sunscreen brands that I use and recommend to my clients

Daylight Tinted Radiance Moisturizer SPF 32 with LSR10^®
Epionce Ultrashield SPF 50 (Find at Kelli Thomsen skin care & makeup artistry)
Glo Skin Beauty Solar Shade & Tinted SPF 30 (Find at Kelli Thomsen skin care & makeup artistry)
Badger SPF (Find at New Season’s & Walgreen’s)
Coola SPF (I will have a link to this in my store)
Goddess Garden Organics (Find at Fred Meyer, Market of Choice and Costco)
Acure Organics SPF Spray (Find at New Seasons)

There is also a great App that everyone should have! When in doubt you can refer to the Environmental Working Group Healthy Living App to check all products you want to put on your body:from head to toe:

for Apple & iPhone users

for Android users

“Preventing skin cancer isn’t about blocking the sun, it’s about finding the balance between getting the right amount of sun at the right time of the day for your skin type.”

With Love & Awareness,

Kelli

Kelli Thomsen Beauty
Portland Oregon Licensed Aesthetician

Find the most sought after CLEAN BEAUTY at Kelli Thomsen Beauty in Portland, Oregon

Beauty Products, Eco Tips, Skin Care

My Top Clean Beauty Picks

After years in the beauty industry, I’ve curated the absolute best clean beauty products. These are the formulations I trust on every client. They deliver professional results without compromise.

Each product meets my rigorous standards for ingredients, performance, and sustainability. These are the products I use daily and recommend without hesitation.

Om Beauty Oil: The Foundation of Flawless Skin

I created Om Beauty Oil to hydrate, nourish, and prep skin for flawless makeup application. Press the oil into your skin every morning before makeup. Use it again in the evening after your other skincare steps.

What It Does

This oil transforms imbalances and sensitivities. It takes skin from irritated and dry to fully replenished. When you start using the key ingredients in this product, your skin improves instantly. It feels dramatically softer.

You’ll be drawn to using the oil. The results are obvious from the first application.

Elate Beauty Essential Mascara: Sustainable Performance

This is the best water and sweat resistant mascara on the market. It’s created for even the most sensitive eyes. The formula stays put for people on the go. It’s available in black and brown.

I love the glass packaging and refill option. This makes it the most sustainable mascara available. Performance meets sustainability beautifully.

C-Shield Anti-Pollution Moisture Tint SPF 30+: Three Products in One

Glo Skin Beauty created this multitasking miracle. It protects, perfects, and hydrates your skin. This 3-in-1 product provides skincare, sunscreen, and mineral makeup in one step.

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Why It’s Different on

It’s powered by reef-safe SPF with natural mineral pigments. It delivers weightless wearability for a sheer, dewy, radiant finish. No heavy feeling. Just beautiful, protected skin.

Come by the studio for your color match – Schedule here.

Elate Beauty Lip Stick | Long-Wearing Lip Crayon : All-in-One Lip Perfection

This long-wearing lip crayon is an all-in-one lip color. It nourishes and finishes even the most dry and dull lips. The finish is smoothing. It gives lips a matte radiance without being sticky.

How I Use It

I love to use it as a lip liner first. Then I color in the entire lip for long wear. You can also use it on your cheeks for a natural flush. Come by the studio to try on colors here.

L ytic Gel Cleanser: The Oily Skin Solution

This Epionce favorite won the NewBeauty® Award. It’s a must-have for oily and problem skin types. It effectively dissolves dirt, oil, and makeup. It calms the visible appearance of irritated skin.

What Makes It Special

It doesn’t over-dry your skin. It won’t leave skin feeling tight or stripped of natural oils. It’s also the perfect shaving prep for men.

Best Skin Ever : The Gentle Oil Cleanse

Living Libations created a magical cleanser. It removes all traces of makeup and impurities. It doesn’t mess with your skin’s beautiful biome.

Universal Benefits

This cleanse works with all skin types. It reduces inflammation and combats breakouts. It regulates oil production. It brings skin back to homeostasis.

When I think of my perfect oil cleanser, this is it. It’s gentle, effective, and truly works with your skin’s natural intelligence.

Why I Choose These Products

Every product I carry meets strict criteria. They must perform flawlessly under professional conditions. They must contain clean, non-toxic ingredients. They must align with sustainable practices.

These aren’t just products I sell. These are formulations I use on myself daily. I trust them on every client who sits in my chair.

Experience Clean Beauty in Portland

Ready to discover which clean beauty products are right for your skin? Visit our Portland studio for personalized recommendations.

We’ll assess your skin type, understand your concerns, and create a customized routine. You’ll leave with products that actually work for you.

Shop Clean Beauty with Confidence

At Kelli Thomsen Beauty, clean beauty means performance. You don’t sacrifice results for better ingredients. You get both.

Every product in our studio has been tested, vetted, and proven. These are the formulations that create the radiant, healthy skin you see in our wedding and editorial work.

Contact me today to schedule your personalized clean beauty consultation. Let’s find your healthiest skin together.

Kelli is amazing! She’s friendly, knowledgeable and great at what she does. It’s hard not to get excited about her products and services, because Kelli’s so passionate about them!
-Erica Leishman, Reviewed on Google