Shop Clean Beauty For All Ages

Eco Tips, Skin Care

In the heart of Portland, Oregon, where sustainability and conscious living are woven into the fabric of the community, my local beauty studio is a haven for those seeking personalized skincare solutions rooted in clean beauty and holistic well-being.

Tailoring your clean beauty routine to your lifestyle and age is a great place to start, because you’ll have unique needs, concerns and embrace a skincare routine that evolves with you, promoting a radiant and healthy complexion at every stage of life.

Let’s break down my healthy skin guide, highlighting the best products, their order of application, and the significance of ingredients for each stage of life.

20’s: Nurturing Youthful Radiance

To recap: start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities without stripping natural oils. Use a serum rich with antioxidants to combat early signs of aging and environmental stress. Moisturize daily, opting for a product that includes sun protection to safeguard against UV damage. Begin using an eye cream to address any early signs of fine lines.

In your 20’s, focus on prevention and protection. Antioxidants defend against environmental damage, and SPF in your moisturizer helps prevent premature aging from sun exposure.
Kelli Thomsen

30’s: Proactive Healthy-Aging Routine

To recap: Incorporate an exfoliating cleanser to promote cell turnover and maintain a radiant complexion. Boost hydration with a hyaluronic acid serum to address fine lines and keep skin plump. Use a retinol cream at night to promote collagen production and combat early signs of aging, if you don’t have sensitive skin. Use an eye cream with peptides to target specific concerns like crow’s feet and dark circles. Press is a facial oil with hydrating ingredients like Argan Oil & Seabuckthorn Berry.

As you enter your 30’s, focus on hydration, exfoliation, and introducing ingredients like retinol to support collagen production and address early signs of aging.
Kelli Thomsen

40’s: Deep Nourishment and Renewal

To recap: Switch to a cream or oil cleanser for added hydration and a gentle cleansing experience. Use a vitamin C serum to brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of sunspots. Use an anti-aging moisturizer with peptides and collagen-boosting ingredients. Opt for a night cream combining retinol and hyaluronic acid for deep nourishment and renewal. Press is a facial oil with hydrating ingredients like Argan Oil & Seabuckthorn Berry.

In your 40s, focus on deep nourishment and renewal. Vitamin C helps with brightness, and a night cream with retinol and hyaluronic acid aids in repairing and rejuvenating the skin overnight.
Kelli Thomsen

50’s: Intensive Hydration and Firming

To recap: Use a cream or oil cleanser with anti-aging ingredients like peptides and antioxidants. Try a serum with intensive hydration and firming properties. Choose a rich moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides and fatty acids for added hydration and skin barrier support. Include a targeted treatment for age spots or hyperpigmentation. Press is a facial oil with hydrating ingredients like Argan Oil & Seabuckthorn Berry.

In your 50’s, focus on intensive hydration and firming. Look for products that support the skin barrier, provide rich moisture, and address specific concerns like age spots.
Kelli Thomsen

65+: Gentle Care and Restoration

To recap: Switch to a gentle cleansing milk to cleanse without stripping the skin. Use a restorative serum with ingredients like peptides and hyaluronic acid for gentle anti-aging benefits. Opt for a rich night cream with nourishing oils and ingredients that support skin elasticity. Include a targeted treatment for wrinkles and fine lines Press is a facial oil with hydrating ingredients like Argan Oil & Seabuckthorn Berry.

In your 60’s and beyond, focus on gentle care and restoration. Look for products that provide hydration, support the skin’s natural renewal processes, and address specific concerns related to aging skin.
Kelli Thomsen

General Tips I Share With My Clients Of All Ages:

Consistency: Consistent daily use of most products is key for optimal results.
Patch Test: Always patch test new products behind the ear or on the inner arm to avoid potential irritation all over.
Layer Products from Thinnest to Thickest: Apply products in the order of their consistency, from thinnest to thickest, to maximize absorption.
Listen to Your Skin: Pay attention to your skin’s needs and adjust your routine accordingly.
Wear Sunscreen Daily: Physical sunblock or mineral based SPF is the safest.
Water Temperature: Wash your face and body with warm to hot water, never steaming hot. Rinse and end with a cold water splash to shut down pores.
Don’t Pick: If there is a blemish that seems ready to come out, first hold a steaming towel on it and hold. Use two Q-tips to press on either side and if it doesn’t release easily, it isn’t ready to come out. Salicylic acid can also encourage it to come out and start its healing process.

Do This Daily For Your Best Complexion

Eco Tips, Skin Care

In the world of beauty, some things are timeless. They endure because they are not just effective; they add genuine joy to our daily lives. This is precisely why ancient beauty tools have found their way back into our modern daily skincare rituals. As a dedicated holistic esthetician, I’ve always been drawn to traditions deeply rooted in their connection to our well-being. Whether it’s Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or ancient holistic practices, these gems offer us invaluable insights for radiant skin and a harmonious life.

My journey has been shaped by years of hands-on experience. I started with Shiseido, emerced in Japanese traditional Shiatsu. Then I dove into understanding Chinese Gu Sha and cupping. Most importantly I noticed how these practices had a profound impact on my health and wellness. This knowledge, combined with a passion for clean beauty, led me to the philosophy of Elemenal Beauty. I invite everyone to embrace their own custom self-care practice in the morning and evening.

The ancient art of gua sha massage has been cherished for centuries for its profound support of a healthy sleep cycle and aiding in stress reduction by awakening Qi along our meridian pathways. This blog is an invitation to weave this self-care practice into the fabric of your daily life.

Let’s Dive In:

The Gua Sha Magic Unveiled: Gua Sha Massage is a powerful means to stimulate the flow of energy to your face, resulting in a lifted, toned, and plumped complexion. When embraced as a daily ritual, it facilitates cellular turnover, leaving your skin radiant and rejuvenated.

You may be wondering why you need a facial tool, and the truth is, you don’t need one. Yes, you can use your hands to get a ton of flow and movement, but the crystals do hold amazing energy and my personal favorite is a budget-friendly jade stone $18, boasting rounded ridges along its outer curvature—ideal for encouraging lymphatic drainage and best results.

Important Considerations:

Avoid using on irritations, breakouts, open wounds, or raised scars.
If you’ve recently undergone fillers or Botox, wait a month or consult your healthcare professional.

How To Prep The Skin:

Cleanse first and rinse
Spritz a hydrasol or complexion mist onto your face.
Warm Om Beauty Oil in your hands and gently press it into the skin on the face, neck, and chest.

My Daily Three Step Gua Sha Technique:

The Neck:

Back of the Neck: Glide the gua sha tool gently up your spine from the base to the hairline, using the large U-shaped notch (4-6 times).
Front of the Neck: Use feather-light strokes to glide the tool from the front of your neck towards the tip of your chin, allowing the gua sha’s weight to do the work (4-6 times on both sides).
Side of the Neck: Begin at the top of your shoulder and glide the tool upwards along the side of your neck, ending just below your ear (not recommended during pregnancy).

The Face:

Forehead: Start in the center of your forehead. Using the flat side of the gua sha, gently lift from the tip of your nose to the hairline. Repeat on both sides, lifting from the eyebrow to the hairline.
Side of the Eye: Gently stroke from the center towards the side to address crow’s feet.
Jawline & Cheekbone: Using the large notch, anchor your chin with the opposite hand and gently swipe upwards along your entire jawline, ending at the edge of your ear.

The Eyes:

Use the small tip to gently lift from the inner corner of the eye under the eyebrow to your temple.
Use the ridged side between your eyebrows, gently pressing and lifting with your peace sign fingers to alleviate tension.

Remember to think of this as a breathing fresh Qi and vitality into our faces, detoxifying our meridian systems. Think of it as clearing a traffic jam within your system, allowing the energy to flow freely. The routine takes about 6 minutes, with 3-4 strokes per movement. If time permits, you can certainly indulge in more strokes per movement, as I encourage 5-6 strokes per movement for maximum benefits.

Recap of My Step-by-Step Gua Sha Routine:

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

Understanding Skin Rejuvenation Before Your Wedding Day

Skin Care, Wedding Beauty Team, Wedding Inspiration, Wedding Prep

Don’t hide behind your skin. Bringing out your natural beauty takes a little consistency and understanding, but once you know why and how to use the correct products for your skin type, you’ll be in harmony with creating your best skin ever. It all starts with listening to your skin. If it feels tight, dry, oily or itchy, then it isn’t in balance. Once you know how to listen to what your skin needs and you have a skin rejuvenation regimen in place to support a balanced complexion, then you are ready for gorgeous makeup application.

My Goal:

To help you feel your most radiant for your wedding day is number one! My favorite pre-wedding recommendation is a custom facial, because I want to work with healthy, exfoliated and hydrated skin that already glows. I know in my 20 years of studying and working with different skin types, that skin homeostasis translates into incredible makeup application and photos!

People often ask me what my favorite treatment is and without hesitation it’s the chemical peel series! Peels are so versatile, work on many skin types & conditions and finding the best customization for each of my clients skin types & concerns is why I LOVE DOING THEM SO MUCH – it’s a way for me to use my knowledge of science and real life problem solving with the goal of helping someone feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Peels reveal the healthiest skin, performed in-clinic by me or one of my colleagues, and the results are clear, vibrant skin with minimal to no downtime.

You asked, I’m answering:

Will your MAKEUP look natural on your wedding day?

It all comes down to how you prepare your skin and how I prep & finish the skin on the wedding/elopement day.

There is an over-load of beauty information out there and with the rise of Pinterest boards and word of mouth selling, it can be confusing and challenging when it comes to knowing what is best for ourselves!

Wedding portraits for post on skin rejuvenation

I encourage every couple to:

do their research
find a licensed esthetician
hire a professional makeup artist
reach out to your top 3 artists and make sure they get right back to you
make sure the artist has a brochure of services and contract system in place
check the artists portfolio and reviews
make sure the artists philosophies align with yours
share your beauty inspiration and don’t be afraid to ask questions and have expectations

A professional makeup artist wants to hear exactly what you want, with room for changes if necessary. Setting those expectations over a trial run is going to be important. These key elements at the beginning of the booking process are ideal to connect with the right artist.

Believe it or not, it’s not the makeup products I use that encourages the makeup to last – it’s what I do before and after makeup application that gives it the real vibrancy and longevity. I also provide everyone with a lip touch-up kit that adds to peace of mind.

Recently, I teamed up with the talented film & fine art wedding photographer to share all of my favorite go to products for keeping wedding day beauty flawless all day.

My Top Skin Rejuvenation Tips:

Pre-wedding & Wedding Day – Keeping skin clear with oil cleansing (oil attracts oil and this cleansing method controls oil, by lifting impurities and leaving skin soft, not dry).
Pre-wedding >>> Exfoliating weekly to keep the pores clear and any dead skin from accumulating.
Pre-wedding & Wedding Day – Skin Mists will keep the skin extra hydrated and encourage serums and moisturizers to deliver deeper into the skin as well as boost results.
Pre-wedding – Serums, Vitamin C & Peptides and a life-changing Om Beauty Oil packed with healthy nutrients are all great for repairing the skin and rejuvenating in the weeks leading up to the wedding. Makeup looks smoother when these ingredients are used weekly within a skin regimen.
Wedding Day – Makeup setting spray to lock in the thinly layered makeup, powder, creams and additional products used to create the look.

PS – I typically don’t use a primer, because the foundation options I use have a primer built-in or the skin type doesn’t call for it.