Today on Her Self-care Rituals, we are featuring another amazing founder whose products you can find on Inside Outer Beauty Market. Dive into this read for a peek into the rituals of this blossoming beauty entrepreneur.

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where do you live? Where are you from? And what are you creating?

Hi! My name is Nina LaBruna. I grew up in New York City and currently still live here. Even though I am a city girl, I have always had a fascination and love for nature, plants and botanicals. While teaching yoga and studying nutrition as an undergraduate student at NYU, I was being extremely mindful and cautious about what was going IN my body and decided to make my own skincare so I could have 100% transparency about what was going ON my body. Slowly, my dorm took on the appearance of an apothecary as I filled it with oils, butters, dried flowers and essential oils. Although my formulations and production methods have outgrown their college dorm days, they still possess the same care, love and attention in each handmade batch. 

Share with us some of the self-care rituals you practice

Daily

Every morning, I stretch in bed for a few minutes. Usually I start in a cross-legged seated pose and take some side stretches, head rolls and a few Ouija breaths. Then I’ll do cat cows to open my spine and a reclined figure four stretch to open my hips. I’ll always open my blinds to let the light in and make my bed as it starts my day off in an organized and productive mindset.

After brushing my teeth, I do my morning skincare routine, make a smoothie, get dressed and start my work for the day. Most days I am on my feet a lot or have to run around the city doing errands, but many days also require incessant computer work. While working at my computer, I remind myself to sit upright and gaze forward to avoid hunching and neck pains. I’ll also stand every few minutes and take a stretch to evade perpetual sitting. 

Usually mid day, I will take a 15-25 minute break and walk to a park a few blocks from my office. On the nice, sunny days, I find a comfortable spot in the grass, close my eyes, breathe and do a short, relaxing meditation. 

Most nights, I do at least 20 minutes of movement, whether it is barre, yoga or pilates. After my nightly skincare routine, which may also consist of a facemask or gua sha treatment, I read in bed and go to sleep.

Weekly

My favorite weekly self-care ritual is to take a bath. I light candles all around my tub, fill it with warm water, put on relaxing music and add either my oat or salt bath soaks to create a calming, serene environment. 

I also love crafts and make time once or twice a week for an artistic activity. Usually I draw or paint, but sometimes I work on knitting, embroidery, new skincare formulations, candle making, creative writing, bouquet arranging and collaging.

Monthly

Massages are one of my favorite monthly treats. I love how open, free and devoid of tension my body feels after. 

I also go on monthly nature excursions whether it’s planning a road trip, taking a hike or enjoying a day in the botanical gardens.

Lastly, I grew up figure skating and during the winter months when I have less motivation for outdoor activities, I encourage myself to go to the park every few weeks so I can glide around on the ice, enjoy the crisp, cold air and let my body move.

Annually

Once a year, I plan a trip to a place full of nature and give myself at least a week to let go of work, decompress, reset, relax and recharge my batteries.