Health & Wellness

All Natural Skincare at Evolve Apothecary

This Hope Street eco-boutique keeps your skincare routine natural

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They say that the only certain things in life are death and taxes, but for me it’s death, taxes and good skincare. It might sound like hyperbole – because, let’s face it, I love to exaggerate – but this is actually true. I’m more committed to eye cream than I am to most of my actual life commitments.

Lately, I’ve been taking it one step further. I did a program last year at All That Matters called 40 Day Revolution, which helps you “live with intention” – meaning that you get better tools to help you make choices to be more mindful and take better care of yourself. (Seriously, it was revolutionary in the truest sense of the word. I can’t recommend it highly enough.) Since then, one of the things I’ve prioritized is intentionally removing chemicals from my life. It started with processed foods, and grew to include cleaning products. That was easy – I just gave up cleaning. Now, I’m conquering the monolithic task of finding natural alternatives to all of the lotions and creams and potions I use on my skin every day.

Evolve Apothecary, the all-natural shop on Hope Street that carries green options for face and body products, makeup and household cleaners, has made that task a lot easier. They carry my favorite local, natural products: Java Skin Care’s green caffeine body wash, which is made in North Kingstown; Curious Nature Apothecary’s super hydrating body oils, made in Providence; and Farmaesthetics’, well, everything. They’re the only place in Providence carrying the full line of the Portsmouth-made skincare company, which is worth every penny of the price tag for the incredibly high level of botanical quality in their products.


Last year, Evolve opened a treatment room in the store, and started offering all-natural spa services like holistic facials, massages and body treatments. I had been dying to try one, because the shop was combining two of my very favorite things: being pampered, and being pampered with natural beauty.

When Kelly Andrade showed me into the serene space for my holistic facial, I knew I was in for a treat. Bottles of Farmaesthetics and Dr. Hauschka products glinted on tables, and there was a Jane Iredale all natural makeup bar in the corner. I didn’t try it that day, but I definitely will soon. First, Kelly cleansed my face with Farmaesthetics Fine Herbal Cleanser, which uses geranium and lavender essential oils to gently cleanse. Do I sound like a fan? I am. I’ve been using it every day for years, and the botanical burst in the morning is an incredibly pleasant way to start the day. She then put on a layer of Vassar Rose Perfecting Polish, which is a natural alternative to microdermabrasion and is mostly made of finely ground rose petals. Swag. After that, Kelly used a thick layer of Farmaesthetics Herbal Hydration Complex as a moisturizing mask, and gave me an arm and leg massage with their Midnight Honey Oil, which is a great defense against flaky winter skin.

Next up: a coat of Pure Complexion Tonic. I’ve never been sold on the benefits of toner, but Kelly assured me that it helps keep your pores clean and helps keep breakouts at bay. Given all of the junk food I ate around the holidays (my definition of holiday is any day ending in Y), I could use all the help I can get. I’ve been using that toner every day since, and I like what I’m seeing. After, she dabbed Eyebright around my eyes, which is a makeup remover that doubles as anti-wrinkle treatment, because it calms down the tense muscles around your eyes. Then, a lip softener, and a coat of Dr. Hauschka Melissa Day Cream. I left with a bag of new goodies to try, and another weapon in my war against chemicals in my life.

Evolve Apothecary
769 Hope Street
383-3039

All That Matters Yoga, 40 Day Revolution, Evolve Apothecary, Java Skin Care, Farmaesthetics, holistic facials, Kelly Andrade, Herbal Cleanser, Midnight Honey Oil, Dr. Hauschka Melissa Day Cream, holistic beauty, botanical, flower power, Julie Tremaine, Providence Monthly, magazine

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