Organic plant based skincare for everyday @shelbynaturals
Beauty
Natural Beauties With Shelby Ondrus Of Shelby Naturals
Struggling with persistent acne, sensitive skin and premature ageing led Shelby Ondrus to take a holistic approach to her skincare products. When none delivered, she created her own. Here Shelby shares more about the creation of her organic skincare line, Shelby Naturals, her effective simple beauty routine, and how she navigates life in the most conscious way possible.
I became very passionate and involved in learning about the skin as a result of my own skin struggles, and through much research, testing, and discovery of nutrient-dense botanical oils, Shelby Naturals was born.
What led you to create Shelby Naturals?
I struggled with chronic acne, rosacea flare-ups, and very damaged skin that became extremely sensitive after using so many over the counter antibiotics and conventional acne systems, such as Proactiv. I reached a point where I had tried and invested in so many skin care products, both natural and conventional, and still found my skin to be just as problematic.
I became very passionate and involved in learning about the skin as a result of my own skin struggles, and through much research, testing, and discovery of nutrient-dense botanical oils, Shelby Naturals was born! Working as a holistic nutritionist in the beauty industry, I had also discovered that skin care products contained many ingredients, especially preservatives, that were scientifically proven to be toxic to the body. I wanted to know exactly what I was putting on my skin, as I want to know what I put in my body.
Also, “organic” doesn’t necessarily mean that the quality of a product’s ingredients are of high caliber, and this was also a huge motivating factor behind me creating Shelby Naturals. I wanted to know where and how each ingredient was planted, grown, harvested and pressed. That was important to me because the higher quality a product’s ingredients, the better the results, and the product is also more sustainable!
Why are there so many oil based ingredients?
Love this question! High quality, pure botanical carrier and essential oils TRANSFORMED my skin. When my skin was extremely damaged, inflamed, I experienced frequent cystic acne breakouts, rosacea flare-ups (basically a painful mess!) after using antibiotics and harsh acne systems, oil was the only thing that calmed and repaired my skin within DAYS. I was terrified of oils as I was always told by my dermatologists to avoid it as my skin was combination and acne prone.
After intensely studying the skin for years, I made the discovery that specific oils work the best with our skin’s anatomy; our skin produces an oil called sebum and oils are well recognized and absorbed. Nutrient-dense oils are used by our skin on a cellular level to regenerate (yes, prevent and address aging!), reduce inflammation, repair the skin barrier, kill bacteria thus reducing acne, balance the complexion, and so on.
I like to stress that oil must be high quality and pure, as it can go rancid if not pressed properly, and this will further cause inflammation. The right oils absorb quickly leaving zero oily residue, and go deeper into the skin promoting a balanced, clear and glowing complexion. I can go on, oil is really my favourite topic!
After intensely studying the skin for years, I made the discovery that specific oils work the best with our skin’s anatomy.
Can you talk a bit about why it was important for you to use organic or wildcrafted ingredients?
My main focus when creating our products was the ingredients we chose, and the quality of those ingredients.Having ingredients that are certified organic and wildcrafted is extremely important as this means there are no pesticides used on the plant, and chemical solvents used in the extracting / pressing of the oil.
While “certified organic” doesn’t necessarily mean an ingredient is high quality, I took the extra measures to ensure that all our ingredients are of exceptional quality, while also being either certified organic or wildcrafted.
What are some of your daily rituals using Shelby Naturals?
I always use my Daily Essentials each day; the Bright Cleanser, Rose Petal Toner and Serum. Now that it is winter, I love to apply my Youth Beauty Booster in the evening. It has an intoxicating, fresh scent of jasmine, geranium rose and ylang ylang that instantly transport me to the ocean side, and contains rare oils that promote an instant glow like wild carrot from France.
I’m also quite a mask fanatic and have been enjoying making my own mask once a week with 3 drops of the Serum, organic yogurt, bentonite clay and chlorella. I’m currently in the works creating a mask that I can’t wait to share!
Having ingredients that are certified organic and wildcrafted is extremely important as this means there are no pesticides used on the plant, or chemical solvents used in the extracting or pressing of the oil.
How are you de-stressing during these uncertain times?
Getting outdoors once a day for a walk without my phone has really made a difference for me. I also love to exercise, specifically pilates, yoga, tai chi, and find it greatly benefits my mental health! I find having a good schedule and routine really eliminates any anxiety I have. And of course staying optimistic always!
Have you always been sustainably minded in the way you live your life, or is this something that has evolved for you?
I really have always been sustainably minded, and I can really thank my mum for this. She was definitely before her time in her thinking around natural health, beauty and sustainable living, and this really made me aware about what I was eating internally, putting on my skin, and how this has a direct impact on the planet. I have definitely become much more sustainably minded over time and continually improve when I can.
Besides making the switch to Shelby Naturals, what are your top tips for a sustainable beauty routine?
Reduce the amount of products you use. This is actually beneficial to the skin as less really is more for best results, and like I always reiterate, quality over quantity. I also make sure to use products that are in glass and can be recycled, and enjoy purchasing from small brands that are focused on sustainability and a truly natural product.
Sustainability to me means working in harmony with mother nature and our planet. I am constantly in awe of nature. It really provides us with everything we need for a healthy, radiant life!
Who are your beauty icons?
The first person that comes to mind is my mum; she really glows from the inside out and is so youthful and energetic at her age… it’s really incredible how well she takes care of her body and I hope to be like her!
Your best simple skincare advice?
Be consistent! I found this simple advice led me to the clear complexion I have today, and to a much more balanced body full of energy and vitality. I consistently used, and still use, the Daily Essentials Set for a number of years and my skin has never been better. And a consistent diet focused on whole nourishing foods has of course been an integral part of my skin care routine.
Finally, what does sustainability mean to you?
Sustainability to me means working in harmony with mother nature and our planet. I am constantly in awe of nature – it really provides us with everything we need for a healthy, radiant life! I am dedicated to consuming less always.
Imagery and words by Shelby Ondrus
