You’ve seen the brand- it’s sleek apothecary-like packaging filled with organic, good-for-you ingredients, but what do you know about its backstory or its illustrious founder?
For those who were wondering, yes, there is an actual John Masters, and just for the record, he’s a beauty industry visionary. The celebrated New York-based stylist, who is known for his fashion and celebrity work in the 70s, became an advocate for organics after realizing the high chemical levels in products he had been using backstage and in editorial work. Masters soon made it his personal goal to create a toxin-free spa concept, where chemicals were strictly prohibited. Dubbed New York City’s first “clean air salon,” Masters’ space soon evolved into a hair care line, which he introduced to the market in 1991.
Packed with essential oils, botanical extracts and other natural ingredients from plants, the range was ahead of its time, offering organic hair products that deliver results without any of the bad stuff. Today, the John Masters brand also includes skin and body products, replete with ingredients like white tea, linden blossom, and clove bud oil. Being as organic-minded as he is, means John Masters also practices what he preaches, using 100 percent recyclable packaging and earth-friendly production methods.
“Caring about yourself and caring about the earth don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” Masters has said. “We only get one body and we only get one planet. Why not treat them both with the utmost care?”
Thanks to its simplicity and stellar ingredient list, the John Masters Organics brand is full of easy-to-use, effective formulas that can be used to give yourself some self-love throughout the busy workday.
Hand Creams
Let’s be honest, your hands are used and abused during the work week. From keyboards to mobile phones to navigating public transportation, your hands rarely have a break, and so they need a little tender loving care. Store a bottle of our favorite organic hand moisturizer from John Masters Organics at your desk or in your bag to stay hydrated throughout the day. The uber moisturizing formula, which is available in Orange & Rose or Lime & Spruce scents, include natural ingredients like frankincense to protect and tighten skin; rosemary to reduce the appearance of dark spots; antioxidant-rich vanilla to protect against environmental toxins and vetiver for antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Squeeze a pea-size amount onto the palms of your hands, blend in, paying close attention to your cuticles, and breathe in the invigorating scent for an instant mood lift.
Roll-On Fragrances
No matter the time of day, give yourself a much-needed pick-me-up by applying essential oils to your pulse points (neck, inside wrists, behind ears). The good people at John Masters Organics offer three uplifting scents to inject the exact vibes you need into your forcefield. Pick among a Fresh Floral, comprised of a springtime amalgam neroli flower, orange peel oil, geranium, lavender and rose flowers; Sparkling Citrus, a “crisp, clean blend” made up of jojoba seed, petitgrain leaf, ylang ylang flower, and patchouli leaf; and Sultry Spice, which delivers sunflower seed, bourbon vanilla fruit, petitgrain leaf, turmeric and cypress leaves for a “warm sensual” effect. For best results, apply your 100 percent USDA certified scent whenever you’re feeling a little under the weather, touching up throughout the day.
Hair Stylers
John Masters Organics is perhaps best known for its hair care, and to celebrate that, we wanted to share with you our choices for the products that can be used to create and maintain your daily look. One of our all-time favorites from the brand is the Sea Mist Sea Salt Spray with Lavender, which instantly makes strands plumped and textured thanks to sea salt and organic lavender. Just a few spritzes on damp hair and a light drying sesh with a diffuser will make it look like you spent a relaxing day on the beach. For women (and men) with shorter styles, try Masters’ Bourbon Vanilla & Tangerine Hair Texturizer, which features tangerine oil, shea butter, and rosemary leaf extract. Looking for an instant hairstyle enhancer? After warming it in the palm of your hands, apply the texturizer to the ends of your hair to instantly camouflage any splitting. Finish off your daily look with the brand’s plant-based Hairspray, an all-day appropriate styler starring bergamot and aloe vera, that will ensure your hairstyle looks (and smells) as fresh as it did first thing in the morning.
Who says natural can’t be beautiful?
By Belisa Silva