How To Use The Facial Spa Set - A Video Guide

Start your facial massage routine here with this step by step guide on how to use the Mount Lai Facial Spa Set. Learning the proper technique is very important when using this tool to maximize results. Products featured in this video: Tremella Tonic Activating Essence Mist, Calming Herbal Repair Serum Concentrate Balm, and The Facial Spa Set. Here 3 of our top tips for results: Consistency is key! Aim to incorporate facial massage into your skincare routine at least once a day, or at minimum 3-4 times a week. Always prep the skin with a skincare product so that the tool glides smoothly instead of tugs. Mount Lai skincare is nutrient rich and pairs perfectly with facial tools. Proper technique is important to achieve results. For the gua sha tool, always hold the tool flat against the skin instead of digging in the edge. For both tools, always move in outward and upward motions.   How to use: Start with a clean face and prep skin with a facial oil or serum to enhance the glide of the gua sha tool and nourish the skin. We love to pair the gua sha tool with Mount Lai's natural skincare products, which are made from nourishing herbs & plants and designed to pair with our tools. Shop skincare here. The Mount Lai Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool: Keep the tool flat against the face and begin with the forehead. Scrape in an upwards motion from the eyebrows to the hairline. Move to the cheeks and scrape in an outwards motion starting from the crease of the nose until the ear. Move to the jawline and use the end of the gua sha tool with the two curves. Start from the chin and scrape until the ear. Gently massage the gua sha tool into the ear to release tension. For the under-eye area, very gently scrape the gua sha from the inner corner of the eye outwards to the temple. Because the area is so sensitive, it is important to only apply light pressure. Complete Your Ritual with the Mount Lai De-Puffing Facial Roller: Start in the middle of the face and roll outwards across the cheeks. Move to the eyebrows and roll upwards across the forehead. Move below the lower lip and roll downward across the chin. SHOP THE FACIAL SPA SET Available in Jade, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, and Black Obsidian

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Why and How Does Gua Sha Work?

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE RITUAL Why It Works Mount Lai tools are designed to work on the lymphatic system, address adhesions in the fascia and melt tension in the facial and jaw muscles, promoting a radiant complexion + combatting fine lines and wrinkles. How Does it Work? Continue reading to learn how this process works in the body! 01 / Why is lymphatic drainage important? The lymphatic system is a part of the immune system that helps the body get rid of toxins and waste. If the lymphatic system is not functioning well, it can result in fluid build up which may result in puffy skin. Stagnation of the lymphatic system can also lead to an increase in toxins, which can make the skin appear dull or even result in acne breakouts. 02 / What are the results of lymphatic drainage? The benefits of lymphatic drainage are two-fold. Lymphatic drainage removes toxic and congestive substances from the tissues, which allows greater absorption of nutrients. Besides aiding with lymphatic drainage, gua sha massage stimulates circulation and blood flow. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the other cells and the combination of lymphatic drainage + massage allows you to remove toxins from the tissues and absorb greater nutrients to nourish the skin. 03 / Why is using a tool better than using your hands? The beauty of Mount Lai tools is that they work on the skin without pulling. As a result, the tool is able to work on the very surface level of the skin to target the lymph system and fascia that you wouldn’t be able to target with your hands. Tools allow you to work more evenly on the entire face and target pressure points more precisely than you would get with just your hands alone. Start Your Gua Sha Practice with Mount Lai

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Why Should I Use An Essence?

Adding an essence to your skincare routine is one of the most effective ways to get the most out of your skincare products, helping to prep the skin for the rest of your routine. They’re lightweight in feel, water-like to the touch, yet pack a powerful punch when it comes to providing long-lasting hydration and enhancing your glow. In case you are not very familiar with skincare essences and what exactly they do for the skin, we are here to break it down for you. What is an essence? Essences are the ideal skincare product to prep the skin for the rest of your routine as they allow following products to be absorbed deeper into the skin. Use an essence in your skincare routine after your toner and before layering serums or moisturizers and oils. An essence’s low molecular weight gives it a watery feel, which allows it to penetrate deep into the skin. We also love using essences cocktailed with our favorite skincare for extra hydration. Essences are a leave-on treatment that are extremely versatile, and beneficial to pair with your skincare products for enhanced effectiveness.  Who benefits from essences? In short: everyone! If you are looking for a product that maximizes the effectiveness of your skincare or just need a quick boost of plumping hydration, we highly recommend incorporating an essence into your beauty ritual. No matter your skin type, an essence can be a game changing skincare product that actively works throughout the day – not just during application.  Looking for an essence that supports skin health, and increases hydration with the power of plant botanicals and hyaluronic acid? Meet our new Tremella Tonic Activating Essence Mist. Introducing Tremella Tonic Activating Essence Mist Tremella Tonic Activating Essence Mist activates the skin with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) plant adaptogens. Tremella mushroom is boosted with hyaluronic acid for long-lasting and deep-penetrating hydration, while fermented black tea enhances the skin’s ability to absorb nutrients. Together, these ingredients plump your skin and enhance its glow.  Other additional benefits of Tremella Tonic Activating Essence Mist include: Drawing and locking moisture into the skin Enhancing nutrient absorption Smoothing and plumping the skin Supporting the skin microbiome with enriching postbiotics Helping other skincare products work better Hero Ingredients Rooted in Traditional Chinese Wisdom Tremella Mushroom: Draws in moisture and locks it into the skin for long lasting hydration, used for centuries as a Traditional Chinese herb for its beauty benefits Fermented Black Tea: Enhances nutrient absorption and supports the skin microbiome through its rich postbiotics profile  Green Tea Extract: Combats free radical damage for anti-inflammatory benefits  Bamboo Extract: Strengthens the skin barrier with essential amino acids and antioxidants Hyaluronic Acid: Smooths and plumps the skin Great for all skin types, use before applying serums and/or facial oils, or whenever your skin needs a boost of hydration. Pair Tremella Tonic Activating Essence Mist with Mount Lai’s nutrient-rich Serum Concentrate or non-comedogenic Facial Oils to maximize their absorption and effectiveness. Shop Tremella Tonic Activating Essence Mist

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Comprehensive Gua Sha Guide: The Differences & Routine

Gua sha is an ancient healing modality that is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). During the Ming Dynasty, gua sha was used to treat symptoms of illnesses, chronic pain, and relieve muscle tension in the form of body gua sha. It was also used to detoxify the body, and restore the flow of qi – the energy that is believed to keep us alive. Fast forward to today, gua sha is still practiced as it was traditionally used in ancient China on the body, and it has also evolved for use on the face to balance and renew the skin. Despite being practiced on different areas of the body, the principles are the same. Facial and body gua sha both help the body flush out toxins and move out stagnation. Practicing gua sha provides a moment of self-care, relieves tension and stress, and promotes lymphatic drainage that hands alone are unable to do. One of the best way to get the most out of gua sha is by pairing gua sha tools together. Having a complete gua sha routine will not only increase the benefits of gua sha massage, but leaves you with glowing results. Curious about what each tool does? Learn more about our gua sha tools below. The Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool Stones available: Jade, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Black Obsidian, and Stainless Steel  Best for relieving facial and jaw tension, as well as firming and lifting the face overtime. Its ability to relieve tension can also help relax the muscles that contribute to wrinkles, including smile lines and crow’s feet. This is the perfect gua sha tool to start with if you are looking for an introduction to gua sha.  To learn more about how to gua sha, visit our post here.  The Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon Stones available: Jade and Rose Quartz  This specialized gua sha tool is amazing for deeply sculpting facial features and precision work. Not only that, it encourages the gentle release of tension through targeting the acupressure points in the face. This tool is great for contouring facial features, such as the cheeks and jawline. View our Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon tutorial here.  The Massaging Gua Sha Comb   Stones available: Jade A special treat for the scalp – a tool that provides the most luxurious and relaxing head massage. The Massaging Gua Sha Comb improves blood circulation, which can stimulate hair growth, and reduces tension. It is ideal for anyone looking for a moment of clarity and renewal.  CREATING YOUR GUA SHA ROUTINE Before gua sha, it is very important to prep with skincare to ensure the tool glides across the skin instead of tugging. We love using nutrient-rich Mount Lai skincare products with our gua sha tools. Mount Lai skincare is vegan and non-comedogenic, and their formulations draw on plants and adaptogens that have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for their healing benefits for centuries. Once the skin is prepped with skincare product, you're ready to start your massage. Pick the gua sha tool that fits into your routine, whether you want to use just one or all three! If you are looking for a comprehensive gua sha routine, here's the order we recommend using the tools in: Start with the Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool. After, use The Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon to continue the gentle release of tension with acupressure and for deeper sculpting. To complete your facial and head massage, end with The Massaging Gua Sha Comb for a luxurious scalp massage, and the ultimate tension release. Don't forget to breathe through each movement for a moment of calm and extra stress release.  SHOP GUA SHA TOOLS

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Q: Can I use Mount Lai facial oils for oily skin?

There is a common misconception that using facial oils can make you break out, especially for those with oily skin types. However, not all oils are the same! Using a facial oil can actually provide a multitude of moisturizing and healing benefits, and can even make oily skin less oily over time – you just have to look for the right kind of facial oils. Oftentimes, those with oily skin may be suffering from lack of moisture, which causes an overproduction of sebum because the skin tries to compensate, making the skin appear “shiny.” Too much sebum production also leads to clogged, irritated pores, and more frequent breakouts. Despite what many think, a facial oil can actually help regulate how much sebum is being produced by balancing the skin. The oils we use in Mount Lai skincare products are non-comedogenic, meaning that they do not clog pores, and mimic the natural oils we have on our skin. This is why we call our skincare "biocompatible.”  Our favorite oil to use for balancing the skin is Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil. In addition to supporting and calming the skin barrier, Plant Root Remedy provides moisture to drier areas of the skin and helps reduce sebum production of oilier areas of the skin, resulting in less irritation and breakouts. Biocompatible botanical oils signal to the skin that the oilier areas can produce less oil, while still providing needed moisture to dry areas.  Other benefits of Plant Root Remedy include: Nourishing the skin Fighting against environmental stressors Improving moisture and plumpness with naturally lipid-rich plant oils Supporting cellular regeneration  If you are looking for a brightening facial oil, try Brightening Berry Vitamin C Facial Oil to brighten the skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and firm the skin. All of our skincare products and facial tools were created to be beneficial for all skin types, even the most sensitive. To get the most out of Plant Root Remedy, pair it with a Mount Lai facial tool for a facial massage that relaxes and enhances absorption into the skin. SHOP PLANT ROOT REMEDY

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The Mount Lai Skincare Edit

What are the differences between each of our skincare products? All of our skincare leave your skin feeling balanced + renewed, and utilize ingredients based around Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including soothing purple gromwell root and brightening goji berry, to benefit the skin. Each product targets specific skin concerns to make your routine more personalized.  Made in small batches in the U.S., all Mount Lai skincare products are non-comedogenic, clean, vegan + great for all skin types. (Plus, Leaping Bunny Certified!) We do not use synthetic fragrances, sulfates and other harmful ingredients to ensure the quality and safety of products. To maximize the benefits of your skincare, complete your skincare ritual with any Mount Lai facial tool.  Use our guide below to learn more about our skincare collection.  Tremella Tonic Activating Essence Mist Key ingredient(s): Tremella Mushroom + Fermented Black Tea The newest addition to our skincare collection, Tremella Tonic Activating Essence is the first step to skincare prep. This essence, like our other products, contains ingredients based around Traditional Chinese medicine to heal and nourish, including tremella mushroom. Use a small spritz of Tremella Tonic to boost hydration and the effectiveness of your other skincare products.  Calming Herbal Repair Serum Concentrate Balm Key ingredient(s): Healing purple gromwell root A nutrient-dense serum concentrate balm that soothes + restores the skin barrier. Helps to balance the skin and lock in moisture with the help of potent botanicals and nourishing plant butters, all while leaving the complexion radiant. Also contains a proprietary blend of Traditional Chinese Medicine roots to accelerate cellular repair and healing to address visible signs of aging. When to use it: After essence, before moisturizer! Pro tip: Warm in hands to activate and massage into damp skin before moisturizer, just as you would apply a serum.  Brightening Berry Vitamin C Facial Oil Key ingredient(s): Antioxidant rich goji berry + Vitamin C Containing tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (Vitamin C!), this facial oil brightens and firms the skin to lighten dark spots, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. In addition to all these benefits, Brightening Berry works to support elasticity and firmness of the skin.  Lightweight and absorbent enough for morning use, use after applying moisturizer, before your daily sunscreen. Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil Key ingredient(s): Ceramide rich rice + oat  Great for healing the skin barrier with nourishing plant herbs and oils, Plant Root Remedy is the perfect companion to fight against environmental stressors. Not only does it improve moisture and plumpness with naturally lipid-rich plant oils, it also supports cellular regeneration to promote skin renewal.  Amazing for evening use. Use as the last step in your skincare routine after moisturizer.  Try mixing it with Calming Herbal Repair to boost its benefits.   SHOP ALL SKINCARE

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Q: What are the differences between warm and cool tools?

Did you know that you can use your Mount Lai facial tools cool or warm? Your skin type and the benefits you are looking for can help you determine whether you want to use your tools warm or cool. For example, drier skin types may benefit more from cooler temperatures, whereas those with oily skin can benefit from warm. Knowing what's best for your own skin can help you achieve optimal skin health. Continue reading to learn the different benefits of warm vs. cool tools! Benefits of warm tools Stones to use: Black Obsidian Ideal for acne-prone skin. Our Black Obsidian tools, for example, encourage stimulation of the lymphatic system, which helps reduce inflammation.  Great for de-puffing the skin, especially with the combination of facial massage.  Boosts circulation. Heat increases blood flow, which results in glowing skin! Stress and tension relieving. Not only will warming your tools aid in your own relaxation, but will also help relax your muscles.  Increases skin permeability. The addition of heat can aid in product absorption, and allow them to penetrate deeper into the skin.  To heat your Black Obsidian tools before use, try placing them in a bowl of warm water! Shop Warming Black Obsidian Tools  Benefits of cool tools Stones to use: Jade, Rose Quartz, and Amethyst  Minimizes the size of pores. The cooling of the tool will cause the pores to constrict, making them appear smaller. This won’t permanently reduce pore size (It’s genetic!), so it is important to use retinols and/or chemical exfoliants alongside your facial tools.  Reduces inflammation and redness. Just as you treat an injury, cold tools can alleviate inflammation by constricting blood vessels + reducing blood flow to the inflamed area.  Tightens the skin. Same effect to your pores, but can boost the lifting effect of your gua sha tool.  Enhances glow to help with dullness. Cold temperatures calm and brighten the skin. Plumps skin. Blood vessels are constricted with cold temperatures, but dilate back to normal when skin is brought back to its original state. This gives the skin a plumping effect.   To cool your tools before use, try storing them in a refrigerator! Shop Cooling Jade Tools  Shop Cooling Rose Quartz Tools  Shop Cooling Amethyst Tools  References: Ghura, Priyanka. “Hot vs Cold Temperatures: What Is Best for Maintaining Glowy, Healthy Skin?” Vogue India, Vogue India, 13 Aug. 2020. Kester, Sarah. “Washing Your Face with Cold Water: Is It Beneficial?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 25 Jan. 2021. Palmer, Angela. “Is It Possible to Shrink Large Pores?” Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2021. Person. “Cold Water Therapy: Benefits of Cold Showers, Baths, Immersion Therapy.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 8 July 2020. “Why Does Heat Relax Your Muscles?” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

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A Relaxing Wintertime Routine With Traditional Chinese Wisdom

Did you know that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recommends changing your habits and routines depending on the season? From the food you eat to the activities you do, in Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, we adapt our routines and rituals based on the seasons to nurture our bodies and minds based on our environments. This makes it especially important to take extra care of your overall health during the wintertime, where the weather can adversely impact the body and the skin. During this time, colds, flu, aches, pains and dry skin are at its peak. Doing self care rituals, such as acupressure, a skincare routine and mediation, can help balance, renew and restore your energy and body back to its restored, well-rounded state.  Here are some ways you can incorporate TCM into a relaxing weekend routine! 9:00 AM - Wake up to start your day. Waking up at an hour that isn’t too early or too late in the wintertime is a way to keep the body warm. It also results in an early opportunity to be productive and recharge from the day prior. 9:30 AM - Begin morning skincare routine. The skin is extra delicate in the wintertime because of things like wind, rain and the cold. These not only affect the skin’s permeability (ability to absorb products), but can also damage the skin barrier. The usage of skincare products that harness the power of TCM herbs can help rebuild your skin’s moisture, as well as strengthen the skin barrier for ample protection.  Some products that we recommend for A.M. use are our Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil, Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool, and De-Puffing Facial Roller. Combining these three powerful products together can support skin barrier repair, boost circulation and promote lymphatic drainage (your body’s way of releasing toxins!). 10:00 AM Sip a cup of warm herbal tea to start your day, and maybe enjoy a treat on the side.  Listen to your body’s needs. We personally love the TCM recipes from TCM chef Zoey Gong, especially her goji berry granola, for a tasty early day snack. Our Brightening Berry Vitamin C Facial Oil also harnesses the power of goji berry for brighter, firmer skin. This is another great product to use in the morning, followed by your favorite sunscreen!  11:00 AM - Do your morning stretches or practice meditation. Ensuring that your body is constantly moving is extremely important in TCM—even if it is at a low intensity. Doing low impact activities like stretching can alleviate all of the stress that throws your immune system off, and prevents it from being at its best.  12:30 PM - Second meal of the day.  Fuel your body with warm foods that are easier to digest. This includes warm soups and broths. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, it is recommended to avoid cold foods like salads during the winter.  1:30 PM - Take a stroll around your neighborhood or local park.  Connecting yourself with nature is one key aspect of TCM. Since most people reduce their outdoor activities in the wintertime, it is important to keep your body active to maintain its energy and warmth.  5:00 PM - Journal and/or read.  Take some time to gather your thoughts and journal, or read a book to replenish the mind with new knowledge and ideas.  6:00 PM Dinner time! Continue to nurture your body with warm foods. Consistency is key for a routine based around TCM. 8:00 PM Begin nighttime routine. Your evening skincare routine is the perfect opportunity to de-stress and prep the skin for renewal. Before gua sha and facial massage, use skincare products like Calming Herbal Repair Facial Massage Balm to accelerate cellular repair and healing. This balm to oil serum concentrate contains potent botanicals and Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs that heal the skin and lock in moisture and keep skin dewy throughout the night.  We also suggest practicing traditional treatment methods outside of gua sha, such as acupressure. With the help of our Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon, acupressure can be great for melting tension and draining puffiness in the face.  9:00 PM - Unwind for the evening.  Going to bed early is one of the easiest ways to nurture the Yin, which according to TCM requires more care in the wintertime. Slow down, rest, and take care of yourself!

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The Holiday Gift Guide

It’s finally that time of year! As 2021 comes to a close, we want to take this moment to give thanks to those who have helped and supported us through the highs and lows of the past twelve months. Shopping for friends and family can be time-consuming and stressful, but we hope that our holiday gift sets & best selling products will make your shopping experience a little bit easier. These are the perfect items for that important person on your wishlist who deserves a wellness & self-care beauty ritual this holiday season. Here are our gift recommendations to give your special someone. FOR THE AVID TRAVELER Shop The Self Care Minis Set - a $43.50 value for $36.00 Our Self Care Minis Set is the perfect gift for that special someone who loves the little things in life, and is always up for an adventure. Perfect for travel, this set includes a few of our best-selling mini products, including our Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil, Brightening Berry Vitamin C Facial Oil and Mini Jade De-puffing Facial Roller. It is a trio that provides everything for a calming facial massage, no matter if you’re at home or on-the-go. SHOP THE SELF CARE MINIS SET FOR A COMPLETE MOMENT OF WELLNESS Shop The Tranquility Amethyst Skincare Set - a $110 value for $80 After a stressful and overwhelming year, we all need a moment of wellness more than ever. We wanted to incorporate a stone that is both healing and promotes tranquility, which is why we decided on using our Amethyst tools for this special limited edition product. This set, with Amethyst’s powerful properties, promotes a calming facial experience thanks to our Amethyst Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool and Mini De-Puffing Facial Roller. This pair not only soothes the skin, but also gently de-puffs and massages. To complete your experience, the kit also contains a mini Calming Herbal Repair Facial Massage Balm and Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil to pair with the tools. Try Calming Herbal Repair Balm to soothe sensitive skin with healing ingredients like Purple Gromwell Root or Plant Root Remedy Balancing Facial Oil to support the skin barrier with natural ceramides.  Shop The Tranquility Amethyst Skincare Set FOR AN INSTANT MASSAGE AND PAIN RELIEF Shop The Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool - $28 to $38 While gua sha tools have been blowing up on social media over the past few months, the practice of gua sha has been utilized for centuries. Incorporating gua sha into your self-care routine has many benefits, some visible to the eye and others that go deeper than the skin. Whether you’re looking to relieve tension in your jaw from clenching during your sleep, or trying to promote lymphatic drainage, any of our gua sha tools can help you do so.  Shop The Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool FOR THOSE WITH LONG 9 TO 5 DAYS Shop The Tension Melting Massager - $72 The Tension Melting Massager is the ultimate stress reliever to reduce tension in the face, neck and shoulders. It is perfect to have next to your computer desk for a quick de-puffing sesh, or to have on your bathroom counter to recharge. If they’re looking for a mult-faceted facial tool, our massager has over 100 facets in each head to hug every corner of the face and body. Thus, providing that much-needed luxurious massage after a long day at the office.  Shop The Tension Melting Massager A GIFT FOR THOSE WHO DESERVE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Shop The Facial Spa Set - $50 to $56 The perfect gift for anyone who needs a little extra me-time. Our facial spa sets include one of our favorite duos: the De-puffing Facial Roller and Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool. Pairing these tools together not only provides all the benefits of a relaxing facial massage, but also leaves the skin radiant, glowing and sculpted. Shop Facial Spa Sets FOR SOMEONE SEARCHING FOR A SPA-LIKE EXPERIENCE  Shop The Eye Mask - $48 to $84 Ideal for anyone who loves the spa, but can’t make it there often enough. This intricately woven eye mask is something we can’t help but rave about because of its versatility. For those moments when you want to unwind and relax, our eye masks help soothe and de-puff the delicate eye area. Other benefits include reducing eye bags/puffiness, awakening the eye area and soothing the skin. It is everything you love about a facial, but in the comfort of your own home. Shop The Eye Mask FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE WHO LOVES TO SMELL AS GOOD AS THEY FEEL Shop Calming Herbal Repair Facial Massage Balm - $60 With a balm to oil formula, our Calming Herbal Repair Facial Massage Balm not only pairs perfectly with all of our tools, but smells amazing at the same time. In addition to accelerating cellular repair and hydrating the skin, this leave-on balm leaves your complexion feeling balanced, renewed, and radiant throughout the day. Shop Mount Lai Skincare THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOU AND YOUR TOOLS Shop Ritual Refresh Tool Cleansing Kit - $40 Like ourselves, one could say our facial tools also need a “self-care” routine. This holiday season, be sure to invest in our Ritual Refresh Tool Cleansing Kit not only for the special person on your gift list, but yourself as well. With gentle soaps for your tools, a specialty spa headband and 2 bamboo cloths, this kit will make your tools as happy as you are when you use them. Shop The Ritual Refresh Tool Cleansing Kit Shop All Now

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