Honest Rituals With Elizabeth Carter

 

Esthetician and natural skincare specialist Elizabeth Carter is the founder of Honest Rituals, a beautiful spa that offers deeply restorative treatments rooted in massage and skin knowledge. With locations in Topanga, Kauai, and now Ojai, Elizabeth offers nourishing facials and massages that honor both skin and body, using only the highest-quality natural products—including our own CAP Beauty skincare line. Guided by nature as her greatest teacher, Elizabeth believes in the power of simple, intentional practices to cultivate harmony, balance and resilience—inside and out. Read on to explore her approach to beauty and the rituals she turns to for lasting well-being. 

What’s your skincare routine?

 

My skincare routine is pretty pared down. I keep it simple and intuitive — cleansing, misting, and using a really good oil or serum. Most days, I take a few minutes to massage my face and jaw. It’s less about “perfect skin” and more about slowing down and reconnecting with myself. At night, I love using an oil cleanse to melt the day away. It feels grounding and reminds me to care for myself the same way I care for others.

What’s one skincare step you never skip?

 

Hydration, inside and out. I mist my skin constantly and drink mineral-rich water throughout the day. When your skin is hydrated, it shows — it’s more balanced, vibrant, and resilient.

 

What’s one skincare myth you wish more people would let go of?

 

That your skin needs to be “fixed.”So many people are sold this idea that they’re broken or need to be doing the most complicated routines to have good skin. It’s just not true. Your skin is incredibly wise — sometimes what it really needs is for you to step back, stop overloading it, and let it breathe.

 

What inspired you to start Honest Rituals, and how has the vision evolved? 

 

I wanted to create a space that brought back ritual and intention — where treatments go far beyond skincare and feel like ceremonies for both the skin and soul. Over time, Honest Rituals has grown into a beautiful boutique spa, with each location — Kauai, Topanga, and now Ojai — serving as its own grounded, magical portal. Opening our third location in Ojai feels like a natural next step in expanding this vision of creating spaces where people can truly come home to themselves.

 

How do you balance simplicity and effectiveness in your treatments and products?

 

I’ve always believed less is more. We strip away what isn’t necessary — no filler, no fluff. Every product and every treatment has a purpose and is rooted in integrity. It’s about working with the skin, not forcing it into submission. When you keep things simple, you leave space for the body’s natural intelligence to do the real work. 

 

What’s one small, meaningful practice you return to—no matter how busy life feels?

 

Anything that connects me to my body: swimming, jumping on the trampoline, dancing, giving a big hug to someone I love, a hot bath, walking, being barefoot outside, sex, sunshine on my skin, riding my bike, laughing until my cheeks hurt… And the whole time being grateful for having a body that I can enjoy all of these things and more.

 

Are there ingredients you consider essential for healthy, balanced skin?

 

Alive, plant-based ingredients. Things that still carry the intelligence of nature — like jojoba, sea buckthorn, calendula, chamomile. These ingredients are deeply nourishing and work in harmony with your skin instead of fighting against it.

 

What other practices support you feeling your best?

 

Time in nature is my medicine. Walking barefoot on the earth, swimming in the ocean, moving my body, sipping herbal tea, or just taking a few deep breaths outdoors. When I’m connected to nature and grounded in my body, everything — including my skin — feels more balanced.

 

What’s the most common mistake you see people make with their routines?

 

Overdoing it. So many people are stuck in a cycle of harsh products, too many steps, and constantly switching things up. The skin doesn’t need all that noise. Simplify, listen, and be patient — that’s where the magic happens.

 

Do you have a go-to treatment for when your skin feels stressed or out of balance?

 

Sculptural + buccal facial massage, hands down. It’s powerful because it goes beyond the surface — releasing deep tension in the jaw and face, moving lymph, and calming the whole system. It’s like a full reset for both the skin and the nervous system. If I’m at home, I’ll do a simple herbal steam with chamomile or lavender. Nothing fancy, just plants and steam — it works every time.

 

How do you see skincare connecting to overall well-being and self-care?

 

Our skin is a reflection of what’s happening beneath the surface. When we care for our skin with intention, it becomes a form of self-care that ripples into every part of our life. Skincare isn’t about perfection — it’s about slowing down, listening to your body, and honoring yourself in the process.

ELIZABETH'S EDIT 

 

Monastery Attar

This is my grounding scent. Deep, resinous, and ancient-feeling in the best way. I reach for this when I want to feel embodied, calm, and anchored in my body. One drop goes a very long way — I like to warm it between my palms before applying.

 

Alexis Smart Unburden Flower Remedy

This is my emotional exhale. I use it when I’m carrying stress that isn’t mine, after long days of holding space, or before sleep. It gently brings me back into my body and out of my head. A staple in my daily ritual.

 

CAP Beauty Serotoner

This lives on my bathroom counter. It’s uplifting, refreshing, and feels like a nervous-system reset for my skin. I use it throughout the day — especially when I need a moment of brightness or grounding between clients.

 

Activist Manuka Honey

True medicine. I love this by the spoonful in the morning or stirred into warm water or tea. It’s nourishing, potent, and feels deeply supportive from the inside out — skin food in its purest form.

 

Marie Veronique Barrier Lipid Complex

This is a non-negotiable for me. It strengthens, restores, and protects the skin barrier in a way that feels intelligent and deeply reparative. When skin is compromised, reactive, or just needs extra love — this is where I start.

 


Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published