A Natural Potion Goddess On How She Keeps Her Skin Healthy & Glowing

Beauty starts from the inside out, and no one knows that more than artist and creative director of Sun Potion | Transformational Foods Nitsa Citrine. Read on for how she takes care of herself internally and externally. Glow on, Nitsa!

First thing upon waking, I take a moment to meditate and consciously articulate my gratitude for all the blessings of this life. Then I drink a large glass of alkaline water.

This is usually followed by a few rounds of tea (currently very partial to Inner Path, a wild Puerh from Global Tea Hut) and then a nutrient-rich warm blended potion made with Sun Potion Tonic Herbs and Superfoods.

Before showering, I like to dry brush (always toward the heart) to exfoliate, increase circulation, and activate the lymphatic system while (simultaneously) oil pulling.

An ancient Ayurvedic ritual, oil pulling is wild! I like to use an organic cold-pressed sesame oil and will swish it around for 10 minutes. The oil acts like a nourishing cleanser for the mouth (portal to the body), pulls out toxins, and even whitens teeth. (Note: if you try this at home do not swallow any of the oil — it's full of things you want out of your body.)

I am definitely the type who is attracted to the “less is more” approach to the decorative beauty regimen. Of course, my ideal would be to only have to splash my face with cool spring water in the morning and night to be a glowing example of radiant and effortless beauty, but I am not quite there ... yet!

This being said, I honestly try to avoid wearing makeup as much as possible. My philosophy is that the skin eats, and so I choose to put products on my skin that are, essentially, safe to ingest.

After my morning shower I like to let my skin breathe. I will mist myself generously throughout the day with rosewater or a hydrosol immortelle. If my skin is feeling dry, I use Benshen Serum No. 2 or Shiva Rose's Rose Face Oil and Glow Face Balm blended up with some Sun Potion Shea Butter in my palm. I love to press this into my eyes in the middle of the day: it smells divine and really clears my vision/mind while visibly reducing under-eye puffiness.

When I am in Santa Barbara, it is a pretty low-key existence, and so I will keep up this natural vibe for the daily run into town for meetings, errands, farmers market, yoga, etc.

However, if I am attending a special event, feeling public/at risk of being documented in a compromising state, on a date night with Scott or simply in a spicy mood, I like to spruce up my look by applying some RMS "un" cover-up for under the eyes, brows, and any devilish spots.

My friend Gloria Noto makes a great highlighter I'll put a little dab of on my lids and in the center of my cupid's bow for a dewy look , and then I will apply Living Libations' Maiden Fern Blushing Balm on my cheeks and Poppy and Someday Peppermint Herbal Lip Stain.

If I want to really go for it, I apply Dr. Hauschka's Mascara (in brown) to my upper lashes. Then I put castor oil on my brows, which doubles as a brow-definer and thickener. (My goddess/friend Shiva Rose taught me this!)

Every day, I make a point to do something that nurtures my creative self. This is possibly the most powerful and intimate ritual through which I experience beauty.

Some days I will go for a walk with my camera (I'm fortunate to live near some beautiful hiking trails and nature); other times I will shoot for pleasure at home, with friends, flowers, books, clothes ... whatever inspires in the moment.

I love to wind down from the day with a hot sauna or bath. I was raised in a community that celebrates the culture of bathing and am happiest in a body of warm water.

To quote myself (or at least according to my partner, Scott, who I have apparently said this to many a time when he tries to wake me), “I am a good sleeper."

Regardless of when I go to bed (the earlier the better!), I try to always get at least eight hours. Enough sleep and water are the two things that I have learned I cannot afford to sacrifice, regardless of how busy I am.

In addition to them having an obvious impact on my mental and physical state, I feel that I actually process a lot of information in my dreams and so aim to honor this time as much as possible, whether I am traveling, at home, on a deadline ... anywhere!

Beyond that, I like to make myself a little He Shou Wu + Reishi Tonic to enjoy before bed. If I feel my digestion is slow or off (especially if I am traveling/eat anything questionable), I will add a little Triphala into the mix. It's gently cleansing so is a great way to soothe and tone the digestive system while the body rests.

Once a week, I prepare a clarifying, brightening face mask using four ingredients: Sun Potion Chlorella and Ashitaba, bentonite clay and activated charcoal. The clay and charcoal draw out impurities, and the ashitaba and chlorella work to promote cell regeneration and brighten my complexion.

While the mask is on, I usually pair it with La Tierra Sagrada's Treatment. It's a deeply nourishing and healing blend of herb essential oils in coconut oil, which I will massage into my scalp and braid down to my ends. (Daily, I use their Jojoba Oil daily and it works wonders on my frizz.)

"WHENEVER POSSIBLE" BEAUTY RITUALS