Aloha!
I am Anastasia and I am a certified Organic Skincare & Haircare Formulator and a licensed Formula Botanica Tutor.
I started studying cosmetic formulation in 2017 and since then I created more than 250 natural beauty formulations and tested around 400 natural cosmetic ingredients.
Knowing what I know now empowers me to treat and care for my skin better than most luxury products on the market. How? I research and use best natural cosmetic ingredients in my continuously improving proprietary formulas, targeted at my specific skin needs at any given moment.
Join one of my workshops on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and learn to make luxurious beauty products with amazing local ingredients.
My Philosophy
Long before I got the idea to learn cosmetic formulation, I would day-dream about THE PERFECT SKINCARE that would feel amazing on my uncomfortable, itchy and irritated skin. If anyone told me that I WILL have that perfect skincare available ANY TIME and it doesn't cost me AN ARM & A LEG - I would just laugh.
DREAMS DO COME TRUE. I want to share my knowledge and empower YOU to make skincare that is...
Non-toxic
Skin is our largest organ. Say NO to toxic preservatives, artificial colors, heavy metals, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates. It's a big step into reducing environmental toxins and improving your health.
Breathable
Most mainstream beauty products are made with inexpensive fillers, like synthetic oils and silicones. Those fillers make your complexion look smooth and flawless... by forming a film on the surface of your skin. It only masks the problematic areas and provides a superficial benefit which lasts until the next time you wash your face. I can teach you skincare formulas that feel natural and allow your skin to breathe.
pH-optimized
Our skin has its own amazing microbiome that maintains a healthy balance and protects us from pathogens. This microbiome thrives in a pH 4.5 - 5.5. Let's keep your skin pH-balanced!
Alive
Beauty products available at the store need to be safe, cost-effective and shelf-stable, which sometimes requires the use of less expensive and refined ingredients, stabilizers and strong preservatives.
There is nothing like a skin feel of a freshly-made batch of lotion or serum. My proprietary formulas contain pure unrefined ingredients and botanical actives that are alive. In my workshops you can make skincare with unique hand-made extracts and aromatic hydrosols.
Sustainable
Beauty industry creates 120 billion units of packaging every year and contributes to pollution, deforestation and marine life endangerment.
Making your own natural skincare is eco-friendly and sustainable. If YOU can leave a different blueprint on our planet - ANYONE can.
Tailored to your skin
Every body is different, so is their skin. Allergy to a particular ingredient, skin conditions, pregnancy, breast-feeding or autoimmune diseases leaves us with a very limited choice of available skincare.
Learn to create beautiful natural products adapted to your specific needs that will restore, nourish and pamper your skin.
Testimonials
Workshops & More
195 US dollars
175 US dollars
1 hr 30 min
Request Quote
2 hr
Request Quote
15 min
1 hr
Request Quote
Contact
-
Are natural hand-made skincare products safe?It depends on the formulation, technique and your unique skin situation (allergies, sensitivities, etc.). I test all my beauty formulations on myself, family and friends, but every one is different and I advise to always patch test new ingredients or products. In my workshops or one-on-one classes I teach you how to make skincare that is generally very safe for personal use, if stored and used correctly. However, be aware that not all formulations or recipes found elsewhere are created by properly trained cosmetic formulators and hence there's no guarantee they are safe.
-
Are natural hand-made skincare products effective?It depends of course on the formula, technique, ingredient quality and your skin goals. Properly composed and executed natural formulations, made with high quality ingredients that specifically target particular skin concerns, can be as effective or even more effective than store-bought expensive skincare brands. I speak from my personal experience and from the experiences of my clients and students.
-
Do I need prior experience in order to attend your workshop?You don't need any prior experience. I make my workshops very beginner-friendly and give only as much material as necessary for you to understand the basic concept without making it too technical or boring.
-
Can you cater to different ingredients requirements? (e.g. vegan, Halal, allergies)I carefully review each student's individual situation and requirements and do my best to provide a safe and enjoyable experience. This is why it's so important that you fill out the pre-workshop form and indicate any special requests. Depending on the workshop, most of the times, I will be able to accommodate vegan and Halal requirements, as my formulations are typically plant-based, but please make sure to mention it in the form. If you have a nut allergy or sensitivity to particular ingredients, please indicate so and I will personalize your experience.
-
Do you teach cosmetic formulation?On my workshops I teach beginner and intermediate level students how to make beauty products, following my "recipes" aka formulations, so that they can recreate and enjoy those recipes at home any time. However, students won't be able to change and adapt those recipes without the formulation knowledge. It is impossible for me to teach the actual cosmetic formulation due to the limited time and a complex nature of the subject. If you would like to get a more in depth knowledge of cosmetic formulation, you can study one of the online courses, like the ones offered at Formula Botanica school, or, alternatively, take private classes with me for custom deep dives.
-
What is included in the workshop?- DIY skincare making tools and equipment - High quality natural & organic cosmetic ingredients, including local when possible - Beauty products made by you during the workshop - Cosmetic packaging and labels - Study handouts and certificates of completion - Tea, water and healthy snacks
-
What is your refund policy?I provide refunds or workshop credit, if you cancel/change 72 hours (3 days) prior the event. This doesn't apply for custom workshops, where changes are discussed on a case-by-case basis. I dedicate a lot of time and effort to prepare the best possible experience during my workshops, including reserving the workshop space and making sure I have all necessary ingredients and equipment. At the same time, I understand that life happens and I will do my best to accommodate your situation.
-
Do you offer discounts?I do have special offers from time to time. Make sure you follow @CheekyFormulations on Facebook to not miss out.
-
Do I need to store my hand-made cream or serum in the fridge?No, you don't need to keep your newly made cream or serum in the fridge. My water-based formulas always include a COSMOS-approved preservative that helps to protect the beauty product from the growth of bacteria, yeast and mold. However, I always advise to follow basic hygiene practices when handling skincare.
-
What is the expiration date of my hand-made cream or serum?All formulas I teach in my workshops are "tried and true" and the average shelf-life of a cream or serum is 6 months, although my batches usually last me around 2-3 months. However, I always advise to keep your beauty products away from direct sunlight, avoid extreme temperatures and follow basic hygiene practices.
-
Do your recipes include preservatives?Not all my recipes aka formulas include preservatives. Beauty products that don't contain water or don't come into contact with water, like body butter, lip balm or hair styling wax, don't require a preservative to be shelf-stable. Water-based skincare, like emulsion, tonic or serum, need a preservative, so it doesn't grow bacteria, yeast or mold. All my water-based recipes include a broad-spectrum COSMOS-approved preservative.
-
Do your recipes include toxic chemicals?Never. Teaching you how to make non-toxic natural beauty products is part of my philosophy and the reason behind Cheeky Formulations. My mission is to create awareness of environmental toxins and reduce cosmetic waste - one workshop at a time.