Luxury Artisan Skincare Inspired by Nature

At SAINTelle Studio, we create refined, artisan skincare—meticulously formulated using nature-inspired ingredients and advanced cosmetic science. Our alcohol-free, botanically active formulas are designed for women and men who value performance over hype and safety over fleeting trends.

Nature meets skin science

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Functional skincare — with a cosmetic finish.

If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about dry or flushed hands before an event, this was formulated for you.

Available now.
Shop via the link in my bio.

SAINTelle Studio
Small-batch. Formulated with heart and science.

#BotanicalSkincare
#IndieBeautyBrand
#ScienceBasedSkincare
#AnhydrousSkincare
#HandCareRoutine

Did you know mango butter is naturally lighter than shea?

Pressed from the mango seed kernel, mango butter melts quickly on contact with skin and absorbs with a soft, velvety finish- without the heaviness often associated with shea or cocoa butter.

Rich in skin-conditioning fatty acids, it helps support a smooth, supple barrier while maintaining a breathable feel.
Its extraction from mango seed kernels- combined with a smaller global production scale- contributes to its higher price point compared to shea or cocoa butter.

More refined. More delicate. More intentional.

#MangoButter
#IngredientSpotlight
#IndieBeautyBrand
#BotanicalSkincare
#CleanBeautyMovement

Before it was spirulina, it was tecuitlatl to the Mexica.

Harvested from the waters of Lake Texcoco, this vibrant blue-green algae was relied upon by Mexica warriors and elite runners for strength and endurance. Historical accounts describe couriers consuming spirulina before long-distance travel, allowing them to carry messages and military intelligence across extraordinary distances, some said to exceed 300 miles in a SINGLE day.

They understood its sustaining power through lived experience- long before modern science could measure just how nutrient-dense it truly is.

Today, we know spirulina contains phycocyanin, a powerful antioxidant compound valued in cosmetic science for helping defend against environmental stressors and supporting healthy-looking skin. When used topically, it’s appreciated for its protective, soothing, and barrier-supportive qualities.

What once fueled endurance from within now supports resilience on the surface.

I’m currently incorporating this historic botanical into new SAINTelle Studio formulations — honoring traditional plant wisdom while applying modern skincare science.

Stay tuned. 💙

#Ethnobotany
#AncestralBeauty
#CulturaYCuidado
#IndieBeautyBrand
#BotanicalSkincare

California leads the country in recycling regulations. We're also home to one of the largest concentrations of beauty brands in the world. What happens here sets the standard for the rest of the industry.

With recent supply chain challenges, tariffs, and the rollout of SB 343 (California’s “Truth in Labeling” law) alongside SB 54 (Extended Producer Responsibility), sourcing compliant cosmetic packaging has become increasingly complex- especially for small, independent brands like mine.

Under SB 343, it’s not enough for the container itself to be recyclable- the labeling must accurately state what is and is not recyclable. In addition, labels that are not properly addressed during processing can contaminate the recycling stream and render the entire package unrecyclable.

Although the PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) containers I use are recyclable, my original labels were not and therefore didn’t meet California’s requirements. I ended up making and printing my own labels in-house to ensure compliance. In the meantime, I’m looking for more sustainable packaging options as the October 4, 2026 deadline is approaching.

These changes aren’t always easy, especially for small businesses. If indie brands like mine can begin implementing these standards now, larger companies- with far greater resources- should be able to do the same.

Progress isn’t always convenient.

#SustainableBeauty
#IndieBeautyBrand
#CosmeticPackaging
#CaliforniaBusiness
#ResponsibleBeauty

Mechanotransduction- the process by which physical touch influences cellular behavior.

A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (Int. J. Cosmet. Sci., 2023) found that daily self-massage significantly improved visible signs of skin aging while also enhancing emotional well-being.

Within the skin’s cutaneous layer are fibroblasts- the cells responsible for maintaining the skin’s structural framework. Fibroblasts produce collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its firmness, strength, and elasticity. As we age, fibroblast activity naturally slows, contributing to thinning skin, fine lines, and loss of resilience. However, fibroblasts are mechanosensitive, meaning they respond to physical stimulation. Deep, manual skin massage provides controlled mechanical stimulation to the fibroblasts, which supports collagen and elastin synthesis and encourages lymphatic movement, supporting interstitial fluid balance and metabolic byproduct clearance, which can reduce puffiness and improve overall skin tone and texture.

Also of note, 100% of the participants reported an improvement in emotional well-being, reinforcing the role of self-massage as both a physiological AND emotional care ritual.

This is why I formulate body oils not just for texture or scent, but for ritual use. A few quiet minutes. Warm hands.
Intentional movement. Because caring for your skin can — and should — support how you feel, not just how you look.

#SkinRitual
#IndieBeautyBrand
#SelfCareScience
#BotanicalSkincare
#CosmeticScience

Reference: The objective and subjective impact of a daily self-massage on visible signs of stress and emotional well-being — Int J Cosmet Sci, 2023.

Mica is one of my favorite functional ingredients, not just for its beauty, but for what it does on the skin.
Cosmetic-grade mica is a naturally occurring mineral that’s refined for safe use in skincare and body products. Its unique plate-like structure reflects and diffuses light, creating a soft-focus, pearlescent effect that enhances the skin’s natural radiance—without heavy glitter or sparkle.

In oil-based formulations, mica:
• Scatters light to create a healthy, luminous glow
• Visually blurs the look of fine lines and texture
• Helps balance shine by absorbing excess sebum
• Adds a silky, velvety slip that improves spreadability

Every ingredient in my formulas is chosen intentionally—for performance, safety, and sensory experience. Nothing extra. Nothing unnecessary. Just thoughtful formulation, down to the micron level.
Science-backed. Small-batch. Purpose-driven.

#ingredientspotlight
#indiebeautybrand
#cosmeticformulator
#cleanbeautyformulas
#luxurybodycare

Even during filling, the batch stays in motion.
Shimmering body oils require continuous mixing to keep mica particles evenly suspended throughout the formula. Without movement, heavier particles settle — resulting in uneven distribution from bottle to bottle. Maintaining motion ensures consistency, stability, and uniform performance across every unit.
That process mirrors business more than people realize.
Some days are slow. Some days you’re tired. Some days you’re not sure if you’re moving in the right direction at all. But progress doesn’t require perfection — it requires momentum.
You keep the batch moving.
You keep yourself moving.
Consistency, over time, is what creates balance.

#CosmeticFormulation
#BehindTheFormula
#IndieBeautyFounder
#LuxuryBodyCare
#SmallBatchBeauty

Formulation begins long before a product ever touches skin.
These oils have been slowly infusing for over a week- a deliberate step that allows raw botanical oils to settle, mature, and harmonize with essential oil compounds. Many carrier oils carry naturally vegetative or “green” notes; time and controlled infusion are essential to soften those profiles and allow the aromatic structure to become refined and balanced.
Nothing here is rushed.
Each jar represents patience, precision, and respect for process- because high-performance formulas are built from the ground up, starting with properly prepared raw materials.
This is where craftsmanship lives: in time, restraint, and intention.

#CosmeticFormulation
#LuxurySkincare
#BehindTheFormulation
#SmallBatchBeauty
#ArtisanSkincare

Every ingredient in my formulas is selected with intention and research behind it.
This is tepezcohuite (Mimosa tenuiflora), a botanical traditionally used for hundreds — possibly thousands — of years by Indigenous communities in Mexico and Central America to support skin recovery after injury and irritation. Its bark is rich in tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and trace minerals, compounds known for their soothing, protective, and barrier-supportive properties.
In modern skincare formulation, tepezcohuite is valued for its ability to help calm compromised skin, support a more even appearance, and promote skin resilience — making it especially useful in products designed for stressed or sensitive skin.
Blending traditional knowledge with modern formulation science allows me to create products that are both effective and intentional. Every raw material is evaluated not only for its history, but for how it performs within a well-balanced formula.
This is where tradition meets formulation.

#IngredientSpotlight
#CosmeticFormulator
#IndieSkincareBrand
#BotanicalSkincare
#SkinBarrierScience

Owning a business isn’t just an investment in products or packaging — it’s an investment in yourself.
Your judgment.
Your resilience.
Your ability to pivot when things don’t go as planned.
These lip oil containers were a hard lesson. After months of waiting, sanitizing, and filling nearly 50 units, I noticed tiny cracks forming at the neck of the tubes. For safety reasons, everything had to be discarded. No shortcuts. No salvaging product. Just a total loss.
It was frustrating — time, money, and potential profit gone in an instant. But part of being a responsible business owner is knowing when to cut your losses and move forward instead of forcing something that isn’t right.
I sourced new containers locally, reformulated, and remade the entire batch. And in the process, I refined the formula even further — resulting in a lip oil that is significantly better than what I started with.
Not every setback is a failure. Sometimes it’s an invitation to slow down, make a better decision, and invest in something stronger.
Losses will always exist in business. Growth comes from how you respond to them.

#SmallBusinessJourney
#BehindTheBrand
#EntrepreneurMindset
#BuildingSomethingBetter
#SkincareFounder

Boron nitride — a refined mineral ingredient used intentionally in modern cosmetic formulation.
While boron nitride is not found in nature in its finished form, it is derived from naturally occurring elements: boron and nitrogen. Through controlled processing, these elements are transformed into an ultra-fine, inert powder valued in skincare and cosmetics for its performance benefits.
In face products, boron nitride is known for its soft-focus effect on the skin. It helps improve slip, creates a smooth, silky feel, and enhances the way light reflects on the surface of the skin — contributing to a more refined, blurred appearance without heaviness.
It's even highly stable in extreme heat! Due to its high thermal conductivity, it creates a pleasant cooling feel when applied to the skin.
We believe transparency matters. Not every effective cosmetic ingredient comes straight from a plant — and not every synthetic process is inherently harmful. Thoughtful formulation means choosing ingredients based on safety, stability, and how they perform on the skin.
Modern cosmetic science and nature don’t compete — they complement each other.

#CosmeticScience
#ModernFormulation
#IngredientTransparency
#SkincareInTheMaking
#ThoughtfulFormulation

Not every step in skincare is “pretty”- but this one is essential.

Before formulation ever begins, every container goes through a thorough wash and rinse to remove manufacturing dust, residue, and handling contaminants.

Once washed, all tools, surfaces, and containers are sanitized using lab-grade 70% isopropyl alcohol- the industry standard for effective sterilization.

Because we formulate with intention and serve customers who may prefer an alcohol-free lifestyle, we allow ample time for complete air-drying before anything is filled. This ensures no alcohol residue is introduced into our products.

This process isn’t always shown in aesthetic skincare posts but it’s one of the most important steps in responsible formulation.

Clean processes create clean products. Period.

#behindthebrand
#skincareformulation
#smallbatchskincare
#artisanalskincare
#skincaremanufacturing

Luxera Beauty is now SAINTelle Studio — a name that more accurately reflects the direction of our work, and one that holds a more personal meaning.
SAINTelle is a subtle nod to my last name, Saint Mark — a reminder that this studio is built, formulated, and led with intention by the person behind it.
Our philosophy, formulas, and standards remain the same. Only the name has changed.
Thank you for being part of this evolution.

#indiebeautybrand
#smallbatchskincare
#artisanbeauty
#saintellestudio
#luxuryskincare

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SAINTelle Studio

3400 Cottage Way

Ste G2 #30780

Sacramento, CA 95825

(951) 844-6566

Luxury Artisan Skincare Inspired by Nature

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