Our Founder Roundup On Her Holy Grail Sana Favorites

night rituals

She doesn't gatekeep. If it’s good, you’ll hear about it.

These are the products that made it through the group chats, the long flights, the moody skin days, the Sunday resets, and the bathroom counter real estate test. The textures she actually looks forward to. The formulas she swears by. The ones she refills before they run out (because running out? Not an option).


A PEEK INTO WHAT OUR FOUDER USES, LOVES, AND ALWAYS COME BACK TO

If this was her Vogue Beauty secrets video, these products are definitely making the cut.

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser: This cleanser is a dream in a bottle. Disclaimer: We're a bit too obsessed at the subtle yet addicting smell of strawberries as it starts to foam up on your skin. Val has been using this cleanser for years, and well, we don't blame her. Indie Lee's Brightening Cleanser makes up the perfect sud and melts away all impurities from the day + serves as an exfoliating mask when left on for 5 minutes. So, If you're like Val and wash your face in the shower, but don't want to stand naked and vulnerable for 5 minutes, move on to adding an extra self-care step like scrubbing your scalp with My Ceremonia's Papaya Scalp Scrub and go to town. Why? well, #1: it's something she would do and #2: it's also her favorite. Trust us.


Make The Little Things A Ritual: If you can spare an extra 5–10 minutes in the shower, do it. It’s the kind of reset that makes you feel brand new and totally worth a few wrinkly fingers. You’ll step out feeling like a million bucks, with a scalp so clean it practically squeaks.

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wind down mood
meditation

Pai Century Flower Mist: If this mist ever went out of her sight, call the troops. This is Valentina's love note in a toner. Pai is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin types. It's key ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid which works like a water tank for your face, keeping it plump and hydrated. Prebiotic Inulin (from chicory root) keeps your skin barrier happy and calm, like giving it a probiotic smoothie. Then there’s Deep Sea Magnesium & Minerals — a whole lineup of trace elements that chill inflammation and keep your skin strong. A few spritzes and your face goes from “meh” to “okay, she’s thriving.”


How She Uses It: Spritz all over your face, whenever & wherever. Most loved when she's out during a farmers market stroll, after a hot yoga class, or simply whenever she wants a subtle glow. Oh and did we mention the beauty of how it sprays? Feels so lux.

Sofie Pavitt Omega Rich Moisturizer: 

Forever her barrier support go-to & her current obsession. Made for acne-prone skin (so no clogged pores here) This is the cream she trusts when her skin feels depleted — post-travel, post-facial, post-stress. It's her dupe for Augustinus Bader's The Cream, which IYKYK, it's a muse fav at Sana. 


What Makes It The MVP:

  • Omega‑3 & Omega‑6 fatty acids (Vitamin F): These are your skin’s best friends when it comes to long-term hydration, barrier repair, and keeping oil production in check.

  • Squalane: A superstar hydrator that smooths and sinks in fast—no greasy residue in sight.

  • Jojoba oil & Argan oil: Gentle hydrators with soothing powers. They calm redness and protect without clogging pores.

  • Bonus glow from Sunflower oil: Adds that soft, dewy finish without turning you into an oil slick.

Fans call it a “rich cream that doesn't break me out,” and trust us—that kind of magic isn’t easy to find.


Sana Tip: Perfect for acne-prone muses who’ve been heavy on the actives and need to hit pause. This cream gives you hydration and barrier support when your skin’s asking for a breather.

What you nourish your body with is reflected in your skin

You ever hear that saying: "You are what you eat?" Val takes that seriously and her supplement game is strong. It’s her go-to for keeping energy up, skin glowing, and immunity strong. Bonus: it tastes so good, she sometimes takes it straight from the packet.


Cymbiotika Vitamin C Supplement: Punched with this silky, almost citrusy gel you can take straight from the pouch or mix into water. It’s made to actually absorb into your body (so you’re not just making expensive pee), and it’s loaded with antioxidants to boost your immune system, help your skin glow, and fight off that run-down feeling.



Here's Why She Loves It:


  • Vitamin C (80% L‑Ascorbic Acid + 20% Sodium Ascorbate): The classics. Both act as powerful antioxidants to boost your immune system, support collagen production, and help slow down visible signs of aging. They’re the backbone of the packet's glow-up power.

  • Biotin (Vitamin B7) : The beauty builder. It helps nourish your skin, hair, and nails from the inside out—so your face looks firmer, your hair looks healthier, and your self-care routine actually shows.

  • Phosphatidylcholine : Think of this as the delivery hero. It’s part of that liposomal magic that helps your body absorb all the good stuff more efficiently, much better than traditional pills or powders.

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@valenhb, via IG stories
mindful

Dr. Dennis Gross SPF 50


The SPF that will never leave a white cast, doesn't leave a weird after-smell on your skin, and will not have you wanting to wash your face after 3 hours. Leaves her skin dewy, calm, and of course, protected.


Why She Loves It: It’s hydrating, protective, and gives that subtle, healthy glow without clogging pores. Plus, SPF 50 means serious sun protection without having to reapply every hour like you’re at the beach. It’s her daily “non-negotiable.”




Pair With Sana Dad Hat: The easiest way to take your SPF beyond skincare. Perfectly worn-in, gives that effortless “off-duty” look and adds an extra layer of defense against UV. Whether you’re walking to your morning matcha, running errands, or spending the afternoon poolside, it’s the kind of accessory that works hard without trying hard. 




Salt & Stone Deodorant Bergamot & Hinoki


Ah, yes...the endless debate around natural deodorants and whether they actually work. Our founder’s search ended the moment she discovered Salt & Stone’s deodorant.


Why She's Obsessed: Salt & Stone Bergamot & Hinoki deodorant smells clean but not “soapy”. It’s fresh, a little woodsy, and just the right amount of citrusy without feeling too sweet. Plus, it’s natural, so no sketchy stuff, and it actually works. The formula goes on clear, no weird residue, and won’t leave those white marks or yellow pits you end up regretting later. 

Less Is More.

Your skincare routine doesn't have to be complicated.


You don’t need a 10-step plan or a bathroom shelf overflowing with “just okay” products. What you do need is a few things that work, that make you feel good in your skin, and that you actually look forward to using.


This is that list—what our founder reaches for in real life, after years of trying it all. The products that keep their spot on her counter because they deliver, they feel good, and they make skincare something she wants to do, not has to do.


A routine you’ll come back to again and again.


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