Founder’s Favorites
Leslie's Personal Skincare Journey & Go-To Bella Botanicals Products
By Leslie Reichgelt, Founder & Formulator
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a love–hate relationship with my skin. My complexion is naturally combination—leaning slightly dry, especially in the Wisconsin winters—and it’s also extremely sensitive. In my early twenties, I experienced my first rosacea flare after getting a facial that used a cayenne pepper mask. My skin reacted with papules and pustules seemingly overnight, and from that moment on I knew I had to be more intentional about every product I used.
Today, decades later, I still live with rosacea and sensitive, reactive skin. I avoid essential oils and fragrance in leave-on products on my face, and I’m careful with all skincare products. The latest and greatest typically leads to redness and inflammation for me. That personal journey is exactly why I created Bella Botanicals: to craft skincare that is clean, effective, and gentle enough for even the most delicate complexions—like mine. It's also why I like to provide our customers with fragrance free options. Here are the products I rely on every single day to keep my skin balanced, hydrated, and happy.
🌿 The Natural Beauty Trio
Sweet Orange Cleanser • Fragrance-Free Toner • Fragrance-Free Moisture Boost Facial Serum
If I had to choose one set to recommend to anyone with combination or sensitive skin, this is it.
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Sweet Orange Cleanser – My evening essential. It removes impurities without stripping my skin and has the most uplifting natural citrus scent. I personally save cleansing for evenings only.
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Fragrance-Free Toner – A gentle, balancing step that calms redness and preps my skin for hydration. I use this both morning and evening. Sometimes I even use it mid-day if my skin feels dehydrated or i've gotten too much sun.
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Fragrance-Free Moisture Boost Facial Serum – Lightweight but deeply hydrating, this serum keeps my skin plump and soothed without any irritants.
This trio is the heart of my routine and the reason my rosacea stays calm year-round. You can find this bundle listed under our Natural Beauty Trio HERE.
✨ Oil Cleanser & Double Cleansing Method
At night, I start with our Oil Cleanser to dissolve makeup and SPF. I apply a few pumps onto a hydrated cotton ball. Using the oil as the first step in cleansing allows makeup to be pulled from the pores. Since this product is Fragrance Free, it's also safe to remove eye makeup. I follow with the Sweet Orange Cleanser to remove any residue. This double cleansing method keeps my pores clear while maintaining moisture—a must for sensitive, combination skin.
💧 Antioxidant Facial Oil
A few nights a week (and almost nightly in winter), I layer this antioxidant-rich blend over the Moisture Boost serum. The olive squalane locks in hydration and the astaxanthin helps fade sun spots while protecting against free radicals. It’s my go-to for extra nourishment during cold, dry months.
🍃 Fruit Acid Gel & Rose Clay Mask
Because my skin is porous and breakout-prone around my cycle, I rely on gentle exfoliation:
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Fruit Acid Gel – I use it 2–3 nights a week with the Moisture Boost serum to keep my pores clear and brighten my complexion. Typically when you have rosacea alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's) can be inflammatory, however this blend is formulated to be used on even the most sensitive skin with calming algae and aloe. Please note that products like this shouldn't be used on children or those with active barrier disfunction like eczema or dermatitis.
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Rose Clay Mask – Once a week, I pair this with the Fruit Acid Gel for an at-home facial experience. It leaves my skin silky smooth and refreshed—without the irritation I sometimes experience from traditional spa facials.
💋 Nature’s Kiss Lip Balm
Dry, chapped lips used to be a daily struggle for me, which is why I formulated this balm in the first place. To my delight, it became the first product that truly worked. I haven’t had a single day of chapped lips since adding it to my routine.
🌸 Everything Balm
This multi-tasking wonder is my nightly treat for hands, nails, and feet. I massage it into my cuticles to keep my nails strong and smooth it over my heels to lock in moisture. It’s the ultimate bedtime ritual for soft, healthy skin from head to toe.
Why I Share My Favorites
My personal skin story is at the heart of every Bella Botanicals formula. I know what it’s like to feel frustrated, to react to products that promise results but deliver irritation instead. Each of these products was created to solve a need I personally experienced—and I’m thrilled to share them with you.
Whether you struggle with sensitive skin, seasonal dryness, or simply want effective, clean skincare you can trust, I hope these founder’s favorites inspire you to create a routine that makes your skin feel calm, nourished, and beautifully cared for.