EiR NYC: Sustainable Products for the Surf and Sun
EiR prioritizes sustainability, but never sacrifices quality in the process. Jun sat down to share some of her summer wisdom with us.
Jun Lee began studying green medicine in 2013, when she sought natural solutions to pain from her surfing injuries. She founded Eir NY+C after her experimental Surf Mud became a favorite among her surfer community. She continued to explore herbal healing, blending herbs and essential oils to create what she now calls Nature’s First Aid Kit. At every step of the line’s production, EiR prioritizes sustainability, but never sacrifices quality in the process. Jun sat down to share some of her summer wisdom with us.
How did it all start?
Eir started in 2013 while I was recovering from 2 shoulder surgeries after a surfing accident. I was given pain management medications that I felt were not aligned with my lifestyle. I started consulting herbalists, acupuncturists and naturopathic doctors on alternative ways to heal and recover from a trauma that didn’t involve pharmaceuticals. I started learning about the healing properties of herbs and essentials oils, which eventually led me to become certified herbal practitioner. During this time, I had experimented with some oils that I could use for my inflammation and pain. I found some ingredients, like comfrey and camphor, to be very helpful for pain, and arnica and calendula helpful for inflammation. During this recovery time, I had moved out to Montauk for the summer, and couldn’t find any clean, water resistant sunblock that I liked. So I also started experimenting, and Surf Mud was born.
And since we are not all super women, we have to embrace recovery and healing as part of our daily life, and try to do it in a clean and sustainable way.
Can you share with our readers what makes EiR NYC so unique?
Eir is a unisex wellness skincare line made for people with active lifestyles in mind. The line currently has three main categories: Sun and Surf; Healing and Recovery; and Daily Essentials. The products are practical and all ingredients have been carefully selected to help with relief and recovery from overworked muscles either from injuries, training, or just everyday aches and pains. When I was in recovery, I didn’t want that ‘‘minty’ ointment smell for days on end. I realized maybe my recovery creams didn’t have to be separate from my daily body moisturizer. Why couldn’t the healing cream be a pleasurable and luxe experience? We feel that being active is an essential part of our wellbeing. And since we are not all super women, we have to embrace recovery and healing as part of our daily life, and try to do it in a clean and sustainable way.
I have become obsessed with your body oil and deodorant. Can you share with our readers the must-try products from EiR NYC?
Sunset Oil! This body oil has been infused with arnica and calendula, which helps with any type of inflammation. And, it’s loaded with Vitamin E and aloe, which helps soothe sunburns and dry, overstressed skin. It smells so good, that it is totally addictive. I use it everywhere – body, face, hair.
With summer finally around the corner what products should we pack for the holidays?
Definitely the Surf Mud sunblock for the face. The chocolate will give you a nice bronzy sunkissed glow. The Sunset Oil for the potential Memorial Day sunburn. The Active Face Wash to get that zinc off. And, the Face Rescue serum to gently hydrate.
Tell us more about your brand’s eco-conscious philosophy?
We really care about keeping the ocean clean. We want to encourage people to bring as little plastic to the ocean as possible. Especially when you are surfing or napping on the beach, we are bound to leave some stuff behind. Our surf mud pro is 100% compostable sun stick for face. It may not be as practical as using a plastic container but this little step makes a huge difference. We also have made sure that all of our sun products are reef friendly and won’t harm the ocean environment.
What is your beauty and wellness routine like in the summer months?
Lots of surfing! It’s been a pretty miserable few months of surf in NY, so I am looking forward to some spring and summer swell. I do my daily yoga practice, samba dancing and eating healthy wholesome foods. I think keeping the body healthy and strong and spending time with people you love is the best wellness and beauty routine to help you glow inside and out. As far as products I use; I wash my face with Eir Active face wash which is made with African black soap, Eir Hydrating Mist and Hydration Hero. Then I use Antonym cosmetic baked foundation and some lip gloss from Henne Organics. Finally, I spray some Hi Wildflower West Indies perfume and I’m good!
Any future plans for your brand?
We plan to continue to explore products that are practical with a luxe twist such as body spray, sports liniment and foot soaks.
Photography by Seymour Templar
Lani Allen is a graduate of Columbia University’s Non-fiction Creative Writing program. After serving as Vice President of her class for two years, she contributed written pieces and illustrations to many on-campus publications. As a writer with a passion for beauty, Lani enjoys capturing the stories of innovative thinkers and risk-takers shaping the industry as we know it.
I realized maybe my recovery creams didn’t have to be separate from my daily body moisturizer. Why couldn’t the healing cream be a pleasurable and luxe experience?
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