Meet Natalie, The Skincare Chef
Love + Be Well was born in 2017 when founder Natalie began reversing her MS symptoms through clean living — and realized that what she put on her body mattered just as much as what she put in it. Every product she creates carries that conviction.
Our Story
Love + Be Well was never meant to become just another skincare brand.
It began during one of the hardest seasons of my life.
In 2014, after years of unexplained symptoms, exhaustion, and feeling disconnected from my body, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. At the time, I could barely walk or speak. My health — and honestly, my entire life — felt like it was unraveling.
So I began rebuilding.
Slowly. Intentionally. One choice at a time.
I started paying attention to everything — the food I ate, the products in our home, the stress I carried, the ingredients I placed on my skin, and the pace at which I was living.
And little by little, things began to change.
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“Sometimes healing begins by slowing down enough to listen.”
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What started as a deeply personal healing journey became a complete shift in how I viewed wellness.
I fell in love with real food.
With slower living.
With ingredients I could recognize.
With nourishing instead of depriving.
And naturally, skincare became part of that conversation.
At the time, I struggled to find products that felt truly clean, beautiful, and luxurious all at once. Many products claiming to be natural were still filled with synthetic fragrance, preservatives, fillers, and ingredients I didn’t trust.
So I started making my own.
In my kitchen.
For myself.
For my family.
Formulating skincare began to feel less like chemistry and more like cooking — blending botanical oils, probiotics, superfoods, herbs, and nutrient-rich ingredients together in ways that felt nourishing, comforting, and alive.
That was the beginning of Love + Be Well.
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“Beauty does not need to be rushed.”
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To this day, every product we create is rooted in the belief that skincare should nourish the skin the same way good food nourishes the body.
Simple ingredients.
Intentional formulations.
Small batches made by hand.
Our products are crafted with probiotics, botanical oils, plant-based ingredients, and skin-loving nutrients chosen to support healthy, glowing skin at every age.
No unnecessary fillers.
No harsh alcohols.
No synthetic fragrance.
No shortcuts.
Just thoughtful skincare made slowly and with care in our Virginia studio.
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“Come home to yourself.”
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As I’ve grown older, so has this brand.
And somewhere along the way, I realized I no longer wanted skincare rooted in fear, perfection, or chasing youth.
I wanted something softer.
Something more grounded.
Love + Be Well exists to support women in feeling radiant, healthy, confident, and comfortable in their skin — not despite aging, but alongside it.
We believe beauty deepens with time.
That slowing down is powerful.
That caring for yourself is never vanity.
And that glowing skin begins with how we live, not just what we apply.
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“Skincare inspired by nourishment, not perfection.”
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Everything we create is still made in small batches by us and shipped directly from our studio to your home.
This brand is deeply personal.
It holds pieces of my story, my healing journey, my family, my kitchen, my years of learning, and my belief that wellness should feel beautiful — not overwhelming.
Whether you found us searching for cleaner skincare, graceful aging support, probiotics, or simply a quieter way to care for yourself…
I’m so glad you’re here.
Love + Be Well,
Founder | The Skincare Chef
From the Be Well Blog
How to Choose a Skincare Ritual Set Gift
A skincare ritual set gift should feel personal, clean, and useful. Learn how to choose one that supports glow, balance, and daily care.
Magnesium Roller for Sleep: Does It Help?
Curious about a magnesium roller for sleep? Learn how it fits into a calming bedtime ritual, what to expect, and how to use it well.
Organic Lip Balm for Dry Lips That Works
Find the right organic lip balm for dry lips with clean, food-grade ingredients that soothe, protect, and support softer lips every day.
From the Be Well Kitchen
Citrus Glow Salad with Buffalo Mozzarella, Avocado & Pistachio Quinoa
A fresh, beautiful salad from Natalie’s kitchen — tender red butter lettuce, juicy tangerine, creamy buffalo mozzarella, cool cucumber, avocado, delicate prosciutto, and fluffy quinoa tossed with pistachios, all finished with broccoli micro greens and a bright champagne-orange dressing.
This is the kind of salad I love when I want something that feels light, feminine, and deeply nourishing — but still a little special.
Fresh. Creamy. Citrusy. Crisp.
A little salty from the prosciutto, a little sweet from the tangerine, a little richness from the avocado and mozzarella, and just enough texture from the pistachio quinoa to make it feel satisfying.
It’s simple enough for lunch at home, beautiful enough to serve to a friend, and exactly the kind of glow meal that makes healthy eating feel abundant, colorful, and joyful.
Every bite feels fresh and balanced without being heavy.
And the best part?
It comes together easily, with ingredients that feel elevated but effortless.
Why We Love It
Red Butter Lettuce
Soft, delicate, and mineral-rich, red butter lettuce gives this salad a tender, beautiful base without overpowering the other flavors.
Tangerine + Orange
Bright citrus brings natural sweetness, vitamin C, and that fresh, juicy lift that makes the whole salad feel alive.
Buffalo Mozzarella
Creamy and delicate, buffalo mozzarella adds softness and richness while keeping the salad elegant and light.
Avocado
Healthy fats make the salad more satisfying and help nourish the skin from within.
Quinoa + Pistachios
A little protein, a little crunch, and a little earthiness — this combination makes the salad feel complete.
Broccoli Micro Greens
Tiny but powerful, micro greens add a fresh, vibrant finish and an extra layer of nourishment.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 head red butter lettuce, leaves gently separated and washed
- 1 tangerine, peeled and segmented
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 ball buffalo mozzarella, torn into soft pieces
- 3–4 slices prosciutto, gently torn
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
- ¼ cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- A handful of broccoli micro greens
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Champagne-Orange Dressing
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- Juice from ½ orange
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1–2 teaspoons honey, to taste
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Directions
In a small bowl or jar, combine the minced shallot, champagne vinegar, orange juice, orange zest, and honey.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes so the shallot softens and mellows.
Slowly whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until the dressing feels silky and blended.
Season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper.
In a separate bowl, toss the cooked quinoa with chopped pistachios and a small spoonful of the dressing.
Arrange the red butter lettuce on a large platter or shallow bowl.
Layer in the tangerine segments, cucumber, avocado, torn buffalo mozzarella, and prosciutto.
Spoon the pistachio quinoa over the salad.
Drizzle with the champagne-orange dressing.
Finish with broccoli micro greens, a little extra orange zest, cracked pepper, and a final whisper of sea salt.
Serve immediately.
Easy Swaps
No tangerine? Use orange segments, blood orange, grapefruit, or sliced nectarines.
No buffalo mozzarella? Try burrata, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or a soft cashew cheese.
No prosciutto? Leave it off for a vegetarian version, or swap in grilled chicken, smoked salmon, crispy chickpeas, or toasted seeds.
No quinoa? Use farro, millet, wild rice, or keep it leafy and light.
No pistachios? Try toasted almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or pine nuts.
No broccoli micro greens? Use pea shoots, arugula, basil leaves, or sunflower sprouts.
Glow Note
I love salads like this because they remind me that nourishing food can still feel beautiful.
Soft lettuce. Sweet citrus. Creamy avocado. Salty prosciutto. A little crunch.
Simple ingredients layered together in a way that feels fresh, generous, and full of life.
Love + Eat Well,
Natalie
Broccoli Date Salad with Sunflower Seeds
This fresh, crunchy broccoli salad is the kind of simple, feel-good recipe we love to keep in rotation. It’s bright, lightly creamy, naturally sweet from dried dates, and full of texture from crisp broccoli, red onion, and sunflower seeds. A little apple cider vinegar gives the dressing just the right lift, while honey softens the edges and brings everything together.
It’s beautiful as a make-ahead lunch, a picnic salad, or a vibrant side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 5 cups fresh broccoli, finely chopped into small bite-size florets
- ½ cup dried dates, pitted and chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ⅓ cup sunflower seeds
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Directions
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, dates, red onion, and sunflower seeds.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well, making sure everything is lightly coated.
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 20–30 minutes before serving. This gives the broccoli time to soften slightly and allows the sweet, tangy, creamy flavors to come together.
Taste before serving and adjust with an extra pinch of salt, pepper, or a tiny drizzle of honey if desired.
Natalie’s Notes
Chopping the broccoli small makes all the difference. It creates the perfect bite and helps the dressing cling to every little floret.
For extra richness, you can lightly toast the sunflower seeds before adding them. And if you love a little more tang, add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar.
This salad keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days and makes a beautiful prep-ahead recipe for busy weeks.
Love + Eat Well,
Natalie
Simple Fresh Crab Cakes with Lemon Yogurt Dip
Fresh, golden, and full of simple coastal flavor — these crab cakes are one of those recipes that feels elegant without being complicated.
They’re crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and made with fresh lump crab, lemon, herbs, and just enough panko to hold everything together. Served warm with a creamy lemon yogurt dip, extra lemon wedges, and a simple green salad, this is a beautiful lunch, light dinner, or weekend recipe to bring to the table.
I love recipes like this because they feel both nourishing and special.
Simple ingredients.
Fresh flavor.
A little golden crunch.
A creamy, lemony dip.
And a plate that feels like sunshine.
Why We Love It
Fresh Lump Crab
Delicate, naturally sweet, and full of protein, fresh crab makes these cakes feel light yet satisfying.
Lemon
Lemon zest and juice brighten the crab cakes and the yogurt dip, adding that clean, fresh flavor that makes everything come alive.
Greek Yogurt
Used in both the crab cakes and the dip, Greek yogurt adds creaminess, protein, and a lighter feel than traditional mayo.
Fresh Herbs
Parsley, chives, or dill bring color, freshness, and that simple garden flavor we love.
A Simple Green Salad
The perfect way to serve these crab cakes — fresh greens, avocado, tomato, olive oil, lemon, and a little sea salt.
Simple Fresh Crab Cakes
Ingredients
1 pound fresh lump crab meat, picked over for shells
1 large egg
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or mayo
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chives
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, plus more if needed
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, optional
pinch of sea salt and black pepper
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, for cooking
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together the egg, Greek yogurt or mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, herbs, Old Bay if using, sea salt, and black pepper.
Gently fold in the crab meat and panko breadcrumbs, being careful not to break up the crab too much. The mixture should hold together but still feel light and delicate. Add a little more panko if needed.
Shape into 6 to 8 small patties.
Place the crab cakes on a plate and chill for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps them hold together while cooking.
Heat olive oil or avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the crab cakes for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden, crisp, and warmed through.
Transfer to a plate and serve warm.
Lemon Yogurt Dip
Ingredients
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped dill, parsley, or chives
1 small garlic clove, finely grated, optional
sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Stir all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust with more lemon, herbs, sea salt, or black pepper as desired.
Chill until ready to serve.
Natalie’s Favorite Way To Serve It
I love serving these crab cakes warm over a simple green salad with sliced avocado, ripe tomato, a spoonful of lemon yogurt dip, extra herbs, and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon.
A drizzle of olive oil, flaky sea salt, and cracked black pepper make it feel beautiful and complete.
Glow Note
This is the kind of recipe that reminds me how simple food can still feel elevated.
Fresh crab.
Bright lemon.
Creamy yogurt.
Tender greens.
A linen napkin on the table.
Nothing too fussy — just beautiful, nourishing ingredients prepared with care.
Love + Eat Well,
Natalie
