Welcome to Beauty Field Guide, a series that explores the best beauty treatments and wellness experiences that a place has to offer, through the lens of our favorite cultural insiders. This week, co-founders of the CBD brand Xula, Karina Primelles and Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey, walk us through the best spots in Mexico City, the place they call home.
Photo: Tzvetelina Garneva
Xula isn't your run-of-the-mill CBD company. The Latinx and Black-owned brand is focused on harnessing the power of herbs and plants to help soothe the mental and physical pains and aches that come along with menstruation, anxiety, menopause, and PMS. The names of their balms, sprays, and oils—which are filled with ingredients from a local organic hemp farm—reflect the aims of each product. There's Touch + Soothe, a balm for sore muscles, and Lights Out, a CBD herb blend to aid in relaxation before bed, among others.
Co-founders Karina Primelles and Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey both reside in Mexico City. Below, they share their insights on the most fabulous local beauty and wellness spots, plus their favorite herbal beauty products to bring along in your suitcase.
Photo: Courtesy of Arca Tierra
"One of the most unforgettable views is seeing the sunrise from the Xochimilco canals and its chinampas. Xochimilco, also known as 'Field of Flowers,' is a series of canals that were created during the Mesoamerican period and whose implementation of chinampas is still in use today. Chinampas are artificial islands built on these wetlands for agricultural purposes. This is something that can be experienced with Arca Tierra, a collective that seeks to heal our earth by employing regenerative and traditional agriculture techniques. You can book a sunrise experience with them that includes a breakfast where all the ingredients come from their chinampa." —Karina Primelles
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@rohonails
"Based in Mexico City and Guadalajara, Karla Donato, aka Roho, is a conceptual and dimension-bending nail artist who has worked with Xula for our first campaign, Tommy Hilfiger, American Eagle, and been featured in Vogue, Elle Mexico, Vice, The Cool Hunter, etc. As a methodical nail tech, the experience of getting your nails done with Roho is a zen-like fantasy wellness experience." —Mennlay Golokeh Aggrey
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@sundancexmoondance
"Inspired by the ecstatic dance structure that began in Hawaii, these sessions will leave you sweaty and reinvigorated. Hosted every Sunday at 10:30 AM in huerto roma verde, these are no-talk, no-touch, two- to three-hour-long dance sessions." —KP
Photo: Courtesy of Masala y Maiz
"If you're looking for a moment to nourish your body and soul, go to Masala y Maiz, a restaurant and concept that explores the migration of people, culinary techniques, ingredients, cultural food ways, and political movements between South Asia, East Africa, and Mexico. Chefs Norma and Saqib have researched the intersections of their respective cultures. Their restaurant is a reflection of the belief that food can be used as a powerful tool for environmental and social justice and that chefs have the responsibility to advocate and work towards bettering labor conditions for everyone in the food industry." —MGA
Photo: Courtesy of Chapultepec Park
"Located right in the heart of the city, Chapultepec Park is one of the largest parks in Latin America and boasts many hidden treasures. My ideal visit would consist of entering through the entrance by the Estrella de Luz (you'll see why if you go) and walking up to the botanical gardens. From there, you should make your way up to Chapultepec Castle where you will catch a breathtaking view of the city and learn about its unique history. To end the visit, there is a little hidden magical nook called the audiorama where you are invited to contemplate in silence and listen to the day's musical curation." —KP
Photo: Courtesy of Museo Tamayo
"During or after a walk in Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Park), head to Museo Tamayo. Though Mexico City is known for having the most museums in the world, Tamayo specifically is zen-like in its captivation. There is a calming and grounding vibe from the architecture of the building alone, which lends itself to lines, shapes, and textures that let in light and bring you deep into the experience of its exhibitions." —MGA
What to Pack: Beauty Edition
Ah! Calm Clarity
"The herbal hemp blend of passionflower, damiana, rose, and rosemary can help you flow through the day with ease. Pair it with Xula's Uff! Touch + Soothe Balm after a long day of walking to gently self-massage." —MGA & KP
Menthamericana Hand Cream
"This hand cream is perfect to counteract the dryness of the city. It has a butter-like texture, and the scent is warm and woody yet green and refreshing. We like to use it all over our body (not just on our hands). —MGA & KP
Sea Moss Cube
"This is a remix of the classic soap. The Black-owned and sustainable company focuses on clean body-care products that are packed with soothing superfood ingredients." —MGA & KP
Hair Perfume in Garnet
"Crosby's hair perfume for those whose hair texture thrives on fewer wash days. Their natural botanical fragrances fill each strand with notes—like rose attar, bergamot, and cedar—that are delicious. You can also use it as a body spray." —MGA & KP
Top photo: Courtesy of Xula
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