You’ve seen the delicate, candy-coloured flowers, and you’ve undoubtedly breathed in the rich, rose-like scent of geraniums. These pretty flowers with their leafy stalks are hardy flowers that you’ll find growing in many gardens. But like so many flowers and plants, their dainty appearance conceals skin benefits that really pack a punch.
Found in our natural Face Cream, geranium oil naturally firms up facial skin, and is used dermatologically to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Because it naturally tightens skin without reducing moisture and suppleness, it minimises many of the common signs of aging skin. Used regularly, ideally in a blend with other botanicals, it can have a rapid and noticeable effect on those pesky wrinkles.
Because geranium oil is a natural anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory oil, it actively boosts skin’s health and natural glow. By helping skin stay conditioned, and soothing irritated or breakout prone skin, it fights against skin affected by harsh weather conditions or prone to acne.
It’s often used to combat dermatitis and other damaging skin conditions, helping skin cells to naturally regenerate and leaving your skin clearer and with a natural glow and health that you can see. We use it in our botanical Balancing Face Oil, combined with other oils that really boost skin’s appearance like Japanese rice bran and Argan, to really enhance the way your skin looks and feels.
If you have skin that’s sensitive and prone to irritation, you’ll be familiar with the annoying red marks and scar tissue spots ad wounds can leave on skin. Because geranium oil is a natural cicatrisant - it speeds up the healing of wounds and helps healthy new skin cells to regenerate more quickly - it is often used to treat scar tissue and the dark spots and marks left by acne and sunburn. That’s why it’s an ideal ingredient in balms, cleansers and moisturisers like ours.
For those suffering from oily skin, geranium oil has been shown to reduce excess oil and help skin to maintain a healthy natural balance. An antiseptic and anti-oxidant, it helps to unblock pores and restore the natural sebum balance on the skin’s surface, helping your skin to breathe and keeping it looking fresher and younger.
That’s why combining our Exfoliating Powder with our Balancing Face Oil will be great at keeping skin naturally conditioned and clean. Our powder is packed with natural exfoliants, so it’s a great cleanser, and it’s a powder, so an ideal way to boost that carry on luggage liquid allowance.
Adding geranium oil to a conditioner or hair mask dramatically reduced dryness and helps to ease dandruff and skin irritation on the scalp. Helping to sooth dry or irritated skin, massaging the oil into your scalp as a leave in mask, or adding it to your conditioner to treat hair that is sun damaged or in need of some serious re-hydration.
Geranium’s aromatherapeutic properties are well documented. Studies have shown that it is effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression, and a study into its effects on pregnant and post-natal women found that it actively reduces anxiety during labour and helped fight signs of post-natal depression.
We use geranium oil in our products because we believe that looking after your skin can also provide a daily ritual that brings you a sense of calm and wellbeing. Products using natural botanical oils double up as massage oils and breathing them in naturally reduces stress while caring for your skin, working inside and out.
While you can easily buy geranium oil and add it to the products you use, it’s best to find products that combine it in smart ways with other complimentary botanicals to benefit from the synergistic impact of the blend.
We use geranium oil along with more than fifty natural essential oils, plant and herb extracts to give you simple everyday products that contain everything you need for healthy, beautiful skin. Create your skincare routine now with Alex Carro natural products.
Argan Oil is an incredibly nourishing, natural vegetable oil, rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, flavonoids, ferulic acid, polyphenols and carotenoids. It’s rich, complex and unique chemical composition is amazing for your skin, helping to soften lines and sooth and protect against environmental damage.
Argan Oil is made by grinding the nut of the goodness-packed green fruit of the Argan tree, which grows in Southern Morocco. The oil from this nut, Argania Spinosa, is a skincare force to be reckoned with.
With so many skincare options, it’s increasingly important to know what really works, and what’s just filler. I always tell friends to check the ingredients when choosing skincare products. There’s a lot of synthetic stuff in most products like synthetic perfumes, petroleum or polyethylene glycol, which make them cheap to produce but not good for your skin. Botanical oils like Argan, pressed from a nut and rich in natural goodness, are not only much more powerful than synthetics, but bring natural balance to skin, enhancing the vitamin rich plants and herbs they are made from to have maximum impact on skin.
Argan is very rich in omega 6 essential fatty acids. These are the fatty acids that make skin softer and more supple, increasing elasticity. That means it’s great for mature or damaged skin, as it actively helps regenerate healthy skin cells faster. Having a very high vitamin E content, as well as plenty of vitamins A, B1 and B2, make Argan oil deeply hydrating, and it is non-greasy and easily absorbed, so is ideal as a face or body moisturiser. It’s commonly used in face and body oils, including oils used around the eyes, as it’s particularly good for sensitive and/or wrinkled areas.
Because it’s regenerating, Argan oil is very commonly used in before and after sun care products. It actively aids skin healing and has a very soothing effect. We use it in our Balancing Face Oil because it actively hydrates skin, and also protects it from the elements, in winter or summer, by repairing damaged skin and catalysing the production of newer, healthier skin cells.
Because Argan is a non-greasy oil, and packed with vitamins it’s great for your hair as well as your skin. It’s particularly good for taming frizzy hair, and for repairing damage done by repeated blow-drying and styling. The best way to use Argan Oil on hair is as a leave-in conditioning treatment. Smooth the oil and your hair and scalp and it will leave hair glossy and shiny, and even help combat split-ends!
And boys, don’t forget that beards can quickly become rough and wiry. Argan Oil will condition beard hair leaving it noticeably softer!
Argan has long been considered one of the best treatments for acne and eczema. It’s a natural antioxidant, and it soothes irritated skin. Argan Oil has a high linoleic acid content, which helps reduce inflammation caused by things like acne, insect bites, rashes, itching and infections. Using Argan as a treatment is a great way of keeping remedial skincare natural, and using oils and serums containing Argan is great way of treating irritation prone skin every day and avoiding breakouts.
Love Argan Oil? It's one of the main ingredients in our Balancing Face Oil. Click here to check it out!
Some people are scared of using oils on their skin, because they suffer from oily skin. Makes sense, right? Wrong! Many naturally occurring oils actively fight oily skin. Argan oil contains naturally occurring linoleic acid, and reduces inflammation and helps balance skin’s natural pH levels. Studies have shown that Argan helps reduce the sebum levels in individuals with oily skin, helping to balance the acid mantle and improve skin’s health and appearance.
If, like me, you’re an avid collector of botanical oils, you might order some pure Argan Oil and use it as and when you need to. A much more well-rounded way to get the most out of this powerful botanical essential oil is to get yourself some skincare products which contain good quality ingredients, in high proportions, and therefore high up on the list (check for INCIs commonly used, like Argania Spinosa for Argan Oil), preferably combined with complimentary oils.
You’ll often find Argan used along with Rose Oil, Evening Primrose and Jojoba, along with a host of other natural oils with related qualities. Check out face oils like our Balancing Face Oil, which is an intelligent blend of natural botanicals, blended to include everything you need to keep your skin healthy and beautiful. Its rich blend of essential oils make it a skincare powerhouse, suitable for everybody.
As well as being a soothing treatment for bug bites (see above), studies have found that leaves, nuts and pulp of the spinosa family of fruits – fruits often found in tropical locations – have evolved to contain natural chemicals which repel insects. Argania spinosa is commonly used in natural anti-insect sprays and scents, so it’s as useful before exposure to bugs as it is after!
As Argan is particularly good for dry, damaged or irritated skin, an obvious key use is in treating those so-often ignored body parts – your feet. The often dry and cracking undersides of your feet will love the soothing effects of Argan, and will leave feet noticeably softer after one or two applications. I recommend rubbing in the oil and then putting on a pair of cosy socks and putting your feet up for half and hour to let the oil really soak in.
Nails and cuticles are often overlooked, but need care and attention aside from the more cosmetic treatments. Argan Oil is a great natural oil to use on nails, once any polish has been removed, and leaves cuticle skin and nails softer and hydrated, appearing shinier and healthier.
For some, September means saying goodbye to the good times of summer and getting stuck into the drudgery of winter. If you’re feeling the back-to-school blues, here are a few things to think about to bring the “Earth, Wind and Fire” back to September.
1. Earth: Take Stock
September is typically a time for re-evaluating, and it’s important to look around you and see what is already there.
This summer, I saw my daughter explore the same landscapes as I did as a child. I was able to teach her about the plants and herbs growing wild in Galicia, and enjoy the figs, apples, pears, plums, blackberries and oranges we picked ourselves. This brought back so many memories of my own childhood and reminded me of the overwhelming abundance of nature.
Summers in Galicia and at our farmhouse remind me of how plentiful nature can be, and of how oh-so-simple pleasures can make a world of difference to our physical and psychological well-being. Wherever you are, try to mentally catalogue the good things already present in your life – however simple – instead of counting up the things you don’t have or want more of.
2. Wind: Stay Natural
I’ve always been inspired by nature, and certainly feel happiest when surrounded by green. Whether it’s forest bathing, picking seasonal fruits, or creating my own plant and herb oils in the lab at our farmhouse in the countryside outside Barcelona, nature inspires our products at every step.
Escaping the urban sprawl is truly good for the soul, and even when I come back to the city I am fortunate enough to have easy access to a more bucolic lifestyle whenever I need it. If escaping to the country isn’t an easy option, little things like taking a walk in a park or bringing natural greens or wild mushrooms into the kitchen can refresh our connection to nature.
Our skincare products are made with all-natural botanicals because they have a powerful effect on skin, and also because I know first hand how natural aromatherapeutic plant and herb extracts and essential oils can affect your mood and well-being as well as appearance. So much more than simply skin care, nature is part of a holistic approach to health and lifestyle, so get it anywhere and anytime you can!
3. Fire: Make A Promise
We tend to think of Spring as a time of rebirth. As the season blooms, and we stretch and emerge bleary-eyed from winter, it’s easy to feel the charge of possibility in the air.
For me though, I have always felt the most energised at this time of year. There are so many things I love about Autumn, and ever since I was a child (new haircuts, new school shoes, a chill in the air on a late summer day) I loved coming back from Galicia refreshed, energised and viscerally switched on from nature and that wild, inspirational landscape.
I find that September (rather than say, New Year), is a great time to make myself a promise or two. Routine goes out of the window in Summer, so deciding to make an effort to experiment more in the kitchen, or to plan more cultural family activities, can give September a more definite shape.
Even carrying on some of your summer habits can be a great thing. Taking the time to read is one joy of summer, and I’m determined to make more time to curl up with a good book this winter (there’s a post on reading tips comping up soon!)
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Trees! Majestic, wonderful, magical trees! It’s possible you may have always had an inkling that trees are, generally speaking, a good thing. Turns out, you were right all along.
Once again, I have recently found myself unknowingly positioned at the vanguard of well-being trends. I have recently been reading up on studies done into a Japanese habit rather wonderfully referred to as “forest bathing”. Forest bathing is the growing trend of therapeutic exposure to nature and in particular trees and forests.
As I spend a lot of time at our "masia" – a 200-year-old farmhouse – in the mountains of Montseny, near Barcelona, I know only too well how relaxing it is walking through the dense green forest. For me, it’s about disconnecting (yes, I leave my phone in the house) and tuning into the smells and sounds of the forest. This is particularly special for me as I am really into aromatherapy, so the saps and herbs I smell while walking in the forest often inspire me, and were a major inspiration for the scents and oils we used in our natural skin care collection.
A large study into forest bathing in Japan found that “forest environments promote lower concentrations of cortisol, lower pulse rate, lower blood pressure, greater parasympathetic nerve activity, and lower sympathetic nerve activity than do city environments.” That basically means as well as calming you down, being down with the trees improves your ability to rest, digest and get it on. Your parasympathetic nervous system is what provokes sexual arousal and salivation. So forests are also romantic places. Ahem.
Seriously though, regular “doses” of forest environments have been proven many times to decrease depression and anxiety and to stimulate calm and well-being. And the health benefits are largely down to essential oils! Phytoncide, which are essential oils found in wood, plants and some fruit, are emitted by trees as they repel germs and insects. Studies into these oils show that they make the air in forests fresher and purer, and improve our immune system if we are exposed to them regularly.
Now I have been a long-time advocate of essential oils and aromatherapy. It’s no coincidence that the essential oils and plant and herb extracts we use to create our natural skin care products contribute in terms of their effect on skin and their aromatherapeutic qualities. I can’t spend all my time walking through the forest, but even when I am in the city, I can take some time out each day to massage some of our natural Balancing Face Oil into my face and neck, taking deep breaths and inhaling those plant and herb extracts and essential oils that help me relax and focus.
We are in the middle of summer, and while the beach might be tempting, why not try taking yourself off to a secluded forest and spending some time with the trees? We all know it’s relaxing to have a walk in the woods, but now you know it really does have a direct impact on your health. As part of a generally health-conscious lifestyle, we can get so wound up on what we are eating, or counting our steps. Turns out regular gentle forest walks might be the key in being calmer, more productive and feeling stronger and healthier!
Lucky for me I was doing it anyway.
]]>If you could enjoy a vacation right now, where would you go? Would it be to a farmhouse, the beach, or a European city you’ve always wanted to explore? Or maybe you’d go a little further away and visit a Caribbean island or a Latin American hotspot? Wherever it may be, chances are you’d not only like to go away to experience a new place, but also to unwind a little.
But just because you’re on vacation, it doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to rest and relax. Between chasing after kids, sneaking in work emails, or rushing around to fit in all the sites, it’s not uncommon to return from a trip feeling even more tired than when you left.
Believe me, I’ve been there. But thankfully, I’ve found that practicing a few techniques on vacation helps me to return feeling revived, inspired, and filled with gratitude. I hope you find them useful, too.
There’s no better feeling than getting lost in a great book. When we read we’re able to immerse ourselves in a whole new world, escape the worries of everyday life, and – something that shouldn’t come as a surprise to bookworms – reduce stress.
According to University of Sussex research, reading can in fact reduce stress levels by an incredible 68 percent. “This is more than merely a distraction but an active engaging of the imagination as the words on the printed page stimulate your creativity and cause you to enter what is essentially an altered state of consciousness,” said the author of the study.
So when headed on vacation, never forget to pack a good book - your happiness and health depend on it.
Life gets busy. And unfortunately for many people, this means not having time to focus on the creative endeavours they crave. So whether you like to sing, write, sketch, colour or paint, make sure to set aside some vacation time to get back in touch with your creative side. Yes, this will make you feel more fulfilled and inspired. But it will also help you to feel more relaxed, too.
In one 2016 study, for example, researchers asked a group of participants to create art using collage materials, clay, and markers for 45 minutes. And although everyone had a different level of artistic experience, about 75 percent of people showed lower levels of cortisol, a hormone released with stress. It goes to show: letting your creative juices flow - even just for a little while can really help you to unwind.
I have always been an advocate for aromatherapy, and use herbs and essential oils to improve my wellness, concentration, and mood everyday. When I’m on vacation it’s no exception - and I never forget to pack the essential oils that make me feel most at ease.
Lavender for one is balancing and calming; it’s often used as a natural stress reliever, and to fight insomnia, depression and anxiety. For a deep and restful sleep, I like to put a drop on my pillow at night. I also make sure to bring chamomile oil - a natural mood lifter - and passionflower oil, which has also been said to combat insomnia and anxiety.
If you’re like me, you like to spend your vacations engaged in deep reflection. You might ask yourself: Is my career moving in the right direction? How can I help my loved ones be the version of themselves? What steps do you need to take to be the best version of myself?
Put these thoughts down on paper, write down your goals beside them - and most importantly, what steps you’ll take to achieve these goals. This will help you to have a clear vision of what you’d like to get done, which is a powerful impetus: one study shows people are 42 percent more likely to reach a goal, just by writing it down regularly.
That said, it’s easy to be hard on yourself while reflecting on your feelings and the actions you’ve taken in the past. But hey, give yourself some credit! Even if you’re not where you want to be in life, think of all the little victories you’ve had; just heading on vacation to practice some self-love is a noteworthy achievement.
I always make sure to set aside time on vacation to boost my mental well-being. I practise mindfulness with short meditation sessions, practise self acceptance through writing in my journal, and also practise self-compassion, which means understanding my emotions, actions and thoughts without judgement. Doing so can also help to be more compassionate with others.
Overall, taking a step back from life can do wonders for the way you assess your emotions - so really, there’s no better time to do this than on vacation.
So there you have it! These are just a few rituals I follow to make the most of a relaxing vacation. I hope you can weave them into your vacation experiences too, so that you return revived, lifted, and brimming with happiness.
]]>We all know that exfoliation is part of a healthy routine. A good natural exfoliator smoothes, polishes and clears skin leaving it ready for anything. But you can do so much more than that if you use it wisely.
A really good exfoliator also comes with a trick up its sleeve. Blending products to create your own bespoke tricks and hacks is one of life's little pleasures. That's why I designed all the products in our range to be blendable; take the best of each and get something new that works with changing skin. Having a kick-ass exfoliator? Done. And what if it could do more?
Time and again a favourite in our capsule collection is the brightening, hydrating mix of our Exfoliating Powder and our natural Balancing Face Oil. As well as being a calming cleanse, it's an instant hit of clean, healthy, glowing skin that takes a second and leaves you confident all day that your skin looks fantastic. Here's how it works:
The fruit acids that go into our Exfoliating Powder, papain and bromelain (that's papaya and pineapple, yum!) are rich in antioxidants and extremely rejuvenating – they are also calming and reduce puffiness. Add to that the bamboo in there, and skin is left buzzing; swept clean of all impurities, pores clear and open.
Taking a few drops of a natural oil and blending it with an exfoliator, throws in high impact, instantaneous hydration, as well as being gentler on damaged skin. Our natural Balancing Face Oil redefines what you can expect from an oil. It's all natural ingredients include powerhouses like evening primrose oil and argan oil, which have an instant effect. Brightening, fighting dullness and balancing your skin's natural PH levels, the natural plant, nut and rice bran oils give you a boost that can change your whole day.
When you need that surge of confidence, the flush of health and freshness, combining a few drops of our Balancing Face Oil with our Exfoliating Powder and gently massaging it into your skin is a marvel of natural science.
The synergistic impact of natural fruit acids and essential oils amazes me, and really shows off the power of this kind of premium natural ingredients. This brightening, hydrating exfoliation treatment can turn around even the darkest of mornings, working wonders on weather-beaten, sun-damaged or dry skin, and leaving you ready to face the day.
The combination of a deep cleanse, exfoliation and intense hydration is what skin calls out for after a heavy weekend, a long night or exposure to the elements. This mix is so comforting it's addictive.
Find more about our Flash Effect Treatment.
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Here in Barcelona temperatures are climbing. Every day you see a little more skin as you walk around the city, and the pull of the sea feels a little bit stronger.
As always when the weather changes, I adapt my skincare regime little by little to fit what my skin is asking for, and what I know it's about to need. Needless to say, I am currently incorporating sunscreen into my facial skincare routine every day, but I am also changing up my rituals and augmenting my products to suit the kind of issues that heat and dryness cause to skin.
It may not be quite the time to hit the beach yet, but it certainly is time to start thinking about sun and sand and all the good stuff that comes with them. So without further ado, I present my three basic rules for summer loving skincare.
SPFs, deep cleansing in the evening... it all seems like a lot of effort to keep your skin clear and healthy. But what if there was an easier way?
If you're actually on holiday at the beach or living somewhere where a lot of sun exposure is unavoidable, then you will need to use an SPF every day. Personally, I recommend investing in a simple SPF sunscreen, rather than a hybrid moisturiser, as these can be heavy and end up giving you the worst of both worlds.
But using SPF can play havoc with your skin, and it's vital to make sure you cleanse really well at the end of the day. Our award-winning natural cleanser works incredibly hard so you don't have to. It contains jojoba, a natural anti-inflammatory, which is great for post sun cleansing, as well as palmarosa oil and petitgrain, both fantastic for catalysing skin cell regeneration as well as leaving skin toned and conditioned.
Throw in an Exfoliating Powder like ours with fruit acids like papaya and pineapples, garnish with a swipe of face oil, and your skin will be cared for, beautiful and cocktail-hour ready in any climate.
Everybody looks good with a tan. Until they don't. The number one rule with summer skincare is: cover up. Get yourself an extremely stylish hat. Be a shy retiring beach flower under a billowing umbrella. Stick to the shady side of the street. Sun damage is irreversible, and no matter what the short-term gains, tanning is just a bad idea. If you spend a lot of the summer outdoors, you'll get a natural glow from the day-to-day exposure (even wearing SPF), and honestly, that is enough.
Avoid the Donatella Versace look, invest in a high quality tinted BB cream or a bronzer if you must, but be smart and think ahead. That deeply lined, leathery skin is not as many summers away as you might like to think. Embrace your natural skin tone - whatever it is - and take good care of it. You'll enjoy beautiful skin all year round.
After sun skincare is super important, but in warm temperatures, even a "light" moisturiser can feel heavy on your skin.
Our natural Balancing Face Oil combines beautifully with our Face Cream for a light but highly effective hydration injection, combined with an instant boost in skin's radiance and tone. The plant extracts in our all natural formulas give you the vitamin boost your skin needs and help balance the loss of moisture from sun exposure. As an after sun treatment this is a perfect formula, leaving skin feeling nude but nourished.
Using a balm like ours, packed with chamomile and shea and cocoa butter is also a fantastic way to give skin a luxe silk layer of rich nourishment. On damaged areas of skin, it provides the kind of restorative nourishment skin craves after being in the sun, as well as soothing and calming. I take mine to the beach with me and don't go to bed without giving myself a generous application of this miracle formula.
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Cleopatra was gorgeous. According to all reports, a real beauty. And it’s very possible that her beauty was at least partly down to Frankincense. Since ancient Egyptian times, this rich botanical oil has been used in skincare because of its natural rejuvenating properties. One of my all-time favourite essential oils, I love it’s heady, woody scent, and use it in my skincare routine every day. Frankincense Oil, or Boswellia Carterii, is made from the resin of Boswellia trees, commonly grown in Somalia and parts of Pakistan. Used in many traditional and alternative medicines, frankincense is often found in natural, premium skincare products.
Here’s everything you need to know about this miracle oil, plus how to incorporate it into your natural skincare routine.
Frankincense lifts, tones and tightens skin. A natural astringent, it speeds up the natural regeneration of skin cells, leaving skin softer and less dull-looking, preventing wrinkles and fine lines. Because it absorbs easily into skin and leaves it conditioned and healthier looking, it’s popular in anti-aging formulas in skin care, and is often found in moisturisers.
Frankincense Oil can be used on its own to condition and tone skin, but for maximum impact, it’s great mixed with other natural botanicals like hyaluronic acid, jojoba or Japanese Rice Bran Oil. When I was formulating our Face Cream combined all of these, and added Crocus Bulb Extract along with more than twenty other natural botanical oils and extracts to create a natural hydrating moisturiser that’s incredibly high impact.
Known for its amazing healing properties, Frankincense oil has long been used to reduce dark spots, heal and prevent acne scarring and generally reducing the appearance of scars, stretch marks and general wear-and-tear on skin. It’s a very soothing oil, highly effective on irritated skin thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s great for skin that’s been damaged by sun or cold weather. It also adds shine and strengthens skin and hair.
As it heals and soothes, it gives skin a natural glow, allowing the healthy new skin cells to shine and improving skins natural radiance. Because it’s a natural antioxidant too, it made perfect sense as a key ingredient in our Balancing face Oil, a botanical-packed powerhouse that hydrates, nourishes and enhances skin appearance and health.
As I mentioned, Frankincense is a natural astringent, speeding up the natural regeneration of healthy skin cells. This makes it an ideal ingredient in a natural exfoliant. When combined with other botanicals with cleansing and exfoliating properties, it adds a rejuvenating, reconditioning element which repairs skin cells more quickly as the exfoliant clears away dead and damaged cells.
I combined it with some selected AHAs - naturally occurring fruit acids from pineapple and papaya that cut down to the pores, removing impurities - and bamboo to create our natural Exfoliating Powder, to perfectly complement the healing properties of Frankincense.
The scent of Frankincense is instantly recognisable. It’s earthy and woody, but also fresh and even a little fruity. It’s so unique and exotic. I love it. For thousands of years, Frankincense has been used in religious rites and meditation, because of its grounding, calming qualities. In aromatherapy, it’s a balancing oil - calming but not causing drowsiness - and lingers, rallying you and clearing your mind, allowing you to focus.
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Summer wedding? Last-minute date? Dull skin day right when you need
Everybody has their little secret weapon when it comes to skincare. It’s that trick you have up your sleeve that makes you feel confident and look your best. It can make the difference when you’re having a low day, or when you need that head-up-shoulders-back moment. Just like that particular pair of shoes or shirt, it’s a tried-and-tested, easy old friend that works every time. My secret is our magical brightening natural Hydrating Exfoliator. And here is why it works…
When you have a bad skin day or headed for a high-visibility event (I’m looking at you, daytime summer wedding...) it’s easy to reach for make-up or to go for an aggressive cleanse you think will solve all your problems by brute force. One thing I've
When I need a confidence boost, I reach for our mixability Hydrating Exfoliator set. There’s no harsh cleansing and no make-up. Instead of covering skin up, it reconditions it in seconds and leaves you looking like you’ve just had a perfect night’s sleep.
It takes less than a minute, and gives you an instant, long-lasting flash effect; it’s like pushing restart on
I always have our natural Balancing Face Oil with me. It’s such a hero product. Anytime, anywhere, it’s restorative and comforting. But you already know that.
Our exfoliator is a fruity little lover. It’s gentle but thorough, sensitive but
Here’s the magic part. All our products are designed with mixability in mind. And this one set is solid gold. Simply mix a few drops of Balancing Face Oil and a couple of pinches of Exfoliating Powder in your palm and gently massage the mixture into your face and neck (
What you get is a quick, easy hydrating exfoliator that leaves skin looking primed and photo ready, with no fuss and no irritation. You can literally do this in any bathroom, in under a minute, for instantly conditioned and glowing skin. You can feel the plant and herb extracts and oils nourishing your skin and leaving it visibly smoother and more radiant.
This is a perfect primer for light make-up, but more often than not I don’t need anything else. I look and feel like I’ve had a long spa
The all natural plant and herb extract ingredients
I promise you that once you have tried it, you’ll never look back. Or better.
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Ask any person who practices yoga, and they’ll likely share how the discipline has benefitted their lives. It can revitalise your body and mind in preparation for the day ahead, or calm them before a long night’s sleep. It can improve your concentration and strengthen your muscles. It can also relieve stress and insomnia. Really, there’s no doubt about it: yoga is incredibly powerful.
But did you know there are certain postures that are especially effective for improving aspects of your health - like skin, blood pressure and lungs? In fact whenever I’m feeling stressed, ill, or my skin isn’t up to par, I always make sure to bring a few of these postures into my practice in order to realign. Here are some of my favourite ones for better skin, sleep and overall wellness - which I hope you find beneficial, as well.
Skin looking dull? Try downward dog. Likely one of the most well-known yoga postures, this inversion not only stretches your entire body - from your arms, right down to your calves - but it also causes blood to flow to your face, making your skin glow throughout the day.
It can also help you breathe easier, and make you feel less stuffed up. “Any inversions — including downward dog, headstands and bridge pose — can help open up sinuses and allow the flow of mucus if there is any nasal congestion,” said MD Rachna Shah, an allergist at Loyola Gottleib Memorial Hospital, in this Daily Burn article.
Downward dog also improves your posture, strengthens your bones, and helps with flexibility. What’s not to love?
The headstand pose, or sirsasana, is something that can take months - or years - to master. But there’s a reason you see so many yoga practitioners striking the pose on social media or at the studio. For one, it’s great for your body: it strengthens your core, neck, back and arms. But it can also reinvigorate your mind.
In this inversion posture, blood flows through the brain cells and trigger the pineal and pituitary glands, according to master yoga teacher B.K.S. Lyengar in his book Light on Yoga.
“People suffering from loss of sleep, memory and vitality have recovered by the regular and
correct practice of this asana and have become fountains of energy. The lungs gain the power to resist any climate and stand up to any work, which relieves one from
colds, coughs, tonsillitis, halitosis (foul breath) and palpitations. It keeps the body warm,” he writes.
VIDEO HERE
ill, or my skin isn’t up to par, I always make sure to bring a few of these postures into my practice in order to realign. Here are some of my favourite ones for better skin, sleep and overall wellness - which I hope you find beneficial, as well.
Skin looking dull? Try downward dog. Likely one of the most well-known yoga postures, this inversion not only stretches your entire body - from your arms, right down to your calves - but it also causes blood to flow to your face, making your skin glow throughout the day.
It can also help you breathe easier, and make you feel less stuffed up. “Any inversions — including downward dog, headstands and bridge pose — can help open up sinuses and allow the flow of mucus if there is any nasal congestion,” said MD Rachna Shah, an allergist at Loyola Gottleib Memorial Hospital, in this Daily Burn article.
Downward dog also improves your posture, strengthens your bones, and helps with flexibility. What’s not to love?
The headstand pose, or sirsasana, is something that can take months - or years - to master. But there’s a reason you see so many yoga practitioners striking the pose on social media or at the studio. For one, it’s great for your body: it strengthens your core, neck, back and arms. But it can also reinvigorate your mind.
In this inversion posture, blood flows through the brain cells and trigger the pineal and pituitary glands, according to master yoga teacher B.K.S. Lyengar in his book Light on Yoga.
“People suffering from loss of sleep, memory and vitality have recovered by the regular and
correct practice of this asana and have become fountains of energy. The lungs gain the power to resist any climate and stand up to any work, which relieves one from
colds, coughs, tonsillitis, halitosis (foul breath) and palpitations. It keeps the body warm,” he writes.
Marichi’s Pose, or Marichyasana III, is a sitting twist that feels great on the back. It can help combat stiffness in the lower back, relieve pressure on intervertebral disks and stretch your muscles. Putting pressure on your abdominal in this posture can improve digestion, but also make it a little harder to breathe, which can actually improve function. This posture also massages your organs - like your liver and kidney - to improve wellbeing, and help relieve menstrual pain in women. It’s my go-to after a long work day, spent seated at my desk.
Savasana – often called corpse pose – is practiced at the end of many yoga classes. But it’s not just an excuse to fall asleep on the mat. Rather, savasana is considered by many to be the most difficult pose in a practice. That’s because entering a truly relaxed state (without fidgeting or dozing off) is a lot harder than it looks. Those in savasana should be relaxed, but also be aware of all the tension being let go from their body as the minutes go by.
When done right, savasana has the power to help lower blood pressure, relieve stress, insomnia and tension, as well as improve concentration. It might look simple – but savasana is also very powerful.
SECOND VIDEO HERE
Face yoga has gained popularity in recent years, as the practice claims to reduce wrinkles and leave skin looking more radiant. So, what does it look like? You probably already have the right idea. Face yoga entails engaging in a series of exercises - such as puffing out your cheeks, making a ‘surprised’ face, sticking your tongue out, or looking up at the ceiling - to tone the muscles in your face.
While some might be a little reluctant to believe in the benefits, a study published in JAMA Dermatology (which researchers believe to be the first clinical trial of the sort) assessed how facial exercises can improve skin appearance. The study was small, however concluded that by the end, the middle age women who participated looked younger by an average of three years.
If this piques your interest, check out this Time gallery for some facial poses, or this video from Marie Claire
Do you include these yoga postures in your yoga practice? How do they improve your own wellbeing? Let us know in the comment below – we’d love to hear from you!
]]>Close your eyes, and picture yourself in a pure state of relaxation. Now, where are you? If you’re like me, you might have imagined yourself at the beach. After all, there’s no better feeling than the warm sun against your skin, the sand between your toes, and the breeze throughout your hair.
The beach is a place to disconnect from life’s distractions, and reconnect with ourselves. Looking out into the big, blue ocean can induce a sense of tranquility - and whether we’re feeling joyful or simply pensive, can really help to put things in perspective.
But have you ever wondered why exactly the beach makes us feel so good? Well according to researchers, there’s a whole range of reasons - from the way our brains react to the salty air, right down to the physiological effect of the colour blue. With this in mind, here’s a few reasons why I love visiting the beach on a regular basis.
The colours we surround ourselves with can impact our mood - and blue brings forward a feeling of calm and serenity. It’s one of the reasons going to the beach feels so satisfying. And as it turns out, ‘blue space’ can have a real impact on our health, too.
The Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) undertook a review of 35 studies on the colour, to find that blue spaces improve both our mental health and well-being - but also promote physical activity. The research was done as part of BlueHealth, an EU programme designed to study what impact being near bodies of water has on us.
More yet, one study even found that blue space increases creativity. By visiting the beach on a regular basis, and surrounding ourselves with the soothing colour of blue, we open ourselves up feelings of inspiration, calm, reduced-stress, and better health overall. Who knew a colour could have such an impact?
For centuries, doctors prescribed patients time in the sun, air and sea to cure ailments. We now know these things likely can’t reverse serious afflictions. But anyone who’s ever filled their lungs with fresh, salty ocean air, can appreciate just how beneficial the beachy breeze can be. It’s not just in our heads, either.
Negative ions are atoms charged an extra electron, and occur at the beach, around waterfalls, or after a storm. When we breathe negative oxygen ions in, these could very well have a beneficial effect on the brain. In fact, one meta-analysis of air ions shows that after a high level of exposure, negative ions were associated with lower depression scores. Other doctors note high-density negative ions can be effective for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
At the beach I always try to take advantage of the salty air, by finding a place off on my own to focus on my breathing - all while becoming aware of my thoughts against the sound of soothing waves.
Looking out into the ocean is far different than looking out into a city street. On a sensory level, there’s a lot less going on - and it gives our minds the opportunity to take a much-needed rest.
“When you stand at the edge of water and look out on the horizon, it’s visually simplified relative to the room you’re sitting in right now, or a city you’re walking through, where you’re taking in millions of pieces of information every second,” said Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist and author of the book Blue Mind, to Huffington Post.
Filmmaker and advocate Céline Cousteau, who is also Jacques Cousteau's granddaughter, actually penned the forward of the book. She wrote: “We are beginning to learn that our brains are hardwired to react positively to water and that being near it can calm and connect us, increase innovation and insight, and even heal what’s broken.”
“We have a ‘blue mind’ - and it’s perfectly tailored to make us happy in all sorts of ways that go beyond relaxing in the surf, listening to the murmur of the stream, or floating quietly in a pool.”
As you can see, visiting the beach has a range of benefits, all of which can make you a happier and healthier person. If you have the luxury, include a regular beach visit into your self-care routine. Both looking out into the blue water and taking in the ocean breeze will improve your well-being, make you more creative, and a more joyful person overall.
Happy beach going!
]]>There’s nothing quite like relaxing on a long summer’s day. Whether you’re stretched across the grass with a new book, or are sitting on your balcony watching the bustle below, the picture wouldn’t be complete without a refreshing drink in hand.
But instead of reaching for something that’s filled with sugar or caffeine, however, why not go for something that’s excellent for your health?
The great thing is, there are plenty of healthy and refreshing drinks to choose from, which are filled with powerful antioxidants and vitamins to bring out your summer glow. Here are a few of my favourites:
Agua de Jamaica - or hibiscus tea - is the ultimate thirst quencher when served cold. It’s made from dried hibiscus flowers, which sounds nice enough. But better yet, this tropical refreshing drink is also packed with proven health benefits.
In fact, one study found that Agua de Jamaica can lower blood pressure in people that are moderate-high risk and another concluded that it can help naturally lower cholesterol. It’s also loaded with antioxidants, which can help stop disease-causing cell damage. What’s not to love?!
Ingredients:
Combine the water and ginger, and bring them to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat, and add the hibiscus flowers and sugar. Let this sit for 10 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved. Strain the juice, add in the lime, let it cool, and serve with ice!
This fruity twist on iced-tea provides a double dose of goodness, as antioxidants from the green tea are combined with those of the delicious pomegranate juice and seeds. But not only will you benefit from a big fix of antioxidants; this drink can also do wonders for your skin - which we love of course!
Pomegranate can help to regenerate cells, and combat aging to keep your skin looking fresh, among many other benefits. And according to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition, consuming green tea regularly can help maintain skin structure, improve skin quality overall, and protect against UV radiation. In fact, women who drank 4 cups daily for 12 weeks straight, reduced their risk of sunburn by 25 percent!
Ingredients:
Want something a bit "spicier"? We've got some healthy alcoholic cocktails recipies too!
Bring on the vitamin C! This minty lemonade is full of it, which means you can feel great about sipping the juice on the regular. Vitamin C is essential for producing collagen, which reduces wrinkles and maintains healthy skin overall, and might even help to reduce asthma. Even more, citrus fruits could help reduce stroke in women; those who eat lots of them have a 19 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Unlike other lemonades this recipe is definitely low in sugar, but the honey make a great addition.
Ingredients:
In a post a little while ago, I wrote about coming home to our farmhouse in Catalunya to find the garden filled with delicious figs. Figs are the ultimate late summer treat, but they don’t stay in season for long. That’s why after picking them with my family, I feel the need to incorporate them into meals whichever way I can - whether they be in a salad, included in a dessert, or yes, blended to make a delicious juice!
This fig and strawberry juice is a must try. Plus, you’ll feel amazing drinking it. In addition to being high in calcium and potassium, figs boast prebiotics to improve digestive health and are high in fibre, which makes them a natural laxative. Strawberries, on the other hand, are also a source of fibre, potassium, folic acid and manganese.
Ingredients:
If these summer refreshments don’t quench your thirst, I’m not sure what will! And in addition to being absolutely delicious, they’re also great for your health. So, go on. Whip yourself up a batch, kick your feet up, and get sipping. Enjoy!
]]>Calendula oil actively reduces inflammation and protects against skin damage like sunburn. It’s very rich in the natural anti-inflammatory glycosides, saponins and quercetin, and in flavonoids – botanical antioxidants which prevent free radical cell damage, which is what causes redness and sun damage. It also inhibits the production of lipoxygenase in damaged skin, an enzyme that erodes the structure of skin cell walls.
For anyone suffering from skin irritation, oxidative stress, psoriasis, eczema, acne or rosacea, calendula is a soothing helping hand. It contains the kind of antioxidants calm irritated skin, even helping with headaches and stomach aches when ingested, and often used to treat chronic pain. On skin, it quickly soothes symptoms or irritation or sunburn, and helps restore skin’s natural healthy radiance.
When I first started making my own cosmetics, I would macerate calendula flowers myself, placing them in oil in a big glass jar, and leaving it out on my windowsill, giving it a good shake every day for a month or so. The sun aids in the maceration process, and after about 30 days the oil absorbs the healing properties of the flowers.
If you don’t have time to macerate the flowers yourself, just look for some natural skincare products that incorporate calendula, and bring the sunniest skincare into your routine, for healthier, happier skin.
]]>At the sign of a cold or stomach bug, the first resort for many people was once to head straight to the pillbox. But these days, many folks have made a real effort to avoid pharmaceutical drugs - and they are reaching for powerful herbs, spices and adaptogens found in their kitchen cabinets, instead.
Adaptogens are plants that can help combat ailments of all kinds, and balance our brains and hormones to bring us back to centre. They’ve been used by ancient cultures for centuries, however in recent years we’ve begun to see a real resurgence in popular Western culture. And not only are adaptogens, plants, herbs and spices natural and effective, but they’re also inexpensive - giving people little excuse to incorporate them into their wellness routines.
With this in mind, today I’d like to share with you today some goods I use for my own health, which have me feeling stronger, healthier, and more relaxed all around. Check them out:
Most people love a nice, warm cup of ginseng tea - and there’s a good reason for that. Likely one of the most popular adaptogens, ginseng can be been used to help soothe stress and keep our minds at ease. One study states that ginseng can not only regulate the immune and hormonal changes stress can cause - suppressing depression and anxiety - but can also prevent some physiological diseases associated with stress.
Incorporate ginseng into your diet through using it in cooking or soups, consuming it in capsule form, steaming the raw root - or of course, steeping a pot of ginseng tea at home.
If you’ve done any research on adaptogens, you’ve likely come across Ashwagandha. The shrub has become popular - and even trendy - in recent years for its ability to reduce cortisol levels and stress. But it can also help with chronic fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, OCD, fibromyalgia and restless leg syndrome, notes holistic nutritionist Anne Baker in this Well+Good article. So as you can see, Ashwagandha supports the body in a range of areas.
You can consume ashwagandha in powder, capsule or tincture form. Try mixing in a smoothie or with some almond or soy milk - but if you’re not keen on the bitter taste, go ahead and apply the tincture on your skin, says Baker. You can absorb all the benefits that way, as well!
When it comes to our bodies, chronic inflammation is the root of all evil. Yes, inflammation happens - and should happen - naturally; it’s the body’s reaction to stress, toxicity, and infection, and it’s meant to protect us when our body’s are in danger. But when inflammation is chronic (often caused by bacteria, virus, or consuming fatty and sugary food) it can cause real, long-lasting damage to our bodies - think arthritis, heart disease, and a range of cancers.
Now, enter turmeric. For centuries turmeric has been revered for its anti-inflammatory properties, and now scientists know why: it’s active component curcumin is to thank. Curcumin fights inflammation at the molecular level, and could have to potential to combat pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and even some types of cancers, among other things.
So if you’re looking to incorporate more powerful herbs into your diet, turmeric is a great first choice. Add it to a smoothie, a glass of hot water to steep turmeric tea, or use it to season your meals.
Ah, oregano. The herb commonly used in mediterranean cooking not only adds flavour to our food: it also happens to be fantastic for our health. Boasting antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, oregano is a great remedy for protecting against the cold and flu, and for keeping the immune system in check.
Oregano is most potent as a concentrated oil (oregano oil), and along with its main component, caravoral, was actually found in one study to suppress viruses found in humans and animals in vitro. And another study found that, along with sage, oregano could be able to reduce or prevent E coli. in food, demonstrating its antibacterial effect.
Take oregano oil in capsule form, or add some drops to a bowl of hot water (or to your diffuser) to breathe in all the benefits.
This sweet, aromatic spice is popular in cooking and baking. But cinnamon has also been used for thousands of centuries to cure a range of ailments, and is highly recognised for its ability to alleviate stomach discomfort today.
In fact, one study conducted shows that in pigs, cinnamon can cool the stomach during digestion by up to 2C and can protect the integrity of the gut. “Supplemental cinnamon...is chosen as a representative therapeutic agent due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and free radical scavenging properties in the gastrointestinal tract,” notes the study. It’s these characteristics, it continues, that make cinnamon ideal for maintaining normal digestive functionalies and intestinal barrier integrity.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and whip yourself up a hot cup of cinnamon tea!
About to take a test or give a presentation? Try sage. This yummy herb is a memory enhancer, and can help keep your mind sharp. In fact, one British study found that healthy young adults who took sage capsules performed much better on memory tests. Sage is also being studied for its ability in treating Alzheimer's disease - which goes to show just how powerful the herb can be for our cognitive function.
So when your body is feeling off, it’s not always necessary to reach straight for the medication. Instead, try these herbs first.
]]>Grapeseed oil (Vitis Vinifera) began as a humble bi-product of wine and grape juice production, but quickly became a star in its own right.
A light, super quickly absorbed oil that’s packed full of omega fatty acids and vitamin E, it’s great for skincare.
Very light and easily absorbed, it’s a great carrier oil for more intense essential oils. It’s non-comedogenic (it doesn’t clog pores) so when you want that hydrating hit of vitamins and locked in moisture, it’s a great oil to reach for.
Grapeseed oil has plenty of benefits for skincare. Here are the main reasons I included it in our all-natural botanical range of skincare products.
We use Grapeseed in our Balancing Face Oil and our Face and Eye Cream because it’s very rich in natural compounds that have incredible benefits for skin. Top of the list has to be Linoleic acid, which promotes moisture retention in skin and hair and is an anti-inflammatory, great for soothing irritated skin.
It’s also a great emulsifier, making essential oil blends lighter and more easily absorbed, making treatments friendlier to oily or outbreak prone skin.
It’s calming, hydrating and gentle to skin.
Grapeseed oil also contains Vitamin E and Beta-Carotene, both of which are natural anti-oxidants, slowing the signs of aging and tightening skin. They also prevent the loss of moisture from skin and naturally balance oil production, helping to cleanse your pores.
It’s also rich in Oleic Acids, commonly known as Omega 9. Omega 9 is a fatty acid which improves the softness and suppleness of skin and hair, increasing natural radiance. They also act as a natural anti-oxidant, and reduce the signs of aging such as fine lines.
Grapeseed is a key ingredient in our Facial Cleanser. As well as Omega 9 and Linoleic acid, Grapeseed is also rich in Palmitic, Stearic and Palmitoleic acids. Palmitic acid is a softening emollient, making Grapeseed the perfect base with which to mix other essential oils, binding them with water for a perfectly smooth cleanse.
Stearic acid is fantastic for purging the dirt and excess sebum from skin gently and naturally. It binds water and oils too, making it exceptional for mixing in cleansers like ours.
Palmitoleic acid brightens skin, improves elasticity and locks in moisture while delaying the signs of premature aging.
Because Grapeseed Oil has such fantastic benefits for skin, is vegan, cruelty-free and 100% natural botanical, you should be looking for it on the ingredients lists of any moisturisers, face oils, cleansers or balms. Good quality natural skincare products will use Grapeseed as a premium alternative to synthetic emollients, which do little for skin.
Check out our Balancing Face Oil, Face Cream, and Facial Cleanser to see some good examples of how Grapeseed Oil can be mixed with other all-natural ingredients for maximum impact on skin health and appearance.
]]>The higher altitude provides a purer oil and gives it higher Linalyl Acetete levels, making its antibacterial and antiviral properties stronger than normal lavender oil.
Here are a few things you might not know about lavender oil, including why it’s amazing for your skin:
Lavender oil has long been used in aromatherapy as it’s very balancing; it’s very relaxing and calming, but will also bring you up when you’re lethargic or under the weather. Not surprisingly, it has the same effect on skin.
Inhaling lavender oil releases alpha waves in the part of your brain that causes relaxation. Massaging the oil into your skin helps sooth irritation and heals skin damaged by environmental factors like sun or cold.
Your skin is constantly exposed to pollutants and toxins in the air, and this can cause environmental stress and irritation. Lavender Oil is high in natural antioxidants, which reverse the effects of toxins and counteract the effect of environmental stress.
Just as it helps to relax your mind, it’s great for purifying skin and leaving it refreshed and reenergized.
If your skin is prone to outbreaks and occasional acne, lavender oil is a perfect solution. Naturally occurring oils won’t clog your pores as many synthetic treatments do, and the botanical antiviral and antioxidant qualities of lavender kill bacteria on the skin and leave it cleaner and reconditioned.
Tests show that lavender naturally balances hormone levels in skin, which reduce the risk of outbreaks and sooth damage that’s already been done.
Lavender has a high potency of natural antimicrobials, which is great if your skin is burned or if you have a cut or wound. It will naturally fight against bacteria and fungal infections, and actively calm the skin and help it to regenerate more quickly with healthy skin cells.
Pesky mosquito bites? Sunburn? Lavender Oil naturally repels insects, and sooths insect bites, making it an ideal addition to your travel essentials.
As it soothes irritated skin, it’s also great for skin damaged by sun, so using it after the beach will not only relieve any harm done by the sea, but give you a bug free evening too!
If you’re looking for a natural way to treat a damaged, itchy scalp or dandruff, look no further. Mixing Lavender with a little almond or olive oil and giving your scalp a ten minute mask treatment will calm your scalp, encouraging healthy new skin cells to replace the dry, damaged ones causing the problem.
Lavender Oil has incredible natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it great for relieving muscle and joint pain. Massaging the oil into skin helps reduce pain, and helps you to relax and unwind without painkillers.
Studies show that back pain can be highly effectively treated with lavender oil. You can also relieve the pain of headaches and migraines by massaging the oil into your temples.
Massaging lavender oil into the skin and breathing it in helps to increase an oxygen-rich blood flow to your extremities. Blood flow is super important in terms of overall health, and in skincare, it helps your skin to naturally produce more healthy skin cells and recondition and purify itself more quickly.
As part of a holistic approach to skincare, lavender oil has a great benefit for those of us who like to apply a nourishing face oil at the end of a long day.
Centuries of use have shown that lavender has a naturally relaxing quality, and it’s often used to treat insomnia, as it helps you to decompress and sleep easier and longer.
Lavender’s healing and soothing properties alone make it a stand out essential oil, but it also has an incredible scent; clean and fresh with floral top notes and herbaceous undertones.
It blends extremely well with other natural oils, blending easily to enhance the scent and skin and health benefits in combination with other high quality botanicals.
If you buy lavender oil, look for premium oil like high altitude French lavender, and make sure it’s a 100% pure essential oil, and not a fragrance oil.
If you’re more practically minded, look for skincare products containing pure lavender oil mixed for synergistic impact with other essential oils and natural botanicals.
Check out our natural Balancing Face Oil or Face and Eye Cream to see how it’s done properly, with high altitude French Lavender teamed with skin essentials like Japanese Rice Bran, Evening Primrose, Geranium and Patchouli for powerful holistic skincare that really works.
Blending a botanic-packed all natural Exfoliating Powder with an anti-inflammatory, regenerating natural Facial Cleanser gives you the best of both; a Gentle Exfoliator that smoothes and polishes skin while conditioning and toning.
It’s a great introduction to exfoliating, a fantastic everyday timesaver, or an extra for those sensitive skin days that you can mix yourself anywhere, anytime.
First and foremost, combining two steps of your skincare routine is an obvious life hack that you’ll love. I do my skincare work at night, and this is a great way of removing the days dirt and grime and feeling fresh before bed. Cleansing is a basic, and exfoliating can sometimes seem like more of an occasional add-on. Mixibility allows you to have a gentle exfoliation every day, without any extra time spent in front of the mirror.
All you have to do is mix a little powder with the cleanser and massage onto dry skin. This combination adheres to dirt much better on dry skin. Splash on water to emulsify the cleanser and rinse for instant results.
When people ask me about exfoliating (I still regularly meet people who don’t do it. Boys, I’m especially looking at you... ), the first thing I tell them is to go gently into that good skincare. Jumping face first into a grain or scrub is going to have results you will not like. These kinds of exfoliator should be avoided at all costs. Find an all-natural exfoliating powder and use it sparingly.
Exfoliating is a key part of any skincare routine, but not everybody needs it every day. In fact, you’ll need to get your skin used to it, by using a gentle exfoliator at first once or twice a week, and then building up according to your needs.
Having sensitive skin is nothing to be ashamed of. Many of us have reactions to specific elements, or just days when our skin seems a little more fussy. Personally, I like to exfoliate every other day. Some people prefer it a couple of times a week, but when I ask why they tell me it’s because their skin tends to redden or even become irritated and blemished after they exfoliate.
Now this is where skincare myths come in. We all have sensitive skin to some extent. But if your skin becomes irritated by a certain product, it’s the product that is at fault, and not your skin.
I use our gentle exfoliator every day to gently cleanse and smooth my face. It saves me time and it leaves my skin feeling smooth and looking great.
Once or twice a week I might use an exfoliating powder on it’s own before doing a face mask. Or I might mix it with my natural Balancing Face Oil for an instant flash effect boost. The key thing is versatility, and responding to my changing needs and mood. That’s what mixable skincare is all about!
Exfoliating powders are dry grains or powders. They stay fresh longer than other cleansers because they don’t don’t contain water and don’t need any preservatives. Typically, natural ones are made with rice bran, sea salt or even flour, but non-natural versions can contain plastic or jagged nut shells - to be avoided at all costs!
Our natural Exfoliating Powder uses powdered walnut shell, bamboo and coconut, along with fruit acids papain and bromelain (that’s papaya and pineapple for most of us...) to rejuvenate skin, working gently, with your skin’s acid mantle to scrub away impurities, smoothing and polishing for an instant boost in appearance and texture.
Adding our Powder to our natural Facial Cleanser brings in jojoba, palmarosa and petitgrain, redefining what a cleanser is capable of and adding an emollient, lush texture to your exfoliation. The result is totally uninvasive; a caring, gentle exfoliation that leaves your skin feeling softer, smoother, and deeply cleansed.
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The properties of Evening Primrose Oil and their beneficial effects on general wellbeing are well documented. It’s been shown in multiple studies to help with PMS symptoms, like headaches and cramps, and relieve symptoms of the menopause when ingested. The omega-6 fatty acid in the oil can help combat bloating, acne and irritability.
It’s also been shown to help increase fertility, reduce or relieve symptoms of diabetes, arthritis and osteoporosis.
Health benefits aside, and without wishing to be superficial about it, Evening Primrose is an absolute marvel for skin. It’s an extremely rich natural source of Omega fatty acids and Gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which aid the body and skin in producing prostaglandins – the things that slow wrinkling, protect from sun damage and reduce dryness. It has profound moisture retaining effects, stopping valuable moisture from escaping from the skin leaving it dry and unprotected.
It was automatically included in our natural Balancing Face Oil, as it has been shown to have a great effect on skin conditions when used topically (applied to skin), including eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.
Studies published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science have even shown that evening primrose oil helps with ageing effects on skin, even functional and structural changes in skin tissues, including redness, firmness, roughness, and fatigue resistance.
A very light, thin oil to the touch, it is quickly and easily absorbed into skin. It lends a viscosity to a mixed combination oil, and the fatty acids reduce irritation and actively help skin cells to repair themselves.
Combining Evening Primrose with Grapeseed, Rice Bran, Argan and Jojoba oils, along with natural vitamin E, Rose Oil, Patchouli and Geranium (among many more), produces an all natural blend oil which leaves skin much healthier, and instantly brightened and gorgeous.
Our ingredients are sourced and blended for maximum impact, and save you the trouble of seeking out oils for their individual properties, instead serving up a super smart blend that is an all-in-one wonder. If you haven’t already dumped your bog standard skincare in favour of exploring the power of natural botanicals, what are you waiting for?
Know any other interesting facts about Evening Primrose Oil? Let me know in the comments!
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Over the summer, many of us have had the chance to relax and unwind. Maybe you managed a few lazy mornings. Perhaps you’ve even caught the sun. The feeling of being relaxed and healthy, and how this affects your skin, is part of what makes the summertime so enjoyable.
Research done at the Erasmus University in 2010 shows that our annual happiness peaks during the planning and anticipation of a proper holiday, and reaches it’s annual low shortly after returning home. It seems that the post-holiday blues are a reality.
As summer comes to an end, it’s a great time to regroup and make sure you keep some of those habits that make you happy going even when you’re not on holiday. Here are my tips for keeping your skin healthy and beautiful, and fighting the post-holiday blues at the same time.
Going on holiday or having some time off over the summer often allows us to pamper ourselves a little bit. Spending a bit more time in the shower, and taking a little more care with skincare and getting ready in the morning because we’re not rushing out for a busy day.
Now you’re back to your daily routine, this is a great time to start new, beneficial habits for every day. In terms of skincare, it might help to streamline your morning and evening rituals to save time, but find ways to actually do more with less.
Our collection is designed to give you everything you need in a simple, every day routine. You can keep your skin looking radiant and heathy after a holiday by caring for it simply and efficiently every day with products that have a real impact on skin as well as on general wellbeing and relaxation.
The key to getting your perfect routine together is having a great core collection of versatile products that work together. I use our facial cleanser and botanical exfoliating powder before showering, and mix them for a gentle, nourishing, hydrating cleanse that removes dead skin cells and leaves my skin reconditioned. And it literally takes seconds.
A gentle exfoliation treatment will keep your skin nourished and conditioned, which helps you keep that summer glow for longer without suffering from the dryness that sun exposure can cause. If you’ve had a bit too much sun, a deeply hydrating face mask will give you the extra hydration you need, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and crocus bulb extract locking in hydration and making your skin smoother and more supple.
You can compliment these treatments with everyday use of a face oil that keeps your skin glowing and gorgeous while also packing in vitamin rich botanicals to really boost skin health and appearance.
Great every day habits don’t have to be complicated or take up much time. Bring some of that holiday ritual into your daily life by being smart about the products you use.
When we’re on holiday, we often pack a lot more pleasurable activities into a day than we might at home, whether it’s sightseeing or a long lunch with family or friends, enjoying a siesta on the beach or simply reading a book for an hour.
We often feel the gap left by these treats when we are back to the grind of daily life. A great way to avoid the holiday blues is to incorporate some small enjoyable or whimsical activities into your every day routine. Plan a special dinner with friends, for example, or set aside time for reading or meditation.
In terms of skincare, there are ways to really improve your sense of wellbeing by embracing rituals that feel luxurious, but can easily and simply be done at home. I’m a lifelong devotee to the aromatherapeutic benefits of essential oils, and simply choosing products that look after your skin while also helping you to relax is a great way to treat yourself.
Another great way to feel a little bit special every day is to keep products handy that give you a real boost anytime, anywhere. I love using our Balancing Face Oil and Exfoliating Powderblended together, and if I need a quick confidence boost I give myself a quick Hydrating Exfoliation treatment. It takes seconds and leaves skin instantly glowing.
Coming back to reality can be a bit of a shock. The reality check that your next holiday might be a long way off, and having to hit the work treadmill can bring you down.
But there are so many ways to keep that positive momentum going rather than hitting a slump. Incorporating great habits into your skincare routine, setting aside time for activities that make you feel good, or even planning your next escape can make reality seem a little more fun.
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Emotional intelligence and wellbeing are critical parts of everyday life. The idea that we need to be self aware and to make sure we are doing our best for ourselves and others in terms of our mental health as well as our physical health is becoming more and more mainstream. And thank heavens for that!
In January, after the whirlwind of party season is over and we might be left with a nagging guilt after over-indulging, the tendency is to hit the gym, start running, have a “dry January” or start a diet. But we often overlook the equally important habits that improve our emotional wellbeing and stop us from falling into a winter lull at work.
I’ve always been fascinated with emotional intelligence, and how it translates into our professional and family lives. I think that at this time of year it’s easy to feel melancholy or overwhelmed, and it’s a great opportunity to remember some of the key ways emotional intelligence can make us happier at home and at work.
Emotional intelligence uses the part of your brain which develops the slowest. That’s because EI is acquired by experience; learning from different and repeated situations how you and others react to things. EI is about the way we see ourselves, our empathy towards others, and an ability to understand how we are understood by others.
More than just being “sensitive”, EI means understanding how our actions and interactions affect our happiness and the happiness of others.
Emotional intelligence is basically made up of a few different factors. Going back to work after the holidays can be challenging (yes, we did see your Facebook memes). Maybe you’re not feeling the rhythm of your usual routine.
Try keeping the basic principles of EI in mind by remembering the key principles.
Just like the muscles in your body become stronger the more you use them, emotional intelligence is about actively building up techniques and practices that work for you. Think about the factors above, and focus on the key elements of being happy at work.
Can you find the meaning and purpose in what you are doing? You’ll be happier and more productive if you can find elements of your work that align with your personal values.
Do you feel optimistic about the future? Trying to better understand your needs and having a concrete plan for yourself will help you to relate and express these things to the people around you.
Are you actively building positive personal relationships and friendships? Being connected to others, and investing time in building those relationships, will make you feel better about being at work and make those around you feel it too.
Don’t make January a dull month you just have to get through. Embrace the new beginning, and make sure you start the year actively trying to be happier, healthier and more emotionally intelligent. And don’t leave your new techniques at the office door!
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Quitting sugar completely isn’t realistic (or necessary), but more and more people are taking up the challenge to quit sugar for a month and finding it leads to healthy, meaningful change.
Here's why:
So let’s talk about chocolate. Delicious dark chocolate. Salted chocolate. Chunky chocolate with whole hazelnut or almonds embedded in it. Bitter chocolate with a hint of orange or lemon. Boutique chocolate truffles. KitKats.
When it comes to chocolate, my standards go out of the window. I mean sure, I buy high-percentage cocoa dark chocolate and keep it in the fridge, eating a piece every once in a while. But if there’s a packet of biscuits or chocolates on the table in the studio, I become a chocolate ninja; hoovering up half of them without anyone even noticing. Sometimes you want a quinoa salad. And sometimes you want a mars bar.
But we all know that sugar is bad for us. Medical studies describe sugar as anything from “non-beneficial” to “toxic”. Our body needs glucose, but we get more than enough from starchy foods, potatoes and fruit. So should we cut out excess sugar completely? A lot of people say we should, and more and more people are trying to quit for a month to see for themselves what the impact is.
Most of us don’t have the time to scrutinise the label of everything we eat. This challenge is about doing the best you can, and trying to form habits that will actually last and reduce the amount of sugar you consume once the month is over.
Here are my top tips for cutting out sugars, ranked from easiest/most obvious through to trickiest (at least for me):
I mean, duh. But seriously, just don’t! Stock up on snacks like fruit and nuts, and be firm.
Avoiding sugar (like trying to cut down on any food group) means being less spontaneous and more careful about what and when you eat. Think about when you’ll be hungry (and where) and try to plan accordingly. It’s really important to eat regularly throughout the day if you’re avoiding sugar to keep your energy levels up. Many of us grab something sugary or add sugar to coffee to give us a boost when we are feeling low on energy. To avoid this, eat structured meals and snacks every few hours.
Having natural yogurt for breakfast with berries or fruits (natural sugars are fine) is a great way of having a sweet treat that’s guilt free. Same goes for juice. Eating fruit instead of drinking it provides more fibre and actually helps you consume less fruit, so less sugar. A typical glass of orange juice might contain the juice of two or three oranges – all the sugar, none of the fibre! Eating one whole orange wins easily.
Smouldering black-and-white icons don’t drink soy lattes or hazelnut mocha frappes. Embrace simple, unsweetened black coffee and feel sophisticated and joyfully sugar free. Then brush your teeth.
You’d be surprised how sugary a lot of things are. Et tu muesli?! Try and buy better, and you’ll find yourself with less packaging in your kitchen. Sourcing good bread, eating more fruit and vegetables instead of processed or packaged food, and avoiding food on-the-go are habits that outlast the one month challenge and make you feel better forever.
After the one month challenge, you automatically fall back at least partly into a few old habits. Which is fine. Living by strict rules isn’t fun for anyone. But there are things you notice that really make you form new habits which last.
Thinking more about what you eat tends to automatically lead to some weight loss. It may not be significant, but you certainly notice yourself looking and feeling more svelte when you cut out sugar and eat more proteins, carbs and fats instead. After the first week or two, your body really detoxes from sugar and you feel lighter mentally too.
I found myself feeling more focused and sharp around the end of week 2.
Generally with those of us who tend towards sweet treats or caffeine, our day looks a bit like a rollercoaster, with epic highs and terrible slumps caused by fluctuating blood sugar levels. Stabilizing blood sugar levels means energy gets released more regularly and your body burns off fats and carbs instead of sugar.
Cutting out sugar and eating better really helped improve my sleep patterns and gave me more energy throughout the day, with less of the highs and lows.
Cutting out sugar and eating better really helped improve my sleep patterns and gave me more energy throughout the day, with less of the highs and lows.
As you may have noticed, skincare is kind of my thing. I’ve talked a lot about internal factors that influence the state of your skin, like hydration and sleep, and of course food is a vital part of maintaining healthy skin. The state of your skin is a pretty good indicator of what´s going on inside your body, and the better your diet the better your skin is likely to look.
Consuming less sugar reduces oiliness (especially in the T-zone) and reduces the likelihood of wrinkles. Less glucose means less strain on the natural oils in your skin, so it really helps to leave you looking healthier.
Want your skin to look even more fresh? Try our mixable skincare line that fits every skin type.
Having felt really good about the positive changes I made during my month off sugar, I kept up a lot of it up (no more sugar in hot drinks, no more sweets or candy), and it was no hardship at all.
As we are building up to Christmas, I feel extra motivated to hold on to the good habits I’ve developed as the road to festive fun is often paved with delicious temptation.
Having said that, I’ve always believed that pleasure and joy are as vital to looking and feeling great as any health and lifestyle choice. Everything in moderation, as they say. Life is too short to try and control every snack and meal, and sometimes you have to use common sense to decide what’s good and what isn’t.
Now, where’s that Mars cereal bar..?
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Many people spend years looking for their purpose; that thing they were put on the earth to do which makes life better for themselves and those around them. For some, it might be parenthood. Others find their purpose through the arts. But one thing’s for sure - most people find it through exploring the cause they care about.
But between working hard to provide for a family - or deciding to chase money instead of dreams - some people never discover their true purpose. So to avoid this fate, how should you start looking for yours? Follow these tips below, which focus on reflection, intuition and learning:
Life is full of distractions and it’s easy to get caught up in them. You might be stuck in a stressful job. Or constantly scrolling through social media, comparing your life to others. But to really find your passion, it’s essential to take a step back from everything to reflect on your goals. That’s why whenever I’m faced with a big decision, I try to take a solo trip.
This doesn’t have to be a big vacation - although, that would be nice! I recommend trying to get away for a weekend, a day trip, or even just for an afternoon to spend some time alone.
Bring a journal to write down your intentions and ambitions, and focus on being distraction free. Ask yourself questions like: What causes do I care about? When have I been most happy? What communities do I feel closest to? Taking a step back helps you to understand what’s really important in life, and helps you to visualise where you want to be.
That said, it can be hard to visualise where you want to be if you’re standing idle. After all, ideas are sparked by getting out into the world! So while searching for your purpose, it’s important to never stop learning. Why not attend that seminar that caught your eye?
Or volunteer to paint that mural at the hospital? Because you never know. You might discover a new passion for art therapy, or meet someone who can help propel you on your path to success.
You might have an idea about what makes you happy. But are you willing to sacrifice to get there? Knowing your purpose is one thing, but achieving it is another. Try making a list of what you might have to give up if you were to fulfill your purpose. Would you have to quit you job and take a big pay cut? Would you hinder any relationships along the way? Would you need to spend less time with your family, or friends?
Have a good understanding of what you’re willing to sacrifice before making any major life decisions; this can help both you and your loved ones ease into any big changes, and might adjust the way you approach them. Instead of quitting your job to work in animal rescue, for example, it might be best to start by volunteering one day a month. You can always move up from there.
Many people know what their purpose might be, but for one reason or another, are afraid to achieve it. My advice, though? Once you’ve accepted the sacrifices, go ahead and jump in! You can spend years milling around, waiting for the right moment to make a change.
But no one said following your passion was easy. Even if you’re faced with cynics, keep your eye on the prize. After all, it’s better to have tried and failed, than to have never tried at all.
Maybe you’ve found what you’re good at. But it doesn’t mean you have to do it for life - especially if it’s making you miserable. Sometimes things just don’t seem to click - and if there’s no passion involved, you’re likely not working toward your purpose. In the end, finding your purpose is all about following your gut. So if you don’t feel content in what you’re doing, keep searching until you are.
It’s true: oftentimes, finding your purpose can take years. But when you focus on self reflection, continuous learning, and following your intuition - you may just be lucky enough to find it.
Do you believe you’ve found your purpose in life? Tell me about how you did it in the comments below. I’d love to hear!
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When you sit down at your desk in the morning, what does it look like? Chaotic, tidy, piled up with work? Our desks are often a reflection of our personalities and states of mind. But be warned, if it’s cluttered with papers, office supplies and yesterday’s coffee mug, the appearance of your workspace could be impacting not only your productivity - but also your wellbeing.
With this in mind, here are a few reasons why it’s so important to keep your desk clean, and what I do to ensure my own workspace promotes focus and relaxation.
Contrary to what some believe, a messy desk doesn’t always mean that work is getting done. In fact according to one experiment of 100 undergraduates, a chaotic workspace actually undermines productivity.
“We’ve found that people sitting at messy desks are less efficient, less persistent, and more frustrated and weary than those at neat desks,” write the authors of the study, Boyoun (Grace) Chae and Rui (Juliet) Zhu, in this Harvard Business Review article.
In the experiment, students in two, very different workspaces were asked to engage with a challenging task. Those who were left to work in a clean environment stuck with the task 1.5 times longer than those exposed to a messy environment. According to the study, it’s because the untidy environment posed “a threat” to students - they felt a less of self control, and coping with the messy environment around them depleted their mental resources. This made it more difficult for the students to complete the task as directed.
It goes to show: if you’re given a challenge at work, an orderly environment will make you more determined to complete it!
A tidy workspace can improve productivity and it can also save you time. It might have taken you 45 seconds to find your favourite pen this morning, but another 6 minutes to locate that client form. And that was all before 9 am! When each item doesn’t have a designated spot on your desk, you spend more time searching. This time adds up, meaning you have significantly less opportunity to innovate, help clients, and engage in more creative processes.
If you work in a busy office, you know there always seems to be a bug going around. And if you keep a messy desk, you might be more likely to catch it. In fact according to a University of Arizona study from a while back, a desk has more germs than a toilet seat: while an office’s toilet had 49 germs per square inch, desks had 21,000 germs per square inch. That means your desktop - including your phone, mouse and keyboard - is a breeding ground for viruses that cause the cold and flu. Yuck! A clean desk, on the other hand, will keep you healthier.
I always spend a few minutes around lunch - and then again before heading home - to re-organise my workspace. This means returning the mugs to the kitchen, cleaning up any coffee stains, putting my office supplies back where they belong, and filing documents in the correct spot.
I recommend keeping a file holder on your desk with a designated space for important documents, and less important - but still active - documents underneath. This keeps everything within arms reach, but properly organised.
Disinfect your desktop, keyboard, phone and office supplies at least once a week - or more often when there’s a bug going around. This ensures your workspace doesn’t become a habitat for viruses - which can make both you, and your coworkers ill.
It’s always nice to personalise your workspace. But instead of cluttering your desk with knick-knacks and photos, it’s better to keep only a few of your favourite items around. Instead of pinning each of your kid’s paintings to your cubicle, for example, try just putting one in a stylish frame.
In addition to displaying a few selected sentimental items, make the space your own through engaging in some DIY projects. Spruce up your cork board by covering it with a chique textile, or hang some stylish clipboards to the wall to place you to-do lists on. Just because you’re keeping your workspace minimal, doesn't mean you can’t make it your own.
If you work from home, improve your workspace through aromatherapy! I’m a huge fan of diffusing oils like peppermint, lavender, rosemary, bergamot - and a whole range of others - which help to increase productivity, improve my mood and reduce stress. I love what I do, but aromatherapy makes my workday even more enjoyable.
I truly believe that keeping a desk clean and clutter-free is one of the best ways to increase productivity at work. But don’t forget to add a few personal touches to your workspace, either, to really make the space your own.
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