Scent is incredibly evocative. Unseen, untouchable and yet utterly pervasive: scent instantly assails us, lingers round us and etches itself into our memories. The fragrance surrounding us can bring calm and joy; or it can bring danger …. Heaven scent: the calming effect of scent Fragrance molecules send signals through the olfactory nerves in the…
Elderflower was the go-to complexion enhancer on every dressing table in the past. They are widely used in skincare for their conditioning and skin-lightening, properties which can be handy for reducing freckles and sunburn and for treating greying hair. An infusion of elderflowers can be used for softening cleansers, toners and conditioners for hands, face and body. It is…
Here are some really simple facial scrubs using just two or three ingredients. Select the variation to suit your skin and make up as you want to use it. Once the ingredients are blended, simply use your fingertips to rub the paste over your face in small circles and then rinse off with warm water,…
The relentless pace of an always-on, always-connected world can leave us actually feeling rather disconnected. Disconnected from others, and from nature, from our own core being. One way to ground ourselves, bring back some natural balance and establish nature as a regular part of our daily lives is to use the natural ingredients that grow…
Here’s the top 5 things you can do today to help your skin recover from the party season and look your best in the New Year: Get your sleep patterns back on track The term ‘beauty sleep’ is absolutely true, your skin needs that restful time to heal and regenerate. And, did you know, your…
This time of year is full of traditions, whether universally adopted or ones special to just you and your family, we pack the season with memories and expectations. The Christmas stocking is one of these practices, steeped in ritual from the ceremonious hanging alongside a hopeful sherry and mince pie to the curious squeezing and…
Chocolate: the health-boosting gift A gift of chocolate is a huge treat – for you and your skin, ideally dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa). Simply eating it provides potent antioxidants in the form of flavonoids, omega 6 fatty acids, and some essential nutrients including vitamins A, B, D, E and K and minerals, riboflavin, thiamine,…
Here’s your top 10 zero-calorie chocolate indulgence recipes: Chocolate hair mask Dry shampoo for dark hair 3-ways chocolate face masks Chocolate orange lip balm Chocolate rose scrub (for face or body) Cocoa butter hand cream Chocolate milk bath Chocolate and walnut body scrub Chocolate wax Mint Chocolate foot scrub Find out why chocolate is so…
Ok, so the activated charcoal that’s becoming mega popular in skincare may be a bit different to the lump of coal naughty children find in their Christmas stocking, but it’s worth knowing why it’s considered such a great ingredient for blend-it-yourself skincare. What is charcoal? Different to the lumps of coal that come from the…
How and why to do a patch test Everyone has their own unique skin so it’s impossible to say how an individual will react to a particular ingredient. While many of the ingredients with known, more universal, sensitivities are avoided in natural skincare (the artificial fragrances in particular, as well as many preservatives and additives)…
