Janey Lee Grace rounds up what’s new and noteworthy in the world of natural health, beauty and well-being.
When we choose health and well-being products, it’s important to know the benefits they will provide. Some of the best natural and eco-conscious brands are streets ahead now at being transparent about their ingredients and the benefits of their products. Here’s a selection of my top picks.
Lumi Therapy, Portable Recovery Pod Ice Bath, $99/£75
lumitherapystore.com / lumitherapy.co.uk
You’ve heard about the benefits of ice baths and cold water therapy, but till now it wasn’t always convenient. Enter the UK’s first portable Lumi Therapy Recovery Pod Ice Bath, delivering ice-cold therapy to people’s patios or gardens.
It’s fully insulated and keeps water at a steady temperature with an included Thermo lid. Studies have shown that cold water exposure can help to boost the immune system, reduce stress and improve sleep. Even 10 minutes a week can improve health. Ice isn’t needed, by the way—you can just use cold water (outside, of course!).
Sacred, Elemental Glow Face Oil, £45 (30 mL)
Sacred is not just any skincare brand; they believe in a slow, mindful approach to skincare that focuses on the natural healing power of plants. Their formulations are designed to support the skin’s natural processes and enhance its ability
to regenerate.
Elemental Glow Face Oil is made with a blend of organic botanical oils, microalgae, Arctic oats, turmeric and holy basil, all of which work together to provide a range of benefits for the skin.
Grapeseed and hemp seed oils help improve skin tone and control oil production, while olive squalane, rosehip and cacao oils help the skin retain moisture and make more collagen. Microalgae and Arctic oats extracts provide natural ceramides that strengthen the skin as a barrier, giving it protection and a smoother texture.
Eco by Sonya, Miami Rose Lipstick, $24.95/£18.95
ecotan.com / ecobysonyadriver.co.uk
Finding natural makeup isn’t always the easiest, but I’ve written a book called Look Great Naturally without Ditching the Lipstick (Hay House, 2013), so it’s only reasonable that I’d be able to recommend a good one!
This dusty pink lipstick is one of my favorites. Its highly pigmented color can complement any complexion and any outfit you choose to wear, and it comes with added benefits. It has a long-lasting moisturizing effect with a matte finish that doesn’t leave your lips dry or cracked.
It’s made with all-natural, vegan ingredients such as jojoba, shea butter and orange peel. And the earth-friendly packaging further reinforces the company’s commitment to operating sustainably.
Awake Organics, The Ultimate Skincare Routine Bundle, $172.00/£138.49
Awake Organics is a cruelty-free skincare brand that specializes in waterless products packed with powerful plant-based superfoods. Its range is concentrated, vibrant and free of fillers.
This bundle of five products contains all you need for great skin. Juice Cleanse thoroughly removes dirt, oil, makeup and sunscreen without overdrying your skin, while Sea Quartz polishes and preps your skin for optimum moisturizer absorption and smooth makeup application. Eye Time targets dark circles, puffiness and fine lines, and Brightening Serum gives your skin a boost of antioxidants. Finally, Divine Skin Moisture Balm hydrates and protects against pollution and the elements.
Essence, Aura-Soma Coral Colour Essence, £18.76 (30 mL)
Aura-Soma is a color system created by Vicky Wall containing plant and crystal “energies and information.” Colour Essences are designed to help connect your emotional and mental selves, enhancing your holistic well-being.
Your color preferences reflect and support who you are and what you need for optimal well-being. The essences are tinctures, great for those who are sensitive to smells. You can also add them to water to make sprays, even for animals and plants.
Coral Colour Essence is said to strengthen your psyche, encourage community and openness, and help balance all the chakras for smooth energy flow. I like to put a few drops into coconut oil or massage oil or add it to bath water.
True Veda, Organic Holy Basil Vitamin B6, $29.97/£24.97 (60 capsules)
True Veda is a brand that values natural, sustainable and ethical practices. It uses only the best ingredients that are gentle on the stomach, with powerful, concentrated extracts that enhance the benefits.
One of its unique products is Organic Holy Basil Vitamin B6, made from the aromatic shrub from India known as tulsi, or “the Queen of Herbs,” in Ayurveda. It’s an innovative formulation contributing to the body’s daily requirement of vitamin B6 while letting you obtain it from a fully natural source.
The supplement is created from the highest-grade organic tulsi and no artificial ingredients or preservatives. It can help to support healthy functions of the heart, immune system and nervous system and promote a state of relaxation and vitality.
Bodykind
Aroma Home Inner Balance Calming Eye Pillow, $18.13/£12.95
Aroma Home Gel Beads Migraine Wrap, $13.93/£8.95
Bodykind offers a range of aromatherapy products that can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, all harnessing the benefits of essential oils.
Sleep better
Tisserand Sleep Better Aroma Spa Diffuser, $64.40/£46.00
The Sleep Better Aroma Spa Diffuser is an ultrasonic aromatherapy diffuser that uses essential oils to create a calming atmosphere. It comes with Sleep Better Diffuser Oil, a blend of jasmine, sandalwood and lavender that’s perfect for helping you fall into a peaceful sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. Its compact, modern design looks great in the bedroom.
Eye pillows
The Inner Balance Calming Eye Pillow is microwaveable. Its flaxseed filling is infused with lavender essential oil to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Its gentle warmth can help relieve eyestrain, headaches and facial tension.
Migraine comfort
The Therapeutic Gel Beads Migraine Comfort Wrap is designed to help relieve headaches, migraines and sinus pain. It’s a soft fabric-covered wrap that contains therapeutic gel beads you can chill in the refrigerator or freezer for cold therapy.
It’s also scented with lavender, mandarin and geranium oil to help reduce your stress and tension levels at the end of a long workday.
