6 minute read
EDITOR’S CHOICE
SUPPLE AND SOPHISTICATED
I get so excited each time a new release drops from Environ. The latest to cross my desk was their Focus Care Youth+ 3DSynergé Filler Crème and Frown Serum. Together, these powerful products work to target fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and deeply nourish and protect through the inclusion of vitamin A and antioxidants. Once again, the Environ team has not disappointed. The rigorous research that goes into the creation of each of their groundbreaking releases has clearly paid off in the range, and I feel secure in the knowledge that the South African stalwart will continue to support me in achieving flawless skin at every age.
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ONE-STOP WELLBEING
When it comes to health, I’m a real fan of a one-a-day solution. It’s no surprise that I’ve got a bottle of Viridian’s High Five Multivitamin and Mineral Formula and Daily Synerbio in my supplement drawer. The ‘High Five’ refers to the higher level of vitamin B5, which supports mental performance, and assists in reducing fatigue. Added to this is buffered vitamin C, vegan vitamin D, and essential minerals like selenium, iron and zinc. Synerbio Daily is an expert formulation of good gut bacteria with added prebiotics for gut health and overall wellbeing, so with these two in my arsenal, I know that I’m ready to face any day!
TASTY GREENS
The future of herbal and nutrient support, the Metagenics Phytoganix dietary supplement gives me all the wholefood goodness I need for strong immunity and overall wellbeing, in one convenient powder. This nutritional wonder features 20+ wholefoods in each serving, including organic fruit and vegetables, flax seeds, chia seeds, quinoa sprouts as well as prebiotics and probiotics. I add a scoop of the surprisingly tasty green goodness to my morning smoothie, and feel great knowing that I’ve covered so many of my health bases in one go!
PURE HYDRATION
Convenient, conscious and terribly stylish, Kuro-Bo has significantly levelled up my home hydration game. I love the idea of using activated charcoal for eco-friendly water purification, and simply adding the Kuro-Bo sticks or koins to their beautiful containers makes natural filtration as easy as can be. The 8 l Bamboo Water Filter Dispenser is hand-made, lightweight, and made from glass for a gorgeous, plastic-free hydration station. For those looking for something a bit smaller, the 2 l Bamboo Water Filter Jug is not only easy on the eye, but also ergonomically designed for easy pouring, with a leak-proof steel and bamboo lid. If you’re on the go, the 550 ml Glass Water Bottle uses the same materials and durable reinforcements of its bigger siblings in a portable bottle for a convenient purified water experience wherever you find yourself.
ANCIENT WISDOM, MODERN SOLUTIONS
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) endures for good reason! Bringing TCM to South Africa since 1997, Chinaherb was developed by Dr. Chunlan Li and Prof. Yi Zhang, and is based on knowledge passed down for millennia. While they offer a wide range of solutions for a myriad different health concerns, I find their Smooth Intestine formula to be particularly helpful in helping me treat the symptoms of IBS. Based on AD Danxi’s 1481 Mastery of Medicine handbook, it assists in smoothing liver functioning, strengthening the spleen and neutralising the damp and hot ailments that prevent healthy gut performance. If you’re prone to diarrhoea, cramping, constipation or stomach candida, this powerful combination of organic herbs may assist in treating and maintaining intestinal health. It has, after all, been tried and tested for millennia!
ONE-STOP WELLBEING
When it comes to health, I’m a real fan of a one-a-day solution. It’s no surprise that I’ve got a bottle of Viridian’s High Five Multivitamin and Mineral Formula and Daily Synerbio in my supplement drawer. The ‘High Five’ refers to the higher level of vitamin B5, which supports mental performance, and assists in reducing fatigue. Added to this is buffered vitamin C, vegan vitamin D, and essential minerals like selenium, iron and zinc. Synerbio Daily is an expert formulation of good gut bacteria with added prebiotics for gut health and overall wellbeing, so with these two in my arsenal, I know that I’m ready to face any day!
FACE FOOD
While I didn’t initially jump at the idea of putting beef tallow on my face, this backto-basics range has become an unexpected staple in my skincare routine. Sourced from free-range beef, the tallow is a molecular match to skin lipids, and - as it turns out - a great ingredient for feeding my face its ’natural diet’. It’s filled with naturallyoccurring vitamins A, D, K and E, plus fat-soluble activators, omega 3, and antioxidants. The 55% saturated fat functions as a barrier to layer, moisturise and protect the skin after the daily washing that strips it of its natural moisture. I love the Face Butter for its luxurious feel and long-lasting hydration; the Body Butter for its non-greasy formulation and silky soft results; and the Healing Balm for spots, rashes and insect bites. Fat chance I’ll be giving this one up anytime soon!
FROM AFRICA WITH LOVE
Taking skincare in South Africa to a whole new level, lelive is an eco-conscious, unisex and affordable brand created by a community of natural beauties and conscious consumers. I’ve been lucky enough to give my skin a taste of the whole range, thanks to their seven-piece set. While I appreciate the convenience of being able to test all the products at once, I’ve found it challenging to single out a favourite, with such strong contenders across the board! I like to remove my makeup with the Cleaner Colada cleanser (ideal for dry and maturing skin), and to then do my final cleanse with the refreshing Jelly Splash (great for the acne-prone amongst us). In the mornings, I treat my squeaky clean skin to the All Glow’d Up vitamin C and turmeric serum, which is an amazing brightener. In the evenings, the Save Our Skin peach and aloe exfoliating serum leaves my skin feeling extra smooth and pampered. Of course, the collection also contains powerful hydration boosters. Mornings see me lathering on the All the Shade marula tinted SPF 30 moisturiser, which not only gives me a great natural glow, but inclues zinc and vitamin E for that last bit of nourishment. Finally, the dreamy, creamy Du-Pont Shea Butter Lush leaves me duly buttered up for bed.
SKINCARE SIMPLIFIED
Finally - a range of affordable, natural and effective care for all skin types. 100% natural and cruelty-free, the brand-new Wellness Rejuvenating beauty collection uses a combination of bioactive ingredients to naturally nourish and brilliantly boost the skin. I love the Rejuvenating Hydration Serum, as the hyaluronic acid assists in keeping my skin moisturised and supple through the change in seasons. The Rejuvenating Eye Contour Serum has also become an invaluable addition to my daily routine, thanks to its cooling, hydrating and reinvigorating effects on my (often) tired-looking eyes. Add a multi-purpose Rejuvenating Gel Cleanser, Toning Mist, Day Cream and Night Cream, and that’s your natural skincare – sorted!
ROLL, BURN & INHALE
I love a good aromatherapy solution, especially if I can use it in a convenient roller or inhaler form. Needless to say, I was thrilled to try Aromatic Apothecary’s new range. The geranium, lemon, peppermint and rosemary in their Wake Up & Focus Inhaler and Roll-on get me going first thing in the morning, while the Silent Moments variations soothe and prepare me for sleep after a long day (think geranium, lavender, chamomile and neroli). I also love burning this one in oil form on my bedside table as I nod off. If you’re prone to aches and pains, the Sport Roll-on Relief – with its ginger, arnica and menthol – is a great one to apply to the affected areas. Last but certainly not least, the Zap Zit Roll-on keeps me looking as great as I feel after rolling, burning, and inhaling the rest!
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