Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and finding that perfect gift for the mom in your life can be such a challenge! If you’re looking for a unique and thoughtful present, a Mother’s Day spa gift box could be just the thing. And what better way to show your appreciation for all of the hard work and love that mothers (and mother figures) put into their families and communities, than a gift that promotes relaxation and self-care?
Keep reading for tips on how to curate the perfect Mother’s Day spa gift box using our favorite all-natural bath and body products, plus a few special extras from other small, women-owned businesses that we love!
Before you can choose what to fill your spa basket or box with, you need to choose a basket or box! We’ve rounded up a few affordable options for you that your gift recipient can easily repurpose for other things, or simply use as storage for their gift items.
This is a traditional basket with a handle that would be great to store
Can be repurposed as cute bathroom storage!
This basket is soft and can be reused for so many things!
And if you’re thinking, I don’t have time to shop around for items and put together a spa basket, you’re in the right place. We have ready to ship Spa in a Box gift sets curated with customer and team favorites that are perfect for Mother’s Day gifting!
Every gift basket needs some type of filler to help secure your gifts and give your gift that extra special something. You can always use a classic like paper shreds for your spa basket, which is a simple and eco-friendly option, but we like to level things up a little and include gifts with purpose to serve as basket fillers. A few ideas are these lovely hand towels or a pair of soft and cozy cloud socks.
Next, it’s time to select one of our best-selling shower steamers. These aromatherapy steamers are perfect for adding a spa-like experience to an everyday shower routine and make a great “base” for your Mother’s Day spa gift basket. With delicious scents like lavender, refreshing eucalyptus and dreamy cardamom vanilla, our shower steamers are great for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Plus, they’re also free from any harmful chemicals or irritants making them a great option for sensitive skin!
If you’re creating a spa gift box for someone who loves indulging in a bath more than showers, don’t worry, we have you covered. Our all-natural bubble bath bars create the perfect amount of fizz and bubbles to create a relaxing spa experience right in your own tub! Crafted with an expert blend of hydrating grapeseed and essential oils, these bath bars are a customer favorite. The Calm Lavender is our favorite!
Next, it’s time to choose one of our luxurious organic bar soaps. Hand-crafted with essential oils and natural herbs, our bar soap is ideal for even the most sensitive skin, while still creating a luxurious lather. Not only will this soap leave skin feeling soft and nourished, but it’s the perfect addition to your shower routine.
You think you know body scrubs, but we’ve completely reinvented them with our body scrub bar. Same results, way less mess and all of the moisturizing and smoothing properties that you come to expect from an exfoliant. We love using these in conjunction with either the steamers or bubble bath bars and they are the perfect addition to a relaxing at-home spa experience.
Last Step - Body Butter
Now that you’ve selected your steamers, soap and body polish, it’s time to choose one of our luxurious body butters, which is the ultimate hydration therapy for tired and dry skin. Made from shea butter and essential oils, our body butter is perfect to use as the final step in an at-home spa routine!
Finally, we like to add in some extra to round out the spa gift basket and really make this a special gift for Mother’s Day.
Some of our favorites include Near & Native candles, a Maine-based candle company that makes eco-friendly candles from coconut soy wax and essential oils. One of these candles would be the perfect addition to your gift basket.
Maple soap dish to help extend the life of our organic bar soap. Hand-crafted in small batches, we love this soap tray for it’s simple and minimalist design!
Dry brush for circulatory benefits and sloughing off dry skin before using the body polish!
Now that you’ve selected your basket, fillers, spa products and extras, it’s time to put it all together for mom! We know that they will love all of these curated products to help them create the perfect at-home spa experience!
Self-care isn’t just facials and mimosas. It’s caring for yourself holistically. That means self-care can look different for everyone, depending on how they feel and what they need. But these 5 self-care habits are a great foundation for anyone looking to take better care of themselves and elevate daily routines into rituals that replenish and restore.
]]>Self-care isn’t just facials and mimosas. It’s caring for yourself holistically. That means self-care can look different for everyone, depending on how they feel and what they need. But these 5 self-care habits are a great foundation for anyone looking to take better care of themselves and elevate daily routines into rituals that replenish and restore.
You don’t have to take a 5 mile hike to reap the benefits of being in nature. Spending any amount of time outside (try for 10+ minutes) can boost your mood. It also helps you feel more connected to the earth and will help ground you throughout your day.
Tuning into what our bodies are telling us can sound challenging, but once we’ve learned to ask it can help us take better care of ourselves. Simple ways you can listen to your body could include asking what food it wants, resting when you feel tired or moving your body when you feel energized.
Anchoring yourself to what brings you joy can help you act more mindfully. It also allows you to be more intentional with your energy and time, focusing on what really feels blissful to you and why. This way you can incorporate more of those feelings or moments into your days.
Having a flexible schedule frees up mental space and allows you to focus on your priorities for the day. You can use it as a guideline in how you spend your time and you can keep track of scheduled time for yourself.
Between work and family, our daily life can get pretty loud. Setting time aside to spend by yourself allows you to reset and organize your thoughts, which can help you feel less stressed and burnt out in your everyday life.
]]>Mental clutter can reduce our ability to give our undivided attention to other people or tasks or, most importantly, ourselves.
]]>If you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed and stressed, always tether to your endless list of to-do’s, or have struggle falling and staying asleep, you could probably do with a thorough mental decluttering.
Mental clutter can reduce our ability to give our undivided attention to other people or tasks or, most importantly, ourselves.
It can also create a foggy, indecisive mind that just simply doesn’t let you rest. And that’s no good, because if you’re caring for yourself well, you can’t do well for the people you love and care about.
So here are 5 ways you can reduce mental clutter and get the most out of your self-care rituals.
Most especially the areas you use for your self-care activities. If they’re filled with physical clutter, it’s most likely going to affect your mental capacity to focus.
Clear that bathroom shelf and create space for your most used products that you love looking at. Tidy the desk with stacks of paper to create a sanctuary for your journalling. Create an environment that feels calm and clear, just like you want your mind to feel.
When you’re busy with your tasks, practice being more mindful. If you feel your thoughts wandering, acknowledge them then bring them back to what you’re busy with.
You can think of this is a kind of meditation, and when you’re focusing on just one thing, you’re shifting all your attention to the ‘here and now’ and reducing the amount of thoughts swirling around your head.
If you can’t shake the clutter, it might be time for a brain dump. Get a fresh sheet of paper (off-screen is best, but you can use a note taking app for your phone or iPad too), and just start writing down all the things you’re thinking about.
You don’t have to go into great detail at first, but once you’re done you can go back in and write down why you’re thinking about certain things. Maybe it’s a task you need to schedule, or an event you need to plan, or a shopping list you need to make. You can organise your thoughts better once they’re more tangible.
These don’t have to be routines you currently have - they can be the ones you want to have, too. You know that journalling habit you keep wanting to start but forgetting about. Or that bi-weekly bath that’s kid- and noise-free?
It’s time to draw up a routine that takes into account what you have to and want to do, and then scheduling around those things. Print it out, or set calendar reminders. Something that will prompt you to stick to your routine until it becomes a natural part of your day or week.
Use your time for self-care to really spend time with yourself. Organise your thoughts, address your concerns and create a safe space that feels calming and nurturing. When you’re not emotionally, mentally or physically burnt out, you have better focus and can be more productive in ways that feel good to you.
We create all-natural plant-based self-care products that use the power of aromatherapy to bring calm, energy, balance or focus to your self-care rituals. Shop them here.
]]>You’ve heard of gratitude practices and you’ve seen all the gratitude journalling prompts on Pinterest. But can practicing daily gratitude be as life-changing as it’s hyped up to be?
Consider gratitude as one pillar of support and self-care. Alone, it’s probably not going to change your life. But it could have positive knock-on effects and help build or cultivate other pillars of support.
And, together, all of that support could be life-changing!
Writing daily, weekly or monthly gratitude lists could also give you an anchor and comfort in the small moments, big events or everyday things that you are grateful for. You could think of it as a practice of emotional self-care.
And actively noticing and voicing gratitude helps you become more aware of those moments and seek out others that you might feel grateful for too.
If you’re not already incorporating a daily gratitude practice, start small. Release yourself from the expectation that you should fill a 10-item list of things you’re grateful for.
By not forcing ourselves to fill a list for the sake of it, we’re more likely to focus on moments or things that genuinely brought us joy, contentment or gratitude.
If staring at an empty page with the prompt gratitude isn’t working for you, consider what brought you joy, what felt blissful or even felt comforting.
A gratitude list doesn’t have to just be things you’re eternally grateful for.
Not morning fresh - memory fresh. Take 5 minutes at the end of the day to reflect on the events, feelings and interactions that felt good. Recounting our day can help us set better intentions or be more mindful when experiencing the same feelings again in the future.
Don’t write out a list filled with what you feel you should be grateful for. Enter your gratitude practice free of judgement and pressure, knowing that this exists only for yourself.
If you’re feeling grateful for something, it’s worthwhile asking why you’re feeling grateful? Is it a feeling it gave you? A desired outcome? How does it align to your goals?
Expressing why we have gratitude for something can feel challenging, but looking deeper can help you understand what you value on a personal level and help you work towards your goals in a more meaningful way.
]]>You want that minimum-effort maximum-result glow in the morning as much as we do?
The best part is this highly coveted glow is so easy to achieve — all you have to do is leverage your nightly shower (and spend an extra 2 minutes in the nude before you don your pajamas 😉).
So here’s what you do:
]]>You want that minimum-effort maximum-result glow in the morning as much as we do?
The best part is this highly coveted glow is so easy to achieve — all you have to do is leverage your nightly shower (and spend an extra 2 minutes in the nude before you don your pajamas 😉).
So here’s what you do:
🚿 While you’re in the shower or bath, give your body a good scrub with one of our hydrating salt scrubs (if you don’t have, you can make your own with some oils and Himalayan pink salt, but that’s not really minimum effort, is it?)
🧖♀️ Hop out the shower, pat your skin dry with a towel. Be gentle, we don’t want to rub off all that beautiful oil, okay?
🤲 Slather some body butter onto your damp skin, gently massaging it in.
💧 Watch as your skin soaks up all that hydration, storing it for a beautiful extra glow in the morning.
]]>Today we're sharing a step-by-step how-to for our best selling shower steamers and hopefully we’ll answer any little questions you might have about them.
All of our shower steamers, but especially the Calming Lavender Geranium 😌 is our most beloved (and popular) so if you haven't got your yet, I’m sure this petite demo will inspire you to click Add to Cart pronto.
Ready? Let’s go!
]]>Quiet please, class is in session 🤫
Today we're sharing exactly how to use shower steamers in this step-by-step guide. We get lots of questions on how to make the most of our best selling shower steamers and hopefully we’ll answer any and all questions you might have about them.
Ok, let’s quickly go over what a shower steamer is. Shower steamers are the little sister to bath bombs, and function in a really similar way. They usually fizz and foam and release calming or invigorating essential oils into your shower experience. In other words, a shower steamer can take your everyday shower from zero to a luxury spa with ease.
They are also one of our favorite ways to add in a little extra self-care into your daily routine. Whether you’re choosing a fresh and energizing scent like our Pink Grapefruit shower steamers, or our best-selling (and most beloved) Calming Lavender Geranium shower steamers 😌 we know that you will quickly fall in love with the aromatherapy benefits of adding shower steamers into your routine.
Ok great, but how do you use them? We are so glad you asked. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to create your own decadent spa ritual at home with our essential oil shower steamers.
Step 1
Start your shower and make sure to give it a few minutes to get nice and deliciously steamy. The steam will help release the essential oils and create that decadent aromatherapeutic effect that makes our shower streamers so special.
Once you’ve created a nice steam, it’s time to move on to step two!
Step 2
Pop your shower steamer on the floor where small drops of water can touch it to activate the essential oils. Unlike a bath bomb, you don’t want your shower to get soaked right out of the gate. The time release of the essential oils is essential to its effectiveness, so make sure you’re choosing the right spot.
Step 3
Our (second) favorite step. It’s time to breathe in the aromatherapy goodness and really take a moment to savor the deliciousness aroma of your shower steamers.
Step 4 is to breathe out the stress tension and noise and repeat until you’re feeling all of the relaxed spa vibes.
Need these shower steamers asap? We don’t blame you. They also make wonderful gifts!
Seasonal allergies, dry winter air or just a run of the mill cold leaving you feeling congested? Our Breathe Eucalyptus Shower Steamers are the perfect way to help clear mild congestion and all around “stuffiness.”
Your Friday night just got a serious glow up. Our Calm Lavender Geranium Shower Steamers will help you wind down after a busy week of doing all of the things. These are a best seller for a reason and they can instantly transform your shower from blah to spa just like that.
As you can see, shower steamers are a must-have addition to your daily or weekly self-care routine and they are so easy to use! And if you’ve got any more questions about these magical shower companions (that last 2-4 showers, by the way!), drop them in the comments below and we’ll answer them all!
Self care is a hot topic, but it doesn’t have to be all weekend getaways 👜 and massages 💆♀️
Self-care is so much more than treating yourself - it’s about creating meaningful rituals that cater to your emotional and physical wellbeing 🙌
So here are 5 activities you can infuse into your everyday routines:
]]>Self care is a hot topic, but it doesn’t have to be all weekend getaways 👜 and massages 💆♀️
Self-care is so much more than treating yourself - it’s about creating meaningful rituals that cater to your emotional and physical wellbeing 🙌
So here are 5 activities you can infuse into your everyday routines:
Which one are you going to try out today?
]]>All our products have been meticulously crafted with all-natural ingredients to nourish your skin and support you in creating your own meaningful rituals and prioritize your physical and mental wellbeing.
]]>At Thulisa Naturals our mantra is natural ingredients, everyday rituals and we mean it!
All our products have been meticulously crafted with all-natural ingredients to nourish your skin and support you in creating your own meaningful rituals and prioritize your physical and mental wellbeing.
The kinds of rituals you can easily incorporate into your everyday life and routines. Ones that don’t require a big budget of time or money because working with what you have is the easiest way to create more calm and contentment.
We love rituals where you can care for yourself as much as you do those around you and move forward feeling calm and replenished. And able to carry that sense of balance and restoration in everything else you do, too.
So that you can be your own bringer of peace 😍
You can get started creating your rituals with our all-natural and safe aromatherapy shower steamers, handmade soaps or body scrubs and butter.
]]>So we all know how important self-care is when maintaining overall wellbeing. The emotional, mental, physical and spiritual kinds of wellbeing that integrate to create who we are.
But if you’re still thinking about self-care are just mimosas with brunch or long baths, you’re missing out. What if you thought about self-care activities as a way of looking after each facet of who you are?
]]>So we all know how important self-care is when maintaining overall wellbeing. The emotional, mental, physical and spiritual kinds of wellbeing that integrate to create who we are.
But if you’re still thinking about self-care are just mimosas with brunch or long baths, you’re missing out. What if you thought about self-care activities as a way of looking after each facet of who you are?
Not quite sure what we mean? We’ve got loads of ideas in our self-care bingo.
And if you know exactly what we mean, but you want to see how your self-care has measured up up this year so far, you definitely need to scroll down and find out!
1-5
😭 You really need to prioritise yourself in your day.
What activities looked especially exciting or calming to you? How can you incorporate those into your routines?
6-10
😩 You know what self-care means.
You just need to spend a lot more time implementing it! How can you spend more time on yourself? What kind of support do you need to make that happen?
11-15
😉 You’re no stranger to prioritising yourself.
If you feel like you don’t have any time left to incorporate more activities, what emotional support can you give yourself?
16-20
👑 You’re a self-care goddess
You know what it means to care for yourself holistically and you put it into practice. Keep going, queen!
]]>We don't really buy into the “new year new you” thing. And New Years resolutions aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
But we do believe that being intentional with your thoughts and actions, taking time to care for your overall wellbeing and creating daily rituals that are fulfilling goes a pretty long way in creating the kind of year you hoped to have.
You can use these affirmations in your daily routines (pair them with an aromatic shower steamer for the ultimate combination of calm and intention) to keep you grounded, to set intentions and remind yourself of your priorities.
]]>We don't really buy into the “new year new you” thing. And New Years resolutions aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
But we do believe that being intentional with your thoughts and actions, taking time to care for your overall wellbeing and creating daily rituals that are fulfilling goes a pretty long way in creating the kind of year you hoped to have.
You can use these affirmations in your daily routines (pair them with an aromatic shower steamer for the ultimate combination of calm and intention) to keep you grounded, to set intentions and remind yourself of your priorities.
Steer clear of using a negative tone and opt for either a positive or neutral tone. “I am/do” rather than “I don’t” statements will help you focus on your goal, not what you’re trying to ‘not do’.
Use language that resonates with you, and only you. These are your personal phrases that you’ll use to light yourself up, and aren’t going to be seen or judged by anyone else.
And if you’d rather use affirmations written by someone else, that’s totally fine too!
In fact, we’ve got a list here you can comb through to find a few that fit well for you. And you can also pin the image to your Pinterest so you can keep them forever.
What are shower steamers?
Shower steamers are like bath bombs for your shower except they are made with more essential oils than you'd find in a bath bomb and deliver a burst of aromatherapy in your shower.
Why shower steamers make the perfect travel accessory
Shower steamers are compact and light and fit into almost any luggage bag without taking up room.
Shower steamers make your clothes smell amazing. By placing 1-2 shower steamers in a mesh bag and packing them into your suitcase, once you arrive at your destination you'll open your suitcase to find that your clothes smell amazing and you can still use the shower steamers in your shower.
After a long day of walking around theme parks or sitting beachside, a relaxing shower is something we all look forward to at the end of a long day. Pop a shower steamer in your shower to relax and get yourself ready for a good nights rest.
Do you have a busy day ahead filled with sites to see and fun vacation activities to do? Use an energizing shower steamer in your morning shower to give you a blast of aromatherapy and the boost your mood need to take on the day.
So, don't forget to pack shower steamers on your next vacation.
PS: Our shower steamers are all-natural, are scented with essential oils, and are available in 6 different scents for any mood or vacation! You can find them here
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Yes!
In this blog post, we share 5 ways you can use your shower steamers outside of the shower! Here we go!
Dissolve a shower steamer in 8 oz of water and pour the mixture into a sprat bottle and there you have it, an instant air freshener.
Place a shower steamer in a mesh bag and hang it in your closet or place it in a chest of drawers. Your clothes will smell amazing!
Travel with your shower steamers. Pop a shower steamer in mesh bag and throw it in your suitcase when traveling, once you get to your destination your clothes will smell great and you can use the shower steamer in your hotel shower
Break a shower steamer in half or crush it and place the mixture in a mesh bag and place it in shoes to keep them smelling fresh.
Displaying your shower steamers in a clear jar adds a unique touch to bathroom decor.
You can find our all-natural shower steamer to gift or to enjoy yourself right here.Changing seasons causes changes in skin texture. Winter months dry one's out and humid Summers can make your skin feel oily.
Luckily, there's a simple solution to this problem! All it takes is a little scrubbing to truly transform your skin. When dead skin cells accumulate on the top surface of your skin, your skin can look dull. A few minutes of gentle exfoliation can lift away that barrier to expose the beautiful, fresh skin underneath.
Here at Thulisa Naturals, we have formulated a body scrub like no other! Himilayan pink salt is steeped in a blend of 7 plant-based oils to deeply moisturize and replenish skin cells without leaving any oily residue on your skin.
Scented with pure essential oils, and with a variety of scents available for your skin type and scent preference, you can look forward soft, dewy skin with a luminous glow no matter the season!
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So what can lip balm do for your lips?
Cold, dry, or windy conditions can definitely dry out and roughen up that tender and sensitive part of your face. Applying lip balm will replace or add to the normal, moisture-retaining barrier of the skin. Lip balms are an easy and effective way to keep lips moist and prevent chapped lips.
When you sleep your body produces new skin cells. This process can cause your lips to lose moisture overnight. By applying lip balm before bed, your lips will stay hydrated and protected while new skin cells are produced.
Lipstick can often settle into the cracks on chapped lips and can highlight the dryness in your lips. When you moisturize your lips by applying lip balm and following up with lipstick your lips will look smooth and supple.
Do you use lip balm?
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What you'll need
1/2 pound of melt and pour soap base
1/4 tsp of Mica pigment (any color you like)
Microwave safe dish or bowl
Silicone Molds of your choice
Instructions
1. Cut the melt and pour soap base into 1/2 inch cubes.
2. Melt the soap by placing the cubes in a microwave safe dish and placing the soap in the microwave for 30 seconds.
3. Take the soap out of the microwave and stir.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the soap has completely melted.
5. Add the coloring and stir until fully incorporated into the soap.
6. Pour the soap into a silicone mold of your choice.
All you have to do is let the soap dry for about 4 hours and you're ready to use.
Consider this as an activity that keeps on giving. My kids absolutely loved making the soap and they can't wait to take baths or showers so that they can use their soap. Enjoy.
Here's some soap that you can enjoy just for yourself.
* I'm not affiliated with Amazon I just found a soap base that I liked.
]]>As parents, we have the responsibility to give our children the tools to manage stress, while we use the same tools to take care of ourselves. Easier said than done right? Here are some tips to help you practice self-care with your family.
Take Walks Together
Any kind of physical activity is a good thing but when you have your family with you, it’s probably good to choose an activity that everyone can be a part of. Family walks are easy and it creates an opportunity to teach, and learn new things. These walks also help deepen your relationship with your family to talk without external distractions.
Discuss Ways to Have Fun
With the hope that life will return to normal soon, this is also a great time to have conversations that engage everyone in the family, and discussions about future plans or fun vacations you'd like to take. Creating a conversation where everybody feels like they have a say helps one feel more connected and valued within the family unit.
Prioritize Your Partner
Set aside a time one evening to have a date night. Once the kids are put to bed, have a late-night dinner and talk about anything but your daily responsibilities.
Just Breathe
Deep breathing is a powerful and easy technique you can use and teach your children to effectively manage stress and emotions. Taking 3-5 deep breaths by inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. As you breathe in feel your belly rise and as you breathe out, feel your belly lower. Taking 3-5 deep breaths twice a day ( or more if you have time) can ease stress and anxiety. What a great stress reliever for the whole family!
Take Time for You
Don't forget to set aside time for yourself. Taking 10-30 minutes to do something you enjoy will ensure that you maintain good self-care. For me, it's taking a long shower or bath. ( not forgetting with a foaming fizzy bar or a shower steamer).
There you have it, a few simple ways to make sure you and your family practice good self-care through this tough time.
I'd love to hear what you do to take care of yourself.
]]>Are you on the hunt for the perfect gift to show your favorite teacher how much you appreciate them? Look no further! Teacher Appreciation Day is just around the corner and we've got you covered with the best gift ideas that are sure to make your teacher feel loved and valued.
One gift idea that is both unique and thoughtful is shower steamers. Yes, you heard that right - shower steamers! These little bundles of joy are perfect for teachers who love to relax and unwind after a long day of teaching. Simply toss one in the shower and let the aromatic scents of essential oils fill the air, creating a spa-like experience right in the comfort of their own home.
Not only do shower steamers provide a luxurious shower experience, but they also offer therapeutic benefits. The essential oils can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and even boost the immune system. Your teacher will love the thoughtful gesture and the opportunity to indulge in some much-needed self-care.
But don't stop there! Pair the shower steamers with some other fun and useful gifts to make the perfect teacher appreciation gift basket. Consider adding a cozy blanket, a scented candle, a new mug for their morning coffee, or a self-care notebook to help them stay organized.
And if you really want to go all out, enlist the help of the entire class and create a personalized video message. Each student can share their favorite memory of the school year or a heartfelt message of appreciation. This is a surefire way to make your teacher feel loved and valued, and to create a lasting memory that they will cherish for years to come.
So, what are you waiting for? Show your teacher how much you appreciate them this Teacher Appreciation Day with the perfect gift basket, complete with the luxurious and therapeutic shower steamers. Your teacher will thank you for the thoughtful gesture, and you'll feel great knowing you've made a difference in their day.
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Self-care is one of the most important aspects of physical and mental health, and it doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. One of the best ways to practice self-care is with mantras. Mantras can be words, phrases, or sentences that focus your thoughts, relieve stress, or lift your mood.
You can include them in a daily meditation, or you can repeat them to yourself as you face obstacles throughout your day. As you repeat your mantra, you'll start to truly believe it and embody it. Here are six daily mantras that you can add to your self-care practice:
I love myself.
Accepting and loving yourself can sometimes be difficult, but it's an important step toward positive mental and spiritual health. Loving yourself the way you love your friends and family will help you realize that you deserve happiness just as much as they do. As you repeat this mantra, remind yourself of all your positive qualities, and remember that you're unique.
I am worthy of things that bring me joy.
We often deprive ourselves of good things or feel guilty for indulging in what we love. It's okay to want the best for yourself and to seek out what brings you joy. Whether it's spending time with a good friend, sleeping in late, buying something nice for yourself, or anything else, you deserve the things that make you happy.
I deserve to take care of my mind and body.
If you're constantly stressed about work, school, or family obligations, you might neglect your physical and mental health. However, even amidst all the stress, you deserve to treat your mind and body well.
I am important.
You are just as important as anyone else, and you deserve to treat yourself like you're important. Your health and happiness matter, and your needs are valid. It's easy to prioritize everyone and everything else above yourself, but this mantra will remind you that you're important too.
I choose to be positive.
The stress and struggles that come your way might be out of your control, but your attitude isn't. You can choose to be positive and to focus on the good things in your life. Remind yourself that positive self-talk is powerful and effective, and you can choose to focus on uplifting thoughts.
Here's a bonus:
I am strong.
You have made it through every obstacle in your life so far, and you'll continue to make it through. Even when you don't feel strong, remind yourself of your strength. Sometimes, being strong involves practicing self-care, which helps you become healthy and focused enough to tackle whatever comes your way.
It's best to choose one mantra at a time and focus on it for at least a week. Everyone has different values and priorities, so some mantras might not benefit you as much as others. Once you've tried out a few mantras, you'll find one that really speaks to you. A good mantra helps you focus on the positive, but it also has the power to influence your actions. Your mantra should help you accept yourself, take care of yourself, and make positive choices that benefit your life.
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If you were to look at the real value of taking time to perform self-care, you would probably see that going without it would place a heavy toll on your lifestyle, but how in the world can you find the time to do all of those things?
Keep reading to learn about creating a healthy morning routine for self-care.
Get Up Early Enough
A lot of people fail to realize how much stress they’re putting themselves under when they always leave a few minutes late to get to work every day. When you get up early enough, you should have enough time to get ready. You'll have time to take a refreshing shower, eat food, and spend time with the family before you begin your day. That gives everyone the chance to get on the same page, get nourished and start the day off properly.
Take Care Of Your Complete Self
In order for you to be the healthiest version of yourself that you can be, then you need to take care of all of the different facets of the human psyche. Humans need to have a spiritual connection to the world around them, but each person’s spirituality is subjective. What is not subjective is the human need for physical health, so you should make sure to leave some time to do a few short exercises before you leave for work or school.
Take Time to Be Thankful
Spend a moment focusing on the thing that you can feel thankful for. This little exercise in appreciation can help you to achieve deep satisfaction in your relationships with others and yourself. When things get tough, a careful inventory of your life can be a powerful way to pull yourself out of a funk that your mind is thrusting upon you.
Reflect on A Positive Thing About Yourself
Lots of people have talents that go unnoticed, but one thing you can do for yourself, is to stop and take a moment to reflect on what makes you who you are, or something that you can be proud of. When you’re more in touch with your own appreciation of self, you can reap massive personal rewards. It’s also a lot hard to be down on yourself when you are always recounting the positive things.
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We all want to do our best to take care of the skin we're in. Skin care products found on the shelves of pharmacies and supermarkets seem to share this noble purpose at first glance. With their marketing and packaging, these over-the-counter products assure us that they will help with skin issues and make your skin healthier than ever before.
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But the truth is that many of the over the counter skin care products you'll find for sale on retail shelves and online are filled with toxic ingredients that may worsen skin conditions or even cause disease. Even though many of these ingredients have been known for years to cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, or even cancer, manufacturers of skin care products continue to load their formulas with toxic chemicals and preservatives that are harmful.
It is, therefore, the responsibility of the individual consumer to make sure that the over the counter skin care products he or she consumes do not contain any of these harmful ingredients.
Familiarize yourself with all the ingredients on this list so you'll be able to recognize them when you're shopping for a new face wash, eyeshadow, or nail polish.
While it's incredibly unfortunate that these ingredients are used in skin care products in the first place, by arming yourself with knowledge you can protect yourself and your loved ones from harm.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is one of the most commonly found toxins in skin care products. The first sign that this ingredient might be toxic is the fact that it was originally designed as an industrial degreaser and was never meant to be used on human skin. However, once skin care product manufacturers realized that SLS is an excellent foaming agent, this harmful ingredient started appearing everywhere.
If an over the counter skin care product becomes foamy during use, chances are that it contains sodium lauryl sulfate. This surfactant has been found in over 90% of personal care products and at the very least leads to skin irritation. While SLS is found in many acne products, this chemical can actually make acne worse and is especially associated with cystic acne, which is the most painful and pernicious form of this skin ailment.
Sodium lauryl acetate also disrupts the balance of your natural skin oils and can cause eye damage. Worst of all, SLS can combine with other chemicals to create carcinogens called nitrosamines. Nitrosamines can also cause damage to the kidneys and lungs.
SLS is found in:
Body wash
Acne treatment products
Mascara
Foundation
Hand soap
Mouthwash
Toothpaste
Face wash
Most foaming products
The most common types of ethanolamines are DEA, TEA, and MEA. All of these ingredients are used as foaming agents and all of them have been linked to cancer.
Ethanolamines are used to reduce the surface tension of substances used in personal care products to allow oil-bases and water-bases to mix. These toxic ingredients are also used to control the pH of skin care products. As a common foaming agent, ethanolamines are found in almost every product that foams upon use.
Ethanolamines are known carcinogens and also accumulate over time as deposits in the skin. One type of ethanolamine, DEA, has been shown to accumulate in the liver and kidneys, causing problems with the body's natural process of toxin elimination.
It has also been demonstrated that ethanolamines cause neurotoxicity issues and inhibit normal male reproductive function. Worst of all, ethanolamines formulate into nitrosamines when combined with other chemicals. Nitrosamines are notorious carcinogens.
Ethanolamines are found in:
Bubble baths
Body wash
Face wash
Hand soap
Eyeliner
Mascara
Blush
Foundation
Shaving cream
Sunscreen
Butylated hydroxyanisole is commonly sold as an exfoliant. Thousands of customers use BHA without knowing that this chemical has been linked to cancer. In animal studies, BHA has been shown to stomach cancer and liver damage.
This substance also interferes with normal thyroid function and can cause issues with the development of the reproductive system. With many natural exfoliants available that work just as well, there's no reason to use butylated hydroxyanisole as an exfoliant.
BHA is found in:
Exfoliants
Formaldehyde is banned in the European Union. Thankfully, use of formaldehyde in skin care products has become much less popular in recent years, but this substance can still be found in some fake eyelash adhesives and eyeshadows. Formaldehyde can cause respiratory issues, cancer, and developmental problems in utero.
This substance is most commonly used in nail polish and is a common cause of cancer for nail salon workers. While many skin care companies are discontinuing the use of formaldehyde on their products, always check the label to make sure that the product you're buying is free of this toxic and carcinogenic substance.
Formaldehyde is found in:
Eyeshadow
Fake eyelash adhesive
Body wash
Nail polish
Both ingredients have been shown to disrupt the healthy endocrine system and cause cancer. Triclosan and triclocarban negatively impact the health of the thyroid, and can upset the natural regulation of reproductive hormones. These ingredients have also been shown to irritate the skin. Furthermore, the FDA has officially found triclocarban and triclosan to be unsafe for human use (1).
Triclosan and triclocarban are found in:
"Anti-bacterial" hand soaps
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Deodorant
Coal tar is a by-product of coal production that has been used in personal care products for decades. This toxic substance is usually used to alleviate skin dryness but has been found to cause cancer and other illnesses. Salon workers are the most at risk to coal tar exposure since many hair dyes and anti-lice treatments contain this dangerous chemical.
Coal tar is banned in the European Union but is still widely in use in American skin care products, so be sure to check the ingredients list of any personal care product you're considering for purchase to make sure that coal tar isn't used in that product.
Though some sources have listed coal tar as being safe when used in small quantities, as with any substance that has been identified as a carcinogen, it’s probably best to just stay away from coal tar entirely.
Topically applied carcinogenic substances like coal tar accumulate in the skin over time, meaning that even if you use coal tar in small amounts you’re still exposing yourself to the risk of developing cancer.
Coal tar is found in:
Face and hand moisturizers
Hair dyes
Anti-lice and anti-dandruff treatments
Psoriasis treatments
7.Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is one of the worst offenders in a category of toxic personal care ingredients that are especially dangerous to men: estrogen mimickers. Chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen have become mysteriously prevalent in recent years and can now be found in the lining of aluminum cans, plastic bags, and many personal care products.
Estrogen mimickers lower sperm count in men, cause endometriosis in women, and cause hormone imbalance and liver damage in both children and adults of both sexes.
Since this toxic chemical accumulates in the body's fatty tissues, use of oxybenzone has a cumulative effect that can lead to cellular damage throughout the body.
Since almost all sunscreens contain oxybenzone and since sunscreen is such a popular product, it isn't surprising that the Centers for Disease Control found that almost all Americans had oxybenzone stored in their bodies.
But not only is this chemical dangerous to people that are already living, oxybenzone is also toxic to unborn children. Women with high concentrations of oxybenzone in their systems were found to bear children with lower birth weights.
Why oxybenzone was ever considered safe for human use remains a mystery, but it's clear that anyone who wants to protect their health or the health of their children should stay well away from any product containing oxybenzone.
Oxybenzone is found in:
Sunscreens
Parabens pose a special danger to women. There have been samples taken of breast cancer tumors have found the presence of abnormally high levels of parabens. It turns out that parabens aren't naturally flushed out of the bodies and instead absorb into deep tissue, where they await their chance to start growing cancer tissue.
The official purpose of parabens is to act as a preservative for food and personal care products. But it seems that the costs of using parabens far outweigh any purported preservative benefits. Parabens don't only cause breast cancer, they also cause skin cancer and can even lead to birth defects. Learn how to recognize parabens in skin care products and make sure that you and your family stay far away.
Parabens are found in:
Eyeshadow
Eyeliner
Foundation
Lip Balm
Facial moisturizers
Face wash
Body wash
Deodorants
Many, many other products
Most of us have used at least one type of exfoliating product that contains tiny plastic balls mixed in with the other ingredients. These balls are made of a highly toxic compound called polyethylene glycol that is used by personal care product manufacturers because natural exfoliants like walnut shells are more expensive.
PEG is used to penetrate the skin, a function which it performs well, but this toxic substance often brings some nasty friends along for the ride.
Batches of polyethylene glycol are frequently contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. Both of these substances are dreaded carcinogens that have no place in any skin care product. Interestingly, both 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide are easily eliminated from batches of PEG, but for some reason, manufacturers choose to leave them in instead.
The result is that this effective skin penetrator delivers carcinogens into your body tissues where they build up over time and lead to cancer.
To make matters even worse, PEG beads aren't broken up by even the most advanced sewage filtration systems, meaning that this carcinogenic chemical enters the waterways and finds its way into the bodies of fish and other sea life.
If these fish happen to end up on the dinner table, then the polyethylene glycol cycle continues on and on. PEG products should be completely boycotted by any health-conscious individual.
Polyethylene glycol is found in:
Exfoliants
Retinol, which is a type of vitamin A compound, is designed to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging through nightly application to the face and neck. Whether or not retinol truly does have anti-aging effects, what's known for certain is that retinol and other vitamin A topical compounds break down in sunlight and become free radicals, which don't only speed up the aging process but also drastically increase your chances of developing skin cancer.
Free radicals even damage your DNA, so if you're absolutely determined to use retinol products, make sure to only use them at night and wash your face thoroughly before going out into the sunshine. Some sunscreens have even been found to contain retinol-derived substances, so make sure to avoid these products like the plague. As with all the items on this list, it's probably best to avoid retinol altogether and focus on other ways to diminish the visible effects of aging.
Retinol is found in:
Anti-aging creams
Petroleum distillates are commonly found in mascara products and can expose you to a higher risk of many types of disease. The fact that these toxic substances are manufactured in oil refineries should be your first clue that the might not be safe for human consumption.
But when you factor in the CDC's warning (2) that petroleum distillates cause dermatitis, breathing problems, and decreased liver and kidney function, it's obvious that these chemicals are a no-go for anyone that wants to maintain perfect health.
To top it off, petroleum distillates are often contaminated during the manufacturing process with various carcinogens. With so many natural ways available to make an effective and alluring mascara, there's no reason to use products that contain petroleum distillates.
Petroleum distillates are found in:
Mascara
There couldn't be anything harmful about a simple fragrance, right? In reality, the fragrances used in perfumes, body wash, and moisturizers are usually made up of more than a dozen unnamed chemicals.
Federal law allows personal care product manufacturers to keep their special blend of fragrance chemicals secret in order to protect their proprietary formulas, but this loophole leaves plenty of room to squeeze in harmful chemicals that would otherwise cause label-shock for any savvy consumer.
Fragrance mixes have been shown to cause allergies, dermatitis, reproductive issues, endocrine imbalances, and respiratory distress. If you can't pin down all of the ingredients present in a product, it's probably best to simply make a different choice. All products with the word "fragrance" in the ingredients list should be avoided.
Fragrance is found in:
Perfume
Cologne
Body wash
Deodorant
Moisturizer
Many other skin care products
Phthalates area especially insidious because they are often included in fragrances and therefore don't need to be labeled.
Phthalates have been linked to reproductive defects in babies whose mothers used products containing these chemicals, young girls experiencing breast development sooner than what is considered normal, an increased risk of breast cancer, endocrine disruption, and liver damage.
Phthalates can be found in:
Perfumes
Deodorants
Moisturizers
Hair spray
In recent years, growing disillusionment with traditional sunscreen chemicals has led many companies to devise new and improved sunblock formulas that are less toxic. This initiative has led to the rise of so-called "nanoparticles", which are increasingly used in sunscreens around the world.
Usually consisting of microscopic flecks of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and applied with sprays, manufacturers advertise that nanoparticle sunscreens don't absorb into your skin, supposedly solving one of the major issues with older sunscreen technologies.
However, if inhaled, these nanoparticles can do serious damage to your respiratory system and it's next to impossible to avoid inhaling something that you're spraying all over your body.
Since research into nanoparticles is still in its infancy, manufacturers aren't required to label these toxic ingredients in their products. To add insult to injury, it appears that nanoparticles in sunscreens do in fact penetrate the skin. Metal buildups in the body can lead to endocrine disruption, birth defects, and even cancer.
Nanoparticles are found in:
Sunscreen
This highly-toxic substance is also linked to reproductive issues and cancer. As a further reason why you should never use chemicals to try to lighten your skin, skin-lighteners often contain mercury, a substance which is especially toxic during pregnancy.
Bleaching your skin is never a good idea, and substances that contain hydroquinone are certain to do some serious damage to your body.
Hydroquinone is found in:
Skin Lighteners
In order to increase the perceived softness of their products, many manufacturers of skin care products misguidedly include silicone-derived emollients in their moisturizers. These toxic chemicals supposedly add a smoother feel to moisturizing gels and creams but actually, keep your skin from breathing. This leads to intense skin irritation and can even cause tumors to grow in your skin.
Silicone-derived emollients are another example of industrial chemicals that never should have found their way into skin care products. While these dangerous ingredients are usually clearly labeled, they still have a severely negative impact on your health and any product that contains silicone-derived emollients should never be used on your skin.
Silicone-derived emollients also don't biodegrade under any circumstances and therefore pose a serious danger to the environment.
Silicone-derived emollients are found in:
Moisturizers
It turns out that talc does lead to cancer. Studies have demonstrated that use of products that contain talc not only causes respiratory problems but even leads to greater likelihood of developing ovarian cancer. Yet, to this day, dozens if not hundreds of products on the market still use talc as a main ingredient.
Conscientious consumers should abstain from using talc products even if they are labeled as asbestos-free since even talc on its own has been confirmed to be a form of magnesium silicate, which is a known carcinogen.
Talc is found in:
Baby powder
Deodorant
Eye shadow
Blush
In every case, natural ingredients provide a safe alternative to all the products on this list that still deliver the level of efficacy you may have come to expect from these toxic substances. As public awareness of the dangers of these ingredients grows, many companies are opting to remove them from their over the counter skin care products.
However, many other companies are staying the course, full speed ahead. For years, they have gotten away with selling their customers unsafe products and see no reason to stop now.
That's why it's so important that you carefully examine the ingredients label for any trace of these toxic ingredients. But remember that ingredients labels aren't perfect and many companies have found ways around public distaste for toxic ingredients by relabeling them with seemingly innocuous names.
In general, if the labeling of a product doesn't explicitly state that it is free from toxic ingredients, or if there are any ingredients listed on the label that you don't recognize or can't pronounce, that product might be harmful to your health. it's safer to simply choose not to buy over the counter skin care products that you feel might contain toxic ingredients.
Want to find out more about our natural ingredients? Click here to see our full list of natural beauty products and get your pocket guide to help you choose natural beauty products in beauty stores here.
]]>Shower melts, shower bombs and shower steamers are like bath bombs however they are used in your shower. They're great for when you don't have enough time to take a long bath or if you live in an apartment without a bath. You can still enjoy a luxury aromatherapy experience with the use of shower steamers.
]]>Shower fizzies, shower bombs and shower steamers are like bath bombs however they are used in your shower. They're great for when you don't have enough time to take a long bath or if you live in an apartment without a bath. You can still enjoy a luxury aromatherapy experience with the use of shower steamers.
These are different terms referring to same thing. Shower steamers, shower bombs, and shower melts serve the same purpose, to deliver luxurious aromas in the shower to relax body and mind.
I often get asked if shower steamers can be used in one's bath tub just like a bath bomb and the answer is 'no'
Shower steamers contain a much higher concentration of essentials oils than bath bombs do so that the aroma can be diffused in the shower easily and you can experience the aromatherapy benefits of essential oils.. If your skin is exposed to such high amounts of essential oils for an extended period of time (like when soaking in a bath tub) you may experience skin irritation. Stick to bath bombs for your bath and shower steamers for your shower.
Place the shower steamer on your shower floor, or shower ledge where small amounts of water can touch the steamer. As your shower water warms up, you'll notice the shower steam diffusing the essential oils from the steamer into the air. All you have to do is relax and breathe in the aromatherapy goodness.
You can find shower steamers that are made with natural ingredients and give you the aromatherapy experience you're looking here.
]]>Life can get busy, with all the demands of the day it's easy to forget to take care of yourself which leaves you prone to stress and health issues.
So, how can you give yourself some TLC with so much going on and fight stress?
Check out this graphic below and try incorporating at least 1-2 of these activities into your daily routine. You will feel a positive difference in your stress levels in about 2 weeks.
To make a scrub, all you need to do is to pair a naturally abrasive ingredient with a soothing and moisturizing base. The most popular and practical abrasive for homemade body scrubs is sugar or fine salt grains. Fine or small grains are able to melt easily and provide gentle exfoliation, so you can be sure that your body scrub will help your skin rather than harm it.
You can be creative when making a base for your invigorating and exfoliating scrub. You can use a variety of carrier oils and even butter like Shea butter to create a nourishing base.
Last but not least is adding a scent. I use essential oils to scent my products as they provide amazing aromatherapy benefits as well as benefits for your skin.
Are you ready to give making your own natural body scrub a try? Try the recipe below and let me know how it turns out.
Did you know that Thulisa Naturals body butter and scrub come in glass jars? By using glass jars we and our customers help reduce our environmental footprint and take steps towards preserving our planet for generations to come.
Our glass jars can be recycled, but if you want to get a little creative, here are 7 easy ways to upcycle Sanctuary Beauty and Bath glass jars.
You can house your toothbrushes, cotton swabs, cotton balls, and even facial sponges in our jars. But wait, there's more! If you're an avid crafter you can store your mini stamps, stickers and small sewing supplies in the jars.
Use our jars as your everyday go-to drinking glass or for drinking glass when you're hosting a party. They make great conversation starters.
Having a dinner party? Place an LED tea light candle into our jar and place it on your dinner table to create a relaxing ambiance.
Store your favorite salad dressing, pickles and spices in our jars.
You can make a great gift for any occasion using our glass jars. You can put candy with a note and customize for any season, event or holiday.
Use our jars to make your own candles
Clean out your jar and place some rocks or pebbles at the bottom. Add some activated charcoal to reducing bacteria, fungi, and odors. Add soil. Place your plant in the jar making sure it's secured in the soil and for the final touch, add any accessories you'd like, like your favorite charm or figurine. There you go.
BONUS- you can also use our jars as vases:)
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I’ve been asked this question a lot and it’s actually one I really enjoy answering.
What’s body butter?
Body butter is made with a combination of butter and oils. When I say butter, I mean natural butter, like shea butter or cocoa butter (not the delicious Amish butter I love spreading on toast). The oils used to make body butter are carrier oils. Carrier oils are used with essential oils to dilute essential oils and change their absorption rate. Some examples of carrier oils are Grapeseed oil, Jojoba oil, and Apricot Kernel oil.
What does body butter look and feel like?
Body butter is thick in consistency, has a heavier feel and will melt on contact with your skin.
Why use body butter?
The natural butter used to make body butter are loaded with essential fats and minerals giving your skin good nourishment and intense moisture.
When and where to use body butter?
Body butter is great if you have dry skin or need extra moisture in areas like your elbows, knees, feet, and hands. I have what some friends call “lizard dry skin”, so I use body butter all over my skin (except my face).
To get the most benefit out of your body butter, apply it on damp skin (when you’ve just stepped out of the shower or bath). The water molecules on your skin will help absorb all the body butter goodness leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.
What’s Lotion?
Lotion is made with a combination of oils and water. A carrier oil and water or a hydrosol, or aloe gel. Since water is added to a lotion mixture, a preservative has to be added to prevent mold or bacteria growth.
What does lotion look and feel like?
Lotion is thinner in consistency than body butter because water is added to the formula which makes it easy to squeeze out of a bottle and will feel much lighter your skin than a body butter.
Why use lotion?
Lotion gets absorbed quickly into the skin, has a non-greasy feel and is good if you've got oily skin.
When should you use lotion?
When you’re in need of some light moisturization. It can be applied throughout the day on most areas of your body, arms, legs, and torso.
Is body butter or lotion the best for you?
It all depends on your skin type, the time of year and if you have any problem areas. Body butter works great on dry skin ('lizard dry skin'). Body butter will give you intense moisture while absorbing slowly into your skin.
Lotions are good for oily skin and provide quick moisture. When it comes to seasons, you may find yourself using body butter more often in colder months and body lotion in warmer months.
So, you may end using both depending on your personal needs.
Check out some of our body butter to help you decide.
]]>I was born and raised in South Africa- a country with a rich history both dark and beautiful. I grew up during apartheid where people were given different privileges and access to resources based on the color of their skin. It was sad to see discrimination in action after all under our skin we all look the same right?
Sadly enough discrimination has long-term consequences one of them is lingering poverty.
Today in Langbos, an informal rural settlement of the Eastern Cape represents the poorest of the poor among rural communities. This community has been neglected by the government. People lack access to basic amenities such as electricity, running water, or paved roads. The community also faces high levels of HIV, TB, and other chronic illnesses.
We all want to make an impact on this world and here's how you can do it. When you purchase any Thulisa Naturals, product 10% of sale proceeds will be donated to Insikelelo to provide daily nutritious meals and school supplies for the preschool children attending the Langbos Creche & Care Center.
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Your skin is your body's largest organ. It occupies approximately 18 square feet and weighs about 8 pounds. It's also your first defense against disease and illness.
When you take good care of your skin, you can slow the aging process and keep your skin younger for longer.
Buying skin care products can be a task, with all the amazing products to choose from and the not so good ingredients to avoid. Look for products made with these natural ingredients that nourish and boost your skin's health.
Coconut oil contains antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant properties. It also strengthens skin, helps in removing dead skin cells and protect you from sunburn.
Raw honey contains loads of nutrients, enzymes, vitamins, and skin-boosting acids. It also has amazing antiseptic properties that help to reduce scars and is a great skin moisturizer.
Sea salt is loaded with minerals and nutrients like magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium which helps balance, protect and restore the skin.
One of my favorites!! Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer and works well providing deep hydration to very dry skin. Keep an eye out for our ultra-hydrating body butter launching soon :)
Jojoba oil has a high amount of ceramides, which cover the skin cells and are responsible for their hydration. It gets quickly absorbed into the skin and helps in preventing moisture loss.
I've touched on a few benefits of each natural skin care ingredient. If you would like to know more about natural skin care and our new products, leave a comment and ask away!
]]>Let's be real, who has the time to read all those label ingredients on beauty products? However, if your health is important to you it may be worthwhile to spare a few moments and look out for these common toxic ingredients found in beauty products and here's why you should avoid them.
Petroleum is a by-product of crude oil and is commonly contaminated with carcinogens. While companies like Vaseline have proven to remove these carcinogens you don't always know if other beauty companies are using non-toxic petroleum jelly when manufacturing beauty products.
Parabens are known to disrupt hormone function which is linked to increased risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity,” reports the non-profit Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC).
Sulfates are commonly found in shampoos and body washes and are a type of ingredient that attracts both oil and water. Sulfates create suds and separate the dirt from your skin or hair, allowing water to wash away dirt. Sounds great right? The downside is that sulfates can strip your scalp of its natural oils and can cause irritation and redness. ( not to forget the bad stinging if it gets into your eyes)
Ahh, the good old fragrance. This is one we really need to be aware of. A fragrance could be a combination of thousands of chemicals that companies don't have to tell you about. Up to 75% of the time, when there is a “fragrance” in an ingredient, there are legally hidden phthalates.
There are natural fragrances that are plant-derived and non-synthetic and are safe to use. You do have to do a little research to make sure that they are natural.
Phthalates are used to moisturize and to help chemicals absorb into the skin. The most common use of phthalates is as an ingredient in "fragrance" mixtures added to body care products which can interfere with hormones in the body, posing potential risks to the reproductive and thyroid systems.
Memorize these ingredients so you can avoid green-washed products.
]]>Colder weather brings dreaded dry, itchy skin which can be painful and embarrassing. Don't worry we've got you covered with these simple and easy to follow dry skin tips!!
Don't dry your skin completely before applying moisturizer. The best way to lock in moisture is by gently patting your skin dry while leaving your skin damp and then apply your creams and moisturizers which will trap all those water molecules on your skin.
The thought of a long steamy shower may sound fantastic, however hot water is not a friend to dry skin. Long hot showers strip your body of its natural oil barrier. You need that barrier to help trap moisture to keep your skin smooth and hydrated. Skincare experts recommend taking short, warm showers or baths that last no longer 10 minutes. Add a shower steamer to your shower to help relieve muscle tension and relax your mind.
Dry skin has the tendency to accumulate build-up and look dull. Regular exfoliation controls the dry skin build-up but won’t help with the dryness. Exfoliate your skin at least twice a week with a moisturizing body polish bar.
Read skincare ingredient labels and look for body butters that contain ingredients like shea which deeply hydrates the skin. Also, try unscented, soap-free cleansers instead of harsh cleansers.
Central heating, the dry Fall and Winter air can cause your skin to lose a lot more moisture than in the warmer, humid seasons. To keep your skin supple use a humidifier in your home so your skin can heal and retain moisture.
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University of Illinois researchers noted that taking time to loosen the muscles, especially those in areas that notoriously collect tightness (such as the lower back, hips, and neck) will make you feel more mobile, and your overall quality of life will see improvement. Over time, stretching will ease "fatigue, impatience, lack of sleep, and disability while improving function and assist in eliminating the need for medications used for treatment."
Other studies have shown that stretching improves blood circulation allowing muscles to relax, leading to better heart health.
With all the amazing health benefits of stretching, why not take time out of your busy life to pay attention to your body and slow down. It only takes 5 minutes!
Don't know where to start? Here are a few tried and tested yoga poses to help get your stretch on.
Need another quick and easy way to relieve stress. Try our 'Heal" bath bomb, infused with clove essential oil to release tension in your stressed body.
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