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16 wellness buys to help you relax – you deserve it

Simply turning the act of massaging in an indulging face cream into a relaxing ritual could help you feel a little more Zen. At the moment, every little helps…

Written by High Life North
Published 01.05.2020

By Jenny Brownlees

Whilst you are spending more time indoors, taking some time out to perform a task that will offer you even a smidge of inner harmony could boost your mood, and take your mind off the news for a mere min.

There’s no skirting around the issue, we’re in the midst of a global pandemic that has dramatically changed our world in the past weeks. Whilst we are in no way suggesting that wellness-centric products can help stop the spread of a virus, generally staying as healthy as you possibly can, even if you are confined to your home is always a good idea.

 Simply turning the act of massaging in an indulging face cream into a relaxing ritual could help you feel a little more Zen. At the moment, every little helps…

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Roller Ball

You may not think aromatherapy is for you, and we had our doubts – until we became enamoured with Aromatherapy Associates’ calming offerings. Their deep relax roller ball is scented with wild chamomile, peach kernel oil and jojoba seed oil, that really do help to ease you into a state of quiet calm. You can apply it to your pulse points throughout the day and onto the wrists or neck before bed to encourage a night of deep, restful sleep. And breathe.

HAYO’U Beauty Restorer – Jade Facial Massage Tool

Treat yourself your very own at-home facial with this invigorating massage tool. Quartz tools have been used in skin care for centuries, finding their origins in ancient China. It’s been shown that spending even five minutes massaging a face cream, serum or oil into the skin is beneficial to the complexion by increasing blood flow to the area. To use the Gua Sha, (that’s the curved tool) you need a well-oiled face to allow it to slide effortlessly along the face. Move the Gua Sha up and out over your cheeks, over smile lines and even your jaw to remove tension. If you have any spare moments throughout the day, now’s the time to utilise them.

Berber Rug Yoga Mat

If you too have fallen in lust with the trending Berber Rug’s featured in every Influencer’s front room, why not bring some of that style to your yoga mat? We love this mat in particular – not just for its appealing look but because it’s thick enough to provide a supportive cushion to bones and joints whilst you practice your moves. Yoga is great for de-stressing, and even if you’re stuck at home there’s an abundance of free yoga tutorials out there. YouTube channel Yoga With Adrianne offers a wonderful array of videos, with tutorials for absolute beginners to those for seasoned yogi’s.

Iluminage Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase

This innovative pillowcase has been clinically proven to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet in as little as four weeks. This works because of the fabric fibres infusion of copper oxide. When they come in contact with skin, copper ions are transferred into the moisture space between the fabric and skin to promote natural cell renewal. We swear the cooling affect alone that sleeping on this pillow provides has made us nod off into a much deeper, less interrupted sleep. Plus, it’s been shown that sleeping on a silken pillowcase is much better for your hair too, as the fabric don’t absorb the natural oils in the hair the way that cotton does. Improving our natural beauty as we snooze? Sounds ideal.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

This pillow spray is now a fundamental part of our winding-down night time routine. We all know how relaxing the soothing scent of lavender is – and this, combined with vetivert and wild camomile really does help us drift off. If you need some help in that area, we couldn’t recommend a product any more highly.

Liha Discovery Set

The perfect mini set to try out all-natural brand Liha’s array of beautifying gems. The hand-poured candle offers scents of lavender, geranium and frankincense, as you apply the nourishing Idan Oil (which can be used on the body, face and even as a leave-in conditioner) or Vitamin A- and E-infused, moisturising shea butter. Look forward to using handmade Ose Gidi Black Soap in the shower, which will cleanse skin without stripping away vital moisture. The entire set is vegan, free from parabens and comes in recyclable packaging, neatly stored in a printed cotton-canvas bag. Eco and super-soothing = us sold.

The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost

After reading The Beauty Chef founder Carla Oates’ book, we were hooked on her “Beauty begins in the belly” philosophy. The Inner Beauty Boost is a bio-fermented probiotic concentrate that’s formulated to target fine lines, as well as aiding skin maintenance for a radiant, naturally plumped complexion – working from the inside, out. It combines certified organic Maqui Berry, Açaí, Papaya, Blueberry, Goji Berry and Pomegranate powders with Zinc and Vitamin C to boost natural collagen formation and leave skin visibly smoother. This beautifying drink supports hair and nail growth, too and this bottle will provide you with 33 servings of goodness. With no artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives, it’s also dairy, sugar and gluten-free.

Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Scented Travel Candle

Our go-to scent to light when things get a little stressful. Why not try using the candle for five minutes of meditation? Many people find it much easier to clear their mind when focusing on an object, such as the flame of a candle. Pop on some relaxing meditation music and give it a go, as the blend of pomegranate, raspberry and plum fills the air around you with a soothing scent.

Moon Juice Power Dust

Moon Juice creator Amanda Chantal Bacon has created specific ‘dust’ supplements that each draw on the healing and transformative powers of herbs, plants and minerals to enhance certain aspects of the body and mind. Their medicinal-grade ‘Power Dust’ can increase energy and stamina, and aid in muscle recovery. Whilst some may pass these powders off as holistic nonsense, Moon Juice’s ingredients are proven to show results, and Cordyceps mushrooms found in this powder are proven to decrease fatigue. This supplement is ideal for a pre or post-workout, to help support a healthy immune system, and can be dissolved into a hot or cold drink. No wonder celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow and Shailene Woodley are huge fans.

REN Clean Skincare Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream

If you want to indulge your skin before bed and invest in a cream that will work as you sleep, this new overnight glow potion from REN is just the ticket. We were lucky enough to try the cream before it launched, and we really did wake up with softer, more glowing skin come morning. Allow this rich night cream to work on evening out the skin’s tone, leaving you with an all-round brighter-looking complexion.

Kloris 500MG (5%) CBD Oil Drops

Loved by beauty editors and insiders in the know, this is one of the best CBD oils on the market. Yes, there are cheaper alternatives out there, however, Kloris’ oil contains the highest quality organic European grown Cannabis Sativa L extracts available in the UK today. It won the Editor’s Choice Award at the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2020 – and for good reason. If you’re new to CBD oil, 500mg drops are a great place to start. Start low and build to a serving most effective for you – with 4-10 drops under the tongue for 90 seconds being the recommended daily dose. These CBD oral drops are THC free, organic and suitable for vegans.

Check out our article on CBD myth-busting with Karma Coast here. 

Soap & Glory The Ultimelt™ Hot Cloth Cleanser

The Ultimelt™ does exactly what it says on the tin, melting away stubborn makeup and offering the skin a deep, detoxifying cleanse. There’s something about adding a hot cloth to your cleaning routine that makes it delightfully extra. To rebalance and brighten, massage The Ultimelt™ onto your face and neck for at least 2 minutes and then press off firmly with a warm, wet washcloth. Who needs the spa?

Vagabond Waffle Wheat Wrap

Don’t underestimate how soothing the healing power of heat can be on the body, and in turn the mind. For natural relief from aches and pains, or just for a warming comfort, pop this wheat wrap – infused with the scent of Cotswold lavender, in the microwave to melt away any stress and tension. Why not pair twenty minutes of warming heat with some deep breathing techniques for the ultimate de-stressing ritual? 

Caudalie Divine Oil

Caudalie’s Divine Oil is our favourite do-it-all oil for rejuvenating the skin post-shower or bath. At the moment, whilst we’ve got time to spare, we’re using it to counteract muscle tension by indulging in some quick and easy self-massage techniques (check them out, here). Whilst you treat your trigger points, know the nourishing argan oil, extra virgin hibiscus oil and shea butter is working wonders for your skin.

Lulu Lemon Double Foam Roller

Foam rolling can work wonders for relieving muscle tightness, inflammation and increasing joint range of motion. Together with stretching, it can help lengthen your muscles and improve flexibility – perfect for either pre or post-workout. When you begin foam rolling, it can feel much like a sports massage – slightly tender or sore at first, but then boy, will you feel the benefit. There’s an abundance of videos to show you how best to use your roller online. We’re hooked.

Herbivore Calm Soaking Salts

Leave your mind and body calm and nourished by adding these Himalayan Pink Salt’s to a warm bath, allowing them to dissolve for a minute or two before you get in. These stellar salts contain Zinc, Iron and Magnesium, (considered nature’s painkiller as it’s been clinically proven to reduce nerve pain and help muscles relax) and de-stressing scents of ylang-ylang and vanilla. As with all of Herbivore’s all-natural products, these salts are formulated without any synthetic dyes, fragrances or preservatives.

e.l.f. Under Eye Charcoal Masks (Set of 3) 

There’s nothing we love more than popping on an eye mask, shutting our peepers and letting the world float away. Infused with charcoal, seaweed extract, and liquorice, these masks awaken the delicate under-eye area by hydrating and plumping the skin, to leave you looking refreshed, not stressed. After cleansing, place a patch under each eye for 10 minutes as you unwind.

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