While I’ve tested quite a few natural brands throughout the year, here are my top 5 holistic gems for 2014:
1.Frankincense Intense from Neal’s Yards Remedies
This wonder serum contains organic fair & wild frankincense oil and organic argan oil, both instantly hydrate and repair the skin. The gardenia plant stem cell ingredients help to plump up the complexion while the blend of anti-ageing peptides also work their magic. I definitely recommend this amazing potion. To purchase, head to your nearest Neal’s Yard Remedies store or go to www.nealsyardsremedies.com
2. SPF 40 Sunscreen Lotion from Herbline Essentials
I struggled to find a natural sunscreen that worked well, until I came across this paraben-free one. This non-oily, lightweight formula is also waterproof, making it ideal if you’re spending the day on the beach. The natural ingredients mean it’s fine to use on the face and body, plus it helps heal minor skin rashes and sun burns. Which is a bonus! You can buy it at your nearest Boots store or go to www.herbline-essentials.com
3. Peace Soothing Balm from Spa Ceylon
Whenever I suffer from a headache or a heady cold, this is my go-to life-saver. It contains an array of healing ingredients including coconut oil, pure bees wax, camphor extract, peppermint oil and clove oil. It provides instant calming relief if you apply it to the temples and if you have a blocked nose, it allows you to breathe again. I can’t tell you how much I love it! To order one of their ayurvedic-inspired balms, go to www.spaceylon.com
4. Tender is the Night massage bar from LUSH
One of my best friends gave me Lush’s Tender is the Night massage bar and I love it – this super hydrating, vegan-friendly, handmade block can be used on brittle hair, dry hands, sensitive cuticles – the list is endless! It’s very effective and smells great too. I love the fact that LUSH don’t test any of their products on animals and use their campaigns to highlight important issues. To order go to www.lush.ae.
5. Exfolimate Face & Body Exfoliation
This two-piece exfoliator tool set is fabulous for preventing ingrown hairs and designed for usage in the shower/bath. With innovative micro grooves and smooth edge technology, it instantly glides along the skin. I’ve noticed that it also leaves you with much smoother skin. To order go to www.exfolimate.com
TOP 3 HOLISTIC TREATMENTS
1. Colour Therapy at SpaDunya
This luxurious mind, body, soul-esque treatment uses a healing organic brand called Altearah Bio and includes a full body massage using orange and gold together. Orange is the colour of creativity, organisation and concentration. Gold is powerful and majestic and enables you to shine from within, boosting your confidence. After this healing treatment, expect to radiate in all areas of your life. To book go to www.spadunyaclub.com
2. Thai massage at Foot Lounge Reflexology & Spa
I try to have a Thai massage on a fortnightly basis and I’ve reviewed practically every spa in the city and yet in this unassuming venue, I have found some of the best Thai massage therapists in town. My favourite is Ying. Not only do you feel super relaxed afterwards, Thai massage helps keep my migraines at bay too. Other benefits include improved sleep, less anxiety and a stronger immune system. To book go to www.feetlounge.ae
3. Mint & Mocha package at De La Mer Spa
This two-hour Mint & Mocha pampering kicks off with a coffee and mint full-body scrub, made from ingredients grown in the spa’s own organic garden. Besides breathing in the divine scent of this concoction, you are later enveloped in a detoxifying mint & coffee wrap, which warms up the entire body. While the skin softening ingredients work their magic – coffee beans are known for their firming effect – the therapist gives a head massage. Later it’s a full body massage followed by hot ginger tea in the chill out room. To book go to www.delamerspa.com
Love,
