Skip to content

Wellbeing Journal

HOW TO GET RID OF TIRED-LOOKING EYES

HOW TO GET RID OF TIRED-LOOKING EYES

Do you have dry, dark or puffy eyes? You’re not alone. The skin surrounding our eyes are seriously thin, so tired-looking eyes can be caused by more than a lack of sleep. If you are looking less-than-fresh, it could be because of genetics, ageing, allergies, diet, sun damage, or too much screen time. To brighten up the eye area and hide the signs of fatigue, take on these expert tips.APPLY A SPECIALISED EYE CREAMEye creams are formulated for different skin care concerns, so choose one that suits your needs most. Our eye creams are packed full of potent, plant-based ingredients from the Jurlique Farm to minimise the symptoms of tired-looking eyes.PUFFINESS AND DARK CIRCLESWe recommend: Jurlique Herbal Recovery Signature Eye Cream. Silk Tree extract in this deeply nourishing product addresses common signs of fatigue – it’s our best eye cream for tired, puffy eyes.DEHYDRATION AND FINE LINESWe recommend: Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Firming Eye Cream. Rich in plant-based antioxidants, this eye gel soothes and hydrates the skin, diminishing signs of dehydration and fine lines, packed with Green Coffee extract and Ascorbyl Glucoside, this eye cream helps address loss of dehydration, as well as reduce visible lines and wrinkles.DEEP WRINKLES AND SIGNS OF AGEINGWe recommend: Jurlique Nutri-Define Eye Contour Balm. A rich and highly concentrated anti-ageing balm, this product is designed to improve the appearance of deep lines, crow’s feet and dark circles around the eyes.DISCOLOURATION AND DARK CIRCLESWe recommend: Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening Eye Correcting Cream. This is a high-performance eye cream, packed with our exclusive plant-based and Vitamin C-rich VitaBrightKX complex to even skin tone and discolouration. It also reduces the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and dehydration.REFRESH YOUR EYES WITH EYE DROPSWe’re all guilty of spending too much time in front of screens and digital devices, and when we do we strain our eyes and blink less. This can cause our eyes to become bloodshot and dry, making the eye area look tired. To balance this, try and look away from digital screens every 20 minutes and close your eyes, and use lubricating eye drops as needed.REDUCE PUFFINESSThere’s a reason our favourite chick flicks all have scenes of the main characters sporting cucumber slices on their eyes when face masking. The coolness of the slices relieves puffiness and can give the eye area a real hydration boost. Don’t have any cucumber to hand? Place two metal spoons in the fridge overnight and use the rounded side to massage your eye area – the coolness will help firm up swollen skin and the massage will help with lymphatic drainage.SWITCH UP YOUR DIETIt’s not just what we put on our faces, but what we eat can have a knock-on effect on our appearance too. For foods that brighten your eyes, look for those rich in vitamin C (oranges, broccoli, kale and strawberries), which can help with the appearance of dark circles and under eye bags. Antioxidant-rich foods (leafy greens, blueberries and eggs) help to give the skin surrounding the eye area a healthy glow, while yellow and orange veggies reduce the appearance of eye discolouration. And what to avoid? You knew it was coming - alcohol and salt can lead to swelling and puffiness under the eyes, so try and cut down on your intake. Don’t just leave it to make up and super-charged concealers – deal with your tired-looking eyes by adding an eye cream to your skin care ritual. Discover our range of eye creams to suit every skin concern here.

Read more
9 STEPS TO BECOMING THE HEALTHIEST VERSION OF YOURSELF

9 STEPS TO BECOMING THE HEALTHIEST VERSION OF YOURSELF

Health is holistic. It’s about finding balance, looking after your mind, body and soul, and looking beyond the superficial stuff to treat yourself with love and respect. From health and exercise tips to our go-to healthy mental health habits, here are our tips on becoming the healthiest version of yourself.MOVE EVERY DAYWe all know that exercise is good for us. It helps to keep your heart and skin healthy, can reduce the risk of disease and boosts your endorphins and energy, so it can be a real mood lifter. The great thing about exercise is you don’t need to overdo it to reap the benefits – just 30 minutes a day of walking, yoga or more high-intensity exercise like strength training or spinning will be enough.EAT WELLBeing healthy doesn’t mean dieting or cutting out any food groups. Fuel your body with wholefoods and enjoy all the macronutrients – carbs are our body’s chief source of energy (go for brown rice and quinoa), protein (which you’ll find in eggs, almonds and broccoli) helps with energy, brain function and muscle repair, and healthy fats (avocados, cheese and nuts are all good sources) keep us feeling fuller for longer.GET 20 MINUTES OF SUNSHINE A DAYVitamin D is a natural serotonin (or ‘happy hormone’) booster. Try to get outside for at least 20 minutes a day for your daily sun exposure, whether that’s walking to work or getting off the bus early, going for a walk around the block during lunch or joining an outdoor exercise class.BE MORE MINDFULWith technology an almost-unnoticeable reality of our everyday lives, we can get sucked into being on our phones at any free moment. Try to live in the present as much as possible, which means putting your phone out of sight while you’re with family or friends (social media and emails can wait). If you’re in need of a refresher, spritz on a face mist. Close your eyes, spray our Lavender Hydrating Mist over your face and breathe deeply.MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITYWe all know how much better we feel after a good night’s sleep – energised, clear-headed and ready to tackle the day. Aim to get eight hours’ of sleep a night and establish a nighttime routine to get your mind ready for bed. Switch your tech devices off at least one hour before you go to sleep (leave them in another room if you can so you’re not tempted to reach for them in the middle of the night) and diffuse an oil like our Tranquil Blend Essential Oil in your bedroom to create a relaxing atmosphere.ADD SELF-CARE RITUALS TO YOUR DAYWe live in a fast-paced, demanding world, so it’s important to set aside at least 10 minutes a day for yourself. Try different forms of self-care to find what works for you as a relaxing ritual – this could be going for a short walk, a yoga class, meditation or soaking in the bath. Take your self-care one step further by creating your own spa day at home or book in for a treatment at one of our spas.Health can mean different things to different people but you’re the healthiest version of yourself when you’re happy, grounded and well-rested. Shop our range of aromatherapy and natural-based skin care products to calm the mind and soothe the soul.

Read more
5 WAYS TO COMBAT STRESSED-OUT SKIN

5 WAYS TO COMBAT STRESSED-OUT SKIN

We can all remember times when we’ve been going through a stressful patch and we’ve seen the direct effects on our skin. Skin conditions caused by stress and anxiety can include dryness, irritation and blotchiness, and stress can also exacerbate any existing skin conditions you’re dealing with, such as sensitivity. To stop the signs of stress from showing up in your skin, take on these five tips.SET ASIDE SOME ME-TIME EVERY DAYStress can manifest in different ways: feeling tired or anxious, losing appetite and finding it hard to concentrate. When you’re busy and feeling stressed, it can be hard to pin down what’s triggering that stress but luckily, it can be managed. Dedicate some time to yourself each day (even if it’s just 10 minutes) and do what makes you happy – reading a book, going for a walk, writing in a journal or going to a yoga class. We like taking a moment and spraying our faces with our Rosewater Balancing Mist throughout the day as a quick calming tactic. Take a look at our guide to self-care rituals for more stress management tips.MAINTAIN YOUR SKINWhen we’re feeling tired and stressed, we tend to neglect looking after ourselves properly, whether that’s getting enough exercise, eating well or following our skin care ritual. Ensure you take the time to stick to your normal routine and treat your skin to natural, nourishing products, using this moment to slow down and use it as a form of self-care.APPLY A FACE MASKFace masks are highly concentrated and are formulated to tackle different skin concerns, such as sensitivity, dryness or dullness, making them a great skin care product when your skin is looking less than its best. Masks are also a good way to pamper yourself and relax for 10-15 minutes while they work their magic. Discover which mask is right for you with our guide to face masks.INCREASE YOUR WHOLEFOODS INTAKEYour diet plays a huge part in your skin health. Wholefoods (foods as close to their natural state as possible) can help to combat stressed-out skin - in particular, fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and wholegrains. When you’re feeling stressed (and seeing the effects on your skin), try and avoid processed foods as much as possible, as well as sugar and alcohol, which can have negative impacts on the skin.MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITYAim to get eight hours’ of sleep a night so you’re feeling fully rested and recharged. If you struggle to fall asleep, try diffusing an essential oil such as our Comforting Blend Essential Oil and remove all tech devices from your bedroom to avoid distractions. For more tips, read our guide to getting a good nights' sleep.We all have moments of stress but it’s important to look after yourself as much as possible during these times. Support your skin and prevent a stressed-put complexion by shopping our full skin care range here.

Read more
EAT YOUR WAY TO RADIANT SKIN

EAT YOUR WAY TO RADIANT SKIN

It’s true: beauty really does start from within. While we have our arsenal of skin care products for brightening, smoothing and moisturising, what we put inside our bodies is just as important. The first step to clear, radiant skin is a healthy diet and – fortunately – we’ve got a few easy tips for glowing skin. Here are a few simple changes you can make daily to achieve that natural glow. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATEIf you only do one thing to improve your skin, make it your mission in life to drink more water. Drinking around 2 litres of water a day helps to flush out toxins and keep you hydrated - keep a bottle of water on your desk at work and take regular sips throughout the day and try adding a bit of flavour with slices of fresh lemon to make it interesting. For extra help, mist your skin throughout the day – we love our Lavender Hydrating Mist for instant hydration, as well as leaving skin feeling refreshed and rebalanced. Water and ice in glass mason jar EAT AN ARRAY OF WHOLEFOODSThe best diet for good skin is made up of a rainbow of fruit, veggies and wholefoods, thanks to essential nutrients that boost, repair and radiate your skin. For stimulating collagen production and improving skin’s texture, up your Vitamin C intake with oranges, capsicums and strawberries. Want to reduce oil and prevent wrinkles? Vitamin A – found in carrots and leafy green vegetables – is your friend. Zinc is also known for regulating oil production, which you’ll find in eggs, chickpeas, legumes and seafood, while selenium (found in walnuts and brazil nuts) aids Vitamin E absorption. ADD HEALTHY FATS TO EACH MEALWhile the word ‘fats’ may seem counterintuitive to a healthy diet, healthy fats are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which keep skin hydrated and repair damaged skin cells (as well as a host of other benefits, like increasing our energy and improving brain function). ‘Good fats’ can be found in avocados (we’ve all seen that meme), fish, nuts and seeds, as well as olive and coconut oils. Up your good fat intake with our Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Face Oil – a blend of Grapeseed, Avocado and Rosehip oils that revitalises the complexion and minimises the first signs of ageing. Sliced avocado on table INTRODUCE GUT-HEALING FOODS TO YOUR DIETA healthy gut leads to healthy skin. The gut absorbs nutrients and eliminates toxins, so keep it nourished to ensure it can work as well as possible. Probiotic-rich foods such as fermented vegetables, miso and natural yoghurt boost your gut health, while digestion can be improved with fibre-rich foods such as brown rice, beans, lentils, oats and chia seeds. AVOID THE BAD STUFFAs much as ‘good’ foods can help boost skin radiance, ‘bad’ foods have the adverse effect. As much as possible, steer clear of processed and packaged foods, which are full of additives and artificial ingredients that can dull your skin. They’re also full of refined sugars, which can damage collagen (if you’re not ready to give up the sweet stuff completely, choose a natural sweetener such as honey, maple syrup or stevia). Avoid salty foods, as salt draws water out of the skin and lastly – cut down on your alcohol intake. Not only does it slow down the liver function, but alcohol also leads to a build-up of toxins (of course, we can’t say no to wine forever so when you do drink, make sure to balance it out by drinking plenty of water). Wholefood salad in white bowl GET A LITTLE HELP FROM THE EXPERTSFor delicious, skin-loving recipes, nutritionist Jacqueline Alwill from The Brown Paper Bag knows her stuff. Luckily for us, she created a two-week meal plan to make eating healthily that much easier. Download the Jurlique x Jacqueline Alwill Wholefoods Challenge to access the full plan (along with recipes created exclusively for Jurlique). Now your diet is full of nourishing wholefoods, boost your skin from the outside in with a routine that will complement your clean eating habits. Your skin absorbs up to 70% of what you put on it, so enhance and treat your complexion by using beautiful, all-natural products. Shop our full range here.

Read more
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS

Essential oils have been used in aromatherapy for centuries to help enhance wellbeing and have a positive effect on mood – whether that’s to help relax, uplift or re-energise. It can be difficult to know where to begin though, especially as using them comes with a safety element attached. But once you know how and why to use them, you’ll soon start experiencing the many benefits of essential oils. Discover our full guide below. WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS? Essential oils are natural oils made from highly concentrated plant extracts. They’re strong, potent and powerful, meaning a couple of drops go a long way, so should be handled carefully. Most essential oils should be diluted with a base – or carrier - oil such as Jojoba Carrier Oil if you’re applying them directly to the skin or even in the bath – this helps to prevent any skin reactions and also helps the body to absorb the oil more effectively. Dilutions can vary depending on the essential oil you’re using but generally, aim for six drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier.  HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS 1. Mix with water in a spray bottle and mist over furniture or bed linen2. Add a few drops to a warm bath3. Diffuse essential oil with a diffuser or vaporiser4. Apply to the wrist, temples, feet or behind ears (make sure it’s diluted first)5. Inhale by adding a couple of drops to tissue and breathing in deeply WHICH ESSENTIAL OIL IS RIGHT FOR YOU Different essential oils come with their own characteristics and benefits. Along with having unique scents, they can help with energy levels, stress and aiding relaxation. Whatever you want to use essential oils, here’s what we recommend:• To feel relaxed: Lavender Pure Essential Oil • To improve wellbeing: Rose Pure Essential Oil • To feel refreshed and revitalised: Tea Tree Pure Essential Oil Scent is strongly tied with emotion and memory, so try different essential oils to find which one works for you. Shop our full range of pure essential oils here.

Read more
7 EASY YOGA POSES TO RELIEVE STRESS

7 EASY YOGA POSES TO RELIEVE STRESS

Stress is no stranger to us. It visits us at any moment of our everyday lives: that could be the moment when you see a long list of unread emails after returning from holiday, when your children are testing your patience or when you’re stuck in traffic… Stress has been linked to a wide range of health issues, including mood, sleep, and appetite problems and it can play a role in the causation of heart attacks. Therefore, it is important to relieve stress regularly to keep your heart healthy and maintain an emotionally balanced life. Yoga is known for calming your body and mind through breathing and asanas (postures), but don’t be intimated by the sound of it as yoga can be easily practised at home. All you need is a yoga mat and 15 minutes every day.      Here are 7 easy yoga poses for beginners we tried that can help to relieve stress: 1. LEGS UP THE WALL Set your legs up against the wall. Bring your hips closer to the wall as you let your hip flexors relax. Relax your shoulder and breathe through your nose for 2 minutes. 2. STANDING FORWARD BEND Stand up, reach tall and exhale forward, then bend knees. Hold your opposite arms and hang loosely, or if you are flexible you can place your palms on the floor. Try to keep your head closer to your knees. For a deeper stretch, try straightening your legs. Hold this position for 6-8 breaths. Then inhale, stretch arms forwards, raise them and your torso back to the standing position. 3. CAT-COW POSE This is a good pose to massage your spine and relieve tension. Cat – Start on all fours, then while exhaling, round your back towards the ceiling and bring your navel up towards your spine. Bring it back to the neutral position, with spine and head aligned. Cow – Inhale and tilt your pelvis back so that your tailbone sticks up. Keep your abdominal muscles hugging your spine by drawing your navel in. Keep rotating these two positions for 6-8 times. Try to feel your spine in each position as much as you can rather than trying to speed up. 4. CHILD’S POSE Sit on your shins with your big toes touching and your knees sightly apart. Bring your palms to the front of your body and rest on the floor. Walk your hands forward until you feel like you can’t walk any further. Allow your stomach to rest on your thighs and your forehead to rest on the floor. Breathe and rest in the position for 2 minutes.     5. BRIDGE POSE Place your feet flat on the floor, hip width apart. Slide your arms alongside your body with palms facing down. Inhale and lift the hips up, rolling your spine off the floor. Squeeze your knees lightly together to keep the knees engaged. Press down into the arms and shoulders to bring the chest upwards. Engage legs and buttocks to lift the hips higher. Breathe and hold for 4-8 breaths. 6. HAPPY BABY Lie on your back and bend both knees. Catch the outside of your feet and breathe. Keep your lower spine touching to the floor, while keeping your chin closer to your chest. Gently rock left and right if you desire. Hold for 4-8 breaths. 7. CORPSE POSE Lie on your back with your legs apart to yoga mat width, arms by your sides with palms facing up. Let your eyes and face soften and close your eyes while breathing deeply. Bring attention to each part of your body starting at the crown of your head, all the way down to your toes. Hold this position for 2-5 minutes. This pose will help bring relaxation to your whole body to end your daily 15-minute practice. Start taking care of your body and mind today if you haven’t yet. Remember, they are the only places you live in.  

Read more
NEW YEAR, NEW SKIN RESOLUTIONS

NEW YEAR, NEW SKIN RESOLUTIONS

At the beginning of January, we all have the best intentions: go the gym more, cut down on those glasses of red, get eight hours’ every night without fail…Relaxing spa day at homeBut for us, one of the best (and easiest) things you can do is vow to make 2020 the year to turn your skin care up a notch. After the holiday season you might be feeling the effects of too many late nights and overdoing it on the food and alcohol – and no doubt it’s starting to show up on your skin. help your skin recover and get your best skin yet with our seven new year skin care resolutions that are so good you’ll actually want to stick to them.Be gentle with your skinWe all know that well-worn phrase ‘new year, new me’. It can be tempting to completely overhaul your skin care ritual at the start of a new year but introducing lots of new products at once can do more harm than good and cause irritation. Introduce any new products gradually to allow your skin to adjust and always choose natural-based products instead of harsh synthetics. Give your skin a bit of TLC with a blend of gentle cleansers, nourishing serums and rich moisturisers suited to your skin concern.Up your exfoliation gameExfoliating 1-2 times a week is essential for revitalising your skin and restoring its natural glow. But how many of us actually stick to a regular exfoliation routine? Make 2020 the year of the face scrub (we love our Daily Exfoliating Cream for a gentle formula that’s kind even to sensitive skin) to reveal your best skin yet. Read our guide to face scrubs to find out how exfoliating can help improve your skin.Incorporate anti-ageingOur skin starts to age when we reach our mid-20s, so it’s never too early to start investing in natural anti-ageing skin care to reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark spots and uneven skin texture. We need different formulas at different stages of our lives, so reaching for the generic anti-ageing cream won’t cut it. If you’re in your late 20s and 30s, chances are you’re starting to see the first signs of ageing (dullness, dryness, fatigue and fine lines), so we recommend using our Herbal Recovery range at this stage. If you’re in your 40s and 50s, we recommend our Nutri-Define range, which effectively targets advanced signs of ageing such as sagging skin, deep lines and wrinkles and improves skin elasticity in the face.Add an eye creamAre you using eye care yet? The skin around our eyes is delicate and thin, so needs special formulas to look after it. Make 2020 the year that you use an eye cream or gel morning and night: bonus points if it has firming and brightening properties, such as our Purely White Skin Brightening Eye Correcting Cream.Use an SPFThe sun’s harmful rays can do more damage to your skin than anything else. Protect your skin from UV damage by wearing an SPF every day, regardless of the weather. This is particularly important after you’ve exfoliated, which can enhance your skin’s vulnerability to UV damage. Apply your SPF after moisturiser but before makeup. Look after your skin from withinLooking for a new year skin detox? Healthy skin starts with a healthy lifestyle. Keep skin hydrated by drinking 2L of water every day and make sure your skin is getting the nutrients it needs with wholefoods, healthy fats and meals rich in fibre (read our guide to eating your way to radiant skin for nutritious ways to improve your diet). Try and get at least half an hour of movement every day (a walk at lunch time is a great way to get moving – and clear your head) and those coveted eight hours of sleep every night.Practice self-careThe new year is a good time to set good intentions for the months to come, and that includes taking time for yourself. Try aromatherapy, meditation or create your own relaxing spa day at home to help restore and rebalance the mind.

Read more
HOW AUSTRALIAN BRANDS ARE LEADING THE WAY WITH SUSTAINABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY BEAUTY PRODUCTS

HOW AUSTRALIAN BRANDS ARE LEADING THE WAY WITH SUSTAINABLE, ECO-FRIENDLY BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Perhaps it’s the ‘Greta Thunberg effect’, or first-hand experiences of the effects of climate change, but collectively, we’re more conscious of our impact on the environment than ever before – most notably seen in the 7.6 million people around the globe who protested for climate action at the now-famous climate strikes during September 2019. At Jurlique, sustainability has always been at the heart of we do – it’s part of the reason we have a biodynamic* farm to grow our botanicals and we’re striving to make changes wherever possible to reduce our environmental impact. It’s not just us, either. We’re inspired by fellow Australian brands who are leading the way and flying the flag for sustainable beauty – ensuring that we don’t just look after ourselves, but we look after the planet too. That’s why beauty brand IMBIBE, which produces bio-fermented and bio-active health supplements (think collagen powders and multi-strain probiotics designed to improve skin health) continues to be a source of inspiration for us. Here’s how we’re both working towards more sustainable practices. INGREDIENTSAt Jurlique, we grow most of our botanicals on our biodynamic* farm in South Australia. We believe biodynamic* farming practices help us to grow the purest, best quality herbs we can which are hand harvested at a time when they’re full of life and vitality. These herbs are then utilised to make extracts that form the basis of Jurlique products, meaning you get the best from each ingredient we use. And it’s not just your skin. We believe by following biodynamic* farming techniques, we’re harnessing all the positive, living energies from Nature, as well as farming in the most sustainable way possible (find out more about our sustainable farming practices here). As for IMBIBE, the brand doesn’t use any fillers, fake flavourings or ingredients that they can’t pronounce, ensuring that they know what we are consuming into our bodies. RECYCLABLE PACKAGINGSince 2016, we’ve changed the packaging materials of our best-selling hand creams from aluminium to plastic tubes, which has led to an approximately 28% lower impact on our environment. We are also actively looking into ways to reduce the amount of material we use and increase the use of recyclable skin care packaging in order to reduce our carbon footprint. In partnership with global recycling pioneers Terracycle, we encourage our customers to recycle their empty Jurlique products via post or in our Jurlique standalone boutiques across Australia. All empty Jurlique packaging including pump bottles of Rosewater Balancing Mist, droppers and sachet foil wrappings can be recycled! Since initiating this program, we have collected 22,000 units (or 0.5 tonnes) of packaging. IMBIBE has been offering products such as its Miracle Collagen and Beauty Renewal Probiotic Supplement in glass jars and is soon moving onto fully certified compostable packaging. They are also reducing waste and plastic, meaning there will no longer be a scoop included in the Collagen Jars, nor a measuring cup with the Beauty Renewal. And if you find yourself in the Byron Bay area, you can pop into the IMBIBE warehouse anytime with your existing container for a refill to reduce packaging consumption even further. THE CARBON CYCLEWe care for our planet. Our goal is to analyse and reduce our environmental impact through the whole supply chain. We have moved the majority of our shipment from air-freight to sea-freight, which offers significant emissions savings. Since 2015, this freight management initiative has enabled us to reduce approximately 20% of emissions from transport. At IMBIBE, the brand uses 100% compostable and biodegradable packing for shipping all online orders. If you do receive a parcel from IMBIBE that contains soft plastics, it’s from goods they have received and re-used. Additionally, they send their orders using a carbon neutral courier service. We may still be far away from saving the planet and there’s a lot more we can do, but we’re committed to improving our sustainability practices and championing the other eco-friendly beauty brands that are doing the same. We hope that you, as a consumer, take action and support sustainable beauty and skin care products with us.

Read more
FIVE VEGAN RECIPES YOU NEED TO TRY

FIVE VEGAN RECIPES YOU NEED TO TRY

Veganism is now the talk of the town and let’s face it, the world (literally) - the vegan hashtag has a huge 87.3 million posts on Instagram. This is also reflected in the vegan food business exploding - sales rose 10 times faster than other foods in the USA. This cultural shift could be attributed to documentaries on Netflix, such as What the Health and The Game Changers - which had everyone talking. But not just talking but looking for a huge shift in their diets and what they consume (and with good reason). There are reportedly numerous benefits for going vegan, from health reasons such as reducing cancer, to how great it is for the environment. Another added bonus? It’s also supposed to be great for your skin. In plant-based diets, there’s thought to be increased levels of vitamins and antioxidants, which are associated with glowing skin. Vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, peppers, plums and carrots contain carotenoids (the oranges, reds and yellows pigments), which when eaten regularly can help boost your own skin’s brightness. Antioxidants from a plant-based diet can also combat acne, help reduce inflammation and slows down the ageing process.     But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing when opting for a vegan diet. One of the easier ways of incorporating into your life? Make it gradual - opting for #MeatFreeMondays, rather than making a huge lifestyle change. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite (and easy-to-make) vegan recipes, which are so good, they might have you making even more plant-based decisions in your daily meal choices. Watermelon Acai Bowl - this is a great way to start the day and pack in the fruit. We love this variation with watermelon - a feast for the eyes and the mouth. Cauliflower Buffalo Wings - if you’re a fan of chicken and not entirely sure how to replace it, then this recipe might be for you. There’s also a vegan ranch dip which sounds absolutely delicious. Balsamic Mushrooms, with Kale - all hail the kale. This superfood is also super tasty and when paired with balsamic roasted mushrooms and mashed potato, it’s even more heavenly.     Chickpea Brownies - if you have a sweet tooth, then you’re going to love these gluten-free vegan brownies. Will anyone truly believe they’re made from chickpeas? We can’t wait to make this recipe. Vegan chilli - sometimes after a long work day, the last thing you want to do is cook. But, this easy-to-make vegan chilli is the ideal option for a week-day dinner. It’s also very helpful for batch lunch cooking. Eating vegan is much easier than you think and there are plenty of food options out there, which act as natural swaps for meat and dairy-based meals. With so many beauty, health and environmental benefits, it’s a great way to feel and look good too.

Read more