Wellbeing Journal
JOURNEY TO THE JAR: THE STORY OF OUR YARROW
In Greek mythology, the herb Yarrow was considered so powerful it was believed to bestow immortality on those who bathed in its waters. According to legend, Achilles was one such hero, having been dipped in the Yarrow-laced water of the river Styx by his mother when he was a baby. Alas, a spot was missed – his so-called Achilles heel – which would prove to be his fatal weakness in battle. Yarrow’s Latin name – Achillea millefolium – still hints at this legendary association.We’ve grown Yarrow on the Jurlique farm for many years and its ability to promote smoother, firmer skin makes it a star ingredient in many of our natural-based products, including our iconic Herbal Recovery range. Here’s a look at the journey this plant undergoes, as it progresses from seed to skin care.Breeding more seedsWe’ve recently increased the volume of Yarrow that’s planted on the farm, and to do this, our first step is always to collect the seeds from our existing plants. We then propagate the seeds in the hothouse on the farm.Room to growYarrow is a perennial plant that’s strong, resilient and grows very quickly. We like to give it plenty of room to grow, otherwise it can “choke” itself. As with all the botanicals on our organic farm, Yarrow grows without the use of synthetic pesticides or insecticides.Carefully hand-pickedWe have a dedicated team that picks each and every botanical by hand. Harvesting of the Yarrow takes place in the springtime, and only occurs when the flowers are at their peak. This maximises the potency of their active ingredients, which help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for smoother skin and a more youthful appearance.Drying for a continuous supplyThe Yarrow’s flowers are laid flat on large racks and placed in our heated drying cupboards; it typically takes around five or six days for them to dry completely. The dried plants can be stored for up to three years without compromising their natural, skin-enhancing properties, so we always have enough on hand to ensure a continuous supply of the best quality extracts.Extraction beginsWe follow our exclusive extraction method, to capture as many vital nutrients from our botanicals as possible. This proprietary process captures the pure, potent and active essential nutrients and minerals from the plants. The Yarrow extract is then transported to our nearby Natural Beauty Plant. It’s here that this beautiful botanical becomes a key component in your favourite products like our radiance-restoring Herbal Recovery Signature Serum.
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THREE LITTLE KNOWN SECRETS FOR RADIANT SKIN
Radiant, glowing skin begins long before you step into your bathroom and reach for your skin care favourites. In fact, luminous skin starts where you might not expect: on the farm. When the environment in which plants are grown is pristine, it follows that the resulting skin care, and importantly your skin, will benefit the most.At Jurlique, we grow and nurture all our botanicals in the pure, idyllic South Australian hills. This is the basis of our seed-to-skin philosophy, where the seed’s health ultimately results in your skin looking bright and glowing. If radiance has long eluded you, opt for natural based products whose ingredients are grown in the following conditions:1 Air purityChoosing natural ingredients is an important consideration, but not all naturals are created equal; they must be nurtured in the right environment to capture their most active nutrients and essences. This process begins with the very air that surrounds them. Smog and pollution are not only detrimental to our skin, they can also compromise the quality of fledgling botanicals [hyperlink to article titled Why Air Quality Matters in Your Skin Care]. This is one reason why we chose the purest place on earth to establish our farm in South Australia, an area of rolling hills revered for its clean, fresh air.2 Soil qualityLike two halves of the same universe, the purity of air is mirrored by the quality of the soil, and vice versa. A depleted soil is unable to yield the powerful botanicals needed to transform skin radiance. Our Jurlique farm is certified organic and benefits from a rich compost derived from the plants on the property. We take extra care to nourish and protect the entire ecosystem of the farm. Some of the land available is used for planting, while the rest is dedicated to maintaining natural flora and fauna. Creating this special environment and planting and harvesting according to the seasons allows our botanicals to reach maximum glow-giving power.3 No synthetic pesticidesWe believe that maintaining a pure environment means not compromising crops with the use of synthetic pesticides and insecticides. Instead, we use companion farming to help plants work together to protect and nurture one another. For example, the bright orange flowers of a Calendula bush attract beneficial insects which kill aphids and other predatory insects, so we plant these next to our Roses as protection. The botanicals, therefore, remain safe without the use of harmful chemicals. This matters because what we use (or don’t use) on the farm ends up affecting your skin.Now you knowDue to Jurlique’s commitment to clean air, healthy soil, and organic pest control, our products make it possible for you to experience radiant, glowing skin. If you’re curious to see what our skin care can do for you, begin with our much-loved Activating Water Essence, whose active ingredients hydrate, condition and revitalise your skin. That’s Nature’s promise.
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HOW TO REBALANCE YOUR ENERGY NATURALLY
How to Rebalance Your Energy NaturallyModern workers complain of the mid-afternoon slump. All of a sudden, it feels as if all the energy has drained out of you. Some call it brain fog, others refer to it as plain old exhaustion. Rather than reach for a quick fix, the wiser option is to implement naturally energy-boosting habits you can maintain long-term. Your precarious balancing act ends here.Aid your digestionAn unhealthy gut can have huge health implications for the rest of the body – energy levels included. Apple cider vinegar is an alkalising liquid that can help with digestion, especially for those who don’t produce enough hydrochloric acid in their stomachs. Opt for the unfiltered organic variety, and drink it diluted in water about 15 minutes before meals.Step away from the white breadWhile they can provide your body with energy, foods heavy in carbohydrates will, for the most part, leave you feeling sluggish. The main culprit? Simple carbs, like those found in sugary drinks, white bread, and pasta, which burn through your body quickly. Stick to wholegrain, low-glycaemic carbohydrates that take longer to digest. Nuts, legumes, sweet potatoes, oats, and brown rice will all provide your body a steady supply of energy, helping you avoid the crash-and-burn effect.Break a sweatIf you’ve ever gotten your sweat on, you’d know the incredible clarity that comes from a flood of endorphins hitting your system. Exercise gives your cells more energy to burn, circulating oxygen around the body and releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine (stress hormones) that in modest amounts that make you feel energised. Even a brisk walk on your break can help.Have another glass of waterFeeling fatigued is one of the first signs that your body is short on fluids. The recommended daily amount of water is 2 litres per day, but be sure to drink slowly and keep it at room temperature, so it is easily ingested and absorbed by your body.School yourself in essential oilsStudies have found that inhaling essential oils under stressful conditions can lead to noticeable positive neurological responses, as fragrance compounds directly affect the brain. When it comes to improving energy levels, essential oils with citrus properties are great for boosting energy and motivation – we love a few drops of our Revitalising Blend Essential Oil, which can be used in a vaporiser for the office. If you don’t have a diffuser handy, try a spritz of our Revitalising Blend Aromatherapy Mist, close your eyes and spray mist above your head, and deeply inhale the Orange, Bergamot, Lemon and Lavender blend to awaken the senses.
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FIVE FRESH TIPS FOR NATURAL GLOW
Evolve your routine and restore your signature radiance. A few rethinks can have incredible impact.1 Eat your waterEight tall glasses a day isn’t always easy to commit to? Try the facialists’ favourite hydration-boosting trick: eat your H2-glow.Fruits and vegetables like cucumber, tomato, celery, capsicums, melon and carrots brim with cell-plumping water plus a solid serve of the antioxidant vitamins that recharge glow. Researchers say the Nature-perfected dose of magnesium, potassium and sodium inside watermelon can rehydrate more effectively than water or a sports drink.2 Make with the massageGently pressing, rolling or massaging in serums, lotions and creams is the easiest anti-ageing move you can make. You’ll not only jumpstart circulation to shift puffiness and tighten contours, you’ll assist penetration, allowing each step in your ritual to do its work before the next. Press and smooth eye creams in from the inner corners toward your temple; sweep face care from centre point upward and out.3 Glow with the flowWe bet you’re shallow breathing right now. When we feel under fire, stress or even just busy (when do we not?), switching into short, fast ‘chest-breathing’ mode is a reflex. The oxygen dip shows up in ‘stressed’, dull complexion. Take a beat and focus. Deep, saturating ‘abdominal breathing’ lifts reviving oxygen uptake and powers the lymphatic system to detoxify skin.4 Work the night shiftYour skin works hardest when you’re asleep. This is when the body and mind recovers and refreshes for the challenges ahead. It’s the same with your skin. Overnight is the perfect time to give skin the vital nutrients, moisture and care it needs.5 Upgrade to effortlessImproving your skin isn’t always about doing more. It’s about optimised formulas that deliver what your skin needs now, more effectively. Jurlique has remastered our iconic anti-ageing Herbal Recovery range to radically improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin dullness in one advanced ritual. It’s transformative skincare, simplified.
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DISCOVER NEW HERBAL RECOVERY
What causes skin to change with age?The natural process of ageing changes the appearance and texture of skin over time. Influenced by a variety of factors — from internal ones such as genetics, to environmental factors such as sun and diet — the effects are different for each and every one of us.While many signs of skin ageing aren’t visible until we reach our 30s or 40s, the process actually begins as early as our 20s. This is when the body gradually starts lessening its production of collagen and elastin, both responsible for skin strength, elasticity and youthfulness.As we evolve with age, so too should your skin care ritual.Finding a regime that’s unique to your skin type and lifestyle can radically promote more youthful-looking skin and restore your skin’s natural, signature glow.The completely remastered Herbal Recovery rangeCreated over 20 years ago, our first Herbal Recovery product defied expectations, delivering superior visible results from pure and natural ingredients from the Jurlique Farm.Now one of our most iconic ranges has been completely remastered, for our latest breakthrough in age-defying effectiveness.The new Herbal Recovery range has been meticulously developed as a complete ritual, to help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin dullness, and restore your skin’s natural, signature glow.Every aspect of the new range has been remastered to embody the latest in age defying skin care. From a new enhanced formulation and fragrance to a luxurious texture, and iconic packaging.Evolving what’s possible in ageless beauty. Again.
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HOW TO CLEANSE PROPERLY
Pollution, smoke, makeup, sunscreens, and the natural build-up of dead surface skin and sebum can make skin look and feel dry, dull and lifeless.That’s why cleansing correctly is your first step to naturally radiant skin. But research from the International Dermal Institute says most of us spend just 20 seconds doing so. And when you’re tired, it can be tempting to skip cleansing completely (we’ve all done it).But cleansing doesn’t have to be a chore. Here’s how to cleanse properly – and leave your skin looking pure, smooth and hydrated.1 Choose the right cleanserEveryone’s skin is different, so it’s important to find the cleanser that’s right for you. Things to consider include your skin type, how you prefer to cleanse, and whether you need to remove eye makeup.Need help? Take a look at our guide to choosing the right botanical cleanser.2 Use warm waterHot water will dry skin out too much, which is why you want to keep the temperature down as you cleanse.3 Start at the topUsing small circular motions, start cleansing at your forehead, and move down to your nose and out to your cheeks before finishing at your neck.4 Cool rinseAfter you’ve cleansed, rinse with cool water to refresh your skin, and prepare it for the next steps of your skin care ritual.5 And repeatIt’s important to cleanse every morning and night. Your morning cleanse will help remove excess oil that’s built up on your skin overnight, while your evening cleanse will wash away the makeup, sunscreen, pollution and other impurities your skin has been exposed to during the day.
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BEAUTY AND THE BEE
Beauty and the BeeEverybody knows bees as the tiny, industrious creatures that pollinate crops for human survival. Lesser known, perhaps, is how they help us in the beauty department. Our wild honey bees are key to growing the highly concentrated plants that make up our products. In fact, they’re one of the reasons Jurlique has maintained its status as the leader in natural, effective skin care for more than 25 years.Meet the keeperOur resident beekeeper, Pamela Cherry, has been tending to the bees on our organic farm in South Australia for more than 12 years. At present, there are seven hives on the farm, four of which descended from a prime swarm from 2017. “They are an integral part of our pure farming process, so we like to encourage their hard work,” says Pamela.Just as they do for more than half of Australia’s crops, bees are essential in pollinating and propagating the plants and flowers on our Jurlique farm. It’s their round-the-clock toil that promotes floral growth and sustains the vast volumes of concentrated botanicals on our farm, without which our cherished line of plant-based products would not exist.Once the plants and flowers have fully grown and their nutrients reached peak concentration, we carefully harvest them and extract the properties within. The resulting products are thus poised to deliver your most radiant skin.The busy work of beekeepingAt the beginning of bee season, which runs from December to February, Pamela’s job is to ensure that the bees are thriving. To open the hives, she needs a protective suit and uses a smoker and hive tool to diligently pry open the boxes.“Tending to each hive requires opening up and looking for a strong hive with many bees and a queen that is laying eggs well and checking that there is enough stored honey for them to eat. After establishing all is well, I clean the box of any excess honeycomb and ensure that the hive is free of pests and diseases,” she says.For their survival, bees need plants – whether in the form of flowering trees, shrubs, herbs, flowers or even weeds. “That’s what ensures them a constant supply of pollen and nectar, which is the source of the honey they eat and extract,” says Pamela, adding that something is generally flowering at any point of the year.Protecting our beesBees pollinating our plants forms a huge aspect of our natural product creation. “Being a no-waste and organic farm means we are responsible for caring for the whole farm as a unit. Each part we care for – be it the soil, water or bees – is creating a healthy vitality. The end result flows through to our products,” explains Pamela.This mentality extends to our pest-control methods too. “Whatever is used, we are very vigilant that no harm can come to our bees and all good bugs, such as lady birds and hover flies,” assures Pamela. “The good bugs help us control nutrient-sapping aphids and thrips on our roses and they play a very important role on the farm.” The result of organic pest-control practices such as this is more concentrated skin care that outperforms anything produced within the confines of a lab.The benefits of this organic method are undeniable: natural ingredients grown without the use of chemicals are richer in nutrients and antioxidants – and once harnessed by our team, these concentrated botanicals are what deliver the signature Jurlique glow.
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CHOOSING THE RIGHT FACIAL CLEANSER
Cleansing is your first step to naturally radiant skin. And because everyone’s skin is different, we’ve created a range of luxurious botanical cleansers designed to suit different skin types, lifestyles and needs. Here’s our quick guide to help you choose the one that’s right for you.What’s your skin type?Your skin should feel fresh and comfortable after you’ve cleansed. If it doesn’t, chances are you’re not using the right cleanser for your skin type.If your skin is dry or sensitive, or tends to feel uncomfortable or tight after cleansing, try our Replenishing Cleansing Lotion. This rich and gentle cleanser is enriched with softening Marshmallow Root Extract and calming botanicals to hydrate and soothe your skin.If you’ve got normal to combination skin, try our Revitalising Cleansing Gel. It’s infused with purifying Peppermint Leaf Extract and revitalising botanicals help rebalance oiliness and restore moisture.And if your skin’s neither oily nor dry, our Nourishing Cleansing Oil and Radiant Skin Foaming Cleanser are suitable for all skin types.NOT SURE WHAT YOUR SKIN TYPE IS?How do you prefer to cleanse?If you prefer to wash your face while you’re showering, try our Revitalising Cleansing Gel and Radiant Skin Foaming Cleanser. Both lather into a rich foam that can be easily applied and rinsed off while you’re in the shower.Do you wear eye makeup?Our Nourishing Cleanser Oil and Replenishing Cleansing Lotion are all safe to use around the eyes. Nourishing Cleansing Oil is also formulated to dissolve waterproof makeup, making mascara removal a breeze.What texture do you prefer?We all want to use a cleanser that feels amazing. And whether you like using a lush foam, a silky oil, a rich lotion, or a gorgeously lightweight gel, we’ve got a botanical cleanser you’ll love.
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BOTANICALS LOVINGLY PICKED BY HAND
Few know our ingredients better than our farmers who handle them daily, nurturing each plant from seed to harvest.Throughout the year, we have three dedicated field workers tending to crops and hand-picking the very flowers that result in your most loved Jurlique products. Wilma Haeusler is Field Supervisor and “resident Rose whisperer” to a farm that spans 105 acres. She is joined by two Herb Farm Assistants, Fay Paillot and Precy Costa. This unassuming trio can be seen in the fields hard at work, expertly selecting plants in their prime.Roughly 88 petals are picked from a single Rosa gallica Rose. And so, on a good week, it’s possible the team might harvest up to 100kg of petals. This Rose species, which can be found in many of our most-loved products such as Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, once harvested and transformed into an extract, deeply hydrates, leaving skin balanced and restored.Wilma, who has been with us for 11 years, grew up on a farm in the Philippines and, as such, holds a deep sense of connection to the land. Her family harvested pawpaw, sweetcorn, banana, coconut, turnips and star apple. Ever since, she’s been passionate about farm work and is responsible for ensuring all our powerful ingredients are picked only when they reach peak quality.“Farming is in my blood. My harvesting technique has been developed over many years. All the ingredients that make up our products are all grown here on the farm, so as you can imagine, we need a high yield of rose petals,” says Wilma.“Some of the perennial herbs and flowers I harvest include: Roses; Jurlique Roses; Lavender; Rosemary; Elderflowers; Marjoram… there are too many to list,” says Wilma. “I also harvest annuals like Chamomile, All of these herbs and botanicals eventually make up our cherished line of plant-based skin care.Our commitment to organic farmingAs a child, Herb Farm Assistant Fay had gardeners for parents who always grew their own fruit and vegetables organically, i.e. without the use of chemicals. Fay later encountered organic farming while living at a wellness retreat in France from 2006 till 2014. Deeply inspired by the experience, she returned to Australia to continue her passion for farm work.Akin to Wilma, Fay harvests a long list of botanicals that have been meticulously selected for their ability to deliver radiant, glowing skin. For example, Calendula Flower Extract, which is the hero of our Calendula Redness Rescue range, is rich in calming oleanolic acid, which soothes sensitive skin.How we harvest the bountyDuring the picking process, Wilma, Fay and Precy search exclusively for flowers that have fully opened. “We are looking for best quality flowers and herbs; we discard anything yellow or diseased,” says Fay. “For flowers, like Bellis (Daisy), Violets and Calendula, we need to wait for the flowers to open before we harvest them or at least be able to see the centre of the flower.” This signals that the flower is at its peak power and will result in the most effective skin care.With perennial plants, such as Peppermint, Wilma says it is the tips that are harvested as this is the freshest part of the plant. “The rest we harvest and put into the compost and wait for the plant to shoot again. We can harvest them three or four times, to get the best quality,” she says.The resulting Peppermint Leaf extract is prized for its ability to help soothe and protect skin. You’ll find it in Jurlique Nutri-Define Superior Retexturising Facial Serum, which helps improve uneven texture for younger-looking skin.
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