Wellbeing Journal
SKIN FIT: FINDING YOUR GLOW WITH LEAH SIMMONS
As part of our Jurlique Wellbeing Challenge, pilates teacher and general fitness guru Leah Simmons has created an exclusive fitness plan for you to take on over the next four weeks. As part of this challenge, she guest blogs about her own personal fitness journey, relationship with food and some great tips along the way.*We all know that exercise does wonders for our body. The benefits of leading a healthy, active lifestyle are numerous and, although it may be harder than sin to drag yourself out of bed for that early morning workout, I’m fairly certain no one ever regrets doing it after they’re done. But the rewards of exercising transcend far beyond just dropping those kilos or cultivating your six-pack. There are additional, more subtle effects that exercising has on our bodies… perhaps you are sleeping better, maybe your hair is shinier or you are feeling less anxious?One of the more visible benefits is the effect it has on our skin. Our skin is our largest living organ, made up of billions of skin cells and blood vessels. So, like every other organ in our body, it needs nourishment and nutrients to thrive.Skin-Fit… Is There Such a Thing?Go For The GlowYou’ve just finished your workout, your heart is beating like a Metallica drum solo and you crawl to the bathroom to catch your breath. You peer into the mirror and after the initial shock of seeing that exhausted sweaty face staring back at you, you notice that your skin has taken on a kind of golden sheen. You are glowing!! And this is no accident, believe me. When you get your heart really pumping, you deliver a flood of newly oxygenated blood to the living layers of your skin and skin cells. Your circulation is firing and you start producing more natural oils thus giving you that gorgeous “glow.”Sweat It OutHave you ever wondered where “sweat” actually comes from? Sweating is our body’s natural cooling system. When our body temperature increases, our pores secrete sweat to remove excess heat and waste from our skin through evaporation. You could almost say sweating is actually like having a mini-facial. Imagine those pesky little blackheads that you just can’t seem to get rid of… sweating can push the impurities out from your pores. It’s important to note however that you must wash your face immediately after working out to ensure that the gunk doesn’t get sucked back in!Wrinkles Be Gone!!Exercise can also help regulate skin-significant hormones and prevent free-radical damage. When we get stressed where is the first place it shows? On our faces… Dark circles, sagging skin and a pasty pallor are not a healthy person make… and this can be due to elevated levels of the stress-hormone Cortisol. Regular exercise can help maintain healthy levels of this hormone and also supports the production of collagen which can help keep your skin stay firm and supple-looking.Don’t Worry… Be Happy!!And finally… exercise just makes you FEEL GOOD!! You’ll have a spring in your step and your energy levels will sky rocket. And sooner or later you’ll be rocking around town with a giant grin on your face. Laughter is the fastest and easiest way to elevate your mood and help you look and feel amazing. When you smile with your whole face it’s like an instant facelift! So turn that frown upside down and laugh your way through your next gym session!!A Few Things to NoteAlways remember to protect your skin from the sun and wear a broad spectrum sunscreen whether you are working out indoors or out. I’m currently obsessed with Jurlique’s SPF40 Sun Specialist Cream – it smells amazing!Try to avoid wearing makeup while working out. You want to try and get rid of dirt on your face, not add to it! Bring your favourite cleanser in your gym bag and make sure that you wash your face immediately after your workout. I love Jurlique’s Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Mousse which has a light, foamy texture and is great for combination skin.Wash your hands thoroughly after working out before you touch your face. You don’t even want to know what bacteria lurks on communal gym equipment… yuck. Be aware of too-tight clothes and skin chafing – it you are going to be sweating a lot make sure you are in some comfortable gear. If you are swimming in a chlorinated pool then make sure you rinse off in some fresh water immediately after you get out – the chemicals used in pools can be quite irritating and drying for some skin types. And don’t forget to lock-in moisture for face, body and hands. I love Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Face Oil and the always classic Rose Hand Cream by Jurlique. Check out the Jurlique Fitness Challenge for fitness tips, how-to’s and a four week calendar to get you started.Download the Jurlique X Leah Simmons Fitness Challenge hereblog-wellbeing-button-downl-challenge*The views contained in this Blog are those of the author and do not represent the views or opinions of Jurlique. You should seek medical advice before commencing any exercise regime.
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LEAH SIMMONS TOP 10 TIPS FOR A BETTER WORKOUT
As part of our Jurlique Wellbeing Challenge, pilates teacher and general fitness guru Leah Simmons has created an exclusive fitness plan for you to take on over the next four weeks. As part of this challenge, she guest blogs about her own personal fitness journey, relationship with food and some great tips along the way.*My workout hour is my place of solitude. It’s kid-free, work-free and phone-free. I’m un-contactable for those precious 60 minutes and fully able to immerse myself into what I am doing at that very moment. It’s my heaven. But what makes it so good? And why do I crave it every day? Because the prep I do beforehand ensures I have the best workout experience I can… and I’m about to share it with you.DO A BRAIN DUMP.Ok. What the heck is a brain dump? It’s probably one of the most important gifts you can give yourself prior to working out. You know all those little thoughts that are flying around in your head at the moment? Meetings, deadlines, shopping, meal prep, school pick-up, that fight you had with your friend / spouse / child? Write them down, plan them out and then forget about them for the next 60 minutes. Get your body and mind to a neutral state where you can concentrate on the task at hand (because exercise does require concentration)!WARM UPI feel this one is obvious but it’s amazing how many people don’t do a proper warm up before they launch into their workout. Hellooooooo injury! You have got to get those muscles firing before you load them up with a 50kg squat. Start with 3-4mins on the treadmill or a few rounds of some bodyweight squats that will help your heart rate elevate safely and get your muscles into workout-mode.COOL DOWNSee above. Ever just run out of the gym after the mother of all sweat sessions and made a bee-line for the couch? (Yes don’t worry I’ve got my hand up too…) The Cool Down is just as important as the Warm Up as it helps to disperse the build-up of lactic acid in your muscles. You’ve probably woken up the next morning feeling like you didn’t even go to the gym but come the day after that and even the slightest cough can send your abs into meltdown mode. This is called DOMS (Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness… yes it’s a thing) and although it can’t be removed altogether, a good stretch session after your workout will help you a lot.HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATEWater, water and more water. Can’t get enough of that good stuff. We are made up of roughly 60% to 70% of it. You should be drinking between 2 to 3L of it per day. Look at the colour of your urine. That will tell you whether you’re getting enough (Lighter and clearer is obviously better – I think you all know what I’m talking about here.) I like to kill two birds with one stone in my daily water intake and also add a few drops of Zinc and Selenium to my water bottle.HAVE SOME PROTEIN WITHIN 30 MINS OF YOUR WORKOUTYou’ve just done a mammoth workout and pushed your muscles to their limit. But do you know how muscles actually grow and shape? Each time we work them we make tiny tears in them. So they are constantly repairing themselves with new lean muscle fibres. And where do these fibres come from? Protein of course! If you have a protein shake or eat some protein-rich foods within 30 mins of your workout you are giving your body the goodness it needs to start repairing and building your muscles. Check out my post on Fitness and Food for more information about macronutrients.MAKE SURE YOUR TECHNIQUE IS ON POINTThe owner of the gym I train at applies the same amount of concentration and discipline to a 20kg squat as he does to a 250kg one. If your technique isn’t correct then you will not only hinder your progress, you may well hurt yourself in the process. Go back to basics, ask a professional and make sure your technique is PERFECT.PLAN YOUR WORKOUTSMy weekly training schedule looks like this: 2 to 3 x strength days 2 x circuit days 2 x mobility sessions (pilates or yoga). Sometimes I double up a strength day with a mobility day but generally I like to know what I’m doing and when I’m doing it. Planning allows you to make sure that your whole body gets a work out over a designated period of time without the stress of having to try and squash it all into one session. It also gives your body the best chance of recovery if you plan say, a yoga class the day after a strength day.BUY A NEW OUTFITAs silly as this sounds, nothing spells motivation to me more than a killer new outfit. Who doesn’t want to strut their stuff at the gym in the hottest new crop and the latest pair of kicks? New gear is a must – use it as motivation to start training and to reward yourself when you have hit some of your training goals.PUT TOGETHER A KILLER PLAYLISTLike a new outfit, the right music is also a no-brainer. Your workout will seem to go that much faster if you are enjoying the music you are listening to while doing it. Make a few playlists for different days. I have everything from upbeat dance music to R’n’B to daggy 80s. I’ve actually been known to go flying off the treadmill during a particularly enthusiastic rendition of “Eye Of The Tiger” – just make sure you watch what you’re doing…!MIX IT UP!We don’t eat the same foods every day so why should we do the same workout every day?? There are so many different types of exercise that you can be doing from outdoor activities to dance classes to boxing and martial arts to a good old gym session. Get out there, find a few things you love and shake it up a bit! Mixing it up will also allow you to get the most out of your training as your body won’t become used to the same movements. And it’s also an amazing way to meet new people… so go on…. give it a go!!!Check out the Jurlique Fitness Challenge for fitness tips, how-to’s and a four week calendar to get you started.Download the Jurlique X Leah Simmons Fitness Challenge here*The views contained in this Blog are those of the author and do not represent the views or opinions of Jurlique. You should seek medical advice before commencing any exercise regime.
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GO WITH THE GLOW – HOW TO GET YOUR BEST SUNLESS TAN EVER
Summer and a sun-kissed tan go hand in hand, even if you don’t live along the coast. But the sun can be damaging to your skin and can cause premature ageing.Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. Sunless tanning products can help you achieve a bronzed body, without the dangers of baking in the sun – so you can have glowing skin all year round.Here’s the top six tips you need to get your best sunless tan ever:1. Go with the right glowThe first step is choosing the right self-tanning product for your skin.Sunless tanning options include sprays, mousses and lotions. Tanning lotions are the most hydrating, and can be applied to clean skin like a regular moisturiser. Lotions also tend to offer more even coverage, layering well for dramatic effect.2. Wax on, wax offHair removal is next on your pre-tan checklist. Wax or shave well before application (around 24 hours prior), to provide less hair resistance for tan absorption. This also minimises the chance of accidentally nicking colour away with your razor.3. Smooth operatorThe golden rule of sunless tanning: smooth skin equals self-tan success. Pamper yourself by taking the time to prepare and nourish your skin for a flawless tan.Showering prior to application washes away excess oil, while an exfoliation glove helps buff away dead skin cells (or remnants of a previous tan). This ensures the best base for a fresh application – smooth, soft skin.Make sure to moisturise rough patches, like the wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, feet and hairline, as an uneven surface can result in a patchy, streaky tan.4. Clever handiworkIt’s easy to create a natural shade across your entire body, including the palms of your hands. Avoid orange-tinted palms or residue beneath your fingernails by using latex gloves when applying your sunless tan.To apply tanning lotion to the back of your hands, use a cotton wool ball with a small amount of product. A helpful tip – add a little body moisturiser to blend product into your wrists and fingers to avoid streaking. This also applies for any smudges or mistakes.Generally speaking, acrylic nails or gel manicures and pedicures won’t be affected by self-tans. However, to be on the safe side, wipe your nails after each application as this will prevent contact stains.5. Work from the bottom upThe best time to start the tanning process is 30 minutes after showering, when your skin is most absorbent. A handy trick is to finish your shower with a short burst of cold water to shrink pores – this maximises even coverage.Apply the first layer of sunless tan, starting from the feet and ankles, and work your way back up. Don’t forget to apply to your back and neck. Self-tans can discolour your hair and eyebrows, so protect your hairline with a barrier cream if you’re applying tanner to your face. Again, mix with a small amount of moisturiser for an even application.Any leftover product should be used for the back of your hands and feet, making sure to blend well at the wrists and ankles to avoid a ‘tanning sleeve’.6. Skin careThe best way to prolong your summer glow is with effective skin aftercare.Unless you’re using an express formula, avoid showering for at least 10-12 hours, and wear loose clothing to allow the tanner to absorb.When showering after a tan, don’t worry about the colour washing away. The cosmetic bronzer will wash off to reveal a gorgeous, sun-kissed tan.Apply moisturising cream after your first shower and continue moisturising daily to extend the longevity of your tan.And drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin for a glow that lasts all year round.You don’t need to spend a fortune in a tanning salon to get a sun-kissed tan this summer. Simply follow our six tips and get the glow you’ve always wanted.Shop the Story: Sun Specialist Sunless Tanner
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DISCOVER YOUR COMPLETE HAND CARE RITUAL
Take care of your precious hands by nurturing them with our complete hand care ritual.Step 1: ExfoliateStart by giving your hands the intensive care they need with our NEW Exfoliating Hand Treatment, a two-in-one mask and scrub, to hydrate and exfoliate your hands, leaving them soft and supple.Step 2: TreatIndulge hands with our NEW Nail and Cuticle Treatment Oil, a nourishing oil that helps to strengthen and smooth nails, condition cuticles and intensely hydrate skin.Step 3: MoisturiseMassage one of our iconic hand creams into your skin, then lift your hands to your face and breathe deeply. The soft, natural scent will soothe your senses and reconnect you to nature.
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FACE FACTS: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO SENSITIVE SKIN CARE
Sensitive skin is becoming more common. The rising incidence of food allergies and intolerances, as well as changes to the environment, have seen an increase in people citing sensitivity as a skin concern.Skin sensitivity can manifest in different ways at different times, making it sometimes difficult to identify and treat. The good news is that sensitive skin can be soothed and managed with the right approach to skin care.Let’s take a look at the symptoms and causes of sensitive skin.The telltale symptoms of sensitive skinDrynessTightness, particularly after cleansingRedness or blotchinessIrritation – during a reaction, symptoms can include: itchiness, visible rashes or hives (welts on the skin), swelling, and a tingling, stinging or burning sensationIn addition, signs of sensitive skin can also include: Blemishes Premature ageing (due to dryness) What causes sensitive skin? AllergiesSudden skin sensitivities can be caused by a reaction to an ingredient or product. This could mean you have an allergy, even if a product hasn’t troubled you before. People can develop allergies with exposure over time, so it’s best to check in with a doctor just in case. Dermatologists can conduct a simple and effective skin patch or prick test, so you can learn which ingredients to avoid to find the right skin care products for you.Medical conditions and medicationsMedically diagnosed skin conditions like dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, rosacea and eczema increase the likelihood of skin sensitivity. Once you’ve identified skin care products that are safe for use, being consistent and diligent about your skin care ritual will help manage any symptoms.Some medications can also increase skin sensitivity, especially with exposure to the sun. Common culprits are certain antibiotics and painkillers, so always read the information on the pack or ask your pharmacist – you may need to take extra care and stay out of the sun during treatment.EnvironmentEven normal skin can become sensitised when faced with heavy pollution or excessive sun, heat, humidity, air conditioning, cold, wind, rain or snow. For example, you may notice your hands and face feel drier and more sensitive during winter. Ensure adequate hydration, both inside and out – make sure you drink lots of water, and apply a rich moisturiser to protect your skin against the elements.GenesNaturally sensitive skin is often an inherited genetic trait, just like other skin types (including dry skin). Many of the medically diagnosed skin conditions listed above are also genetic to some degree. If you’ve had a predisposition to sensitive skin for a while, it might be time to visit your doctor.LifestylePoor nutrition, alcohol, smoking, stress, dehydration and even use of harsh chemicals like household cleaners can all sensitise skin over time. Elimination can help identify external aggressors to avoid.What you wearFinally, clothing and jewellery can affect sensitive skin. Coarse fabrics like wool often irritate, as well as the chemicals found in laundry products such as washing powders and fabric softeners. Nickel, a metal found in costume jewellery, has also been known to trigger contact reactions.Swapping materials for natural fibres like cotton and bamboo, as well as using laundry solutions suited to sensitive skin, may help. With jewellery, remove at bedtime and buy stainless steel or sterling silver (and not just plating) to protect yourself against possible irritation.AgeingAgeing skin and changes in hormone levels can cause skin sensitivity. While some aspects lessen with age (e.g. blemishes), some others increase (e.g. dryness) as skin layers weaken and become more fragile.How to manage sensitive skinCleanseJust like all skin types, sensitive skin needs cleansing too. A gentle cleanser for the face like our Soothing Foaming Cleanser helps remove impurities and rebalances sensitivity with the power of Lavender.Using gentle products with natural ingredients will protect the skin against environmental aggressors, preserving the skin’s natural defences.SootheLook to specially formulated products like our Nurturing Mask to help reduce redness to hydrate and soothe skin. A gentle treatment mask, it contains nourishing plant oils and calming natural botanicals like Aloe Vera.HydrateA light moisturiser in warm weather will ensure optimal balance and hydration for sensitive skin. Our Soothing Day Care Lotion is a light-textured moisturising lotion to help calm and protect against daily environmental aggressors.For overnight protection, deeply hydrate and soothe sensitive skin with a serum like Calendula Redness Rescue Restorative Treatment Serum. This helps provide a natural protective barrier and restore the skin’s epidermal defences.Of course, don’t forget to keep up your water intake, too.AvoidSeek out natural skin care products, without common irritants like artificial colours and fragrances.Steer away from harsh exfoliants as they can aggravate sensitive skin. Pat, don’t rub, your face and body after showering, and finish with a lightweight moisturiser.Discard and replace any old makeup or skin care products, as well as medications or other topical treatments past their expiry date.TestIf you have sensitive skin, it’s always a good idea to patch test any new products before using them – especially if they contain unfamiliar ingredients. If you’ve never done this before, please consult your doctor.Key natural botanicalsCalendulaKnown for its bright yellow and orange flowers, Calendula has pronounced soothing properties and is used to rebalance sensitivity on the skin and throughout the body. Calendula is excellent for calming, restoring and hydrating sensitive skin.Our Calendula Redness Rescue Soothing Moisturising Cream with Comfort Complex deeply hydrates and soothes, while protecting skin from environmental aggressors.ArnicaThe Arnica plant has a bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that has been used in homeopathic medicine for hundreds of years. Arnica is typically applied to the skin to soothe sensitivity, helping to rebalance and cool delicate areas.Our Arnica Cream helps soothe and calm the skin.LavenderWidely celebrated for its calming properties, Lavender is a hydrating and calming extract, used to rebalance dryness on the skin, leaving it soft and refreshed. Lavender’s characteristic fragrance is often used to promote restful sleep and aromatherapy relaxation.Our Calendula Lavender Hydrating Essence pairs two powerful botanicals to soothe sensitive skin. It’s an aromatic cleansing pre-treatment that softens the skin surface, opens up pores and soothes the senses.While it’s a complex and dynamic skin type, sensitive skin is usually very manageable. It just takes the right skin care approach to soothe, comfort and maintain that all-important balance for sensitive skin.Shop the Story: Sensitive Starter Set
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DISCOVER A DEEPER LEVEL OF SKIN HYDRATION
Activate your skin’s ability to retain moisture.Keeping your skin well-hydrated allows it to function normally, stay healthy, and retain its smooth and soft appearance. But there are many factors that can cause skin to become dehydrated – from the natural ageing process, to exposure to elements such as air conditioning, weather and pollution.Our new and highly concentrated Activating Water Essence, rich in Marshmallow Root Extract, delivers lasting hydration while protecting your skin from moisture loss. It leaves skin feeling soft and healthy, and ready to absorb the full benefits of the rest of your skin care ritual.AWE16_Blog_Hydration_BlogBanner1What’s truly innovative about this product?It captures the vital living energy of plants, activating skin in 3 ways:HydratesDelivers continuous hydration* and lasting moistureConditionsSmooths skin to provide a soft, supple complexion.RevitalisesRevitalises and re-energises for healthy-looking skin.This is why our Activating Water Essence is the essential step in every skin care ritual.88% of women said their skin felt continuously hydrated*Try our NEW Activating Water EssenceAWE16_Blog_Marshmallow_BlogBanner1*Based on a clinical survey of 52 women aged 25 to 50 who used Activating Water Essence twice daily for 14 days. +Certified biodynamic by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia. Jurlique’s products and farm are not certified by or affiliated with Demeter® USA or Demeter International.
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NATURE’S HEALER: MARSHMALLOW ROOT
Most of us know Marshmallow as the pink or white confectionery. But the use of Marshmallow Root dates back to ancient times – and our ancestors knew there was much more to this plant than fluffy candy.Marshmallow Root’s botanical name, Althaea officinalis, reveals why it has been so revered throughout history. Althaea means “to heal” and the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates used Marshmallow as a wound treatment.Today, Marshmallow continues to be used to soothe and hydrate dry skin. The Marshmallow plant has short, rounded leaves and small, pale flowers. But it’s what’s in the root that makes this unique plant so effective. Marshmallow Root contains a high percentage of thick, syrup-like liquid called mucilage, which has intensive hydrating, softening and balancing properties.The Marshmallow Root’s ability to attract and retain water allows it to provide lasting hydration to the skin. It forms a protective barrier that helps rebalance dry skin and prevent moisture loss to leave skin feeling soft and smooth.This is why our founders, Ulrike and Jurgen Klein, made Marshmallow one of our founding crops at the Jurlique Farm more than 30 years ago. Today, we use Marshmallow Root Extract in over 70 Jurlique products, including our NEW Activating Water Essence.Activating Water EssenceWhat other ingredients are in our NEW Activating Water Essence?Calendula – Soothes, protects and moisturisesNeem – Conditions and soothesLavender – Hydrates and calmsRosemary – Invigorates and restoresHorsetail – Hydrates and balancesWitch Hazel – Clarifies and firmsNettle – Rebalances and refreshesPeach Leaf – Revitalises, regenerates and protectsIngredients
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THE ESSENTIAL STEP TO ACTIVATING SKIN HYDRATION IN YOUR RITUAL
Activating Water Essence is the essential step in every skin care ritual, and for every skin type.How to apply:1. Apply Activating Water Essence after your Toning Mist and before your serum. Your Toning Mist remains part of your cleansing ritual as it delivers instant and immediate surface hydration, and helps prepare your skin for Activating Water Essence.2. Pour a few drops of Activating Water Essence into the palm of your hand.3. Warm and gently press the essence over your face, neck and décolletage.4. Use morning and night as part of your Jurlique skin care ritual.Where does Activating Water Essence fit into my ritual?Use your Activating Water Essence after your toning mist and before your serum. A mist prepares the skin whereas the essence activates deeper into the skin to provide the optimum environment to enhance the benefits of your serum.Try our NEW Activating Water EssenceActivating Water Essence
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THE BENEFITS OF AROMATHERAPY
Jurlique was founded on the deep belief in the healing power of nature, and aromatherapy has been a vital part of our holistic approach to skin care since we began.What is Aromatherapy?Aromatherapy involves the use of aromatic plant materials, particularly essential oils, to alter one’s mood and promote wellbeing.As the name suggests, its primary benefits come from inhaling the scent of these essential oils, which have a predominantly psychological effect.The history of AromatherapyWhile the word ‘aromatherapy’ was only coined in the 1930s, the use of aromatics is as old as civilization itself. Ancient Egyptians used incense for celebrations and ancient Romans for healing purposes. The 1950s onwards saw the development of holistic aromatherapy.This increasingly saw essential oils being used not just in massage, but as psycho-therapeutic substances capable of changing one’s mood.Benefits of AromatherapyAromatherapy is a holistic treatment that enhances wellbeing by treating the mind, body and spirit.It works by stimulating the body’s olfactory system or sense of smell with essential plant oils. When the olfactory receptors in the nose detect the aromas of these oils, it triggers the brain’s limbic system, which controls the emotions.The benefits of aromatherapy vary depending on the essential oils used. Some will soothe and relaxe while others will energise.Aromatherapy MistsDesigned for all-over use, our Aromatherapy Mists contain a blend of specially selected Pure Essential Oils to transform your mood anytime, anywhere.They draw on our rich heritage of promoting wellbeing by making it easy for all of us to reconnect to nature.How to useClose your eyes and mouth and spray your Aromatherapy Mist from above your head. Inhale deeply and let it transform your mood and wellbeing with a Revitalising, Calming or Balancing scent.Prepare for a good night’s sleep by spraying Calming Blend Aromatherapy Mist on your bed linen before you climb into bed. Spray your Aromatherapy Mist around your rooms to infuse them with scent.
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