Body & beauty

Beauty: Fresh ideas for April

Gorgeous skincare treats to try, plus a brand that’s popular among eco celebs

Gorgeous skincare treats to try, plus a brand that’s popular among eco celebs

TOP TREATMENT

ila kundalini back massage

WHAT IS IT?

I had high expectations of ila’s kundalini back massage as I love their products. Therapist Holly came highly recommended and I now know why. If you’re a spa or massage virgin, I beg you, please, go see Holly. One thing I think so many therapists and spas get wrong is that they don’t tell you exactly what to do. But with Holly, there is no guesswork involved. There is no need to do anything in fact except let go and just be.Her room is a small temple, a womb-like cocoon of sensory soothing. She started by kneeling on the floor and bathing my feet in such a rapt honouring that it almost brought tears to my eyes. Then I lay on the couch,naked under the softest, warmest fluffy towels(honestly, you don’t feel exposed or weird,trust me on this) and started the massage.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Forget ideas of kundalini rising in lighting flashes; this was all softness. It felt like an initiation into an ancient feminine mystery. A benediction. A soft yet insistent teasing apart of all the toughness, a dismantling of all the harsh walls. Usually I like my massage strong and tough, I like all the tension tugged and forced out of me. But Holly got right under my defences, not by smashing them down but by soft yet insistent love. This is something very special indeed.

TESTER: Jane Alexander

COST: £140

Visit giellygreen.co.uk for more information.

Bharti Vyas says…

“If your skin has irregular pigmentation avoid products with bergamot, as this accelerates the tanning process”

Weleda wonder

With its reasonable pricing, pure and natural ingredients and the fact it’s been going since 1921, it’s nos urprise Weleda is one of our favourite skincare ranges. And, it seems we’re not alone Alicia Silverstone is also a fan. If you want to bare a little more this summer, we’d recommend the Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil, £19.95, as it helps to keep skin supple and smells delicious!

Beauty wish list

STEAL

Kernow Spa Peppermint Foot and Heel Balm, £7.95 A hard-working cream from this gorgeous new range of goodies hand-made in Cornwall will leave your heels feeling as soft as a baby’s.

SPREE

Sol Healing Hair 10 Oil, £29.95 With ten natural oils, this product is a real gorgeous treat for your tresses. It also claims to help with prevent your locks thinning.

SPLURGE

REN Contoring Gel, £32 This recently launched gel contains pepper,rose spice, caffeine and red microalgae all which help to stimulate lymphatic drain.

Brand of the month

Susan Ma, natural beauty enthusiast who appeared on BBC’s The Apprentice has created this gorgeous Tropic Skincare range which includes nine all-natural products. They are all cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and packed with 100 per cent plant derived proteins, antioxidants and vitamins. Plus, they’re all affordable with prices starting from just £4.95.

BEAUTY NOTES

Rowena Bird, one of the founders of natural beauty brand, Lush, took time out of her busy schedule to talk beauty to Natural Health:

Grace Kelly is an iconic beauty. In the film High Society, she wore a dress that my wedding dress was modelled on. I think she had such a beautiful face and presence, which looked effortless.Modern day would be Katy Perry for the fun she brings to her look, hair and make up.
My beauty indulgence is longbaths. I use a whole compendium of products. Firstly I have loads of bubbles, then its time for a hair treatment, shampoo and conditioner, face mask, face scrub and a stepping stone for my feet, followed by a body conditioner. Once I’m out it’s time for the hand cream, foot lotion and finally face serum, lip scrub and some eye cream. All this with the comedy channel on the bathroom TV for company. Lush!
My top beauty advice will always be to avoid products containing mineral oil like the plague.
I hate the way we are made to feel that if we are ageing it’s a bad thing. It’s not! It’s a fact of life! Use moisturiser, don’t burn your skin but for heaven’s sake, enjoy life! When you engage with people they want a real face to look into, one with laughter lines, one with character –not a mask. I think them edia have made us feel that however we look just isn’t good enough. It is the plastic surgeons’ best friend!

There’s now a clear link between gut bacteria and rosacea. If you’re a sufferer try taking probiotics and B vitamins

Protect your pout

Give sore lips a treat with these pots of magic!

Espa 24 Hour Saviour, £33 Soothe your lips with this salve which contains skin-softening evening primrose and shea butter.
Jurlique Love Balm, £10 This summery, zesty-smelling balm will replenish and nourish cracked skin in moments.
Decleor Nourishing Lip Balm, £13.50 Packed full of essential oils, this balm glides on easily and stays put for awhile so there’s no need to reapply.
Natural Balm Pure Thoughts, £2.95 This smells good enough to eat! It will relieve sore lips and is really reasonably priced.
Blend Collective Lip Balm, £8.95 With pomegranate and rose hip oil, this little pot will keep your lips totally kissable.