Thursday 4 December 2014

Winter Chronicles: skin and mind saviours



Winter is a funny season. I always look forward to it namely for the promise of presents, delicious food and family board games at Christmas. Yet I also loath the cold bitter winds, constantly grey sky and the looming possibility of snow, that looks super pretty when it is all white and fluffy, but somehow without fail lands me on my arse at least once when I try to walk on the icy pavement. Again, the season wins me over with mulled wine and roast chestnuts, cute and cosy jumpers. While I tell everyone who would listen how much I am not a fan of winter, I know that deep down I do actually like it, because it lets me rest. The truth is I sometimes get tired of socialising, I need to be away from people to recharge my batteries and when it's cold outside and gets dark around four, staying at home is a perfectly reasonable thing to do. I can relax with a glass of wine, wrap up in a blanket with a good book, or maybe even run a bath, not something I would be doing during the summer around six in the evening. That being said I still find winter hard to get through, maybe if I could take a long hibernating vacation it wouldn't be so bad, but I do have to brave the elements and carry on with things as normal no matter how much I would rather stay inside enjoying the warmth.



My skin really dislikes the cold and needs that extra layer of protection that only balms seem to be able to provide. I finally cracked the Blue Cocoon code. This little beauty from May Lindstrom is a perfect winter companion. First I spray my face with Yuli Cocoon elixir, this is super soothing toner that gives my skin an extra hydration boost (previously reviewed here), followed by a half a pea sized amount of Blue cocoon. It is like a double protective cocoon!



The two products work so well together, protecting my skin from wind and central heating. Yuli toners are like nothing else I have ever tried. They make my skin the best version of itself and cocoon especially takes care of any sensitivities. May Lindstrom's balm smells so good, it instantly calms me down when I am feeling stressed. I use it on my pulse points for the arometherapeutic benefits through out the day and it also makes a rather fabulous moisture boosting mask. All you need to do is apply it thickly, leave it on of about 20 minutes and wipe of with a damp face cloth, voila baby soft skin.



I do find myself drinking more tea to stay functional, but there is only so many cups I can have before setting up a permanent residence in the ladies, so I had to look for another option to ignite that winding spark of energy. Bodhi & Birch Mint the temple balm is a pot of pure magic, that sharpens your senses, makes you feel cool, calm and collected and can even relieve headaches. You can also use this to ease muscular aches and panes, or rub it on sore tired feet. I don't find holiday season stressful per say but I don't leave the house with out this balm. Sometimes just opening the jar and inhaling the minty, intermingled with eucalyptus aroma is all it takes to make me feel more present in the moment.



While I have been proctoring Yoga for a few years now, meditation side of things has always been more than a little tough. I have no problems with a guided meditation, but just sitting (or lying down) and breathing by myself ... Like always having a ritual seems to be the trick, rubbing a little Badger yoga and meditation balm before self practise, helps me have the right frame of mind. I feel like I'm not just sitting there, with each inhale the essential oils help me relax, sort of like hitting a reset button on a computer, I am less sluggish and much more alert after the fact.



Blow drying my hair is something that I try to avoid, during the colder months it becomes an almost weekly occurrence. My best friend to protect my hair from the heat is Yarok Feed Your Ends conditioner, it smells like summer, makes hair easily manageable and silky soft despite the hair dryer. I can't believe how big a difference this product makes to the health of my hair, without it after blow drying my hair looks more like straw and my bouncy waves all but disappear.



I would never dream of going outside in the winter cold without a lip balm. De Mamile rosey Lip balm is a blend of nourishing oils including camelia, monoi, evening primrose and has the most delightful rose scent to perk up the senses. This one is a must for every rose lover, the consistency of the balm is perfect to go under lipstick, it sinks in very quickly without an oily residue and leaves my kissers super smooth.



Normally hand products are far from a priority for me, but the winter season completely changes things, my hands become dry as parchment and need some serious tlc. Bohdi & Birch Lime blossom protecting hand serum, is very special. Not only does it smell like a tropical fruit cocktail, making me want to apply it more often than necessary, it completely transforms my skin. My hands feel so smooth I can't help but stroke them every so often to double check that I am not imagining things. Serum sinks in faster than any cream, and all is needed is one pump. This is creme de la creme of hand care and easily doubles as a cuticle treatment.

I am not sure I will ever be a true winter fan, but I always have these beautiful  products to turn too and enjoy, regardless of what the season throws my way.

15 comments:

  1. New to your blog but absolutely loving it so far. Thanks, Lisa

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    1. Thank you very much, that put a smile on my face xx

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  2. They all look so cozy on your soft blanket ;) Lovely picks <3. I adore de Mamiel's rosey lipbalm, Bodhi & Birch Mint thé and hand serum. Now I ordered a second sample of the Blue Cocoon, because I'm not ready to splurge just yet. xx
    ps. I agree, I love the festivities during this season, but I truly dislike the cold. My skin, however, looks more calm and balanced when it's cold lol.

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    1. What a nice collection!!! Would love to try De Mamiel products! x

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    2. oh thanks Liz, well blue cocoon has lasted me an absolute eternity if that helps but it is for sure an investment. That is so interesting my skin is at it's best during the summer hm xx

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  3. i try sample of blue cocoon ans i'm fall in love.. Maybe i'll buy a full size after finishing lot of product here :) dying to try Mamiel :) Beautiful routine! Xx

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    1. Oh you haven't tried De mamiel?! It is such a lovely brand, I'm hoping to get a facial from her one of these days xx

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  4. Did May teach you to use blue cocoon as a mask? Omg I have to try it! When I was away in Vermont for a weekend I forgot to pack a body moisturizer. I totally slathered blue cocoon all over my legs and I can tell you they were in heaven! I've been meaning to get the Badge yoga balm for ages but every time when i go on like Vitacost or iherb it's sold out.

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    1. Yes it was May who suggested it! You must get your hands on Badger yoga balm, it seriosly makes all the difference! xx

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  5. Great post! My skin and me also greatly dislike cold! :) Blue cocoon is on my wishlist, hope to try it one day! :) xx

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    1. Thank you! I love doing these compilation posts xx

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  6. oooh love every single product in this post. I have collected three samples of The Blue Cocoon and I'm loving it; almost out of my first sample and will definitely purchase if I run out before winter is over. The de Mamiel balm sounds divine!

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    1. Thank you, so glad you enjoyed the post. Blue cocoon is very longlasting as you only need a tiny bit, won't be surprised if those samples last the whole winter, everything I've tried from de mamiel so far has been superb.

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  7. Ooh Blue Cocoon looks & sounds heavenly! Really want to try one of the Yuli products :)

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    1. You need to get your hands on Yuli, I know your skin will love it xx

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