Here’s some of the exciting things we tried, saw and loved over the past two weeks!
Day & Night Serums, Merakii
Early in 2021, Savannah Blake found herself in a dark headspace that just wouldn’t budge so she worked with a therapist, life coach and business coach to help lift her out of this depressive state. Amongst other things, they instilled in her the benefits of establishing simple wellbeing habits and routines that would top up her internal tank and make all the difference.
Self-care is one of the habits that Savannah gives great importance to and because of this, launched Merakii skincare which works with the self-care rituals she finds so important in her busy life.
“I took their advice and slowly but surely felt the cloud I’d been living in begin to clear. The business result of this change is Merakii, a brand that combines my love for effective natural skincare with simple well-being habits.”
Using all-natural ingredients, the serums are handcrafted and batch-blended here in New Zealand. The Merakii serums, when applied mindfully as part of your daily ritual, are designed to enhance your overall wellbeing and deliver glowing skin and calm your mind.
The Day and Night serums are designed to be used as a duo. The protective day serum is infused with ylang-ylang essential oil which helps to ease nervous tension, shift a low or frustrated mood to a place of calm. Sweet almond, rosehip, hemp and Vitamin E oils work together to gently nourish and protect the skin barrier, and the nourishing Night Serum, for rest and rejuvenation, has additional jojoba and lavender oils calm and nourishes the skin whilst you sleep.
Dee: “These oils are divine and incorporating a ritual where you are mindful whilst applying the serums is very powerful and calming at the same time. Both oils are nourishing and, once fully absorbed, don’t leave any oily residue. I applied a moisturiser and SPF on top of the day serum and, at night, was happy just to use the serum on its own.”
This serum duo would make a gorgeous gift for a bestie who might be going through a bit of a rough patch. They are suitable for all skin types and are handmade right here in New Zealand.
Velvet cloud foaming cleanser, fruit smoothie and sleep hero overnight mask, Skin Proud
Marketing research has shown that the younger generation is tired of seeing retouched, smooth-skinned models in cosmetic adverts that are completely unrealistic.
Enter Skin Proud, a skincare brand created for Gen Z where real skin is celebrated and photographs are free from retouching. All skin tones and types, genders, body sizes, and ethnicities are used in their images. Skin Proud’s aim is to build a community where everyone is welcomed, empowered and represented. Inclusion and diversity is at the heart of their brand.
Lilly: “I was given the Velvet Cloud Cleanser, Fruit Smoothie and Sleep Hero overnight sleep mask to try out. My skin isn’t prone to many breakouts so I’m always cautious about using new products in case my skin decides to change but I honestly didn’t need to worry once I started using Skin Proud.
“The Velvet Cloud Cleanser did a really good job of cleansing my face. I found I still had to use an eye makeup remover to take my eyeshadows, mascara and eyeliner off but, after that, the fluffy, mousse-like foam removed everything else… without making my skin feel stripped.
“I used the Fruit Smoothie every second morning – it’s actually a toner and you use a cotton pad to wipe it over your face and neck. This toner has a mix of AHA and PHA fruit acids – lemons, blueberries and grapefruits – which gently remove dead skin cells and made my skin feel smooth and soft. I then applied the rest of my skincare and, as the toner had stripped away old skin cells, made sure I used SPF too.
“The Sleep Hero Overnight Mask is really gorgeous. You can apply it either as a 15-minute quick refresh and then wash it off, or wear it overnight – you just apply a thin layer, let it soak in before climbing into bed and wash off any residue the next morning. I preferred using it as a quick pampering refresh over the weekends.
“I really liked the Skin Proud products and love that they use images that aren’t retouched for their brand. Inclusivity and diversity are really important these days. I also think that they are good value for money and I like the fact that they are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.”
Available at Farmers.
Candles + Bath Bombs, LUSH
LUSH has introduced candles to their year-round range and are the perfect accessory for any self-care ritual such as a candlelit bath. The candles are palm, paraffin and soy-free, 100% vegan and infused with ethically sourced, high quality essential oils, so you’re not inhaling any nasties whilst you are relaxing.
The candles come in pretty colours in small glass jars and have a burning time of around 12-15 hours, which is pretty amazing considering the size of the candles. We tried two of LUSH’s newest releases – Orange Blossom and The Olive Branch.
The sweet-honeyed florals of Orange Blossom are the top notes in this candle. There are also gentle notes of bergamot and neroli, perfect for a welcoming scent around the home.
The Olive Branch has a citrusy, woody aroma with subtle bergamot, orange flower and oakmoss tones.
Dee: “I loved both of these equally. They aren’t overpowering… just a beautiful aroma and so lovely to have one of them burning whilst relaxing in the evening.”
Looking for another self-care treat? Watch one of LUSH’s bath bombs dissolve into a bath filled with hot water. The fizzing bicarb beauties are fascinating to watch as the colours evolve and the aromas that are released are just heavenly. And, of course, enjoying the LUSH-filled bath is so relaxing.
The bath bombs come without any unnecessary packaging, are 100% vegetarian, there’s no animal testing and they are handmade with love.
