10 wellness treats for your July shopping basket
July is here – many of us our off to enjoy sunnier climes abroad (or not considering flight cancellations). But regardless of your location, make sure that self-care is part of your agenda. Here, are some of our top picks to help make that happen.
1. Karen Edwards’ The Responsible Traveller (out 14 July) – £7.99
Feeling cooped up for the past couple of years has left us with some major wanderlust. However, jet-setting to far corners of the Earth doesn’t necessarily align with our desire to lower our carbon footprint and live more sustainable lives. But not worry, as Karen Edwards, a journalist specialising in responsible tourism, emotional wellbeing, and sustainable living, is on hand to help. Her new book The Responsible Traveller collates easy-to-implement practical advice through case studies and storytelling, which aim to detail how to explore the world with a lighter footprint. Perfect for summer travelling. PRE- ORDER NOW.
2. Rose Nurturing Body Cream from Dr Hauschka – £27.50
Warm weather can dehydrate skin, so replenish moisture with Dr.Hauschka’s Rose Nurturing Body Cream. We’re in love with the gorgeous rose scent of this cream – no doubt a result of Dr.Hauschka using rose water, rose wax, and rose extracts. The cream also uses shea butter and a range of natural oils which makes it intensely moisturising but not greasy. If you’re familiar with Dr.Hauschka you’ll know that this is no new product. However, to celebrate the brand’s sustainability partnership with their shea nut butter supplier in Burkina Faso, it has been re-released in a limited edition Ankara-inspired design. We also love the Rose (£31) and Quince (£25) Day Creams from this range. SHOP NOW.
3. B Fresh Shots – £2.80
B Fresh has very recently launched a farm-to-fridge juice shot which acts as a supplement. What we especially like about these is that the shots are tailored around what you need from your body – be it sleep, relaxation, or focus. For instance, the Focus shot contains Guarana seed which is a source of natural caffeine – making the drink the equivalent to one and a half espressos. The Relax shot – which tastes especially good – contains kiwi that has serotonin which can improve mood. While the Sleep shot contains tart cherry that contains melatonin which encourages sleep. This is a good option for anyone wanting to limit their use of supplements in tablet form. SHOP NOW.
4. Plantable Pencils from Sprout – from £8.99
Sprout has come up with an ingenious way to make use of pencil stumps that have become too short to use. Its smooth wooden pencils contain seeds at the end. Simply plant the end of the pencil in the soil, and you’ll begin to see herbs and bee-friendly flowers emerging. Packs come with standard led pencils or coloured pencils (perfect for your mindfulness colouring book). Plus, some of the pencils are neatly engraved with an aspirational quote – to keep your motivation ticking along. While we tried the pencils, the brand also has eyeliners for those wanting to be a bit more eco in their make-up. SHOP NOW.
For more tips on easy sustainable living check out Daisy Payne’s advice.
5. Face & Body Set from Õrn Kuu Skincare – £98
Calling all those with sensitive skin – you needn’t go without eco-friendly moisturiser this summer. Õrn Kuu Skincare’s founder, Alice, is an eczema and dermatitis sufferer, which means products have been curated especially with allergy-prone skin in mind by using organic and kind ingredients. Its Öö Facial Serum is packed with bioactive compounds, provitamins, omega oils, anti-oxidants, and bio-active compounds. While its Või body lotion bar, which comes in a mushroom compostable box, encompasses organic butters, oils, and humous extract. We found its rich and gentle qualities were great for moisturising scarred skin tissue and although the bar is black it rubs in translucence. Both Või and Öö have an earthy scent – a testament to their natural ingredients.
6. 2.0 Combat Barrel Bag from Yana Active – £25
Yana Active’s neutral colour palette caught our eye but its khaki combat barrel bag stole our heart. It’s made from 100% recycled fabric, vegan-friendly, and manufactured ethically in the UK. This lightweight bag is the perfect size for carrying to the gym or as luggage for an overnight spa stay. We’re particularly loving the zip-up pocket at the front, to save time on scrabbling around trying to find your house keys or gym pass. If you like this as much as we do, also check out Yana’s range of combat green gym wear (from £30) and it’s very unique slouchy post-workout dress (£65). SHOP NOW.
7. Silk’n Sonic toothbrush – £129
Silk’n Sonic’s new toothbrush is perfect if you’re someone like us and have had to use your electric toothbrush like a manual because you keep forgetting to charge. This brush comes with a battery that lasts 300 days – and even better it gives you a 25-day warning when the battery is beginning to run low on juice. In addition, Silkn’ Sonic seems to be taking a step towards tailored dentistry with various brush modes and tools to enable you to personalise your routine. Dentists tend to recommend electric toothbrushes as they’re kinder to gums – so maybe they’ll be impressed at your next check-up. SHOP NOW
8. Charlotte Grand’s The Fertility Kitchen Cookbook – £20
Nutritional therapist, Charlotte Grand, has recently released a cookbook collating nutrient-rich recipes aimed at helping those who are on the fertility journey. The Fertility Kitchen is borne out of Charlotte’s own experiences conceiving and undergoing rounds of IVF before having her child. The book goes beyond providing recipes and gives expert advice on everything from helpful vitamins, supplements for stress, exercising on busy days, and cultivating better sleep. Although this is aimed at those on their fertility journey, it would certainly benefit anyone trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle. We’re looking forward to tucking into apple pie pancakes, yellow coconut curry with tiger prawns, and chocolate tahini brownies very soon! SHOP NOW.
9. FOREST SPA FINLAND Nordic Adaptogen Supplement – £75
While a Finnish holiday may not be on your cards this year, the beneficial effects of Nordic forests can be. Daniel Collins, founder of FOREST SPA FINLAND has tried to encapsulate the nutritional value that he’s experienced on his holidays in Finland into a natural, sustainable supplement. Ingredients include chaga mushroom, rhodiola rosea, wild bilberry, and pine bark. Each of these superfoods works together to boost the immune system, energy, and mental capacity, look after skin cells, and support healthy blood pressure and joints. The Nordic Adaptogen Supplement already has raving reviews – so we’re keen to give this a go throughout July. SHOP NOW.
10. Sleep mask from Drowsy – £59.95
While many of us welcome longer days of sunshine – it can be a hard time for light sleepers. Too much light in the early hours of the morning can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm which is what helps you have a regular sleeping pattern. That’s why we’re loving the Drowsy sleep mask, which wraps around your head without any uncomfortable elastic ear loops. It’s also perfect if you’re someone that wants to sleep with the window open during heatwaves – the wrap-around design intends to block out sound, so you won’t be woken up by noise outside. This silky product is available in numerous colours and comes accompanied by a neat matching bag to store your mask on the go.