The power of a good skincare routine can be far more than good for your skin – it can help calm your mind and soothe your senses.
“I believe that daily rituals – running a bath, moisturising your skin, lighting a candle — should feel like moments of self-care,” says Abi MacNeice, founder of skin care brand A Banana Moon.
Abi’s star product, Magnesium Sleep Lotion, epitomises her approach. Magnesium helps regulate GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows the brain and therefore produces a calming effect.
Magnesium supplements have been linked to improved sleep in several clinical trials, but Abi decided to incorporate the mineral into a lotion, as she believes that taking the time to apply it becomes part of an enjoyable bedtime ritual to help body and mind wind down at the end of the day.
“Most nights, before bed, I apply a small amount to my calves and feet,” she says. “I take my time with the massage; it’s become part of how I tell my body ‘the day is done’. With a cream, you combine magnesium with touch, scent and routine – which, in my experience, is the real magic for sleep.”
What you’ll win
One lucky BALANCE reader will win a bumper collection of A Banana Moon products worth a total of £311, including:
- Magnesium Sleep Lotion: Containing a full 20% magnesium chloride, this clinically meaningful strength is designed to help ease muscle tension, calm your nervous system and prepare for restorative rest. Mango butter, castor oil, and a bespoke lavender, neroli and sweet orange essential oil blend creates a deeply therapeutic, indulgent lotion.
- Deep Sleep gift set: Five self-care essentials designed to calm the mind, relax the body, and ease you into restful, restorative sleep.
- Crystal Reed Diffuser: Hand-blown Italian glass bottles with eco-fibre reeds, paired with citrine, tiger’s eye, and yellow aventurine crystal chips. The Abundance fragrance is infused with the uplifting aromas of nectarine, cinnamon, and amber.
- Facial Gift Set: The seven-piece box contains all you need for A Banana Moon’s three-step post-cleansing routine, which crafted with 100% naturally derived (and mostly organic) ingredients.
- Hydra Hand Lotion: A non-greasy formula crafted with hyaluronic acid and vegan squalane, fragranced with a refreshing blend of lavender, neroli, sweet orange, and ylang ylang essential oils.
- Selenite lamp: This large mineral light source emits a soft, soothing glow to aid your meditation, mindfulness and calming rituals.
About A Banana Moon skincare
Abi first had the idea for her brand in 2019, when she started formulating products in her garden workshop in Berkshire.
“My goal has always been simple,” she says, “I want to turn everyday skincare into something indulgent, without the luxury price tag. I’ve always had a lifelong fascination with skin chemistry and formulation, having spent my early career working for luxury cosmetics brands, and A Banana Moon allows me to share that love through every product I make.”
A Banana Moon launched in early 2020 and has continued growing ever since, with Abi’s children and husband pitching in to help with sales, labelling, logistics and preparing deliveries. “The future holds so many exciting plans,” she says, “with new creations that harness the power of natural ingredients to support not just the skin, but the spirit too.”
How to enter
For your chance to win: Simply fill in the form below.
Closing date: 27 February 2026
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