Patients often ask me for advice on natural cosmetics and skincare products. The kind of products I choose personally must be naturally fragranced, free from as many artificial chemical nasties as is possible and actually work. When you tick these boxes, these products are also an absolute delight to use and way more luxurious than their big brand name, highly artificial cousins. Cleopatra herself, may have been tempted by these natural and luxurious essentials.
So, here are my top five natural beauty products:
This is the most lovely makeup I have ever used. In fact, I’m surprised how often people comment on my skin when I’m wearing it, the minerals give you a healthy glow. And they won’t block your pores but they will give you sun protection. The makeup is actually good for promoting healthy skin. That’s a far cry from traditional foundations which contribute to blocked pores and breakouts! Some of their products contain essential oils and their lip and eye colours are very pretty too. Jane Iredale is on the more expensive side but a little goes a long way and it is well worth the price.
Alchemy Shampoo and Conditioner
Alchemy is a great range off Australian made and owned hair care products. They don’t use parabens or sulphate in their products. What is great about their shampoo and conditioners is that they contain herbal extracts and essential oils so that not only does your hair smell amazing, but it will look and feel great too!
This line of skincare is perhaps the best I have ever used. Uspa products are made in Australia from organic plant-based ingredients where possible. The difference between Uspa and other natural cosmetic brands is that Uspa is mainly used and sold by beauty therapists, not health food stores and pharmacies. The level of quality and the results they deliver for your skin are beautifully noticeable. I’m a devotee of their Awaken Foam Cleanser, Bamboo Polish and Moisture Control Lotion with Vitamin C. Did I mention that these products also smell amazing?
MiEssence Aluminium-free Deodorant
Now, I’ve tried a lot of aluminium-free deodorants and I can say that many of them, with the best intentions and theory behind them, just don’t work. But this one does! It’s the only one that I have found that really does work. It comes in fragrance-free, ancient spice (for the boys) and tahitian breeze (a delightful natural floral fragrance). The company behind this product source organic ingredients and are another Australian natural cosmetics success story. You can usually find this one at your local health food store.
This range of 100% pure essential oils has long been my favourite and most trusted aromatherapy brand. I love using these essential oils in salt scrubs, face masks, body oils, bath blends and in spritzers. Sunspirit is another Australian brand who have been committed to sourcing and supplying high quality, therapeutic grade essential oils for over 35 years. I was lucky enough to tour the laboratory facility that undertakes the testing of their essential oils last week. The state of the art facility has a high commitment to quality control. What that means is the herbs are tested for chemical markers to ensure they are the correct plant, that the quality of the herb is good enough to have a therapeutic effect (desired markers in the plant’s chemical profile are present and in the right amounts) and the essential oil will be stable and therapeutic for the whole of its life up to its expiry date. Sunspirit essential oils are mid-priced which makes them exceptional value given their gold standard commitment to quality.
To book an appointment at the clinic or further information on Chinese Medicine contact Dr Sarah George (Acupuncture). Sarah is a practitioner of acupuncture (AHPRA registered), massage therapy and natural health.
