It feels like just 5 minutes ago it was long lazier summer days and in a flash September arrives with crisper mornings and a chill in the evening air.
Welcome to the season of new launches!
These aren’t new – instead they’re a selection of my most-used products lately, all of the “keepers” (and for any season, really).
Including two ultra adaptable multi-taskers (Dr Bronner’s 18-in-1 Peppermint Castile Soap and HIRO’s lip + cheek sticks).
THE SLEEP WELL SAVIOURS
Passiflora’s the star of A.Vogel’s Relax Spray (also called Anti-Stress in other countries, I think it’s the same product) which I bought a few weeks ago and have loved.
I expected it to work in a few days but it did so on the very first night.
Melissa and zinc are in the mix here, and while it doesn’t taste like a heavenly elixir – particularly to the crowd that complains that botanicals “don’t taste nice” – 5 sprays have been equaling a better night’s sleep in my bedroom, so I’m giving it a 10 for performance alone.
Next up in the sleep category and I just love this blend, it feels instantly calming, is Tisserand’s Real Calm Moodfix Mist (Lavender, Bergamot and Patchouli).
This trio works surprisingly well (lavender with bergamot? Funnily enough, it’s a “yes”). Soothing but “rooting” at the same time, it’s a calming comforter if you crave a bit of emotional or mental steadiness (racing thoughts before bed, a difficult conversation earlier, or just too much “buzz” during the day?)
A lovely space / room mist. Plus, the added Geranium means it has nerve-soothing properties, too. This has been a frequent re-purchase for me.
THE HEALTHY HAIR HERO
Firstly it’s the invigorating yet calming Rosemary note of Weleda’s Nourishing Hair Oil – not greasy – with Rosemary and Burdock (a great combo if you match the Hair Oil with the Rosemary Hair Tonic).
And secondly, both plants are legendary as hair carers.
The Tonic (see below) is cooling and refreshing and for those who literally cannot stomach synthetic fragrance in haircare, skincare or bodycare or anywhere, these two are worth earmarking.
THE PEPPERMINT MULTI-TASKER
Dr Bronner’s 18 in 1 multipurpose liquid soaps are *the* perfect home staple for small spaces – where do we start?
Shower “gel”, kitchen surface cleaner, floor cleaner and refresher, ant repellent, washing up liquid and among other things laundry detergent (concentrated so you don’t need a lot).
Pricier than other natural laundry detergents – yes – but “yes” to the olfactory delight of minty fresh T-shirts, pillow cases and sheets, the small joys in life!
Here’s the smallest travel size so you can try before you buy if this brand is new to you.
Mint’s not the only version, there’s Lavender, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Citrus, Rose, Almond and Unscented. (I think there may be more but they’re not springing to mind right now).
TISSERAND ENERGY BOOST DIFFUSER OIL
If you’re one of us who really misses the summer sun when first days of autumn roll in, it’s time to get out the diffuser oils.
Here’s Tisserand’s 100% natural Orange, Lime & Grapefruit essential oil blend, a cheery mood booster. Great for the living room, kitchen or even home office when you feel like a bit of change from the classic “focus better/stay alert” single essential oils like peppermint and rosemary.
The Energy Boost range includes a Massage & Body Oil, Moodfix Mist (space spray), Rollerball (handbag!) and this Diffuser Oil.
I think essential oils and aromatherapy generally remain the most under-used and under-rated holistic therapy, yet they’re solace for our nervous system and let’s not forget their ability to recall some of the happiest times and place of our lives (lemon – Sicily, pine – Swiss Alps, etc).
Magic in mini bottles.
THE MULTI-STICK TEAM
In 8 shades, including 4 bronzer/highlighters, HIRO Cosmetics’ Multi Sticks are those useful little gems you just want with you wherever you go.
Billed as buildable cream-to-powder cheek, lip, eye (and body) colour sticks, I’d say they’re definitely creamier rather than having a powder finish.
I’ve been using “Backstage” which is a sort of summery, dusty rose/coral hybrid as a lip colour and occasional blush.
If you’re travelling these are like gold and they’ll slim down your handbag.
8 graduating shades, from a silver highlighter to a shimmering plum.
THE FREE-FROM NAIL STARS
Manucurist’s clean gel colours hit our radar a couple of years ago but The Manucurist Story started in Paris in 1996 when founder Gaelle’s mother opened her professional nail salon.
“The first green and clean alternative to gel nail polish” (made from ingredients like corn, wheat, manioc and bamboo) Manucurist comes in a myriad of tempting shades, along with nail care and the nail polish remover I’ve used all summer: Green Flash (it’s acetone-free).
Shiraz and Burgundy shades are making a comeback for AW24/25 and Hollyhock (pictured) is my go-to shade while deep blue sea and emerald cove green fans will love exploring the “statement” bold blue-green shades.
THE POST-SUMMER PRE-AUTUMN SKIN TONIC
I’ve been a bit lax this summer with collagen and supplements and makeup, but this morning it was back to one of my beauty staples – Collagen Shots.
Winner of no less than 29 awards (including a generous number of Beauty Shortlist WINNER logos through the years) this marine collagen and acai berry formula is like natural medicine for the skin.
Collagen’s well known for its firming, plumping, elasticizing effect when used regularly, but I think it’ll be marketed more for its benefits for joints, leaky gut and helping increase muscle mass when we finally get around to making wellbeing for the 50+ ers a priority. (Gap in the market!)
Anyway, this morning’s first “shot” felt good. I’ve actually missed taking it so it’s back on the inside-out beauty menu for autumn.
Wishing you a great back-to-school, back-to-work September with its golden light and crisp blue skies – on the sunny days, and a lovely early spring if you’re reading this somewhere in the southern hemisphere, too.