Showing posts with label Ishga. Show all posts

Natural Body Oils for Athletes


If you do sports, there's no better way to care for your skin than using natural body oils. I have chosen four natural formulations that in my opinion can provide the best muscle recovery, skin protection and aromatherapy benefits.

My picks are:

1. Ishga Invigorating Body Oil - this oil is a true re-energiser and it picks you up after even the hardest workout. I love using it as it contains unique Scottish seaweed extract that stimulates the skin to self-repair and boosts blood circulation that can be felt in deeper layers of the skin. This  unusual yet balanced blend of citrusy notes like Lemon Grass  and more sensual Geranium Rose makes the whole moisturising experience so much more pleasurable.  

2. Weleda Arnica Massage Oil -  recommended to prepare muscles for high intensity action by warming them up with its special blend of Arnica Flowers, Birch Leaves Extracts and Rosemary Essential Oil. Formulated to be used as a massage oil for when your body feels pushed over the limits.


Natural Body Oils for Athletes



3. de Mamiel Slavation Body Oil - the ultimate liquid gem of super potent oils like Baobab, Argan, Coconut, Camellia and Rosehip would be a perfect rescue for all the athletes that  need to regain their focus. I'd be using it the night before a hard training or a tough match to feel calm and collected thanks to sensual Jasmine, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang Essential Oils.


4. Aromatherapy Associates De-stress Massage and Body Oil - hard working  personal "physiotherapist" in a bottle,  not only does it target muscle aches but also it relieves joint stiffness and brings anti-inflammatory effect to the areas treated. It warms the body by aiding healthy blood flow not to mention skin nourishing benefits. Hero ingredients - Coconut Oil, Cajuput Oil, Ginger Root and Pine Leaf Oil. 





Ishga Organic Seaweed Skincare -The Treasures of Hebrides - Review Part 1



When it comes to skincare choices, my main point of focus is always the formula. Ishga is a brand offering a range of products with unique Hebridean Seaweed extracts. Seaweed (Fucus Serratus) used here comes from remote hills and lochs of Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Ishga included this pure seaweed together with water from Hebridean healing springs to create a line of products with highly anti-ageing and renewing properties. Read more to find out how it worked on my skin.


My experience:

I have used the cleansing lotion together with toner for a week now, morning and evening. The cleanser removes make up easily, has a texture of a smooth lotion (see picture below, top left) which you apply with your hands on dry skin and remove with damp cotton wool. It smells pleasantly herby, slightly citrusy and fresh. The toner has a more distinctive scent, I'd classify it as earthy sweet, not sure if I can fully recognise the fragrance of seaweed here as this is the first time I have been using products packed full of marine extracts. Both Cleanser and Toner prepared my skin for serum and cream application, my skin felt refreshed, re-energised and slightly tightened. 

Serum glided on beautifully all over my face and neck with its texture of a soft gel (see picture below, top right) with hardly any scent to it. The serum is mainly a marine water and seaweed extract blend which is supposed to bring the anti-oxidative benefits much quicker than the cream alone. Although I usually go for more moisturising serums, this particular one got me intrigued as it gave me an instant firming sensations to my skin. Will continue to use it to see further benefits.

Face cream was so far the most pleasurable moment within my Ishga skincare experience. It has much richer formula, with Apricot Kernel Oil, Shea Butter, Safflower Oil, Comfrey Root Extract and a Cucumber Extract, altogether with the key ingredient  - Hebridean Seaweed - can provide my skin with the right amount of protection, and moisturisation. I have used it for three days now, I like how it absorbs without leaving a greasy after effect, I risked using it under my eyes too and it seems to be delicate enough to be safely applied in that area.
It is worth mentioning that Ishga aims at all skin types ensuring effective free radicals barrier by harnessing the powers of pure marine plants. 


Next up, you will find out how I got on with Ishga skincare routine extended to their Hebridean Sea Salt Scrub, Exfoliating Face Mask and Body range.
Follow this link to learn more about Ishga YourNextRemedy
You can buy the full range of Ishga products here: Ishga Scottish Seaweed Skincare

My Natural Beauty Wish List 2

My Natural Beauty Wish List 2

My latest natural beauty research resulted in above list. Please read more about the products.

1. Beyond Organic Skincare Hydrating Body Oil - comprises unique blend of hemp seed oil, horse chestnut, tea tree and fennel oils. The base is prepared from macadamia oil which isn't used as such very often so I am intrigued how it feels on the skin. According to the manufacturer it is a product to firm, tone and improve venous circulation in the skin. At 15% off offer being live on the website, I am tempted.

2. Ishga Hebridean Marine Toner - a natural face toner with a fairly short but very impresive ingredient list. My urge to try this product is triggered by marine plants extracts being the main active substance. I simply love all algae in all forms as they are powerhouses of nutrition and hydration.

The full list reads as follows:
Brown Algae Seaweed - 
Rind of the Lemon - Cleansing and antiseptic properties
Natural Salt Water - Healing properties
Aloe Vera - Hydrating, promoting skin renewal
Mandarin Red Essential Oil - Uplifting and soothing oil 

Made in Scotland, slightly on the pricey side at £25 per 150ml - this toner may be actually what my dry skin craves for.

3. Peachykeen Organics Hand Soother - Cheshire based company uses only certified organic ingredients, I like the fact many of their products contain geranium essential oil and this hand soother is no different. I would be very happy if this product softened hardened skin (from squeezing the tennis racket) and brought  some lasting moisture.

Ingredients - shea butter, jojoba, avocado oil, lavender essential oil, geranium essential oil 

4. Bloom Remedies Organic  - I put this Eye Makeup Remover Oil on my list because I have never tried anything like it before, plus I noticed my skin around my eyes could do with a remover that doesn't strip the moisture layer off. Every makeup removing session stretches my skin unnecessarily and I don't want to end up with drooping eyelids due to rubbing in products that simply don't work gently enough. Additional factor is wild rose essential oil as the key ingredient which I favour over others in my beauty regime. I wonder if this oil could fulfil my expectations. It comes in two sizes, and costs £8 per 50ml bottle and £14 per 100ml. Subscription request sent. 



5. De Mamiel Salvation Body Oil - Every woman needs a little bit of luxury in life, be it in her wardrobe or  beauty products choices. De Mamiel created this oil to make my senses go curious, excited and flushed with desire to drench my skin with this nectar. Every ingredient makes me jump up on my chair as I am writing this, with new to me Baobab Oil or all time favourites like Jasmine Oil. 

Have a look at these mighty plant extracts:
Coconut oil, Argan oil, Oryza sativa (rice bran) oil, Kalahari oil, Camellia oil, Rosa canina, Tocopherol Rosehip oil,  Marshmallow root oil, Baobab oil, Prickly pear oil, Grape seed oil, Evening primrose extract, Coenzyme Q10, dl-alpha-tocopherol (Co q 10),  Rosehip extract, Bergamot BF oil, Sandalwood oil, Ylang ylang oil, Grapefruit oil, Cedarwood oil, Rosewood oil, Frankincense oil, Myrrh oil, Jasmine oil.

I am so tempted, and I would have had it on its way to my bathroom if it wasn't for the price tag £65 per 200ml bottle), which I have no doubts is still worth it. 

I hope you enjoyed my beauty wish list number 2, would love to hear from you if you tried any of these or if you have any recommendations.