Wellness is a word that has well, become something we say nearly every day. The demand for products that enhance our wellbeing is increasing and is re-vamping what we look for within beauty.
If you’re looking for luxurious, effective, and mindful products, then let us introduce you to Nubyén. A brand that focuses on clean cosmetics and activewear. Making women look and feel good
Made in England using only clean, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients, Nubyén manages to keep science at the core. Nubyén is created by Dr. Lola and a team of practicing Medical Drs alongside Clinical scientists and co-founding Veterinary Scientist, Hanna.
After a trip to Ubud, Bali with her husband, the importance of wellness was something Dr. Lola Rachel realised. That was when Nubyén was created. Since then, Nubyén has become a coveted brand with many cult products. A loyal following means the brand is currently available on FeelUnique, Revolve, Beauty Bay and launched with Net-a-Porter earlier this week.
Ever expanding, with now over 20 beauty products and an activewear range, Nubyen is set to reach new heights. #TeamCoco was lucky enough to have the chance to ask Dr. Lola a few questions about her routine and thoughts on wellness.
The pressure to look perfect is ever-increasing and ‘normal’ is less sought after. At what point did you realise you wanted to offer less invasive options?
That’s a very good question. I feel that we are under pressure consistently. We place our identity in our image. This is normal, however, this can breed insecurities especially with external pressures. I believe that we all have things that make us truly beautiful. Sometimes the things that we loathe another loves. I, therefore, love the notion of us celebrating the features that we have and accentuating them.
As a Dr. have you noticed an increasing interest in wellbeing?
At Nubyén we truly believe in the 360 approach to beauty that beauty, active and wellness go hand in hand. People are becoming highly educated in the products and ingredients that they use and consume. Another area I see is biohacking space where people try to optimise their performance. This can be done via eating habits, learning about hormones, gut health, using clean products and exercise.
The products on Nubyén act as alternatives to cosmetic procedures. At what point would you recommend a procedure?
Nubyén hopes to empower you. Whether you opt for surgical procedures or not. We do not judge and believe that everyone has freedom of choice. Our products also enable people to try without the full commitment of an invasive procedure. We also love that our products are reversible too!
What is your favourite product?
Personally, I love Nubyén Nude, Nubyén Lip Filler, Beautox & Elevated Mood Oil. (I couldn’t help but squeeze in four of my faves)
What is your current beauty routine?
I try to invest some time into my beauty routine, so try to set intentions for my day. First, I cleanse, with Nubyen Allantoin cleanser, then follow with a toner. Before moisturising with Nubyén Validate CBD Supercharged Glow facial moisturiser, which I add a drop of Nubyen elevated mood oil. Lastly, I do my brows but I have noticed I do not feel complete without a lip plumper; I love the feeling of the tingling.
It’s been a while, yet, if you’re still obsessing over Fashion Month, you’re not alone. From the Balmain festival village to the romanticism of Bibhu Mohaparte; there was a lot to take from a whirlwind four weeks.
One of the main trends seemed to be that of collaboration. However, forget Balenciaga and The Simpsons and even (dare we say it) Fendace. As the brand making waves through collaboration was in fact a skincare one. 111 Skin are cultivating a name for themselves when it comes to skincare in Fashion Month. The luxury skincare brand was behind the glowing complexions of Brandon Maxwell, Oscar de La Renta, and Jason Wu in NYFW.
The brand ended on a high at PFW for a partnership with Monot. Creating radiant skin for the models of the ready-to-wear SS22 collection. 111 Skin’s Global Head Aesthetician, Milena Naydenov, was behind the direction of the team to provide glowing skin for each model.
Monot unveiled the collection at the Ritz Paris for the brand’s fourth collection. Designer Eli Mizrahi decided to partner with 111 Skin due to the synergy of the brands; their joint passion for craftmanship and dedication to showcasing individual beauty.
111 Skin Co-Founder Eva Alexandrides said: ‘If we look at beauty as something that essentially comes from within. Then skin prep is the starting place for drawing that out. Then make-up becomes the embellishment’.
So, how do you get a glowing complexion with 111 Skin products? In 3 simple steps.
Step 1: Cleanse and apply a layer of 111 Skin Antioxidant Energising Essence.
It’s important to thoroughly cleanse skin with a product that suits your skin type. Applying product over skin that isn’t properly cleansed will cause buildup and in turn problematic skin. The Antioxidant Energising essence has a boost of antioxidants that help to balance the skin. It also provides hydration and over time it battles the signs of aging.
Step 2: Facial massage
If this isn’t something you do, we would advise it. There are plenty of ‘how-to’s on YouTube, that will help you revitalise skin and improve lymphatic drainage. Face massage can help promote blood circulation and gives the skin a healthy glow.
Step 3: Application of 111 Skin Face Mask
Depending on your skin, you can choose from an array of masks to target your concern. The Anti-blemish Bio-Cellulose Facial Mask was popular amongst the models. As the mask is beneficial to those with busy travel schedules and heavy make-up application. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and if possible, massage over the mask. Upon removal, massage the residue into the skin and voila!
When you think of luxury lingerie, sleepwear, and swimwear, La Perla is a brand that comes to the forefront of your mind. When you think fragrance, cosmetics, and body care, it’s not one you tend to think of. Yet, it should be as the brand has stepped into the world of luxury and mindful beauty.
Earlier this year, the Italian brand launched La Perla Beauty. By doing so they created beauty products with a conscience that are still luxurious and perfect for any dressing table.
Fragrances
La Perla Haute Perfumerie Collection follows the ethos that fragrances are deeply personal due to the memories they evoke. The La Perla fragrance collection is full of unique fragrances that ignite the senses. Each is presented in opulent glass bottles that are refillable; luxurious, and ecofriendly in one.
The ‘My Day’ fragrance has become a #TeamCoco favourite. A citrus and pink pepper opening lead into a heart of jasmine, iris, and orris. Before drying down to a base of tonka bean. Creating a sophisticated and warm yet subtle fragrance that lasts hours on the skin.
Bodycare
Sensual moments call for soft and sensually scented skin. La Perla has created a collection of body products that are as indulgent as they are beneficial. The range of shower gels, moisturisers, and serums all have a subtle scent that provides the perfect base for fragrance. The products are enriched with prebiotics for a healthy skin microbiome. The shower gel is slightly scented and deeply cleanses whilst hydrating your skin. The moisturizer nourishes the skin and leaves a slight sheen to the skin. The serum helps to firm the skin and absorbs quickly; perfect if you’re in a rush in the morning. If you’re looking for more intense hydration, the balm is ideal.. If you’re wearing silk, then silky skin is the perfect pairing.
Makeup
If you need new cosmetics and are looking for luxury, fragrance-free, clean and recyclable then La Perla Make-Up is definitely worth considering. A branch into mindful beauty in the luxury industry, ranging from lip products to mascara, the products are the perfect addition to any makeup bag, especially for simple beauty on the go that can instantly enhance your look.
In less than five days, we’re half way through 2021. If you feel like you’ve blinked and 6 months have gone by fast, you’re not the only one. Instead of panicking about how fast the year has gone. Now is the time to focus on the positives that have occurred so far this year. You may have started a new morning routine and stuck with it. You may have finally finished that book that was on your list or you may finally have mastered the art of baking. You may have started your own business or you may have simply taken the last few months for some well needed R&R before the inevitable return to reality.
However, you spent your time, it was not wasted and some good things have happened this year. Covid Vaccination roll-outs, Trump banned from Twitter, Kamala Harris became the first female and black Vice-President of the United States, the UK’s largest solar farm got its funding, Beyoncé became the most-awarded woman in Grammy history and finally in the UK, we can hug each other again.
A brief overview that gives a very diverse range of happenings but when you look at different sectors each one has it’s own positives. For example, the fragrance industry has thrived, people have turned to their basic instincts as they prioritise their wellbeing. The sense of smell has been one of them. For fragrance lovers, the creation of new fragrances has been a positive and something to look forward to. With that said, find an area you’re passionate about and look at the positives from that industry. Each will have their own scandals that take the forefront of news but when you delve deeper you can see the positives too.
So, #TeamCoco has had a look at just some of the best fragrance launches from 2021. That are the perfect addition to any fragrance collection and remind you of the positives,, every time you spritz.
Louis Vuitton: On the Beach
In a time when travel is limited it’s no wonder that brands are creating fragrances that transports us to idyllic places. Louis Vuitton’s latest fragrance transports us to the beach. A Citrus Aromatic fragrance created by perfumer Jacques Cavallier. On the Beach is a unisex scent that opens with a citrusy top note of neroli before dissolving into the unusual heart notes of pink pepper and sand before entering a dry down of Cypress.
Bulgari: Riva Solare Eau de Parfum
This year Bvlgari launched their colourful Allegra collection which offers fragrance combining and layering. With the intent of expressing the Italian Dolce Vita through scent Jacques Cavallier created a light clean scent. Riva Solare Eau de Parfum is a scent that in intimate settings works well but in the open, it subtly lingers on the skin. If you wish to layer the scent, then opt for one of the other four fragrances in the collection or to enhance it choose one of the five magnifying essences curated specifically for that want.
Maison Francis Kurkdijan: Aqua Celestia Cologne Forte
Celestia Cologne Forte is no Baccarat Rouge; however, this cologne has something captivating about it. For a luxury and niche fragrance house this fragrance is a little more mass appealing, yet it stands out from the crowd. Opening with notes of blackcurrant and bergamot, before enveloping into middle notes of mimosa and jasmine, the scent closes and dries down with musk. Creating a beautiful unisex scent, yet with it being a cologne, top ups throughout the day are essential.
Parfums De Marly: Delina La Rossée
Quentin Bisch is the perfumer behind Parfums de Marly Delina La Rosée. Top notes of litchi, pear and bergamot are encompassed by heart notes of peony and Turkish rose before drying down into base notes of white musk and Haitian vetiver. The outcome is an aquatic floral and feminine fragrance that can be worn anytime, anywhere. A scent that embodies Parfums de Marly’s commitment to providing luxury, high quality fragrances.
Masks, whether we like it or not are part of our attire now and when travel opens back up, they will be part of our airport outfits. The only problem is, how much this affects our skin. So, instead of moaning about it and still having mass breakouts or dry skin, #TeamCoco decided to tackle the problem and find the best masks to mask with under your mask, if you get what we mean.
First up is luxury skincare brand 111 Skin, who you’ve probably heard of considering their sub-zero collection is all over social media and celebrity faces at the moment. However, the mask we recommend comes from their Anti-Blemish range which treats angry inflamed skin. It’s dual segmented, which means, when you’re out and a bout you can pop the lower half on under your protective face mask to balance the skin and allow it to repair hormonal acne. Reserve the upper half for when you have an unprecedented blemish as this half treats hair product and sweat related spots.
Dr Barbara Sturm, an actual skincare guru who has the medical profession to back her. Although not a sheet face mask to use under a mask, Dr Sturm has created a PPE mask that doesn’t require you to mask under your mask. The Nano Silver mask is soft, washable and reusable. Lightweight, soft and breathable, the nano-silver infused fabric is anti-microbial, anti-friction and has anti-bacterial benefits; in turn reducing the chance of inflammation and blemishes.
Masque Bar became a sensation nearer the end of last year thanks to the Clinic Shield and Soothe Hydrogel Facial Under PPE Mask. A long name but it perfectly sums up what this mask does for you. A half sheet mask that fits perfectly under your protective mask, the mask improves skin structure, reduces wrinkles and fine lines along with promoting epidermal regeneration.
The Revolution Maskne Calming and Purifying Lower Face Sheet Mask is perfect for PPE mask related breakouts. Makne has become a huge concern for many of us, a battle of no-one can see my spots because I’m wearing my protective mask, compare to how you feel when you remove your mask and feel your inflamed skin. Formulated with salicylic acid to help blemishes, exfoliate and prevent clogged pores its specifically designed to protect your skin whilst you’re protecting yourself.
Estee Lauder’s ANR Concentrated Recover Powefoil Mask packs the brands beloved Advanced Night Repair serum into an innovative weekly treatment mask. Another dual-segment mask in which you can use the upper half whenever your skin may need it. Whereas the lower half can be used to seal in hydration, especially when flying and wearing a protective mask. Just 30 minutes delivers a surge of hydration to the skin, leaving it with a fresh and youthful look.
111 Skin is at the forefront of our minds thanks to an array of celebs sharing skincare selfies. Using and showcasing the brands Sub-Zero face and eye masks are: Miley Cyrus, Victoria Beckham, Kate Beckinsdale, Barbara Palvin and Kris Jenner, to namedrop a few.
The posts had #TeamCoco curious to what’s so special about the Regenerative range that it’s making celebs share their beauty secrets.
We assume it’s down to the fact the masks are the perfect on-the-go solution and provide results after just 20 minutes; meaning anytime, anywhere your skin can look and feel renewed.
111 Skin is a luxury skincare brand that was created by cosmetic surgeon, Dr Yannis Alexandrides. The idea was to provide surgery aftercare to clients but also to help prolong the need for cosmetic enhancement.
The brand has been a haven for skincare lovers for years and the Regenerative range has been no exception. Upon the latest reaction to the eye masks Dr Yannis Alexandrides has said:
“We are so delighted to see more formidable women wearing our Sub-Zero Depuffing Eye Mask. The eye masks are made from hydrogel – a hydrophilic material made from active ingredients that are then suspended in cooling gel. Upon contact with the skin, the thermosensitive gel will release those actives and infuse the skin with targeted nourishment.”
The Sub-Zero Depuffing Eye Masks are essentially a cooling hydrogel mask, that wraps around the contour of the eye area. When worn for a minimum of 20 minutes, the powerful active ingredients target puffiness and dark circles whilst reducing the visible effects of fatigue and improving the resilience of the delicate under-eye area.
So whether you’re WFH, or when we’re all able to travel again, these are worth investing in, it’s never been more encouraged to ‘mask-up’ in public, in more ways than one!
CBD is something we’re hearing a lot about. From drops under your tongue to help you sleep to incorporating it into your skincare, so House of Coco have spoken to founder of Potyque, Michelle Rust.
After turning to CBD oil after struggling with menopausal symptoms, Michelle decided to take a more natural approach to treatment which, after a lot of research, led her to CBD oil. Here we chat more about the brand, the benefits of CDB and how to incorporate its used into every day life.
Can you tell us more about how Potyque started?
I wanted a natural, non-invasive approach to the answer to my menopausal symptoms. After trying a number of CBD oils, it was obvious there was a gap in the market for a premium oil, one which ensured confidence in its contents.
Can you tell us about the CBD oil Potyque uses?
Potyque was created by using only first-class biodynamically grown hemp and the finest extraction and purification processes. It is extracted using only green chemicals (supercritical CO2 – you can turn CO2 (which we all know as a gas) into a liquid at very low temperature and under pressure which makes it a very good solvent), hence ensuring the purity of the end product.
So Potyque is a natural product, which can help users bring balance back to their busy lives.
What was the inspiration behind launching Potyque?
Coming from a pharmaceutical background, with over twenty years experience, I have a deep-rooted interest in anything to do with medicine, supplements and new treatments. As more and more information has become available over the years regarding the possible benefits of CBD oil, I became increasingly intrigued in how it works and the different types available on the market. Not all CBD products are created equal was one of the first insights I gained, and I tried a quite a few. My mum had also been using CBD oil for a while and hadn’t really found one brand that seemed to work and that she stuck with. I believed passionately that creating a premium CBD oil was the right thing to do and as such, Potyque was founded.
Why should people opt for CDB oil?
We tend to massively underestimate the benefit of plants, which is odd really when you realise how many pharmaceuticals are derived from natural products, so I guess the next steps are to help as many people understand how CBD oil can help, understand how to choose the right oil for them and ultimately gain benefit from Potyque.
How do you find the right strength of CDB oil?
We encourage users of Potyque CBD to keep a journal (available to download from our website) to help you keep on track of how you are feeling as you titrate up through the strengths; you may well feel you are sleeping better/deeper, you may feel less anxious, or indeed just feel different but can’t pinpoint exactly what that is.
We advise you follow 2-3 drops, 2-3 times a day with the 5% and fully use the bottle, then moving upwards (titrate) to the 10% and finally the 20% following the same routine of 2-3 drops, 2-3 times a day.
Your response will be unique to you, but when you reach that optimum dose, you will know.
The Food Standards Agency recommend a maximum daily dose of 70mg. So, do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
What ways can you incorporate CBD into your lifestyle?
Just keep it really simple. I keep a bottle of Potyque by my toothbrush and taking it has become part of my morning and bedtime routine, that takes care of two of my doses for the day.
I have been taking Potyque for over a year now and started at 5% and have moved up through the strengths and now use the 20% daily.
What advice do you have for those who are hesitant to incorporate CDB oil?
Potyque’s products and processes are fully compliant with national and international laws and standards, giving users peace of mind. We are members of the Cannabis Trade Association, which advocates a regulated CBD market.
The quality of hemp plants depends on many factors; where they are grown and how, but most critically the process involved in extracting the oil, which can affect the quality of the end product.
Is there any better gift to receive than a fragrance? A ticket to the Seychelles may surpass that but in current times, there is no better present than fragrance. The power of our sense of smell is undeniable, as a scent can evoke fond memories or become one we associate with a loved one. Fragrance is something we gift to those we cherish most.
Fragrance makes an impact and leaves a lasting impression, so selecting the right one for someone is essential. We all have different tastes and fragrance is susceptive. Some people have one signature scent, a fragrance which they are known for and take pride in. Others have a fragrance wardrobe in which they select their fragrance according to location, mood, and event. If your loved one falls into the signature scent category then it is best to stick with what they love. However, if they fall into the fragrance wardrobe category it is a little more difficult.
Luckily, our beauty writer Vanessa, is fragrance obsessed and has put her nose to the test to compile a round up of the best ten fragrances to gift this Christmas. Covering women’s, men’s, unisex, entry level, niche and luxury, this guide is sure to have your loved ones smelling divine and thinking of you over the festive season.
Before we get to the good stuff, below are some tips to keep in mind when buying a fragrance for someone: – If possible check their dressing table or ask them what fragrances they love. Then use a site like Fragrantica to discover the notes of the fragrance and find ones similar. – Don’t blind buy; smell in-stores if possible or look to the online fragrance community for honest advice and reviews. – Keep in mind that fragrance changes on the skin. Also take note of the longevity and the projection of the fragrance. – Don’t assume that the more expensive a fragrance is better or will last longer. – Buy the biggest size (usually 100ml) where possible as this is the best value for money. – Remember that fragrance is susceptive so what you like and what someone else likes could be polar opposites.
Women’s
Cartier: Carat
A Cartier red box is something most of us have in our wildest dreams, yet this fragrance comes in one. Created by Cartier’s in-house perfumer, Mathilde Laurent, Carat by Cartier is just as beautiful and elegant as the brands jewellery. Fresh flowers that when combined create almost a new flower; bergamot, honeysuckle, ylang-ylang, tulips, lily, violet and mimosa, make this fragrance fresh and feminine, yet ever so slightly slightly seductive. All packaged in a crystal bottle that shines as bright as Cartier diamonds.
Shalini Parfum: Jardin Nocturne
Shalini Kumar creates her fragrances with master perfumer Maurice Roucel and creates fragrances that fall into a category of Haute Perfumerie. With an array of beautiful formulations, Shalini Parfum is a brand that provides the highest quality ingredients in their perfume oils. Jardin Nocturne was inspired by a discreet garden filled with waterfalls, fountains, where lovers meet under the stars surrounded by night-blooming flowers. A sensual fragrance that combines saffron and oud, yet it is the Jasmine blossom oil that shines through in this opulent perfume.
Tom Ford: Soleil Neige
The Tom Ford Private Blends collection is well renowned and with good reason. The Soleil fragrances are often reminiscent of sunshine days that have you dreaming of beach days and poolside cocktails. Yet Soleil Neige mimics the serene shimmer of the sun on snow; an Oriental Floral fragrance that opens with bergamot, has a heart of ivy, rose petals, jasmine, orange flower and Turkish rose. The dry down is however, where the magic happens; labdanum, benzoin, and vanilla create a comforting, seductive and slightly addictive fragrance.
Sana Jardin: Jaipur Chant
A brand that creates socially conscious and luxurious fragrances, Sana Jardin has an array of wonderful fragrances to choose from. The brand has a focus on producing clean and sustainable perfume that is cruelty free. The fragrance of choice for this gift guide is Jaipur Chant, an exquisite scent that is sure to leave you wanting a bottle yourself. Based around the use of the essential oil of the tuberose flower, the scent is enhanced with Moroccan jasmine, Italian lemon, making for an arrestingly beautiful and feminine bouquet, that is somehow both sparkling and sensual.
Men’s
Acqua di Parma: Colonia
A quintessential Italian fragrance that is iconic to Acqua di Parma. Colonia is fresh, light and mass appealing whilst somehow still being refined and luxurious. A truly timeless scent crafted from citrus fruits from Sicily; lemon, sweet orange and Calabrian bergamot combined with a heart of lavender, damask rose with a base of vetiver, sandalwood, and patchouli. An eau de cologne that withstands long days, projects well and brightens up any winter day. Presented in the Italian way, a simple yet luxurious flacon.
Carolina Herrera: Gold Incense
As part of the Carolina Herrera, Confidential Collection, the olfactive structure of Gold Incense is elegant and powerful yet refined. Evoking the incense of the Middle East, the Boswellia Sacra Incense accord merges with Atlas Cedarwood and labdanum creating an intense and long-lasting bae. Marigold, uplifts the fragrance and Madagascar Vanilla brings a sensuality to this luxury creation. Presented in an opulent gold bottle and adorned with a black and gold plaque, this fragrance is sure to turn heads, whether it is being worn or on a vanity cabinet.
Gentleman Givenchy
Gentleman by Givenchy is a failsafe to gift a man for Christmas. A woody aromatic fragrance created by Olivier Cresp and Nathalie Lorson. Described as a mixture of power and sweetness the fragrance opens with pear and cardamom, has a hear of iris and lavender and has a base of patchouli, black vanilla and a leather accord. The fragrance is a modern interpretation of the classic Gentleman, it proves how a man can be both strong and gentle; this is also represented in the heavy weight glass bottle.
Frederic Malle: L’eau d’hiver
L’eau d’Hiver by Frederic Malle was created as a fragrant sketch of winter by Jean-Claude Ellena. White heliotrope mixes with citrus notes, powdery iris and the sweetness of honey to create a powdery clean, cool fragrance. L’eau d’Hiver pushes the understated, minimalist style of the brand and crafts a pure and comforting creation. A complex fragrance with top notes of pink pepper, bergamot, lemon and grapefruit, lead way to heart notes of orange blossom, heliotrope, jasmine, rose, violet, ylang-ylang before entering a base of amber, benzoin, cedar, musk and sandalwood.
Unisex
Diptyque: Electric Diffuser
Not exactly a fragrance but one for fragrance lovers or Diptyque fans. Scenting your home is just as important as scenting yourself, as it can uplift your mood and promote relaxation, so this Electric Diffusor Plug uses contemporary, technology to diffuse the brand’s signature scents. Adorned with a gold pattern, just plug the socket in, add your choice of scented cartridge which is sold separately and enjoy the wonders of Diptyque. The diffuser emits your chosen scent throughout the day. The only problem is narrowing down which scent cartridge you would like to use, we recommend the brands best-seller; Baies.
Gucci Memoire d’une odeur
With Harry Styles as the face, Alessandro Michele the creative mind and Alberto Morillas as the perfumer behiind this fragrance it is no surprise its a success. A fragrance with top notes of chamomile and bitter almond, middle notes of musk and Indian jasmine along with base notes of sandalwood, cedar and vanilla. Alessandro’s olfactory vision of evoking memory fragments and emotions comes to life in this universal scent. It has been described as a mineral aromatic fragrance due to its unexpected elements.
A little green juice changed her life and now Hanna Sillitoe has created her own empire A little green juice was the catalyst in what transformed both her lifestyle and career.
Hanna has constantly struggled with her skin since her teenage years and now at 41, she seems to have found the answer. At age 15, Hanna had teenage acne and her first flare-up of psoriasis. At the time Hanna put this down to be a combination of diet, anxiety, hormones or stress.
“The pressure of exams along with my parent’s divorce and my less than perfect eating habits, resulted in my skin going crazy. Little did I know then that psoriasis would impact so much of my life for the next twenty years.”
For two decades applying steroid creams, emollients and coal tar treatments barely helped Hanna’s skin; they slightly controlled her flare-ups. Yet didn’t improve her overall skin health. Around seven years ago, Hanna suffered her worst flare up and it was a turning point for her. She stopped going to work, was reluctant to leave the house and the feeling of clothes against her skin was unbearable. After a consultation with a Dr who recommended methotrexate which is a medication used for people undergoing chemotherapy, Hanna knew something had to change and declined the prescription.
“The Dr’s suggestion to suppress my immune system with methotrexate made sense – psoriasis is after all an autoimmune condition. I just couldn’t understand why we weren’t looking at modulating it instead. So began the biggest diet and lifestyle change of my life!”
Hanna’s journey into altering her diet and lifestyle to improve and heal her skin began by reading books on the subject of healing psoriasis by people like Doctor Pagano. Which later transcended into working with local naturopaths. When her journey started Hanna blogged her journey to hold herself accountable and share her experiences with others. This is where her recipes started to make an impact.
“It almost became like a challenge to take something I could no longer eat and work out a way to create a healthy version. I absolutely love spending time in the kitchen, so for me it never feels like a chore. We spend far too much time putting ourselves at the bottom of the priorities list. Self-care comes in many forms and taking the extra time to nourish myself with wholesome, healthy food is crucial.”
Hanna launched her first book, ‘Radiant’ which is composed of a strict 28 day ‘cleanse. The book helps to revitalise the body from the inside out. The plan improves your gut health, strengthens your digestive tract, and in turn helps you feel better and look better. The aim is to ultimately heal your skin.
Hanna’s new book ‘Skin Healing Expert’ offers a more gentle approach as the 28 day cleanse can be intense. Along with altering your diet and lifestyle, Hanna recommends keeping a food journal. As this helps see what flares your skin up and what works wonders for it. Adapting the plan to what ‘feels right for you’ is important. Once you complete the cleanse it’s essential to find a balance that both you and your skin are happy with.
“We’ve forgotten to listen intuitively to what our body is asking of us. Sometimes small steps can achieve the same big goals.”
When Hanna first changed her diet, her skin got worse in the first two weeks. At the time this brought her lower than she already felt. However, on the 13th day she started to notice a difference.
“From that day forward, there was a slight improvement every day. By day 28 I went out in short sleeves for the first time in years!”
Once success story is; a toddler whose mother was struggling to raise money for her psoriasis medical treatment. Another is from Sarah who undertook one of Hanna’s retreats in Croatia; both of their stories of healing are incredible. According to Hanna healing times vary as everyone has different skin conditions, different diets, lifestyles, allergies, and histories. These all result in different healing speeds. It’s also noticed that feeling a difference tends to happen before seeing one. This topic is something Hanna covers on her ‘Let’s Glo’ podcasts.
“To anybody considering a natural healing protocol is .. what have you got to lose? We consider diet, vitamins, and lifestyle change to be ‘the alternative’ . Yet what if, we try this approach first and then consider steroid creams and suppressant medication as the alternative.”
Despite having to cut out a lot of food that you wouldn’t necessarily consider to be inflammatory, it would be a minefield to navigate but luckily Hanna has done the hard work for you. There are a lot of recipes in her books but for her, the ‘tomatoless sauce’ was the game-changer. As tomatoes are a ‘nightshade’ and often problematic for the skin, yet they tend to be in a lot of dishes, Hanna’s version uses beetroot and it freezes well so you always have a tomato replacement on hand.
“When I ditched them I missed so many meals. Indian rogan josh, Italian pasta, Mexican chili but my tomato-free sauce opens all those recipes up again!”
Understanding the importance of what we consume is crucial however, what we apply to our skin is equally important. Four years ago, Hanna began to create a small range of beauty products comprised of serums, balms, and shampoos.
“For years I applied creams that Dr’s prescribed without really questioning what was in them. I realised too that the coal tar treatments I’d been applying were becoming increasingly controversial, and don’t even get me started on steroid creams and topical steroid withdrawal.”
Since then Hanna has expanded the range to offer products that can help with flares; a ‘Soothing Spray’ to stop the itch, a ‘Vitamin D Cream ‘to help absorb important vitamins, and a ‘Scar Minimising Oil’ to help reduce acne scarring and hyper-pigmentation. After approaching one of the UK’s biggest natural skincare manufacturers, Hanna know works with them to formulate effective products to heal the skin.
After getting up early and exercising each morning, Hanna dedicates the rest of her time to her business. Her brand has expanded rapidly and it’s all down to her; customer service, website, PR, marketing, new product development, and social media.
“I’m hoping to bring a team on board next year but for now I’m very much focused on doing everything myself.”
With a lot of potential projects in the pipeline, from skin-friendly food recipe boxes to new skincare additions, online workshops, and more. Hanna feels it’s important to be flexible and understand how uncertain and challenging times are for everyone now and wants to bring positivity as well as healing through her channels and her recipes. Her latest book was launched online and as the world begins to open up she hopes to have more personal touches on her future projects.
As for what the future holds for her: “Who knows! And that’s the fun of it. I think adaptability is key and being there in whatever form to help support those more impacted than ever by skin sensitivities and flare-ups.”
If the thought of international travel resuming excites you as much as it excites #TeamCoco then like us, you’ll already be planning your next trip. The U.S, Spain, the Caribbean, the Costwolds, wherever is on your list, we’re about to add one more to it.
Opening in Stari Grad on the island of Hvar this summer is Maslina. This five-star, relais and chateaux brings a new concept to travel as a mindful yet luxury resort.
After a global pandemic it’s important we recharge and look after ourselves the correct way and with wellness at it’s core, Maslina would be the perfect place to do so.
Located in Maslinica Bay, the resort is surrounded by olive groves and terraced vineyards, a lpine forest and overlooks the Adriatic Sea, Maslina is simply idyllic. The island of Hvar itself has six UNESCO World Heritage protections. It is also home to a variety of festivals; music, lavender, you name it. It also hosts Ultra Beach party, which brings international electronic music and festival lovers to Hvar Town every summer. So the island can be a party-paradise or perfectly peaceful, the choice is yours, yet a stay at Maslina is sure to be the latter.
With ‘Mindful Luxury’ at the heart of the resorts philosophy each detail and design reflects this.
The architecture offers a sense of wellbeing by ensuring a connection to nature. Croatian architect Tomislav Alujevic created an ecological and contemporary resort using non-intrusive designs and organic materials allows the resort to blend seamlessly into its surroundings.
The choices of interior designer Léonie Alma Mason and landscaper Thomas Seconde compliment the architecture; minimalist yet refined craftsmanship create an elegant and peaceful atmosphere taking the meaning of mindful luxury to new levels.
The hotel is boutique sized with 50 rooms and three villas; all offering unparalleled views of the Adriatic sea or the wonderfully landscaped garden. Rooms range from Garden Suites to Pool Suites that all provide space to enjoy the Croatian Sun. The villas are on another level, the five-bedroom villa offers king-sized beds, a 55-metre square private infinity pool, fitness area, Finnish sauna, Jacuzzi, stone terraces with BBQ kitchen and an elegant dining and sitting room; ideal for social distancing really (even from those you travel with).
Award-winning, two-Michelin Star chef, Patricia Yeo is the resorts Head Chef which alone may be enough of a reason to book a stay here.
The wellness philosophy also shines through on the menu; healthy Mediterranean food with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes created for guests upon request. It also has an organic ‘zero-kilometre’ approach to dining, serving food produced in the area even down to the olive oil.
If like #TeamCoco a spa treatment has been on your mind since lockdown to smooth away any tension mental and physical, then we’re sure you will book a visit to the Pharomatiq Spa. Specialising in restorative experiences with a ‘garden-to-skin’ menu that uses home-grown organic herbs and locally sourced essential oils. Thanks to this therapists are able to tailor blends to individual needs, providing a truly personalised treatment.
If spa-treatments and sunbathing can get a little boring for you then Maslina Resort is perfect for sea-based fun. The crystal waters of the adriatic are ideal for snorkelling, paddle boarding, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Alternatively speedboat excursions are on offer so you can explore Croatia by sea!
If exploring by foot is more your thing then there are an array of hiking trails in which you can trek the lavender fields and olive groves or by the Hvar Fortress which offers panoramic views of the town and sea. However you choose to spend your stay here, you’re sure to love Maslina.
