Never fear, my fellow earth loving, naturally inclined, eco, Cedar & Stone tribe. We have some really nice simple hints to help you recover in a nurturing (not so hectic) way after you complete your favourite workout.
Doesn’t all of that make you feel nostalgic and want to curl up with a book after some post workout pampering. Remember the power of food when it comes to recovery as well. Fuel your body with nourishing meals packed with veggies to get your body vibrant and strong.
Enjoy recovering the right way after your workout and bliss out.
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Akin to most cities, Tokyo is bustling with excitement and opportunity however tucked behind a few wrong turns of Google maps was a town that politely screamed ‘pack up your fucking things and move here’ really loudly in my ear. Daikan-Yamacho, about a 30-minute train ride from the heart of Tokyo, is a must-see. A big thank you to Tiffany from Nikkou Store for posting 100 stories of this place on Instagram so I could follow in her footsteps
If it is possible to be both quaint and modern at the same time Daikan-Yamacho absolutely nails it. It is a mecca of brilliant food and in my case, mostly unaffordable though incredible, fashion. There were a few stores that had some moderately priced items however I personally struggled to find anything for myself, some great options for men though. We ate at a ramen place called Ramen Kojiro that had been recommended to us from a friend, we kooked it and didn’t order the ramen (possibly because I am the worlds most annoying eater) however we had the gyoza & they were out of this world.
We then came across an architectural sight for sore eyes, a large square cut cedarwood building with various shops and a brewery inside, "yes a brewery" I thought to myself, I’m fucking thirsty. Said brewery most definitely did not disappoint – Spring Valley Brewery was an absolute vision, unified by food and craft beers. We had a ski shot type plank with different beers to taste, IPA, LPA, Lager, Stout, you name it. I was even allowed to make my own lemon infused IPA which was ridiculously fun. I’m unsure what I asked for or what they said as the translation was not 100%, however, I think it was so brilliant that they didn’t speak much English because in turn, it meant we had such a fun time trying to work out what each other were saying, that we didn’t realise we had spent over 2 hours downing beers, safe to say we were a little tipsy when we left.
As I said, if it’s possible to be both quaint and modern at the same time, we found the place. In fact, I thought Marty Mcfly may come around the corner to transport me back to my hotel at any second – which brings me to, The Knot Hotel. Situated pretty much nearly smack bang in the middle of Shinjuku, backing onto the Shinjuku Central Park, The Knot is a wonderfully thought through, contemporary, westernised hotel with a tapas/lounge bar, bakery, and restaurant. The buffet breakfast was unreal, V westernised for the fussy eaters out there, holla. It has all the essentials you need, keeping in mind most accommodation in Tokyo is very (extremely) small, the room is actually quite generous in size. Conveniently located right near a family mart - if you forget anything or have a late-night pang for some fried food (notably the hash browns) it’s about a 20-second walk away.
Some helpful tips I found along the way –
7/11, Family Mart, Lawsons (all servo type stores) have really fucking good food. I know, I was wigged out at first too – but trust me, big vibes. You might as well accept that your waistline will double in size now to stop the depression session when you get home.
Eating and drinking in public are frowned upon, in some places it’s definitely a no go at all. Just be wary and respectful of their views. I mean no one really wants to see you sucking the meat off a chicken bone anyway so keep that shit to yourself.
Ubers/Cabs are pretty expenno after a while, trust me – just checked my statement. Learn the train lines, it’s surprisingly not as hard as I thought (definitely a cluster fuck for a few moments upon arrival at your first station for the first time), there are help centres at the stations if you get lost or confused. Also different train lines are colour coded with the ticket machines, took us a while to figure that out however upon thinking back to it, that might be quite obvious to most people when you’re there. TBC
]]>Our best selling Hemp + Rose Foaming Cleanser is a light and bubbly cleanser which thoroughly removes dirt and impurities without stripping the moisturise from your skin.
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A lot of the time we find ourselves giving love the way WE like to receive it. You may have heard of the 5 Languages of Love - This Valentine’s Day we encourage you to do this fun online test with your lover and discover each other some more – then nestle in with some delightful pampering with our favourite V Day essentials listed below. Plus! the good news, is that if you’re flying solo you can do this test and find out for yourself which way you like to receive love.
CLICK HERE to take the online test.
Whatever your love language lands on – our natural products at Cedar and Stone can help you relax, unwind and pamper this V Day.
The 5 Love Languages are:
1. Quality time
2. Physical touch
3. Words of affirmation
4. Acts of service
5. Receiving gifts
Snuggle in for a romantic night with our top pick Valentine Day products:
RELAX GIFT SET : $89
This gift pack provides you with some essentials for relaxing and recentering yourself or others with products specifically formulated to calm the mind and relax the body. Use this pack nightly to switch off and relax into a peaceful life.
APHRODISIAC SANDALWOOD AND GINSENG MIST : $25
Late night tales under the milky way until dusk becomes dawn, you call me your Lady Divine, I call you my Aphrodisiac.
Let the subtle notes of Ylang Ylang pressed against the sweet under tones of Patchouli come together like a medley of unspoken love letters.
HYPNOTIC PERU BALSAM AND NEEM BATH SALTS : $25
Epsom salts are extremely beneficial for you, from reducing swelling and helping ease stress in your body. A natural sleep hypnotic that also relieves muscle cramps and tension.
ZEN ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND : $19
Our Zen Essential oil blend has been specifically formulated to help keep you calm and collected through our busy lives. This oil blend utilised powerful essential oils to centre and ground your mind, body and spirit.
THE ALL IN ONE ROSE AND ARNICA OIL : $30
Amazing to use for massage, pamper your lover with this incredible oil that is also so great for hair, skin, cuticles, feet and hands.
]]>Living a low tox life can be massively beneficial to your health, and not to mention offer your friends and family extra wellness in their world. For some, It may not seem that you are being affected by the exposure to toxicities at this point in your life (such as conventional skincare with chemicals, household cleaning products, non-organic foods etc) but when you have cumulative exposure for 20 or 30 years then it will matter.
So, take a deep breath, pour yourself a cup of herbal, say goodbye to the cray cray Christmas shopping madness out there and say hello to shopping our low tox gifts online.
We are 100% plant-based skincare with a firm ethos on minimising harsh chemicals onto ourselves, others and into our environment.
Check out our top picks for the best low tox Christmas gift packs and shop online today, in the peace and comfort of your own home:
The Balance Room and Body Mist Pack for $65.
This Pack is the perfect gift for anyone who is mindful of their space and energy. These three mists provide you with the power to refocus your energy and balance your inner harmony. Keep them at home or in your bag for a daily dose to help awaken and bring to life your best most serene self.
The Relax Gift Pack for $89.
Switching off and unwinding can often be hard in our busy lives. This gift pack provides some essentials for relaxing and centering with products specifically formulated to calm the mind and relax the body.
This gift pack provides a little taste of luxury to any mum looking for some pampering. Wash, polish and hydrate the skin to feel like a new woman with some of our favourite body products suitable for all skin types.
For all the health and fitness junkies out there! Sometimes movement and activity can take a toll on the body, this pack is specifically formulated for those movers and shakers who need to soak their muscles and relax sore and tired limbs.
From the team at Cedar and Stone we wish you a very happy, safe, loving and nurturing Christmas xx
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We hear a lot about choosing cruelty free skincare which means it is not tested on animals (and definitely something to be mindful of when shopping skincare products) but it is now time for you to choose vegan & cruelty free skincare otherwise the products you purchase may still contain animal derived ingredients.
Just pause for a moment to think about how the animals would have been treated to become part of your beauty products. Almost too much for the mind to comprehend really. Using animals for the sake of “beauty” and to fill products with what is classified as cheaper ingredients.
Every year, roughly 115 million animals will never see sunlight, or leave a laboratory. Trust us, it is alarming the amount of animal derived ingredients that may be hiding in your skincare products – click here to visit the Choose Cruelty Free website to see what could be lurking in your products.
Vegan skincare along with being cruelty free is the next step up from when you use to solely look for just the cruelty free logo. By choosing vegan, it ensures there are no animals used in the ingredients and in the making of the product.
Why have we at Cedar and Stone been a vegan based, cruelty free skincare brand since our inception, it’s simple:
At Cedar and Stone all of our products are 100% vegan and we are proudly registered with CCF (Choose Cruelty Free) as a vegan company and would never test on animals.
Other benefits associated with vegan skincare are:
So, it’s time to step it up a notch, and make your consumer voice heard by purchasing vegan skincare. Every time you spend money you are casting your vote for the kind of world you want.
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At Cedar and Stone we have a holistic approach to health and wellness, meaning that along with our skincare products we look after our body internally as well, this is how we have experienced great results. We love waking up in the morning with the skin we desire.
We’re flipping the coin in this write up and starting with your night-time care. This is where we want you to put your focus.
We have a simple yet effective regime that will nourish and nurture your skin so that it can rejuvenate throughout the night whilst you sleep. On top of this we have included some supplements and drinks we like to also take at night before sleep.
Night skincare:
Step 1: Cleanse with our: The Botanic One - Hemp & Kakadu Plum Foaming Cleanser
Step 2: Tone with our: Super Tonic – Mint and Sage Toner
Step 3: No Tox – Dragons Blood Moisturiser
The last step is going to be amazing for more youthful skin. Did you know our Dragons Blood Moisturiser Cream is a powerful anti-aging facial moisturiser, packed full of antioxidants our skin needs to stay plump, refined and hydrated. It’s formulated with Dragons Blood Extract, a plumping ingredient set to stand the test of time and strong enough to act as a substitute for anti-aging injections, this face cream will leave your skin looking like a tall drink of water. Pomegranate extract is one of the key ingredients in this facial cream, which helps to fight off free radicals. This powerful antioxidant effectively works to promote youthful skin by combating signs of ageing at a cellular level.
Along with this amazing 3-step night-time skincare regime we recommend adding a few supplements to your day particular taking them in the evening.
Supplements:
Firstly make sure you are staying hydrated and drinking enough water.
Click here to shop our night-time skincare products for more youthful looking skin.
]]>Why? We hear you ask. What’s so good about it? Well let’s start by saying that it contains the luxurious Baobab Oil, which is rich in Omega 3, 6 & 9s and has worked as treatment for eczema, psoriasis, prevention of premature ageing and feeds the skin nourishment.
We also included Pomegranate oil in the blend because of its rich antioxidants and polyphenols properties that give the oil natural protection qualities, it may help to repair the skin, and assist with the reduction and prevention of wrinkles in the epidermis. It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properites.
The key benefits of this oil include:
It absorbs quickly into the skin without clogging pores, leaving your skin feeling mighty fine. With the change of seasons, cabin air or a big night out, our numero uno has you covered.
With 95% of the ingredients organic, this pure, natural and clean ingredient blend is our go-to for everything. It can be worn under make-up and will not leave an oily residue. Apply 2-3 drops to clean dry face and pat into the skin.
Click here to shop THE ONE today.
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For what our store lacks in space, it makes up for with beautiful products and assorted brands alike that amplify the single worded message we want to shout across the rooftops - ethical. There isn’t anything you will find in our store that can’t be reused or isn’t made with the earth in mind, just the way we like it.
Our guests were greeted with the smiles of our staff who have put everything into this little humble abode on James st & I’m sure they left with their belly’s full and their hearts alive. We wish you could have been there! Perhaps next time you can make it, for now here are some photos from the night.
With love,
Us. X
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When life gets busy, we don’t think twice about putting self-care on the backburner. Skipping workouts, not sleeping enough or feeling too busy to dedicate any time to life’s little pleasures. Hectic living with no room each day just for you can take its toll.
]]>When life gets busy, we don’t think twice about putting self-care on the backburner. Skipping workouts, not sleeping enough or feeling too busy to dedicate any time to life’s little pleasures. Hectic living with no room each day just for you can take its toll.
It might sound indulgent, but making time to spend on yourself isn’t selfish. It's absolutely necessary for you to shine your brightest; for you and those around you. Fit your own ‘healthy and happy’ mask before trying to help others!
To really avoid burnout, self-care must become a daily habit, not just a one time deal. That doesn’t mean we need to find hours every day to pamper ourselves silly; sounds great.....but who has the time?
Instead, indulge in a few tiny self-care rituals regularly to keep your sanity and health on track. Little and often win the day!
Use a body scrub in the shower
Using a body scrub daily in the shower can be such an amazing routine to get into to add a little luxury into your life. Try using your scrub on one body part per day in the shower, that way by the end of the week your entire body will be scrubbed by only adding about an extra 30 seconds onto your daily shower!
Buy or pick yourself flowers
Seriously, who doesn’t feel uplifted by the sight of a bright bunch of flowers, or even a single, beautiful rose standing in a vase?
Dial-up dinner
If cooking dinner is the norm for weeknights, get something delicious home delivered instead and savour that extra time normally spent prepping, cooking and washing up.
Take 10 to mask
Just sit down and take 10 minutes to yourself and apply a clay face mask. The benefits of clay are so powerful a little time goes a long way. Try our new Clay Face Mask for a simply yet effective skin detox.
Take a weekend nap without an alarm clock
Ahhh, the pure and simple joy of catching some zzzz’s without being jolted awake by the sound of an alarm.
Get into colouring
Newsflash: colouring isn’t just for kids. It can be amazingly therapeutic for adults too. Getting creative with a bunch of pencils or crayons for just 10 minutes can have a similar effect as meditation, helping calm and focus the mind. Check out these beauties for inspo.
Download The Headspace App
This brilliant app makes meditation very simple for newbies to the practice. Helps you get your zen on, focus more and sleep better.
Take a soak
A classic self-care ritual, it’s hard to go past a good ol soak in the tub to help welcome in a little more peace. Bonus self-care points if you’re soaking in something gorgeous, like our Frankincense + Lime Bath Salts
Crank up your favourite tune and turn your living room into a dance floor for a few minutes. Bust out some crazy moves to shake up those endorphins.
Switch off the socials for a day
Give your mind and emotions a breather from the scroll life. Unplugging for even a day will give you some social media silence, which is incredibly refreshing.
Soak your feet in Epsom salts
So simple but so, so blissful after a busy day on your feet or a strenuous workout.
Stop overthinking
Ok, so for the overthinkers out there, we know this can be an insanely hard habit to break, but one worth trying. Giving yourself some mental space and choosing to stop the looping or critical thoughts is an incredibly powerful form of self-care.
We’d love to know what else you’d add to this list of simple, self-care rituals?
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It’s a powerful way to help you cope with everyday life and benefit your mental and physical wellbeing. The good news? You don’t need to become a yogi or find a bunch of extra time in your day to get a little more mindful. Even small periods of truly being present and making conscious decisions are incredibly beneficial. Let’s take a look at how to give your regular skincare routine a mindful makeover.
Slow down your product application
When we slow down it allows us to move through an activity with greater attention and become fully present in the moment.
Instead of rushing through the process, slow down and allow your skincare routine to become an act of self-love you look forward to, rather than just another task on the list.
As you apply your creams, lotions and oils, pay attention to the textures. How do they feel on your skin? Take time to massage products properly into your skin, this will help maximise the effectiveness of each product too, especially cleanser.
Deeply inhale and appreciate the different fragrances of your skincare routine. Connecting with the five senses and incorporating scents to your skincare regime can transforms it into a beautiful, energising ritual.
Observe changes to your skin
Now that we’ve slowed down the application process, take time to really look at your skin. Taking note of any changes can help you more intimately understand your skin and what it needs.
When we rush through our routine with an eye on the clock, it’s easy to miss subtle changes to our skin’s appearance and texture. What is your skin trying to tell you?
Chronic stress can have a serious impact on the health of your skin. By incorporating the practice of mindfulness more regularly into your day, stress levels begin to lower. In turn, you may find persistent skin issues like breakouts and dryness actually begin to clear up on their own.
Choose natural products
Embracing a more mindful approach to life includes giving more thought to the products we use, like what we slather onto our faces and bodies everyday.
Skin is the body’s largest organ some of what we put on it, including chemicals, can be absorbed through the skin into our bloodstream. Opting for natural skincare instead of products with synthetic ingredients means you’re making a mindful decision. You’re choosing to truly nourish your skin with natural ingredients, instead of bombarding it with chemicals like parabens and Benzisothiazolinone.
Take the time to think about and appreciate the benefit of some of the natural ingredients in your products as you apply them. Smell the scent of sandalwood and know it’s doing a great job protecting your skin from the damage caused by free radicals that leads to wrinkles and fine lines. Or the aloe vera, helping to remove redness and soothe dry or angry skin.
Add a masking meditation session to your weekly routine
You don’t need to devote hours to meditation to reap the wellness benefits of this ancient practice. Even a couple of minutes each day or during particularly stressful periods is enough to help manage and relieve anxious thoughts and improve attention.
A face masking session is the ideal time to relax into 10 - 15 minutes of meditation as your mask works its magic. If you need a little guidance getting started, check out apps like Headspace or Calm. These hugely popular apps are great for beginners and have guided meditations covering anxiety, focus, stress, sleep, relationships and more.
If you’re not already, try fitting a regular face masking sesh into your weekly schedule. Nourishing your skin and your mind at the same time sounds like a win to us!
Set the mood essential oils
While you move through the steps of your skincare routine, add essential oils to a diffuser in the bathroom. The key to using essential oils for mindfulness is to find an oil or blend that resonates with your current mood or situation.
In the morning, add an essential oil blend to help energise you for the day or relieve any tense, stressful thoughts you have about the to-do list waiting for you at work. During your evening, use a blend to help you wind down.
At the end of your routine spend a minute breathing deeply, and quietly thinking over things for the day ahead or the one that’s just been while relaxing your body and mind.
If you’re facing any challenges, this is an opportunity to think things through calmly and practice a better way to react to any problems. Equally, it's a time to purposely express thanks for those things you’re grateful for.
We recommend:
Siesta Essential Oil Blend - This oil is specially formulated to help calm, relax and aid deep peaceful sleep for the entire family. Contains Lavender Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Marjoram Essential Oil, Jojoba Oil Oil, Roman Chamomile Essential Oil.
Focused Essential Oil Blend - This blend has been created to help sharpen the mind and improve mental clarity. Contains Grapefruit Essential Oil, Bergamot Essential Oil, Basil Essential Oil, Cold Pressed Lemon Essential Oil.
Do you regularly make time to practice mindfulness? We’d love to hear any tips you have for incorporating it into your daily routine!
]]>Let’s take a look at some of the toxic and non-toxic preservatives commonly used in skincare and why only formations without water can truly be called preservative free.
The common toxic preservatives on this list are commonly known to cause irritation, allergies and skin sensitivities.Understanding Preservatives In Skincare
Even more concerning, some have been associated with endocrine disruption, which means they can interfere with endocrine (or hormone) systems in certain doses. In some cases, this can lead to cause cancerous tumours, birth defects, and other developmental disorders.
If you’re continually slathering products onto your skin, they build up in your body over time. In fact, research has shown that women put a staggering 515 individual chemicals on their skin each day and it’s estimated around 60% of what we rub into our skin is absorbed into the bloodstream. Bottom line, know exactly what you are putting on your skin and into your body.
Parabens
If you’re already on board the natural skincare wagon, you’ve probably heard of parabens and avoid them like the plague!
Parabens are synthetically produced preservatives widely used in many common household products including skincare, cosmetics and even foods. Parabens are used to extend the shelf-life of products and prevent bacteria growing in creams and lotions.
They might do a stellar job at keeping bacteria away but the massive downside is they’ve been linked to health issues including reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, skin irritation and even cancer.
Keep an eye out on the ingredients list for any of these tongue twister paraben names:
methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and isobutylparaben.
Benzisothiazolinone
Also known as MIT, benzisothiazolinone is a super potent biocide. Biocides are chemical or biological agents that kill harmful microorganisms. You’ll find MIT in a number of antibacterial products, like hand wash, for this reason.
MIT is also used as a preservative in a range of common household and personal care items. The EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database has flagged ingredient this as highly irritating to skin, eyes and lungs.
You’ll know if a product contains MIT if you spot any of these on the ingredients list: 1,2-benzisothiazol-3 (2h) -one; 1,2benzisothiazol3 (2h) one; 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one; benzisothiazolin-3-one; proxel pl and proxel xl 2.
Diazolidinyl urea and Imidazolidinyl urea
These preservative ingredients release formaldehyde, which is known to be a human carcinogen. A carcinogen is defined as an ingredient agent directly involved in causing cancer. Doesn’t sound like something we’d want to be rubbing into our skin on a daily basis?
These preservative ingredients are commonly found in moisturisers, cleansers, body creams, foundations, shampoo and conditioner to name just a few.
These guys work a little different from their toxic counterparts. Non-toxic preservatives don’t actually kill bacteria, they prevent them from forming. They do this by creating an environment that isn’t conducive for bacteria to thrive.
These are 3 common non-toxic preservatives:
Naticide
A vegetable derived preservative is a vegetable extract that smells like vanilla and almonds. It’s included in formulations for its activity against bacteria, moulds and yeast, however, can appear as ‘parfum’ on a label. This is not to be confused with Perfume, ‘parfum’ is simply a labelling term for a trademarked product. You will most often see the words ‘natural preservative’ after the word parfum, so you will know that this is natural preservative naticide.
Glyceryl Caprylate
Glyceryl Caprylate is a naturally derived, multi-functional ingredient system for preservative-free and self-preserving cosmetics protecting against bacteria and yeast. It is produced through the esterification (the chemical reaction) of glycerin from vegetable oils and medium chain fatty acids from sources such as coconut oil.
Benzyl Alcohol (and) Dehydroacetic Acid
This blend of an organic acid and alcohol is a multi-use, non-paraben, non-formaldehyde, non-isothiazolone broad spectrum preservative system. Both Dehydroacetic acid & benzyl alcohol are organic compounds.
The only skincare that can be totally preservative free is anhydrous products. These are products that are made of vegetable oils, butters and waxes and contain no water.
Some type of preservative - be it naturally derived or synthetic - needs to be present in any product that contains water.
Why? Because bacteria thrive in water and when it’s part of a product formulation, bacteria can make its happy home there; which is why preservatives are needed.
While there are some non-toxic preservative options we pointed out earlier, if you want to go totally preservative free, stick with facial and body oils and oil-free balms and butters.
That said, always double check the label as even oil, butter or balm formulations can still contain water.
Looking for a preservative-free cleanser?
We recommend our new Lemongrass & Calendula Balance Cleanser.
With advanced Gel-to-Milk technology, our Balance. Face Wash is an oil based face cleanser which is incredibly gentle and nourishing.
Once in contact with water, the oil gel will instantly turn into a hydrating and clarifying milk cleanser which will cleanse away dirt and impurities.
As this cleanser is an oil only gel, it is perfect for people with dry and sensitive skin as it contains no irritating preservative and doesn’t dry out the skin with harsh soaps.
]]>Minimise the look of large pores
If you’ve got large pores, toner will become your new BFF in your routine.
While toners don’t actually physically shrink large pores, they can totally make them appear smaller. If you’ve got big pores, we know that’s something to get excited about.
Large pores are most common for oily and combination skin and they look even bigger when a bunch of dirt, makeup and dead skin becomes trapped in the pore.
Not properly removing all these impurities can permanently stretch the pore even wider.
That’s where toner comes in. Toners work to deeply clean pores, an additional step in the cleansing process to help remove anything left behind after washing your face. Even residue from your cleanser.
Clean pores appear smaller, tighter and less obvious.
Restores your skin’s pH balance
The acid mantle is super important for the health of your skin. It’s the barrier responsible for blocking out bacteria while keeping skin moisturised. It’s very thin, made up of the skin’s natural oils, fatty acids, lactic acid, amino acids and the skin’s natural moisture.
With pH level of between 4.5-5.5, the acid mantle is slightly acidic - as the name kinda gives away.
If your cleanser is too alkaline it throws the acid mantle pH balance out of whack and your skin goes into overdrive making oil to restore the pH balance.
The result? Helllooo shiny, oily breakouts.
This is where toner can step in. Used after cleanser, toner works to restore the pH balance of the delicate acid mantle, bringing it back to a more acidic environment and preventing the cycle of excessive oil production.
Refreshes skin
Toner is the perfect way to refresh your skin during the day, especially if you’ve got a bad case of afternoon shininess going on.
Carrying on your full cleansing routine in the office bathroom might be a little #awkward so dabbing toner on the oily spots is a great alternative.
Maximises the action of your moisturiser
Adding the toning step to your routine really helps create a clean canvas.
It primes your skin to maximise the effects of the products that follow. Your moisturiser can penetrate more deeply into the skin when applied to beautifully clean skin.
Your skin is a bit like a sponge, it absorbs moisture more easily when it’s already a little damp. After applying toner, don’t wait too long before following up with moisturiser. The damp toner base will help seal in all the hydrating properties of the moisturiser.
Protects
Every day your skin goes into battle with environmental stressors like atmosphere like pollution, chemicals and cigarette smoke. Too much exposure to these types of nasties can lead to visible signs of premature ageing.
While our skin has a remarkable ability to filter toxins, it’s a good idea to give it a helping hand where we can.
Using a quality toner infused with antioxidants to help protect the skin adds another layer of defence between skin cells and all the environmental stressors out there.
We recommend
Our Mint and White Willow Bark Toner nourishes and protects naturally. Unlike many of the old school type toners, heavy on the alcohol which seriously strips skin, a natural option is just as effective and even more nourishing.
The toner contains the natural astringent Witch Hazel, to help smooth out pores and fight the inflammation of acne and blemishes, leaving you with clear, fresh skin. Powered by the plant-based goodness of Orange Blossom Water, Witch Hazel, White Willow Bark Extract and Peppermint Essential Oil.
]]>Not rinsing the mask off thoroughly
Following your masking session up with a double cleanse and always use lukewarm water to encourage the remnants of the mask to lift off the skin. Unless it’s a sheet mask, then you should leave the residue from the sheet mask to absorb into the skin.
Used a clay mask? You might like to use a face cloth to gently help remove all traces of the clay. Just don’t go crazy scrubbing, your skin will be sensitive after a mask treatment and more prone to irritation.
Double check you’ve removed all traces of the mask from around the hairline and ears.
Using dirty fingers
Not washing your hands beforehand is a major masking mistake. You’re transferring any pore-clogging oil or bacteria from your hands straight to your face, which kinda defeats the whole point of masking for a fresh, clear complexion.
You’ll also contaminate the rest of your mask if you're scooping it out of the jar with dirty fingers.
Using your (clean) fingers to apply the mask is definitely convenient but you can also consider using a face mask brush too. Just make sure you clean it thoroughly after each application.
Not multi-masking
Multi masking. It’s a game changer. Instead of applying the same type of mask all over, consider the areas of your face that have different requirements. It’s not always a one size fits all. You might have an oily T-zone but have drier, flaky patches around your cheeks.
Using multiple masks is a more targeted approach that can help treat different skin issues without aggravating others.
Leaving the mask on too long
When it comes to time, don’t go rogue with your masking efforts - pay careful attention to the directions. If it’s advised to leave the mask on for 15 minutes, set a timer and remove it after 15 minutes.
Keeping your mask on longer won’t boost its effectiveness and may even cause some seriously irritated skin or a fresh round of breakouts afterwards.
If you’re using a clay mask, it’s during the ‘wet’ phase that your skin is soaking up all the good stuff. A clay mask shouldn’t be left to dry fully on your skin, if it does, it can strip the skin of natural oils and leave you with a tight, itchy complexion.
Pro tip for clay masking: As an alternative to water, hydrate a clay mask with kefir, green juice, nut milk or apple cider vinegar.
Not choosing the right mask for your skin type
Just because your friend swears by a certain mask for a glowy, clear complexion doesn’t mean it will work for you. It’s crucial to pick the right type of mask for your skin type or different areas of your skin as we mentioned above. The wrong choice could stir up irritation or trigger breakouts.
Don’t just jump on the bandwagon of the latest mask craze. Asses your skin type - oily, combination, sensitive or dry - and choose a mask based on your skin’s needs.
Have we got you in the masking mood?
Check out our Bentonite and Turmeric Mask. Containing powerful Bentonite and Kaolin Clay to draw out everyday toxins, we’ve also added antioxidants and vitamins to feed your skin, leaving your face feeling completely cleaned and nourished.
]]>They’re lipophilic, which means they have a much smaller molecular structure that penetrates deeper into your skin’s dermis than many other products. At this level, they’re really effective at delivering nourishment and protection. Face oils are perfect if you suffer persistent dry, flaky skin - even your committed moisturising efforts just don’t seem to be working. They’re also ideal to balance oily skin (weird, but true!) and prevent breakouts. If face oil isn’t part of your skin care routine, let’s us tell you why it should be.
Face oils minimise the damage of free radicals
Free radical damage is one of the main things that causes skin to age prematurely. Free radicals are unstable and reactive molecules that come from environmental stressors like pollution, attach themselves to skin and damage parts of the living cells. They cause a process called oxidation and when this occurs, it leads to tissue damage resulting in wrinkles, dehydration and loss of elasticity.
Face oils act as a barrier between the free radicals in the environment and your skin cells. When applied, face oils not only seal the good stuff in, they also remain outside of the cell keeping it lubricated and protected.
Face oils seriously boost the hydrating results of your moisturiser
Face oils and moisturiser are like an epic hydrating duo when it comes to delivering a serious hit of moisture to your complexion. How so? Well, when you apply your oil after the moisturiser (just like we showed you here -link to blog about how to layer skin care correctly) it seals in the all the hydrating ingredients of the moisturiser, preventing water from evaporating off the skin. All while adding extra nourishment.
Most skin types will benefit from face oil - yep, even the oily ones! - but it's especially beneficial for dry, flaky skin because of how it works to boost the hydrating effect of your moisturiser. Pack it when you travel to deal with seasonal or climate-related dryness too.
The best natural oils for dry skin: Avocado oil, Rosehip oil, Sweet Almond oil, Argan Oil, Flaxseed Oil and Baobab Oil.
They improve the look of wrinkles
Using face oil is an excellent natural anti-ageing treatment, hydrating skin and plumping out fine lines.
Rosehip oil, in particular, does a stellar job of and stimulating fibroblasts which are responsible for creating collagen. With healthy amounts of collagen, the firmness of the skin increases and reduces the look of wrinkles.
Face oils help prevent oily skin breaking out
Sounds a little crazy, putting more oil on top of an oily complexion - won’t that just make things worse? Nope, and here's why….if you have an oily complexion and use harsh products that strip the skin of oil, it sends the sebaceous glands into overdrive.
They produce more oil to make up for what has been lost; triggering an even shiner complexion and another round of breakouts.
Using face oil means you don’t lose the essential oil your skin needs to stay hydrated. Your sebaceous gland won’t go crazy making more and oil regulation becomes balanced. Many natural oils are also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory which will help target breakouts before they even appear.
Keep in mind, not all oils are beneficial for an oily complexion, the best to fight breakouts is jojoba. It’s light, the nearest in molecular structure to our natural sebum and as a bonus, tightens the appearance of pores. Calming aloe vera is also well suited to pimple prone skin as it reduces redness and inflammation.
Have we inspired you to add a face oil to your regular routine if you aren’t already using one? Our Lemon Myrtle and Rose Face Oil contains the Omega 3, 6 & 9 rich baobab oil in addition to other nourishing oils including, organic jojoba, grapeseed and cranberry seed. It’s a great prep for makeup and will brighten the complexion too!
]]>Even if you use more or fewer products than we’ve listed below; the golden rule of skincare application is to apply the lightest products first working up to the heaviest. Use this as a guide when working with the products you have in your beauty stash.
Layer 1: Cleanser
It kinda goes without saying that a good cleanser is first up in your skincare routine. Using the right cleanser, no matter your skin type helps clear the build-up of dirt, sweat and bacteria that finds its way onto our faces during the day or overnight. It creates a clear canvas for the products to follow, allowing them to absorb more easily.
We recommend - Cardamon + Acai Oil Cleanser. It not only cleanses beautifully thanks to a bunch of nourishing ingredients like Almond Oil and Ylang Ylang Oil it also smells totally divine!
Layer 2: Toner
Toner may not be on everyone’s skincare list, but if you have big pores and oily, acne-prone skin, we definitely recommend adding it to your routine.
Toner helps tighten pores and draws out any remaining impurities that the cleanser may have left behind. It’s great as an extra cleansing step after wearing heavy makeup or thick sunscreen. It also helps restore the PH balance of your skin.
We recommend - Mint + White Willow Bark Toner. Contains the natural astringent Witch Hazel to help smooth out pores and fight the inflammation of acne and blemishes.
Layer 3: Serum
Serums don’t mess around. They deliver a higher concentration of active ingredients such as antioxidants and peptides than moisturisers do, which provide significant anti-ageing benefits. Serums can penetrate deeply into the skin because they’re made up of tiny molecules. Serums are lighter than moisturisers, which is why they’re applied at this point and not intended to replace your daily moisturiser, but rather supplement it. If you’re not using one already, there are some big, beautiful benefits to be gained by adding a serum to your routine.
Layer 4: Moisturiser
The moisturising layer is all about hydration, hydration, hydration. Moisturisers contain emollients, the ingredients in skincare than lock in moisture and soften skin. When the top layer of your skin dries out, the skin cracks and flakes off. Emollients fill up those cracks with lipids (fatty substances) making the skin smoother and softer.
Use this step to spend a few minutes treating your face to a mini massage! Slowly massage the moisturiser into your skin in an upwards and outwards motion. Applying it after the serum also helps seal in the goodness of the serum and maximise its effects.
We recommend - Frankincense and Ginseng Moisturiser. Great for all skin types except sensitive skin.
Layer 5: Face oil
Face oils help maintain and strengthen skin, keeping it hydrated and more resilient. Some face oils can be used with or instead of moisturiser; if you use both, the face oil should come after moisturiser Face oils act like a barrier, locking in all the nourishing and hydrating properties of the other products while keeping damaging free radicals out.
We recommend - Lemon Myrtle Rose Face Oil. Containing the Omega 3, 6 & 9 and rich Baobab Oil, it absorbs quickly into the skin without clogging pores.
Layer 6: Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the absolute non-negotiable layer in the list if you’re serious about keeping wrinkles at bay. Preventing the visible signs of premature ageing is one of the most convincing reasons to include sunscreen in your daily routine! Opt for a broad spectrum natural sunscreen, they’re as effective as chemical sunscreens with way fewer toxins. Oh, and just because it’s Winter doesn’t mean you can skip this step! No matter the season: sunscreen.
Use the above as a guide but keep in mind skincare is personal; you can figure out what works best for you by seeing how your skin responds and switching it up if necessary!
]]>Here are 5 tips to curb the winter blues
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is the building block to strong bones and a healthy mind. The best form of vitamin D comes from the sun. But in some parts of the world, it is difficult to get any natural vitamin from the sun during the winter. Food wise we can get vitamin D from fatty fish and eggs or if choosing a plant-based diet from mushrooms and alfalfa sprouts/powder. If you can spend some time in the afternoon sun for approximately 15 minutes a day with skin exposed you should be able to get your optimal dose of vitamin D depending on where you live. A great Vitamin D tracker App that can tell you how long you need for optimal D in your location is Dminder.
Soak
Take a bath and add high-quality salts. This is a great way to warm up and get added essential minerals your body needs to stay healthy and happy. Our skin is our biggest organ and soaking with salts is a natural and efficient way to take in some naturally occurring minerals. One mineral in particular for keeping our mood lifted is magnesium which curbs anxiety/irritability, fatigue, mental confusion and insomnia. So indulge, add some bath salts and enjoy a nice soak this winter.
Superfoods
Superfoods pack a nutritional punch and can be easily added to your diet. Certain superfoods have incredible nutritional profiles. Take spirulina; this blue-green alga is a great source of chlorophyll, antioxidants, protein, beta-carotene and vitamin B12 great for those on a plant-based diet. Or Kale, which is the multi-vitamin of the vegetable world. Kale is a complete source of the essential vitamins and minerals we need daily. We specifically like the high levels of B6 which help your body make serotonin to support mood and curb depression. Add to a smoothie and let food be your medicine.
Aromatherapy
This one is great and might be the easiest one to implement. Utilising lifting essential oils like lavender, orange, frankincense and peppermint around your home or on your body will help you will stay upbeat and feel great. Add a few drops to your bath, coconut oil or lotion to utilise the medicinal benefits of high-quality oils. Or another favourite, spray your pillow before bed with the Chinese Herb Zizyphus which has been used for a very long time for its ability to keep an individual in a state of deeper sleep. Check out Cedar and Stone’s Dream State Mist and enjoy a full night of regenerative sleep.
Herbal Tea
Slowing down and enjoying a nice cup of herbal tea is another favourite way to de-stress and lift your spirits. I like to think about sitting and having a tea as a time to unplug and quiet my mind. It takes about 15 minutes to drink a cup of hot tea, enjoy this meditative time, savour the flavours, and breathe in gratitude. Favourite teas for uplifting mood; peppermint, lemon balm, chamomile, ginger and turmeric.
Energetically winter is a time to slow down. Life can be fast-paced and full of activity which makes it even more important to take this time for ourselves to nourish our bodies and minds.
Guest Blog for Cedar and Stone by Kristin Derrin from www.junesuperfoods.com
Kristin Derrin is a certified nutritionist, health coach, mum and the founder of June Super Foods, a range of certified organic kids superfood drink mixes that offer a boost of natural fruit and vegetable nutrients to support kids growth and development. Kristin created June Superfoods after noticing a gap in the Australian market for healthy and convenient kids drinks, prompting her to create a product with the highest quality organic ingredients, no added sugars, fillers, or anything artificial.
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The skin reading technique of face mapping dates back thousands of years to ancient Chinese medicinal practices. It suggests specific internal issues can show up in certain areas of your face. This means you may be able to figure out what exactly is causing your breakouts based on where they’re appearing. It’s time for some skin super sleuthing!
T-Zone
Breakouts in your t-zone (around your forehead area) may indicate a deeper digestive issue is at play and your body is having a hard time breaking down food.
Heartburn, gas, constipation and a painfully bloated belly can also be signs your digestive system isn’t working quite as it should. Make sure your pile your plate high with foods to help ease the digestion process, like fibrous fruits and veggies.
A pimply t-zone may also be an indicator of too much stress and if that’s the case, check out our tips on tiny self-care rituals for every day.
Between the eyes
Liver issues can be reflected in pimples that appear between the eyes. The liver is your number one detoxification organ. It filters toxins out of the bloodstream, so they don’t build up in your body. Breakouts between the eyes may indicate the liver’s detoxification process is a little sluggish. Ensure you’re supporting your liver as much as possible by drinking plenty of water each day and cutting back of fatty foods. Go easy on alcohol too, pimples may appear in this zone after a big night out.
Show your liver some love by chowing down on foods like berries and dark green leafy veggies. Drinking warm water with fresh lemon juice first thing in the morning is also a great way to help flush the toxins from your system in the AM.
Cheeks
If you’re breaking out on your cheeks, this could mean you’re challenged with some respiratory problems. It’s polluted air and environmental toxins that can cause breakouts in this zone; often side effects of living the inner city life.
If you have allergies that affect your respiratory system, like pollen allergies during the change of season, this may also be reflected in your cheek zone. Cutting out those guilty pleasure cigs is a must…...and definitely not just for your skin!
Another explanation for breakouts here may be a dirty mobile phone; when it’s pressed up against your cheek any bacteria that’s found its way to your phone screen is now right at home on your face. Nice. Time to bust out the anti-bacterial wipes.
Chin
The culprit for chin related breakouts may very well be good old hormones. Hormones can wreak havoc with your complexion and in the days before your period, your skin definitely deserves a little extra TLC.
Take some time out to treat yourself to a nourishing face mask or another skin treatment; use it as an opportunity to snatch some ‘me’ time for yourself. Sipping on our Soothe Yourself Tea, a calming combination of herbs sharing the ability to aid in the balance of women's hormones is also a great way to find some relief in the lead up to and during your period.
]]>Changes in skin tone
Growing a bub is hard work and it sends your hormones a little haywire, to say the least. The increase of estrogen, progesterone and the melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) during pregnancy can result in pigmentation of the skin.
A condition called melasma (also known as "mask of pregnancy”) is discolouration of the skin, especially around the nose, upper lip and forehead as a result of hormonal irregularities.
Pregnancy is a time to be super religious about sun protection as UV rays enhance the look of pigmentation. Stick to shady spots, big hats and use a natural, chemical-free sunscreen (we love Eco Logical Face Sunscreen 30+) when your spending time outside.
Oily skin
Super oily skin and breakouts are common while pregnant. Get excess oil under control by adding a mask treatment to your weekly routine; Bentonite clay does a brilliant job sucking up oil and is super healing for the skin. Our Bentonite + Turmeric Mask can be mixed with apple cider vinegar instead of water to go the extra mile in zapping the bacteria responsible for breakouts.
The mask also helps in the pigmentation department; the clay lifts away the darker dead cells on blemishes skin, revealing new healthy skin below.
Bonus tip: Avoid using oil-based makeup as it only makes the oil slick situation worse.
Dry Skin
Or things could swing the opposite way…... instead of oily skin; it’s super dry.
When hormone levels fluctuate, you may begin to look slightly more reptilian than radiant. This is because your skin’s hydrolipidic barrier - the protective layer of water, fat, and wax that forms on tops of your skin - can weaken and form ‘holes’ in some places. Moisture evaporates more quickly through these ‘holes’ off the surface of your skin, leaving you dry, itchy and cracked.
You may need to switch up your regular cleanser to a super gentle, non-drying option to keep moisture locked in. Our Hemp + Rose Foaming Cleanser is rich in Omegas revealing beautifully cleansed skin without that icky dried out feeling other foaming cleansers can leave behind.
As well as drinking plenty of water, using a humidifier at night will help relieve dry skin and so will soaking in a warm oatmeal bath.
Stretch marks
We’re yet to meet anyone who is a raving fan of stretch marks and prevention is definitely better than cure. Long, thin stretch marks are the result of skin rapidly expanding; like when you’re growing a new little human in your belly.
Calm the potential fierceness of stretch marks by making it a daily habit to massage your skin with a great body oil. Our Everything Oil is super nourishing with oils like avocado, almond, and olive and can be used all over the body and suits all skin types.
It’s not just about showing your bump love, pay attention to everywhere that’s getting larger; including boobs, hips, butt, and thighs.
Ditch the toxins
If you’re not already onboard the natural skincare wagon; pregnancy is a time to jump (or waddle) on.
A bunch of nasty chemical ingredients you should avoid while pregnant can be found in many skin care products.
These include parabens, formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, aluminum chloride, chemical sunscreens and dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Read the ingredient list carefully and swap any of your current products filled with toxins for a safe, plant-based version. They do an even better job. We promise!
]]>With a distinctly gorgeous woody aroma, the skin beautifying and healing properties of frankincense are really something special. It’s been treasured for centuries; used during religious ceremonies for skin treatments and perfume.
]]>With a distinctly gorgeous woody aroma, the skin beautifying and healing properties of frankincense are really something special. It’s been treasured for centuries; used during religious ceremonies for skin treatments and perfume.
Frankincense oil is created by the steam distillation of resin produced from the Boswellia tree, a native to northeast Africa, the southern Arabian peninsula and parts of India. The intricate mixture of monoterpenes such as alpha-pinene, alpha-Thujene, Limonene, and beta-Pinene contained in the oil work in harmony to deliver the powerful skin rejuvenating effects it’s famous for.
Great for oily skin and acne
Frankincense is a winner for oily skin. A fantastic natural astringent, it helps regulate sebum and stop your face looking like a hot mess by removing excess oil. The astringent properties of frankincense also help tighten skin, good news if you’re battling a case of large pores.
Frankincense is one of the best essential oils for fighting acne because it’s super, duper anti-inflammatory. When acne gets all red and swollen that’s the body’s inflammatory response to the infection of the acne-causing bacteria. Frankincense will soothe and reduce the inflammation and can also help prevent acne forming thanks to the boswellic acids it contains which are capable of killing bacteria associated with acne.
Slows down fine lines and wrinkles
Famous for its wrinkle reducing superpowers, frankincense has amazing anti aging properties; making it ideal for mature skin. Thanks to frankincense’s cytophylactic properties, it stimulates cell regeneration and also protects older cells from free radical damage. It’s those nasty free radicals that are responsible for speeding up the degeneration of healthy skin; causing fine lines and wrinkles. The astringent properties also lift the skin, targeting those trouble spots prone to extra sagging, like around the chin and neck.
Speeds up the healing of wounds
Skin healing ingredients called monoterpenes are found in frankincense. Monoterpenes have antibacterial and antiseptic properties which make the oil super helpful for wound cleansing and speeding up the healing process. Old scar tissue will benefit from frankincense as well as fading the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks.
It smells ah-ma-zing and relieves stress
In addition to skin beautifying, the aroma of frankincense is therapeutic and can help soothe anxiety and relieve negative feelings like stress and mild depression. It’s is a go-to essential oil to bring balance back to your mood when you’re feeling weighed down or having trouble calming a racing mind.
There’s clearly a lot to love about frankincense! We’ve made it a star ingredient in a few of our products in the Cedar + Stone range.
Our Frankincense + Lime Bath Salts include Himalayan salt, which is extremely beneficial as a natural sleep hypnotic that also relieves muscle cramps and tension. This divine bath soak is detoxifying, energetically cleansing, relaxing and rich in minerals.
The ultimate in skin care food, our Frankincense + Ginseng Moisturiser will work wonders to rejuvenate the overall look of a tired, dull complexion. With all the goodness of frankincense, the moisturiser also contains ginger extract; which is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
]]>If nighttime tossing and turning are driving you crazy, rather than popping a pharmaceutical pill, try getting back to your natural roots first with these drug-free sleep remedies.
Use essential oils
We love essential oils. They can make everyday life better in all sorts of ways and could be the very best sleep hack for getting deep, restful shut-eye. The key is choosing quality oils and using them correctly!
It probably comes as no surprise that Lavender Essential Oil is one of the best choices to bring on a good sleep, but did you know Marjoram Essential Oil is also amazing for sleep? It calms and sedates the nervous system; helping to lower blood pressure, ease nervous tension and hyperactivity. We’ve combined these two dreamy powerhouses in our Siesta Essential Oil Blend; add a few drops to your diffuser or oil burner before bed to drift off into a deep slumber.
Eat a spoonful of honey and salt
Could the simple answer to a great night sleep be two of the most common ingredients in the kitchen? The natural sugar in honey boosts our insulin slightly and makes way for Tryptophan, the compound that makes us sleepy, to reach our brains more easily.
The salt can help lower cortisol levels which is exactly what you want for restful sleep. Combine ½ a teaspoon of honey with a sprinkling of salt and take around 20 minutes before bed.
Create the right sleep environment
Setting up your bedroom in the right way may have sleep knocking on your eyelids in no time.
A few tips for creating your slumber kingdom:
Take a warm, relaxing bath
Our body temperature naturally begins to drop as we prepare to nod off so taking a warm bath before bed will cause a spike in your body’s temperature. When it drops after the bath, it induces that sleepy feeling.
Settle in for a 20 minute relaxing soak in the tub around 90 mins before you plan heading off to bed. Double up on relaxation and treat your skin too by soaking in our Skin Food - Beauty Tea And Bath Herbs.
The 4-7-8 breathing trick
A bunch of troubled sleepers all over the Interweb swear by this trick.
When you’re finding it difficult to drift off try the 4-7-8 breathing exercise; breathe in through your nose for four seconds, hold your breath for seven seconds and exhale through your mouth for eight seconds making a ‘whoosh’ sound.
Repeat this sequence until you feel yourself relaxing into a restful state. This technique was developed by sleep expert MD Andrew Weil’s and is definitely worth a try if counting sheep is getting you nowhere!
Do you have trouble sleeping? What sleep happy tips would you add to this list?
]]>What is Bentonite clay?
Bentonite Clay, also known as Montmorillonite, is a powerful healing clay made from aged volcanic ash and the largest know source is found in Fort Benton, Wyoming, USA. You can reap the incredible internal and external detoxifying benefits of this clay either as a skin care treatment or taken orally
What does it do?
Bentonite Clays skin superpower is its unique ability to create an ‘electrical charge’ when it comes in contact with liquid to draw out toxins. The wet clay swells quickly (a bit like chia seeds when they’ve been soaked in water) and when this happens, toxins are sucked into the clay via the electrical charge.
Get down with using Bentonite Clay on your face and be prepared to reap these amazing skin healing benefits:
Detoxifies skin
Bentonite Clays nifty trick with the electrical charge makes it incredibly detoxifying. We absorb a bunch of toxins every day from common products like cleaning supplies, paints, unpurified water and pesticides sprayed on fruit. Even just breathing in the fumes from the air around us clocks up the toxins in our bodies! The clay draws out these skin dulling toxins and also helps send oxygen to cells as it pulls excess hydrogen and allows the cells to replace it with oxygen instead.
Shrinks and unclogs pores
Unclog and Tighten; the two favourite skin care promises for anyone with large pores. Bentonite Clay ticks both of the boxes. It draws impurities from deep within the pore, cleansing and tightening the skin which minimises the overall appearance of large pores.
Softens skin
Bentonite Clay is packed full of trace mineral, silica. This important mineral strengthens connective tissue including ligaments, tendons, cartilage, muscles and bone. It makes your skin super soft too, you’ll definitely feel the difference in your complexion when you include Bentonite Clay in your routine. The kind of softness that makes you want to stroke your own face in public.
Keeps sebum in check
Excess sebum, the natural oil produced by our skin, is a key culprit in creating the bacteria responsible for acne and breakouts. Bentonite Clay keeps sebum in check by absorbing any excess oil, preventing acne forming bacteria having a party on your face.
Regenerates skin tissue
Bentonite Clay gets our tick of approval for skin healing beauty solutions. When activated (mixed with liquid) the clay repairs damaged skin tissue, speeding up the healing process.
Reduces blemishes and dark spots
Using Bentonite Clay as a face mask will help reduce the look of blemishes and dark spots, lifting away the darker dead cells on blemishes skin, revealing new healthy skin below.
Ready to give Bentonite clay a whirl? We seriously recommend you do!
Our Bentonite + Turmeric Mask combines powerful, mineral-rich Bentonite Clay with anti-inflammatory Turmeric extract, and is ideal for skin suffering from acne, pimples, eczema, psoriasis or other skin irritations. These two hugely skin nourishing ingredients work together to detoxify, calm and feed the skin, and leave it feeling beautifully clean and soft.
To use the mask, mix two parts powder with any liquid that is beneficial to the skin. Try hydrating your mask with water, kefir, green juice, nut milk or apple cider vinegar
Have you tried Bentonite clay? What was your experience?
]]>At Cedar + Stone, we don’t believe any animal should ever suffer for the sake of a new cream or lotion. The skincare industry can do a good job at hiding what goes on in labs around the world, where gentle, helpless animals are subjected to cruel tests and have a quality of life so low, it’s probably not even fair to call it a life.
]]>At Cedar + Stone, we don’t believe any animal should ever suffer for the sake of a new cream or lotion. The skincare industry can do a good job at hiding what goes on in labs around the world, where gentle, helpless animals are subjected to cruel tests and have a quality of life so low, it’s probably not even fair to call it a life.
The abuse of animals for the sake of our beauty regimes needs to stop. We want to encourage you to shop ethically and purchase a cruelty-free brand over one that tests on animals. It’s a simple decision that can have a big impact on animals around the world.
Here are 5 awesome reasons to take a stand for our animal friends and shop cruelty-free!
Animal testing isn’t even necessary
When developing new product formulas, beauty brands can choose from literally thousands and thousands of ingredients that have already been proven safe for human use. Creating new lotions and potions from this list of safe ingredients means further animal testing is completely unnecessary.
Companies that continue to formulate new products using ingredients that are untested are blatantly choosing unethical practices over the cruelty-free option.
You have a ton of amazing, cruelty-free brands to choose from
Ok, shameless plug. But seriously, we care about our beautiful animal friends. We’re proud to be passionately against animal testing and Cedar + Stone products reflect our values. We believe what you put on your skin should be made by nature, not in a lab at the expense of a suffering animal.
We’re so happy to see a surge in cruelty-free brands, not just in skincare but across the board. With so many cruelty-free quality products easily available, saying no to a product tested on animals is really a no-brainer.
There are better technology alternatives than testing on animals
The excuse companies continue on with animal testing because they’re trialling the safety of the product for humans just doesn’t cut it anymore. Technology has introduced a bunch of new, more accurate methods, to test the human reaction to new ingredients. These include:
Volunteer studies are also conducted with people who have put their hand up to be a human tester for product ingredients. For us, taking part in a study is optional. Lab animals have no choice.
You’ll send the industry a message; animal testing is NOT OK!
Voting with your cash is one of the best ways to send a message to brands who experiment on animals that it’s so not ok - and you’ll be spending money elsewhere, thanks very much!
Boycotting companies that use animal testing is the best way support our little friends trapped in labs and truly influence the industry as a whole, encouraging more brands to go cruelty-free.
Your skin will thank you
Making the switch to cruelty-free won’t only save a beautiful, gentle animal from pain, it’s likely to do great things for your skin too.
It’s common for many cruelty-free brands to use natural and non-toxic ingredients. Parabens and chemicals in your products can wreak havoc on your skin and many companies aren’t clear about what goes into their products. Hellooooo, sneaky marketing tactics.
While we can’t say every cruelty- free brand also uses non-toxic ingredients, many brands against animal testing are eco-friendly, favouring natural, organic ingredients as part of their overall ethos.
Make your choice cruelty -free to speak up for our dear animal friends who deserve our consideration, compassion and a life free from laboratory testing.
]]>Can we really trust every product labelled organic or natural, actually is? The short answer is no. You need to do a little homework before trotting off to the checkout with your new ‘natural’ cleanser.
A bunch of skincare companies have jumped on the conscious skincare movement bandwagon to maximise profits by ‘greenwashing’.
If you’ve never heard of it, greenwashing is the term used when companies add one or two natural / organic ingredients to a cheap product (which is actually stuffed full of chemicals) then use wording like ‘contains natural extracts’ or ‘made with organic ingredients’ on the label.
While it’s not actually a false claim, it can easily confuse and mislead us into thinking we’re buying a natural or organic product.
To make things even trickier, the term ‘organic’ isn’t currently regulated under Australian law, which means companies can use the word very loosely. Labels can display the term ‘organic’ even if some of the ingredients are toxic.
How do you know if a product has been greenwashed?
The golden rule to avoid being tricked by sneaky companies greenwashing beauty products? Thou shalt scrutinise the ingredient list.
Don’t just take the words ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ on the front of the label as gospel, it’s up to you to comb the ingredients listing to discover whether or not the product is the real deal.
How to decode a product label
Ingredients are listed in order of the percentage they are found in the product, from highest to lowest. Really zone in on those first 5 ingredients, as a general rule they make up roughly 80% of the product.
Keep an eye out for any of these ingredients making an appearance in the top 5 of the listing. Spot them, or other chemicals, there and it’s likely the product has the stink of greenwashing; the token ‘natural’ ingredients are just marketing hype.
Mineral oil; a colourless and odourless oil that's actually made from petroleum.
Parabens; otherwise known as butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben, or propylparaben.
Synthetic fragrances; companies aren’t actually required to list the ingredients in their ‘fragrances’ so they can keep their formulas top secret. This leads to a massive lack of transparency as to what is actually in the product.
Sulfates; these are harsh detergents that strip away the skin’s natural oils, interfering with the protective barrier.
Toluene; a chemical derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. Yikes!
This isn’t an exhaustive list of toxic ingredients to look out for in greenwashed products, just some of the common culprits!
At Cedar + Stone, we refuse to use ingredients like parabens, artificial colours, sulfates, SLS and SLES. Our skincare is 100% plant based and when we say natural, we mean it baby! No sneaky surprises here.
References:
http://austorganic.com/consumers/certified-organic-frequently-asked-questions/
Image sourced: Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash
]]>I’ve been getting away a bit lately, camping under the stars & that. A favourite past time, albeit if my mother had anything to do with it ‘the only stars we’d be camping under are the ones under a hotel sign’ which I’m totally not opposed to either. However there is something so realigning about pulling out the camp chair, setting up the swag and taking a big ole’ hit of nature. My aura feels instantly cleansed, which is a damn good thing for me & a bloody good thing for those around me. I’m not great at concealing negative energy when my body is inhabited with it, and if there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s stewing on things. I mean what’s a Monday morning without having a pit of anxiety about the OTT conversation you had after a few too many vinos, with someone you barely know (except for the algorithm of their Instagram feed and where they holidayed last year with their boyfriend, who you know is now their recent ex-boyfriend because you find yourself browsing their overly documented bodacious life on social media on a way to regular basis). This little gem right here calms me the fuck down and boosts me into equilibrium, in trying times like the above.
I’m lucky to have acquired a noble bunch of atoms, whom I love to call my friends. I could ride their eye rolls to the other side of the world and if I had a dollar for every time they told me to politely shut the fandango up, I could probably buy some new friends (or a new voice box), but they’re great nonetheless. We set up a vibey little picnic on our last camping trip down to Evans Head on the NSW Coast. The weekend was filled with a plethora of exciting activities, 4wdriving, tow-ins on the ski, copious amounts of red wine – and you know what; it was exactly where I wanted to be. Not Europe, not in a steam room with Jason Statham, not in KFC dine-in (i'm the non vegan of the team, getting there), right where I was – was enough.
All due credit to my Spiritual Protection Mist, obvs. *plug*
Words - Anna Hamilton
Photography - Luke @ The Sunday Society (https://www.instagram.com/thesundaysociety/)
Wardrobe - Anna wears the Mahiya Leather Wynter dress
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This is in no way a comprehensive list of the bad things that may be hiding in your skin care products, but we think awareness of how some brands may hide toxic ingredients is the key to protecting yourself and your family. To ensure you and your family are safe it is best to stick with trusted natural and organic skincare and body products.
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INGREDIENTS:
METHOD:
Not only is this a killer recipe to make ahead for lunches, it can also be adapted to a range of dietary needs, and still taste incredible. Vegetarian? add halloumi. Meat eater? Add chicken and haloumi. Gluten free? Swap couscous for quinoa.
Secondly, it’s also the perfect recipe to use up whatever vegetables you have, pumpkin, sweet potato, asparagus, beans, ANYTHING.
I recommend this serves for 6 as a main course , or about 8 for a side.
INGREDIENTS:
ADDITIONS:
METHOD:
*If adding chicken: marinate chicken in the juice of one lemon and the garlic (this can be done the night or a few hours before) then fry in a pan until cooked. Add to the salad before serving
** if adding halloumi, slice and fry in a pan with 1 tbs of oil until crispy and golden on both sides. Add to the salad before serving
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So what actually is organic? So in a nutshell it means the food is in its NATURAL form. Free of synthetic additives like pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and dyes, and not be processed using industrial solvents, irradiation, or genetic engineering. So while “organic” seems to be typically associated with just “chemical free”, “organic” actually refers to the holistic means of growing and handling food, linking Soil. Plants. Animals. Food. People. Environment.
So following a holistic lifestyle so far points all arrows towards following an organic diet (or to the largest extent that you can) but if you aren’t convinced yet here are another few reasons you should eat organic:
So while all these benefits are pretty clear, whether or not you should buy organic ultimately depends on your overall orientation towards holistic living and sometimes your budget. Because although it is undeniable that organic food is more natural and typically better, it is sometimes hard to justify paying 80% extra for some food items.
So… should you buy organic? I would conclude with when you can ,it is best to, but visiting the local farmers market or growing your own veggies has equal or if not greater benefits for your body and the environment.
There is a wealth of information out there, one great example is the Australian Certified Organic website: https://aco.net.au
Image: http://faring-well.com
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