Five Naturally Soothing Summer Selects
Not only does seasonality affect the changing landscape around us, but within us as well. While longer days and increased exposure to the sun help elevate our mood (thanks to nature's source of potent Vitamin D), our skin may take quite a hit and need a gentler approach to cleansing and exfoliating. In general, the excess heat during pitta season may aggravate our mood, affect digestion and make us feel particularly lethargic and depleted of our essence. Nurturing and restoring ourselves back to a state of balance is especially important, and it's those little rituals throughout the day that can help in the process.
With the arrival of this potent Summer Solstice and New Moon in Cancer, we're embracing the feminine and sensitive qualities within all of us and therefore sharing five of our favorite summer selects that naturally soothe the mind, body and soul. These are especially calming for those of us that find ourselves in an overly fiery state of being and are looking to tame the heat (while continuing to fan those flames of abundance).
Apothecary Richmond Stimulation Facial Steaming Herbs | A curation from our in-house esthetician, Summer Alexander, that combines a beautiful blend of rose, rosemary, comfrey and lavender to help support circulation and detoxification of the skin. To create a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home, bring a pot of water to a boil, add a generous tablespoon of herbal blend to a wide bowl or pot and pour the warmed water over the herbs. Make a steam tent using a towel or flour sack, covering your head as you lean over the steaming bowl of herbs. Allow your pores to open, sebum will soften and a gentle perspiration will detox the skin.
Wildcare Soft Focus Coconut Milk Mask | California native Cortney Herrera began Wildcare with a dedication to create effective, holistic skincare based on the indigenous plant life in her landscape. We found love in this light and feathery mask that blends together white pearl powder, luscious coconut milk, pineapple extract and silky white kaolin clay. It's wonderfully nourishing for sensitive skin types and eases inflammation, reverses sun damage, rehydrates the skin and brightens complexion. For best use, spoon 1-2 teaspoons into a small bowl and combine with your favorite hydrosol for added nutrients, organic yogurt for increased moisture or simply pure water. Once your mask has reached its desired consistency, smooth on skin, relax for 15-20 minutes, then gently rinse with warm water.
Pan Natural Goods Yin Perfume Roller | Another preferred local product line by Suzy Brockmann, this essential oil-based perfume won't leave you with the headaches that most mass varieties seem to do these days. The ultra soothing and calming blend of lavender, sage and rose geranium is characterized by femininity and the womb, swaddling you in a comforting embrace. Keep this in your bag or summer tote for anytime use, as needed. Roll directly on pulse points, neck, pits or the soles of your feet at bedtime to help increase sleep quality.
Homestead Apothecary Rose Tincture | It's clear that we have a fixation with rose this season. This heart-opening tincture encourages a balanced emotional response to life's ups and downs while offering gentle cardiovascular support. A lovely addition after meals to help relieve occasional heartburn. We love adding this rose tincture to frothy coconut butter-based elixirs as well as summer cocktails and mocktails to stimulate a heart-opening, feel good experience.
Vitruvi Geranium Essential Oil | Vitruvi is a new line to the Boketto family and you'll often finding us diffusing a blend in their gorgeous ceramic oil diffusers. Uses of Geranium essential oil date back to ancient Egypt when Egyptians used Geranium oil to beautify skin and use as a natural perfume. For women especially, geranium has potent properties that support a healthy menstrual cycle. It gives off an uplifting floral, slightly minty aroma and pairs well with bergamot, cedarwood, lavender, lemon and orange.