Wellbeing Journal
MEET GEORGE THOMSON, OUR JURLIQUE ROSE BREEDER
It’s not every day you get your very own rose, a variety that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. But that’s exactly what we’ve got at Jurlique. In 2015, we decided we wanted something special to celebrate our 30th anniversary - something that would encapsulate who we are. It could only be one thing: a rose, arguably our most iconic ingredient. It couldn’t just be any old rose, though. Like Jurlique itself, this rose had to be unique. It had to be grown on our farm in the Adelaide Hills, and it had to be of the best possible quality. This is where George Thomson came in. A renowned rose breeder based in South Australia, George first bred this variety of rose in 2014. With a unique highly-perfumed scent, oil extract that’s super-hydrating, beautiful soft pink colour and large, abundant petals, we knew straight away that this rose was The One. It’s been growing exclusively on the Jurlique Farm ever since and you’ll now find Jurlique Rose extract in our Rosewater Balancing Mist and Moisture Plus Rare Rose collection. We sat down with George to find out more. George’s first brush with growing produce goes back to his childhood in north east Scotland, where his father bred potatoes. This sparked an interest in George that would lead to a lifetime of botany in various guises, first at the University of Dundee where he studied Botany and Chemistry, then to a stint at Kew Gardens in London, and then – after a brief hiatus which saw him spend three years in the British Army and SAS – in Australia, where his dedication to rose breeding began. The year was 1960 and for the next 20 years, George would breed roses, trying to sell his varieties to various companies, all while juggling his other job as a dairy farmer. “It was a struggle early on. From the 1960s to about 1980 nearly, I was on my own doing it”, says George. “But since about 1990 I’ve really come into my own.” The reason it took so long? “From the day you pollinate the flower until the day that you put the variety on the market, it takes about 10 years. You could die and eight years later you’re still bringing out new roses. Isn’t that wonderful?” There’s also the fact that Australian roses haven’t always had a great reputation. “Rose breeding in this country has been a real struggle because of the power invested in the importers. A lot of people think Australian bred roses are no good. Sadly, it’s a mentality thing and I find that very frustrating. In fact, there have been a couple of times when I really felt like throwing the towel in and doing something else. But then I thought, ‘well, so what? I’ll breed roses for myself’. George persevered and after decades of trying and pushing through the prejudice, became one of the most revered rose breeders in South Australia. And now, he says, his roses would outperform any that are imported into the country, thanks to them being specially bred for the heat and dry conditions. When it comes to breeding, George chooses the best female plants (the ones that produce the best seeds), a skill that he’s refined over the years. “Like all breeding, the female line is the most important. It’s not random by any means, what I do is known as line breeding. It’s quite easy to go astray because you’re using so many different varieties, so I keep records. “You’ve got to prepare the plants. You get the flower when it’s just starting to open, say just slightly above the bud stage. You then rip all the petals off and leave the stigma in the centre, which is the female part. About the same time, you take whatever pollen you want to use off a different variety, keep the stem end and put them in a dish at room temperature. After 24 hours it will drop pollen - you simply use your finger to dip in the pollen and put it on the female part you prepared the day before. “I don’t cover them or anything like that. Once you take the petals off, the bees aren’t interested, so you don’t get cross pollination. Roses also don’t pollinate through wind either, so it’s very accurate.” As for the Jurlique Rose, George says it took quite a bit of work (and luck) to get it to how it is today: a large, soft pink flower, with hardly any thorns - making it easier for our farm workers to handle - and the “most perfumed” rose he’s ever bred. The way that George has dedicated most of his life to breeding roses – despite the setbacks, despite the challenges, and despite, in his own words “not making a lot of money” (in fact, he donates a lot of his roses to charity) - is testament to his passion for the flower and a pure love for what he does. At 82, he’s “supposed to be retired” but will carry on breeding roses for as long as possible. And, of course, there’s the work he still does with Jurlique. Since the Jurlique Rose first arrived on our farm in 2015, he’s been educating our farm staff in pruning and feeding the roses, passing on his extensive knowledge so his passion can live on for generations to come. TAKE A MOMENT TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER
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Why You Should Be Using Face Oils in Your Skincare Routine
Face oils have been part of skincare rituals for centuries, and the ones we swear by at Jurlique HQ are no exception. A few drops of a high-performing oil can hydrate, smooth, and soften skin, help it feel more resilient, and leave you with a natural, lit-from-within glow. But they're also one of the most misunderstood products in skincare, often assumed to be heavy, pore-clogging, or only suited to dry skin. So what do face oils actually do, and are they good for the skin? Here's what to look for, who they're for, and how to bring one into your ritual for the most radiant results. What Are Face Oils? Face oils are concentrated skincare formulas built from botanical extracts, vitamins, and minerals. They come in two main forms: single oils that focus on one concern, and blends that combine several farm-grown ingredients to treat multiple concerns at once. All face oils rely on a carrier oil as their base. Safflower Oil, for example, is the carrier used across Jurlique's face oil range, gently carrying the active ingredients onto the skin and helping them absorb rather than evaporate away. What Are Face Oils Used For? Face oils are traditionally the final step in a skincare ritual. Rather than replacing your moisturiser, a well-formulated oil works alongside it, sealing in the hydration and active ingredients from the products applied beforehand while adding its own nourishing benefits on top. It's the step that helps a ritual hold together: everything from your essence to your serum tends to perform better, and last longer, once an oil has sealed it all in. Are Face Oils Good for the Skin? Busting the Biggest Myth The most common misconception about face oils is that they're only for dry skin, and that oily or acne-prone skin should steer clear altogether. In reality, skin produces its own natural oil (sebum), and when that balance is disrupted, whether by over-cleansing, harsh actives, or environmental stress, the skin barrier can become compromised, sometimes leading to more oil, not less. A lightweight, non-comedogenic face oil can actually help restore that balance rather than disrupt it, making oils a genuine option for oily and combination skin too, not just dry or mature complexions. Do Face Oils Work? Face Oil Benefits 1. Lasting Hydration. Oils help slow trans-epidermal water loss (the gradual process by which moisture escapes through the skin's surface), keeping skin plump and comfortable for longer. 2. Nourishment From Botanical Extracts. Many face oils are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and plant actives that support the skin's moisture barrier over time. Chia Seed, for example, has been shown in one clinical study to help reinforce the moisture barrier after 28 days of daily use¹. 3. Support for Tired, Ageing Skin. Blends built around adaptogenic herbs and antioxidant-rich botanicals are often used to help skin look fresher, brighter, and more even in tone, especially for complexions that feel dull or fatigued. 4. Visible Firming for Mature Skin. Ingredients like Rock Samphire extract, nicknamed the "Retinol of the sea," are prized for their ability to help firm skin and soften the appearance of lines and wrinkles, making them a popular addition to facial oils formulated for mature skin. 5. Balance for Oily and Combination Skin. Lightweight, fast-absorbing oils can help regulate the skin's own oil production, offering hydration without the heavy or greasy feeling often associated with richer formulas. 6. A Healthy, Natural Radiance. Because oils reflect light differently to water-based products, they leave skin looking dewy and luminous, often the finishing touch that makes a ritual feel complete. How to Choose a Face Oil for Your Skin Not all oils are created equal. Look for natural, high-quality plant-based oils that nourish the skin without clogging pores, and steer clear of synthetic or mineral oils, which tend to be comedogenic (a common cause of blackheads and congestion). Sensitive skin: Calendula Face Oil, for its soothing, farm-grown Calendula and Manuka Leaf blend Dull, tired, or early signs of ageing: Herbal Recovery Face Oil, clinically proven to unify the complexion and improve brightness², while also revealing a fresher, clearer complexion³. In consumer trials, 91% described the texture as lightweight and fast-absorbing⁴ Mature skin: Purely Age-Defying Firming Face Oil, clinically proven to improve skin moisture by 34%⁵, smoothness by 26%⁶, and firmness by 18%⁷ over 28 days, while helping to reduce the visible appearance of wrinkles⁸. It's also been tested on skin prone to burning, stinging, redness, and dryness, making it a considered option for more reactive skin too⁹ Dehydrated skin can often present as oily or breakout-prone, as skin overcompensates for lost moisture. Lightweight, fast-absorbing oils deliver hydration without the heavy or greasy feeling often associated with richer formulas. How to Layer a Face Oil Into Your Ritual 1. Prep the skin. Cleanse with a gentle formula from our cleansers collection to remove impurities without stripping moisture. 2. Hydrate first. Follow with the Activating Water Essence+, which softens the skin and delivers continuous hydration, helping the active ingredients that follow absorb more effectively. 3. Treat. Apply your serum or targeted treatment. 4. Moisturise, if needed. Depending on your skin type and the season, layer a moisturiser over or under your oil. 5. Seal with oil. Warm two to three drops of your face oil between your palms and press gently into the skin. This helps it absorb evenly and brings out its natural glow. Face oils can be used morning and night. If you're applying in the morning, give the oil a moment to settle before makeup or SPF. Explore Jurlique's face oil range to find the formula that suits your skin, browse our full face care collection, or get in touch for personalised advice. FAQs When should you use face oils? As the final step in your ritual, after cleansing, essence, and serum, to lock in hydration and everything applied beforehand. Is it okay to use face oil every day? Yes. Used daily, a lightweight facial oil helps maintain balance and hydration, and most formulas absorb quickly with no greasy residue. Are face oils actually good for your skin? Yes. A well-formulated oil can nourish, hydrate, and support the skin barrier across most skin types, including oily and combination skin, when the right formula is chosen. What oils should you avoid on your face? Heavier, synthetic, or mineral oils can be comedogenic and lead to congestion or shine. Opt for lightweight, naturally derived, non-comedogenic formulas instead. Should I apply face oil in the morning or at night? Either works. Many prefer evenings to avoid interference with makeup or SPF, though morning application is fine if you allow the oil to settle first. ¹ Clinical study of 15 subjects using an emulsion with Chia Seed oil daily for 28 days. ² Based on a clinical evaluation of the complexion of 30 subjects using the product twice daily for 56 days. ³ Based on a clinical evaluation of the complexion of 33 subjects using the product twice daily for 28 days. ⁴ Based on a self-assessment questionnaire of 55 subjects, 30 minutes after a single application. ⁵ Based on corneometry measurements on 30 subjects using Purely Age-Defying Face Oil for 28 days. ⁶ Based on the smoothness parameter using image analysis on 30 subjects using Purely Age-Defying Face Oil for 28 days. ⁷ Based on cutometry measurements on 30 subjects using Purely Age-Defying Face Oil for 28 days. ⁸ Based on the volume of nasolabial folds on 30 subjects using Purely Age-Defying Face Oil for 28 days. ⁹ Based on a study on 30 subjects with skin prone to burning, stinging, redness, and dryness using Purely Age-Defying Face Oil for 28 days.
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8 WAYS TO LIVE MORE SUSTAINABLY
It’s no secret that we’re in the middle of a climate crisis but with the likes of Greta Thunberg and other climate activists advocating more sustainable living, our collective eco-consciousness is also greater than ever. And living a more sustainable life is easier than you think – with just a little effort and a few small changes, you can create an eco-friendly home and help do your bit for the environment. Here are eight simple ways to go green at home. 1. CONSERVE ENERGY This is an easy one to do, and all it requires is a change in habit. Our top energy conservation tips include turning off lights and appliances whenever you’re not using them, hanging your clothes to dry rather than using a tumble dryer, and reducing your use of air conditioning. 2. EAT LOCAL Importing food may offer more variety but it also means greater air travel and therefore, greater air pollution. Eat locally-sourced produce when you can – it hasn’t travelled as far, plus it supports local farmers and producers. 3. BE WATER-WISE Droughts happen all over the world and are especially frequent in hotter climates. Save water by installing water-efficient showerheads, taking shorter showers and waiting until you have a full load of washing before using the washing machine. If you have plants or a garden, collect rainwater to water them, rather than using a tap. 4. SAY NO TO SINGLE-USE PLASTIC According to WWF, the average Australian uses 130kg of plastic a year – and up to 130,000 tonnes of plastic makes its way into our waterways and oceans. Ditch disposable and single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery, bags and bottles and swap them for reusable alternatives. Once you get in the habit, you’ll soon be reducing your plastic use in no time. 5. USE REUSABLE CLOTHS We’re all guilty of using paper towels and cotton pads in the home but after one use, they go straight in the bin. Switch to reusable household cloths instead and use reusable pads or muslin cloths to remove your make up, washing them whenever you need to. 6. RECYCLE Paper, glass and metal can all be recycled so rather than sending your used goods straight to your waste bin, put them in the recycling instead (if you’re unsure and want to know what packaging is recyclable, check with your local council). Most Jurlique packaging is recyclable and we’ve partnered with TerraCycle to make it easy - when your product is finished, simply drop it off at a participating boutique, or send it for free via Australia Post. Find out more here. 7. USE ESSENTIAL OILS TO CLEAN Typically, cleaning products can be toxic and harmful to the environment. Not only are essential oils great for diffusing and creating a peaceful atmosphere at home but they’re a great chemical-free alternative for cleaning, too. Lavender Oil can be used to freshen up clothes and bed linen, too. Rather than using a scented fabric softener, add a teaspoon to the wash for fresh, naturally scented fabrics. 8. GROW YOUR OWN HERBS Herbs are easy to grow (and maintain) at home, even if you don’t have a garden. Start off with planting pre-potted herbs for ease and make sure you keep them somewhere that has drainage (if not, they’ll drown), like a window box with a reservoir at the bottom. Water them every day and keep them well trimmed. If you’re new to growing, woody herbs like thyme, rosemary and sage are more resilient than others so generally last longer and survive hot and cold locations well. TAKE A MOMENT TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER
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How To Get Rid Of Tired-Looking Eyes
Do you have dry, dark or puffy eyes? You’re not alone. The skin surrounding our eyes is delicate, so tired-looking eyes can be caused by more than a lack of sleep.Common symptoms of eye fatigue can appear due to lifestyle factors, screen use, crying or changes in routine. If your eyes look less refreshed, there are simple ways to revive the area and support a brighter, more awakened appearance. Apply a specialised eye cream Eye care is formulated for the unique needs of the eye area, so choose a texture that feels comfortable and supports the way your skin looks and feels. Lightweight creams, cooling roll-ons and richer balms can all help soften signs of tiredness and nourish this delicate area. Explore our eye care collection here. • Herbal Recovery Eye Cream A lightweight cream that cushions the eye area with soft hydration. It’s suitable for daily use when the skin around the eyes feels tired or in need of gentle replenishment. Its smooth texture layers easily under makeup or blends seamlessly into a calming evening ritual. • Herbal Recovery Eye Oil Roll-On A cooling roll-on oil ideal for moments when your eyes feel fatigued from screen time or long days. The metal applicator provides a refreshing touch as it glides under the eye, offering a soothing sensorial experience that helps the area feel revived. • Nutri-Define Eye Balm A rich, velvety balm suited to evenings or when the eye area feels particularly dry or in need of extra comfort. This nourishing texture softens the skin’s surface and brings a sense of replenishment, making it a gentle choice for more mature or tired-feeling skin. Puffiness and dark circles Puffiness often appears after crying, lack of sleep or fluid retention, while dark circles can be influenced by lifestyle, genetics or eye strain. To reduce the look of puffiness or darkness, apply something cool to the area, take regular breaks from screens and gently massage from the inner to outer corners to support fluid movement. Dehydration and fine lines Fine lines can become more noticeable when the skin around the eyes feels dry or fatigued. Keeping the area well moisturised helps soften the appearance of these lines and supports a smoother, more comfortable look. Choose a nourishing eye cream or balm that feels soothing and replenishing. Deep wrinkles and signs of ageing For skin that feels mature or tired, a richer eye treatment can help improve comfort and smoothness. Look for textures that cushion the skin and help soften the appearance of deeper lines. Discoloration and dark circles Discolouration or dark circles can stem from fatigue, screen use or natural pigmentation. A brightening eye cream, regular rest and hydration can all help reduce their visibility and support a more even-looking eye area. Refresh your eyes with eyedrops We’re all guilty of spending too much time in front of screens and digital devices, and this can contribute to tired-looking eyes. To balance this, follow the 20–20–20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If recommended by your optometrist, lubricating eye drops can help provide comfort. Reduce Puffiness To reduce puffiness quickly, apply a cool compress, chilled spoons or a cooling roll-on. A gentle massage can help disperse retained fluid and revive the appearance of tired eyes. Switch up your diet What we eat can influence the way our eye area looks and feels. Vitamin C-rich foods (citrus, berries, broccoli and leafy greens) support brightness, while antioxidant-rich ingredients help support a vibrant-looking complexion. Yellow and orange vegetables can also help maintain overall skin vitality. Limiting alcohol and salty foods may help reduce temporary puffiness. Need Personal Guidance? If you’d like help choosing an eye treatment or understanding your skin’s needs, our team is here to assist, contact us. FAQs How do you get rid of tired-looking eyes? Use a hydrating eye cream, apply something cool to reduce puffiness, take screen breaks and ensure you’re well rested. Why do my eyes look very tired? Fatigue, screen time, crying, fluid retention, reduced sleep and natural pigmentation can all make the eye area appear tired. What is the best vitamin for tired eyes? Vitamin C and antioxidant-rich foods support the appearance of brightness and overall skin vitality around the eyes. How to make sleepy eyes attractive? Hydrate the eye area, use a soft brightening cream, curl lashes if you wear makeup and apply a cool compress to refresh the look of the eyes. Why won't my tired eyes go away? Persistent tiredness can be influenced by lifestyle, screen habits, sleep quality or natural pigmentation. Adjusting daily routines may help refresh their appearance. How do I make my eyes not look so old? Keep the area well moisturised, use a nourishing eye cream or balm and apply gentle massage to soften the look of fine lines. What to eat for healthy eyes? Foods rich in vitamin C, leafy greens, berries and yellow or orange vegetables help support overall skin vitality around the eyes. How to increase oxygen to the eyes? Take regular breaks from screens, blink often and spend time looking into the distance to give the eye area a moment of rest.
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9 STEPS TO BECOMING THE HEALTHIEST VERSION OF YOURSELF
Health is holistic. It’s about finding balance, looking after your mind, body and soul, and looking beyond the superficial stuff to treat yourself with love and respect. From health and exercise tips to our go-to healthy mental health habits, here are our tips on becoming the healthiest version of yourself.MOVE EVERY DAYWe all know that exercise is good for us. It helps to keep your heart and skin healthy, can reduce the risk of disease and boosts your endorphins and energy, so it can be a real mood lifter. The great thing about exercise is you don’t need to overdo it to reap the benefits – just 30 minutes a day of walking, yoga or more high-intensity exercise like strength training or spinning will be enough.EAT WELLBeing healthy doesn’t mean dieting or cutting out any food groups. Fuel your body with wholefoods and enjoy all the macronutrients – carbs are our body’s chief source of energy (go for brown rice and quinoa), protein (which you’ll find in eggs, almonds and broccoli) helps with energy, brain function and muscle repair, and healthy fats (avocados, cheese and nuts are all good sources) keep us feeling fuller for longer.GET 20 MINUTES OF SUNSHINE A DAYVitamin D is a natural serotonin (or ‘happy hormone’) booster. Try to get outside for at least 20 minutes a day for your daily sun exposure, whether that’s walking to work or getting off the bus early, going for a walk around the block during lunch or joining an outdoor exercise class.BE MORE MINDFULWith technology an almost-unnoticeable reality of our everyday lives, we can get sucked into being on our phones at any free moment. Try to live in the present as much as possible, which means putting your phone out of sight while you’re with family or friends (social media and emails can wait). If you’re in need of a refresher, spritz on a face mist. Close your eyes, spray our Lavender Hydrating Mist over your face and breathe deeply.MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITYWe all know how much better we feel after a good night’s sleep – energised, clear-headed and ready to tackle the day. Aim to get eight hours’ of sleep a night and establish a nighttime routine to get your mind ready for bed. Switch your tech devices off at least one hour before you go to sleep (leave them in another room if you can so you’re not tempted to reach for them in the middle of the night) and diffuse an oil like our Tranquil Blend Essential Oil in your bedroom to create a relaxing atmosphere.ADD SELF-CARE RITUALS TO YOUR DAYWe live in a fast-paced, demanding world, so it’s important to set aside at least 10 minutes a day for yourself. Try different forms of self-care to find what works for you as a relaxing ritual – this could be going for a short walk, a yoga class, meditation or soaking in the bath. Take your self-care one step further by creating your own spa day at home or book in for a treatment at one of our spas.Health can mean different things to different people but you’re the healthiest version of yourself when you’re happy, grounded and well-rested. Shop our range of aromatherapy and natural-based skin care products to calm the mind and soothe the soul.
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ANTI-AGEING SKIN CARE
It’s never too early to start taking care of your skin. Whether you’re in the prevention-is-better-than-cure stage or your skin is ready for a helping hand, it’s worth adding anti-ageing products to your ritual. Think of them as skin care saviours, made to soften and smooth your skin, leaving it more supple. Our experts explain the process and give us their anti-ageing beauty secrets – from the best anti-ageing products to use, to daily anti-ageing lifestyle tips. HOW DOES SKIN AGE?It’s no secret that the appearance and texture of skin changes over time. It’s a natural process that begins in your mid-20s, when our collagen and elastin production declines, but environmental aggressors such as stress, pollution, dehydration, poor diet and lack of sleep can accelerate it. And, of course, there’s sun exposure, which is one of (if not the) greatest cause of premature ageing. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING ANTI-AGEING SKIN CARE?While we’re all for embracing natural beauty at any age, anti-ageing skin care products can help combat the signs of ageing and keep your skin feeling soft and supple and looking heathy. These specially-formulated products work to stimulate collagen production (skin’s natural filler) and restore elastin, which gives skin its flexibility. Anti-ageing products also deliver antioxidants, such as vitamins A and C, to the skin, which help to protect it from environmental stressors. They also contain Glycolic acid – a natural acid which helps to resurface and regenerate skin, improving its tone and texture. CHOOSING AN ANTI-AGEING SKIN CARE RITUAL THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUUse targeted, active products that address the signs of ageing, like lines, wrinkles, dehydration and a loss of firmness and definition. When it comes to an anti-ageing routine, serum and eye creams are vital additions. But we need different anti-ageing products at different stages of our lives – someone in their late 20s witnessing their first signs of ageing will need products that have different formulas and benefits to someone in their late 50s who has advanced signs of ageing, so choose your ritual carefully.FIRST SIGNS OF AGEINGThe first signs of ageing are typically dullness, dryness, fatigue and fine lines, which start to appear in your late 20s and 30s. We recommend using our Herbal Recovery skin care range at this stage, which is packed with Viola Tricolor, Yarrow and Cedar Bud extracts to help hydrate skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.VISIBLE AND ADVANCED SIGNS OF AGEINGIt’s in our 40s that we tend to see fine lines, loss of elasticity, irregular texture and uneven skin tone, and our 50s when deep-set wrinkles, age spots and discolouration start to appear. At this stage, we recommend using our Nutri-Define range. Containing active ingredients such as Horseradish Root and Peppermint Leaf extracts, Nutri-Define effectively targets advanced signs of ageing such as sagging skin, deep lines and wrinkles. No matter what your anti-ageing skin care ritual, always remember to apply your skin care to your neck and décolletage and exfoliate a couple of times a week to refine and repair skin. DON’T FORGET YOUR HANDSLike the skin on our face, our hands are one of the first places to show signs of ageing and need extra care than the skin on our body. Air conditioning, extreme weather conditions, pollutants and sun exposure can affect the look and feel of skin on the hands, so apply a rich and nourishing hand creams regularly throughout the day. BE DILIGENT WITH SPFSun has damaging effects on the skin so it’s essential to use an SPF every day, even in winter or when it’s overcast. At Jurlique, we’re yet to find a sunscreen formula that we’re happy with so while we wait, choose your favourite to end your skin care ritual with. Wear sunglasses and a hat to avoid squinting, which can cause crow’s feet and lines to form.Of course, anti-ageing isn’t just about skin care but your lifestyle, too. Cutting down on sugar, getting eight hours’ of sleep a night, eating anti-ageing foods (those rich in omega-3s) and drinking at least 2L of water a day all help to keep the ageing process at bay.Shop our Herbal Recovery range and Nutri-Define range for our natural-based anti-ageing skin care products.
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9 WAYS TO USE LESS PLASTIC
It’s no secret that we all consume a large amount of plastic – a lot of which is single-use. Although convenient and readily-available, this reliance on plastic is harmful to our land, plants and wildlife. A 2016 study found that 32% of the 78 million tons of plastic packaging produced every year goes into our oceans; the equivalent of pouring one rubbish truck of plastic into the ocean every minute. We can all do our bit to reduce the amount of plastic we use and throw away, just by changing a few habits - here are 9 easy tips to use less plastic.USE REUSABLE STRAWSDid you know that half a billion straws are used every day around the world? Refuse them altogether or swap disposable plastic for stainless steel or bamboo straws that can be washed and re-used instead.USE REUSABLE GROCERY BAGSApproximately one trillion single-use grocery bags are used around the globe every year (that’s almost two million every minute). Invest in sturdy, non-plastic bags to hold your shopping that you’ll use again and again. TAKE YOUR OWN CONTAINERSDo you buy take-away lunch at work, university or when you’re out and about? Take your own stainless-steel container with you and ask them to use that instead of the disposable containers cafes tend to use.SAY NO TO DISPOSABLE COFFEE CUPSIt seems we’re a world obsessed with coffee – we use 16 billion disposable coffee cups each year. But they’re coated with plastic to laminate the inside, which means they can’t be recycled, plus they all come with plastic lids. Buy a reusable cup that you can keep in your bag or on your desk for whenever you need it.BUY A REUSABLE BOTTLEPlastic bottles play a huge part in our overall plastic waste, with more than 480 billion plastic bottles sold worldwide in 2016. Cut down on your contribution by buying a reusable glass or stainless-steel bottle you can refill.USE BEESWAX FOOD WRAPSDo you use cling film to cover your leftovers? Once used, it goes straight to landfill. Beeswax wraps make a great alternative – they’re easily mouldable meaning you can use them on different bowls and jars and can be rinsed clean and used again. Good Housekeeping has a good DIY to make your own beeswax wraps.FIND YOUR NEAREST BULK FOOD STOREEver walk into a supermarket and feel overwhelmed by all the plastic packaging used to store food? Find a store that sells loose fruit and vegetables, or a bulk food store that allows you to take your own containers to stock up on dried goods like grains, pasta, nuts and seeds.CHOOSE PLASTIC-FREE CHEWING GUMSynthetic plastic is used to create chewing gum, which is what makes it so ‘chewy’. It’s also water-insoluble, making it difficult to break down – bad news for our environment (and bad news for those who use it on a regular basis). Try swapping to a plastic-free chewing gum to reduce your plastic waste.SWAP YOUR PLASTIC TOOTHBRUSHAccording to HuffPost UK, it can take hundreds of years for a plastic toothbrush to break down – so imagine how much plastic we’re adding to the environment if we all change our toothbrush every few months? Seek out an alternative, like a bamboo toothbrush, which takes around six months to fully compost. At Jurlique, we’re committed to doing our bit for the environment too. Discover how by reading about our sustainability initiatives.
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4 WAYS FOR NATURALLY FIRMER SKIN
Beauty is an evolution and oftentimes, changes like sagging skin and a loss of elasticity are so subtle, you don’t even see them occurring. When you do, it might be to notice that wrinkles appear deeper, your skin looks less supple, or that it’s lost some of the plump springiness that it once had. These visible signs of ageing result from a combination of both intrinsic factors (that is, genetically inherited changes to the skin), and extrinsic factors (known aggressors like UV damage, pollution, stress and diet), both of which impact on the skin’s levels of collagen. If your goal is firmer, more supple skin, these four tips will set you in the right direction.PRACTICE SUN SAFETYIt’s long been known that sun exposure without adequate protection is the number-one extrinsic factor in skin ageing, resulting in fine lines, age spots and pigmentation. However new research published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology suggests that UV damage may also be responsible for sagging skin and an overall loss of volume in the face. What’s more, this can be seen far earlier in women who are regularly in the sun. In a study of more than 3000 women from Australia, the US, UK, and Canada, the authors found that Australian women – who typically have higher levels of UV exposure – showed the signs of ageing up to 20 years earlier than their counterparts in the Northern Hemisphere. So to keep skin looking smoother and firmer for longer, be sure to apply a high-level SPF every single day.CUT DOWN ON SUGARA diet that’s too high in sugar can dehydrate the skin, making it look less supple and causing lines and wrinkles to appear more prominent. More seriously, sugar also accelerates skin-sagging through a process called glycation. Once consumed, the sugar molecules attach themselves to other molecules in the body – including essential skin-building proteins like collagen – causing them to harden and become stiff. This impacts on the elasticity and firmness of our skin, and compromises its natural bounce.MAINTAIN A STABLE WEIGHTRapid changes or fluctuations in weight can stretch the skin. As we age, it loses its ability to snap back into place, leaving it looking looser and less supple, with lines and wrinkles appearing more pronounced. Maintaining a consistent, stable weight is far kinder to the skin and helps keep sagging at bay for longer.COMMIT TO A TARGETED SKIN RITUALThe advanced signs of ageing, like deep lines and wrinkles, sagging and a loss of definition, can be effectively addressed with the right skin care ritual, such as Nutri-Define. As our most advanced anti-ageing offering, it relies on specific and targeted active ingredients to soften the look of deep wrinkles and help skin feel more supple. These include Horseradish Root Extract, known to improve firmness, and Glycogen to help boost skin’s natural defences. After using Nutri-Define Eye Contour Balm for eight weeks, 94% of women noticed their eye contour area was visibly smoother and more defined*.*Source: Based on a survey of 57 subjects aged 45-65 after 8 weeks of using Nutri-Define Eye Contour Balm.
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5 WAYS TO COMBAT STRESSED-OUT SKIN
We can all remember times when we’ve been going through a stressful patch and we’ve seen the direct effects on our skin. Skin conditions caused by stress and anxiety can include dryness, irritation and blotchiness, and stress can also exacerbate any existing skin conditions you’re dealing with, such as sensitivity. To stop the signs of stress from showing up in your skin, take on these five tips.SET ASIDE SOME ME-TIME EVERY DAYStress can manifest in different ways: feeling tired or anxious, losing appetite and finding it hard to concentrate. When you’re busy and feeling stressed, it can be hard to pin down what’s triggering that stress but luckily, it can be managed. Dedicate some time to yourself each day (even if it’s just 10 minutes) and do what makes you happy – reading a book, going for a walk, writing in a journal or going to a yoga class. We like taking a moment and spraying our faces with our Rosewater Balancing Mist throughout the day as a quick calming tactic. Take a look at our guide to self-care rituals for more stress management tips.MAINTAIN YOUR SKINWhen we’re feeling tired and stressed, we tend to neglect looking after ourselves properly, whether that’s getting enough exercise, eating well or following our skin care ritual. Ensure you take the time to stick to your normal routine and treat your skin to natural, nourishing products, using this moment to slow down and use it as a form of self-care.APPLY A FACE MASKFace masks are highly concentrated and are formulated to tackle different skin concerns, such as sensitivity, dryness or dullness, making them a great skin care product when your skin is looking less than its best. Masks are also a good way to pamper yourself and relax for 10-15 minutes while they work their magic. Discover which mask is right for you with our guide to face masks.INCREASE YOUR WHOLEFOODS INTAKEYour diet plays a huge part in your skin health. Wholefoods (foods as close to their natural state as possible) can help to combat stressed-out skin - in particular, fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and wholegrains. When you’re feeling stressed (and seeing the effects on your skin), try and avoid processed foods as much as possible, as well as sugar and alcohol, which can have negative impacts on the skin.MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITYAim to get eight hours’ of sleep a night so you’re feeling fully rested and recharged. If you struggle to fall asleep, try diffusing an essential oil such as our Comforting Blend Essential Oil and remove all tech devices from your bedroom to avoid distractions. For more tips, read our guide to getting a good nights' sleep.We all have moments of stress but it’s important to look after yourself as much as possible during these times. Support your skin and prevent a stressed-put complexion by shopping our full skin care range here.
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