Get Smokin’ Green-Hot For Summer

Somewhere lurking behind those squally thunderstorms, lashings of rain, hail and gale force winds, summer is looming. And now’s the time people start fretting over their summer look. Whether it’s your hair, your skin or your body everyone has their own plan of attack for the approaching sun-drenched weather.

I think it’s fair to say that most want to feel and look their best for summer. Hot weather means minimal clothing, which in turn means more exposed flesh. Not all of us can confidently strut in a sexy cut-away bikini, but thankfully there are loads of no-fuss, green actions you can take to make you look and feel like an eco-savvy swimsuit model in a flash!

Obviously there are varying degrees of green actions you can take – some requiring more effort than others. Looking beautiful doesn’t always come from products you put on your skin, it’s very much about how you feel and how you treat your body from the inside out. Exercise is a prime example. We all know that exercising releases endorphins (the body’s natural feel-good chemicals) which in turn make us feel more alert, happy and confident.

Around this time of the year most of us wake up from our Winter-induced exercise hibernation program with a profound amount of determination to get fit quickly. But just how do you green your workout and what beauty products can you bring into the mix to enhance how you look and feel?

GET AMONGST THE GREEN

The most obvious solution is to shift your exercise routine outdoors. Allowing your skin to breathe in fresh air is great for your general wellbeing and peace of mind. Keeping out of the gym by taking a walk is also an obvious power saver. But if you must go to the gym, try jogging or biking there and back, and think of it as a warm up and warm down.

SWEAT CONTROL

Once you have your green workout plan sorted it’s time to green the rest of your workout, namely your skin. Natural deodorants are a great place to start and offer an economical organic alternative to anti-perspirants. The Herb Farm Active Natural Deodorant ($10.20) is aluminium and paraben free, giving you peace of mind knowing you aren’t applying harmful chemicals to this sensitive area of the body.

FOR THE FACE

Before exercising remove all make-up with a gentle, soap-free cleanser such as Trilogy Balancing Gel Cleanser. When activated by water, this purifying cleanser transforms into a sleek, silky wash that frees skin from all impurities, neutralises hard water, proving that you can have super-clean skin, without stripping and dehydrating.

Once your skin is free of make-up and daily dirt build-up lather up with a natural SPF Sunscreen. Dr Hauschka SPF20 is a great organic sunscreen that’s also water resistant; a must for summer.

RIGHT HAIR, RIGHT NOW

Don’t forget your hair in summer, protection is just as important as your skin. Easy Green Living loves Giovanni Root 66 Shampoo and Conditioner. The whole Giovanni range is fantastic, but Root 66 Max Volume really does live up to it’s name and gives your hair weightless bounce after use. It also protects fine hair from damage while building body.

BEAUTY FROM WITHIN

What you put into your body is as important as what you put on your skin. During summer scour local farmer’s markets for the freshest, tastiest fruit and veges and ensure your body has the energy it needs to get through the day. Boosting your beauty from within is a great motto and one that Waihi Bush wholeheartedly believes in. If you want to boost your beauty from within, Waihi Bush Flax Boost is a great choice. Waihi Bush has uniquely blended Flax Boost with the goodness of pure, fresh, cold pressed flax seed oil enriched with blackcurrant seed and evening primrose oil. The combination of these ingredients boosts your body from within with a full range of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. Once your internal health is boosted, your external beauty is bound to shine.

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

Another great product to have in your bag for all exercise related activities is the fab new Trilogy Everything Balm, in a cute portable 45ml container ($20.90). If you don’t already know about Trilogy Everything Balm, you’re missing out. This precious pot of goodness treats, well, everything! From dry lips, scratches, blisters, mozzie bites and more. A great product to throw into your exercise bag and/or handbag! On the eve of the launch of Everything Balm’s smaller size the Guardian Newspaper beauty editor described it as “the ultimate multipurpose cream, up there with Elizabeth Arden’s 8 Hour Cream and Eve Lom’s TLC.” We’re already converts, now it’s your turn to discover it!

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STOCKIST DETAILS

Dr Hauschka: Selected pharmacies, department stores, health stores and beauty salons.
Waihi Bush: Visit www.waihibush.co.nz or call toll free on 0508 803 529.
Trilogy: Selected Farmers and department stores, health and organic stores and pharmacies nationwide.
Giovanni: Stocked in selected Farmers stores, heath and organic stores and hair salons nationwide.
The Herb Farm: Available through selected retailers and the website www.herbfarm.co.nz