Last week our founder Nicky was featured in New Zealand's Woman's Day. The article touches on the reason why Nicky started a natural beauty line to fix her own health issues.
As a suffer of endometriosis, Nicky was constantly researching ways to help her health and after discovering that some ingredients in beauty products increase the body's toxic load that can actually make endometriosis worse she started to make her own natural, safe body products. She was also keen to find a solution to help eczema flare-ups for her and her daughters.
Having been a DIY queen from the age of 7 when she 'borrowed' her Dad's ties to make a skirt, Nicky has also run a jewellery making business in London and a cake-pop company in Melbourne. She knew she could make beauty products that were 100% natural and toxin-free but also sustainable and not tested on animals.
A first attempt, a deodorant, won approval from her daughter's school friends who asked what perfume they were wearing. The girls told them "it wasn't perfume but my Mum's natural deodorant" and they all asked for one. This grew to supplying family and friends and in 2017, Raw Nature was born.
Most of the products came about because of personal need and a year after staring the business Nicky could barely keep up with demand of making the products in her kitchen. What began with a few selected stores around New Zealand has now expanded to more than 200 outlets, including Farmers Department Stores and Healthpost. Nicky's natural deodorants, lip balms, perfume, moisturisers and dry shampoo are also stocked by 250 outlets across Australia, as well as in Hong Kong, Thailand, the UK and the Netherlands.
All the products are now produced by an outsourced Auckland facility that uses essential oils from around the globe. Nicky is proud hers is one of the few companies to use New Zealand manuka oil.
Her reward for all the late nights has been more than 50 international awards. "But the biggest reward is how these products have improved our own lives and our customers. "Both the girls and I no longer suffer from eczema, and we feel so much healthier, having reduced the amount of toxins we're absorbing into our bodies".
The product Nicky credits helping her eczema flare-ups is the solid moisturiser. Eczema can be the body's way of saying something else is going on internally which needs to be addressed but the itch from the rashes can be very uncomfortable or painful. The solid moisturiser is deeply nourishing to the skin and doesn't wash off like a water based cream, leaving the skin hydrated for up to 12 hours. Used daily this can really help calm the skin.
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It may be more convenient (and sometimes cheaper) to buy your lip balm at the supermarket it is also equally important to check out the ingredients. Many commercial lip balms contain low quality ingredients such as synthetic fragrances, artificial colours, preservatives, and petroleum-based ingredients.
These toxic ingredients may provide short-term relief, but prolonged use can be counterproductive with many making your lips even drier. Natural lip balms, on the other hand, harness the power of plant-based ingredients, essential oils, and plant based waxes to provide deep hydration and nourishment without exposing your lips to harmful chemicals.
Natural lip balms are known for their gentle and nourishing qualities. They are typically formulated with ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, vegan wax, and natural oils such as coconut, almond, or jojoba oil. These ingredients work together to deeply moisturise the lips, creating a protective barrier against harsh weather conditions, dryness, and chapping. The presence of natural antioxidants and vitamins in these lip balms can also help repair and rejuvenate the delicate skin on your lips, leaving them soft, supple, and healthy.
The nourishing ingredients in natural lip balms can help prevent and heal cracked or damaged lips, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritation caused by environmental factors or allergies. This comprehensive care ensures that your lips remain healthy and beautiful, rather than solely relying on temporary relief.
Choosing a natural lip balms aligns with a more sustainable and eco-conscious lifestyle. Commercial lip balms often come in plastic packaging that contributes to environmental pollution and waste. On the other hand, natural lip balms are often packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials, reducing their environmental footprint. By opting for natural lip balms, you can make a small but significant contribution to the well-being of our planet.
When it comes to lip care, the benefits of of our natural lip balms are hard to ignore. By opting for a natural alternative, you're not only choosing gentle and nourishing ingredients for your lips but also promoting sustainability and reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Our top tip - liberally apply Raw Nature lip balm before going to sleep. Many people sleep with their mounts open, causing the lips to dry out. Try it out before going to sleep and wake up with softer, healthier lips.
]]>With so many skincare products flooding the market, it can be difficult to determine which ingredients are best for your skin.
But one ingredient that has been gaining popularity over the years is coconut oil.
Coconut oil is a natural, plant-based oil that is packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins that can help improve the health and appearance of your skin.
Here are some of the benefits of using coconut oil on your skin:
Additionally, coconut oil is packed with antioxidants that help to protect your skin from environmental damage like sun exposure and pollution.
Coconut oil is also an anti-inflammatory, which means it can help reduce redness, irritation, and swelling. It can be used to soothe dry, itchy skin and help to reduce the appearance of acne. Coconut oil can also help to heal wounds and reduce scarring.
Coconut oil is also antibacterial and antifungal, meaning it can help to fight off bacteria and fungus that can cause skin infections. It can be used to treat conditions like athlete’s foot and ringworm.
Packed with essential fatty acids that help to nourish and protect the skin, these fatty acids help to keep the skin soft and supple, and can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite.
Finally, coconut oil can be used as a natural sunscreen. It is known to have a natural SPF of 4-5, which can help to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
These are just a few of the many benefits of using coconut oil on your skin. It is an all-natural, plant-based oil that is packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help to improve the health and appearance of your skin which is why here at Raw Nature we love to use coconut oil in our deodorants, solid moisturisers and bug balm.
Whether you are looking to moisturise, reduce redness, fight off bacteria and fungus, or protect your skin from the sun, coconut oil can be an excellent addition to your skincare routine.
]]>Here at the Raw Nature HQ we’re all about safe, powerful, plant-based products that are kind on your body and the planet…
So it was SO exciting when we were awarded Safe Cosmetics Australia’s NetZero Certified™ tick of approval for sustainable cosmetics!
This means that we’ve done our part in sourcing ethical ingredients, biodegradable & recyclable packaging, as well as avoiding plastic & toxic chemicals that pollute the environment, and we’ve been able to prove that beauty doesn’t have to cost the earth - or your health.
So if 2023 will be your year to turn over a new (sustainable) leaf and only using all-natural skincare products, start right here with us. These are our picks for creating the ultimate clean skincare regime:
NATURAL DEODORANT
This is the key to staying confident and fresh all day long - naturally - with our aluminum-free deodorant. Its powerful key ingredients work to prevent odor and reduce sweating. This is not an antiperspirant and it won't block your sweat glands!
“Will my body adjust to natural deodorant and how long will it take?”, you ask?
Here's what to expect when you first transition:
Week 1: At first it all goes well.
Week 2: Armpit bacteria begins to change, you may notice armpit odor. Most people give up at this stage thinking it isn't working for them. But be patient.
Week 3: Armpit bacteria begins to re-balance.
Week 4: You should have fully adjusted now.
SOLID MOISTURISER
Raw Nature’s Solid Moisturiser is formulated with nourishing mango butter and organic sunflower oil to create a body butter that's easy to use and smells delicious!
So you can expect all of these benefits - and then some…:
These benefits apply not only to our Solid Moisturiser but to ALL Raw Nature products!
OUTDOOR BODY BALM
For the outdoor adventurers, try our award winning outdoor balm: made with a heavenly combination of citronella, rosemary and cedarwood essential oils, it’ll keep creepy crawlies at bay.
Here are some tips for when you get started:
NATURAL PERFUME + COLOGNE
Our Natural perfume is beauty and wellness in one. Hand poured and blended, our all-natural solid perfumes deliver a gorgeous burst of scent.
Made locally in New Zealand (of course) with all natural essential oils.
All you have to do is apply it liberally to your pulse points; neck, temple, wrist, elbows, and even behind the knees. And what's more, each tube gives you between 300-400 applications!
It fits easily in your purse or pocket, so grab it and reapply as needed throughout the day.
Now go on, give you skin the natural love it deserves!
]]>Over the last few years - certainly within the skincare industry - we have seen a massive shift towards products using more natural ingredients and packaging becoming more eco-friendly.
As soon as consumers see the words “green”, “eco-friendly” or “natural” on packaging, the assumption is that the packaging is sustainable. But do consumers really know what these words mean and where to safely and responsibly dispose of recyclable, biodegradable or compostable packaging?
Here are some of the more sustainable options - and your impact on their viability.
RECYCLING
Of course, packaging that can be recycled is better than packaging that can only end up in a landfill. If packaging is recyclable, problems can arise when it’s mixed with other materials that aren’t, essentially becoming a mixed material if not cleaned properly prior to being recycled or if it’s made of a material not widely recycled. If you’re considering using skincare products that claim to come in recyclable packaging, opt for products in widely recyclable packaging.
COMPOSTABLE / BIODEGRADABLE
If packaging is compostable it is also biodegradable, but if packaging is biodegradable, it might not be compostable. Yes, these terms both mean that the packaging can break down - but in different ways. For packaging to be classified as compostable, it must decompose at the same rate as organic matter, which is around 3 to 6 months. It also requires a specific setting in order to break down. If packaging is biodegradable, it will be able to break down, but it may contaminate the soil and, quite possibly, can take as long as traditional plastics to break down.
Here at Raw Nature, our products are packaged in biodegradable and home compostable packaging. We stripped our packaging down so that only the essentials remained and then we made sure those essentials were compostable.
So, when you purchase products from us, you can rest assured that you’re getting Nature’s ingredients, wrapped in Nature’s packaging. And, to top it off, with every product you purchase we plant a tree with Ecologi.
Yep, we’re always taking it one step further because that’s how much we care not only about you, but about our planet.
Browse our range of natural products – in natural packaging – right here.
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Before you pin all the blame on genetics, your physiology or even the environment, look at what’s lurking in your wardrobe…
Synthetic clothing made from man-made, chemically-formulated fabrics such as rayon, polyester, or nylon can have a significant impact on armpit fragrance than clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, bamboo, wool, and silk.
Although synthetic fibres offer enhanced durability, resistance and moisture wicking, they also trap sweat and bacteria between the fibres. Thanks to their breathability, natural fibres allow sweat and bacteria to evaporate rather than cling to your clothing or skin.
Outside of wearing all-natural fibres, how else can you stay fresher for longer? Here are some ideas:
Having body odour can be quite debilitating, thankfully our range of natural deodorants is effective at keeping skin healthy and odours at bay: check out our natural award-winning products right here.
]]>What is Mānuka Oil?
Derived from the Mānuka plant, which is native to New Zealand, it is an ultra-concentrated plant essential oil. Small branches are chopped and soaked then extracted via steam distillation. It is best known for its active ingredient Leptospermone.
So why is it so powerful?
Here’s a look at our earth-friendly credentials - this is how we’re walking the talk:
Compostable Packaging
Raw Nature’s product packaging is 100% compostable, we cut out all the wasteful elements while still keeping our packaging appealing and functional!
When we created our cardboard packaging, we asked ourselves: are there elements in our packaging that don't serve a purpose? Is every element recyclable? If it was a no - it had to go. We stripped out all the bells and whistles and went back to sustainable basics.
100% Cardboard
Our packaging is also made from 100% cardboard - designed by Mother Nature herself!
Gentle on the Earth
We love New Zealand so we’re always striving to make it a better place - and what better way to show our love than to create a product that is gentle on her resources! Producing a locally sourced and crafted skincare range is the very definition of sustainability.
You do good with every product you buy from us:
But the ultimate impact by far is gifting yourself happy, healthy skin - naturally!
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Those who have been following our journey for a while, know that our mission is not only to bring our community clean, vegan, cruelty-free skincare but to be extra kind to our planet.
So from now on, with every product you purchase we plant a tree with Ecologi, and because of this, we’ve been able to extend what we do here at Raw Nature to empower every single one of us to take on the climate crisis.
We love that they believe in collective action and the fact that their plan is to reduce half the world’s emissions by 2040! How good?
So what is collective action:
The global challenges that surround us, like the climate crisis, feel daunting at best and hopeless at worst. The Ecologi team has taught us that when a little input comes from a lot of people, we can create real, tangible change.
Partnering with Ecologi means that we are making it possible for us all to make a collective change!
And get this, by the end of 2021, the amazing Ecologi community had funded the planting of a staggering 30,209,850 trees. This means that, across 2021, the Ecologi community funded just under 24 million trees.
With the Raw Nature & Ecologi communities combined, just think of what we can achieve, because WE (yes, that includes YOU) get to be a part of something that is making an even bigger positive impact on our planet!
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This is alarming to say the least! So we thought we’d give you some fun and sustainable gift wrapping ideas to try:
An easy way to go green this Christmas is to wrap using pretty fabrics. Cut up old clothes you no longer wear, tablecloths that have stains (simply cut around them or dye them a fresh new colour!) or even treasures you’ve found at your local thrift store. Dress your gift up with some natural decor like dehydrated orange slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, or dried flowers!
What better way to give a gift than in a DIY tote that can be reused through the holidays and beyond? It’s both practical AND a functional! Most of us have a good few totes laying around at home - and even if you don’t, they’re a relatively inexpensive addition to your gifting list.
If you have a plain tote, get creative with fabric paint or embroidery to personalize your ‘wrapping’ and make it all the more special!
Raw Nature Gift Boxes are a 100% reusable cardboard box! When you place an online order from Raw Nature, add our gift box to your cart. Trust us when we say, it makes a VERY.CUTE.GIFT!
You know all those recyclable brown paper bags that you have stacked away in your kitchen cupboard? Those guys are so great for gift wrapping too!
You can cut them down the side seam, remove the bottom of the bag to lie it flat, and then cut the paper bag to fit the gift you’re wrapping. After you’ve got the wrapping done, dress it up with pine cones or some trimmings from your Christmas tree!
Which sustainable gift wrapping idea will you be giving a go this year?
Post photos of your creations and tag us (@rawnaturenz)!
]]>So we’re here to take the edge off and give you exclusive access to the Raw Nature gift guide: it’s the ultimate non-toxic, vegan, animal test-free, clean beauty gift guide to keep everyone happy this Christmas!
And while you’re shopping, you might as well get a little gift for yourself… You deserve it!
Read on as we dive into the gift guide that you absolutely NEED in your life this year.
For Him:
Guys are notoriously difficult to shop for - not this year though, when you’ve got Raw Nature in your corner!
Their powerful & concentrated key ingredients do all the work to prevent odour and reduce sweating. Because our deos are aluminum free, they won’t block the glands… This is why they are not considered antiperspirants, but rather sweat reducers and odour busters!
For Her:
Here are some great gift ideas for your bestie, Mum, mum-in-law, neighbour or friend!
For Secret Santa:
For Stocking Fillers:
Stocking fillers
Gift Boxes
And if you just can’t decide, why not opt for our curated Gift Boxes? They’re packed with our best sellers, while still giving you the flexibility to choose the scents and fragrances you know your gift recipient will love!
And there you have it… Consider Christmas sorted with Raw Nature!
Water is a filler, bulking out the product and making it seem like you’re getting more product than you actually are. Using water as a filler comes at a low cost… But it’s a high cost for the health of our planet.
Not only that, but where there’s water, there are preservatives, synthetic ingredients and parabens:
So the truth is, you’re actually paying big bucks for WATER!
While drinking water is important for your skin and body, the use of it in skincare products can actually dry the skin out, removing the protective natural oils from skin as the water starts to evaporate.
Not only that, but if we don’t start conserving water rather than wasting it on everyday skincare products, some countries around the world will be living with water scarcity while others might be living under water-stressed conditions.
Which is why Raw Nature is made with 0% water. That’s right: we don’t use water in any of our formulations. We stay away from fillers, parabens, toxic ingredients, preservatives, artificial colours and fragrances and use only soothing botanical ingredients and nourishing oils to create powerful blends, eliminating the need for preservatives and unnecessary fillers.
As a result, our formulations are more concentrated so a little goes a long way, saving you time and money in the long run.
We’re in the business of waterless skin and body products: it’s the future of skincare - good thing Raw Nature has got a head start!
]]>You know the basics already: wash your face before you head to bed; drink plenty of water; get enough rest and wear a good SPF daily – and that’s a great place to start! But here are some lesser known skincare tips that could really make all the difference.
Avoid layering on product after product as this can just lead to clogged pores and breakouts! Added to this, certain ingredients just don’t ‘mix well’ together which can be harsh on your skin.
Keep your skin topped up with moisture by applying your moisturiser just after you wash your face in the morning and evening to really lock in that moisture. If you spend a lot of time in an environment that has heating or cooling on throughout the day, keep your toner handy and spray it on intermittently during the day to give your skin a boost of hydration. Keep your skin hydrated too by applying our best-selling lotion after your shower and before you go to bed.
This couldn’t be more apt right now. Not only does it reduce the spread of bacteria (ultimately lurking on your hands most of the day) but can also decrease scarring (yes, stop picking!) and reduce the possibility of catching nasty bugs!
You are constantly shedding skin cells and, as a result, need to get rid of them to avoid them hanging around making your skin look dull. Exfoliation does just this, as well as increases the absorption rate of your skincare products. Use small upward circular motions and, most importantly, be gentle. Skin cells come off easily – you don’t need to scrub!
No, not just IN, but ON. Grab that vitamin C serum and get repairing: It helps to even out pigmentation, brighten skin tone and promote collagen and elastin production
too.
There is a well-documented correlation between the state of your skin and the health of your gut. Nourish your gut flora: pass on the processed and/ or sugary foods and drinks to avoid a gut microbial imbalance. Stock up on healthy fats found in nuts, flaxseed, and avocados as they can help to maintain strong cell membranes as well as dark, leafy greens and berries that are packed with antioxidants.
Makeup brushes, bags, and sponges are where bacteria breed if not kept clean. It might be a bit of a challenge to do it frequently at first, but make it a habit to clean them up every 2 weeks. Top tip: baby shampoo is perfect for cleaning your brushes: it’s gentle, effective and inexpensive.
This is not an old-wives tale: massaging your face is a quick way to boost that natural glow. Use your (clean) fingertips or, better yet, a jade roller. Add a drop of your nourishing serum and glide it across your face, neck and decolletage in upwards movements.
The idea is that by making personal small changes to everyday habits, collectively that will make a massive difference in our communities. So far the movement has inspired over 120 million participants in 177 countries to do just that.
A sea of change
Steadily in New Zealand we’re beginning to see the impact of change. Single-use plastic bags are currently being phased out. The big supermarkets and hardware stores such as Bunnings have already initiated this, and now smaller shops such as dairies and service stations are also coming on board by not offering single-use bags at the checkout, thus removing hundreds of thousands of plastic bags from our landfills and our oceans.
But what else can you do?
Here are a few tips on what you can do to help do your bit:
Hope these ideas inspire you to take up the plastic-free challenge, throughout July and beyond!
Here at Raw Nature, we’re all about the environment all year round. We only use natural products, organic and local where possible, and we love our natural containers and packaging. No plastic or nasties to be found! So you can feel really good when you buy our products – not only because they’re great for your skin, but they’re great for the planet, too.
Caroline Patterson is a freelance writer and editor who lives with animals and teenagers, and is wild about nature (and wine).
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But it’s about now that the woolly socks and winter boots start to come off, and we gingerly look down, only to be horrified at the state of the dry, cracked scaly things on the end of our legs. We think, “Omgosh, no way am I showing those gross pedi-reptiles off in public wearing sandals!”
Foot Balm to the rescue!
Have no fear, help is at hand in the shape of Raw Nature’s soothing Foot Balm. Every night before bed or when you wake up, you can moisturise away that tough, hard skin by nourishing it in smooth, buttery essential oils, brimming with a strong fresh minty scent. In next to no time, your tootsies will be in tip top shape for summer, and you’ll be able to wear your favourite sandals with pride, leaving those pedi-repiles to slink off and hibernate til next winter!
Caroline Patterson is a freelance writer and editor who lives with animals and teenagers, and is wild about nature (and wine).
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Here at Raw Nature, we’ve worked hard to develop a brand new concept in body lotion. Instead of liquid in a plastic squeezy tube that ends up in landfill, our soothing solid moisturisers simply glides onto your skin, leaving it feeling soft and nourished. Completely free of water (and therefore no nasty preservatives), it’s rich in organic cocoa butter, which hydrates the skin and improves elasticity as it forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture. The stick might look unconventional at first, but it’s super easy to use. Just rub some product onto your palms and then watch as it effortlessly absorbs into your skin wherever you choose to apply it. Pure luxury at an affordable price.
They contain sunflower oil, which you may not realise is extremely high in Vitamin E. This helps protect the skin’s collagen and elastin. Sunflower oil is also rich in Vitamins A, C and D. Its antioxidant properties help prevent premature signs of aging as it protects against exposure to sunlight. It’s also found to be effective against acne, inflammation, general redness and skin irritations.
These little beauties are filled with pure essential oils and come in two divine scents (Lavender/Sweet Orange and Warm Vanilla). They smell so good you’ll want to devour them … and you could, but don’t worry, they won’t make you gain weight!
They can be used pretty much anywhere on the body multiple times a day, from your head down to your toes, leaving you feeling calm and protected. The Lavender Lotion Stick is amazing at night to rub onto your arms, neck or even your pillow, to give you the soothing scent of lavender to help you drift off to sleep.
They’re also great for travelling as they won’t spill, and because they’re liquid-free there’s no need to declare them to customs.
Finally, of course, they all come in our environmentally friendly packaging. No plastic here!
Caroline Patterson is a freelance writer and editor who lives with animals and teenagers, and is wild about nature (and wine).
]]>Every New Zealander knows about mānuka honey - but mānuka oil? It’s the unsung hero of the skincare world, with its benefits and healing properties yet to hit the mainstream.
Here at Raw Nature though, we’ve long been advocates for this essential oil - which is why it’s the hero ingredient in most of the products in our range.
Misconceptions circle these 2 manuka products with many consumers either assuming that the oil comes from the honey - or not knowing that a mānuka essential oil even exists! We’re here to set the record straight - because once skincare consumers understand the benefits of mānuka essential oil, they’ll never want to use anything else!
Mānuka Oil vs Mānuka Honey
While both mānuka honey and mānuka essential oil are derived from the same mānuka plant, the honey is produced by bees that pollinate the mānuka tree and the oil is the result of a distillation process using the twigs and leaves.
The mānuka essential oil is completely vegan in that no bees were involved in the process, making it vegan-friendly!
Benefits of Mānuka Oil
Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, mānuka oil makes for a brilliant skincare all-rounder. It’s: anti-bacterial, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-viral and a powerful antioxidant.
It’s 1000x more powerful than mānuka honey and 30x more potent than Australian Tea Tree Oil.
It’s also an effective all-natural alternative to the toxic ingredients found in mainstream skincare products, making it an important ingredient in our Raw Nature formulations!
Solution-Driven
The bulk of our products use mānuka oil because of it’s countless applications:
Did you know: Women put over 500 individual chemicals on their skin DAILY through cosmetic use?
Between the foundation, lipstick, face cream, shampoo and countless other beauty products we consume everyday, we are unwittingly applying harmful toxins and chemicals to our bodies that may do more harm than good…
And at what cost?
We take a deep dive into the scary world of mainstream beauty to calculate the real cost of convenience and unconscious consumerism. And it’s a real (scary) eye opener!
NANA WAS ON TO SOMETHING
Our Nana’s pearl of wisdom was quite simple: if you can’t pronounce it, you shouldn’t eat it. While she was referring to the food we eat, this principle works across other aspects of our lives, not least of which are the items we put on our skin… If you can’t pronounce the ingredients on your beauty products, stay clear. Here are just *some* of the toxic ingredients that feature in many of the cosmetics on shelves today:
These chemicals enter the body through inhalation, ingesting, skin application and even internal use, ultimately carrying the same risks as ingesting food chemicals.
Now consider that your regular beauty routine involves multiple steps including (and not necessarily limited to): cleansing, moisturising, washing and styling hair, makeup application in the form of sunscreen / primer / foundation / mascara / lipstick / highlighter / bronzer / eyeshadow / eyeliner, makeup removal at the end of the day, nighttime cleansing and moisturising, facial oils, deodorants, perfumes, hand creams (and various permutations of this process)... That’s a lot of products that contain a heap of harmful ingredients that - if you haven’t adopted an all-natural beauty routine yet - are being applied to your skin on a daily basis!
Yikes.
WHAT NOW?
The great news is that the solution is a simple one: make the switch to natural skincare and products that actually benefit your skin and support your wellness. Keep your eyes trained on the list of ingredients to make sure it’s free of parabens, artificial preservatives and colours, is cruelty-free and wherever possible, vegan-friendly.
Winter is a great time to make the switch, giving your body time to adjust to its new, happy skincare routine before summer kicks in.
Time to discover a new all-natural beauty regime? Start here:
]]>To get you started on your spring clean, here’s a great natural lemon cleaning spray recipe for you to try at home.
]]>Breathing some fresh air and life into a closed-up winter home can improve air quality and make you feel better, so open up those windows and doors and give your home a good makeover while you’re at it. Get rid of tatty magazines, dated ornaments, dying house plants and faded cushions. Arranging a few simple key pieces in complementing colours, with some new fresh houseplants or herbs to clean the air can really leave you with a sense of accomplishment, as well as help you increase productivity around the home and workplace
Less is more, as the saying goes!
Natural cleaners: best for you and the environment
Natural cleaning products are way better for your health, and our environment. Some believe that cleaning with lemon helps you destress quicker an any other scented cleaning products!
To get you started on your spring clean, here’s a great natural lemon cleaning spray recipe for you to try at home.
Ingredients:
Method:
Happy spring cleaning everyone! And don’t forget to put on some dance music while you’re beavering away to get yourself moving!
Caroline Patterson is a freelance writer and editor who lives with animals and teenagers, and is wild about nature (and wine).
]]>Why not stick to the old KISS adage this Valentine’s Day and Keep it Simple, Stupid!
Instead of succumbing to the cliché commercialism of exuberantly priced red roses and boring chocolates, why not put a bit more thought into doing something special for your loved ones, and give them what they really want – more of your attention and energy.
It doesn’t have to cost the earth to show someone you care: whether it’s surprising that special person with some cheese, crackers and wine at the beach after work to watch the sunset, walking the dogs together at the park, complimenting their clothes or hair when you don’t normally notice, coming home early from work, or even just taking out the rubbish or doing the dishes without being asked, it’s the little things that can say so much more than a tacky card or gift. A thoughtful gesture can really make someone’s day, and the ripple effect of a kind act could have a lasting impact on your relationship because you will likely get kindness coming back at ya in spades, so everyone wins!
Put down that phone!
In this day and age, when everyone seems to be glued to a device from morning til night instead of interacting with people in the flesh (even when said people are in the same house sometimes!), it might be refreshing to put down that phone for a few hours and get back to nature to appreciate all that you have, whether that’s your partner, kids, parents, good friends or your favourite pooch, and the fact we live in a great country with an abundance of sunshine, lush countryside and beautiful beaches for everyone to enjoy.
Don’t worry, be happy
Focus on being mindful and concentrate on the present moment, instead of worrying about the future, or hurtful things that happened in your past. You can’t change the past, and the future hasn’t happened yet, so there’s little point in worrying about any of it. Be grateful for the things you have right now, and not jealous about the things you don’t have. As the saying goes, comparison is the thief of happiness, so just focus on your own life and don’t worry about everyone else’s perceived perfect Instagram lives, because they most likely don’t exist anyway.
So get out there and enjoy some quality time with nature and your loved ones this Valentine’s Day – all too soon the weather will change and we’ll lose the lovely long evenings, and then it’ll be back to binge-watching Netflix on the couch!
Caroline Patterson is a freelance writer and editor who lives with animals and teenagers, and is wild about nature (and wine).
]]>Ingredient probe: Lavender
Perhaps the most well known and popular of all the essential oils - and for good reason - lavender has been used for thousands of years as it is thought of as a ‘first-aid’ oil. Healing, soothing, antiseptic and analgesic properties make lavender the first choice for minor burns and wounds, itchy bites and aggravated skin conditions including eczema, fungal infections, psoriasis and acne. It can even help with menstrual pain and PMS.
Consuming lavender in tea can aid digestive issues such as vomiting, gas and bloating!
We love lavender here at Raw Nature because of all of the above properties. Lavender oil is also known to promote a feeling of calm to help you relax, and can also combat depression and anxiety (something we could all use a little help with under the current Covid-19 crisis!). As such, it can also assist with soothing you to sleep if you put a few drops of oil on your pillow, or even rub one of our lavender lotion sticks onto your pillowcase.
Putting a dried bunch of lavender in your drawers or hanging some in your wardrobe will leave your clothes smelling clean and fresh.
We only use New Zealand lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil in our products that has been extracted via distillation of the flowering tops. Our local lavender is considered to be the best in the world due to it being hypoallergenic because of its low levels of Linalool (which some people are very sensitive to).
Of course, the bees love lavender too, so planting a big bunch of it in your garden has got to be a good thing for the environment!
Caroline Patterson is a freelance writer and editor who lives with animals and teenagers, and is wild about nature (and wine).
]]>WHY OUR DEODORANTS ARE NOT ANTIPERSPIRANTS.
A good natural deodorant should eliminate bacteria that causes the odour.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of "fake" natural deodorants on the market, which contain harsh and potentially toxic chemicals, such as parabens, synthetic scents (aka fragrance), colours, alcohol and a bunch of chemicals no one can pronounce. Antiperspirants are also terrible for your overall health as they work to clog or close the pores in your armpits with additives such as aluminium compounds and triclosens.
At Raw Nature, we want to feel good about what we put on our skin and yours and believe 100% natural is best.
We use coconut oil is as our natural deodorant base as it is a powerful moisturiser with antifungal benefits. Magnesium and tapioca starch do a great job of absorbing moisture while baking soda neutralises odour, which is essential for keeping a healthy underarm environment.
If you are looking for an armpit soulmate, you have found it!
Wee also believe that the packaging should be natural as well, that is why we only use 100% home compostable paper packaging for our products.
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