There’s never been a better time to embrace a little bit of self-care. The pandemic has taught many of us that life is short, time is valuable and, also, that our earth is precious. Most of all, perhaps, we’re slowly appreciating that we should really dedicate some time to caring for ourselves. If not now, then when? A deep bath, a special candle lit – and not saved for ‘best’, a double cleansing and moisturising routine before you go to bed, extra minutes spent rubbing foot cream in. We often skimp on looking after ourselves. Applying a pampering face mask, to protect and bring out the best of your beauty, is another way we can easily boost how we feel, and how we look. These are all the little ways we can spend a few minutes of our time in lockdown and beyond…
Earth Kiss is a new vegan skincare range which harnesses all of this, and more… Its two new certified organic, affordable face mask ranges, have been developed to nourish the skin and nurture the soul, using the latest intelligence on nature’s best ingredients.
The ‘Super Naturals‘ collection of five different masks (£2.99 each) is based around the powers of Kombucha – a fermented black tea, long known in Asia for its detoxing qualities.
Created by infusing a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast – known as a SCOBY – into sugared black or green tea, the gut-healthy probiotics and vitamins, that have made Kombucha such a popular drink of late, are now proving themselves to be just as beneficial when applied topically to your face.
In the same way that the probiotics in Kombucha improve the health of your gut microbiome, scientists have now found that these friendly microbes can also improve the appearance, texture, and overall health of facial skin by balancing out harmful bacteria and boosting production of the good kind. Its rich source of antioxidant vitamins (B1, B6, B12 and C) also help maintain skin elasticity, by reducing oxidative damage and supporting cellular function. What’s not to love?
The masks are blended with an array of superfoods and nutrients, such as turmeric, spirulina, and hemp seed oil. They feel lovely on the skin and you can feel the goodness seeping in, almost. The resulting effect is that they work to revitalise, re-energise, and enliven the skin’s overall tone, texture and appearance. Tick, tick, tick.
The Kombucha & Turmeric – Detoxifying Clay Mask harnesses the benefits of turmeric. Better known for its demonstrated potential to ease the pain of arthritis and other ailments, evidence is emerging that when it comes to the skin, turmeric can help safeguard against inflammation and free radical damage, which can contribute to acne flare-ups, and support the synthesis of collagen. Put it on and it works to gently allowing the pores to release their toxins, while brightening your complexion.
Kombucha & Shiitake – Purifying Sheet Mask uses the power of shiitake mushrooms, long regarded as a symbol of youth and longevity in Chinese medicine. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, such as B6, B12, D, copper and zinc, and many more, which play an important role in maintaining the integrity of skin. The shiitake mushroom also provides a rich source of kojic acid, which is helpful in reducing the appearance of blotches and unwanted facial marks. It is a good option to restore balance in stressed or thirsty skin, and after using it, skin looks revitalised again.
The Super Naturals Kombucha & Spirulina Sheet Mask uses the powerhouse that is spirulina. It has an extraordinary level of vital nutrients that do not exist in such a highly concentrated form in any other known food or plant. Consumed for thousands of years by the Mayans, Aztecs, and Chinese for its many therapeutic health benefits, studies show that when used topically, this ‘superfood’ has superior moisture retaining effects. Coupled with the powerful benefits of Kombucha, this Hydrating Sheet Mask provides a real boost for dry, tired and thirsty skin.
The second new collection is the ‘Inspiration Range‘ (£2.99 each), which also has a line-up of five masks, this time focusing on the star ingredient of Shilajit – a rare and powerful mineralised organic matter, containing 85 micro-nutrients. Used in traditional Indian medicine, it is known to help balance the skin to its optimal health and vitality. Shilajit also contains Fulvic, a natural antioxidant, Hippuric, a natural antiseptic, and Salicylic, a natural anti-inflammatory.
The Exfoliating Bamboo Charcoal & Walnut – Exfoliating Clay Mask uses charcoal and walnut shell to purify and polish. It works to cleanse and detoxify the skin by absorbing pollutants, and drawing out toxins and impurities from your pores to reveal cleaner, smoother, healthier looking skin.
Bamboo, which has long been a cherished skincare secret in Korea, has been found to contain 70% natural silica, which is one of the most critical components of collagen, along with numerous skin protective antioxidant compounds. Together with the 85+ ionic vitamins and minerals found in Shilajit, the mask is ideal to heal and regenerate.
The Black Clay & Tangerine Detoxifying Clay Peel Off Mask addresses fine lines, wrinkles, dull skin, and problem issues like blemishes and pigmentation. It uses tangerine, which is rich in antioxidant vitamins A and C – essential for rebuilding skin tissue and protecting your skin from free radicals. Blended with Shilajit, it works to smooth and balance the complexion.
I’ve been using the masks once a week, and have combined them with a little ritual of using crystals to relax and meditate and lighting a scented candle to focus and switch-off.
The brand Earth Kiss also actively supports the Born Free Foundation, an international wildlife charity that is passionate about wild animal welfare and compassionate conservation. The products feel good, but the brand does good, too. You should try one sometime.
To shop the Earth Kiss range, visit www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Earth+Kiss
*This review is based on press samples
