There’s something about the start of spring that makes us all feel that little more optimistic, with longer, warmer days ahead and the silly season almost upon us.
Get into the spirit of things by embracing some new beauty and wellness practices, and why not add a stylish approach to dodging spring showers on the side.
Break up with winter makeup
Louise Rae, MECCA Education Partner NZ, loves embracing change come springtime – especially when it comes to your beauty routine. “With the change of season, take time to think about how your skin is feeling. Often a switch up in moisturiser or foundation is necessary as well as adding in some warmer, more sun kissed tones and opting for a slightly lighter fragrance as the temperature rises.” She says that it’s a great time to try a new foundation, “One that’s on the lighter, dewier side or even with a luminous effect. Your skin may not be feeling as dry as it does in the winter, so something more lightweight or gel based is a nice change.”
If you’re looking at embracing something new, “You really should head into your nearest MECCA and have a look,” says Louise. “We love mixing new brands and products in with our existing brands. Think of it like the staples in your pantry mixed with some mystery bonus additions.”
She loves the arrival of cult US brand Glossier to the MECCA family, citing their Futuredew Facial Oil-Serum Hybrid and Ultralip High Shine Lipstick as her current product obsessions. “Ultralip has a tinted balm texture which feels so hydrating as it glides on your lips in one swoop, and with nine shades to choose from there’s something for everyone.”
She also reinforces SPF as a non-negotiable, and if you’ve let your daily sunscreen application fall by the wayside over winter, it’s time to get back on the wagon. If you’re a makeup wearer, Louise’s top recommendation is MECCA Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum with 3% niacinamide. “It will not only smooth the appearance of fine lines, but also boost radiance and hydrate the skin. You can wear it on its own or pop foundation over the top – it has a beautiful tint to it, so fantastic on its own for a sheer look that’s also protecting your skin… perfection!”
Try PBM for a boost of wellness
As a cancer survivor, I’ve been very interested in exploring PBM light therapy for a raft of reasons, such as its ability to help reduce inflammation, as well as stimulate the production of cellular energy to support healing from chronic diseases. It’s available locally at HANA, where their full body PBM light pod penetrates your cells with therapeutic wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to boost your mitochondria. Sara Higgins, the founder of HANA, sings the praises of the therapy all year round, but also emphasises its benefits as we head into spring.
“Spring brings with it longer daylight hours and more sunlight,” says Sara, “which can boost mood and energy levels. Adding PBM therapy during this time can further enhance these effects, potentially improving overall wellbeing and helping to combat seasonal mood changes or fatigue.”
Spring is also a time when people start to spend more time outdoors, “And PBM can be really beneficial for skin health, supporting wound healing and reducing inflammation, which can be helpful if you're dealing with skin issues or want to maintain healthy skin as you increase sun exposure.” It’s also great to support spring allergies, “As PBM can help mitigate inflammation and may even reduce the severity of allergic responses, potentially providing some relief from symptoms.”
It's also very relaxing – HANA even has a range of meditations available for you to listen to through headphones during your 20 minute-long session, making it very difficult to leave!
Don’t sweat it
Spring means warmer days and nights, which means we’re all reaching for deodorant more often throughout the day.
When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago, I went hard on eliminating any sort of unnecessary chemical use from my daily routine and that included my deodorant. The aluminium found in many mainstream deodorant formulas has been what has been cited in the headlines more than anything else, with claims that using deodorants or antiperspirants increase your risk of breast cancer floating around now for several years. As yet no convincing link has been established between the aforementioned aluminium content and cancer but, hey, the less a chemical load I can put in my body the better.
Over the years I’ve tried a few deodorants from the natural world, and one of the latest formulas that I’ve been having a play with (and loving) also happens to be the newest release from one of my beauty industry faves, Tronque. Every product dressed in the brand’s eye-catching rouge packaging is both highly efficacious and incredibly luxe to use, and after two years in development, aluminium-free Tronque Natural Deodorant is finally here and I’m obsessed.
A velvety, milky emulsion enriched with natural antimicrobial skin actives and odour-absorbing ingredients, it’s a high-powered formula that boasts proven 24-hour efficacy – pretty much a rarity in the ‘natural’ field. It’s consciously blended with highly effective, clinically proven actives and soft soothing plant oils, and I fell in love on sight with the refillable stainless steel roller ball. The winning combination not only keeps you smelling fresh and feeling dry – it also helps underarm skin stay nourished and healthy while leaving no residue.
The soothing balm is also the dream for those with sensitive underarm areas thanks to the addition of coconut oil in the formula, which not only moisturises the skin but has its own antimicrobial properties that also help combat bacteria – contributing to odour control.
Power up your honey
In 1981, researchers discovered that Aotearoa’s own Mānuka honey came with a considerably higher level of enzymes than regular honey, making it a great addition to any wellness routine, kitchen pantry and beauty cabinet.
Highly anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, it can help knock coughs and colds on the head, soothe sinus problems, support the digestive microbiome and more, but you need to make sure your Mānuka of choice comes in its most elevated form.
A brand I have fallen in love with is Activist. They do not cream or homogenise their honeys (like many generic brands) but keep it raw. Activist Mānuka honey is also independently verified as glyphosate residue-free – one of only three Mānuka honey brands in the world to do so and it tastes delicious.
As well as several high MGO honey options, Activist has a range of beautiful Mānuka honey-powered skincare, which comes highly recommended.
Dodge spring showers in style
Spring showers are a given, so why not dodge them in style with help from a favourite local designer? I love Karen Walker’s Runaway Raincoat – available in black and dark olive – which more than delivers on a utility chic look for rainy days. With its oversized hood and adjustable toggles, deep envelope pockets and easy dome closures, it's form meets function in the coolest possible way. Pair it with a Blunt x Karen Walker Metro Monogram Umbrella and you’re prepared for any weather bomb.
Another fabulous option is Rebe’s chic and practical parka. The label’s preternaturally stylish designer Rebe Burgess says: “Our parka was born from a desire for something functional and reliable for those unpredictable days, yet still elevated. It's a style that can be worn with your favourite suiting, dresses and more, making it feel like part of the look rather than something that detracts from it."
I love its large detachable hood and it comes fully lined in Rebe’s signature monogram fabric. (HELENE RAVLICH)
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