Back to nature

The skin is like a giant sponge.

With a lot of beauty brands on the market today, would you rather have the skin soak up man-made chemical concoctions or organic botanicals? The latter, of course.

Sometimes I feel the time has come to find a more natural approach to skincare. Fact is, a more natural and earth-friendly beauty routine will definitely reward you with a healthy, rosy glow. And with empowering organic products, you can be high-maintenance and still be a natural beauty.

So, here are new brands that make use of all-natural, botanical ingredients that definitely turned me into a smitten kitten in no time:

Junkisui

I usually break out with horrifyingly huge zits on my chin. I conceal this area as much as possible and the scars are so hard to cure. Embarrassing, really. People told me it was because of an allergic reaction to fluoride toothpaste. But what I did not know was that it was due to bad circulation and a stressful lifestyle.

"Most women are prone to dehydration. So, the skin’s barrier defense will decrease," explains Reiko Ishizawa, Kose’s former brand manager. "With the active oxygen (free radicals) generated within the skin, the horny layer (upper part of the skin) will thicken and acne will appear."

Now there is a solution to stress-caused acne and that is Junkisui, Kose’s very own acne line. Formulated with oriental herbal waters (Chinese lovage, moutan bark, peony root) and oriental herbal extracts, this line with four basic skincare items acts on the fluid circulation to enhance skin condition and eradicate adult acne.

The Junkisui Foaming Wash is amazing. Since it is highly antiseptic and is a disinfectant, it prevents acne by removing blackheads, and dead skin and absorbs excess sebum. The Junkisui Massage Serum prevents dehydration and inflammation. Apply on dry skin and massage for a minute. You will notice that the skin becomes translucent. Next step is the Junkisui Refreshing Lotion. This super oriental herbal water rehydrates the skin and promotes fluid circulation as well. Follow with the Junkisui Moisturizer. This emulsion does wonders for the skin by protecting it from low barrier function, softens the skin for hours and keeps it less prone to acne.

The verdict: I have been using this line for almost a month now. I have to admit, my skin has never looked better. The stubborn acne on my chin disappeared and I no longer have to conceal that area. I swear by Junkisui’s acne line. Total face and lifesaver.

Tact Beauty Care

Homer, the legendary Greek poet, described olive oil as "liquid gold." And it has been an important part of Greek history due to its use in cleaning, making perfumes, beauty care, medicine, and even lighting. Perhaps there is no better way to learn the secrets of nature than from the Greeks.

Enter Tact, a Greek skin and body care line that promotes beauty, health and awakening of the senses in the most natural way. The brand has a heritage of over 150 years in Greece. The products are not tested on animals and are very reasonable.

"People are overwhelmed with a lot of products out on the market today," says Nick Santiris, Tact cosmetics development manager. "The most important thing about Tact is that we go back to the basics. We want to clear out in people’s minds the product clutter and show them what is best."

So, if you want to discover the world of Greece, then try the olive line. Made with pure olive oil to moisturize and nourish the body from head to toe, luscious items include the pure olive oil soaps, liquid soaps, body lotion, shower gels, salt scrub, hand cream, shampoo and conditioner.

I am not a fan of lotions and hand creams because of the sticky feeling. But when I tried the Pure Olive Oil Hand Cream, I fell in love with the product. Well, it is non-greasy, plus it protects the skin from UV radiation and it just strengthens the nails for healthy nail growth. Triple-action, indeed.

If you’re obsessed with the lush landscapes of Provence, Southern France, check out Tact’s Lavande line made with French lavender oil, which has calming, soothing and nourishing properties. It will definitely take you down to lavender fields forever.

We normally get stressed out after a hard day’s work. To relax and wind down, try the Lavande Mild Shower Gel to moisturize the skin, leaving it soft and refreshed. Then, apply the Lavande Body Milk. Made with apricot kernel oil, shea butter, vitamin E and soothing lavender essential oil, it leaves the skin silky smooth without the greasy after-feel. Dig also the traditional Merseille soaps in Lavender, Honeysuckle, Chamomile, Sage and Bergamot. You will definitely get a glimpse of the Provence aura.

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Junkisui and Tact Beauty Care are available at Rustan’s Essenses. E-mail love-hate whatever things to becca_rodriguez@yahoo.com