Mother's Day shopping can be tricky. After all, if there's one person who deserves the most perfect, heartfelt token of your love, it's mom (no pressure). Need a little inspiration? We curated a gift guide with moms in mind.

As temperatures rise, it’s time to focus on your two best summer accessories. We’ve put together a guide to polishing, hydrating and protecting your legs for a season in the sun. Below, a guide to flawless limbs that will give you your best summer legs ever:

• Get scrubbing
  The first step to any kind of body prep is a good exfoliation. Rid yourself of dry, dull skin and protect against ingrown hairs with the stimulating and moisturizing Polishing Natural Exfoliating Scrub or pair your favorite body wash with the Polishing Natural Exfoliating Grains to buff away dead skin cells. 

• Tackle cellulite
  Cellulite is caused by fat deposits just below the surface of our skin, causing the skin’s surface to appear dimply and uneven. The ultimate treatment for getting rid of cellulite? Dry body brushing. Use the Polishing Body Brush daily in sweeping motions towards your heart to stimulate the lymphatic system and encourage blood flow. Follow your dry brushing ritual with the Revive Body Gel to even out your skin’s texture and maintain a healthy micro-circulation – a must for maintaining youthful skin long term. 

• Moisturize
  Ensure your legs are in the best condition with plenty of hydration. We suggest using our layer-locking technique in your daily routine. Start by applying a Body Gel, follow with a lightweight, dry Body Oil and finish with a Body Butter or Cream.
  
• Protect your assets
  The most common area for melanoma in women is the leg. Always apply sunscreen with a high SPF to lessen your risk of skin cancer, but to also prevent photo damage (dark/sun spots), dilated capillaries and crepey skin.

Face oils have been subject to much debate over the years. While research shows these bottles of liquid gold have brilliant skin benefits, there is still confusion surrounding them, too. We’ve been taught from a young age that oil is the enemy, but it’s time to think again. We’ve put a selection of myths and truths together to help you understand more about what face oils do and why you need to adopt them into your daily routine.

MYTH: Face Oils are not suitable for oily skin

FACT: The fatty acids in face oils can help rebalance oily skin and stop it from overproducing sebum

Face oil is extremely beneficial for oily skin, particularly if you use the correct one. If your skin is oily, you might be tempted to scrub and strip your skin of your natural sebum. However, this will irritate your pores and in turn, your skin will produce more oil. The key to rebalancing oily skin is to balance its sebum production, which natural plant oils can help to do. The Mattifying Refining Face Oil is ideal for those with oily skin. It is a daily conditioning oil that helps to balance your skins natural oil production using Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Jojoba essential oils. This light oil will help leave the skin feeling comfortable and conditioned.

MYTH: Face oils are too rich and should not be used every day

FACT: High-quality plant oils have a natural affinity with our skin so they can be used day and night

Many modern face oil formulations are incredibly nourishing, lightweight and quick to absorb – they’re easily absorbed by the skin and is a perfect base under your moisturizer and makeup. Because they are easily absorbed, face oils are perfect for every age and skin type to leave your skin softer and plumper by morning.

MYTH: Face oils will cause your makeup to streak and slip

FACT: Face oil can be your biggest ally when it comes to getting an all-over glow

A light layer of face oil can smooth skin and prime it for makeup. The key is to not over apply and allow it to fully absorb before applying your favorite base. Top tip: you can also pat it on to your cheek, brow and collarbones after makeup for a dewy glow.

MYTH: Face oils are not an effective anti-aging product

FACT: Face oils can actively help reduce the signs of aging

Face oils are packed with antioxidants, fatty acids and essential vitamins that absorb quickly into the skin. They soften the appearance of fine lines, create a protective barrier against harsh external factors like pollution, environmental toxins and nourish your skin with intense moisture. The Anti-Ageing Fine Line Face Oil is a rich oil that reduces the appearance of fine lines while giving your skin a deep treatment. Rose, Patchouli, Apple and Raspberry Seed Oil encourage a healthy glow and help to plump the skin’s appearance.

MYTH: Face oils can replace your regular moisturizer

FACT: Face oils work better with a moisturizer

Using your moisturizer in conjunction with a face oil will give you more effective results and keep your skin conditioned for longer.

How do you apply a face oil?

We recommend using our skincare layer-locking technique when applying face oil.

Step 1: After cleansing and toning, apply your serum. This is the water for your skin.

Step 2. Massage 1-2 pumps of your chosen face oil to face and neck in an upward circular motion.

Step 3: Finish off your layering with a moisturizer to help lock everything in.

Our face oils are everyone’s best kept secret and the most celebrated out of our award-winning skincare range. Whichever face oil you choose, they are a must-have in your daily skincare ritual!

Have any of these truths helped? Let us know!

As the days start to get longer and warmer, we are finally starting to see Spring arrive, so what better time to review our beauty rituals to welcome the new season. We sat down with one of our therapists Rose Price to get her expert tips for Spring!

Step 1 – Body brush every morning before you shower
Our Polishing Body Brush is made from incredibly strong natural cactus bristle giving the most effective result. Work the body brush over dry skin in an upward brisk motion before getting into the shower. The body brush will not only effectively remove any dead skin cells on the surface of the skin giving more effective penetration of products, but it will really boost your circulation and stimulate your Lymphatic system. Your Lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help the body get rid of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials which is exactly what you need when preparing for your perfect summer skin.

Step 2- Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil
This uplifting, invigorating blend is a morning must have! Rub one cap of oil onto your torso before entering the shower and wash as normal with your Revive Body Wash. The blend will penetrate into your blood stream almost instantly taking immediate effect and will stay in your blood stream for up to 8 hours. Rosemary essential oil stimulates your blood circulation kick starting your energy for the day. Pink Grapefruit will have a detoxifying effect on the body while Juniper Berry acts as a diuretic helping with fluid retention. This blend is incredible for anyone who is feeling sluggish and has low energy, Jet lag sufferers, cellulite or anyone who is on a diet or a detox program. It’s even great if you have over indulged a little the night before!

DID YOU KNOW? Our Revive Body Wash contains no Sulphates. Sulphates are used to help products foam but can be very drying for the skin. We use Coconut extract which is naturally foaming along with Soy protein to help soften the skin.

Step 3 – Layer Locking
After showering you must give your skin the hydration and nourishment that it needs. For optimum results, we always recommend our effective 3 step layer locking system.

1. Revive Body Gel
   This is gorgeous lightweight gel which is applied to dry skin after showering. It penetrates into the skin, giving instant hydration. We like to think of this as a glass of water for thirsty skin. TOP TIP: Taking a flight this summer? Apply this gel to your ankles, legs and hands before flying to help reduce any puffiness or swelling. It has an instant cooling effect and smells incredible!
2. Revive Body Oil
   The second layer to be applied over the gel is our quick absorbing Revive Body Oil. Our high-quality oil acts as nourishment for the skin working to the deepest layers. Essential oils of Rosemary, Pink Grapefruit and Juniper Berry give you an added boost after using your Bath & Shower Oil. You can use the oil all over the body daily or directly on to areas of cellulite or fluid retention & puffiness. TOP TIP: If you start lacking energy during the day, take one pump of the Revive Body Oil, take a nice deep breath of the blend and apply over your chest. This is a quick fix on the go and will give you an instant energy boost.
   
   DID YOU KNOW? All our oils contain a base of either Coconut, Evening Primrose or Jojoba oil which are all quick absorbing and highly nourishing for the skin. We don’t use any mineral oils which can clog the pores and leave a film of oil on the skin giving you with a ‘greasy’ feeling.
3. Revive Body Lotion
   This is the final step of the layer locking. The lotion locks in all the other products and protects the skin from the environment. It is incredibly nourishing while still feeling light. Essential oils of Rosemary, Juniper Berry and Grapefruit can affect your body physically by giving you an energy boost while omega fatty acids help to soften. TOP TIP: This is our only body lotion that contains Sodium Hyaluronate. It’s an incredible ingredient which can hold and retain water in the skin to not only deeply hydrate the skin but giving a plumping effect on the outside. 

Have you ever experienced redness, itching, stinging or dry and flaky skin? These are all signs of skin sensitivity. Understanding whether or not you truly have skin sensitivity is the first step in perfecting your skincare regimen.

What Is the Skin's Barrier?
Our uppermost layer, the skin barrier is a living organ and is designed to protect us from the perils of the environment like UV, pollution, infection, toxic chemicals and so on. Much like a security guard for your skin, the skin barrier detects everything that comes in contact with your skin and stops potential problems from passing through. However, a thin, weak or damaged skin barrier allows irritants in - causing skin sensitivity.

What Causes Skin Sensitivity?
Aside from age or coloring, we expose our skin to many environmental stressors that can dry our barrier out or weaken it. Here are 5 well-known triggers that can make sensitive skin react with redness, acne and inflammation:

• The environment - outside and in
  Changes in the weather don't just affect your wardrobe; they affect your skin too. Differences between temperatures or use of air conditioning and central heating can cause skin to become dehydrated and potentially more sensitive. 
• Dirt and pollution
  Exhaust fumes, smoke and dust - these can leave your skin feeling irritated and dirty and are pretty hard to avoid. Throughout the course of the day, surrounding pollution sticks to your skin and can irritate and weaken the skin's natural barrier over time.
• Hormones
  Fluctuating hormonal activity can not only cause the characteristic monthly break-outs but can also increase skin's sensitivity overall.
• Stress
  Stress can be caused by many things such as problems at work, lack of sleep or poor diet. The hormones that are affected by stress can decrease skin barrier function and its ability to recover.
• Ingredients in skincare productsNavigating product labeling can be a bit of a minefield, but artificial fragrance, dyes and harsh chemicals like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and petrochemicals are all known to irritate skin.

We're thrilled to announce the arrival of the new Inner Strength Skincare. Learn more about our newest skincare range and how you can win the entire Inner Strength Skincare collection!

What Is Inner Strength Skincare?
Inner Strength has been specifically developed for sensitive skin and is designed to rebuild the skin's natural strength and protect it from the effects of emotional and environmental stress.

The Inner Strength skincare collection is packed with powerful essential oils and natural active blends to help soothe irritated and sensitive skin. Chamomile essential oil calms the mind and soothes the skin while prebiotic technology rebuilds and protects your skin's natural defense system. It also include Cotton Thistle Flower, which works to restore the skin's dermis and epidermis and Arnica Flower, a natural anti-inflammatory.

Enter For a Chance to Win!
Enter below and you'll be entered for a chance to win an Inner Strength Skincare set!(Please note, giveaway is open to US entries only.)

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The Inner Strength collection includes five products for a complete skincare experience:

• Inner Strength Soothing Cleansing Balm
  A rich cleansing balm that gently removes makeup and impurities while restoring your skin's natural moisture levels.
• Inner Strength Soothing Serum
  An intensely hydrating and strengthening serum to help calm skin irritations and promote that reconstruction of dry, damaged skin.
• Inner Strength Soothing Face Oil
  A nourishing and soothing face oil to repair and hydrate irritated skin.
• Inner Strength Skin Recovery Moisturiser
  A soothing moisturizer that helps heal and support the skin's natural renewal process for a healthy-looking complexion.
• Inner Strength Soothing Repair Mask
  A repairing mask to moisturize, plump and heal overstressed skin.

With fears of clogged pores or a greasy complexion, face oils are one of those tricky skincare categories that often get a bad rap. Contrary to what many might believe, oils are actually perfect for warmer weather, as they are lighter than a majority of creams. In short: Oils are the perfect base to moisturize your skin, particularly when they're derived from pure plant oils (like our Aromatherapy Associates Face Oils). The magical thing about oils is that they are a complete multitasking wonder. A tiny drop will absorb instantly and seamlessly bring out the glow in every skin type, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, assist with skin recovery and soothe parched, dehydrated skin in the process. The end result: Plump and radiant skin that feels nourished, healed and hydrated, and anything but greasy! Below are a few tips on how to utilize them in your beauty routine.

Tip #1: Look for a facial oil packed with antioxidants
When it comes to anti-aging ingredients, antioxidants reign supreme. Not only do antioxidants neutralize free-radical damage caused by sun exposure, pollutants and other environmental aggressors, they also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and inflammation. Since you'll likely be spending more time outside, it's wise to protect your skin against external factors that can accelerate your skin's natural aging process with blends that help to fortify and strengthen your skin's barrier.

Tip #2: Opt for a lightweight, non-greasy formula
In the summer months, temperatures are more likely to be hot and humid. This may in turn, cause your skin to experience more oil and sweat. You may think avoiding products with oil will help, but that is not necessarily true. Using face oil in the morning is a good strategy to help reduce excess sebum production, while helping your skin become hydrated and nourished without becoming congested.

Tip #3: Give your moisturizing routine a glow-boost
Aromatherapy Associates luxurious, lightweight and non-greasy formulas can bring the look of a healthy, youthful glow to your skin. One of the best ways to do that is to apply face oil after applying serum - then your favorite moisturizer. Top tip: Face oils can create the perfect summer highlights by applying it directly on top of makeup on the upper cheekbones and down the bridge of your nose.

Tip #4: Apply a face oil at night to repair and hydrate your complexion
Face oils - often enriched with vitamins and ingredients that moisturize, help with the cellular renewal process when your skin cells are already in repair mode. It creates a protective layer that traps in the moisture you need and can even act as a carrier for your other treatment products to penetrate deep into the layers of the dermis where they are more effective. Top tip: If you have a bit left on your hands after application, take what's left and push it into the cuticles for a nourishing hand treatment.

• Bambusa Arundinacea (Bamboo) Stem Powder: A physical exfoliant extracted from the bamboo stems. Sweeps away dead skin cells, refines skin texture and clarifies pores for a brighter and clearer complexion.
• Zea Mays (Corn) Cob Powder: A physical exfoliant that gently removes dead skin cells to restore a healthy, vibrant glow.
• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter: A superb moisturizer with exceptional skin smoothing and healing properties to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and skin inflammation.
• Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter: Known as a superfood and ultimate moisturizer. It contains a large number of different antioxidants, which neutralizes free radicals and preserves the youth of our skin.
• Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil: Improves circulation, tones and reduces the appearance of cellulite.
• Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil: Rich in antioxidants to help fight premature aging and free radicals, helps to remove excess water and toxins from the body.
• Juniperus Communis (Juniper) Fruit Oil: Promotes and improves blood circulation, diuretic.
• Calendula Offincinalis (Marigold) Flower Extract: Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, heals, soothes and softens the skin, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and age spots for radiant, youthful skin.
• Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract: A member of the ginger family, it is an ancient superfood that has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.

• Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil: Restores elasticity to the skin, rich in nourishing essential fatty acids, high content of omega acids and Linoleic acid helps dissolve the oil build up in the pores.
• Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil: Exceptionally rich oil high in essential omega fatty acids and proteins for soft, smooth and hydrated skin.
• Sodium Hyaluronate: Gives skin volume by holding onto water, plumping effect.
• Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil: Improves circulation, tones and reduces the appearance of cellulite.
• Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil: Rich in antioxidants to help fight premature aging and free radicals, helps to remove of excess water and toxins from the body.
• Juniperus Communis (Juniper) Fruit Oil: Promotes and improves blood circulation, diuretic.
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5: Amino acids designed to boost collagen production. It has the ability to penetrate deep into the dermis to stimulate and speed up collagen synthesis and healthy tissue growth.