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See: Ceramides
Few things in this world are certain, but one thing you can rely on is winter’s ability to disturb even the most balanced, well-maintained skin. Maybe not immediately, but certainly over time. Because when the temp drops, so does the moisture content in our skin. Add in biting winds, scalding showers and 24/7 heating and soon enough, it’s a dry skin disaster. Cue: winter weary skin that looks and feels dull, ashy and tight - at best.
Fortunately, simple skincare formula swaps can help rescue your moisture barrier during the cold snap season (and beyond) and keep skin adequality nourished, comfortable and – even! - radiant. How? Ceramides.
We’ve touched on this hero ingredient before, but now – enduring the drying throes of Winter – Ceramides deserve a closer look.
Ceramides 101
So, what are Ceramides and what do they do? Well, they're a type of lipid (aka fat molecule) that naturally occurs in our skin cells. Essentially, they work to help reinforce the skin’s barrier function, which is vital for keeping skin cells healthy, protecting against drying external aggressors and stopping bacteria and infections from entering the body. If you think of your skin cells as bricks, then ceramides are the mortar that bind them. They’re integral.
And while harsh winter weather – as well as ageing, sun damage and certain skin conditions - can disrupt the natural ceramide levels in our skin (boo!), incorporating ceramides into your skincare regime can replenish levels topically (hooray!). In fact, with continued regular use of topical Ceramides in your skincare, you can expect to see and feel boosted moisture levels in as little as a week. So let’s get started.
Ceramides Skincare Swaps
Easy to incorporate at any – or every! - step, Ceramides can be found in a variety of skincare products, most typically moisture-focussed serums , creams/lotions and overnight balms. Though you’ll spot different types of ceramides on ingredient lists (such as Ceramide AP, NP, NG, NS or EOP, to name a few), ultimately, they all function very similarly to strengthen and support skin’s barrier. When it comes to skincare, all Ceramides are good Ceramides. And you can find them in the following Natio skincare products:
- Treatments Plant Peptide Line & Wrinkle Serum
- Treatments Hyaluronate Skin Hydration Serum
- Ageless Plumping Renewal Serum
- Ageless Radiance Day Lotion
- Aromatherapy Extra Firming Night Time Moisture Balm
- Aromatherapy Multi Action Neck and Decolletage Sculpting Cream
- Treatments Skin Renewal Ceramide Line & Wrinkle Cream
- Treatments Plant Peptide Firm & Smooth Eye Cream
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The summer and Christmas holiday period is fast approaching, and while this can evoke a sense of joy and gratitude, it’s fair to also feel some sense of foreboding chaos. As you put together your Christmas shopping list, be sure to “check it twice” and ensure you can tick off some well-deserved me-time. Here are some brief tips for incorporating essential oils into your holiday, for conscious wellbeing amidst the busiest time of the year.
Deck the house with aroma
The ornaments have emerged from storage and the rolls of gift wrap have started to pile up, how can you quickly return your home to a space of tranquility? Diffusing essential oils could be a quick solve.
Stressed? Look to Chamomile, Mandarin and Lavender to soothe the mind. The Natio Relax blend inspires a sense of calm. Breathe deep and take a moment to ground yourself in the benefits of this gentle aromatherapy blend.
Fatigued? Bright notes of Bergamot and Nutmeg work to awaken the mind and support a sense of vitality in the Natio Energy Blend. If you are feeling overwhelmed and need to declutter your brain, this is the perfect blend to offer some sense of clarity.
Not fatigued enough? Perhaps in the leadup to Christmas you’re struggling to doze off, your mind wandering with the lists of tasks still to be complete. The Natio Sleep Blend helps to relieve tension and promote restful sleep with a blend of Lavender, Bergamot and Chamomile.
For a customised aromatherapeutic experience, you can create your own essential oil blend. Simply add a combination of your preferred Pure Essential Oils to a diffuser and allow the aromas to drift you to a space of tranquility.
On the go essentials
The holiday season isn’t just within the home, and at Natio we understand that stress, tension and holiday fatigue can hit at any time. We have a range of convenient Roll On Blends, perfect for on the go aromatherapy support. Tucked into a handbag, or kept in your glove compartment, these 10ml vials are the perfect little helper you need while running errands this summer.
Give the gift of relaxation
Everyone deserves a moment of peace this holidays, give a loved one the gift of aromatherapy with our Peaceful Duo Gift Set. Part of our Christmas gifting collection, the set boasts two roll-on essential oils - Sleep and Stress - in a premium bamboo organiser with a mirror – a thoughtful gift for creating a space of tranquility.
Alternatively, if your loved one enjoys the comforts of candlelight, our Festive Spirit Gift Set comprises a large triple wicked candle scented with indulgent Caramel, Coconut and Cedarwood, the perfect fragrance to fill the home this Christmas.
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Sydney, Australia. A stunning city with a seamless blend of natural beauty and adventure. It’s also where I grew up and lived most of my life until moving down to Melbourne. I love my home city and want to help you uncover the best of it, so here is a list of all my favorite things to do.
Have a dip in the ocean pools
Sydney’s ocean pools are cherished havens for locals. Start your day with a refreshing swim at Bronte Baths or savor a relaxing dip at Wylie’s Baths. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the pools edges creates a harmonious ambiance that encapsulates the essence of our coastal lifestyle.
Wander through the Art Gallery of NSW
You will find the Art Gallery of NSW in most Sydney travel guides, yet it is also a much-loved place for locals seeking solace and inspiration. Particularly the modern wing, which has recently opened and boasts rooftop art terraces and courtyards. The new wing is beautifully built into Wolloomooloo’s natural landscape, following the slope of the hill its built into.
Wendy Whitleley’s Secret Garden
A hidden gem in Lavender Bay. With lush greenery, including a massive Australian fig tree (you’ll find these trees all over Sydney!), artistic sculptures and a gorgeous view of the blue harbour, it’s a special oasis - perfect for a leisurely scenic walk.
Stroll through Potts Point Markets
Held every Sunday, Potts Point markets has delicious food and a diverse array of vintage and handcrafted treasures. My personal favorite are the fresh juices and Portuguese tarts! Once you’ve enjoyed all the stores, take a stroll down the hill to Rushcutters Bay.
Snorkel at Gordons Bay
A secluded gem between Clovelly and Coogee, Gordons Bay is a peaceful escape from the tourist crowds around Bondi. Bring your goggles and witness the captivating marine life beneath its calm crystal clear waters. Over the summers, I’ve seen stingrays, wobbegongs, blue gropers, starfish, nudibranch and many tropical fish!
Royal Botanical Gardens
Another I’m sure you’ve seen in all the Sydney guides, but it’s always been my natural refuge right in the heart of the city so I couldn’t pass on adding it to my list. Bring a picnic and bask in the views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House while surrounded by native Australian plants. If you stay until dusk, don’t forget to look up and watch all the bats flying above!
Alibi Bar and Dining
Ask any local of the best place to eat in Woolloomooloo and they’ll be quick to tell you - Alibi Bar and Dining at the Ovolo Hotel. In fact, when writing this post, I texted my sister asking her favourite place to eat in Woolloomooloo and she even suggested it too! Known as Sydney’s conservatory of green, it exudes a sense of natural, both in the fit out and plant based food.
That’s why we’re so excited that Natio has partnered with Ovolo Hotels to offer you the chance to win an unforgettable three-night getaway for two at Ovolo Woolloomooloo, and over AU$500 worth of Natio products!
Want to experience Sydney's beauty first-hand? Enter the luxury getaway competition here.
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Life as a working mum is no mean feat! A constant juggle of family, home and work commitments, “having it all” requires organisation, discipline and critically, self care. In the spirit of celebrating magnificent and multi-tasking mums ahead of Mother’s Day, we asked three newly-returned Natio mamas for their top tips on “filling their cups” – the helpful tips that help them survive and thrive in balancing their roles both at home and in the workplace.
Christina Schroder
Natio Training & Education Manager
Mum to 3 year old Voilet and 12 month old Phoenix
“I believe we can ‘have it all’ just not all at once. Servitude is definitely part of being a mum, but having your own needs met is so important. The need to carve out time to have my cup filled became apparent very early on in my mothering journey and continues to be a priority to avoid post partum depletion. Some things I do to fill my cup: work – I really enjoy working, feeling part of something beyond my home is important to me. On my way to work I listen to a podcast or call friends for a catch up, sharing stories or having a laugh with close friends is a great way to start the day; and when it comes to social time with friends or moving my body, I book it in my diary like it’s an appointment so it actually happens.”
Belinda Cucé
Natio Senior Product Developer
Mum to 2.5 year old Sienna
“Being a mum has really taught me how to enjoy being in the present and learn about strengths I didn’t know I had. The weeks can get super busy juggling work, mum life and social commitments so I’ve found it essential to be really organised and plan for the week ahead. My husband and I decide our weekly dinners in advance and do one large shop on the weekend so we can be home in the evening during the week with our daughter Sienna. I’m very grateful to have our parents help take care of her while we work. Motherhood is really a love like no other."
Sheridan Wright
Natio International Sales Manager
Mum to 12 month old Lachlan
"Regular exercise helps calm me down. I find the most practical way of fitting in a work-out is using exercise on-demand whenever I can find that bit of time. But if it doesn’t happen there’s no point in beating myself up about it. I’m also pretty obsessive about planning the night before a workday, with every little thing prepared and packed right down to the undies that I’m wearing. This probably sounds over the top, but I would never leave the house on time if I didn’t. And the best tip that I took from others was to hand over day care drop offs to Dad. This alleviated a lot of separation anxiety for both of us.”
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Skincare routines can take what feels like eons to get right, but once you have mastered it, your skin will thank you! When putting your New Year resolutions into practice, consider how you can use this time to focus on setting new good habits for your skin in 2023 – there's no better time than the present.
Clean up after the party
If you woke up on New Year’s Day with smudged mascara from the night before, you’re not alone. Most of us are guilty of occasionally forgetting to take makeup off after a night out on the town. Make this the year to quit wearing makeup to bed and master your evening skin routine. You don’t need a seven-step regime every night, however it's important to remove product build up and grime before hitting the hay.
For a quick cleanse, soak a washable pad in Micellar Cleansing Water and wipe gently across your entire face. This doesn’t have to be followed up with a cleanser or toner; a moisturising cream like the Ageless Extra Firming Night Cream should be enough to keep you hydrated until morning – there’s a reason this cream is award winning! In an ideal world, a full nightly routine would be fantastic, but after a party, we know this isn’t always the reality.
Sun safe year round
We might sound like a broken record here, but it’s true – sun protection applies to every day of the year. While it may be gloomy and overcast outside, that doesn’t mean you’re immune to sun damage from UVA/UVB rays. For double duty sun protection and hydration, a day cream with SPF included is the best solution. The Rosewater Hydration Moisture Balance Day Cream SPF 50+ provides two-in-one protection with nourishing plant extracts to keep skin supple and shielded from sun damage. Don’t forget to protect the neck too – this skin is particularly fragile and deserves as much love as your face does.
The best trend? No trends
It’s easy to fall victim to the constant cycle of beauty trends, and while those bleached eyebrows will eventually grow back, it’s important to consider your skincare routine needs before throwing a concoction of random chemicals onto your precious skin. It can be tempting to try every treatment under the sun; however many active ingredients don’t agree with each other and should not be used in conjunction within a morning or evening skincare routine.
Since its inception 30 years ago, Natio has followed the guiding principle that nature nurtures best. It's for this reason that our products today still harness the healing and rejuvenating plant nutrients that are tried and true. If you are looking to revamp your skincare routine and would prefer to opt for positive results rather than trendy ingredients, try taking the Skincare Finder quiz. This quick questionnaire will help ascertain your key needs and provide a morning, evening and treatments routine in just a few minutes.
Self care everywhere
If there is one thing we’re keeping in mind this year, it’s that self-care is more than just a face mask and candles. Self-care should be a holistic routine that includes the whole body. Be sure to treat dry legs to a rejuvenating exfoliation with the Spa One Minute Body Polish, followed with a hydrating Spa Coconut & Shea Body Butter to leave skin refreshed year round. Also don’t forget to give your elbows some love!
Your mind works hard every day too, so when you decide to do a pampering night at home, take some extra time for mindfulness to truly rest and rejuvenate. To assist, diffuse some essential oils, play some relaxing, meditative music and drift into a space of tranquility and calm.
Ultimately all skincare routines change with your lifestyle, and like all good habits, they take practice to get it just right. Don’t be too hard on yourself and take time to find what works for you. Keep in mind the Natio guiding principle as you head into the new year: Love being you.
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This Christmas, many of us are approaching the Christmas festivities more sustainably. From giving gifts to what we eat, we are all playing a part in cherishing memories and moments with loved ones, whilst also being kind to Mother Earth. Here are some tried and tested ways to enjoy this season with friends and family without costing our planet.
Quality not Quantity
It’s a simple start, but when buying gifts, think “less is better” and focus on quality that will last, or offer a solution to the giver. With this in mind all Natio gift sets are made in Australia to reduce our carbon footprint and minimise shipping. Pick a gift that the receiver will love and use, and reduce the chances of gifts going to waste. Why not spoil loved ones with the gift of glowing skin and gift the Blossoming Beauty gift set with the Natio signature Aromatherapy 1-2-3 skincare routine.
Think about materials
World Wildlife Fund advises that we look at materials that gifts are made from to keep sustainability front of mind. Paper gifts and boxes can be made from recycled materials, or Forest Stewardship Certified (FSC) materials are a good sustainable choice. Avoid single use plastics items that cannot be recycled. The Forest Mist Natio for Men Gift set is a great option as it is presented in a recycled, locally made presentation box which can easily be recycled in your curbside recycling. The set includes a Daily Face Wash and 100% biodegradable konjac sponge which can be composted with your veggie, fruit and plant remains once you have finished using it!
Reduced packaging
You can also reduce waste by buying gifts that come in little to no packaging. Avoid plastic where possible and use reusable bags to carry your shopping home or choose online retailers who ship products to you in sustainable packaging options - like recycled paper or cornstarch beads in place of plastic bubble wrap. The Natio x Lamai Anne Christmas collection offers lovingly created gifts that include recycled or reusable components, and packaging to help you feel good about gifting to loved ones. Perhaps try Graceful Gum from the Natio Spirit range which features 3 full sized bath and body treats as well as a sisal exfoliating sponge in a reusable cosmetic bag.
Celebrating with food
When it comes to food waste in Australia on average, we annually waste close to 312kg of food per person, this has an impact not only on our environment but also our spending. Try to cut any waste by planning ahead – be realistic about how much food you need and plan ways to use up leftovers. If you can focus on seasonally available fresh foods, not only will this be a great way to minimise spending, but the food will be the freshest – also consider shipping and the environmental impacts of importing foods that aren’t in season locally.
Considered Decorating
Use the ethos of “quality not quantity.” Use, create and upcycle as many decorations as possible. Reusing ornaments is not only positive for the environment but also offer yearly family traditions that can be cherished. Try and avoid any single use plastics, focus instead on materials that can be reused season on season. And don’t forget to think about your Christmas lights! Using LED lights on your Christmas tree uses less energy, lasts longer, and looks just as effective as traditional lights.
We hope you can see how easy it is to make some simple swaps for a happy, and more sustainable Christmas this year. Wishing you and your family a peaceful and joy filled festive season.
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September 9th marks the return of Mercury in retrograde for three weeks. To alleviate the extra stress that this period can often bring, we have put together the best self care products to get you through to October. Check your star sign reading below to find out more. After a full pamper session? Check your birth chart to put together a full routine!
Air Signs
Aquarius
Curious, creative and the social butterfly of the zodiac, Aquariuses are known for their light, bright and deeply quenching energy. They feel like a burst of hydration on a hot day, making Natio's Rosewater Hydration Drench Mineral Mist the perfect handbag essential.
Gemini
The life of the party, you flit between social groups with ease. You can go from a sleepover in the living room to dancing up a storm with strangers in seconds, and your friends know you need to be invited if they want a night to remember! Prepare your skin for whatever happens with Natio's Ageless Luminous Perfecting Serum, so you can glow all day and night.
Libra
Balanced, playful and sensitive, Libra's are the one's to call when you need a listening ear and an optimistic outlook. An air sign through and through, they flit through life with positive energy and bring vitality wherever they go. Natio's Clear Skin Balancing Face Oil is a must have to keep heavy oils on the skin at bay and give light nourishment.
Water Signs
Pisces
A born dreamer, your friends and family look to you to have the most soulful and intense ideas. You enjoy living life to it's fullest and feel everything with depth and sensitivity. You're perfectly matched with our Calm Delicate Care Cleansing Milk for a gentle creamy cleanse that leaves your skin soft and glowing.
Cancer
Ruled by the moon, your psychic abilities keep your circle coming back to you for more. You have an unwavering empathy for your loved ones, even strangers on the street! You move with gentleness throughout your life and never have to fight for attention, your magnetic aura pulls the right people to you. Natio's Rosewater Hydration Antioxidant Serum is the perfect daily companion to keep your skin fresh and soft to the touch.
Scorpio
The siren of the zodiac, Scorpios are known for their intensity and cheeky glints in their eyes. Nothing stops a Scorpio from getting what they want, because they work hard but play even harder! Our Ageless Extra Firming Night Cream is the perfect pair for Scorpio, acting as a portal to bright, beautiful hydrated skin from the minute they wake up so they can take on the day with strength.
Fire Signs
Aries
As the first sign of the zodiac, you own your natural born leadership with pride and splendour. Arming yourself with fiery vision, confidence and bravery, it's only fitting to adorn yourself with Natio's Intense Colour Lip Crayons to remind everyone's who's boss!
Leo
The child of the zodiac, you love all eyes on you! Whether it's leading the charge on a night out with friends, or giving your loved one's an inspiring pep talk when they're feeling down, Leos command attention wherever they go. Adorn yourself as royalty does with the perfect pout of our Sunset Red Lip Duo and claim your rightful throne, Leo!
Sagittarius
No one's life is complete without a Sagittarius friend! They're the ones who make everyday one to remember with their funny stories and uncanny ability to find the magic in everyday. Just a touch of Natio's Southern Lights Blush & Bronze Duo feels like sparkle of a Sagittarius laugh.
Earth Signs
Taurus
Your grounding and ethereal essence makes you the go-to listening ear in your group. You are protective of your family and friends and always provide sound and impartial advice. Your daily essential would be Natio's Spirit Lemon Ironbark + Olive Hand Wash to fill your senses with the citrus and sweet aroma that makes you feel connected to nature.
Virgo
Notoriously well prepared and logical, there's no challenge you can give a Virgo that they can't solve! You like your skincare practical, easy to use and versatile - just like Natio's Nourishing Miracle Face Oil! Use this on your skin, nails or even the ends of your hair to glow gracefully through life as only you can do, Virgo.
Capricorn
The one that gets the other zodiacs in order is of course the Capricorn! They get things done with ease and know who they are and what they want. They scrub off negative comments and stress just like Natio's Wellness Body Scrub, leaving only soft skin and a clean surface behind.
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