Bare Body Beautiful: Elemental Herbology

For those who’ve been following the Bare Body series, I hope you’ve already picked up a few hints and tips to feel your glossiest this summer. I’ve certainly enjoyed all the expert insights and have a little wish list of items to try from each of the brands featured!

In this, the penultimate, post we return to our skin and body care, meeting Kristy Goodger the founder of niche naturals line Elemental Herbology. A favourite with many beauty editors, this young brand – the company was only launched in 2008 – has accomplished an impressive stockist list; adorning the shelves of Space NK, as well as beautiful spas and boutiques throughout the world.

Utilising her expansive holistic knowledge, Kristy has successfully weaved some interesting and unique features into the product range, including the Chinese five element principles.

Please could you tell us a little more about the five element principles underpinning your products, and which of these have the most benefit for detoxification?

Elemental Herbology is dedicated to helping your skin find its equilibrium. This state is achieved when all the five elements are balanced and in perfect harmony. When one of the elements is stronger or in excess, it can override the function of another. For example, when the Fire element is in excess the skin can become red, irritable and congested. To help the skin restore its equilibrium, cooling, clearing and soothing skincare is prescribed.

The Wood and Metal elements are most closely aligned with the function of detoxification. Wood because it is the element related to Spring and the Liver and Gallbladder. Metal, as the element is related to Autumn and the skin, lungs and intestine.

What would you recommend for someone looking to feel their best in the buff?

Eating healthy, nutritious food and vigorously exercising at least 3 times a week for a month. Sorry no easy fix!

However, to improve the texture and appearance of the skin, I recommend using a body exfoliator such as Beach Prep Radiance Body Polish, which is rich in fruit enzymes and helps shed dead cells while also softening the skin, every second day for a week. Follow this with a morning and night application of SOS circulation Serum on hips, thighs and abdomen to help reduce fluid retention and make the skin appear more toned and smooth.

Finally, apply a daily body hydrator such as Sun Kiss, which contains subtle levels of a tanning agent along with a watermelon and macadamia oil, to give the skin a nice subtle bronze glow.

Any top tips for low confidence days?

If I am feeling a little run down, I always do a mini facial. It is nice to feel like you are pampering yourself and your skin will thank you for it.

Start with an exfoliation with our Facial Glow, followed by a Detox Mask to purify and decongest and finally the application of a really rich, nourishing Facial Soufflé Mask to improve hydration and plump the skin. Fortunately we have created a weekend facial kit just for this reason.

Also, getting out in fresh air for a brisk walk really helps to clear body and mind.

What’s your favourite body treatment?

Definitely a massage. It is so relaxing, rejuvenating and life affirming.

Do you have any beauty vices?

I love facial serums. Fortunately I can keep Cell Food, my hero serum, on tap if need be!

What’s the best feedback that you’ve received from a client regarding how you’ve enhanced their self-esteem?

We actually this week received a lovely letter from a client who had an eating disorder which made her skin really spotty, dull and sallow and, in turn, further reduced her self confidence. After only a month of using Elemental Herbology she has reported her skin is now clear and radiant and she is receiving comments on how good she is looking. She is of course delighted.

Your beach body icon & why?

My husband. Hee hee!

Your dream holiday/beach location & why?

Mission Beach, North Queensland. The beach is majestic, it is a place where rainforest meets the sea, it is so quiet, calm and still and I have the most wonderful memories from my time there.

With thanks to Kristy Goodger & Elemental Herbology

I’ve long been a fan of Elemental Herbology, featuring the SOS Circulation Serum in my advent calendar post: http://buff-beauty.com/?p=138 So, I couldn’t hop in the bath fast enough to test the Detox Botanical Bathing Infusion, a heady, herby blend of Juniper Berry, Grapefruit, Rosemary and Geranium.

These ingredients combine to kickstart the circulation, stimulate detoxification and invigorate the senses. It certainly feels good to know that all of this work is happening while you’re relaxing. I recommend the addition of a magazine and a cup of herbal tea (face mask optional) for the ultimate body and soul experience.

Interestingly, you can also apply the product directly to the skin while showering. It’s easy to massage the oil on and splash away with water.

Either method makes for an enjoyable application. Skin is left silken from the nourishing sweet almond, jojoba and peach kernel extracts and the delicious scent leaves you feeling rather energised.

Really, the only downside is the fact you’ll long for a bigger bottle!

£20 for 150ml – elementalherbology.com

x