100—
To be & to look ‘youth-full’
43—These are a few of
my favourite things
my favourite things
43
Living Nature
Bottle bashing, grass angels & dog dribble
Do you remember when Living Nature came in clunky-cool, milky glass bottles that were impossible to bang the dregs out of?
Do you also recall that some of their products made you smell like you’d either been rolling around naked on the lawn, or coated in the saliva of a large, overly-friendly dog?
Those were the days…
Back then, Living Nature was all the rage amongst the health conscious, the ethically minded and the environmentally aware. Back then, we were staunch supporters of this — ‘first of its kind in New Zealand’ — sophisticated line of natural beauty products.
Note: Living Nature was founded in 1987. It was one of the world’s first companies to produce skin care products without the use of synthetic preservatives!
Loving Living Nature
Living Nature has always held a special place with me. And by that, I mean its always been either on my dressing table or in my bathroom cabinet.
I initially became loyal to this brand as it adheres to my personal values. Now, that I’m a Naturopath + Medical Herbalist, it also meets my professional requirements.
Check out how I evaluate beauty products (in the first ever blog-post I wrote — some 18 months ago!): How I choose beauty products
Over the years, Living Nature have continued to impress me. They’ve tweaked their already brilliant lineup of products by addressing their ‘packaging & pong’ problems! (For the smell issue, they brought in a French Perfumer who only uses 100% essential oils.)
Unfortunately, over those same years, I’ve found that people aren’t as diehard as they used to be? And, this irks me somewhat. Where’s the love gone? Especially considering that this brand doesn’t make you smell like you need a ‘good wash’ anymore!
The world approves of Living Nature
Living Nature meets the highest standards around the world.
They are certified natural by the BDIH in Germany.
They are tested for safety by STRUK in England.
They are tested for efficacy by Abich in Italy.
They are recognised as Premium Bodycare in the USA
(by the largest retailer of natural skincare — Whole Foods)
I don’t think people understand the gravity of this brand?
On first inspection, I’ll admit that Living Nature doesn’t have the same level of sexy-looking packaging as a lot of the other brands. However, there’s more to this packaging than meets the eye! Not only is their packaging 100% recyclable — it’s also pretty clever! By this, I mean the product comes out of the bottom of the packaging. This ‘gravity fed’, Kiwi ingenuity ensures minimal exposure to both air and fingers which minimises oxidisation and gooey germs! This upgraded packaging has also put paid to ‘bottle bashing’ — you can now easily get access to the very last smidgeon.
Note: The ink, paper, and card they use are dioxin and chlorine-free.
What happens in New Zealand stays in New Zealand
Living Nature formulate and produce over 100 products at their Kerikeri site, using a variety of our unique NZ native flora.
This brand is excloosive, darlings! Over 80% of New Zealand’s plants are found nowhere else in the world.
Manuka Honey
This is the key ingredient throughout Living Nature’s product-line.
This particular honey is hydrating, nourishing, healing, rejuvenating, and protecting.
Manuka Oil
This oil has healing properties (it’s antibacterial + anti-fungal)
Harakeke
This flax gel is both hydrating and healing.
Note: This substance forms the base of my ‘most favourite’ toners in the world: Living Nature’s Hydrating Toning Gel, and their Extra Hydrating gel. They are just sensational — you don’t feel the need to apply moisturiser after applying either of these products.
Totarol
This substance is derived from the mighty Totara Tree and provides anti-oxidant activity (it’s healing + anti-aging)
Kumerahou
This stuff is super cool! It has the ability to lather up by just rubbing the flowers and leaves together in water.
It’s the soap that the world uses!
Halloysite Clay
This clay absorbs toxins from your skin and gently exfoliates it. It therefore purifies and refines.
Note: Use their Deep Cleansing (clay) mask prior to a hydrating or nourishing mask to prepare for and enhance its effect.
Kelp
This South Pacific ‘weed of the sea’ is a rich form of nutrients. Its job is to nourish + nurture.
It's time to celebrate!
Win one of two Living Nature prize packs!
I’ve got mad love for ‘The Land of the Long White Cloud’. In so many respects, we are very lucky in this country. And now (some of) our Antipodean animals will also get lucky!
NZ’s government recently announced that it will ban cosmetic testing on poor defenceless animals. And about bloody time!
To celebrate this much awaited declaration, Living Nature have given me some of their sensational products to pass-on to two lucky winners.
To win, simply comment below with: “About bloody time! To celebrate NZ’s decision to stop cosmetic testing on animals, I’d like a chance to win Prize Package No. ___”.
Prize PACKAGE No. 1
Bodycare –
Nourishing Body Wash
Nourishing Hand Cream
Ultra Rich Body Cream
RRP: $99.00
Prize PACKAGE NO.2
Skincare –
Skin Revive Exfoliant
Hydrating Gel Mask
Firming Flax Serum
RRP: $142
Note: These Living Nature products are not suitable for Vegans as they use honey, and a milk-derived enzyme.
Prizes drawn: Friday 8 May 2015
(winners will be notified via my OOMPH facebook page).
Good luck x
Prize PACKAGE NO.1
Prize PACKAGE NO.2
You guys rock my world!
A very special shout-out to SAFE (Save Animals From Exploitation).
This NZ animal advocacy organisation works tirelessly, on behalf of all of us, to ensure a better quality of life for all creatures great & small.
SAFE was established in 1932, which alongside Living Nature, makes them a world leader in what they do. Companies + organisations like this help make this world a better place to cling on to!
Lisa says:
YOU DON'T HAVE TO SCRAP THE CURRENT BRAND YOU'RE USING
If you’re used to using natural beauty products, and you’re not already using Living Nature, you can simply start introducing their products as your other brand/s runs out. You don’t need to completely scrap what you are currently using to invest in Living Nature’s whole product-line.
We live in a Harsh Reality
We know we have a significantly depleted ozone layer covering our tiny piece of paradise, here in NZ. However, luckily for us, the clever plants produce a variety of bioactive molecules to protect themselves in our unique environment.
People living in NZ should definitely consider using this brand to ‘arm themselves’ against this harsh reality. Living Nature products help to purify, repair, and nourish endangered Kiwis.
There’s really no reason not to adore New Zealand's very own, Living Nature!
Make an appointment with Lisa
Lisa Fitzgibbon is a degree qualified (2006), experienced and registered Naturopath & Medical Herbalist. She runs her own private practice – OOMPH in Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand.
Lisa has been involved in the Natural Health industry for 16 years. She draws on her professional training and experience, as well as her own personal experience to bring you realistic, holistic health advice.
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