Our Partnerships Director has been in the beauty, wellness and fashion industry for 15 years. Here are her tips on how to elevate your wellness from skincare products to self-care heroes.

After seeing all of the gorgeous floral installations during Chelsea in Bloom, I feel inspired to chat about one of my favourite elements of the summer season; flowers. I was personally totally obsessed with MZ Skin’s gorgeous pink display, which took inspiration from Alice in Wonderland’s “Through the Looking Glass.” Their cult favourite pink LED masks were displayed amongst the flowers as a reminder to take 10 minutes a day to show your skin some love. Summer self-care for me is all about embracing florals, from gorgeous blossoms at home to the smell of my candles and perfumes and the hero ingredient in my summer skincare. Here are some of my favourite floral essentials celebrating the beginning of the Summer season. 

MIND

Studies have shown that having flowers at home can induce creative energy and positive vibes, reduce stress and ultimately make us feel better. I don’t think we need any excuse to treat ourselves (or loved ones… hint-hint to my husband) but I would say that these positive benefits would be a really good one. My favourite summer flowers are always hydrangeas and peonies and Flowerbx do some of the most incredible selections of luxurious and elegant, hand-picked bouquets which are not only sustainably sourced but last longer and are delivered straight to your door. They are my favourite place to get flowers, which both smell amazing and look stunning as a centrepiece for any summer dinner party or as the ultimate treat to myself. 

BODY

I have always loved heavy-scented smells, but for summer I do love to gO with something lighter and more floral (but not too sweet) and Ostens is my new favourite brand. Created by five of the most celebrated master perfumers, these beautiful fragrances are inspired by a single raw ingredient and use the world’s finest materials in their purest form. 

The Jasmine Absolute is the perfect Summer daytime fragrance; The combination of Egyptian Jasmine, violet leaves and Ylang-Ylang makes this perfume feel surprisingly light and fresh. But my favourite floral fragrance has to be their The Patchouli Heart no 1, which is unlike any other scent you would expect from Patchouli. With the liquorice notes added to soften the sweetness of the flower, it adds a gorgeous, smokey, earth feeling which feels undeniably sophisticated and perfect for a decadent summer evening. I am so in awe of this gorgeous brand, I just want to try everything. 

SOUL

There is nothing better for the soul than some serious self-care time. Whether for you that means a cosy movie in, a good book or some pamper time with your favourite bath products; nothing supports relaxation like some lovely scented products. Rituals are my go-to brand for my weekly “spa evenings”. Inspired by the wisdom of ancient traditions and cultures they remind me to experience them with joy. From gorgeous candles and room sprays to fragrance sticks and aromatherapy diffusers (as well as stunning hand balms and soaps) their floral scents of Sweet Jasmine or Imperial Rose are the perfect fragrance for Summer, to evoke a sense of calm and relaxation. This really is the ultimate homeware brand to make you feel good. 

SKIN

Elemis is one of my all-time favourite beauty brands. Their gorgeous skincare products use nature’s finest active ingredients and they really work. If you haven’t tried their Eye Masks yet you really must! Summer for me is all about keeping things as natural as possible, so boosting my skin’s hydration to get a natural glow is my main focus. Their Rose infused collagen range is the one I reach for come summer, when my skin can feel a little extra sensitive, but still has the all-important and amazing anti-ageing properties. Rose is one of my hero ingredients as it hydrates and promotes elasticity, but is also perfect for sensitive skin. It’s my little summer skincare secret to get my natural radiant glow, so all I need is a little tinted SPF and I am ready to rock and roll. And as an added self-care bonus the floral scent smells absolutely divine.

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words by Louise Af Petersens