Immunocologie Archives - Style&Minimalism

Time To Slow Down with C.P. Hart

This post was created in collaboration with C.P. Hart.

**The White Company** Wooden Bath Tidy | **Iris Hantverk** Bath Brush | **Meraki** Sponge | **Ex Nihilo** Ultra Rose Candle*

**C.P. Hart** Winchester Freestanding Cast Iron Bath

The latest addition to our house is a new roll top bath from C.P. Hart. We finally have a bath, it’s only taken us 7 years!

At the beginning of the year I wrote a post about my New Year Intentions, one of which was to slow down. Learning when to slow down (especially when you live in a city like London) is an important skill to hone, and one that often takes time to acquire. I’ve lived in London for around 12 years and it’s only now that I truly appreciate the need. Life can pass you by in a flash, so it’s important to take your time to appreciate the simple things. Whether that’s reading a book/magazine/newspaper whilst sitting in a favourite café and sipping on a freshly made coffee. Or taking a walk in a local park/favourite part of town/the countryside and enjoying taking everything in without an alternative agenda. Or (for me) slipping into a deep bath scented with my favourite bath oil (currently Olverum) whilst listening to calming music.

**House Doctor** Large Rustic Bowl | **House Doctor** Pure Nature Stool | **Iris Hantverk** Body Brush | **Meraki** Nail Brush* | **Meraki** Pumice Stone* | **Pai Skincare** Rosehip BioRegenerate Rapid Radiance Mask* | **Olverum** Bath Oil

Pregnancy really forced me to slow down, I would get tired after the least taxing of activities and, as the months wore on, I got more and more achey as my ligaments softened. Getting our new bath from C.P. Hart was an absolute game-changer. Barely a day went by when I was pregnant that I didn’t take a dip in it, whether that was to soothe my aches and pains or to chill out from the insane heatwave. There’s nowhere I felt more relaxed and would happily wallow away an hour.

There’s not a lot of time for me to wallow these days but I still grab a bath whenever I can, the pregnancy aches have been replaced by back and shoulder aches from carrying my gorgeous little girl around (she’s now 6.5kg). Little Isabelle, on the other hand, uses it daily as part of her bedtime routine.

**Balance Me** Super Moisturising Body Wash* | **Immunocologie** Cleansing Lotion* | **Immunocologie** Exfoliator Lotion* | **Susanne Kaufmann** Witch Hazel Bath

You might be wondering why it took us 7 years to get a bath. When we bought our house we completely gutted the kitchen and bathroom, removing the floor in-between and the ceiling above. This hadn’t been our plan but that’s what you get when you buy an old Victorian cottage with character. This, sadly, used up our budget and we just couldn’t afford the dreamy cast iron roll top bath I had planned for. Fast-forward 7 years and it’s been worth the wait, I couldn’t be happier with our beautiful bath, it’s just the right size and fits in perfectly, bringing together the old character of our Victorian house with my minimal style.

Just before the bump got too big I was on my hands and knees priming and painting the bath, a week later and the bump was too big and I wouldn’t have been able to. I used Johnstone’s Anti-Rust Metal Primer in Red Oxide and Farrow & Ball Estate Eggshell in Off-Black No.57. I used two coats of the primer and then two coats of the top coat. The 750ml pots of each were more than enough.

C.P. Hart were the obvious choice for me, they’ve been around for over 75 years, are well known for producing high quality products and work with some incredible designers (including Alessi and Philippe Starck). I can’t fault them on quality, our bath has been very well made and will be here for many years, long after we’ve moved on. It’s given our bathroom a stunning focal-point and finally it feels complete.

Evening Skincare Ritual with Immunocologie

I’m lucky that through my work, I get to meet talented and knowledgable people within the skincare industry. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Karen Ballou, founder of Immunocologie. Karen is fascinating to speak to, her breadth of knowledge of the skincare industry is astounding; having worked as a therapist, teacher and in product development before creating her own skincare brand. It was her battle with Hodgkin Lymphoma that led her to do so. The products have been developed with the aim of creating the cleanest and most effective skincare on the market. The oils and extracts used within the products are sourced from around the world sustainably and equitably.

Not only did I get the chance to speak to Karen one-to-one but she personally treated me to a facial, a wonderful experience that she talked me through as she went along. There’s little chance of me fully replicating the treatment at home (I just don’t have Karen’s skills), what I have done though is create an evening skincare ritual with Immunocologie products.

I start with Cleansing Lotion, working it thoroughly into my skin (as Karen showed me) before removing it with a damp cloth. It contains desert date seed oil which deeply nourishes the skin and grape seed extract, an antioxidant that defends against free-radicals whilst gently exfoliating and deeply nourishing the skin.

Once or twice a week I will follow this with Exfoliating Lotion, a gentle exfoliator containing lactic acid and glycolic acid. The lactic acid helps to combat breakouts while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and the glycolic acid is great for dull, pigmented and ageing skin, it also stimulates collagen production. The lactic acid helps combat the drying effect of the glycolic acid. It can feel warm and tingly but not unpleasant.

It’s then time to start layering the skin with moisture. A thorough spritz of Vital Ionic Mist kicks things off. It’s a hydrating, mineral-rich toning spray that helps balance the skin. It combines montmorillonite, kaolin and illite clays. Montmorillonite clay is one of the most mineral rich, detoxifiying clays in the world. Kaolin clay soothes the skin whilst removing impurities and cleansing pores. llite tightens pores and gently exfoliates, soaks up excess oil but also pulls blood towards the surface of the skin, boosting circulation.

When you layer moisturising products it’s important to start with the lightest products first, moving towards the thicker ones because the lighter the product the deeper it’s likely to travel into your skin. So first up is Hyaluronic Serum, a wonderful refreshing clear serum that contains two sizes of hyaluronic acid molecule, one helps pull moisture to the surface from within whilst the other helps draw moisture in from the surface (including from the other products I use on top). It’s great for calming inflammation and plumping the skin.

Next up, I use Face Serum, a light dry oil that’s super nourishing thanks to the desert date seed oil and shea seed extract that it contains. It also contains protium heptaphyllum resin extract which comes from an Amazonian tree, it is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

For the top layer of moisture I use Night Protection, a rich cream that my skin quickly absorbs. It also contains desert date seed oil and protium heptaphyllum resin extract, as well as moringa oleifera seed oil. It stimulates the production of natural hyaluronic acid to increase hydration within the skin as well as boosting the skin’s elasticity.

**Immunocologie** Cleansing Milk* | **Immunocologie** Exfoliating Lotion* | **Immunocologie** Vital Ionic Mist* | **Immunocologie** Hyaluronic Serum* | **Immunocologie** Face Serum* | **Immunocologie** Night Protection* | **Immunocologie** Eye Contour Serum*

And lastly, I use Eye Contour Serum, a light creamy serum that tightens and lifts the skin around the eyes, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and boosting skin elasticity. It contains baobab seed oil, a rich source of omega acids which are incredibly nourishing whilst being anti-inflammatory. It also contains lannae microcarpa fruit extract which has a vasoconstrictor effect, meaning it reduces the size of capillaries, causing your eyes to appear less puffy and reducing dark circles.

Effective Pregnancy Body Care Essentials

When I found out I was pregnant it became more important to me to find good quality products to use on my body that were made with natural ingredients. I wanted to give myself the best chance of being able to spring back to shape (I know in reality it will never be quite the same) whilst also thinking about what my body would be absorbing and could potentially be entering my blood stream and my growing baby’s. Below are the products I have loved using and would absolutely recommend whether you’re pregnant, or not.

**Elemis** Dry Body Brush | **Susanne Kaufmann** Stretch Mark Oil* | **Immunocologie** Body Serum* | **ARKET** Rectangular Serving Plate

DRY BODY BRUSH

As I noticed my body really begin to change shape in my second trimester I decided to make dry body brushing a daily ritual. I’ve had my Elemis Dry Body Brush for years, and used it on and off, but over the last few months I’ve managed to make it a permanent part of my morning routine. Dry body brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, the system responsible for moving waste around the body. It’s also a brilliant way to boost your circulation in general, get rid of dead skin cells and encourage the production of new ones.

Cellulite and varicose veins are common side effects of pregnancy, dry body brushing is one way I’ve tried to help reduce the chances of getting either. Remember to always brush towards your heart, using long, firm strokes.

BUY IT HERE

SUSANNE KAUFMANN STRETCH MARK OIL

Susanne Kaufmann Stretch Mark Oil is a medium-weight oil that contains almond, wheat germ and jojoba oils, along with arnica flower extract. The almond oil smoothes the skin, whilst the wheat germ oil (which is high in vitamin E) and jojoba oil moisturise and help improve the elasticity of the skin. The arnica flower extract helps reduce water retention, another side effect of pregnancy.

I started using this oil pretty early on in my pregnancy, as I wanted to give myself the best chance of avoiding any new stretch marks. Genetics pay a huge part in whether or not we get them but I wasn’t taking any risks.

BUY IT HERE

IMMUNOCOLOGIE BODY SERUM

The Immunocologie Body Serum is a light-weight dry oil that comes in an easy-to-use spray. It’s made with sunflower seed, desert date seed and rosemary leaf oils. Sunflower seed oil contains omegas 3, 6 and 9 which help improve moisture levels in the skin as well as helping it to retain moisture which leads to improved elasticity. Desert date seed oil is deeply nourishing and penetrates the skin quickly so it’s not left feeling greasy. Rosemary leaf oil is rich in vitamins and minerals which lift and firm skin.

I’ve not just grown a bump over the last 9 months but gotten a little larger all over. Mainly this is due to the increased levels of estrogen in my body, so pretty unavoidable. Thankfully one of my friends warned me in advance and told me to regularly moisturise the whole of my body. This body serum was my favourite to use all over as it’s not heavy (great, given the heat this summer) and doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy.

BUY IT HERE

Nourishing Skincare

At this time of year it’s very important to keep your skin really well nourished. Cold air, hot air and the constant change between the two can leave skin confused and a little traumatised. These are some of the nourishing skincare products I’ve been using in my skincare regimen this season, to keep mine in check.

Immunocologie Body Serum*

I’m obsessed with this moisturising dry oil from Immunocologie. It’s a lightweight oil that vanishes into my skin in less than a minute, so no waiting around to get dressed. The oil is absorbed quickly thanks to Immunocolgie’s Vital Oligo Science, a natural skincare delivery system. It’s fairly mess-free as the spray nozzle makes it easy to apply, and it also smells divine. After using it my skin feels well moisturised but not at all greasy.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% +B5

Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the skin and it is there to aide in the production of collagen. It also helps skin retain moisture when the molecules are small enough to be absorbed deeply. The Ordinary‘s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 contains “low, medium and high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid, as well as a next-generation hyaluronic acid crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration”. If the molecules are too large and sit on the surface of the skin all they do is draw moisture out of the skin so that just the surface is plumped.

Pai Skincare Instant Calm Redness Serum*

I seem to get through a bottle of this lovely calming serum from Pai (the sensitive skincare specialists) each month. It’s a light fluid that’s easily absorbed, perfect for use under your daily moisturiser or face oil. It contains Sea Aster which “inhibits the release of cutaneous neuropeptides, the molecules that cause skin to flare, while strengthening the surface skin, helping to reduce the appearance of redness; as well as Wild Oat which is famed for its ability to soothe reactive skin, enriched Wild Oat extract works to improve the appearance of delicate or damaged skin and helps to protect skin against environmental irritants”.

Immunocologie Super 7 Elixir Face Serum*

Another really great serum, it’s one which I prefer to use at night as it’s a little thicker and I like to allow it to settle into the skin before applying my night time moisturiser. It’s super nourishing thanks to a few key ingredients. The first of which you might find a little squeamish, Snail Secretion Filtrate. The Korean’s have been using it for ages and have some of the most advanced skincare in the world. It contains lots of good things like hyaluronic acid and antimicrobial peptides, great for both nourishing and repairing the skin. Anther key ingredient, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract (AKA Okra Extract) has been known to be used in Ayurvedic medicine thanks to its antibacterial properties which help the skin to heal. And, the essential fatty acids and anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties found in Desert Date (Balanites Roxburghii) Seed Oil soften and repair dry and damaged skin.

Pai Skincare Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser*

If you’re looking for a gentle but effective cleanser, look no further. When your skin is feeling a bit sensitive from the elements the last thing you should do is use something aggressive on it. It’s already on high alert and this would only cause more distress. Instead reach for something soothing and gentle. Pai have developed the perfect cleanser, it’s a cream cleanser that you gently massage into the face and then wash off using their Dual-Effect Sensitive Skin Cloth (which comes with the cleanser). It contains Camellia Oil which has both Omega 9 fatty acids and Vitamin E to nourish the skin, as well as Damask Otto Rose Oil which helps skin retain moisture.

Immunocologie Night Protection*

This is the first dedicated night cream I’ve used in a quite a while. I’d forgotten why it’s important to have a separate moisturiser for day and night. Skincare brands don’t make both so that they can sell you twice as many products but because each offers different properties that are more affective at different times of the day. Immunocologie’s Night Protection works to hydrate and help repair skin overnight. It uses Desert Date (Balanites Roxburghii) Seed Oil just like the Super 7 Elixir Face Serum to soften and repair. Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil which is rich in anti-oxidants and Vitamin C helps defend against free-radicals which age the skin. And, Protium Heptaphyllun Resin is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her 2017

So I’ve been a bit sneaky this year, instead of creating a women’s gift guide and a wish list like I usually do, I’ve combined them. I always want everything that’s on the women’s gift guide anyway so it made sense. The result is a bumper list of amazing products which I highly recommend. Each of the brands I’ve featured create the most amazing products and even if you don’t see something suitable here, please click through to their websites using the product links below, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

1. Toast Lotus Print Flannel Gown | 2. Otiumberg Gold Graduated Hoops | 3. Print Club London ‘Swimmers’ by Nadia Taylor | 4. Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash | 5. Sarah & Sebastian Small Disc Ring in Gold | 6. PB 0110 AB 52 Shoulder Bag in Black | 7. ‘House of Plants – Living with Succulents, Air Plants and Cacti’ Book | 8. Immunocologie The Luminous Kit | 9. Sort of Coal Bincho Water Purifier | 10. ARKET Recycled Cashmere Jumper in Grey | 11. Merci Maman Personalised Pastille Chain Bracelet | 12. Comme des Garçons Medium Classic Leather Wallet in Black | 13. An Organised Life 2018 Daily Planner | 14. Murmur Mura Wash Bag in Warm White & Indigo | 15. Geo Fleur Cacti Selection Box | 16. Rathbornes Bitter Orange, Birch Tar & Balsam Classic Candle | 17. Laboratory Perfumes Amber Eau de Toilette | 18. SEP Jordan Koutubia Embroidered Cushion Cover | 19. ‘Bowls of Goodness’ Cookery Book by Nina Olsson | 20. Another Country Mug | 21. True Grace Candle Wick Trimmer | 22. Everlane The Twill Weekender in Black

I’ve included all sorts in my gift guide, some obvious gifts like earrings, beauty products and candles as well as something a little more unusual like this beautiful print by Nadia Taylor at Print Club London and a box of cacti from the cool plant people at Geo Fleur. The gorgeous hoop earrings are from Otiumberg, a brand whose website I find myself returning to over and over again because I just can’t decide which pair of earrings I want most. Women will always tell you they need another handbag but they might not feel that way if they own one of PB 0110’s timeless designs. As long as it fits the world in (well a nice make-up bag and a few other bits) and is versatile enough to go with almost everything, it’ll be a big hit. Immunocologie’s The Luminous Set is perfect for anyone struggling with their skin in this cold weather, oil based products will keep them protected. And if they’re feeling really cold and just want to cosy up at home, a beautiful dressing gown should do the trick, I’ve not seen one more beautiful than this one from Toast. SEP Jordan’s geometric cushion covers are designed and made in Jordan by female refugees. The brand has given these women a chance to make their own money so they no longer have to beg for even the most basic things. I hope you find something wonderful for the important women in your life. Happy shopping.