Skin Food: Green Tea

While we like a good cup of green tea, we love seeing it among the list of ingredients in our skincare and makeup.

The anti-oxidant rich botanical boasts major beauty benefits when applied to the skin. It’s highly praised as an anti-aging ingredient in skincare because it can slow down the signs of aging. It works to safeguard the skin against sun damage by neutralizing free radicals (which attribute to premature aging) and aids in the cell renewal process.

Due to its potent anti-oxidant content, green tea is an anti-carcinogen, which means it can block harmful cancer causing toxins to reduce the occurrence and severity of some cancers! But it doesn’t stop there. Green tea is beneficial for those dealing with acne since it’s antibacterial and an anti-inflammatory. It helps to soothe the inflamed skin and stop the spread of bacteria, keeping acne contained. With constant use, acne can subside and the overall appearance of skin will improve.

“Current research also indicates that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an extract of tea, can prevent collagen breakdown and reduce UV damage to skin, which is a very good reason to use skin-care products that contain one or more forms of tea” (source: Paula’s Choice)

We love the protective properties of green tea which is why it’s one of our signature pure-fecting ingredients at Savile. We add green tea extract to all of our ready-to-wear loose mineral products so that you’re skin is always reaping it’s anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Organic Green tea is an ingredient you can also easily incorporate into your own DIY skincare recipes. Try out this DIY green tea toner…

Green Tea Toner:

1 cup water

4 tsp. tea leaves

1 tsp. mint leaves

Boil the water. Once it’s finished boiling, add the water, green tea and mint leaves to a bowl and stir. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes then strain. Allow the mixture to cool completely and then transfer it to a glass container with a sealed lid. Keep the mixture in the fridge. Use a cotton pad to apply the toner before you moisturize.

Give this recipe a try, or if you’re not really up for a DIY project, get your dose of green tea with some of our loose minerals.

Do you sip on green tea  or use it in your beauty ritual in some way? If so we want to hear about it! Leave a comment to the left and share your green tea beauty secrets with us!

Movie Night: Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead

Curious about juicing? Then this is THE movie to watch.

We ‘ve come to the conclusion that this might be the perfect movie for skinthusiasts  (or everyone, really) to watch around the holidays. We watched it again last night because we’re not perfect and temptation is everywhere (baked goods and advent calanders are our kryptonite)! Nevertheless, nutrition and diet play such a huge role in our beauty rituals that the holidays are no excuse not to stay on our game.

Enter Fat Sick & Nearly Dead. This documentary is centered around Joe Cross. 100 pounds overweight and suffering from a debilitating autoimmune disease, Joe shares his journey from being pumped full of meds and steroids to allowing his body to heal itself naturally, using food as his medicine. Fat, sick and nearly dead follows his personal mission to regain his health and along the way he inspires others to do the same as well.

Why do we love this doc so much? For one thing, every time we watch it, it is as inspiring, motivating and shocking as the first time we watched it. As self care junkies, we understand the connection our skin has with our internal health, and this film so clearly documents the connection between food and internal health. It’s pretty simple, we want to achieve healthy on the inside so that it reflects on the outside.

Looking better, feeling more energized, being healthier and achieving a brighter complexion are all reasons enough for us to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Even if it were just for the sake of our vanity, the extra benefits are definitely worth it. No matter what your fitness level, health status, skin type, age… (you get the picture) the decision to be healthy, happy and beautiful is really just up to you!

Learn more about Fat Sick & Nearly Dead here.

A highly recommended must watch!

XX

Mel & Mel

6 Morning Moments To Start Your Day

I like to start with an energized and  positive morning so that it carries throughout the rest of my day. I dislike waking up early in the middle of winter when you’re cozy in bed and it’s still dark outside. And, since I’m not a morning coffee drinker,  I needed to come up with a ritual that helped me get my mornings started right.

After testing out countless ideas, I found a few favorites.  I call them my “Morning Moments”:

• Wake up to music – It’s simple but the sound you wake up to makes all the difference. If it’s loud and obnoxious I start my day flustered and frustrated. If it’s a soothing tune or a song I love, I wake up feeling refreshed.

• Breathe – Take 7 deep breathes. I breathe in everything I’m thankful for and breathe out any stresses and worries I’ve been holding onto.

Breathe in – I am thankful for this beautiful city.

• Be mindful – Five minutes of meditation will bring you to the present moment and help to ground you for the day. I feel calm and prepared for what’s ahead when I’m finished.

• Warm lemon water – Drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning wakes up the digestive system and keeps your body warm. Plus I love the taste!

• Dry Brushing – My favorite! If you haven’t already heard of this (or you have but haven’t yet tried it) then you’re missing out. Read about all the amazing benefits dry body brushing has to offer over at Mind Body Green. On top of everything it does for your skin, it’s also great for your soul. It’s a time to focus solely on yourself in the mornings.

• Fresh air – Can’t say I recommend this when it’s below zero but sometimes just opening the door or window to get a breath of fresh air or to let in the light makes the world of a difference.

For me, these moments are part of living the Skinthusiast life. Being a Skinthusiast means taking initiatives to look after yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself every day. I love waking up feeling positive and ready to start my day now.

Do you have any morning moments? Give one or all of these a try and tell us how great your day was in the comments to the left or tag us in your posts @savilebeauty.

The perfect gift for the girl who has everything

Does this sound like you?

Every year around the holidays I find myself having this same conversation with friends, family, and clients. “What should I get (enter name here) for Christmas!?”

Last year, we wanted Savile to offer “the perfect gift” and it was a huge success, so this year, we’re making it official and rolling out our bespoke box set for the holidays.

Inside the box you’ll find our Little black brush along with two empty foundation jars and this little note:

Contained in this box is an empty package. It will be filled with your very own blend when you bring it in for your Bespoke Foundation appointment with Savile Beauty.

Your personal Beauty Tailor will be (tailor’s name).

She is going to create your perfect foundation. The coverage, texture and finish will all be up to you. Based on a colour and skin analysis, your tailor will customize the minerals to match your skin tone and create a blend of active botanicals to balance your skin and help you achieve your skincare goals.

Once you’re happy with your blend, she’ll go over application techniques using your new Little Black Brush. Bring along this gift and let Savile do the rest!

You don’t have to worry about finding the right size, or colour, because we will custom create the foundation to perfectly fit her skin. Each bespoke blend also comes with complimentary adjustments within 10 days. So if’ it’s not perfect the first time, we will work with your loved one until they are 100% happy.

Feel a sigh of relief? If you’ve moved on from saying “what should I get…” to “that’s the perfect gift for (enter name)!” then email us at info@savilebeauty.com to order your bespoke box set*. Then reward yourself, you’ve just got the perfect gift for the girl who has everything!

Happy Holidays! xx

Mel & Mel

*The bespoke box set retails for $126 (plus taxes and shipping, if applicable).

My Morning Chia Fresca

Every morning I start my ritual with warm lemon water and I absolutely love it. I even tote around a bottle of lemon water with me to sip on throughout the day.

Lemons have TONS of benefits for your health, which as we know also benefits your beauty. I love drinking it because knowing that it helps my body function optimally makes me happy and it tastes great too. So refreshing!

Just when I thought my lemon water couldn’t get any better I discovered a way to kick it up a notch.  Being a pescatarian (I eat fish but no meat) it can get a little boring relying soely on fish oils for my necessary intake of Omegas. So, I started incorporating chia seeds into my diet to give me a boost. As it just so happens, chia seeds contain even more healthy fat than flax seeds! (booya.)

Enter Chia Fresca.

Chia seeds are stirred into water and flavoured with lemon. The seeds absorb the water and the flavour and add a nice texture (depending on who you ask – it’s one of those love it or hate it kind of things).

When the seeds are soaked, the outer layer creates a gel-like film around the seed, like a tomato seed, making it is very easy to drink. It also makes a great post workout drink! Just add some coconut water for extra hydration and electrolyte replenishment.

So what are all these awesome benefits i’ve been raving about?

• Lemons are excellent for your skin. They tone, cleanse and balance.
• Purifies your liver and cleanses the body which is awesome because happy on the inside equals happy on the outside!
• Stimulates healthy digestion and can aid in weight loss if that is your goal.
• Alkalizes the body (acidic environments are perfect conditions for disease to grow)
• Gives you a boost of Omega-3 fatty acids which keep your skin plump, oily and healthy – all necessary for keeping wrinkles at bay.
• Chia seeds don’t need to be ground to be absorbed by the body
• chia seeds hold 10 times their weight in water (more hydration for you!)
• Chia seeds contain Fibre, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc along with many other nutrients that benefit your body and your skin.

I personally like to drink it as a Tea in the morning and a refreshing cool drink later in the day or after my workouts. Here are two versions, both of which I love!

Melissa’s Morning Chia Fresca Tea:

Yields: 2 cups

Ingredients:

• 2 cup boiled water/room temperature water ( I mix about half and half so its a good drinking temperature right away)
• 1.5 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice, or 1-2 wedges to taste
• Optional: Sweetener to taste (I suggest maple syrup, a bit of agave or steevia)

1. Take the lemon/lime and roll it on a hard surface to release the juices. Add it to your warm water. (I just throw in about 1-2 wedges)

2. Add chia and water into a jar or glass and stir very well to combine. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb water. the seeds will sink to the bottom so just grab a spoon, or give your jar a good shake to mix it all up again.

Melissa’s refreshing Afternoon (or post workout) Chia Fresca:

Yields: 2 cups

Ingredients:

• 2 cup filtered water or coconut water
• 1.5 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice, or 1-2 wedges to taste
• Optional: Mint Leaves or cucumber to taste
• Optional: Sweetener, to taste (I suggest maple syrup or a bit of agave or steevia)

1. Take the lemon or lime and roll it on a hard surface to release the juices. Add it to your water. (I just throw in about 1-2 wedges) Add mint or cucumber slices at this point if you want the added flavour and benefits.

2. Add chia and water into a jar or glass and stir very well to combine. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb water. The seeds will sink to the bottom so just grab a spoon, or give your jar a good shake to mix it all up again.

Cheers!

Give it a try and let me know what you think? Do you have a ritual to start your day? Tell me about it in the comments below!