Spring Break, UK Style
As the May bank holiday weekend approaches, it's time to swap out the laptops for travel guides & embrace the spirit of Spring break, UK style. While our American counterparts jet off to tropical destinations, we Brits...
Self Care Q&A: featuring our wonderful community
We have long admired these women, their style, flair and individual passions since we started working with them. We are beyond grateful to have a wonderfully supportive community that not only embodies Desavery in many ways but also love our products and champion our brand so well. Enjoy this Q&A with these beauties - all about self care.
Michelle Abbott - @maison_abbott
Digital creator of daily outfits & style finds. Wearing what she loves - Midlife 50 plus.
1. Describe what self care means to you? (Not necessarily skincare related)
Self care is one of those phrases which can feel like you're 'indulging' in something. Actually, it's those moments we busy women often feel guilty of stealing back for ourselves - whether that's a soak in the bath, sorting out your nails or relaxing for 10 minutes with a face mask. It doesn't need to be skincare related - just anything which gives you a bit of time to re-set, relax and catch your breath. I love a cup of coffee in the morning and a wander around my garden to contemplate the day.
2. Number 1 tip for looking after your mind and body?
This is perhaps slightly abstract, but for me, the belief that you are enough is very powerful. It's easy (particularly in this age of social media) to compare yourself to others, whether that is looks, body, style or lifestyle. This can be very debilitating, emotionally and physically. Just accept who you are, that you have the control to change things if you need to, but that nothing positive comes from negative comparison. Live your own life as fully as you can, not in the shadow of someone else's presentation of their life. (which is mostly just a curated and edited snapshot of a life in any event!).
3. How you learnt this?
I guess this is again something which comes not only with age, but with life experience. It's a state of mind. It's easy to slide into negative feelings and we all do it - but try to pull yourself back and remind yourself that someone is probably looking at you in the same way as you look at that 'perfect' life someone else has. Noone has the perfect life anyway, even if they present as if they do.
4. What is your favourite thing about yourself and/or your body?
My favourite thing is the confidence I now feel in my 50s. There are definitely days when I feel insecure about some aspect of my body, but I care less what others think, and know that overall I'm content with who I am and the way I look. I try to do what I can to stay fit and healthy which is so important in general. Aside from that, I like my bottom and my legs!
5. How do you feel Desavery emulates self care?
I come back to these amazing products time and time again - for me, I see it as an opportunity to slow down and take a moment to appreciate being alive! That sounds a bit dramatic, but as you get older, you are so much more aware of the gift of waking up and appreciating each new day. There are always stressful events and twists and turns in life, but having a grounding routine, such as great skincare, really helps to balance and re-set the mind. I've practised facial massage for as long as I can remember and this is part of my skincare routine - when I discovered Desavery it was a moment when the two things came together and gave me a greater appreciation of the benefits of mindfulness in a skincare routine.
6. What 1 Desavery product can you not live without?
This is difficult! I absolutely love the Stellar serum - it's more than great skincare - it's an experience in bottle. I take a little time when applying to practice some facial massage, breathe in and envelop myself in the fragrance. It's really quite something. The other stand out product is the Garrigue Body Oil. I adore it - aside from being intensely hydrating for my body, it also transports me somewhere else - it reminds me of being on holiday, or in a Spa.
Claire Webber - @mintconditionlondon
A part time qualified stylist who loves helping women to build confidence & discover their true style.
1. Describe what self care means to you? (Not necessarily skincare related)
For me it means creating time and space to nourish and fulfil myself in some way, away from my day to day obligations. That can take many forms, from going for a walk in the fresh air; working out whilst listening to a (true crime) podcast; treating myself to breakfast at my favourite café, meeting a friend for coffee to browsing the shops.
2. Number 1 tip for looking after your mind and body?
Be kind to yourself. Use your instinct and listen to what your mind and body are telling you; you will know what you need (and don’t need) if you tune in. Don’t push past and override the messages they are giving you just because you feel you ‘should.'
3. How you learnt this?
Time! As you get older I think you have a better appreciation of what is really important for you at any given time. Just to use a physical example, going for a gentle walk in nature or sitting down with a coffee and a book might well do you more good that day than pushing yourself hard at the gym.
4. What is your favourite thing about yourself and/or your body?
With regard to my body, I love that it is strong and capable. I have had a very difficult relationship with my body over the years, but (again, with age) I have come to appreciate everything it has done and still can do. A favourite thing about myself is that am very trusting and find it easy to see the best in people. I always take the view that everyone is doing the best that they can at any given moment.
5. How do you feel Desavery emulates self care?
The beautiful, natural ingredients just feel incredibly luxurious. I honestly feel like I am transported to a spa or to some captivating destination when I use them. The scents manage to be both uplifting and relaxing at the same time, which has to be the holy grail of self care!
6. What 1 Desavery product can you not live without?
SO difficult to choose just one! If my life depended on it (!) I’d have to say the Garrigue body oil. It is just divine.
Katie Sammons - @ksammonsstyle
Digital creator focusing on style, beauty, home & life in her 40's.
1. Describe what self care means to you? (Not necessarily skincare related)
Self care to me really is anything that makes you feel good, something solely for you. Even if you only have 10 mins to set aside, just take that time to breathe and focus on you only. Skin care is a huge part of my self care, it has been since my early 20’s.
2. Number 1 tip for looking after your mind and body?
I would say wherever possible, get out into nature. We moved 6 months ago, to live right on the canal side and walking along the water, has a huge impact on my mood. If I’m walking alone, I will often listen to podcasts too, I find it very therapeutic.
3. How you learnt this?
Since I was 18 years old, I have suffered with Crohn’s Disease and after many years of illness and two major operations, I fully appreciate the little things in life, that’s what’s really matters, not the stuff we all sweat about daily. I try to embrace life as much as I can and never let my illness define who I am!
4. What is your favourite thing about yourself and/or your body?
Like so many others, I am self critical but I actually love my legs and the way my skin looks after looking after it for so many years.
5. How do you feel Desavery emulates self care?
By using the most incredible ingredients and inhaling the intoxicating fragrances, you really do help to achieve that spa experience at home. Adding this range into my skincare is helping my skin continue to be in the best possible shape.
6. What 1 Desavery product can you not live without?
The Stellar Daily Serum has to be my ride or die, the smell is incredible. It instantly improves the appearance of my skin, giving that all important glow we all expect from great quality skincare.
Marie Baines - @madamebshops
Digital creator focusing on French style & independent brands; including fashion & outfit ideas.
1. Describe what self care means to you? (Not necessarily skincare related)
Self-care for me means making time for myself. I try to go for regular runs: I enjoy
being outside in nature with my dog and it makes it makes me feel more balanced, both physically and mentally. In addition, I’m a great believer in a healthy diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables and hydrating my skin from the inside with lots of water and fats and oils (no low fat here).
being outside in nature with my dog and it makes it makes me feel more balanced, both physically and mentally. In addition, I’m a great believer in a healthy diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables and hydrating my skin from the inside with lots of water and fats and oils (no low fat here).
2. Number 1 tip for looking after your mind and body?
To get outside and walk every day if possible and to see daylight!
3. How you learnt this?
I changed my hours at work a few years ago and noticed an improvement in my
health when I was able to get out in daylight every day even in the middle of winter. Having had mental health wobbles in the past, I’ve learnt to look after my body. I know that if I’m in a routine of eating well and exercising regularly then I feel better in myself and don’t get overwhelmed. I know that moderation is key and not to beat myself up if things doesn’t go according to plan because sleep and time with family and friends are also important. I’m trying to get back into Pilates, things have been busy recently but I know that I need it in my life again.
4. What is your favourite thing about yourself and/or your body?
It’s not an easy question as I’m bad at finding positives about myself but I’m happy with my skin. It’s aged but I don’t feel the need to hide it, I’ve always been more skincare than make-up.
5. How do you feel Desavery emulates self care?
As I mentioned above, I like a routine which needs to include a few moments in the day for myself. I look forward to the Desavery moments in my day, they have made what was the chore of cleansing and moisturising into a pleasurable moment. The scent of the products improves my mood both first thing in the morning and before bed (the Lit! serum with geranium deserves a special mention).
6. What 1 Desavery product can you not live without?
It’s a difficult choice because I love all the face care products but I think my favourite is the Garrigue body oil. I suffer from dry skin, so I need to moisturise every morning after my shower. The oil makes my skin super soft but it also reminds me of summers in Provence which is my favourite time of the year.
Pia Grace - @piavebekegrace
Model, blogger & digital creator, focusing on midlife confidence & styling stories.
1. Describe what self care means to you? (Not necessarily skincare related)
Self care for me means taking time out to just be … whether that’s a brisk walk, a quiet read, doing some gardening or my yoga practice. Sometimes we just need to switch off from our screens and absorb some silence!
2. Number 1 tip for looking after your mind and body?
Keeping my mind active is so important to me, and I think it’s always so good to learn something new. Or if you come across something you don’t know the answer to, look it up and learn!
3. How you learnt this?
I’ll mention yoga again as it’s what keeps my mind calm and my body supple. I honestly couldn’t be without my yoga practice.
4. What is your favourite thing about yourself and/or your body?
My favourite thing about myself is my how I’m feeling at this stage in my life. A new found confidence that arrived in my fifties has made me embrace and enjoy this chapter.
5. How do you feel Desavery emulates self care?
Desavery products envelop you in the most gorgeous fragrance, it’s one that immediately transports you to sunnier climes and that feeling always enhances my mood ! With simple uncomplicated skincare, I know I’m giving my skin (and my mind) a boost.
6. What 1 Desavery product can you not live without?
My favourite Desavery product has to be the Garrigue Body oil which I use daily after my shower. I always dry body brush before I shower (using the desavery Body brush obviously), the Garrigue oil is absorbed so easily into my skin, the scent is uplifting and leaves me feeling calm and ready for the day ahead. I also smooth a little onto my hair if it’s particularly flyaway!
