Natural, holistic beauty is in

This New Year you’ve vowed to get healthy, right? You’re terrified of the unhealthy lifestyle that has young Filipino males dropping from heart attacks at age 35. Over-processed food, chemicals and stress are out; vegetarianism, exercise and organic products are in.

But what about your skincare? You may not realize it, but that heavenly-smelling, ultra-rich cream you slather on day and night may do more harm than good, with its breakout-causing, allergy-inducing mineral oils, artificial fragrance and coloring, petrochemicals, parabens and sulphates.

It’s time to read the ingredients list and actually be aware of what you’re applying to your face.

If you’re pursuing a natural, holistic lifestyle, you needn’t give up your elaborate beauty regime. You don’t even need to revamp it drastically – just be smart about which brands you choose.

Australia has lately become the most promising natural-beauty source. This resource-rich country is dotted with organic farms that produce not only wholesome foods but also the ingredients that go into beauty brands like Trelivings and Vitaman, both available locally at Rustan’s Essenses. The newest Aussie brand in the Essenses lineup is Ethos, a premium skincare range that uses fruit and plant extracts and essential oils to fight aging and achieve clear, luminous and healthy-looking skin naturally.

These ingredients are then blended by a team of experts and tested in the lab – but not on animals – to make sure they’re hypoallergenic, pH-balanced and work in synergy with the skin.

Recent articles in the Australian Medical Journal show that allergies have markedly increased over the past century and that as many as one in three people now suffer from some form of allergy. These studies link the increase in allergies to the increase in pollutants in our environment, and allergies are among the five most common conditions for which people consult their doctors.

In place of synthetic additives, Ethos’s antioxidant-rich cocktails include Vitamin E, green tea, tea tree, jojoba, avocado, rose, lavender, rosemary, mandarin and evening primrose oil to soothe, protect and nurture.

What’s more, Ethos’s comprehensive range is formulated for normal-to-dry skin or combination-to-oily skin, with five products designed for each skin type. The award-winning dark-green packaging not only prolongs shelf life, protecting the potions from light, heat and air; it’s also unisex enough that the men in your life won’t feel ashamed to share the skincare on your bathroom counter. Plus, you’ll be surprised at how good the natural scents smell. Instead of smelling like some fake flower, each Ethos product is bracingly fresh, clean, and green.

Here, a guide to choosing the right products for you:

Eye Makeup Remover (P795 for 125 ml) — This works great on waterproof mascara, emulsifying it for easy removal. With anti-inflammatory chamomile oil and nourishing rose oil, it feels cool on the eyes.

Cleansing Milk (P1,250 for 200 ml) — A creamy cleanser for normal-to-dry skin, this has kaolin and witch hazel extract to remove makeup without stripping skin, and leaves no oily residue.

Gentle Foaming Cleanser (P995 for 125 ml) — Made for all skin types, this has lavender and geranium to remove the excess oil that can clog pores.

Soothing Lotion (P995 for 200 ml) — For normal to dry skin, this toner has aloe vera, rose, geranium and cucumber to promote cell rejuvenation, soothe irritation, strengthen broken capillaries and encourage healing.

Clarifying Lotion (P995 for 200 ml) — For combo to oily skin, this contains lime and mandarin oils and witch hazel to absorb surface impurities, decongest skin and tighten pores.

Hydrating Day Cream (P1,450 for 50 g) — Has shea butter for healing dry, chapped skin, Vitamins A, E and C to rejuvenate, and jojoba oil, which is most compatible with the skin’s natural sebum, to nourish and protect from harsh elements.

Rejuvenating Night Cream (P1,750 for 50 g) — An all-in-one product rich in vitamins and antioxidants like rosehip oil, calendula and rose oil to reverse the visible signs of aging and promote a healthy, even complexion.

Daily Face Moisturizer (P1,250 for 50 ml) — A light variant of this is available for those with oilier skins concerned about heavy formulations. Rosehip and primrose oils reduce the appearance of fine lines, calendula extract calms and leaves a glow, and carrot oil provides the pro-vitamin A that rejuvenates skin. For drier skin types, this boosts the effects of the Hydrating Serum.

Hydrating Serum (P1,750 for 30 ml) — For use after toning and before moisturizing, this has green tea, Vitamin E and concentrated antioxidants for powerful radiance-boosting and protection against the harsh effects of air conditioning, travel and extreme weather conditions.

Intensive Eye Serum (P1,950 for 15 ml) — Addresses multiple concerns like lines, dark circles and puffiness with antioxidant green tea and Vitamin E. Cucumber and calendula depuff and have a cooling effect on tired eyes.

Products are also available in Cleansing or Hydrating Duos and Travel Packs for each skin type.

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Ethos is available at Rustan’s Essenses Makati, Tower and Alabang.