SKINCARE

This month, Philosophia Botanica’s revolutionary Meridian Flow Golden Facial and exclusive skincare range make their debut at the UK’s first Heavenly™ Spa by Westin, set in the newly opened The Westin London City.

For the very first time, guests are able to enjoy this luxurious facial treatment in the UK, in the tranquillity of London’s new city centre sanctuary. Jenny Jones, Spa Director at the Heavenly™ Spa by Westin, says “we’re excited to be partnering with Philosophia Botanica and are proud to offer our guests something they can’t get anywhere else in the UK. The Meridian Flow Golden Facial elevates the luxury facial to the next level with truly astounding results”.

Created by Chinese Medicine practitioner Francesca Canzano-Franklin, the treatment is inspired by a fusion of African botanicals and Eastern traditional techniques. The Meridian Flow Golden Facial plumps the skin, promotes vitality, defines, sculpts and lifts at a cellular level. During the facial, a fusion of adaptogenic botanical oils is used in conjunction with a gauss micro-stimulator, magnetic pen and a copper gua sha sculpting spoon to gently stimulate the skin and its sub-dermal layers. Gold coated micro-magnetic pearls are then carefully applied to the meridians and acupuncture points of the face, to stimulate tissue activity, increase microcirculation and oxygenation, reduce the depth of wrinkles and plump the skin. This blissful and one-of-a-kind fusion encourages the natural production of elastin and collagen to maintain healthy skin and stimulate the flow of blood, lymph and qi to the face, head and neck.

Not only an incredible treatment from an aesthetic perspective, the expertly crafted holistic facial also incorporates facial mapping based on Chinese medicine, meridian balancing, magnetic energy matching, acupressure stimulation and a bespoke facial massage ritual created by Philosophia Botanica’s founder.

Francesca Canzano-Franklin started Philosophia Botanica in Cape Town. She says, “I was inspired by the indigenous flora of the Cape, the wilderness of the African plants and botanical oils, the magnificent nature surrounding the Atlantic Ocean, as well as eastern traditional techniques and Chinese medicine. I wanted to create something in the holistic space that is truly unique - and thus the Philosophia Botanica and Meridian Flow Golden Facial were born”. All ingredients used across the range are 100% natural and free from parabens, artificial colours, mineral oils, silicone, and any animal raw materials.

This innovative facial treatment isn’t just about beauty and wellbeing - there is ancient wisdom and true meaning behind the brand. Philosophia Botanica is made from a variety of ecological sources around Africa. Each source promotes traditional plant-based knowledge and represents an inspiring story of organic agriculture, sustainability, and the preservation of botanical culture. Philosophia Botanica strongly believes in supporting sustainable agriculture, particularly within Africa, to promote local economic development for generations to come.

The Heavenly™ Spa by Westin is open daily from 9am – 9pm. The Philosophia Botanica Meridian Flow Golden Facial is priced from £170 for a 90 minute treatment.

Offering a unique range of 100% clean, 100% authentic, 100% sustainably sourced and 100% effective products for all skin types - with packed formulations of only the finest, purest, and most active distilled essential oils and botanicals - Slow Ageing is currently positioned in eight salons in the UK and is now hoping to recruit more locations to showcase their interchangeable, multi-purpose collection.

Known for their method of Skin-ergy facial and body treatments using minimal yet highly beneficial-forthe-skin products, because less is more, Slow Ageing are bringing beauty back with a hands on approach. Offering ultimate relaxation from the moment you enter the treatment room. Not only this, their bespoke treatments are designed with each individual client in mind. The luxurious pampering session will help to enhance your skin’s natural radiance, boosting energy levels whilst embellishing your inner calm.

“I have fallen in love with Slow Ageing, a wonderful brand giving the world what it needs now in every way it can. In a busy and confusing world it simplifies everything, for the business, the therapist and the client too. It ticks every box and its honesty and quality excels. Its ethical and authentic - nothing is compromised. But, maybe most importantly, it simply works!”

To remain flexible and accessible in the current climate, especially after how the pandemic hit the beauty industry, Slow Ageing are offering bespoke opening orders to suit salon and spa needs. Offering online training so therapists can join the Slow Ageing revolution with an immediate deeper understanding of the product range and the treatments available, the brand also send out regular newsletters, updating their salons and spas on how to increase sales and benefit from current online promotions.

40 years of expertise distilled. Slow Ageing founder, David Lieber has been involved in health, beauty and wellbeing his whole life. This passion led him to own and run health clubs, gyms and spas where he was at the forefront of creating wholly holistic experiences for his clients. As well as transforming the French aromatherapy skincare brand Decléor and helping build it into the global brand it is today. With this in mind, another benefit of joining Slow Ageing is having access to David’s valuable wealth of knowledge.

Mummy’s Organics is passionate about supporting happy and healthy pregnancies, births and beyond. They use plant-powered, natural formulations, developed by a team of specialist midwives, as well as a diet and nutrition expert. Everything they do puts the health and well-being of mum and baby first. All products are ecoconscious, highly effective and developed by midwives, using 100% organic certified and natural ingredients. Mummy’s Organics believe that results can be achieved with the power of nature, so never use fillers in any of their products, meaning that every ingredient provides a benefit. Mummy’s Organics – Mummy’s Organics

Mummy’s Organics’ wellness teas have been designed as a natural yet effective solution to common issues faced during maternity. Herbal teas have been used for centuries as traditional medicine. All of Mummy’s Organics blends have been carefully chosen with the highest-quality, most powerful herbs. From Nettle for boosting iron levels, to Fennel for easing digestion and Lavender for a good night’s sleep. The tea packaging is 100% biodegradable and plasticfree, and the tea pyramids are made from Non-GMO sugar cane. The inner sleeves look and feel like plastic but are made from plant-based materials and can be home composted.

Created by midwives, this gentle blend of herbs can settle your baby’s tummy troubles. Our tea is a winning combination to relieve common colic symptoms in babies.

This tasty blend helps to increase your iron levels during pregnancy, which usually drops as your blood volume increases. Rosehip assists with the absorption of iron in the nettle leaf. Nettle is also rich in vitamins C, K, potassium, and calcium.

Promotes a healthy milk supply whilst nursing. Drinking frequently throughout the day can also indirectly relieve your baby’s colic and calm their digestive system.

This blend of raspberry leaf tea helps you to prepare for labour from 32 weeks of pregnancy. Raspberry leaf is believed to assist your body with toning the uterus and preparing for an easier labour. Post-birth this tea can be used to tighten your uterus and reduce the risk of blood clots.

This tea will help you through pregnancy when you need to unwind and take a moment for yourself. Lemon balm and chamomile work in harmony to help relieve stress and anxiety.

This blend of herbs works in harmony to alleviate the digestive discomfort associated with pregnancy, such as indigestion and reflux.

This luxurious blend of calming Chamomile and rose is a great tasting brew to relax body and mind before bed. Lime flower reduce anxiety and lavender to encourage sleep.

Mummy’s Organics natural skincare products have been purposefully created to address your changing needs during and post-pregnancy. A team of midwives have selected each ingredient using years of specialist knowledge and scientific research. Knowing that everything we put onto our skin is quickly absorbed, Mummy’s Organics have ethically sourced the finest quality organic ingredients. From luxurious Rosehip Oil which promotes collagen remodelling and healing to Sweet Almond Oil which increases skin’s elasticity making it ideal for use during pregnancy.

Helps prevent the appearance of stretch marks with this luxurious blend of organic ingredients and essential oils. This rich serum hydrates, moisturises and nourishes the skin. Contains apricot oil and rosehip, which reduce the visibility and severity of stretch marks, while lavender promotes healing.

This citrus balm works to nourish your skin, leaving you with soft and supple feeling lips. It contains shea butter and castor oil that work to lock in moisture. Rosehip moisturises, hydrates and helps to protect against sun damage. Mandarin stimulates the repair of dry, damaged skin.

This soothing spritz provides instant relief from swelling, pain, bruising, or inflammation. Infused with witch hazel and aloe vera to help soothe your perineum from postbirth discomfort and help aid the body’s healing process. Lavender and chamomile have natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which are also helpful in healing and protecting.

This natural and delicate oil is safe to use for perineal massage from 32 weeks of pregnancy. Performing perineal massage improves the texture and elasticity of the skin, reducing the risk of perineal trauma. Includes almond oil to soften the skin and retain moisture. Grapeseed oil and vitamin E helps to improve elasticity.

This winning blend of ingredients helps fade the appearance of long-term scarring, allowing them to appear more flattered and less visible over time. It contains nourishing shea butter and coconut oil which are healers. While frankincense has remarkable skin rejuvenating properties, and mandarin stimulates the growth of new skin cells, an ideal blend to fade the appearance of scars.

Promote relaxation, reduce fear and anxiety during labour with this natural massage oil. Aromatherapy massage stimulates the body through the release of endorphins which lift your mood and are natural pain relief. Frankincense, lavender and geranium are calming and relaxing oils, whilst clary sage helps to regulate labour.

This natural Lanolin-free balm moisturises skin and soothes cracked, sore nipples while breastfeeding. Coconut oil and shea butter are deeply moisturising, providing your skin with a natural protective barrier. Castor oil is anti-inflammatory and promotes skin cell renewal. 25

Absolute Collagen, the original specialist collagen

Maxine triumphed at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2021, winning best Regional Health &Wellbeing Entrepreneur of the Year (Midlands). The prestigious awards are one of the largest celebrations of entrepreneurships in the UK, celebrating great British talent.

Maxine also took home two awards at the Business Woman Of The Year Awards 2021, winning silver in the Business Woman of the Year – Small category and a silver in the Influential Business Woman of the Year category. The highly acclaimed award shines a light on successful businesswomen around the UK and helps to raise the profile of industrious, hardworking and enterprising businesswomen.

Maxine comments on her three major award wins: “I couldn’t be prouder to be recognised by these incredible and prestigious awards, alongside some amazing and inspirational business leaders. Every single one of these awards is dedicated to the Absoluters – everything I do is for you, and I couldn’t have done it without our hugely supportive community!”

The brand was founded in 2017 at the kitchen table of Maxine, then 50, who made her own bone broth to help support her skin health and sense of wellbeing. Prior to launching the brand, Maxine had no background in launching a brand or product. What she did have was a strong understanding of how taking collagen can help women look and feel their best, enabling new levels of self-confidence, which led to her desire to create a community. The award-winning brand provides daily liquid doses of premium Type 1 Marine Collagen in a convenient single-serve sachet as well as a Collagen Boosting Serum – Maxerum™, to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote healthier looking skin, hair and nails.