hen I left my job last year, I did it for a number of reasons. And one of them was that I felt I could no longer keep up with everything. Something had to give. So in an attempt to put a stop to feeling frazzled and overwhelmed most of the time, I decided to take a career break. I’d be at home with my 3 children and start to really make time for myself.
And I’m not talking about the odd massage or day at the spa once a year (if that!) I had to do better than that. In my opinion, for it to really work, self-care can’t be limited to the occasional, luxury treat that you have once in a blue moon. It has to be something that you do for yourself every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. Perhaps a mundane thing that you choose to do mindfully – with the intention of treating yourself and making yourself feel good.
So in the last few months, I’ve made this my focus – I’ve made changes and introduced new habits. I’ve looked into ways to exercise more, eat more healthily and buy products that are better for me. And when I was introduced to the organic skin care and beauty line The Rose Tree, the recommendation couldn’t have come at a better time.
What’s skin care got to do with stress and self-care?
When I come across a new product, there’s nothing I love more than finding out how it came about. The Rose Tree was founded by Olga Rumble, and Olga’s story really resonates with me. Olga ditched her corporate job in 2014 to jump into the world of organic beauty.
Like me, Olga was stressed.
But while stress for me manifested itself as a constant state of overwhelm, Olga’s stress caused her exhaustion and skin issues. I tried to find an answer to my problems by decluttering and simplifying my life (including leaving my job), and Olga addressed her own stress symptoms and skincare woes by turning to the power and simplicity of plants and herbs.
And of course she never looked back. Just like I haven’t!
Doesn’t this just say it all? Doesn’t this say that there’s something quite not right with the way we live our lives nowadays? Why are more and more people turning to simpler, healthier ways of doing things?
It seems that we need to be reminded that self-care isn’t optional. And therefore we deserve to use products that are effective, healthier and make us feel better about ourselves. Because we might not get to that spa treat for a while yet. But we will take just a few minutes out of our day to care for our skin.
Why does organic matter?
Unfortunately, not many of us know that a lot of the ‘high street’ products are diluted with considerable levels of water, drying alcohol or synthetic fillers. The result of using such small (and heavily thinned) quantities of active ingredients, means that a lot of the products we use may ‘feel nice’ on the skin in the short term, but don’t really do anything to nourish it in the long run.
Products containing organic ingredients, on the other hand, receive very little manipulation. They contain no contaminants, no pesticides, no bulking agents and fillers. You’re looking at real flower and plant oils with therapeutic benefits. When you buy organic, you’re making a choice to buy something that’s really effective. Something that can actually nurture your skin and make you feel like you’re finally doing something nice for yourself.
Trying The Rose Tree products
Having battled all my life with very dry, sensitive skin, which is prone to redness, I’ve tried SO many products for my face that I have definitely lost count. There were ones that made my cheeks feel (and look) like they were on fire, and the ones I felt I had to use half a tub of because my skin was ‘drinking it all up’ as I was putting it on. It’s fair to say that I’ve been on the hunt for the right product for my skin for quite a while now!
So I was really excited to try a sample of the Radiance Facial Essence with Rose and Marula and a sample of the Carrot and Mango Cleansing Butter that Olga sent me from The Rose Tree.
Using the products on my skin twice a day for a few days was a turning point for me. Immediately after applying the oil (or the butter at night) my skin felt different. I had to use very little of the products. And yet my skin felt more hydrated and ‘relaxed’ straight away. They smell amazing (more ‘natural’, I’d dare say). And the lovely smell of carrot of the butter actually stays with you for quite a while. After using the products for just a few days, my skin felt a lot ‘calmer’ and less ‘on fire’ – less dry and definitely smoother.
So does natural, organic skin care feel like a treat?
Most definitely, yes!
I certainly do see The Rose Tree products as a bit of treat (and yet, you’d be surprised that they come at very accessible prices!) I see these products as something that’s good for me. But at the same time feels like a nice moment I’ve taken to look after myself and my skin.
And with all I’ve been through in the last year or so, is it really that hard to believe that all you need to feel better, after all, are simpler, healthier ingredients that are good for body, mind and soul?
Do you use organic skin care products? Or would you consider switching to organic skin care products? Please share your experiences and thoughts with us!
*I wrote this post in collaboration with Olga Rumble, founder of The Rose Tree. I received complimentary samples of the Radiance Facial Essence with Rose and Marula and the Carrot and Mango Cleansing Butter. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.
I’ve not seen this brand before but I’m a beauty and skincare fanatic and you’ve made it look so good! Definitely going to have to seek it out and try it!
#KCACOLS
Author
He he – thanks Jenny. They really are well made and lush! Give it a go!
These sound great. I love finding new skincare products and the more natural the better for me x
#KCACOLS
Author
I agree! I was really happy to have found The Rose Tree 🙂
It can be hard to find nice things to use on your face and body. These sound very nice and ideal for dry skin.
#KCACOLS
Author
That’s true – I hate it that it’s a bit of trial and error. But yes, I could definitely recommend The Rose Tree for dry skin!
I have not heard of this brand before.
I too suffer with really dry skin and always have, ill be checking this out!
Great, informative post. #KCACOLS
Author
Thank you 🙂 Yes, do check The Rose Tree out – their products are really lush!
I always try to use organic and natural products on my skin wherever possible x #kcacols
Author
That’s great Sarah! I’m slowly getting there too making product replacements wherever possible! 🙂
What a brilliant way to illustrate the importance of self care. Looks like a lovely range and the fact that you are taking that bit of time out and committing to a routine is a tonic in itself isn’t it. #kcacols
Author
Thank you for your kind words Nicola! Yes! It’s indeed a bit lush to be treating yourself to something nice! 🙂
Definitely sounds like a good way to add extra self-care into your day. Stress can and does affects every part of our bodies. #kcacols
Author
That’s very true Bread!
I so agree with you! I always try to take care of myself even if I must admit it’s not always easy sometimes as I am very busy with everything. Those products look lovely and it does feel like a nice treat! #KCACOLS
Author
Thank you – I know, it’s not easy at all! And looking after ourselves is one of the first things that slip!
sounds great! Would love to try it!
#KCACOLS
Author
Check it out – it’s great! 🙂
I struggle to find the time to look after myself properly most days, I love the idea of turning your skincare routine into an opportunity to treat yourself xx #kcacols
Author
Thank you Wendy! I’d right there with you on that – it’s hard to find the time otherwise!
It’s hard to find time for yourself do love this idea. I really should treat myself more! #KCACOLS
Author
So should I Andrea – getting there! 😉
Ooh pretty packages! I love the idea of organic skin care not just for my body but thinking about the waste water too. This range looks gorgeous. #KCACOLS
Author
They are, aren’t they? 🙂 What a great point about the waste water! Thanks for sharing!
I use Elemis cellular recovery skin bliss capsules every day – they’re my little luxury! #KCACOLS
Author
Oh I will check them out – thanks for sharing!
I would love to try these too as I have a dry skin. I need to start a giving myself a treat as well as I’m such a busy working mum. We often neglect to pamper ourself and end up having a bad habit in terms of diet etc. Thank you for sharing. #kcacols
Author
We’re all neglecting ourselves a little, aren’t we? Especially if you’re busy and work hard, you definitely definitely deserve a nice little treat 😉
I’d never really given much thought about using high street products before but what you say here makes so much sense. I’m definintely going to look at more organic products. Not heard of The Rose Tree before but I will certainly take a look. Thank you for sharing. #KCACOLS
Author
Thank you Maria – I hadn’t looked into it either to be honest, although I am switching to organic food where I can, so it does make sense..
Ohh these look nice i have never tried any organic products. I will have to have a look into them! #kcacols xx
Author
They really are quite lush – do let us know how you find them! 🙂
Organic products for our skin is really better compared to chemically produced skin care products. I haven’t heard of rose tree products before, but I would definitely try this product soon. I love the packaging and the natural ingredients are great. By the way, do you think frequent switching of skin care products is bad for our skin?
Author
Well, I’m no skin care expert, but intuitively it doesn’t sound like it could be good!
I always use natural and organic products on my skin, as they are not harmful for the skin. It seems that your product will also give good results. Will definitely try it. Thank you for sharing your post with us.
Author
Fantastic – thank you for sharing! 🙂
Great tips! Some of these, I was not aware, but now I will try. I have found some more excellent tips here that can lead us to skin care with organic products. Thank you for sharing.
Author
Glad you enjoyed them!