Back to the Future Beauty
From Traditional Chinese Medicine to acupressure massage, Liberty charts the rather timely return of ancient rituals for your wellbeing
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Back to the Future Beauty
From Traditional Chinese Medicine to acupressure massage, Liberty charts the rather timely return of ancient beauty rituals for your wellbeing
By: Shannon PeterThe beauty industry is one known to look forward, where brands remain in constant search of the new, the ground-breaking and the cutting edge. But there’s something to be said about venturing back in time, to lean on tradition instead of technology, because in the process, you might just uncover comforting rituals that don’t just bring about a renewed sense of glow, but a feeling of calm, too. Considering we could all do with a bit of that amid January’s drudge, it’s hardly any wonder why a new slate of brands and products is slowly but surely emerging, each reinventing ancient beauty rituals for the modern age. From ayurvedic haircare to acupressure massage techniques, traditional Chinese medicine-inspired skincare to herbal bath remedies, there are plenty to choose from. But might we suggest you start with these three?
Medicinal Baths
More than just a moment for relaxation, baths peppered with herbs and tinctures have long been relied on to soothe all manner of ailments, from a dodgy cold to aching muscles – so it’s probably about time you amped up your bathscape too. Look to brands like Susanne Kaufmann, whose products won’t just tend to the skin and mind, but come with added benefits, too. Or of course, there’s Liberty favourite, Aromatherapy Associates, pros at deploying the very best essential oils to lift the spirit.
SHOP BATH REMEDIES
Aromatherapy Associates
De-Stress Muscle Bath and Shower Oil 55ml
Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella
Rosa Gardenia Bath Gel 250ml
NEOM Organics
Perfect Night’s Sleep Bath Foam 200ml
Traditional Chinese Medicine
A pool of brands hoping to translate Traditional Chinese Medicine for the modern age have started to appear, not least in Liberty’s Beauty Hall. Start with skincare remedies, including Muihood’s dreamy Good Chi Cleansing Balm and Reome’s Active Recovery Broth, a hi-tech serum that merges the best of the old and new. And it would be remiss not to mention gua sha, the ancient massage technique loved for relieving stress and – more recently – carving out mega cheekbones.
Shop TCM Tools
Acupressure Massage
Used for thousands of years, acupressure is a specific massage technique where pressure is applied to certain areas of the body in a bid to relieve specific ailments. But it can work wonders on the face too, improving radiance and reinstating movement in tight muscles – as well as reportedly aiding things like headaches and congestion. Just arm yourself with a good facial oil before you start, and may plenty of glow ensue.
