August Beauty Edit

The Thing That Makes Everything Better, Something Blue & A Dream Quiz

WE LOVE YOUR LOVE LETTERS

"Nahla never ceases to amaze me with intoxicating aromas, delivery of results & clean, top of the line ingredients, just Wow. From my first spritz of Alchemy Youth Infusion Mist to opening the jar of Ceremony Skin Recovery Balm & my eyes roll back in my head with sensational delight. One time using Plant Therapy Brightening & my skin is feeling the balance it's been craving. Thank you thank you for all the love & hard work you all put into making this skin magic."

- Celine Bailey, NAHLA Esthetician in Eugene, OR

THE THING THAT MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER

I'm one of those delicate sorts that wilts in heat and has the disposition of a toddler in heavy humidity. This, paired with the fact that I'm starting my third trimester of pregnancy, means this pool was more of a necessity than an indulgence. It set up in minutes, has inflatable sides that act like cozy little pillows and is (shockingly) big. As in, my 5ft, 8in frame can stretch out completely while I stare up at the trees and daydream about Fall. 

FOOD OBSESSIONS

The Lemon Tahini Dressing that started my latest food obsession. I cook a cup or two of virgin wheat berries in the instapot (11min!!) and whip up a batch of this salad dressing. Then I line two cookies sheets with parchment. To one, I add a big bunch of kale, de-stemmed, torn and washed, massaged with salt, pepper and a tablespoon of evoo. 

To the other, I add a big can of organic chickpeas, 2 tablespoons of evoo, salt, chili flakes, the juice and zest of one lemon and several cloves of garlic, finely minced. I place both on my grill (why heat up the house?) at medium heat - the kale usually takes about 7-9min to wilt and crisp gently around the edges and the chickpeas take twice that long to become crispy and utterly addictive. I then combine the virgin wheat berries with the kale, crispy chickpeas and about a 1/2cup of the dressing, garnishing with a couple slivered scallions, roasted pumpkin seeds and whatever veg (cucumer, broccoli, carrot) you have languishing in the crisper. We've been eating this at least once a week, sometimes with little cheesy zucchini fritters or a piece of grilled fish. It's fantastic and so healthy. 

SUMMER NECTAR BODY ELIXIR

If I were to create a product that encapsulates Summer, this would be it. Infused with juicy organic rosehips, brimming with vitamin C, virgin marula oil, packed with fatty acids, and plump blossoms of skin healing calendula and hypericum, it’s capped off with aromatic essences of grapefruit rind, ylang ylang, lavender, sur fleur rose and an extremely precious house-made pink lotus extract. The final touch is my special Summer blend of mood-regulating flower essences to keep you feeling calm, cool and collected during these sultry, Summer days.

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT DREAMS?

Scientists aren’t exactly sure why we dream, but they’ve put forth many theories. Our nightly adventures may help us rehearse threatening situations, work through emotions and process information. But, for all of the unknowns, there is plenty that researchers do know — and some of it may surprise you. This fun, free quiz is a great way to test your knowledge about the dreams we dream. 

SUMMER VIBES

We don't really whistle while we work but we definitely listen to our full share of music at NAHLA. These are the smooth sounds of deep Summer that are keeping us company as our staff mixologists infuse and finesse your skincare formulas and our shipping team packages them up with love. 

BALMS OF SUMMER

The breakout star of the season! I had this one slated for a cold weather obsession but based on your orders, this is clearly a year-round kind of love affair. It's infused with generous lashings of Snow Bush, grown only on the South African Cape and easily one of the most costly and precious plant essences we work with at NAHLA. With a striking blue hue (no, it won't stain your skin) and honeyed aroma, it’s loaded with powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine compounds well regarded for their rapid ability to reduce pain, redness, swelling and stagnation.

THE ONLY SUNSCREEN I BUY

The truth is, there's really no 100% natural suncreen that ticks all the boxes. But when you're gearing up for a day at the beach, sometimes concessions have to be made. Broad spectrum, reef-safe and water resistant, this is the natural (ish) sunscreen that we use in our house. It's gentle enough for my super sensitive skin, doesn't clog pores or leave you with ghastly white streaks.