December: Little Black Book Of Health, Beauty And Wellness Practitioners

What to buy? What to try? How often should you buy it? And will it end up in a landfill or a compost bin after you finish with it? Now more than ever it’s a Mecca for discovering new beauty products, practitioners, and companies to try out and to support. And as fitness and wellness are primed to continue to influence and inspire our lives into 2022, looking after our mental and physical wellbeing is an utmost priority.

Sama Danesh

Swimsuit shopping isn’t always a feel-good activity. But Sama Danesh is here to change that. Combining a passion for high quality, detail and elegant fashion that can transform, the Sama Danesh brand was born. Growing up in Sweden, Sama is influenced both by the clean-cut lines of Swedish design as well as the elegance and glamour of her Persian heritage. “There is a story and function behind every detail in my pieces. I always wondered why lingerie was so intelligently constructed but swimwear wasn’t?” explains Sama on her brand’s website. Sama execs at creating a look for women who want to get more out of their swimsuits—pieces that flatter all figures and complement any body type.

Spanx X John Lewis Leggings

 Designed with ultimate comfort and flexibility in mind, Spanx has a new line of activewear—from sports bras to leggings—available at John Lewis across the U.K. With sculpting performance fabric and a contoured waistband, the leggings help lift and shape, even before squats! Available in a full-length version and 7/8 length, these leggings work for every type of activity from spin classes to bootcamp to yoga.

Superfood Honey By Symbeeosis

From Mount Olympus to the island of Crete, the team at Symbeeosis cultivate and harvest aromatic and medicinal plants to create their award-winning products. All their plants are from exclusively organic crops, with farming practices that protect the soil, the environment, people, and animals, with the minimum use of fertilizers and zero chemical pesticides. To enhance the natural beneficial properties of the raw materials, they incorporate their active dry extracts into the products—packing a wellness punch. Honeys are infused with turmeric and more, while the herbs and teas are packaged in biodegradable pyramids and then in recyclable, plastic-free metal containers.

Manifesto Beauty Supplements

Before launching Manifesto, Anna Marcovici built an impressive career working with global brands including Nars, Mac, Clinique, Bobbi Brown and Estee Lauder. In 2018, she launched Impact Beauty Consulting to mentor and grow mission-driven beauty brands in the UK and Europe. She then launched Manifesto, a nutritionist-formulated edible beauty supplement supercharged with ingredients like Astaxanthin and Acai berry extract. All vegan, high fibre, and free from nasties, these beauty gummies are also packed in a reusable, refillable tin, and wrapped in a home-compostable bag that is made from sustainably sourced ingredients.

Neil Naturopathic Haircare

Dr. Julian Neil’s journey into naturopathic products began with the development of hair care formulas for his cancer patients. With over thirty years in practice, Dr. Neil is recognized as a leading authority in his field. Today he travels the world educating students and other professionals, while researching ingredients and new formulations for his organic haircare brand Neil Naturopathic. Working as a traditional naturopath, he formulated the first therapeutic hair and scalp products by hand in his workshop. The formulas were exactly what was required… chemical- and toxin-free haircare, made 100 percent from nature. Crafted in small-batches, the formulas promise to balance the pH and revive elasticity, whilst nourishing and protecting the scalp. And, as Dr. Neil explains on the brand’s website, “Your hair, root and scalp function much like the seed and soil of a plant; the richer and more nourished the soil, the stronger the root, (and in this case) the healthier the hair.”

Adeela Crown X Vitner’s Daughter Facial

Adeela Crown started her career in the world of finance. She attended business school and was rising in the ranks of forensic accountant working at a big investment banking firm in New York. But the stress of the job—the long hours, the takeaway food—it started to have an impact on her skin. She returned to London where she grew up and started to see a dermatologist. And this is where her fascination with skincare began. Now based at the The Dorchester, London’s iconic luxury hotel, and at her own West London clinic. Adeela has launched a new facial in partnership with the small-batch, results-driven brand Vintner’s Daughter. Adeela uses the latest scientific know-how in her approach to skincare, such as microneedling, toning microcurrents, and LED therapy, along with with elements of gua sha, Hungarian massage and acupressure. And her famous “skindance” massage technique has earned her a well-deserved following on social media and beyond.

Creative Letter-Box Subscriptions By Meraki Mailouts

Want to feel rejuvenated, inspired and awakened? Meraki Mailouts, a clever new British brand, merges self discovery, self care and creative exploration. Take out an annual subscription or purchase a one-off box and receive five to seven different products and activities that will help utilize all your senses and develop your creativity in a practical yet tranquil way. The boxes are great if you have a writer’s block, if you feel uninspired or under stimulated, or even a little sad and bored. The boxes are filled with surprises, tasks, new hobbies and activities to try with the aim of pushing subscribers out of their comfort zone.

Axis Range By Lucas Hugh

Founded in 2010, co-CEO and creative director Anjhe Marcus spent two years in developing Lucas Hugh’s signature designs, sourcing the premium Italian performance fabrics and developing the coveted tailored fit. The newly launched Axis set is inspired by the bound detailing of boxing wrap and has been designed with a mix of matte and shine, cut to complement and engineered to support. The brand first caught fire with the release of The Hunger Games in 2013 after Anjou designed and developed the training outfits featured in the film. Today, customers are able to experience the brand through its global online shop LucasHugh.com and in their boutique in Notting Hill.

Imperial Life Force Serum By 001 Skin

A modern skincare product designed to restore beauty from within, Imperial Life Force three-in-one elixir by 001 Skin is your one-stop-shop beauty serum. Formulated with ginseng, angelica root, liquorice and rose, this combination of ingredients fortifies the skin from the impact of urban life while brightening and reviving stressed and depleted skin cells. A hard-working product, massage in a few drops as a serum after cleansing and toning; use it as a primer before makeup; or apply a generous layer and leave it on as an overnight mask.

Holy Carrot Afternoon Tea With Amelia Windsor

Holy Carrot, the relatively new plant-based restaurant in Knightsbridge, has partnered with Amelia Windsor to create a new and exclusive afternoon tea. A contributing editor at Tatler and a model committed to sustainable causes, Amelia proved the ideal partner. Working alongside the restaurant’s head chef Elena Savchuck, the menu takes inspiration from the classic British afternoon tea, but with a wellness twist. The vegan menu is comprised of ethically sourced organic seasonal British produce. Most of the vegetables are sourced from Natoora, while the nuts, chocolate, protein, flour and plant-based dairy products are from Suma Wholefoods. It’s also gluten and refined sugar free.

Giant Silk Scrunchie By Pam Weinstock

Pam Weinstock creates her own bespoke prints from her travel photography and in-turn translates those designs onto her lifestyle products. Each designs tells a story captured in a far-flung place—from gazing at koi in the waters of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, to discovering the perfect Aperol spritz on a rainy day in Venice. Made in small batches from 100 percent silk, this bold and oversized hair scrunchie takes it inspiration from a photograph captured in a Marrakesh swimming pool. Pam also makes eye masks, travel pouches and more.

Dream Night Cream By Three Ships

Vegan squalane and seed butters like shorea and murumuru give this nighttime retinol from Three Ships a rich and creamy texture. Sealing in the moisture, Dream is an entry-level retinol that encourages skin-cell turnover and evens out skin tone, leaving the skin feeling softer and smoother overnight. How does it work? The magic ingredient is a gentle plant-based retinol from Picão Preto—a medicinal herb that’s native to Brazil.

P.Volve Holiday Bundle

Working out during the holidays can seem daunting or tedious unless it’s made effortless. P.Volve specializes in travel-friendly workout kit that fits easily under a sofa, tucked into a cupboard or packed away into an overnight bag. The p.band, gliders, and p.3 are all no brainers to slip into a suitcase. Or, if you are travelling ultra-light, simply stream a fitness class that promises high intensity with no equipment at all. From stretch to HIIT to stability, P.Volve has you covered.

Neville Hair & Beauty X Cosaporto

Digital marketplace Cosaporto and Belgravia salon Neville Hair & Beauty are collaborating this winter to offer a range of pamper packages for those living across London. Two brands with a strong Italian heritage and a passion for supporting independent businesses, together they’ve created a series of cosseting bundles that are perfect for gifts or self-care. The Happy Hour package includes a gel manicure, a luxurious blow dry and seasonal frappé to enjoy during the treatment, the perfect indulgence before a night out. Or the Get The Glow package, which includes a conditioning hair treatment that leaves locks super shiny and nourished, as well as a cut and blow dry from one of Neville’s expert stylists, and a fresh-pressed juice while at the salon. To complete the experience, you can add flowers or chocolates alongside the gift card on delivery.

OMG! No Whey Protein Powder By Kin

Created by a London-based husband and wife team, each with over 15 years experience in the fitness industry, Kin is a vegan protein that supports daily gut health, digestion, and helps to prevent bloating. The vegan blend contains just six ingredients, each with its own function. Using only the highest-quality pea and white-hemp proteins, the unique recipe produces a protein that is smooth to drink and easy on the stomach.

Bounce Back

A low calorie sparkling tropical flavoured drink with a unique, scientifically formulated blend of 17 vitamins, minerals and amino acids, Bounce Back has been formulated to replenish your body overnight. Drink it before bed after socialising with friends and the blend of 17 vitamins, minerals and amino acids—including B12, B6, Zinc and Selenium— will help you perk up and seize the next day. Created by two biochemists who spent years researching the right combination of replenishing nutrients, it took 59 different formulations to arrive at Bounce Back.

Booster Serum By Tolpa

Hailing from Poland, Tolpa has quickly become the country’s leading skincare brand. Affordable and highly effective, Tolpa is now available in the UK and across Europe. Black from Nature is the brand’s top-tier range, formulated to combat a host of skincare concerns, ranging from fine lines to dehydration. Urban life means a lot more of us are experiences since concerns such as breakouts, redness and sensitivity throughout of life, not just during our hormonal teen years. The products are gentle, hydrating and never sticky.

Hermosa and Barry’s Bootcamp Wellness Hamper

What to get the fitness fanatic in your life? A beautifully packaged assortment of high-end wellness kit seems like a pretty good option. The pack includes one slick jar of Hermosa—either their vegan or whey formulation—three Barry’s Bootcamp classes and a personalised note. And why not add a double-wall-insulated Hermosa tumbler, perfect for any shakes or hot drinks.

Darling Candle By August & Piers

Not all candles are created equally. August & Piers candles contain, on average, 100g more wax than other brands. This means they burn for longer. The wax is a blend of soy, bee and rapeseed, all of which is 100 percent natural and paraffin-free. And the wicks are made from cotton. The ethos behind the brand is celebratory, shouting about individuality and uniqueness. Each candle is named for a different quirky quality. Darling is a blend of rose, tender violet and soothing cedarwood. It’s the brand’s way of letting its customers know that they are unique and appreciated.

Renata Nunes

With over 20 years’ experience in healthcare and wellness, Renata Nunes started her career as a Physiotherapist, having graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree from the University of São Paulo City in 1997. Furthering her studies, Renata then obtained postgraduate qualifications in motor rehabilitation. Today, based in London and offering home visits, Renata combines her knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine with her years of experience in Physiotherapy. With her unique background and expertise, Renata creates individualized treatment for her clients in the comfort of their homes. Her treatments mix acupuncture with cupping and massage, and Renata can help with everything from digestive disorders to migraines, anxiety to menstrual cramps with her healing touch.

Bioclear By Dr Jack

Acne and hormonal breakouts are the most common skin issues Dr Jack sees in his clinic on Harley Street and the reason he developed BioClear. Designed to address hormonal skin concerns from the inside out, key ingredients include adaptogenic herbs, antioxidants and Diindolylmethane, a phytonutrient that is thought to reduce the onset of hormonal breakouts. The product is low sugar, gluten and dairy free and comes in a coca and carob powdered formulation that is perfect for mixing into smoothies and creamy hot drinks.

Taylor Taylor

With salons in Shoreditch, Portobello Road and Regent Street (within Liberty London), Taylor Taylor London was first established in 2003 and has paved the way for boutique salons across the globe. Effortlessly merging a bespoke service with premium products and expertly trained colour technicians and stylists, the talented team offer everything from highlights and baby lights, glosses and tints, colouring, Brazilian blowout or Olaplex treatments. Add to that, their revolutionary yuko permanent hair straightening is also an option at all of their salons, creating sleek and smooth results. Co-owned and founded by Sarah Brass who also is behind the in-house haircare brand Lore Originals, the company is determined to shake up the “one size fits all” approach that too often dominates the landscape of hair, building meaningful relationships and genuine connections with clients.

ReGlow Treatment By Mimi Luzon

Formulated to rejuvenate the skin and to be a year-round feature in ever woman’s beauty routine, ReGlow by Mimi Luzon is a resurfacing compound that hydrates the skin, diminishes pores, minimizes fine lines, and reduces the appearance of dark spots creating an overall brighter complexion. With Lactic acid, a proven and safe exfoliator, ReGlow unclogs dirty pores, softens and cleanses the outer layer of the skin, washes away skin cells, and brightens the complexion for long-lasting radiant and plump skin.

Toothfairy At-Home Whitening Kit

Designed and run by dentists, Toothfairy is an award-winning app that offers users on-the-spot advice from real dentists without cutting any corners. Offering a range of treatments from emergencies to teeth straightening and whitening, toothfairy is the U.K.’s first dental app to attain regulatory approval validated in the NHS. One of their most popular facets is their at-home teeth whitening system. With custom-made trays and bleach-based gels, at-home whitening is both safe and effective. Toothfairy uses gels that only need to be worn for one hour a day and that promise speedy results.

Nataliya Robinson

Having suffered from acne as a teenager, Nataliya Robinson became interested in skincare owing to her own needs. She took her interest and went on to study skincare and naturopathic nutrition before opening her own clinic in Russia. Since moving to London she has launched her own award-winning product line, Quantum Botanika, and offers bespoke treatments from her discreet Chelsea home. Her approach combines nature and science as well as Eastern and Western principles and promises both visible and lasting results.

Ponzu Fitness Platform

Offering a mix of private classes, group classes and pre-recorded workouts, Ponzu is raising the bar on digital workouts. Ranging from Pilates to yoga, strength to stretch, cardio to PT and dance, use credits to find the perfect workout class and instructor for you. Just because it’s digital does not mean that you can’t become part of the community. Group classes are limited to 1o participants, so you can achieve amazing results, building great relationships along the way.

Limited-Edition Candle By Sun.Day

Housed in a beautiful porcelain vessel, Sun.day of London has created a candle using a hand-whipped blend of wholesome ingredients including mango butter, coconut butter and jojoba oil. Once melted, the nourishing balm can be applied to the body to hydrate the skin. Adding to that, the conscious home fragrance brand has partnered with the London-based Japanese-born artist Ikuko to create a beautiful piece of artwork in which the candle is housed. Designed to represent the body in all its shapes and curvatures, once the candle has been finished, the sculpture can be repurposed as a stylish addition to one’s home.

Th3rdLevel

Th3rdLevel is a small, ethical, not-for-profit business that provides sustainable streetwear whilst mentoring talented young adults with disabilities. Furthermore, Th3rdLevel provides the chance for young adults with disabilities to engage in work experience through its friendly design-led shadowing and mentoring schemes. From designing and graphics workshops to learning the ropes of retail; from warehouse stock control, packaging, and deliveries to modelling and photography—the experience of the young adults is central to every step in the production process. Th3rdlevel also partners with the Eden Reforestation Project, planting a tree for every purchase from the clothing range. 

 The Scalp Reset By Tarryn Warren In Collaboration With Monpure 

Future-thinking skin therapist Tarryn Warren has partnered with Monpure London, the award-winning scalp brand, at Bodyism in Notting Hill, to create an innovative scalp reset treatment. A leading London facialist, expect each step of Tarryn’s signature facial techniques to continue past the hairline and into the scalp. The treatment includes a gentle exfoliation, as well as a deep massage that relieves tension and promotes circulation. Tarryn’s unique combination of magic touch, intricate knowledge of the skin and Monpure’s high-performance range works to deeply clarify, rejuvenate and refresh, creating the optimum, healthiest environment for skin and hair to thrive.

RockFish

Mitch Tonks, founder of the Seahorse restaurant and expert voice on British seafood launched Rockfish tinned seafood earlier this year. A uniquely British product made using fresh seafood sourced directly from the South Coast of England, it is the next step on the UK’s journey to rediscovering traditional methods of food preservation and a new way to enjoy British fish. The tins are beautifully packaged—designed by artist and Mitch’s wife, Penny Tonks. Inside each tin, the seafood is preserved in oils and sauces, infusing the fish with extra flavour. Furthermore, by using fish that would go unsold due to varying demand and natural gluts, this product aims to combat food waste.

Gabar

Gabar is a new fragrance brand that has launched in the UK, US and Myanmar. Founded in 2020, Phway Su Aye and Susan Wai Hnin are bringing to life (and into bottles) a spirit of freedom. Aye and Hnin came together in 2020 wanting to pay homage to their home country Myanmar’s beauty and diversity whilst also highlighting its complicated history. Every year, 10 percent of Gabar’s proceeds will go towards charitable initiatives that support Myanmar, including Prospect Burma, a charity that supports Myanmar’s young people to gain higher education and skills. Gabar is also in the midst of building its ambassador program, which will highlight and support new creatives and change-makers in London and other major cities globally.

London Dental Hygienist Anna Middleton

Always upgrading her skillset, Anna Middleton is a dedicated and passionate award-winning dental hygienist based in central London. Anna studied at the Eastman Dental Hospital after working as a dental nurse, and graduated in 2015 from the Faculty of Royal College of Surgeons; she started London Hygienist with the mission to change the way oral health care is delivered to patients. Talented and gentle, Anna is one of the city’s few dental hygienists specializing in Guided Biofilm Therapy, a new Swiss innovation that uses airflow technology to remove all mouth bacteria that contributes to tooth decay and gum disease. Add to that, it’s fast and pain-free!​​

Daily Essentials By Wild Nutrition

The supplement market is saturated but not all products are created equally. Promoting healthy hormone cycles, energy and immunity, Daily Essentials for women provides a selection of vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 to support busy lifestyles. Supplements from Wild Nutrition are food-grown, so they can be taken at any time of the day with or without food, and still have maximum impact on your body. Plus their plastic-free sachets are ideal for travel. Made with no fillers, binders or synthetic nutrients, each bundle is packed with everything you need to support a healthy diet.

Young LDN Aesthetic Lab

Opening in 2018, Young LDN began after the brand’s founder struggled to find a salon where her teenagers could learn about caring for their skin. Set over two floors in Notting Hill, the salon and medi spa offers a range of treatments from cosseting manicures and pedicures to more advanced and targeted facials and body treatments. Favourites include the Cryolift facial, a hydrating treatment that combines a high pressure shot of frozen CO2 with hyaluronic acid to hydrate, plump and lock in moisture and the Hollywood carbon peel.

Follo Walking Safety App

Follo is a simple-to-use walking safety app that monitors your journey, keeping an eye out for unusual speed, motion and location activity, until you reach your destination. If a safety trigger is activated, then Follo will check in on you first by sending a timed, security-enabled notification to your device. If you don’t confirm your safety before the timer ends, your key contacts will be alerted instantly via SMS, with a message containing your last recorded location and the reason for the alert. A Follo user can add up to 10 key contacts. It’s easy to use and free to download.

Mahabis Alto Slipper Boot

Designed in London and produced in Portugal, Mahabis slippers are comfortable, stylish and modern. As we continue to spend more time at home, the brand’s signature clean lines are synonymous with comfort and style. The ethos behind Mahabis is simple: to elevate the slipper into beautifully designed footwear fit for modern life. And because how we live at home is always evolving, so is the brand’s approach. And this year Mahabis has debuted a slipper boot for indoor adventures. To perfect the design, the brand worked with a 50-year-old mill in Italy to create a soft felt upper shell (containing 50 percent recycled wool fibres from clothing that would have otherwise headed to a landfill).

OTO CBD Massage At The Mandarin Oriental

Award-winning CBD brand OTO has partnered with The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental London, offering its CBD massage experiences. An immersive and sensory treatment within the elegant Knightsbridge hotel, this CBD-infused massage experience combines CBD and massage oils with sound therapy and crystals. Designed as either a 60- or 90- minute immersive experience, it eases tension, focuses the mind and promotes deep relaxation. OTO’s team of world-leading scientists and botanists have sourced the highest-quality essential oils, botanicals, scents and flavours from around the world, blending them with pure CBD to create a range of luxurious and extremely effective wellness products that are used within each OTO massage experience.

Camden Boxing Club

Boxing if fun, endorphin raising and hugely effective as a workout, which is perhaps why the team behind Rathbone Boxing Club has opened a second site, three times the size of the original. Camden Boxing Club boasts two rings, two group class zones, and a dedicated self-directed training area, filled with bags, weights and cardio equipment. Camden Boxing Club is led by longtime professional boxing coach Adam Booth and caters to all fitness levels and skillsets. It’s a place both to workout and to congregate, as members can stay put after their sessions and enjoy the steam room, sauna and café. There is also a treatment room in collaboration with HUM2N, offering everything from physiotherapy and sport massage to breath-work, nutrition support, and medical-grade supplements.

Play Beauty

A former Montreal-based tax lawyer, Amina Boudiffa stumbled upon a community of at-home beauty experts while pregnant with her first child. And instead of joining as an amateur, Amina started her own brand. Curated for different skin types, the Starter Kit from Play Beauty includes all the accessories and recipes you need to get you started and enjoy the benefits of simple, natural, powerful ingredients. Amina sources her oils and clays from around the world, as part of her commitment to the consumer to offer the highest quality ingredients across the board.