Did you know that just one night of interrupted sleep can quadruple your risk of catching a cold, lower your motivation and reaction times, reduce your ability to concentrate and even affect your appetite? And that’s not the worst of it; persistent exposure to poor sleep patterns can result in all of the above, as well as headaches, poor memory, and increased risk of depression. So, it’s no joke when we say that you should be taking your bedtime routine seriously too. We’ve created a KOHA-approved guide to winding down and building up a relaxing bedtime routine that will help you to sleep better, meaning that you’ll look better and feel better too.

First things first, it’s time to craft the right routine.

You’ve heard it a million times, but do you really switch off your phone hours ahead of bedtime? For a solid sleep that really nourishes your body and mind, the advice is to stop using your phone around three hours before bed; the blue light from your screen is overstimulating for the brain and can keep your mind whirring hours after you need to be winding down. To stop temptation, put your phone on airplane mode and pop it in another room, far away from idle hands – Twitter and Instagram will still be there tomorrow! Try reading a book instead, which is much better for relaxation and won’t overwork your senses like a screen will.

Next up, create an ambience that helps you to relax. Lighting a candle is proven to aid relaxation, mindfulness and sleepiness, especially if you choose one with sleep-inducing lavender essential oils, like ours. Our Lavender Herb candle is perfect to start burning around two hours before bedtime, to help you feel calmer and soothe the senses, in preparation for a deep sleep. If you can, try running a warm bath to really relax mind and body. Melt a chunk of our Shea Butter, Kaolin Clay & Lavender into the running water; the intoxicating fragrance of sweet orange, ylang ylang and cedarwood will be wonderful to relax the soul, and the soothing shea butter will soften your bathwater too. Make sure the water isn’t too hot, and bring your candle into the bathroom to continue the mellow mood. Dim the lights and let yourself soak, whiling away some time without anything to do is great for a sleepy head.

Post-bathing, it’s time to get those essential steps out of the way – cleansing and brushing the teeth, it’s a must in any bedtime regime! You know the drill by now; gently and thoroughly cleanse with our KOHA Pure White Konjac Sponge to lift any makeup, debris, oil and grime, and then give those gnashers a good scrub with our KOHA Bamboo Toothbrush.

Now, it’s time to get into bed to catch those zzz’s…

Your bedroom should be at a cooler temperature than you think, to aid in a restful sleep, so if you can, keep a window open to lower the warmth in the room slightly. It shouldn’t be cold or draughty, but just cool enough to allow for your body heat to rise whilst you’re under the covers, without making you uncomfortable.

Speaking of under the covers, bed linen is an important factor in creating a restful sleep. Breathable cotton or linen bedsheets are best, to help you stay comfortable whilst you snooze, and if you can, you should limit the number of cushions and blankets on your bed, which can get in your way and disrupt your sleep, as well as risking you overheating and waking up. Choose pillows with the right amount of softness and support, and position them so that your head is slightly elevated above your neck, for optimum comfort (and no puffy face in the morning!).

The final step in a powerhouse sleep routine is to wind down correctly. We’re big fans of the Sweet Dreams eye masks which works as a sleep-inducing must have.Once you're ready for bed, open the sachet and put the eye masks on your eyes and hold it in place with the loops around your ears. Within seconds the eye masks start to heat up and a gentle scent of jasmine will whisk you away sending you off into a restful slumber all night long.

And there you have it – a bedtime routine to help you ease into a nourishing sleep that will help you look and feel your best, every day of the week.

Enjoy your relaxing bedtime routine.

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

Allow us to introduce, the at-home facial…

Getting into a good routine and treating yourself to regular at-home facials is a great way to maintain the condition of your skin, plus, we like to think it’s good for the soul too. Taking some time out to do something utterly indulgent and completely for you is a great way to unwind and shrug off the stresses of daily life.

If you’re ready, let’s get started.

Step One: The Cleanse

With a facial, it’s important to get the skin squeaky clean. We recommend starting out by using one of KOHA Beauty soaps, really working it in and then rinsing away with warm water, taking with it any leftover makeup, grease or grime from the day. Then it’s time for your second cleanse, and for this, we recommend using your KOHA Beauty konjac sponge – Pure White if you have dry or normal skin, Bamboo Charcoal for oily/combination complexions. Soak the sponge until it puffs up, and then apply to the skin in gentle circular motions, to make sure all debris is removed and also to help lift any dead skin cells or flaky patches.

Step Two: Exfoliation

A chemical exfoliant is a really effective way of removing dead skin cells and promoting cell turnover, resulting in a brighter complexion. If you haven’t used a chemical exfoliant before, start out by using one with a lower acid concentration, such as a 2% formula – you can build up to higher concentrations as your tolerance develops. Apply a few drops to a cotton pad and sweep over the skin lightly, avoid the delicate eye area.

Step Three: Extraction

If you have any blackheads or spots lurking, now’s the time to do something about it, but you must be careful. Manual extraction should be left to dermatologists or professional facialists; when it comes to an at-home facial, you should opt for a gentler way to get rid of blemishes. Apply a layer of a thermal clay or charcoal mask to the skin, only on problematic areas, and rinse off after ten minutes or so.

Step Four: The Multi-Mask

This is a step that can be tied into step three; if you have various skin issues going on, such as areas of dryness or dullness as well as acne-prone areas, you can multi-mask to treat all of these problems in one go. Apply a charcoal mask to acne-prone sections as per step three, apply a hydrating mask to dehydrated dry areas, and a brightening mask to areas of dullness. The perfect opportunity to sit back and enjoy an episode and a cup of tea whilst you wait for the masks to work their magic!

Step Five: The Finishing Touch

Once all of your products have been rinsed away, gently pat the skin dry with a fluffy towel, never dragging on the skin. Then it’s time to get some nourishment into the mix, with a fabulous facial oil. Apply a few drops into your palms and rub them together to warm the oil, then apply to the skin. Work in an upwards and outwards motion, sweeping around the face using a firm pressure. In particular, the jaw and neck are areas where puffiness starts to develop, so concentrate on these areas to eliminate toxins and draw away excess fluids from the face. Apply pressure along the eyebrows and just under the brow to reduce tension, and gently tap under the eyes to draw away any puffiness. Make sure you have enough oil that you’re not dragging the skin, and breathe deeply as you go, to get the most relaxing experience possible.

To find out more about our products head on over to our store.

Happy Shopping!

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

But what about if you were encouraged to make small, realistic changes to your life, that would have a much better impact on the world around you? Forget about turning your life around or losing a stone in the next two weeks – we say that real change lies in small daily changes. If one of your resolutions is to be more sustainable, and mindful of the world around you, then a great way to start is with your beauty regime. No need to throw out all of your products and start from scratch – we’re here to guide you through with some simple swaps that are easy to maintain in the longer term. A change that really makes a difference, both to your body and to the world around you.

OUT: Face wipes

IN: Konjac sponges

Single-use face wipes are a huge factor in environmental damage, clogging up our drains and ending up on our beaches (and even producing ‘fatbergs’ – yuck!). Not only that, but face wipes are ineffective at removing makeup and debris from the skin, and they’re pretty expensive too – working out on average at 14p per wipe. 

Making the swap to a konjac sponge is a sustainable way to maintain your cleansing regime, and it’s much better for both your skin and the environment. The natural konjac is completely biodegradable, and it’s so gentle that it can be used on every type of skin, even the most sensitive. Plus, a konjac sponge is a very budget-friendly way to look after your skin – our KOHA beauty konjac sponge works out at just 0.08p per use!

OUT: Plastic toothbrushes

IN: Bamboo toothbrushes

Plastic toothbrushes are commonplace in almost every bathroom in Britain, but we’re predicting a big shift in 2022. A plastic toothbrush might be good for your teeth, but they’re terrible for the environment; did you know that a plastic toothbrush will take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade? 

A simple switch you can make is swapping the plastic for bamboo. Our bamboo toothbrushes are just as effective as your traditional toothbrush, with a lightweight, ergonomic handle (and a children’s size for little hands!), and BPA-free soft nylon bristles, which are super hygienic. The brush is naturally antibacterial, and when it’s done, you can simply pluck out the bristles and then bury the bamboo in your back garden, for it to deteriorate naturally. 

OUT: Bottled shampoo and conditioner

IN: Shampoo and conditioner bars

A really interesting change to make to your beauty routine is to swap your haircare products. We’re willing to bet that you’ve been using bottled shampoo and conditioner forever, without a passing thought – so why not make a simple change and swap them for an eco-friendlier alternative?

Our solid shampoo and conditioner bars generate absolutely no plastic waste, which is brilliant for the environment. They come in a cardboard sleeve, which is 100% recyclable, and then you use the bars until they’re gone. They last for weeks on end, and can be used to deeply cleanse all hair types, in a gentle and effective way.

OUT: Shower gel

IN: Soap Bars

Much like your bottled shampoo and conditioner, you probably use a bottled shower gel every single day. Bars of soap have declined in popularity in the past decade or so, but thankfully for your skin and for the environment, they’re back with a bang! For a completely sustainable and environmentally-friendly way to care for your skin, swap out the shower gel for a natural cold-processed soap instead. 

We offer a range of four soaps, all catering to different skin types and requirements, to help smooth, soften, rebalance and relax your skin, from top to toe. Using ingredients ranging from active charcoal to shea butter, pink French clay to turmeric, our soaps are incredibly gentle and suitable for use on all skin types, and can be used all over the body. No waste, no problem – and a seriously simple change to make to your beauty regime.

Take it one step at a time to ensure a sustainable change.

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

Candles

Of course, we had to kick off the list with a candle. With a new, festive arrival, there has never been a better way to cast a little light into the darkness of winter. We’ve created the perfect pampering candle, made using a blend of premium-quality coconut and soy wax, infused with pure essential oils. Priced at only £15, our Pure Peppermint candle is the key to unwinding after a long day as you soak up the sweet scent. Perfect for anyone craving a little comfort this season as we welcome in the celebrations.

Soap

Christmas is a time to make an impression – whether it’s a festive date night or some time with the family, scrub up this season with our super soaps. Suitable for both face and body, simply select your desired scent and skincare goal, for a perfectly personalised gift.

One of our bestsellers, the Morning Burst, is a mild exfoliant, guaranteed to rejuvenate the skin and bring out a naturally fresh glow. Or for a soothing and gentle experience, choose our Dusky Dreams bar. All priced at just £9, our soaps make a thoughtful and useful gift for people of all ages – an ideal stocking filler.

Hair Care

For all of the haircare aficionados out there, we’re here to provide you with an eco-friendly and cruelty-free alternative to your usual products, which handily make ideal and practical gifts. Our solid shampoo and conditioner bars are a concentrated version of the usual bottled goods you find in stores and are made with absolutely no plastic packaging, helping your hair and the environment in one go! Additional fruity scents have been added to the natural cleansers to further intensify the luxurious experience for all hair types. With shampoos priced at £9 and conditioners at only £11, these mini bars make for a special surprise to open up on Christmas Day.

Gift Hampers

If you simply can’t decide which product to choose, or if you really want to spoil someone special with an extra-thoughtful gift packed with eco-friendly KOHA products, then our gift hampers are the ideal option. We’ve paired up our products to create some amazing options for tailor-made gifts, for those seeking to create a specific experience. With a focus on relaxation, cleansing or pampering, and with a variety of price points available, there’s a box for everyone you love – from the men in your life to your best girls. We’re sure anyone would love to find one of these hampers under their tree! If you can't decide why not Build your own gift box over on our DIY section filled with all your fave KOHA products!

Wishing everybody a happy festive season…

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

The four soaps in our collection are all completely vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, and made without the use of palm oil, preservatives, hardening agents or sodium lauryl sulphates. They don’t make a frothy, stripping and drying lather like your high-street soaps do, instead whipping up a silky, dense cream that’s extra-hydrating and deep cleansing, with great razor slip too.

First up is one of the most exciting soaps we think we’ve ever seen – and it’s sure to cause a stir when guests visit your bathroom! Our terrazzo effect Shea Butter, Kaolin Clay & Lavender soap bar (affectionately known as Stardust). This simple yet understated bar is as visually stunning as it is effective. It’s a luxe creamy soap in both colour and texture, we have used leftover soap ends and incorporated it into the soap bar to offer a terrazzo effect while moisturising the skin. Enriched with nourishing shea butter, a renowned skin superfood, we like to think that this soap is dry skin’s best friend. Shea butter has skin-penetrative properties and is deeply moisturising, so it doubles up on nourishment for extra-soft and smooth skin. Kaolin clay makes this soap incredibly silky, meaning it’s great for use in the shower (you can even use it as a natural alternative to shaving cream), and the lavender essential oil gives the soap it's calming scent, making it perfect for use in the evening before you wind down to sleep. The soap’s satin formula has a rich base of olive oil, coconut oil, rapeseed oil, castor oil and coconut milk alongside shea butter and kaolin clay. We think it’s perfect as a weekly treat for hydrating and calming dry, parched complexions, but it’s best used as a soap for your body, to nourish the skin all over without giving you the dry, tight feeling that some shower gels or soaps can bring. Naturally luxurious and extra-gentle for your skin, our Stardust soap is perfect for use on the whole family.

Next up, allow us to introduce you to our exfoliating soap: Sweet Citrus, Turmeric & Cocoa Nibs aka Morning Burst. A vibrant block of rich sunflower yellow, with a grainy bottom section sprinkled with cocoa nibs, we think this soap starts your day sunny side-up. Enhanced with kaolin clay, turmeric and May Chang, this soap offers a refreshing cleansing experience, and the addition of cocoa nibs provide a gentle exfoliation. Kaolin clay makes this soap extra-silky, making it ideal for use not only on the face but in the shower too, and as we’ve explained before, this amazing ingredient has fantastic razor slip, so that you can use the soap as a natural alternative to a shaving gel or cream. Turmeric is known for its fiery yellow hue, but it’s also a fantastic ant-inflammatory; it contains antioxidants that can help to protect and soothe your skin, whilst enhancing your natural glow. The inclusion of cocoa nibs offers a light and non-abrasive exfoliating experience too, to gently buff the surface of the skin and leave the texture looking smooth and bright, and the vibrant may chang scent is the perfect way to perk up your cleansing regime.

Our third bar is the pretty in Pink Dusky Dreams - Pink Clay, Rose Geranium & Ylang Ylang. This sweet smelling soap is perfect for nourishing dry or dehydrated skin, packing plenty of moisture-boosting ingredients to give your complexion back some plumpness and vibrancy. If your skin feels dry, tight or dull, and just needs that extra dose of hydration – this is the soap for you. French Pink Clay itself has amazing rejuvenating properties that can help improve levels of skin elasticity, which rose geranium oil supports with too. As pretty as a slice of cake, the Dusky Dreams soap bar is made with a base of olive oil, coconut oil, shea

butter, castor oil and kaolin clay – all extra-soothing and gentle enough to care for your skin gently, every day.

If your problem isn’t hydration, but more like congestion, then you’re in luck, as you get to use our most Instagram-friendly bar yet, Deep Forest (Activated Charcoal, Pine Needles & Cinnamon)! The dreamy marbled blue of this soap, paired with the crests and peaks of the scalloped edging, like the wind whirling through the forest trees, is perfect for the bathroom, as it helps you to set sail on a journey of relaxation and rejuvenation, all without stepping away from the sink.

Inspired by cosy wintry nights indoors, the Deep Forest bar is a deeply sensual soap that lifts the spirits whilst decongesting and caring for the skin.

Enriched with activated charcoal, this is a purifying soap that will clarify and deeply cleanse your complexion without drying out the skin. By removing dead skin cells and absorbing excess oil, activated charcoal may help give your skin a healthy glow while evening out your skin tone.Scented with pine needles and cinnamon the Deep Forest bar beautifully balances between relaxing and rejuvenating, making it ideal for use both in the morning and before bedtime too. This rich and silky soap has a base of nourishing olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, rapeseed oil, castor oil, coconut milk powder and kaolin clay, to glide beautifully across the skin and melt satisfyingly, without creating a foamy lather.

We’re proud to say that our soaps are 100% natural, and we’ve worked very hard to colour and scent them with clays and botanicals, to give naturally-occurring colours and fragrances that change delicately over time. The formula is extra-soft as it contains no hardening agents, so all you need to remember is to pop your soap on a slotted soap dish to drain and dry after each use. Our KOHA Beauty bamboo soap dish is handmade and 100% natural and vegan.

Our soaps are packaged in 100% plastic-free and completely recyclable cardboard sleeves, making them totally ethical, recyclable and sustainable.

To find out more about our soaps and other products head on over to our store.

*Use code soap10 for 10% discount on your purchase.

Happy Shopping!

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

We launched the KOHA Beauty bamboo toothbrushes a few years back, with two styles – one for adults, and a smaller version for children, both with ergonomic handles. Since then, they’ve been flying off our virtual shelves and have rapidly become of one KOHA’s bestsellers, so for those of you who haven’t jumped on board the bandwagon yet, we thought we’d share with you the reasons why you absolutely should. Bamboo toothbrushes have seen a spike in popularity in the past couple of years, as more of us become aware of the damage that excessive plastic waste is doing to the planet. Every year, billions of plastic toothbrushes are found in landfill and in the oceans worldwide, which seems to us like needless waste, especially when you take into account the toxin production and carbon footprint also created by the manufacturing of plastic toothbrushes. A terrifying fact is that plastic toothbrushes will take up to 1000 years to biodegrade (yes, you read that correctly), and scientific research predicts that by 2050, there will be more plastic in the sea than fish. 

Bamboo toothbrushes, conversely, are biodegradable – meaning that it definitely won’t end up in landfill or clogging up our oceans. Instead, you can just throw it on the compost heap and let nature take its course. Buried horizontally in your garden, your bamboo toothbrush should break down and biodegrade fully in around 3 years, although if you have a composter, this can reduce to as quickly as 6 months. Our KOHA Beauty bamboo toothbrushes are made from sustainable MOSO bamboo, making it much kinder to the environment. Bamboo plants grow quickly (it’s rumoured to be the fastest-growing plant on the planet), need little care and can thrive without fertilisers or pesticides, again improving its eco-credentials. We also use super-soft, BPA-free nylon bristles in our brushes, which make them completely cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. Many bamboo brushes use boar or badger bristles, which are not only unsuitable for vegans, but can also pose a risk to health as the natural fibres harbour moisture, making them a potential breeding ground for harmful bacteria. The nylon bristles we use are gentle yet effective, providing a thorough clean without damaging the teeth or gums, and have feathered tips to access even the most hard-to-reach areas of the teeth and gums. 

And there’s no need to worry about value - our KOHA Beauty toothbrushes cost the same as the average plastic toothbrush, and last just as long. Dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months and the same rules apply when it comes to a bamboo brush. The bonus we score though? Our packaging is absolutely plastic-free and 100% recyclable, and we use no artificial colourings in the manufacturing process either. 

Feeling convinced yet? We’ll just share with you some last top tips before you head off to purchase your brand-new bamboo toothbrush…

Once your toothbrush has served its principal purpose, it’s time to reuse and recycle it, before you commit it to biodegradable burial. Just soak it in freshly-boiled water for a few minutes to sanitise it, and remember to mark it in some way, so that nobody accidentally uses it for their teeth. You can use your brush to clean your bathroom, getting into all of those hard-to-reach spots like between tiles, inside plugs or taps, and around buttons or switches. Or you could use it to clear out dust and debris from your computer keyboard, clean out your hairdryer’s vent, or remove the rubbish from your vacuum cleaner’s filter. You could even start the biodegrading process early and use the brushes in your garden as plant markers, to clearly mark which plants are which – especially handy if you’re a veg grower!

So, there we have it – and if you weren’t convinced by recyclable, eco-friendly and sustainable oral hygiene before, we’re willing to wager that you are now. Head over to our online shop and grab KOHA Beauty bamboo toothbrushes for the whole family, we guarantee you won’t look back. 

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

Part of the prep for summer is a great pedi - but if you’re caught short with no time to head to the salon, or if you just prefer a more natural way to groom, we’ve got some top tips for you to get those feet ready for showing off in your summer sandals. The best part? We’re using all natural, cruelty-free products, and it’s a great excuse for some self-care time too.

Let’s get those feet looking fabulous…

Step one: Remove old product

We’re willing to bet that you’ve got the remainder of a months-old pedi chipped and unloved on your toes right now. So freshen up and get those nails clean and healthy, with an all-natural nail polish remover such as Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover which gently swipes away old polish without using harsh acetones and chemicals, much better for your nail health. Go gentle but use firm strokes to ensure any lingering polish is gone, before we move on to step two of your natural, at-home pedicure.

Step two: Soak and relax

One of our favourite steps, for sure! Soaking the feet is not only super relaxing, it also deeply cleanses the feet and nails, and makes the skin nice and soft. Fill a basin with warm-to-hot water and add a table spoon of KOHA Beauty Sweet Rose bath salts. Allow the water and the salts to infuse. Sit back and relax for 10 minutes or so, and then take some time to properly clean your toes and heels with a Lemon Poppy Seed Soap. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatories within the soap will care for your feet and the scent is so refreshing.

Step three: Buff those soles

Now your feet are rested, it’s time to get them into their finest condition. Dry, cracked heels and toes are a sandal no-show. But the good news is that they can be easily made over with some quick exfoliation, using one of our KOHA Beauty Pumice Stones no less. Empty your basin and refill it with fresh warm water, and place a KOHA Beauty Pumice stone in the water for a couple of minutes. Once the stone is ready for use, apply it to the feet in firm circular motions, to buff away any left over dead, dry skin and uncover smooth heels and surfaces. Rinse and pat dry with a fluffy towel.

Step four: Moisturise

It’s time to restore some hydration to those heels and toes. A rich foot cream will nourish your feet, but also protect them from any further damage or drying-out, so choose something heavy-duty to hydrate. We love The Body Shop’s Hemp Hardworking Foot Protector, which uses natural hemp seed oil to soften the skin and keep feet feeling nourished and cared-for. Apply a small amount to the heels and soles of the feet, massaging all over (including under the toes and around the nails) as well as the top of the feet and ankles. Take your time; a pedicure is a relaxing experience and you should enjoy every second! A little massage will refresh and revive your feet too.

Step five: Trim and file

Unsightly toenails are not a sight to behold, and if you’ve left yours to go wild, now’s the time to get those talons back under control. Toenails ideally shouldn’t extend beyond the end of the toe, so trim your nails with angled clippers to a comfortable length. Be careful not to go too short! Once your nails are trimmed, use an eco-friendly glass nail file to shape and smooth the edges.  Unlike an emery board, a glass nail file can be used limitlessly, and is far kinder to the nail too.

Step six: Pamper and polish

The final step in your natural, at-home pedicure is the best one - getting those toes looking cute and colourful, ready for showing off in your summer sandals! But be careful about which nail polish you choose to use; you might not know that many high-street brands use well-known carcinogens and toxins in their polish formulas, including camphor and formaldehyde. These toxins are linked to many illnesses, so don’t take the risk, and choose polishes from a gentle, toxin-free brand like Nailberry instead. At KOHA, we particularly love Nailberry for being free of 12 of the major toxins, but for also being vegan-friendly, halal, gluten-free and cruelty-free - as well as being extra-gentle to our nails and delivering beautiful results for everyone. Paint on a clear base coat first, before layering with two coats of colour (we especially love Peony Blush or Pink Tulip, for a super-summery look). Finish your pedi with a clear top coat, and then slick on some natural cuticle oil - a homemade blend of vitamin E and an essential oil of your choice is an easy DIY - to protect and perfect your pedicure.

What now? Pop on those sandals and go and enjoy summer!

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

Our products reflect our ethos; gentle, natural, kind, easy. We urge you to respect your own needs and be kind to yourself, to take time when you need it, reduce stress where you can and learn to appreciate the little things that make life wonderful. In short – learning how to be mindful of yourself, your environment and your needs, in order to live in a more peaceful state of mind. We’ve put together six top tips to help you live a more mindful lifestyle; they’re easy to slot into daily life and take next to no effort to achieve, but we’re sure you’ll feel the difference!

One: Keep a gratitude journal

Remembering the good things that happen to us each day can really help to improve our state of mind, as well as increasing our awareness of what’s going on. Buy yourself a pretty notebook and keep it beside your bed, and every evening before you go to sleep, write down three things that you’re grateful for that day. It could be as simple as a hot cup of tea in the morning, or finding change for the bus in the bottom of your bag – if it made you smile, it goes on the list. Try not to repeat yourself if you can, to help you seek out the positives in daily life and look for the little things that improve your wellbeing. 

Two: Connect to your senses

All too often, we’re multitasking – we’re checking our phones whilst checking our emails, we’re chatting whilst we’re jotting down our to-do list, we’re even plugged into podcasts while we’re on the commute. The result? We’re highly strung, stressed out, unaware of our body’s needs and only realising later on that we’ve been hunched over a desk or a phone all day. Instead of trying to do everything at once, take the time to connect with what’s going on in the world around you. Breathe, and notice how it feels to breathe. Listen to the noises in the room, what can you hear? Blink deeply a few times and remember to look away from your screen every twenty minutes. Notice when your shoulders are pulled up high, or if you’re clenching your jaw. Take back control of your own body and notice when you need to take a break.

Three: Practice deep breathing

Mindful people are aware of how their breathing works. It’s a barometer for how we’re feeling; breath is slow, deep and rested when we’re feeling calm, and it’s shallow and quick if we’re stressed. Whenever you remember to, take a few moments to notice how you’re breathing and how it’s making you feel. Practice slowing down your breathing, inhaling in deeper and exhaling for longer, to help you feel more at peace. Doing this a few times a day can lower your stress levels and keep you aware of how you’re feeling, what might be triggering stressful breathing or what keeps you calm.

Four: Put down your phone

We know, it’s a scary thought. But think about what you did before a smartphone came into your life. You spent your commute thinking, looking out of windows. You spent your lunchtimes eating, reading a magazine. Most importantly, you spent your evenings connecting with your loved ones – talking to your partner or playing with your children. But chances are, a smartphone addiction has reduced the time you spend doing any of the above, in favour of endless scrolling and hours spent being unaware of your surroundings. We say, put the phone away. Limit your use and be aware of those moments when you reach for the phone out of habit. We recommend putting your phone in a different room, so that you can spend your time valuably instead of staring mindlessly into a screen. We guarantee it’ll make you feel better!

Five: Notice what you’re eating

How many times have you mindlessly grabbed a meal deal in the supermarket, how many times have you shovelled food into your mouth whilst staring at the TV? Instead, take notice of what you’re consuming and how it makes you feel. Take the time to prepare something you’re excited to eat and take notice of how you eat it. What does it taste like, how do the textures feel? Smells? You’ll soon notice when you’re full up, instead of continuing to eat and then feeling overstuffed. You’ll notice if you really love an ingredient, or even if something doesn’t agree with your body.

Six: Take a walk or get some fresh air

Here’s another thing about modern working life. Before constant emails, social media, smartphones, and the pressure of presenteeism, we’ll wager that you used to use your lunch break to get outside. Now more than ever it is important to remove yourself from your laptop/phone/tv and try to get some fresh air. We understand this is not always possible especially during these uncertain times of social distancing but if you can not get outside to take a walk around the block, why not open a window and feel the breeze flowing over you. We'd suggest closing your eyes, listening to the birds and basking in the rays of sunshine, noticing your surroundings and reconnecting with yourself.

Stay safe

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

Are we right? Thought so.

Particularly when the weather gets colder, the lips are especially prone to showing signs of damage. Remember that tight, sore feeling of chapped and peeling lips? It’s not comfy and it’s certainly not pretty; chapped lips + matte lipstick = one serious beauty disaster. But thankfully, we’re here with our top tips to keep that pout looking pretty right into winter and beyond, whatever the weather.

So why does chapping happen in the first place? The skin on the lips is extra thin, and particularly sensitive. Lips don’t have any sebaceous glands, which help to keep skin lubricated, so the only source of moisture is saliva – which can make lips become dry and chapped very easily. Moisture is key to healthy lips; they’re just like a sponge, full and plump when they’re hydrated, and shrunken and wrinkled when they’re dehydrated.

Dehydration happens far quicker in the chillier months, when the lips are exposed to harsh elements and dramatically changing conditions and temperatures. These negative effects can frequently result in dry, chapped and cracked lips, which look painful and feel sore too. And it’s a vicious circle – the more dehydrated your lips are, the more tempted you are to lick them to moisten them. But the upshot of this is further dehydration – your saliva evaporates quickly, taking with it any moisture that was present on the lips, leaving them even drier and resulting in red, painful lips. However, there is a solution if your pout is more flaky than on fleek – and that’s to add a simple two-step regime to your daily skincare routine, to help maintain the condition of healthy and hydrated lips. 

Your first step is to gently exfoliate your lips every other day, to buff away any dry patches and keep them looking plump and nourished. But there’s no need to invest in pricey lip scrubs or any specific tools – your KOHA Beauty konjac sponge is all you need to effectively exfoliate the lips, without scrubbing at them too harshly. Simply soak your sponge in lukewarm water until it puffs up, and lightly buff over the lips in circular motions whilst cleansing the rest of your face. Rinse away any residue from your cleanser and gently pat your lips dry with a fluffy towel, being careful not to rub at them. And to finish, apply a layer of a nourishing lip balm that’s packed with natural ingredients – we love OSKIA’s Cupid’s Bow balm, which uses moisturising avocado oil and shea butter to plump up and protect your pout.

And there you have it – two simple steps to ensuring you have soft, smooth lips this winter!

To find out more about our KOHA Beauty sponges, visit our SHOP!

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

The truth is, there are so many reasons why you should consider switching to a bar of soap for your facial and body cleansing routines. So, if you’re not convinced just yet, read on to find out a little more information that might just help to sway you…

Bar soap is a very effective germ-killer

If you only plan to use your KOHA bar of soap as a traditional handwashing soap, you might be concerned that the gentle ingredients mean it won’t kill off germs as well as your regular antibacterial wash. However, scientific research has shown that washing your hands with a bar of soap is just as effective as a hand sanitiser or even a medical chlorine rinse, in terms of getting germs and bacteria off of your skin. Simply rub, lather up and rinse thoroughly to ensure super-clean skin!

It’s kinder to the environment

When you think about how many bottles of handwash, facial cleanser and shower gel you get through in a year – it’s scary to think how many plastic bottles we throw away, and let’s not get started on the apparatus (that’s often non-recyclable) that comes with them. When you switch to a KOHA bar of soap, you’re making a zero-waste decision. You can use your bar of soap again and again and again, until it’s all used up, with absolutely no waste, and it’s packaged in a 100% recyclable cardboard sleeve with no plastic used, so it’s completely eco-friendly and sustainable. The soaps are made in small batches, and we’re proud to say that they are also completely free of palm oil, so the formulas are very kind to the environment too.

They’re easy to travel with

One for the jetsetters here! If you travel often, and find that pesky liquid allowances a real pain, you’ll enjoy the freedom that using our KOHA soaps can bring. Instead of decanting and packing separate mini bottles of shower gel and cleanser, you can simply cut a block off of your bar of soap and take it with you – no mess, and absolutely no fuss!

They’re kinder to your skin

The most important bit yet – switching to a KOHA bar of soap can actually be more beneficial for your skin. Dermatologists and skincare experts are in agreement that facial bar soaps can be just as effective as liquid cleansers, but are kinder to the skin thanks to their higher levels of gentle, natural ingredients. Also, our soaps contain a lower pH level than regular formulas and contains no SLSs or hardening agents, meaning they’re less drying to the skin. Traditional foaming cleansers and liquid soaps include surfactants and SLSs in their formulas to promote a rich, bubbly lather – but there’s no need for that. Our soaps simply create a lovely silky slip on the skin, allowing you to gently cleanse in a way that leaves your skin feeling nourished and hydrated after use.

They’re better value for money

Overall, our soaps are far better value for money than your regular cleansing routine, and that’s for a variety of reasons. Firstly, KOHA Beauty soaps are real multitaskers – you can use them for cleansing your face, your hands and your body, but you can also use them in lieu of shaving gel, as they offer great slip for your razor to glide across the skin. If you’re planning on giving your soap several uses, cut them into chunks and keep one in your shower, one by the sink and one with your facial skincare regime for maximum hygiene – just remember to store them on slotted soap dishes to allow them to dry out effectively before your next use. By the same stretch, you can use them for the whole family hygienically too, by cutting everyone their own individual chunk to use and enjoy.

Our soaps are also longer-lasting than traditional shower gels or liquid soaps; for example, Original Source shower gels promise up to 35 uses from one bottle, but our family of testers have so far gotten more than two months of daily use from one bar of the soap, for a family of 5 – that’s a minimum of 300 uses if the soap was used just once per day by each family member. And we've worked out that our soap works out at six pence per use, if you use it twice a day over a period of two months.  

Are you feeling convinced yet? We urge you to take the plunge and give it a try – we think that you won’t look back! You can shop our full collection of soaps online, and check out our previous blog posts for the lowdown on each and every soap in the range, to help you find your perfect fit.

To find out more about our KOHA Beauty soaps, visit our SHOP!

Happy shopping!

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

Why, we hear you cry? Well, the answer is simple. Cold weather can make your skin dry, when it’s lacking in oil, or dehydrated, when it’s lacking in water, so it’s important to amend your skincare routine to ensure that skin stays nourish and soft, whatever the weather.

At the end of every day, it’s important to cleanse and remove makeup, but especially so in the cooler months. We find that using foaming cleansers and washes can help constrict dry skin further and exacerbate the problem, so in the autumn months, we recommend skipping a face wash and picking up a konjac sponge instead.  Our Pure White konjac sponge only needs water to effectively cleanse and exfoliate the skin, removing makeup in an instant without external chemicals upsetting the balance of your skin. If your skin is more acne-prone, try our Bamboo Charcoal konjac sponge instead, which helps to keep blemishes at bay whilst cleansing the skin thoroughly. If you really need a deep cleanse, follow up your first cleanse with one of our natural handmade soaps, to reset the skin and leave it feeling nourished and hydrated.

Exfoliation is key when it’s cold outside too; the extremes in temperature can encourage dry, flaky skin to come to the fore, so if you want a smooth and glowing complexion, you need to commit to gentle, regular exfoliation. The beauty of using a konjac sponge is that it exfoliates while it cleanses, softly lifting away any flakes or dry patches to unveil plump and smooth skin underneath. It’s far gentler than using a physical scrub, which can aggravate sensitive or weather-beaten skin.

Another top tip is to switch out your night cream for a facial oil, especially if you’re prone to dry patches or flaky skin. Oils have smaller molecules than moisturisers and face creams, so they reach deeper into the skin and help to rebalance it, keeping the skin extra hydrated and protecting it against the elements. Apply a few drops to the face before bedtime, taking care to really massage it into the skin to allow it to get to work instantly.  Don’t forget about your lips! Skincare should extend to your pout too; buff lips gently with your konjac sponge whilst cleansing, and apply a rich, natural lip balm to keep lips hydrated, nourished and plump. 

To find out more about our KOHA Beauty soaps and konjac sponges, head over to our SHOP!

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

Skin management becomes much simpler when you understand the skin you’re in, so KOHA Beauty has pulled together an easy-to-follow guide to help you on your journey to healthy, happy skin – naturally.

As a starting point, try the Blotting Paper Test to determine the skin type you’re likely to have. Gently pat a blotting sheet onto different areas of your face, and then hold the sheet up to the light to determine how much oil is visible. No oil? You likely have dry skin. If there’s oil from when you check the nose and forehead, then you likely have normal/combination skin. If there’s oil all over the sheet, then you guessed it, you have oily skin.

Oily

Oily skin simply produces excess oil. On one hand, this can give you a lovely natural glow, but too much oil can leave you looking greasy, clogging the pores and causing blackheads and blemishes that leave the skin looking red, congested or uneven in texture and tone.

The good news? Oily skin often looks younger for longer, because it maintains higher levels of natural moisture, and is less prone to wrinkling.

To manage oily skin, daily exfoliation is key in helping you to rebalance the texture and tone, and loosen any clogged pores to prevent blackheads and blemishes developing. KOHA Beauty’s Bamboo Charcoal-Infused konjac sponge is the perfect secret weapon in helping you to do this; simply use twice daily to cleanse and buff your skin gently, giving you a natural glow and reducing the levels of oil sitting on the surface of your skin.

Dry

Dry skin is skin that feels tight, and may experience flaking. It’s often quite dull in texture too, and sometimes slightly rough to the touch. Dry skin is largely caused by genetics, but can also be caused by lifestyle, diet, hormones and climate, with dehydration being one of the biggest factors. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding diuretics like alcohol and caffeine can all help to up your moisture levels and keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated.

Daily exfoliation with a non-abrasive cleanser, like KOHA Beauty's Pure White konjac sponge, can promote cell turnover and lift dry, dead skin away from the surface. And for cleansing dry skin, choose products with high levels of moisture-boosting ingredients; our Pink Clay, Rose Geranium & Sweet Orange soap uses finely-milled oatmeal to help exfoliate the skin, whilst coconut oil, Shea butter and French pink clay all help to nourish your skin.

Normal/Combination

Normal and combination skin are sometimes tricky to diagnose, as certain areas are oily, and some are dry. If you have this skin type, you’ll often have an oilier (but not oily – let’s go for the term ‘well moisturised’) t-zone and forehead, and dryer skin on the chin and cheeks.

The key is to use products that will maintain moisture, without overpowering areas that don’t require excess hydration. Our Sailor’s Bar is the perfect cleanser for combination skin, as it purifies the areas of the skin that require deeper cleansing, whilst adding moisture to dryer skin. The miracle ingredient, Rhassoul clay, reduces blemishes, evens out skin tone and reduces dryness, to leave your skin feeling happy and hydrated.

Sensitive

Sensitive skin is easily irritated, prone to rashes and redness, so it’s essential to use extra-gentle products to maintain a happy complexion. Managing a sensitive complexion can be tricky, but just remember to go gentle, introducing one new product at a time to avoid overloading your skin. Don’t aggravate or inflame the skin by scrubbing at it with physical exfoliants or rough flannels; the KOHA Beauty Pure White konjac sponge is perfect for sensitive skin as it effectively cleanses and polishes the skin, removing dryness or any clogged pores without tearing or attacking the dermis.

To cleanse sensitive skin all over, our gorgeous Shea Butter, Kaolin Clay & Ylang Ylang soap is ideal; it’s super moisturising and the stripped-back ingredients care for delicate complexions without overloading or irritating them.

Our skin's needs can change over time, so it’s important to remember to check in with your skin regularly and keep reassessing how it’s feeling and behaving, so that you can make informed choices with your skincare products and routine, to keep your skin happy, healthy, balanced and beautiful.

To find out more about our KOHA Beauty products, visit our SHOP!

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

The key isn’t in a weekly trip to the salon (although we’d love that) – it lies in being proactive, and putting in the work to really get to know your hair, in order to bring out its best traits. Understanding your hair type, its nature and behaviour, what it likes and dislikes – these are all key in achieving truly healthy hair. At KOHA, we prefer the natural way of doing things, and if you do too, we think you’re going to love our top tips on generating healthy, glossy hair, naturally.

Understand your hair type

First up, you need to know what you’re working with. Dry hair feels brittle, looks frizzy and is prone to breakage and split ends. Oily hair looks heavy and lank, with limited volume and is quick to become greasy, even after washing. Damaged hair is dull, lacking shine and very prone to breaking and snapping, so needs to be handled with care. Dandruff is a scalp condition, which cause white flakes on the scalp and through the hair, which can be noticeable even from a distance. Do any of these sound like your hair? Here’s how to treat them, naturally…

Consider your routine, and make some changes

Some hair types are genetic, and your hair will revert to this if not properly maintained. But some are definitely exacerbated by lifestyle choices, so it’s time to really consider your haircare routine and what you use on your locks. Dry or damaged hair? We’re willing to wager that you are a bit of a blow-dry fiend, or that you’re partial to heat-styling your hair a few times a week. The first step on the road to healthy hair here is to cut down the amount of time that you’re exposing your hair to the heat. It’s best to wrap dry or damaged hair types post-washing, as leaving it to air-dry can also cause damage. Leave the hair wrapped as long as you can, and then apply a heat-protection spray, before blow-drying on a medium heat. For bonus points, apply our conditioner bar pre-wash and leave it on for as long as possible, to give the hair some much-needed moisture.

Oily hair is often caused by things like pollution, humidity or smoke – but if you have oily skin, you’re probably genetically predisposed to oily hair, too. So, give your hair a regular deep clean with a lightweight shampoo and conditioner combo – like our vegan-friendly shampoo and conditioner bars, which deliver a deep clean without weighing down the hair.

Dandruff can be a sign of a stressed-out scalp, reacting to products or regimes it doesn’t like. The oil from the scalp causes the skin cells to clump together, appearing as white flakes in the scalp and hair – which can be a pain to get rid of. Try and reduce your stress levels, lower your exposure to heat styling and try using natural products like tea tree oil and coconut oil on the hair, to gently moisturise the scalp.

Think about diet

Diet has a huge impact on our bodies, and especially our hair – so it’s not enough to change the products you use, you also need to think about what you’re feeding your hair too, to improve its condition from the inside out in a natural way. Dry or damaged hair types should really up the levels of antioxidants and omega 3’s the body receives. Think about adding in foods like blueberries, walnuts, tomatoes, avocados, oily fish and broccoli to your diet, to intensively nourish, strengthen and improve the condition of your hair, giving you stronger and shinier locks in a matter of weeks. Vitamin supplements really help too, especially those containing zinc and biotin. Oily hair and oily skin need the same kind of care, so the same rules apply if you’re already caring for an oily complexion. Strip down the amount of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats in your diet, replacing them with foods like oats, fish, grains, beans, plenty of fruit and veg, and olive oil, to make sure you’re getting the right vitamins and essential fatty acids to hydrate and nourish your hair, without sending it into oil overdrive. Dandruff can be a sign of inflammation, so it’s best to reduce the amount of inflammatory foods that you consume, including foods high in sugar, processed foods or saturated fats. Upping your consumption of fruit, and both raw and cooked vegetables, can really help send your hair some much-needed nutrients that reduce the appearance of dandruff. Bread and alcohol both contain yeast, which is thought to exacerbate dandruff, so it might be best to try and cut down on this too. Foods containing high levels of biotin and zinc are both great – and good news, plenty of both is found dark chocolate, so get nibbling!

Happy hair, happy life – or something like that!

Head on over to our shop and stock up on our solid shampoo and conditioner bars.

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

In the early stages of development we knew that there were two issues we wanted to address; Ingredients and Packaging;

Ingredients

At KOHA Beauty we like to keep things simple, this not only applies to our packaging, but our ingredient listing too. After a lot of experimenting we settled on a formula that not only cleanses your hands but protects your skin too.  The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that you use a sanitiser with at least a 60% alcohol content in order for the product to be effective at killing bacteria. We decided, after some testing, to opt for an alcohol content of 65% as we wanted the product to cleanse but also to be gentle enough on the skin for frequent use.  

To balance out the drying effects of the alcohol we added a vegetable based glycerin.  The glycerin acts as a humectant which basically means it acts as a sponge to help retain moisture leaving your hands nourished and cleansed at the same time.  Lastly, we’ve enhanced the hand sanitiser with spearmint and tea tree essential oils for a fresh scent and an invigorating cleanse. 

Packaging

We knew that a plastic bottle just wasn’t going to cut it at KOHA Beauty.  And instead opted for a very minimal clean cut glass bottle with jet black atomiser spray top.  Although our atomiser is made from plastic, we do offer plastic free refill bottles that come with recyclable aluminium caps so that you can re-use your atomiser without feeling guilty. 

Please do note that it is always better to wash your hands with soap and water but in the instance that these options are not available, our KOHA Beauty hand sanitisers are a handy, fuss free way to keep those hands cleansed and moisturised while on the go. 

To find out more about our KOHA Beauty hand sanitiser, visit our ,SHOP!

Stay safe!

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

Candles create ambience and an atmosphere

Lighting a candle creates a cosy ambience in an instant; a dimly-lit room flickering with candlelight is always soothing for the soul. Candles lit around the room, especially scented ones, instantly whip up a serene atmosphere that can help you sink into the moment and feel chilled and unbothered in mere moments. Plus, the use of essential oils can create an atmosphere to suit your mood; try lighting something zingy to revitalise your mood in the morning, or something deeply floral to help you shift any feelings of nervous tension and relax. 

Fragrance can be used to suit (or change) your mood

As we’ve hinted at, fragrance is a huge benefit of any candle, and specifically so with ours. The KOHA Beauty candles have been specially selected and carefully curated to offer our customers a range of fragrances for every mood, to help you feel your best whatever the day’s looking like. A particular scent can lift your mood or set the tone for the moment, almost instantly, so we’ve chosen our trio to try and cover almost every occasion. 

Want to start the day with some get-up-and-go, or feeling in need of recharging? Our vibrant Citrus Lemongrass scent is the perfect revitaliser, to wake up the senses and help you to feel a bit more up-and-at-‘em. If you’re feeling tense, nervous or just looking for some escapism in your day, then our Rose Geranium offers a luxury opportunity to sink into the sofa and enjoy some self-care time. For stress, nerves or to help you unwind, our Lavender Herb candle will almost immediately help you to feel calmer, more relaxed and able to drift off into a deeper, more nourishing sleep. 

Lighting candles has proven health and wellbeing benefits

That’s true! Candles are proven to help alleviate stress, and are often used during spa treatments, aromatherapy treatments or even mindfulness classes to help with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The simple act of lighting a candle can almost force you to take even just five minutes to yourself; it’s something we strongly associate with pleasure, relaxation and lounging, so enjoy it and make the most of it. We all need downtime during the day to help us unwind and rebalance, so don’t skip it; it’s good for your health, after all. 

Candles can help with mindfulness and increasing focus

As much as candles can help with relaxation, the right fragrance can really help with sharpening your focus and helping you to feel more wide-awake and productive. Certain scents can stimulate your senses, particularly citrus scents like lemon and orange, so our Citrus Lemongrass candle is perfect for lighting at your desk to help you zoom through your workload and feel energised. If your head’s in a spin and you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with life, then lighting a candle can really help with that too. A simple mindfulness technique is to light a candle, and then concentrate on the flame. Watch it flicker and really focus on the movement of the flame, to bring you into the present moment and help to reduce those feelings of nervousness or negativity. 

Fragrances can help preserve memories

Ever sprayed a perfume and instantly remembered something from years gone by? There’s a reason for that. If you ever feel like to want to burn a particular candle and then snuggle up when you’re feeling blue, there’s science behind it. Emotions and memories can be triggered by certain scents, and so can bring you a feeling of happiness if the scent coincides with a particular time in your life. There are plenty of behavioural studies that indicate that scents can trigger memories and shift your mood, so take this into account when you’re thinking about which candle to burn. Light one when you know you have friends coming over, or a romantic evening planned, will help you to remember those special moments whenever you want to feel them all over again, 

Lighting a candle can help you sleep better

We’re all addicted to our phones these days, even though we know that using them extensively in the evenings can diminish our quality of sleep. The blue light from our screens decreases our magnesium levels, leaving us feeling more tired and anxious. But take it back to the old school and we’re sure you’ll see a boost in the quality of sleep you’re getting. Tuck your phone away after 7pm (try airplane mode and putting it away in another room) and turn down the lights earlier, lighting candles instead, to help you feel calmer hours ahead of bedtime. The darker lighting will relax you, and our gorgeous Lavender Herb candle will help you to feel more serene and at peace too, ensuring that you feel ready for bed a little earlier and that you can catch up on those zzz’s and bag some powerful sleeping hours.

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

We’ve already had a couple of sell-outs, with lots of you especially loving our Activated Charcoal, Tea tree & Lemongrass and Lemon, Poppy Seed & Turmeric soaps in particular, but more stock is on the way, so don’t fret if you’re waiting to purchase. But if you’re still on the fence about switching to soap, we wanted to use this week’s blog post to talk to you a little more about why you should consider making the change. We get it, you love your regular cleanser, and you enjoy your fruity shower gel – why would you want try something different? The truth is, there are so many reasons why you should consider switching to a bar of soap for your facial, hand and body cleansing routines. So, if you’re not convinced just yet, read on to find out a little more information that might just help to sway you…

Bar soap is a very effective germ-killer

If you only plan to use your KOHA bar of soap as a traditional handwashing soap, you might be concerned that the gentle ingredients mean it won’t kill off germs as well as your regular antibacterial wash. However, scientific research has shown that washing your hands with a bar of soap is just as effective as a hand sanitiser or even a medical chlorine rinse, in terms of getting germs and bacteria off of your skin. Simply rub, lather up and rinse thoroughly to ensure super-clean skin!

It’s kinder to the environment

When you think about how many bottles of handwash, facial cleanser and shower gel you get through in a year – it’s scary to think how many plastic bottles we throw away, and let’s not get started on the apparatus (that’s often non-recyclable) that comes with them. When you switch to a KOHA bar of soap, you’re making a zero-waste decision. You can use your bar of soap again and again and again, until it’s all used up, with absolutely no waste, and it’s packaged in a 100% recyclable cardboard sleeve with no plastic used, so it’s completely eco-friendly and sustainable. The soaps are made in small batches, and we’re proud to say that they are also completely free of palm oil, so the formulas are very kind to the environment too.

They’re easy to travel with

One for the jetsetters here! If you travel often, and find that pesky liquid allowances a real pain, you’ll enjoy the freedom that using our KOHA soaps can bring. Instead of decanting and packing separate mini bottles of shower gel and cleanser, you can simply cut a block off of your bar of soap and take it with you – no mess, and absolutely no fuss!

They’re kinder to your skin

The most important bit yet – switching to a KOHA bar of soap can actually be more beneficial for your skin. Dermatologists and skincare experts are in agreement that facial bar soaps can be just as effective as liquid cleansers, but are kinder to the skin thanks to their higher levels of gentle, natural ingredients. Also, our soaps contain a lower pH level than regular formulas and contains no SLSs or hardening agents, meaning they’re less drying to the skin. Traditional foaming cleansers and liquid soaps include surfactants and SLSs in their formulas to promote a rich, bubbly lather – but there’s no need for that. Our soaps simply create a lovely silky slip on the skin, allowing you to gently cleanse in a way that leaves your skin feeling nourished and hydrated after use.

They’re better value for money

Overall, our soaps are far better value for money than your regular cleansing routine, and that’s for a variety of reasons. Firstly, KOHA Beauty soaps are real multitaskers – you can use them for cleansing your face, your hands and your body, but you can also use them in lieu of shaving gel, as they offer great slip for your razor to glide across the skin. If you’re planning on giving your soap several uses, cut them into chunks and keep one in your shower, one by the sink and one with your facial skincare regime for maximum hygiene – just remember to store them on slotted soap dishes to allow them to dry out effectively before your next use. By the same stretch, you can use them for the whole family hygienically too, by cutting everyone their own individual chunk to use and enjoy.

Our soaps are also longer-lasting than traditional shower gels or liquid soaps; for example, Original Source shower gels promise up to 35 uses from one bottle, but our family of testers have so far gotten more than two months of daily use from one bar of the soap, for a family of 5 – that’s a minimum of 300 uses if the soap was used just once per day by each family member. So, although you might balk at the $11 price point of our soaps, we urge you to think about it in a different way – you could spend around $20 per month on a bottle of shower gel, hand soap and facial cleanser and get less use from them all. Our soap works out at six pence per use, if you use it twice a day over a period of two months.  

Are you feeling convinced yet? We urge you to take the plunge and give it a try – we think that you won’t look back! You can shop our full collection of soaps online, and check out our previous blog posts for the lowdown on each and every soap in the range, to help you find your perfect fit.

To find out more about our KOHA Beauty soaps, visit our SHOP!

Happy shopping!

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

Our Bamboo Charcoal Infused Konjac Sponge is a multitasking weapon when it comes to cleansing and clarifying your skin. Packed with mineral-rich bamboo charcoal powder, our konjac sponge cleanses deep into the pores, eliminating blackheads and clearing out trapped dirt and debris to prevent future blemishes appearing. Acne can also occur when the skin’s oil production mechanism goes into overdrive, leaving you with excess oil sitting on the surface of the skin, slowly clogging pores and turning into blackheads or worse still, whiteheads. Using a bamboo charcoal konjac sponge daily will help to absorb those excess oils and toxins, rebalancing the skin to leave it looking fresher and staying mattified for longer. Charcoal is a natural antioxidant too, which effectively kills off acne-causing bacteria to ensure skin is thoroughly cleansed and protected from future breakouts. Regular use is the key to clearer skin, along with a stripped-back but effective skincare regime. We recommend cleansing each morning just using our Bamboo Charcoal Konjac Sponge with lukewarm water, making sure to pay attention to any particularly spot-prone areas, such as the chin, cheeks or around the nose. Then in the evening, cleanse first with one of our Koha Beauty bars of soap (we would advise the Activated charcoal, Tea tree and Lemongrass) to remove the bulk of makeup and grime from the surface of the skin. Then you can go in with your konjac sponge once more – again using lukewarm water (hot water will aggravate your delicate skin and cause more redness!), to make sure that all traces of makeup are gone and to rebalance that complexion beautifully.

Sticking to your new skincare regime is essential to maintain your clear complexion, but it’s also key to make sure that cleanliness is at the top of your list – always remember to rinse your konjac sponge thoroughly after each use and hang it up to dry and replace your konjac sponge every four-six weeks to make sure that you’re keeping skin as clean as possible.

Head on over to our store to find out more about this multi-talented sponge.

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

But what’s so important about it, and why do we need to do it twice?

A daily deep cleanse is essential for your skin’s health, to remove makeup, SPF, oils and grime and debris. Throughout the day, airborne bacteria and pollution particles are attracted to your skin, and if they aren’t properly eradicated, they can contribute to ageing, pigmentation and breakouts, leaving you with a less-than-perfect complexion. So, the only answer is to thoroughly cleanse, making sure to remove all of those impurities and allowing your skin to breathe. But when we say thoroughly cleanse, we really mean it. A quick once-over with a cotton pad just isn’t enough; a proper cleanse takes a little bit of time and care to ensure that it’s done right. Luckily, if you’re using a KOHA Beauty konjac sponge, it takes even less time and fewer products, and promises a more effective cleanse too – what’s not to love?

If you’re not sure how to get started on double-cleansing, allow us to talk you through it. Your routine should start by filling your sink with warm, not hot, water, and placing your KOHA Beauty konjac sponge in it, allowing it to absorb water and become puffy, silky and ready to use. During this time, you should massage in a nourishing cleansing oil or balm, to break down makeup, SPF and sebum on the surface of the skin. We love oil-based balms, which are rich, creamy, gentle and super effective at melting away makeup in a flash. Take your time to properly massage in the oil, making sure you’re getting it right into the eyebrows, lashes and hairline, around the nose and under the chin so that no area is left un-cleansed. Then, take your konjac sponge and squeeze out the excess water, and apply to your face in gentle circular motions, buffing the skin and taking the oil/makeup/grime with it. Rinse the sponge between applications and keep going for a few minutes, until the makeup is mostly gone and your skin looks clean.

The beauty of using a konjac sponge is that whilst it removes makeup, it also works to remove bacteria and old skin cells, gently resurfacing and polishing the skin to leave you with a fresh and glowing, soft complexion post-cleanse. Plus, you can pick the kind of konjac sponge to suit your skin – Pure White if you have dry or sensitive skin, or Bamboo Charcoal if your complexion is a little oilier or more prone to blemishes.

If you were a single-use cleanser, you’d be done by now. But we’re doubling up, so there’s more to go yet – luckily, it’s a very easy routine…

Simply empty the sink, rinse your konjac sponge and re-fill it with fresh, clean warm water. Now, all you need to do is use the warm water and your konjac sponge to get rid of any remaining impurities, and it really is as simple as that.

Who told you double cleansing was a faff?!

To find out more about our KOHA Beauty products, visit our SHOP!

Happy Shopping!

xoxo

KOHA Beauty

We strive for minimalism wherever we can at KOHA Beauty; from minimal packaging to minimal ingredients, we believe that less is more when it comes to your skincare. So, this week, we ask you to take a leaf from our book and try stripping back your skincare routine to something minimalistic but still incredibly effective. It’s certainly one less thing you’ll have to think about…When you switch up your skincare routine to a minimalistic one, you’re stripping back all the unnecessary elements, and reducing the time it takes to complete at the same time. It might feel lovely and luxurious to apply a ten-step skincare routine, of course, and we’d never tell you to stop doing something luxurious if you love it – life is for enjoying!

But, we can all admit that some nights, you might just be too tired to go through the whole rigmarole, or some days, your skin can just feel overwhelmed by the amount of chemicals and ingredients applied to it. So, on these days, we advise you to take it right back to basics and opt for a minimalist skincare routine, for happy skin and a happy mind too.

It couldn’t be simpler. Even with a full face of makeup, you only need one item to fully cleanse and exfoliate the skin and leave it squeaky-clean and ready for the next steps in our quick and easy skincare routine. 

That one item? A simple KOHA Beauty konjac sponge, of course.

Simply fill your sink with warm water and place your konjac sponge in the water for up to two minutes, to allow it to absorb the water, soften and puff up ready for use. Then, squeeze out the excess water and simply buff the skin, to effectively remove the day’s makeup, grease and grime. Rinse the sponge between buffs, and after your first cleanse, empty the sink and refill it with fresh water. Repeat the process until you have beautifully clean and fresh skin – it’s really as easy as that.

Once your face is clean and dry (pat dry gently with a towel, never rub!) it’s time for the next very simple step in our minimalist skincare routine. Toners, acids and essences are all very well for those drawn-out skincare nights, but if you’re going for the minimalistic approach, we recommend a few spritzes of a natural facial mist – we love Aster & Bay’s Rosewater Mist which uses real rose petals and Himalayan pink salt to nourish and refresh the skin. Simply spray all over the face in a clockwork motion and leave to settle into the skin.

The final step? Bring some hydration back to the skin, with a luxurious, natural facial oil. Herbivore’s beautiful, fiery orange Phoenix face oil is all natural and vegan-friendly, using rosehip and sea buckthorn oil, along with chia seeds and neroli to hydrate, nourish and rebalance the skin. Simply squeeze a few drops into the palm of your hands and press into the skin, applying in a sweeping motion and applying light pressure to really push the ingredients into the skin.

And there you have it – a simple, three step routine that takes mere moments to complete and leaves you ready for bedtime with fresh, clean and radiant skin. Have we converted you to minimalism yet?

Head on over to our shop to find all the info we have on these wondrous multitasking sponges.

xoxo KOHA Beauty

collection of handmade, cold-process vegan soaps (which you can catch up

with here) and this week, we’re sharing with you the details of the last two in the

collection, which we think might just be the prettiest of all!

In case you haven’t managed to catch up with the posts so far, KOHA Beauty has

recently launched a collection of six soaps, which have all been specially created

to serve a variety of purposes, enabling you to care for your and your family’s skin

naturally. So far, we’ve given you the rundown on our Activated Charcoal, Tea Tree & Lemongrass soap, the Shea Butter, Kaolin Clay & Ylang Ylang, the Green Clay, Dead Sea Mud & Eucalyptus soap and the Lemon, Poppyseed & Turmeric soap. From deep-cleansing to hyper-nourishing the skin, decongesting to exfoliating, the soaps offer a full range of treatment options to care for and treat a variety of skin concerns.

But this week, it’s all about our two prettiest bars of satin-soft soaps – and that’s really saying something. But not only are they both good to look at, they do good things too. We’re delighted to introduce you to our Pink Clay, Rose Geranium & Sweet Orange soap, and the Rhassoul Clay, Lavender & Peppermint – also known as the ‘Sailor’s Bar’. Both of these soaps serve very different purposes, so allow us to talk you through

the finer details…

Pretty in pink, is the Pink Clay soap, packed with extracts of rose geranium and

sweet orange. This sweet-smelling soap is perfect for nourishing dry or dehydrated

skin, packing plenty of moisture-boosting ingredients to give your complexion back

some plumpness and vibrancy. If your skin feels dry, tight or dull, and just needs

that extra dose of hydration – this is the soap for you. French Pink Clay itself has amazing rejuvenating properties that can help improve levels of skin elasticity, which rose geranium oil supports with too. The inclusion of colloidal oatmeal (finely milled oats) also helps to soothe and moisturise delicate, sensitive and dry skin, making this bar a powerhouse of hydration and nourishment for irritable skin types or more mature complexions.

As pretty as a slice of cake, this soap features a block of French pink clay, and our

signature scalloped edging, speckled with ground-up rose petals to give a truly lovely, luxe

finished look. The Pink Clay soap is made with a base of olive oil, coconut oil, shea

butter, rapeseed oil, castor oil, coconut milk and kaolin clay – all extra-soothing

ingredients to care for your skin gently, every day.

If your problem isn’t hydration, but more like congestion, then you’re in luck, as you

get to use our most Instagram-friendly bar yet, the Sailor’s Bar! The dreamy

marbled blue of this soap, paired with the crests and peaks of the scalloped

edging, like the waves, is perfect for the bathroom, as it helps you to set sail on a

journey of relaxation and rejuvenation, all without stepping away from the sink.

Inspired by cosy nights at the coast whilst it’s stormy outside, the Sailor’s Bar is a

deeply sensual soap that lifts the spirits whilst decongesting and caring for the skin.

Enriched with rhassoul clay and indigo root, this is a purifying soap that will clarify

your complexion without drying out the skin. Rhassoul clay is a soothing clay that’s

only found in the Atlas mountain range in Morocco, and clinical tests have shown

that it can reduce blemishes and blackheads, even out the skintone and reduce

dryness in the skin. Indigo root (also known as wild indigo) has medicinal properties

that help to soothe inflamed or irritated skins too. Scented with lavender, lime and peppermint, the Sailor’s Bar soap beautifully balances between relaxing and rejuvenating, making it ideal for use both in the morning and before bedtime too. This rich and silky soap has a base of nourishing olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, rapeseed oil, castor oil, coconut milk powder and kaolin clay, to glide beautifully across the skin and melt satisfyingly, without

creating a foamy lather.

As with the rest of our collection of soaps, the KOHA Beauty Pink Clay and Sailor’s

Bar soaps are both 100% natural, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, carefully scented

with natural clays and botanicals to give beautiful colours and fragrances. The

soaps are 100% plastic-free and packaged in completely recyclable cardboard

sleeves, making them ethical and sustainable. All of our soaps are created without hardening agents or preservatives, making them extra gentle and super soft for use on the whole family.

The entire KOHA Beauty soap collection is now available in our online shop, and the

soaps are priced at £8 each. We think they’re the perfect addition to a natural

beauty regime, and we can’t wait to hear what you think of them – the feedback

we’ve received already from you, our wonderful customers, is fantastic and we’re

delighted that you’re enjoying a product that we have taken months to perfect.

If you do purchase our soaps, please do let us know – we’d be delighted to hear

from you! And remember to stay tuned to our blog, as there’s more exciting

launches to come very soon…

xoxo

KOHA Beauty