In the past I've curated Christmas gift guides, but this year I'm taking a more selective and organic approach, looking out for gifts that really resonate and offer something unique and special for loved ones. The Alchemy of Giving by Sans [ceuticals] is a great fit in that it centres around the idea that giving can be a transformative experience, something deeper than a material exchange. Their beautiful Gift Set Series was created to foster a sense of connection - a moment of solitude or time with a loved one.
For those discovering Sans [ceuticals] for the first time, this NZ-based company is close to my heart. I first met with with founder Lucy Vincent over a year ago, and the beautiful products have since become part of my daily ritual. A former hairstylist, Lucy's remarkable career (she established the Stephen Marr hair salons, Lucy and the Powder Room and Auckland shopping destination, The Department Store) and fresh uncontrived approach to hair and beauty has made her an influential and pioneering innovator here in New Zealand.
Unable to find the type of products she wanted to use - clean, natural products that were highly active, well designed and sustainably minded - Lucy set out to create her own. Working with a team of New Zealand’s top scientists and cell biologists, Lucy developed a range of products that are a convergence of everything that is important to her. "I want to use products that are natural, environmentally responsible and sustainable—but they also have to perform and be effective.” I've spoken out on Instagram about the changes I've seen in my hair and skin since using the products, and I love that the brand's ethos feeds through to the Sans [ceuticals] way of life. Passionate about nature, whole foods, native New Zealand plant extracts, biochemistry, neuroscience, art and design, Lucy is also an advocate of diverse beauty in all its shapes and forms, at any age. A constant source of inspiration, the Sans [ceuticals] Journal features like-minded inspiring women from around the globe (Sans Woman), Lucy's delicious plant-based recipes (Sustenance) and product how-to videos (Tutorials). There's also a beautiful film series, A Quiet Observation. Featuring a cast of amazing women directed by Veronica Crockford-Pound, the film presents a change from the traditional representation of women in beauty messaging, with a study of the female form that doesn't objectify or idealise.
Designed to elevate the everyday essentials range, each of the Sans [ceuticals] gift kits are accompanied by an experiential ritual, incorporating cleansing, touch and repair. Exquisitely presented, each set encourages ‘scheduling time’ and comes with an artist drawn ritual card, detailing steps to perform a head massage, reflexology or hair treatment.
My beautiful DIY Spa Kit includes two of my favourite products, the Bio Active Body Exfoliant, and Activator 7 Body + Hair + Face + Oil, together with two gorgeous luxury samples. I'm looking forward to following the Self Care Ritual (including a glass of wine and bath) very soon.
Available to purchase online with worldwide shipping, see the full range of gift kits here.
This post was created in collaboration with [Sans ceuticals]. I only work with products I love and all opinions are my own. For more information please visit my About Page.