SHOPPING | Latest wellness goodies to put on your wish list

FUNCTIONAL MUSHROOMS 

As we turn to nature for more wellness solutions, so rises a new kid on the wellness block that is a fast-growing global health trend — functional mushrooms.  

Now, before you start thinking “psychedelics”, functional mushrooms are a rare form of mushroom, found in the dense forests of the Himalayan plateau, which have been used in East Asian medicine from as far back as 450BC. They are said to help enhance mental focus and clarity. 

Local wellness brand Goodmind is the first to incorporate this ingredient into a supplement that is sustainably sourced, safe to use and with no high.  It's a blend of super-powered mushrooms in capsule form, namely: lion’s mane, reishi, shiitake, chaga and cordyceps, that help improve focus, clarity, brain and nerve health, immune function, energy levels and stress support. 

Enjoy the convenience of the capsules or head to any Vida e Caffe for the c functional mushroom cappuccino, where a water-soluble, tasteless functional mushroom powder is added to your cappuccino, tea or smoothie. 

• Goodmind functional mushroom, 60 capsules, R375. 

SUSTAINABLE SCENT 

Lancôme’s third addition to the Idôle fragrance tribe is finally here.  Created by an all-female perfumer trio, Idôle Aura is a luminous, solar floral scent housed in the iconic Idôle super-thin bottle that seems to defy the laws of design. 

With notes of fleur de sel, Rose petal essence Isparta, Bourbon vanilla, bergamot, pear and its signature musky Clean & Glow accord, the fragrance also solidifies the brand’s commitment to sustainable beauty. The use of natural ingredients and raw materials sourced through L’Oréal’s Solidarity Sourcing programme, namely rose petal essence Isparta, cultivated in Isparta, Turkey, and Bourbon vanilla, aims to protect biodiversity and ensure the development of sustainable ingredients and fair working conditions for its surrounding communities.

• Lancôme Idôle Aura EDP Lumineuse 50ml, R1,170, edgars.co.za

3 OF THE BEST WELLNESS KICKSTARTERS

1. Kuro-Bō activated charcoal

Struggling to drink more water? Get your hands on one of the Kuro-Bō water bottles, jugs or dispensers.  Inspired by the ancient Japanese technique, Kuro-Bō utilises hand-cut sticks and kōin blocks of activated charcoal to naturally enrich and purify your tap water, reducing levels of lead, copper, mercury, iron, aluminium, manganese and traces of chlorine, while encouraging more water consumption.  Just boil your charcoal stick for 10 minutes to activate its properties before adding to water.

• Kuro-Bō charcoal filter water bottle 550ml, R395; Kuro-Bō bamboo water filter dispenser 8-litre, R1,999 See kuro-bo.com.

2. Under Armour Hovr Clone running shoes

If adding more running to your health journey is on the cards we suggest a bit of motivation in the form of the Under Armour Hovr Mega2 Clone running shoes. These shoes combine running comfort and technology for your best run yet, with adaptive lightweight cushioning that moulds to your foot shape and gives you a zero-gravity feel to maintain energy and minimise impact while running. The shoes also connect to the UA MapMyRun mobile app, so you can track your running metrics to improve your game on the go. 

• Under Armour Hovr Mega2 Clone running shoes, R3,199. See underarmour.co.za

3. Stoic Mental Health Tracker App

The past two years have left our wellbeing rather shaky, so keep your mental health in check with the Stoic mobile app, which will not only help to build healthy morning and evening routines but also declutter the anxieties of the mind.  Comprising journalling exercises, meditations, breath-work, goal setting, motivational reminders and mini emotion check-in sessions throughout the day, this app is like your own little piece of mental zen in your pocket.

• See stoicroutine.com.