When Jules came across Annee de Mamiel many years ago (before she moved to New York), it was a discovery that was to change her life. Not only was Jules’ skin regime to change, so was her discovery to facial acupuncture, and more so little did she know that Annee was to become such a great friend and support at Shen. Annee de Mamiel is a very rare character, not a person you come across often in life, but when you find them you want them to stay for purely selfish reasons because they make you a better person.

Annee has had to fight against some health knocks in her life, which by some remarkable feat she has turned around to make a positive, and lucky for us we are able to experience some of that positive with her beautiful skin care. For those who are not already devotees, Annee makes the most divine limited edition Seasonal Oils, which have become the most sought after item in beauty. Each season we eagerly await the new facial oil and no sooner do we put out the news that it is ready on our shelves do we immediately sell out. This season we have pleaded with Annee to have more (two national magazines are to feature the oil in April) as we feel the demand keeps growing each season and we struggle to keep up with that demand.

Why does our skin need something different from winter to spring, you ask? “When seasonal changes start to emerge, our skin is faced with various different challenges” says Annee. “Significant temperature variations can often take a toll on our dry skin unless we learn to adapt to them. It may be instantly hot and humid, so if your skin has been dry in the winter you suddenly find you are having oiliness and acne, or even an allergy and sensitivities that starts in the spring with the first burst of sun exposure. Fortunately, skin responds well to kindness!”

Annee’s Spring Oil is that bottle of kindness, delectably containing a high number of different oils to deliver balance, essential nutrients, vitamins and fatty acids. Take a look at any decent quality facial oil and you will see perhaps up to 5 different oils used, in Annee’s it can reach the 20’s so the fragrance emanating from each bottle is heavenly. The fragrance is key to the product, all the oils do wonderful things to our skin for the turn of each season but the fragrance when breathed in deeply before application will lift spirits, dampen bad thoughts and see you through the day. This is the ethos of Chinese medicine Annee studied, which she applies to her products and practices in her facials.

“Getting the right level of moisture is essential as dryness can lead to sensitivities in the skin and not correcting it quickly may set up a cycle,” continues Annee, but encourages the need to use a lighter level of moisturisation. We are all for one to multi task products and Annee loves to use her Botaniques Cleansing Balm as a moisture mask, leaving on the face for 20 minutes, for that added hydration.

There is nothing we can really compare Annee’s products to, they are unique which makes us all the happier having the chance to showcase the brand at Shen. There is so much more to just Annee’s Seasonal Oils, there is now a whole line called Botaniques (see online), but more of that to come. If you want to experience truly special for your skin and wellbeing then the oil is a must to try.

Annee de Mamiel Wellness Tips for Spring

I am a huge fan of a warm water with lemon drink first thing to eliminate toxins, it really gives your liver a kick start and the spring is Liver time.

Don’t forget your body in the spring as dry body brushing helps a sluggish lymphatic system, exfoliate with sugar scrubs, I prefer the salt ones in winter and moisturize – use a balm on the elbows and knees so it goes a proper does of moisture this will ensure your whole body is glowing!

Suggestions to get the most for Spring

Get outside. Outdoor air helps the qi flow, as does exercise. If you find yourself feeling irritable, lethargic, or stuck, find some time for an outdoor activity. Hiking, gardening, golf, bicycling – whatever suits you!

Express yourself and Envision Possibility! Dancing, cooking, writing, making art or music… See your life growing beyond present obstacles. Write your goals and dreams, take one step at a time, Take this season as an opportunity to examine what you would like to change in your life. Make a plan and start putting the steps in action and walk steadily towards your north star. Any form of creative expression helps nourish and channel Wood energy in a healthy way.

Eat Green. Not surprisingly, green is the color that goes with spring, wood, and the liver. Green, leafy foods are especially helpful to the liver qi. If you can find in-season baby greens, that’s the best! , spinach, fiddle ferns, wild leeks, watercress, etc.), sprouts - all can improve the liver's overall functions and aid in the movement of qi.

Taste Sour. Sour foods also help soothe and smooth the liver qi, and can ease the transition into spring. Add lemon to your water, pickles to your sandwich, vinegar and olive oil dressings to your salad.

If you have allergies, take care of them. Allergy symptoms can make an otherwise lovely time of year quite unpleasant. Allergies can also be quite dehydrating, you will probably notice this more in the skin just under your eye’s, so keep up with fluids and maybe get some acupuncture is great for helping with this.

1. Taking a few minutes to stretch, or do yoga, qi gong or Tai Chi in the morning can help you move more fluidly through the day.

Be Gentle. The Wood element in Chinese Medicine has a tendency towards frustration and impatience, so acknowledge yourself for your efforts, and kindly give yourself some time and space to get to where you're going

Get a seasonal acupuncture “tune-up”. Even if you only have acupuncture a few times a year, the change of seasons is a good time to do it. Treatments are designed to harmonize your body, or internal environment, with the season, or external environment. Especially if you are feeling stress, anger, or frustration, which are associated with Liver disharmony, just one session can help you start the season out right