Many wellness leaders place a great deal of emphasis on the simple act of doing nothing. You can do all of the breathwork courses and go on all yoga retreats in the world, but it doesn’t mean much unless you also turn your attention to the art of relaxation.

If you’ve ever been to Italy you’ll be familiar with the concept of ‘dolce far niente’ or “sweetness of doing nothing”. This doesn’t refer to being lazy; instead, it’s the idea of finding pleasure in simply living life, in relaxation. It is the ability to truly savour an experience, and is a different sort of doing nothing than laying around scrolling on your phone. It offers the opportunity to be in the moment in whatever way you choose and, in the process, improve your life in some rather wonderful ways.

Which brings us – naturally! – to clean beauty, which is always a great way to upgrade your self-care routine as well as delivering healthier, happier skin and hair. We’ve selected some of our favourites to consider adding to your own dolce far niente time, chosen for their effectiveness and their ability to spark joy.

Pure Body Luxe HEAL

We love a great body oil, and HEAL combines geranium, lemon, and tangerine oils to create an uplifting and nurturing citrus fragrance. HEAL is made from a select combination of botanical oils and oil extracts formulated to work together to provide intense hydration for dry, damaged, and moisture-depleted skin, restoring the natural microbiota balance and promoting healthy cell healing and rejuvenation. Oh, and did you know it’s also a marvellous multitasker? Use HEAL in the morning on the face and body to cleanse, purify, and invigorate the skin, or mix it with oatmeal to create a natural, exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin build-up and promote a fresh, clear complexion. Use HEAL in the evening as a one-step makeup remover, cleanser, and moisturiser on the face to purify and invigorate the skin before bed, and even before and after shaving.

Trilogy Very Gentle Hydra Mask

Another healing wonder, this mask is the dream for extra sensitive skin in need of a serious hydration boost. Maqui berry oil and nourishing sweet almond oil help to hydrate and nourish, while the clean beauty brand’s botanical complex SyriCalm® helps to soften and calm. Apply a thick layer to a clean, dry face and neck, allowing it to absorb for 10-15 minutes before removing the excess. And use that 10-15 minutes wisely – we recommend sipping a cup of your favourite herbal blend and trying simple box breathing.

Ethique Lime & Ginger Body Polish

A deliciously scented, super effective body exfoliant is a must in any self-care routine, and the beautiful Lime & Ginger Body Polish from Ethique is a stellar example. Its formula is made up of creamy cocoa butter, luscious lime oi and polishing pumice, and the scent is both sweet and zingy, refreshing the senses and softening the skin. And if you need any further reason to indulge in this marvel, its clever block delivery system saves 900ml of water, while its packaging is 100 per cent compostable. 

Nuori Supreme Moisture Mask

Delivering an instant hydration boost, this highly concentrated, yet lightweight moisturising mask is the ultimate treatment for dehydrated and distressed skin. Grape and Damask rose waters combined with natural hyaluronic acid effectively restore moisture levels, while botanical squalane and betaine strengthen the skin’s barrier function. Anti-inflammatory chamomile extract is in there to reduce irritation and restore suppleness, whilst Vitamin B3 revives skin tone, improves elasticity, and prevents moisture loss. Apply a generous layer to a cleansed face and neck and leave on for 10-15 minutes for an immediate hydration boost, or use this marvel overnight for an even more intensified result.

Chloe Zara Hair Silk Hair Balm 

Elegantly fragranced with a unique blend of sandalwood, pineapple, fig, and saffron, this premium masque treatment balm is ideal for hair that is dry or damaged from colouring or hot tools, and is rich in natural oils to give your hair optimum restorative hydration and shine. Once a week after using Chloe Zara Silk Wash, towel dry your hair and smooth the creamy balm evenly throughout. Comb through with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb and leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. For super stressed strands, add a few drops of Chloe Zara Hair Perfume Oil for an extra boost of hydration.