Earth, Wind, Fire, Water and Light – basic elements that are such an integral part of our every day lives. We so often forget that the wind in our hair, the sun on our skin, dirt on our hands and under our fingernails means we are in touch with nature – connecting. Quite simply being out in the elements does us good. No wonder then, that many natural beauty companies are celebrating the elements with products that harness the goodness and the benefits therein.
LIGHT – when the sun comes out we literally bask in its rays – Vitamin D fix aside, sunshine and bright light makes us feel good, it heals and in moderate doses and with the right suncare protection it’s a powerful part of our skincare.
Sun drenched luminosity – light reflecting, iridescent eye shadows and luminizers are a perfect way to give a sense of sunshine on a grey day. Jumper A line by Jigsaw. RMS Luminizer Gift set, Freepeople.
FIRE – remember how your skin looks and glows after you’ve stepped out of a sauna? That fresh, flushed cheek look that says, yes I’ve sweated out all those toxins and I’m now definitely going to drink just 3 litres of water a day and ditch the wine. The healthy glow has become a mecca for beauty junkies – cue the plethora of oil based cleansing products and facial oils on the market, not simply a gentle and effective way to cleanse and hydrate – also a great way to add that warm, glowy feel to skin.
Fresh, dewy and glowy skin starts with good cleansing and moisturising and products that don’t strip the skin of natural oils. Tri.Balm cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising balm, Frances Prescott.
Natural Spa Factory’s 100 % oils – simply great skin food for glow getters.
Nature’s retreat in the woods. Picture by John Rowley.
EARTH – according to beauty director Jo Glanville Blackburn, the average woman ingests around 30% of her lipstick: that’s between four to nine pounds in a lifetime – which is – wait for it, up to 1080 tubes! So without being overdramatic, a more natural and organic approach to something you slather on your lips a gazillion times a day is probably better for you as well as the planet. What better way to start than to be inspired by the seasonal berry colours of nature.
Dress No21 at The Shop at Bluebird.
Berry nice – totally natural, berry inspired raw pigments found in Vapour Beauty Siren lipsticks, shown here in Dare, Ravish, Bold and Courage. 
AIR – windswept, touch-me-tactile hair, the product of paraben free, gentle cleansing shampoos and conditioners that bypass chemicals in favour of a more natural approach to haircare.
Top, The Shop at Bluebird.
Tried and trusted by The Stylish Stuff, Onira Organics is a luxurious hair care range committed to using ingredients that are naturally free from the parabens, PEG’s, silicones and other harsh chemicals so prevalent in everyday haircare and that strip the natural oils from the hair shaft. What makes the ritual of using Onira so different, is that you start by using the serum and mask first – before the shampoo and conditioner – this way the hair is infused with the restorative plant extracts and gradually regains a natural chemical free radiance and softness.
WATER – hydration – our bodies lifeblood, both inside and out. Mineral water spritzes have become an office and travelling must have, not forgetting the perfect way to begin and end your daily cleansing rituals. Sophisticated spritzes now abound and our favourite Amly Botanicals produce silver rich spring water mists that synergise alchemical craft with pioneering biotechnology. Natural and organic botanicals are blended into the spring water and have beneficial and therapeutic effects on both skin and mind. We used Amly Botanicals Radiance Boost. 
Mineral rich waters, antioxidant powered berries and soothing algae and mosses, Skyn Iceland harnesses the power of nature to soothe, hydrate and nourish skin. Arctic Elixir combats stress and induced signs of ageing, apply under your moisturiser morning and evening.
The crystal clear, regenerative waters of Rena in Norway.
EARTH – getting down and dirty with the nitty gritty of nature. Mud masks and scrubs are an earthy way to improve skin condition and enjoy the benefits of a deep cleanse.
Try The Body Shop’s Himalayan Charcoal purifying glow mask, it’s vegan and proven to absorb excess oil, draw out impurities and refine the appearance of enlarged pores. Inexpensive and it works.
Air – and breathe, the best beauty boost of all. To learn more about Transformational Breath workshops go to www.breathingtree.co.uk.
THE STYLISH STUFF IS 100% COMMITTED TO CRUELTY FREE, NATURAL BEAUTY.
Words styling and assorted nature/still life photos by Shelly Vella
Model photography and beautiful cabin by the river shot by John Rowley
Hair and Make up by Lisa Valencia at Carol Hayes
Model Solveig Lund at Established
Photographed on location in Norway