Ysabel's Daughter: Skincare Products Inspired By Bees

It is rare that I get invited to an event launch that miraculously aligns with my personal values. That night, I was introduced to a whole product line made entirely from 100% premium natural ingredients, absolutely no toxic chemicals. Oooh, magic words! Ysabel's Daughter hit the spot. I officially have another homegrown brand addition to my bath and body collection.

Guests sampled an assortment of bath and body goodies

Kid-friendly events are so considerate of working mommas like me!

Ysabel's full product line gorgeously displayed

Coty and Carl, business partners of Ysabel's Daughter

Having co-founded INDIGObaby with Denise in 2009, I do have experience in formulating all-natural and organic products. I took time to speak to the woman behind Ysabel's Daughter because I felt we probably have similarities in our lifestyle choices.

Coty Cruz, the founder of YD shared with me an interesting story on how her skincare brand started. When her family decided to grow bees in their urban backyard for health reasons (loved her by then!), she had a regular supply of honey that she used to experiment on soaps and scrubs. (DIY queen, like me!) After sampling her homemade creations to friends, she started selling in bazaars like the American Woman's Bazaar which was very well received. Today, YD is being sold in The Green Company in San Juan and online through Canary Cosmetics, and Beauty MNL.

Coty pointed out her logo which she personally designed. "People think is a flower but if you look closely, it actually is a... bee!"

Inspired by the age-defying powers of honey, Ysabel's Daughter gives the promise of "the fountain of youth" through antioxidants and regenerative powers of its ingredients. Coty's firm and glowing skin is clear evidence of it!

WHAT TO TRY: Post-partum moms will definitely want to try their Lemon Firming Lotion and Green Apple Slimming Lotion (which also helps prevent stretchmarks!).

Maya is as obsessed as I am with lathering lotion on skin!

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Pass the Hemp Rub, Please!

What does a Yoga teacher keep in his/her bag everyday?

A muscle rub, of course! Practicing and teaching yoga daily can definitely make your whole body sore. This is everyday salvation, if you ask me (and almost all the yogis of the world!) Aside from lathering onto my own aching body parts like my neck, shoulders and lower back, I also apply it on my students and treat them to a short massage at the very end of the class during Savasana...if they're lucky enough to be in a manageable class size, time-wise!

Enter the Merry Hempsters. These two little fellas as currently a craze among my co-teachers and students at the studio!

So, what's so the big fuss about these Merry Hempsters Muscle Rub Tubes?

- Size is super handy, they fit in my make up kit
- Because of its unique packaging (like a bigger lipbalm), hygiene is no longer an issue

- Made from Organic Hemp Seed Oil with is high in essential fatty acids and contains anti-inflammatory properties  

- It's all natural, containing organic ingredients and vegan as well!

The Merry Hempsters website recommends that you use the organic tube as a therapeutic rub for sore muscles, overexertion, inflamed joints and congestion. I like the minty sensation from this tube. The cooling effect is definitely soothing after a work out!

INGREDIENTS
Apis mellifera (Bees) Wax, Organic Cannabis sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Organic Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Oil), Mentha arvensis (Menthol) Crystals ,(Essential Oils of: Eucalyptus globules (Eucalyptus), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Leaf, Mentha viridis (Spearmint), , Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen), Eugenia caryophyllus (Clove), and Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Non-GMO d-alpha Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Extract

The Merry Hempsters have a special HOT blend which combines organic hemp seed oil with the heating agent cassia for an analgesic effect. Camphor and organic menthol crystals offer immediate relief for aching muscles and joints. May also be used for reducing pain and inflammation associated with sore muscles, strains, overexertion, inflamed joints, and congestion. I would use this  after a more serious work out... like a powerful Vinyasa class or Beyond Sculpt!

INGREDIENTS
Organic Cannabis sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil, Euphorbia cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Organic Olea europaea (Olive) or Organic Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Oil), (Essential Oils of : Melaleuca minor (Cajeput), Cinnamomum cassia (Cassia), Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Betula nigra (Sweet Birch), Eugenia caryophyllus (Clove ), Thymus vulgaris (Thyme), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)), Mentha arvensis (Menthol) Crystals, Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor) Crystals, Non-GMO d-alpha Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Extract

Both available at Beyond Yoga Bonifacio High Street or online at www.cutieverse.com