Self care isn’t a luxury, but essential for mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Creating a personalised self-care hamper for you or your loved one is a great way to facilitate mindfulness. 

Tip 1: Start with a direction. 

Intentionality is important in all things. Do you want to promote relaxation, boost energy, or want to focus on deeply nourishing your skin? Choosing a theme will guide your selection process. 

For a revitalising effect, Elliqua’s Refresh Bundle sets the perfect base for a self care hamper. Featuring No.1 Citrus + Herbal Musk and No. 3 Cucumber and Mint - designed for an uplifting, elevated shower experience. 

For ultimate relaxation, Elliqua’s Unwind Bundle features No. 0 Unscented and No. 2 Coconut + Vanilla. Crafted for the daily dose of self-care, enriching your skin with a complex blend of soothing ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera and kaolin clay. 

For ultimate scent flexibility in your hamper creation, Elliqua’s Restore Bundle features No. 0 Unscented Cleansing Body Bars and the Elliqua Soap Dish. 

Tip 2: Aromatherapy 

Essential oils can evoke specific moods and emotions, making them advantageous to your self care bundle. They’re great in the shower, or in a diffuser but even better as a roll on to relax with throughout the day. 

For a revitalising effect I opt for scents like lemongrass known for its ability to relieve tension while boosting energy or peppermint, an invigorating oil that promotes focus. (A perfect pairing to Elliqua’s Refresh Bundle) 

For relaxation, the classic lavender is hard to beat. Known for its calming properties, its perfect for unwinding. I also recommend chamomile for reducing stress and sandalwood for something more earthy. 

For nourishment and detox tea tree oil and eucalyptus have excellent purifying properties. 

Tip 3: Shower Essentials 

No hamper is complete without the perfect shower essentials to remind you self-care is self love. 

Exfoliating mitts or brushes promote blood circulation and leave you with a silky smooth finish. 

My personal favourite - a towel robe, seals the deal when creating the spa experience at home. A plus towel and robe enhance the indulgent experience taking your self-care hamper to the next level. 

Elliqua Soap Dish is included in all bundles and is perfect for making sure your soaps stay fresh after each use. 

Tip 4: Reflection

Wellness starts in the mind, and it’s important to remember that your personal growth is more than clear skin, working out everyday or having the perfect self care routine. 

Self care hampers are a fun way to look after yourself and feel grounded in the chaos of everyday life. If you don’t have the perfect shower routine, or something goes wrong along the way, remember self care doesn’t have to be precise. There’s no pressure to be perfect.

By Brooke.

Bar soap has been around for centuries, yet a lot of myths continue to swirl around this humble hygiene staple. Let’s see if we can bust these myths and misconceptions. 

Myth 1: Bar Soaps Are Unsanitary 

One of the most persistent myths is that bar soap is less sanitary than liquid soap. The idea is that germs linger on the surface of the soap after each use. However, studies have shown that while bar soap may collect some bacteria, the transfer of these microbes onto your skin is incredibly unlikely.

The act of washing your hands with bar soap creates friction, which lifts and washes away dirt and bacteria. In fact, it’s the process of washing—whether with liquid or bar soap—that’s key to hygiene, not necessarily the medium. Simply store your bar soap in a well-drained dish to prevent it from sitting in water, and you’re good to go!

Myth 2: Liquid Soap is Better For Your Skin 

Liquid soaps often advertise added moisturisers, which has led many people to believe they’re better for your skin. However, bar soaps can be just as hydrating if not better for your skin. Those like Elliqua Cleansing Body Bars which are made with natural coconut oils, shea butter and alive vera. If you have sensitive skin, opting for natural, fragrance-free bar soap can even reduce irritation compared to heavily perfumed liquid soaps.

Myth 3: Bar Soap Can Expire

Like most products, bar soap does have a shelf life, but it doesn’t “go bad” in the traditional sense. Over time, bar soap can lose its scent and effectiveness due to exposure to air, but it can still be used. Natural bar soaps, free from preservatives and chemicals, may become dry and brittle after a long period, but a little bit of water can bring them back to life.

Commercial soaps with preservatives may last longer, but they aren’t immune to drying out. Generally, the shelf life of bar soap is about two to three years, but it can vary depending on the ingredients used. If it looks and smells fine, it's likely still usable.

So there you have it - the traditional bar soap might just be the best soap of them all. 

By Brooke 

The compliment 'You smell amazing' is one of the best you can receive. On the flip side, there's nothing worse than feeling self-conscious about your scent. That’s where scent layering comes in—a simple yet luxurious way to ensure you smell incredible all day.

Scent layering is the art of creating a unique, personalised fragrance by combining multiple scents. As a Coconut + Vanilla lover, I start my routine with the Elliqa No. 2 Cleansing Body Bar, which leaves my skin soft and ready for layering. I love incorporating essential oils into my shower routine, especially calming scents like vanilla and lavender. Throughout the day, I’ll freshen up with my favourite vanilla-based perfumes to keep the warm, sweet fragrance going strong.

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with rose as well. For this, I begin with the No. 0 Unscented Cleansing Body Bar, followed by a rich moisturiser and rose essential oils in my diffuser. My go-to fragrance is Wonderose by Zara, a beautifully sweet rose scent. To stay refreshed, I always carry a roll-on rose essential oil for an instant moment of zen.

By Brooke