When was the last time you were actively conscious during your skin or body care routine? And by that, we mean taking the time to luxuriate in a product’s scent, texture, and the way it makes you feel. Can you even remember the full names of the products you use on a daily basis?
Rituals, a lifestyle brand helming from the Netherlands wants you to slow down the next time you engage in your beauty routine. By no means however, does it mean that their products work slowly because of a lower efficacy rate.
Citing a practice called “The Art of Soulful Living”, its founder Raymond Cloosterman wants you to engage in any of the brand’s well, rituals—The Ritual of Sakura to celebrate each day as a new beginning, The Ritual of Jing for more restful sleep, or The Ritual of Namaste to revitalise and regenerate among others—and create your own for more intention to your routine. Apply lavishly, stop to smell the proverbial roses, and next, admire your skin that looks and feels so much better.
But what is creating one without some expert advice? In this interview, Niki Schilling, the Director of Innovations & Sustainability for the brand lists down some ways she relaxes after a long flight, activities to do in Amsterdam, and of course, her steps to travel proofing a skincare routine with the best-of from the brand.
1. A skincare product that works well even in hot and humid climates.
Hyaluronic acid should be your number one skincare ingredient in hot and humid climates and The Ritual of Namaste Hydrating Gel Cream ($55) contains an active hydrating complex of hyaluronic acid and Indian Rose, keeping your skin hydrated at all times.
Combining this Gel Cream with our Hyaluronic Acid Natural Booster ($35) and The Ritual of Namaste Anti-Aging Day Cream ($65) will result in even more hydration and immediately give the skin a full and soft look.
2. One beauty product that you never fail to pack in your travel kit.
Our Bakuchiol Natural Booster ($35) is a beauty product that always has a secure spot in my travel kit. It’s a potent 100% natural serum that not only helps improve skin tone but also works wonders in achieving a more even complexion.
Additionally, it’s powered by Bakuchiol, which is widely recognized as a highly effective natural alternative to retinol in anti-aging products. What I love about Bakuchiol is its ability to maintain skin elasticity and stimulate skin cell turnover, leaving my skin looking rejuvenated and youthful.
Whether I’m dealing with the effects of jet lag or a change in climate, this product helps me maintain that healthy and radiant look.
3. The best place for a wholesome, healthy lunch in the Netherlands.
Without a doubt, my personal favourite restaurant for wholesome and healthy food is Restobar Rouhi, right at the heart of Amsterdam. It is situated in our flagship store House of Rituals. The name Rouhi, which beautifully translates to ‘my soul’ in Arabic, perfectly summarizes the experience it offers.
They use fresh ingredients and source seasonal produce, and every dish they serve is a testament to their commitment to both taste and health. When I’m in the mood for a lunch that nourishes both my body and soul, I can’t resist their famous bao buns.
But what truly sets Rouhi apart, in my opinion, is the tranquil and stress-free oasis it provides right in the bustling city centre. It’s a place where my body and mind can relax as I enjoy the flavours of Asian cuisine with a modern twist. It’s a dining experience that goes beyond just food; it’s a rejuvenating escape that I find myself returning to time and again.
If you want to complete your relaxation experience after your meal, you can enjoy a unique experience in our Body Spa and Mind Oasis on the third and fourth floors of the flagship store, which is also a personal favourite of mine.
4. A podcast that inspires you.
I’ve got a few podcasts that really inspire me, these would be my favorite three.
5. The best holistic healing spa in the Netherlands.
The Mind Oasis is my ultimate haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. As mentioned before, this sanctuary for mental wellbeing has become a personal favourite of mine, as it’s a place where I can disconnect from the needs of the outside world and emerge feeling completely revitalized.
The treatments they offer are nothing short of remarkable, incorporating science-based techniques that guide you through a spectrum of transformative experiences.
One of my absolute favourite treatments is the unique Brain Massage. You enter a personal pod where you immediately experience mental relaxation and deep rest. The “Zero-G-chair” offers a combination of breathwork, immersive 4D sounds and haptic vibration.
This technique is called brainwave entrainment that can bring your brainwave frequencies into a deep meditative state, also known as theta state. It’s an experience that leaves me feeling not just relaxed but also mentally recharged.
6. A body product for instantly glowing skin.
A product that I love using is The Ritual of Karma Shimmering Body Oil ($39). It’s truly a game-changer when it comes to achieving radiant and glowing skin. The 96% natural origin oil conditions the skin with a blend of jojoba, olive and safflower oil.
When applying it, it doesn’t just sit on the skin’s surface; it quickly absorbs, conditions and revives dull-looking skin, while a subtle shimmer of pearlescent mineral particles provides a luminous look.
The shimmer oil is delicately scented with the familiar scent of white tea and lotus flower.
7. The first thing you do skincare-wise when you reach a hotel.
The first thing I like to do is create a serene atmosphere by brewing a cup of calming tea. Afterwards, I like taking a soothing shower or bath to relax. Once I’ve transformed the room into a tranquil oasis, I proceed with my essential skincare routine.
For me it’s important to cleanse and hydrate my skin to make sure all outside intruders such as air pollution are removed.
I start with the Velvety Smooth Cleansing Foam ($25), thoroughly removing impurities and makeup. Next, I apply the Anti-Ageing Serum ($55 for the refill) to enhance skin elasticity, followed by the Anti-Ageing Night Cream ($65), gently massaged into my skin for overnight rejuvenation.
If my skin feels dry, I add a drop of Restoring Face Oil ($69) to my night cream and apply it while incorporating a pressure point massage. This skincare ritual not only helps me unwind but also ensures that my skin is well-prepared for a restful night’s sleep.
8. The best way to relax after a long flight.
For me, the best way to unwind and recharge after a long flight is all about finding that perfect balance between ease and tranquillity. My go-to for instant stress relief, no matter where I am, is the relaxing serum from The Ritual of Jing ($25).
It’s such an easy-to-use product and perfect to use with its light cooling cream of Chinese peppermint and jujube. To fully relax, I like to combine the serum application with a five-minute meditation session or write in my gratitude journal.
It really helps me to let go of the stresses of travel and helps my body to unwind and relax for sleep. You will be amazed at what those few minutes can already do for you.
Shop Rituals online or in-store at Ion Orchard, #B2-2-27, Singapore 238801.