THE CRYSTAL CRAZE
Chances are, you've a 'mad' aunt somewhere whose home is a veritable Aladdin's cave of crystals - which she uses as book ends and shelf-embellishments and (of course) to ward against 'bad vibes'. You roll your eyes with abandon whenever she waxes lyrical about their 'powers' however the joke, may in fact, be on you... Crystal healing is 'a thing' and there are hordes of A-list devotees who're embracing the stones' mystic properties.
Katy Perry turned to rose quartz following her break up with bad-man Russell Brand, and Her Madgesty Madonna has long been tuned in to the benefits of keeping crystals close. Even Victoria Beckham - poster girl for all things chic (and rational) - is rumoured to indulge in a 'weird' crystal ritual ahead of her collection presentations, and there certainly appears to be a wave of 'crystal conversation' going on (just scroll through your Instagram feed - you're bound to find more than a few geological nods).
So is it just a fad? Well, the more cynical amongst us would look no further than the pretty exterior (and paperweight potential), but there are many - including Cult Beauty expert and world-renowned aromatherapist Michelle Roques-O'Neil - who have faith in their ability to lift our spirits, eliminate toxins and help to re-establish equilibrium.
Michelle's stunning bath, body and wellbeing range {Therapie} harnesses the properties of different crystals to alleviate symptoms of stress and promote positivity. Her signature {Himalayan Detox Salts} contain powdered amethyst, while {Joie Bath Infusion} stars both rose quartz and jasper to absorb negative energy and help to balance yin and yang.
When asked about the bestselling salts - oft referred to as 'natural Valium' due to their ability to promote deep, recuperative sleep - Michelle told us that 'these bath salts have the capacity to slow the nervous system down, whilst the amethyst crystal powder cleanses and balances energy'. Amethyst is a meditative and calming stone, which works on emotional, physical and spiritual planes to help promote patience and peace. It has a gently sedative energy that encourages emotional stability and inner strength - and it also works to counteract all the electromagnetic 'noise' we're exposed to during the day; from computers and phones and wi-fi - which can interfere with our natural aura.
Which leads us neatly on to the gorgeous {Restore Aura Spray} - an aromatherapeutic infusion formulated with crystal essences of amethyst and rose quartz, which works to restore calm and refresh energy whenever you're feeling fragmented. Rose quartz is considered the 'love stone' - and is believed to invite love whilst enhancing self-esteem and promoting a sense of self-worth - amazing whenever you need a quick confidence boost, or are struggling with anxiety.
Jasper - found in {Joie Bath Infusion} - is the 'nurturing stone'. It helps to counteract emotional trauma and provides deep, emotional healing whilst promoting mental clarity. This stunning powdered bath soak is phenomenally 'grounding'; ideal ahead of a stressful day, to help wash your worries away with the bath water.
If you're intrigued by 'crystal theory' but still sceptical about the benefits, why not dip your toe in the (bath) water? Therapie's {Discovery Kit} contains convenient travel sizes of five major players in the range, including the beauty blogger-beloved {Himalayan Detox Salts}, which are guaranteed to convert even the staunchest cynic...
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Cult Beauty’s Content Editor and a Cult Beauty OG, Verity loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm. A quintessential Libran, she’s a self-professed magpie for luxury ‘must-haves' and always pursuing the new and the niche — from the boujee-est skin care to cutting-edge tech. Balancing an urge to stop the clock with her desire to embrace the ageing process (and set a positive example for her daughter), Verity's a retinol obsessive and will gladly share her thoughts about the time-defying gadgets, masks and treatments worth the splurge...
