With over 400 products entering the 2022 Best of Natural Awards, we connected with three of New Zealand’s clean beauty and wellbeing experts. After all, what more can you want than a tick of approval from bestselling skincare founder, Aotearoa’s Naturopath & Medical Herbalist Chairperson, and a wellness devotee who tries and tests hundreds of new products to hit the shelves every year?
It’s time to get to know this year’s 2022 Best of Natural Awards judges. You’ll find out what they loved about this year’s awards, their skincare and wellness hacks, and their favourite winning products.
Introducing our judges:
Liz McNamara - Registered Naturopath & Cosmetic Chemist
Naturopath & Herbalist with 20+ years’ experience, Liz is committed to improving product standards and regulations. In 2021, Liz became a Cosmetic Chemist with an interest in high-performing, innovative products.
Rachel Grunwell - Wellness Expert
Wellness coach and yoga teacher, Rachel has 28 years’ experience in media. Passionate about elevating the wellbeing of Kiwis, Rachel runs retreats to help individuals become healthier and happier.
Sara Corlieson Founder & Entrepreneur behind Tailor Skincare
Sara founded Tailor Skincare, which quickly grew into one of New Zealand’s most loved skincare brands. With the successful sale of Tailor in 2022, Sara now explores optimising natural ingredients.
1. What have you loved about this year's Awards?
“It is such a privilege to be involved and I absolutely loved seeing and trying all of the entries. There was an amazing number of products that entered – over 400! It was so hard to make those final decisions about winners because there were so many outstanding products. Congratulations to everyone who entered.” – Liz
“I loved testing and reviewing all of the products and discovering so many natural brands which I'd 100% purchase myself. I've already added a number of products into my daily routine as absolute staples. I even discovered some new favourite skincare ranges like Kumo and Tronque.” – Sara
“I’ve loved trying so many inspiring products. I’ve loved the thoughtfulness behind these brands; I love seeing so many makers who really care about what they are putting out into the world, but also care about making a really GREAT products.”– Rachel
2. What’s something you’ve learned about being a judge for this year's Awards?
“There are a lot of companies out there with good values, great give backs, and doing lot of good in the world… as well as making great products…. It’s heart-lifting to see.” – Rachel
“We ran Best Brand awards this year and it was so great to learn about all the inspiring things that brands are doing in the community or for the environment. There are so many brands who are mindful of their impact and are working hard to make sure they use their products to make a positive impact on the world. It is so inspiring to see ‘purpose’ built into the DNA of a brand.”– Liz
“Not to judge a product on my first impressions. For example, I was a little weary about the Mitchells Chocolate Bone Broth Powder. But I gave it a go and now I LOVE it. It's nearly all gone and I'll be grabbing another bag very soon.” – Sara
3. What’s your ultimate wellness hack for 2022?
“Giving up coffee is easy when you switch to functional mushrooms, like the Flow State NZ Lions Mane tincture and the Wildwood cacao and mushroom infused powders.” – Sara
“Self-love is crucial for any wellness journey you wish to undertake. Know that you deserve self-love, you deserve me-time and you deserve to be the best version of you.” – Rachel
“What defines health is different to every person depending on their genetics, income, stage of life, and ability to make changes / busy-ness. I encourage everyone to incorporate the things that have been proven to benefit health as much as they are able to – consume more wholefoods, move your body in a way that feels good, get 7 – 9 hours’ sleep, spend time with good people, keep alcohol and sugar in check, and be gentle on yourself. Aim for progress over perfection if you’re making changes.” – Liz
Rachel, what are your top three mindfulness tips?
“1. Stop, pause, celebrate the beauty in the moment - on the daily. Ask yourself what’s good in your life right now? We only get to live in the ‘now’. The past has gone (so you can’t change it and so there’s no point wasting energy dwelling on things you wish hadn’t happened etc). The future hasn’t happened yet so we shouldn’t waste energy feeling anxious about a time that hasn’t unfolded… Instead, enjoy the beauty and what’s good right now. This is key to happiness.
2. Embrace calm and set it as an intention of how you will ‘be’. Know that if you are calm that this can have a ripple effect. If you are calm - others around you will feel this energy too. Being calm is contagious.
3.Live a more mindful life. Realise that where energy goes, energy flows…. Spend energy on good intentions, helping others, chasing dreams, and sending good work out into the world.Don’t waste energy on judgment, unkindness, negativity etc… That’s a waste of your beautiful and precious life. Spend energy on uplifting yourself and others instead. This world needs more of that good stuff!”
Sara, what are your three go-to healthy skin tips?
“1. Lymphatic massage is an incredible way to help reduce puffy under eye bags and tone the neck. Use your favourite facial oil and massage your face each night while relaxing on the couch.
2. Keep a facial mist in your handbag and use throughout the day to keep your skin looking dewy and hydrated. It also helps to keep the appearance of fine lines at bay as they tend to increase thought the day as your skin loses moisture.
3. Cleanse with oils even if you have oily skin! The clean nutritious oil helps to absorb the dirty oily build up from the skin without disrupting the skins barrier. If you don’t like the post cleansed feel you can look for an oil cleanser with an emulsifier or try double cleansing with a gel or foam cleanse after. Your skin will love you for adding oils to your skincare routine.”
Liz, what are yourtop three holistic health tips?
“1. No one knows your body better than you. If something isn’t working as well as you want it to, and you haven’t been able to sort it out, talk to qualified health practitioners who can guide and support you. Sometimes that is more than one person.
2. Often the things you crave the most are the things that need a pause. Can’t go without that coffee? Hanging out for that wine after work? Sugar cravings up the wazoo? Discipline (the things you do daily) and good health are tightly linked.
3. Being too strict on anything steals joy. Even discipline needs a rest day.”
Ready to meet the winners? Get your hands on our 2022 Best of Natural Award winners now.
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