Although over 30 years old, US-based Swiss heritage skincare giant Arbonne has only recently become available here in New Zealand. They got in touch recently and asked if I’d like to review one of their ranges, so, not one to do things by halves, I willingly went all-in with my first Arbonne New Zealand skincare experience and have been using the Rescue & Renew range exclusively for the past 2 weeks – something I never do. I’m a bit of a chop ‘n change, mix-it-up girl when it comes to skincare and beauty products so committing to one brand and just one range was quite a novelty!
It totally had its benefits though, particularly with the Rescue & Renew products which have all been formulated with a really holistic ethos in mind.
Why Rescue & Renew?
Arbonne’s Rescue & Renew range is based on Ayurvedic practices where the focus is traditionally whole body health and wellness, with the goal of achieving a balance between one’s mind, body, and soul. The emphasis and importance of natural ingredients and heroes are evident throughout the Arbonne catalogue but particularly in this range. Turmeric root, dandelion and ginger root are the botanical mainstays in each Rescue & Renew Detox product, designed to cleanse the skin’s surface of impurities while also protecting our natural moisture barrier.
This is a skincare range in which the whole is definitely greater than the sum of its parts. I was trying to put my finger on why this was and came up with three elements that prescribed my experience with the Rescue & Renew Detox products; routine, ritual and therapy, all of which play huge roles in my overall wellbeing.
My Routine
I’m definitely a creature of habit. My routine (where I can find it) is familiar, comforting and welcome as I find working for myself, I don’t generally have any two days the same. Slotting new, beneficial products in as replacements for existing ‘blah’ products is an easy way to make a positive change in my existing skincare routine. Using Rescue & Renew Detox Body Lotion and Body Wash daily are perfect examples of how I’ve done this. Like most women (I imagine), I use a body wash in the shower followed by body lotion each day and have done for years. The major difference with the Arbonne products is the inclusion of the essential oils – the grapefruit and orange in the Rescue & Renew Body Wash is amazing. I can have had the worst nights sleep and step out of the shower feeling fully energised and l00% better, I absolutely LOVE this stuff. Layered with the Detox Lotion which contains orange, lavender, anise and bergamot oil and I’m literally invincible (at least whilst Nix is at kindy lol).
On a purely functional note, I also love the caps on this range; no flip tops or screw off lids, you simply twist to open and close. Genius.
Ritual
Once a week, 99% of the time in the weekend when Dave can be fully ‘on-duty’ for the kids, I generally opt out of whatever family activity is going and simply embrace my inner home-body. I love being at home, I really, really do. Taking time to appreciate not having to rush anywhere is such a treat for me that I find it super important to intentionally enjoy the experience – guilt free. I light a beautiful candle in an effort to banish the smell of sneakers and Lynx that usually permeates every corner of our boy-filled house, and I cleanse my face and follow up with a face mask. Clay masks are my favourite and always have been. Arbonne’s Rescue & Renew Detox Mask uses French pink clay that draws out excess oil (very visibly!) as the mask moves from wet to dry. The first time I used it, I was super tired after the initial, mega-busy first weekend in December and I was legitimately thrilled with the results. My skin looked and felt hydrated, rested and renewed.
I also love to take a bit more time with after-shower care during the weekend, so the addition of a hydrating oil under my body lotion is a luxe touch that pays dividends when I think about how my skin looks and feels. The Rescue & Renew Detox oil contains the same essential oils as the lotion so the natural fragrance layers well, plus the key ingredients; Vitamin E, grape seed, sesame and argan oils do such a fab job of providing skin support by firming, moisturising and conditioning.
I LOVE my weekend ritual!
Therapy
Ok here’s where I’m going to introduce my two FAVE Rescue & Renew products. 
The whole range definitely has therapeutic benefits, but the essential oils and the straight-up magical Gelée are next level in my opinion.
I’ve been really, really slow to jump onboard with what I considered the essential oil ‘bandwagon’, but the Arbonne oils have changed my mind. Peppermint and Lemon, how did I even get through the day without you guys?! Peppermint is my ‘working’ oil. I’ve been diffusing it whilst writing or tapping a couple of drops onto my temples to help gain/maintain focus. It’s the most incredible pick-me-up ever, and totally natural for the win.
My friend Lemon. Such a perfect addition to the Rescue & Renew family; Pure Essential Lemon Oil just makes everything smell clean and fresh plus actually MAKES things clean and fresh! One of the many ways I’ve been using it is adding around 5 drops to a microwave safe bowl of boiling water, popping it in the microwave for 3 minutes, letting it stand for 2 minutes before wiping clean with a paper towel. TRY THIS GUYS. No elbow grease required it’s amazing.
The Rescue & Renew Detox Gelée is such an interesting product, something that’s so awesome you’ll wonder why you’ve never found anything like it before. I describe it as a mashup between a cooling gel and your fave body lotion. Heaven on a hot day when typical lotion gets sweaty and slick, Detox Gelée is exactly what you want to apply after a workout or sun exposure, perfect summer skincare.
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