Afternoon tea with Crystal, founder of Your Daily Muse, HK

A couple of Sundays ago, I visited Crystal’s cosy apartment near Hollywood Road, HK where we spent the late morning (& afternoon) tying the loose ends of The Tea Bath (launched early this year).

In her living room, the soft morning January sun was streaming through the main windows of her living room, creating  a dream-like ‘behind the scenes’ setting. We sat quietly conversing in-between blending and bottling of our joint product The Tea Bath (more details on the e-store).

1. Where are you from?

Hong Kong

2. Share with us a little of your background?

I studied high school and university in the UK and graduated with a design degree. I came back to Hong Kong to focus on my career in marketing communications in the healthcare industry.

3. Oh, pls share how did you start

Your Daily Muse?

I have been making cold process soaps and looking for natural skincare alternatives for a long time. From early on, I realised “greenwashing” is a common marketing tactic. I wanted to create a brand that gives out the correct information about ingredients and their benefits.

I believe nature has the power to nourish and heal, so I wanted to promote a simpler, yet healthier skincare routine that is good for both your skin and mind.

I believe nature has the power to nourish and heal, so I wanted to promote a simpler, yet healthier skincare routine that is good for both your skin and mind.

4. What inspires you?

When I was little, I was inspired by my mother on the healing effects of natural ingredients, both in food and in folklore remedies. Living in a city, my obsession with quality living led me to a quest to pursue a truly safe, non-toxic and natural lifestyle.

Now, I get inspiration when I am spending time with nature. I get inspired from hiking, eating fruits, going to a flower shop or watering my plant at home!

I get inspired from hiking, eating fruits, going to a flower shop or watering my plant at home!

5. What do you think are the top 3 natural ingredients every girl should use to achieve beautiful healthy skin?

Oatmeal

• contains compounds saponins, which are natural cleansers. It provides

• just the right cleansing power to remove the dirt and oil without over stripping the natural oils on your face. Oatmeal also provides gentle exfoliation to your skin.

• helps reduce itchiness, regulate inflammation and restore skin barrier that may have been caused by rash, eczema or sunburn.

Beauty tip:

Try mixing grounded oatmeal,

grounded adzuki beans and turmeric powder as a morning facial cleanser.

(self note: I have never thought to mix in grounded adzuki beans into my homemade face masks- must try it)

Himalayan Salt

• said to contain 80+ minerals and elements, which will penetrate your skin on a cellular level, leaving your body rejuvenated and nourished.

• remineralises and detoxifies the body and balancing its pH levels. Helps draw out heavy metals and toxins from the body.

• a natural antiseptic/ disinfectant which

• helps to fight acne and reduces marks to make your skin clear.

Beauty tip:

Run a bath and add 250-300 grams of Himalayan salt, add 3 drops of your favorite essential oil, you will feel revitalized and relaxed.

Seabuckthorn Seed Oil

• rich in vitamin E tocopherols, vitamin C and flavonoids, vitamin B1,

• B2 and K as well as essential fatty acids and phytosterols, making it an exceptionally nourishing oil and skin care supplement.

• high in antioxidant properties which help to promote regeneration of skin cells

• anti-inflammatory properties which helps heal wounds.

Beauty tip:  

Add a few drops of Seabuckthorn Seed Oil on your daily facial cream or apply directly on inflamed skin.

6. What is your morning ritual like?

• cold face wash to wake and freshen up myself.

• apply hydrosol and oil serum to the face,

• followed by a guasha massage. The facial massage helps with faster absorption and increases blood circulation, hence enhancing cell regeneration.

• make myself a cup of warm lemon water or tea, as hydration is very important to radiant skin.

• practice 20mins yoga.

More details of The Tea Bath, a tea-inspired soak beauty soak bath, created in collaboration with Your Daily Muse can be found on our e-store.