Fab Find of the Week: Forest Essentials Yuvati First Ritual sets

Our senses have been delighting in the Forest Essentials range since our first encounter – online purchases long before they landed in the UK, but a love that deepened when we visited their debut Covent Garden boutique before Christmas. (Read about that here.)

As fans of Ayurveda – both the health philosophy and beauty products born thereof – we’re very keen on the way this Indian brand has harnessed traditional wisdom. And we like their philosophy. This is a brand that gives back, notably by supporting young women.

They’ve now produced an eight-product Yuvati First Ritual Box, and a five-product Yuvati First Ritual Kit (above), specifically to encourage teenagers ‘to develop routines that help maintain healthy skin and hair.’ The concept of ‘Yuvati’ apparently refers to the stage in life ‘when a teenage girl comes of age, forging her own identity and path, her dreams becoming more vivid than ever.’

So the proceeds from this beautifully-packaged kit will be donated to Project Paathshala, a social initiative to provide children from underprivileged backgrounds access to education run by Simple Education Foundation.

A heartwarming story about the young woman who is the ‘face’ for this campaign. And we quote: ‘Maleesha Kharwa… is on a mission to challenge preconceived societal stereotypes and the shackles of class and caste. Maleesha has been paving the way to accomplish her dreams of a life beyond, of better education and economic freedom for herself and her family…’

In a sunshine yellow carrying case, these kits offer the perfect ‘starter’ for a young woman on her beauty journey, and a far cry from a lot of the harsh products that tend to be targeted at this age bracket. Both sets include, among other products…

Facial Cleanser Saffron and Neem – a gentle alternative to stripping, sulphate-based cleansers, yet leaving skin feeling clean and fresh. 

Kumkumadi Night Cream – this harnesses a potent Ayurvedic preparation called Kumkumadikeram, to help clarify and clear the complexion. 

Lip Balm Sugared Rose Petal – a hero product from the range, and one of our first intros to Forest Essentials, this smells like Turkish delight, but nourishes with a blend of organic beeswax, cocoa butter and Ayurvedic herbs, to soften even the driest, chapped lips.

Hair Masque Jagapatti – a pre-shampoo treatment, creamy and nourishing, which will strengthen and add gloss, but won’t leave hair greasy. (We’ve a hunch you’ll be nicking this yourself.)

Yuvati First Ritual Box/£98 (worth £130 – see line-up below)

Yuvati First Ritual Kit/£60 (worth £71)

Currently available in person at the Forest Essentials store, 28 James Street, London WC2E 8PA/020-7836 4016