A Self-Care Checklist: 10 Wellness Products We Can’t Live Without

OUR SELF-CARE CHECKLIST INCLUDES THESE PLANT-BASED WELLNESS GOODIES

We’ve made a list and checked it twice; a self-care checklist, that is! The bullet points on a self-care checklist really could be endless, from prioritizing what you eat and how you move your body to what time you go to bed and how long you commit to being screen-free each night.

While limitless possibilities exist in terms of what you can choose to help you take care of yourself, we’re focusing this article on some of the can’t-live-without, game-changing, must-have wellness products that our community (and us!) just have to have.

If you’re new to Saje, we hope this top 10 list helps you discover some new favorites and if you’re a Saje-pro, we still think there are some tips and tricks to be discovered! Read on to learn more:

OUR SELF-CARE CHECKLIST INCLUDES THESE PLANT-BASED WELLNESS GOODIES

All the way back in 1992 when Saje was founded, we created a product called Peppermint Halo that is still our #1 best-seller today. This product is designed to cool, soothe and balance when applied, and we recommend application along the hairline, temples, back of the neck, trapezius muscles and over the shoulders. Wait 2-3 minutes for the tingling of the peppermint to kick in and you’ll be on your way to feeling fine in no time.

Peppermint Halo roll-on: a warming and cooling blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, cajeput and vetiver.

Our Saje tip: after a long day standing on your feet, walking or wearing uncomfortable shoes, fill a shallow basin with cool water, add 2-5 drops of Peppermint Halo from the dropper end on the bottom of your roller and soak your feet for cooling relief.

What our community has to say: “Love the peppermint oil! I use it every time I have a headache and it works like a charm! Very soothing!” - Brassy, Toronto

SELF-CARE CHECKLIST: AN ALUMINUM-FREE NATURAL DEODORANT

One of our cult-classic body care products, Peaceful Warrior spray deodorant, is loved by all for its odor-fighting power, its gender-neutral and inclusive formula, the fact it dries quickly, doesn’t stain your clothes and won’t clog your pores. The formula’s been made free of aluminum zirconium and aluminum chlorohydrate and is powered by cleansing and freshening essential oils alongside liquid mineral salts known to help neutralize bacterias that cause odor.

Peaceful Warrior spray deodorant: an earthy and herbal blend of mineral salts, ho wood, lime, palmarosa, lavender, patchouli, fennel, vetiver and sandalwood essential oils.

Our Saje tip: keep with you and mist directly to clothing for a mid-day natural touch up and that won’t leave salt stains or residue.

What our community has to say: “Smells good all day and not irritating to my skin. My fav deodorant and it lasts a long time.” - Amanda, Waterloo

SELF-CARE CHECKLIST: A DEEPLY HYDRATING AND NOURISHING BODY BUTTER

Taking care of the skin on your body is serious business! Continually exposed to the elements like sun and wind, frequently bathed or showered, (and sometimes with water that’s too hot!) your body deserves regular TLC in the form of deep hydration for the skin. Body butter contains lower water content than lotions, making them richer, thicker and better suited to very dry skin. Our base contains three nutrient-dense butters, cocoa seed, mango seed and shea to smoothe, hydrate and protect your skin’s barrier.

Yoga body butter: a grounding, earthy, citrus blend of essential oils like patchouli, orange, neroli, cardamom, cedarwood and vetiver.

Our Saje tip: apply body butter when skin is still damp post bath or shower to help lock moisture deep within the layers of your skin.

What our community has to say: “It smells delicious! Leaves skin soft and refreshing! I would buy it again without a doubt!” - Teresa, Vancouver

SELF-CARE CHECKLIST: A FRESH AND CLEARING DIFFUSER BLEND

Diffusing is good for us for a few reasons: it helps refresh the air in our home, it creates negative ions, similar to those you experience in nature like near a waterfall or crashing surf, which encourages deep, clear breathing and it allows us to tailor how we want our home to smell and feel with the use of 100% pure essential oils to create a mood or vibe. In our opinion, some blends stand out above others, and Deep Breath is that blend. For that fresh-from-the-steam-room spa-like experience, reach for this herbal and uplifting aromatic treat for the senses.

Deep Breath diffuser blend: a camphorous, herbaceous and fresh blend of eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, marjoram and lavender.

Our Saje tip: try adding 8-10 drops of this freshening diffuser blend to your all-natural wool dryer balls for laundry that smells like it's been freshly dried by the sun and the breeze.

What our community has to say: “One of my favorite scents. This blend is so crisp and refreshing.” - Sunshine, Brantford

SELF-CARE CHECKLIST: A STRESS-BUSTING OIL BLEND

Few among us can say they’re not affected by stress in one way or another. We know it’s not good for our physical or mental health to leave stress unchecked, which is why we often reach for natural alternatives as a way to help support relief from physical and emotional symptoms, like racing thoughts and a busy mind or clenching causing tension in the body. When applied to areas like the jawline, the soles of the feet, wrists, temples and other pulse points, this calming blend can help you feel uplifted and warm your soul.

Unwind roll-on: a floral, citrusy and spicy blend of orange, bergamot, lavender, geranium and cinnamon.

Our Saje tip: try a deeply meditative breathing exercise we call the Saje Breath; roll the product to the palms of your clean hands, rub hands together to warm and emulsify the oils in the skin, make a cupping shape with your hands over your nose and mouth and take 3-5 deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth.

What our community has to say: “I wanted something calming and this is it! The lavender and cinnamon pair excellently together. I can't wait to begin using this regularly.” - Kir, Etobicoke

SELF-CARE CHECKLIST: AN ON-THE-GO KIT FOR OPTIMAL EMOTIONAL WELLNESS

When Saje first began, we primarily created products to address physical ailments like pain or digestive issues. As we’ve evolved over the years, we recognize that emotional, mental and spiritual afflictions require the same amount of care and attention and deserve to be treated similarly. This kit contains five roll-on oil blends to support you in finding stillness, seeking comfort and balance and being at ease.

Mindful Edition Pocket Farmacy: Energy is a blend of rosemary, lemon, peppermint and basil, Unwind is a blend of bergamot, cinnamon, lavender and geranium, Reflection is a blend of frankincense, myrrh, cedarwood and orange, Confidence is a blend of ginger, juniper, cypress and pine and Connection is a blend of spearmint, grapefruit, roman chamomile and sage.

Our Saje tip: all five of these roll-on blends can be safely applied intuitively to areas like the jawline, behind the ears, in the crook of the elbow, along the jawline and across the forehead.

What our community has to say: “My favourite natural way of helping and healing myself.” - Kate, Burgeo

SELF-CARE CHECKLIST: A CLEAN AND ZESTY SINGLE NOTE ESSENTIAL OIL

A single note essential oil refers to an oil that has not been blended with others and is offered in 100% pure form. There are many ways to use single notes, including in a diffuser, adding to other diffuser blends, creating your own custom scented lotions, body butters, soaps and more. As we’ve expanded our single note collection, one oil has stood out as a community favorite for the way it helps people to feel lifted, cheerful and happy. This is an oil we love to diffuse or its own or in combination with other citruses and woody scents for a burst of inspiration and a sunny disposition.

Lime single note essential oil: a zesty, tart, fresh and cheery essential oil known to revitalize the body and spirit.

Our Saje tip: add 1-3 drops of oil to a tissue or handkerchief and keep with you throughout the day, periodically inhaling as needed to feel invigorated and stimulated.

What our community has to say: “I have recommended this product to a friend of mine. She also loves Saje products. It makes you feel like you just started your day. It makes me feel happy.” - Sharon, Milton

SELF-CARE CHECKLIST: THE ULTIMATE PAIN RELIEVER

Let’s face it, it’s not easy for anyone to be in pain. Pain is stressful to the mind and can create worry and apprehension. Pain is stressful to the body because aches, pain, strains and sprains are difficult to manage and can impede our ability to live life fully. We created Extra Strength as our largest and most powerful pain-relieving roll-on to support easing soreness with warming and cooling essential oils known to deeply penetrate the muscles.

Extra Strength roll-on: a relieving, soothing and renewing blend of peppermint, sweet birch, clove, kunzea, marjoram, rosemary and more.

Our Saje tip: once you’ve gone through a full bottle of Extra Strength, keep the empty applicator and use it to massage product deeply into the muscles and tissues. Rather than using more product than you need, simply apply as desired from a full bottle of Extra Strength and then use the empty applicator and rollerball for massage.

What our community has to say: “It works wonder on all my aches and pains!” - Tia, Calgary

SELF-CARE CHECKLIST: A SKINCARE ACCESSORY MUST-HAVE!

Occasionally you find a simple, cost-effective product that makes a big impact on your self-care routine, and here it is. The Konjac Sponge is a little wonder-tool for the skin. It’s 100% plant-based, made from a root vegetable fiber called konjac, it’s 100% biodegradable and compostable, it can be used with or without cleanser, it’s gentle enough to use every day while also providing mild exfoliation – is there anything this small sponge can’t do?! Add one to your cleansing routine now and thank us later.

Konjac Sponge: available in yam extract for normal, sensitive, dry or mature skin and bamboo charcoal for oily or combination skin.

Our Saje tip: you’ll know that it’s time to replace your sponge when the fiber starts to break down and you notice what appears to be “shedding”. This intuitive skincare accessory should last 1-3 months, depending on usage.

What our community has to say: “I can only say - I use this wonderful sponge with joy. I spend more time washing my face than ever - it feels so great. I have purchased these sponges as gifts for my family too.” - Penny, Kirkfield

SELF-CARE CHECKLIST: YOUR BEST BATH SALT SOAK, EVER

Not all bath salt soaks are created equal. We are careful and intentional with the way we source the ingredients we use to create our highly concentrated bath soak formulas, meaning that a little goes a long way, and your product will last you much longer than conventional varieties available at the drugstore. Our sea salt is solar evaporated from the Great Salt Lake in Utah and our Epsom salts are mineral derived from underground salt deposits, ensuring they meet our 100% natural standard. This particular formula was blended to support soothing and easing the body when it’s feeling overworked and is a well-loved staple in our body care assortment.

Muscle Melt bath salt soak: blended with comforting and decompressing essential oils of rosemary, sweet birch, roman chamomile, ginger and marjoram.

Our Saje tip: add your bath salts only once the tub is full and you are ready to climb in so as not to lose the beneficial aromatic properties of the essential oils.

What our community has to say: “So I just purchased this for the first time and will be getting it again and again. It is just amazing how relaxing the environment is when you feel like you are at the spa in your own home. Love this product.” - Ash, Gatineau

BUILD YOUR OWN SELF-CARE CHECKLIST

So there you have it! We hope you’ve been able to learn a thing or two about an old favorite or perhaps have added a new product to your natural wellness wish list.

— Miranda J. Barrett