Bath Essence Giveaway–Downton Abbey Style….

"What could be better than drawing a bath, closing the door and slipping into a wonderfully fragrant world where you can dwell entirely on your thoughts?"  This is the enticing introduction for the new Dr.Hauschka Bath essences.  One small problem, my phlegmatic temperament* is disturbed by change to the established order; I was happy with the previous bath essences and my thoughts revolve around panic that they have been replaced!

*The four temperaments are a system for describing certain aspects of a person's personality – Choleric (red), Sanguine (yellow), Phlegmatic (green), Melancholic (blue). They are not meant to describe personality wholly; rather emotional traits:

Personality		Most Likely to say..	Traits
Choleric	Ambitious and leader-like	“Lights, Camera, Action!”	*Brash* Prone to anger * Short fuse* Proud * Confident *Forceful* Needs to see results* Gets things done* *Doesn't show weakness* Strong * Makes things their business* Likes to be in charge* Likes things their way*  Stubborn* Can't admit if they're wrong* Defiant*  Demanding* More likely to fight than flee* Tends to show little emotion other than anger * Passionate* Vengeful* Dislikes following* Contrary* Condescending* Likely to offer advice* Criticises others* Loves winning* Likely to humiliate the one they defeated/dominated* Gives advice or help which isn't asked for* Tends to blame others*
Sanguine	Pleasure-seeking and sociable	“Where’s the party?”	*Bubbly* Social*Displays emotions openly* Changes emotions quickly* Upbeat* Outgoing *Positive* Extroverted* Loves attention* Exciting* Life of the Party* Chatty* Follows trends* Dramatic* Attention seeking* Very emotional* Expresses emotion openly* Flighty* Unreliable* Spontaneous* Likes more than they dislike* Make you feel comfortable when talking with them* Vain, narcissistic* Makes friends quickly and often* Naturally physical *touchy-feely* Tends to move on rather than blaming anyone*
Phlegmatic	Relaxed and quiet	“A place for everything, everything in its place”	*Meek*Inoffensive*Submissive*Follower* Can't say no* *Struggles with decisions* Prefers others to decide for them*Shy*Quiet*Listener*Boring* Doesn't assert themselves*Doesn't like change ..but will rather change themselves than cause conflict* Easy-going in normal situations....but they panic if put into new situations* Doesn't crave excitement*Tends to show little emotion*Not very passionate*Trustworthy*Low confidence* Fears doing things wrong*Avoids conflict*Finds leading stressful rather than desirable* Also tends to find winning against someone else stressful rather than a reward* They do not seek personal glory* Does not believe they know best* Gives in easily rather than arguing... ...or feels extremely nervous and upset if they do argue* Tends to blame self *
Melancholic	Introverted and thoughtful	“Let me think it over	*Serious* Prone to misery* Emotionally sensitive *Analytical* Critical*Self-deprecating* Needs things to be RIGHT* Creative* Moved to tears by beauty*Bitter* Can have unrealistically high standards*Introverted* Stubborn* Selfish*Easily upset*Rejects others so then they aren't themselves rejected* Very emotional, but keeps emotions inside mostly*Passionate* Holds grudges*Unreliable*Pessimistic*Deep and thoughtful*Prefers planning to spontaneous action*May dislike more than they like*Intense*Corrects others*Reluctant to make friends*Takes ages for them to consider someone a friend*Suspicious*Untrusting* Often complains*Tends to blame self*

Susan West-Kurtz (Awakening Beauty the Dr. Hauschka Way) stresses that we all possess these four temperaments within us, yet tend to be more comfortable with only one or two of them:

“The more we explore each temperament, the more we can navigate in and out of each one, depending on the demands of the situation we are facing.  That is a kind of mastery that each of us is striving for.  The more wedded we are to a single temperament, the more likely we are to suffer the imbalances associated with that way of being”

It is perhaps easier to see the imbalance in others more clearly than it is in yourself, but here is my quick “You know you are majorly imbalanced when…” guide:

Choleric	You could pick a fight in an empty room
Sanguine	Planet earth would like you to return and sort your life out
Phlegmatic	You consider the purchase of a box of paperclips as a risky endeavour
Melancholic	You have Morrissey on repeat on your iPod and consider Eeyore quite a ‘cheerful’ literary character.

Restoring balance is something you can do very easily for yourself, or for others (especially when they have become so far entrenched in a particular frame of mind it is hard for them to help themselves) my favourite way to balance the temperaments within is with Dr.Hauschka bath essences, but which one of the new fragrances do I need? Here is a quick run down of what is on offer:

Moor Lavender Calming Bath Essence
”At the end of a difficult day or as you prepare for the next one, Moor Lavender Calming Bath Essence helps you to relax and slow down the thoughts racing through your mind. The fragrance of lavender is not only soothing, but also helps you to achieve clarity, feel grounded and focus on what is important. In addition to lavender, this composition features a moor extract as well as extracts of horse chestnut and field horsetail, prepared in a special rhythmic procedure. When combined with the warm water it is particularly effective in letting you shut out the turbulent world outside your bathroom door. Almond and avocado oils gently moisturise the skin. Moor Lavender Calming Bath Essence helps you to clear your mind while relaxing your body.”

Rose Nurturing Bath Essence
”As you pour this creamy bath milk into the running bath water, your bathroom is transformed into a rose garden in full bloom. Rose water, essential rose oil and extracts of rose petals infuse this floral bath essence with the surprising complexity of the rose. You will feel like royalty as you enjoy your bath. A balm for the spirit, Rose Nurturing Bath Essence infuses you with both tranquillity and vitality. The composition, which includes almond and avocado oils, leaves the skin feeling soft and silky.”

Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Bath Essence
“A bath with Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Bath Essence will infuse you with new energy and lift your spirits. The fresh fragrance of sun-ripened lemons harmonises with exotic lemon grass to create a carefree mood and awaken your zest for life. This bath essence not only contains gently moisturising sunflower oil, but lemon and lemon grass to tone and activate the skin. Lemon Lemongrass Vitalising Bath Essence helps you to start the day full of new energy – or recharge your batteries in the evening before a night on the town.”

Almond Soothing Bath Essence
”The complex fragrance of this new, moisturising bath essence invites your senses on voyage of discovery – from the delicate freshness of the first almond blossoms to the warm sweetness of the almond fruit. Shimmering in a transparent shade of yellow gold, the bath essence is soft and creamy as it spreads through the warm water. In the bath you will experience the sense of well-being imparted by the almond oil as it delicately embraces your skin and envelops your body.”

Here are my initial thoughts on which essences would be good for helping restore balance when a particular temperament is running riot:

Choleric	Moor Lavender	Reduces tension and inflammation. Cools and relaxes the body in a gentle, protective way.
Sanguine	Rose	Brings harmony, restoring our connection with nature
Phlegmatic	Lemon Lemongrass	Cuts through stagnation bringing new possibilities, like sunshine for the soul.
Melancholic	Almond	Sweetly lights the fire within, rekindles our passion.

Of late I have been so far imbalanced towards the phlegmatic spectrum that I could audition for the part of Carson in Downton Abbey!  I am really enjoying this season, a plot of light and shade; with some very dark storylines against the glittering 1920s jazz backdrop.  

Downton obviously also loves Hauschka, cast member Samantha Bond, best known for her role as Lady Rosamund, is amongst its fans:

 

 

    “I swear by Dr. Hauschka... I find the Quince [Day Cream] the best under make-up!”

 

 

 

 

I wonder who else within the cast uses Dr.Hauschka products? Anyone with a glowing complexion would be a pretty sure bet. 

With thoughts of Bath Essences firmly in my mind, here are some reflections on which bath would suit whom among the Downton characters:

1 ) Moor Lavender for scheming underbutler Thomas Barrow

Much of his anger can be attributed to the fact that he doesn't fit in.  As an outsider, he is not used to kindness or protection, revealed by his words at Lady Sybil's death. 

"In my life, not many have been kind to me. She was one of the few."

The Lavender essence would be perfect for soothing and helping reduce the fire within.

2 ) Rose for a Wild Rose

A free spirit and a bit of the cuckoo in the nest.  She doesn't care about the rules, this girl just wants to have fun!  When her wild side is running riot she may benefit from the harmony of a Rose bath, it is strong but not abrupt, soft but not fragile.  I think the sensual nature of a rose petal bath would also appeal. (p.s I want a dress like this!)

3 ) Lemon Lemongrass for the change averse Butler

A stickler for tradition, a place for everything and everything in its place.  We have seen glimmers of sunshine and Lemon Lemongrass may awaken the more playful spirit within.

Spotted here with some Dr.Hauschka products in the foreground. The genuine Carson, not me – my imbalance is not quite that bad yet!.

4 ) Almond for grieving Lady Mary

The Chinese consider the almond a symbol of enduring sadness and female beauty, which seems apt for Lady Mary in mourning. Prior to her relationship with Matthew, she had an ice cold and heartless facade; will this return to mask her loneliness and fear?  She is complex character, introspective and highly analytical - nothing is ever simple with Mary! I think the equally complex Almond bath is a sweet temptation to rekindle the warmer, lighter side of her being (p.s. I would also like a dress like this!).

GIVEAWAY - Your chance to try one of the new Bath Essences!!!

Dr.Hauschka UK are generously giving away one of each of the four new bath essences.  You can enter the competition in ANY of the following ways:

1) Liking my Facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/biodynamicbeautybible and sharing this post with your friends

2) Retweeting this blog post and following me on Twitter @Biodynamicblog

3) Sending me an email to biodynamicbeautyblogger@gmail.com with "Bath Essence Giveaway" as the title.

Whilst I can't guarantee you will receive the bath of your choice, please do let me know which fragrance would suit you best!

Four winners will be picked at random, each receiving a bath essence.  The Competition closes at midnight on Sunday 27th October 2013  winners will be announced the following Monday.