Botanical cosmetics, which utilize the bounty of nature, are a friend to those who want to live beautiful, healthy lives. We recommend refreshing yourself with the power of plants as the seasons change and new beginnings begin.

Beauty Apothecary (B-APO), located on the second basement floor of the main building of Isetan Shinjuku, offers natural products from approximately 150 carefully selected brands from around the world. We asked the concierge at B-APO about their recommended botanical brands.

■Herb Farmacy: A Thick Balm Made with Herbs

Founded by a British doctor of botanical science, Herb Farmacy is an organic cosmetics brand that uses herbs certified by the British Soil Association in all of its products. Their infused oil balms, made by steeping herbs in vegetable oil to infuse the fragrance and nutrients, have a thick texture and are highly absorbent when applied to the skin. They also have a gentle, herbal fragrance that's sure to captivate. The facial "Mallow Beauty Balm" (30g/4,200 yen) is a balm with excellent hydration and moisturizing properties. It contains marshmallow, which softens the skin, and mullein, which gives it firmness, preventing dryness and roughness. The body "Athlete Balm" (30g/3,800 yen) is effective when applied directly to the affected area and massaged in after exercise. It contains meadowsweet and St. John's wort, which have refreshing scents, and is recommended for use in the evening or on weekends. Perfect for this time of spring, apply the "Herbal Balm" (30g/3,500 yen), which contains comfrey leaf extract, inside the nose, and the "Lip Nourishing" (6g/1,500 yen), which contains marshmallow and lavender, outside the nose to unleash its herbal powers. ■ YON-KA: Born from the Power of Herbs YON-KA was born in a Paris laboratory run by two botanist brothers. At its core is the essential oil known as "YON-KA's Treasure," discovered by the brothers through extensive research with scientists and doctors. The brand recommends haute couture care through a combination of five essential oils: lavender, geranium, rosemary, cypress, and thyme. The Be Apo concierge recommends Renetoyant (200mL/4,700 yen), Be Apo's most popular cleansing milk, which he says "improving your skin quality starts with rethinking your cleanser." The borneol found in borneol and lavender thoroughly removes impurities, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth. After cleansing, moisturize your skin with Lotion YON-KA (PS) (200mL/5,300 yen), a toner formulated with a secret oil. The refreshing scent and fine particle mist are perfect for the coming season. Yon-Ka's best-selling serum, "Yon-Ka Serum" (15mL/7,600 yen), is a beauty oil that can also be used as a makeup base.

For nighttime care, there's "Phyto 52 (PS)" (40mL/6,800 yen), a glowing skin cream containing rosemary, and "Mask N°1" (50mL/9,200 yen), a gel mask that uses the power of the Imperata cylindrica plant to retain moisture and leave skin plump and supple the next morning. Another appealing feature is the ease of use: just apply and go to sleep.

■ Sunfood Superfoods: A healthy diet for busy people
Superfoods were established in the United States and Canada around 30 years ago and have seen a resurgence in popularity due to the modern organic boom. Founded in San Diego, California in 1995, Sunfood's superfoods are known for their pure products, made without genetically modified plants or preservatives, and by carefully selecting nutritious foods from around the world.

"Organic Maqui Berry Powder" (227g/8,620 yen), made from Chilean maqui berries that are freeze-dried at low temperatures and then processed into a powder, is said to contain five times the polyphenols of acai. The healthy-green "Sun is Shining" (227g/9,250 yen, 454g/17,200 yen) is a blend of 19 superfoods, including barley leaves, horsetail, dandelion leaves, burdock, spinach and parsley extract, and ginger, along with lactic acid bacteria and enzymes. It can be mixed with water or other drinks, or combined with milk to create a smoothie, offering a variety of uses.

Organic Chia Seeds (454g/4,000 yen), which have been eaten by the Mayans since ancient times, contain omega-3 and dietary fiber. Not only can they be blended into drinks and dressings, but they also expand into a jelly-like consistency when water is added, making them a great addition to yogurt or desserts. We also have a wide selection of snacks that can be eaten as is, such as Berry Adventure (227g/3,600 yen), a mix of two types of berries and cashew nuts.

Continued from Cosmetics that Feel the Power of Plants [Flower Edition].