Sophie’s Top Ten
Body Beautiful
Licensed massage therapist, Sophie Bolvary, offers truly unique massage therapy sessions that integrate techniques from both Eastern and Western traditions catering to her client’s specific needs. She is a longtime student of Shiatsu Master Ohashi, and incorporates his Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophies and acupressure theory into her treatments. Combining skilled manual techniques, a vast background in body-science and a warm intention to comfort, Sophie facilitates a holistic healing experience.
She has curated a list of 10 things she simply cannot live without. Products that are foundational in her weekly wellness rituals, that hopefully inspire a spark of self-care for you.
1. Vertly California Bloom Body Oil
A beautiful hydrating, soothing body oil with a delicate fresh scent. I love the added benefits of high quality CBD, Chamomile and Calendula which help to calm the nervous system. The oil is light, absorbs quickly and simply perfect to apply after a shower and get dressed within minutes.
2. Hinu Hail Growth Oil
I highly recommend spoiling your scalp in Hinu’s phenomenal blend featuring traditional Ayurvedic herbals promoting hair growth, strength and radiance. I have rather delicate, fine, curly hair, and LOTS of it, which requires a lot of hydration at the ends. Every day I apply a few drops to the ends, and whatever is left on my hands I rub into my scalp. But on the weekend I will do a full-saturation and scalp massage, letting it sit for an hour before showering and washing it out.
3. Living Libations Breast Massage Oil
This is the first breast health product I have ever come across that features such an eclectic array of supportive botanicals specific to breast+lymph health. 100% natural ingredients in a luxuriously rich oil with a really transcendant scent. But more than the brilliance of the oil, is what it represents; a symbol of self-care for an area often neglected. For the past year I have made a regular practice of doing breast massage for myself with this oil, and it’s been a very healing experience. Getting to know what your breasts feel like throughout the month, releasing tension-holding tissue and allowing your chest region to open up. I encourage all breast owners to explore this gentle moment of intimacy with themself.
4. Juna Gut Therapy
Optimal nutrition looks different every-body. But each of us could benefit from a daily dose of probiotics and enzymes. This supplement is crucial for supporting a strong digestive system. It’s helped to balance mine greatly over the years and the added metabolism/mood/brain-support, coming from American Ginseng and Rhodiola takes this blend far beyond other probiotic products.
5. Harney & Sons Paris Tea
In my attempt to limit my daily coffee consumption, I have found a sweet-escape with this exotic black tea. Harney & Sons are master tea makers, but they really outdid themselves with this blend. A base-combination of Black Tea and Chinese Oolong. The sweet notes of black currant and vanilla are balanced with brighter notes of bergamot. With just a touch of milk, I’m transported to a smoky, bohemian Parisian café, getting lost in the romance of the moment.
6. OMAD Bio Cellulose Restore & Repair Serum Mask
I have sung the praises of this product for a long time now. For me, no sheet mask on the market has ever performed the way this does in calming redness and boosting the skin’s radiance. A masterful formulation of traditional chinese herbs, probiotics, fermented rice milk, ectoin and hyaluronic acid. A medical-grade treatment that can be used on the most compromised, post-procedure skin. I use it a couple times a week and before any big glam event. It preps the skin for makeup perfectly, by creating the most beautiful hydrated, bouncy canvas. This mask has changed my hyper-sensitized skin for the better.
7. Calecim Professional Serum
My wise and wonderful colleagues at Raquel New York have recently introduced me to this unique formula, and I’m highly obsessed! A powerfully healing serum to repair the skin barrier, soothe redness and promote cell regeneration. As I get older I am noticing how dry and sensitive my face can get (especially in winter months) and this product feels like a layer of protection, boosting hydration in my skin. I apply with the dropper directly on to my face and glide-in with a light touch, rather than into my hands first. A little goes a long way!
8. Gil Rodriguez French Briefs
You should splurge on underwear. But may I introduce you to a 100% Cotton design by an American-Made, Women-Owned Business. For me, I feel sexiest when I am comfortable. So synthetic, frilly, itchy undies ain’t gonna cut it. Gil Rodriguez’s French Briefs are a sexy cut, harkening back to 90’s Calvin Klein, breathable and beautiful.
9. Heretic Parfum Dirty Hinoki
As a massage therapist, I don’t like to wear a “slap-you-in-the-face” scent. When working I typically don’t wear anything, and by the end of the day am scented by all the different oils and butters I’ve used with clients. On days off, I love the sensual warm woody scent of Dirty Hinoki. Wood fragrances make me feel calm, and peaceful. This Japanese inspired scent emphasizes how I want to radiate in the world; grounded, earthy, with a streak of mystical intrigue.
10. La Bonne Brosse N.01 The Universal Hair Care Brush
Nothing relaxes me like having my hair brushed. When I can’t bribe someone to do it for me, I make a ritual out of the moment for myself. I love this brush for its keratin-rich natural bristles that draw the sebum out of your hair and distribute it evenly throughout the lengths. It’s an end-of-day must for me while escaping with a great film on the couch.
