👀 I got tested

Hey lovely,

Jasmine here, Editor of Daily Rituals! Here’s your weekly 5 min read. PS, if you’ve got any feedback or recommendations of topics you’d like us to cover in the Wellness Dose, feel free to reply to this email directly & let me know.

We’re grateful to have you here! Enjoy 💘

In your dose:

• 🍄 Wellness & Longevity Testing: The ultimate act of self-care? Taking control of your health. Whether you’re looking to optimise for longevity or check in on your gut microbiome, we’ve rounded up the best of the tests. Plus, a mild rant about the current state of FemTech.

• 📞 Daily Rituals Insider: A 411 from the wellness girlies in the know. We’ve opened up the floor to some of our Daily Rituals readers as part of our new Insider series.

• ⚡ The Wellness Web: Why strength training is officially back, that Adanola drop, a new influencer brand we rate, and much more.

PSA: Hot Girls Get Their Labs Done

“I got my labs done” isn’t a phrase you hear a lot in the UK - unless you’re tuned into your favourite US-based podcast. Over here, "labs" is an adorable breed of dog. 

So, this week, I set about finding the best of UK wellness testing - specifically, tests (usually by blood or stool sample) that give you a clearer picture of your health, plus some handy actionable steps on how to improve it. 

But one glaring issue kept popping up.

If you’re a guy, the options are endless. Or at least, the options marketed at guys are everywhere. Apparently, women are only interested in testing our hormones? 

Don’t get me wrong - hormones are key. But I felt like screaming at the test websites, “I’M MORE THAN MY HORMONES!” Yes, I want balanced hormones, but I also want to be fit, live a long, healthy life, and have a happy gut microbiome—just like any guy. Probably more than most guys, tbh. 

Sadly, this isn’t new territory. Take fasting - it’s often said to be the holy grail for higher energy and better gut health. Yet, most fail to mention (or ignore?) the lack of studies on how it actually impacts women, especially depending on where we are in our cycle. If you’re considering fasting, Dr. Jolene Brighten’s article is a must-read.

Without getting too sidetracked, there’s a broader issue here: FemTech companies (especially those founded by women) struggle to secure investment, for a variety of pretty annoying reasons you can read about here. The result? Lack of research on female health → a lack of investment into female health tech → less advancements in female health optimisation. PSA, if you think this is just a one off for women, I’d recommend reading this eye-opening book, but be prepared for it to entirely change how you see the world. 

☆ The Best of the Tests ☆

THE OBVIOUS ONE - Your local Doc

While it's not typically possible to get everything tested unless you're showing symptoms, if you are, then it’s worth booking an appointment with your GP to see if you can get any biomarkers tested. If you're just curious about your overall health, the NHS is unlikely to be able to help. I recently had some mild hormone/thyroid-related symptoms and my GP tested me for everything—and it was free. About a week later, I could see a detailed breakdown of each test and my results on the NHS app. So it’s a good place to start.

BEST IRL - Randox Wellwoman 

Randox may not have the most wellness girly-approved website, but their variety of tests and numerous London locations make them a solid choice. Plus, with blood tests only taking about 15 minutes, it's easy to fit into your schedule. You’ll likely need to fast before your test, so plan accordingly. Start with their Everywoman test that measures over 150 biomarkers for £295. The test includes their female hormone test too so make sure to factor in where you are in your cycle when you book, as it will impact your results.

BEST FOR A HAPPY GUT - Randox Gut Microbiome Test

While you can’t get this test done in-clinic alongside the Everywoman test (let’s be honest, it's hard to “go” in a 15 min time slot), if you really want a complete picture of your health, this gut microbiome test is essential alongside your blood test. Collecting a stool sample at home and posting it feels wrong on so many levels, but just remind yourself that a happy, healthy gut is key to your overall health - especially glowy skin.

BEST FOR PERSONALISATION - Thriva

I’ve had about three Thriva tests since they launched in 2016, and they’ve been helpful each time, often revealing random vitamin deficiencies. My only gripe is that they now make you have a subscription to get their tests, but you can cancel it once your first test is sent. I love how easy it is to personalise and switch things in and out. My test that I added some extra’s into came to £137, so it’s well priced too. Just remember to cancel your subscription once you’ve booked if you don’t want to be tied to a retest schedule.

BEST FOR HORMONES - Hertility

The OG of home fertility and hormone testing, and the one you’ve likely seen plenty of ads on Instagram from over the past year. You’ll go through an in-depth questionnaire before getting details of the test price (spoiler, it’s £149), but the questions are relevant to the advice you’ll get with your results. Plus, by doing a your test, you contribute to the UK database on female hormones, which is a win for FemTech research (see above!!). Results come within 10 days, along with your personalised advice from a gynaecologist. Make sure to follow the instructions and take your sample on the right day of your cycle.

Daily Rituals Insider

We’ve all got that one beautician, hotspot or product we’re gatekeeping. & lets be honest, the Daily Rituals girlies just get it. So, this week, we caught up with Ranushka to launch the first of our Insider series. A self-confessed wellness lover, creative & running all things Brand Marketing over at Get a Drip, plus, she has the best mani’s we’ve seen in a LONG time.

⚬ Your daily non-negotiable?

20 minutes of movement a day minimum! I love Melissa Wood’s online pilates and sculpt workouts.

⚬ #1 product atm?

I’ve fallen in love with my Solawave wand. It’s done wonders for my acne scars and I’m starting to notice my face is less puffy and inflamed after using it.

⚬ A brand that more people should know about?

Etude House! The Soon Jung Barrier Cream is incredible. I wake up poreless.

⚬ Fave wellness treatment?

I love going in for Cryotherapy at Get a Drip (ofc!) followed by the Infrared Sauna to help with any injuries. I sleep like a baby after.

⚬ Your go-to person that you’re gatekeeping…

My wonderful Ayurvedic Therapist, Dr Shiny.

⚬ Favourite spots for all things wellness in London?

For sound healing: Re:mind studio in Belgravia.
For tinctures & breathwork: She’s Lost Control on Broadway Market
For hot Pilates, 3 Tribes, Borough.

⚬ What’s a Daily Ritual you’ll still be doing when you’re 90?

Retinol, Red Light and a bath before bed.

⚬ What should be a wellness trend, but isn’t?

Sleeping in a cool room, it’s the best way to have a great night’s sleep. To keep cool, I take the sleeve off my hot water bottle and fill it with iced water - it’s so soothing.

⚬ Whats ALWAYS in your bag?

My Rhode raspberry lip tint, tissues and Cosmydor hand cream.

Ranushka’s Edit:

THE WELLNESS WEB:

• 🌞 A new Influencer brand worth trying: Known for her high-street outfits & her deep bronzy glow, Georgia Louise launched her fake tan brand, Tandae - & it’s a new favourite. Tandae’s Mousse comes in 3 golden shades (Georgia wears ultra-dark), doesn’t smell like biscuits & is boyfriend-proof (thanks to it’s easy application & guide colour). We tested the dark mousse & the colour payoff after one layer was 10/10.

• ✨ A summer glow: Nutritionist Emily English has teamed up with Harvey Nichols & Bamford to launch their Summer Glow Cafe Menu across the UK. Grab a brunch dish plus one of Emily’s signature juices and you’ll get a Bamford candle for free.

• 🧴 The new haircare launches to know: For guaranteed thicker & fuller hair, try the “Nioxin-like” 4-step system à la Aveda. Their new Invati Ultra Advanced system reduces hair loss by 77% & instantly thickens hair by 11%. PSA, unlike Nioxin (a Daily Rituals fave, FYI), Aveda’s system stays true to the brands heritage, relying on botanicals, Ayurvedic ingredients & antioxidants. Heading across to the Upper East Side, yesterday Blake Lively’s new haircare brand, Blake Brown launched after "a 7 year labour of love”. The launch debuts her 8 signature products but there’s one missing - a conditioner. Blake says to use the strengthening masks instead. Welcome back Serena.

• 👄 Nu Skin have done it again: It’s official, according to a Europe-wide study, Nu Skin are #1 for all things beauty devices, for the 7th (!!) year running. If you haven’t got a Nu Face Trinity or Mini yet, this is your sign.

• 💪🏽 Trending (again): Noticed that a lot of the pilates girlies you follow have started to incorporate strength training into their workout split? Same girl. Strength training is back & for good reason. New studies have shown that strength training is key for longevity and, wait for it - great skin too. Need we say more?! PSA: if you’re new to resistance training - we LOVE @harrietharper_fitness no-BS approach.

• ⛰️ Adanola are getting outdoorsy: Apparently, “quiet outdoors” is 2024’s hottest women’s wear trend, and Adanola’s latest drop has made it easy to nail. Just add some trendy hiking shoes like these & you’re good to go.

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