LoveLula

I have just received my new LoveLula spring/summer catalogue and as usual it is jam packed with organic products and ideas. If you haven't already checked out their site have a look, it is such a good resource for great organic brands as well as hints and tips for green beauty.
www.lovelula.com

This month I'm loving......

This month I'm loving Balance Me's Super Oil with Juniper and Bergamot.



I stopped using this brilliant oil for a while (was trying other things) and now I have gone back to it, I'm remembering how good it is! Packed full of hardworking essential oils, it works a treat on troublesome areas like thighs and bums by helping to detoxify and boost circulation. It is also super moisturising and smells amazing! Despite being an oil, it is not messy and disappears into the skin quickly. It is certified by Ecocert so even better!
www.balanceme.co.uk

How green is green?

Here is a recent article I wrote for Clique magazine, exploring the 'greenness' of products.

With the green revolution still going strong, the interest in organic and natural cosmetics and skincare is ever growing. Is it just a trend to be green or are these products better for us and do they actually work?

What makes a product green? Is it the inclusion of organic ingredients, the exclusion of certain ‘nasty’ ingredients or is it the ethos of a company? How do we decide which ones are best - is there a shade chart to help?!

Click here to read the rest of the article.

Spring Brights

The sun seems to be teasing us with spring this week, hopefully we can soon say goodbye to the winter and welcome the new season in. To help it along we can get in the mood with some new make-up taking inspiration from the spring/summer shows.

This season the runways were awash with bright lip colours. Vivid pinks were seen at Marc by Marc Jacobs and Topshop Unique, at Paul Smith they were multicoloured including blue and green, Dior went for a classic red while the girls at Prada sported a bright orange. So lots of fun to be had with colour this spring/summer!

Before you hot foot it down to the make-up counter, here's a thought. On average, a women will ingest between 4-7lb of lipstick in her lifetime. Not such a good thought. Make it better by trying a lipstick from a natural or organic range, with nicer ingredients these lipsticks are kinder on our lips, and if we must ingest them are definitely a better choice! If the thought of a natural lipstick conjures up boring browns and earthy tones, think again. Companies are now investing more time and technology into these brands giving us better quality and choice.

Elysambre's Garnet Red lipstick is certainly not a boring tone, this bright red matt is perfect for making a colour statement this season. Another bright to be seen in is Plant Love's Eve Pinky, this hot pink would not look out of place on the runway. If you're drawn to the orange side of the spectrum try Jane Iredale's Nicole or C.J. for a gorgeous spring pout.

DIY Facial

There is nothing like a good facial to revitalize tired winter skin and lift the spirits. If your finances are a bit stretched though, it doesn't mean that your skin can't have a treat, try this DIY facial once a week. Ok, it's not the same as an hour in the spa but your skin will thank you for it.

• Saturate a cotton pad in eye make-up remover and hold to the eyes, letting the remover melt away any make-up.

• Massage a cream cleanser into your skin, making sure you get right into the creases of the nose and chin where oil and impurities can build up. Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is great for a really deep cleanse. Run a muslin cloth under hand hot water and then hold to the face to open the pores and really let the cleanser get to work, gently remove the cleanser with the cloth. Repeat if necessary.

• A muslin cloth used daily is perfect for regular gentle exfoliation but for an extra boost to slough of those dull cells, try something a little stronger. Choose one with grains but make sure they are not scratchy or abrasive and use a light massage to apply.
  

• In preparation for your mask, add a few drops of rose water or Jurlique's Lavender Hydrating Essence, into a bowl of hand hot water. Saturate your muslin cloth in the mix, wring away excess water then lay it over your face. Breathe in the comforting smell while the warmth from the cloth relaxes your muscles and gets the blood flowing.

• Now comes your mask - I like to use two, a hydrating and soothing one for winter worn areas like cheeks and then a purifying one for the t-zone. Choose according to your skin type, whatever you choose make sure you sit back and relax while they do their job! Try laying your hot cloth over the top to intensify the treatment.

• Remove the mask gently with your cloth, using cotton pads soaked in toner to remove any last traces and to refresh your skin.

• Warm a few drops of facial oil or serum between your palms, take your time and massage it in. Massage is great for relaxing facial muscles, stimulating circulation and helping to eliminate toxins, which are all essential in the quest for radiant skin.

• Using firm upward strokes take your oil right down from your decollete, up your neck and onto your face. Use your fingers in small but firm circular motions to ease away any stress along the jawline, right up to the ears. Then from the corners of your mouth, along your cheek bones, up to your ears and onto your temples. After a long hard day this is great for alleviating any tension. Work your fingers over your forehead, from the middle back out to the temples, and then back again. Gently press your thumbs into the top of your inner eye sockets, under your brows and then work along your brows, squeezing them gently as you go. Now work underneath your eyes, press your fingers along the orbital bone working from the inner socket, up and out (this is great to do in the morning if you wake with puffy eyes, it really helps to get toxins moving). Use firm strokes to massage up the nose, between the eyes and back onto the forehead. Then circle around the nostrils, above the lip and the chin. Repeat as many times as you like!

• Now do the same with your favourite moisturiser.

• Give your eyes another helping with your eye cream, remember that you need just a small amount of product. Apply with your ring finger as this is your weakest finger so is gentle for delicate skin.

• Not forgetting those lips who are very often victims of the cold weather. Slather on your best lip balm, choose one without petroleum which although can feel good, will not actually nourish.

Now you should feel brighter and your skin should be glowing!

This Month I'm loving ......

This month I'm loving Liz Earle's Superbalm.



This gorgeous skin salve is a brilliant multi-tasker, you can use it pretty much anywhere! Packed full of plant oils and shea butter, it's great on lips, cuticles, knees, heels, elbows, even fly away hair. I put some on my cheeks before I run to protect them from the wintry air - although no running required to reap the benefits! Also great for adding a sheen to the skin and grooming eyebrows.
The list goes on ......

Check it out at Liz Earle

Winter Skin Savers

As the temperature starts to drop outside and the heating comes on inside, it can play havoc with our skin. Complexions start to lose their glow, lips are prone to chapping and hands can become dry and cracked. We don't have to suffer with winter skin though, a few changes in our skincare can make a difference and help keep us radiant throughout the colder months.

Try using a creamier cleanser to soothe and nourish your skin from the start of your routine, something like Ren's No 1 purity cleansing balm, which will remove the day's grime without stripping essential moisture.

If you're still using a lightweight moisturiser from the summer then try switching it to the richer version or boost the one you've got by adding a hydrating serum. Facial oils are fantastic as well, they can penetrate further into the skin taking nutrients with them. If you don't like the feel of an oil on your face, then mix a couple of drops in with your moisturiser to still get the benefit, Trilogy's rosehip oil is a great one to try.

A moisturising mask once or twice a week can really help too, Liz Earle's intensive nourishing treatment mask is a real treat for winter skin, don't forget to exfoliate first so that the mask can really get to work.

For those lips try Balm Balm, this great little balm is brilliant for keeping them lovely and soft and is also great for anywhere else that might need a little attention, try it on windswept cheeks.

Handcream is a must in the winter as your hands are exposed to the elements and constant washing, keep one in your bag and one by the kitchen sink, ready for whenever you need it. I love the super moisturising cream by Balance Me.