Sunday 10 January 2010

Eco gorgeous from top to toe!

by Naomi

If - like me - you over-indulged a little over this year's festivities (too much food, wine and make-up!) then January serves as the perfect time to have a little beauty MOT. Whilst beauty starts from the inside out, a little polishing of the outside can't hurt! Over the last few weeks I have discovered a number of wonderful eco treasures. So let's start from the top!


Having a hair-mare?
If you haven't already come across Aveda, then it is time you did. They produce plant-based hair care, skincare, cosmetics and perfume, and have done so since the 70s making them arguably one of the founders of the green-beauty revolution. I tried the 'Brilliant tm Shampoo and Conditioner', (both around £12) which deep cleanse yet add moisture - perfect for ridding my colour-treated and post-party hair of all the product build-up. Made with organic aloe, calendula and camelia, and packaged using recycled materials from manufacturers that use renewable energy, they are a good deed for your hair and your carbon footprint! http://www.wantthelook.com/

Face 2010 with a beautiful face!
Boots' Botanics range offers some great organic products including the Organic Rosewater toner (£3.91). It is simply fab; gentle yet effective, and the damask rosewater gives it a romantic and feminine scent. http://www.boots.com/

One of my favourite discoveries of 2009 has to be Dr Wendy's. New to the UK, the New Zealand based brand offers pure botanical skincare that is chemical free and not tested on animals. I had read that using oil-based skincare products could help combat oily skin, but I was a little apprehensive. However, having tried Dr Wendy's Gentle Moisturizer (£31.50) I am completely converted.The essential oils of Fragonia, Sandalwood and Tea Tree, as well as Organic Lavender give it a lovely smell and a texture that left my skin deeply moisturised without being oily. Since using it regularly my skin feels smoother and is noticeably clearer. There are ranges created specifically for different types of skin, and prices for cleansers, toners and moisturisers range between £18.50 and £38.80. http://www.lucyrose.biz/


Liven up dull and worn out skin with the Lush Charity Pot (£12.50). It is a wonderful all-over hand and body cream made with cocoa butter and almond oil, which give it a very sweet smell. It has light in texture and absorbs quickly, plus every penny paid for it after VAT is donated to one of the charities or organisations that Lush supports. These include environmental and conservation causes, humanitarian causes and animal protection. If partying the nights away in pretty but hopelessly impractical heels have left your feet in need of some TLC, before bedtime simply apply a thick layer of Charity Pot to your tootsies, pop on some old socks and leave overnight - et voila, a quick foot mask! (Don't forget to wash the socks before you try and wear them again though!) http://www.lush.co.uk/

Facts: Aveda plant-based hair and skincare, recycled packaging. Boots' Botanics Organic Rosewater toner, recycled packaging, organic damask rosewater. Dr Wendy's plant-based beauty, essential oils and chemical free. Lush Charity Pot, almond oil, cocoa butter.

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