Eco Chic
Words by H! Magazine 19/09/2008
TOP NEW RANGES, TREATMENTS AND NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF MAKEUP, SKINCARE AND FRAGRANCE COMPILED BY NICOLA McGEORGE ECO CHIC I am slowly becoming a green goddess. I eat organic and use natural cleaning products, so it wasn’t long before I was worrying about the chemicals I was putting on my skin. Organic beauty products have come a long way from their dodgy packaging and strong-smelling past. You can now find products that don’t contain any nasties, but are also high performance. I have compiled a list of my personal favourites. Join me and go eco-glam. THE BEST CLEANSER Loved by Kylie and winner of the “best organic skincare” prize at the CEW Awards 2008, The Organic Pharmacy’s Carrot Butter Cleanser has already achieved cult status. It dissolves grime and makeup easily with the use of their exfoliating muslin cloth. Carrot is blended with skin softening shea and cocoa butter to leave the skin incredibly soft and smooth. Chamomile, rosemary and lavender soothe and decongest the skin, leaving it radiant.This is my favourite bath-time ritual. The mixture of the warm cloths, deep aromatic scent and rich texture adds a spa feel to your daily routine.
www.theorganicpharmacy.com THE BEST FACE CREAMLet me introduce you to Dr Alkaitis – a molecular biologist and specialist in organic, plant-based ingredients. Used by the likes of supermodel Karolina Kurkova, the range consists of nine products designed to rebuild the strength, health and integrity of the skin.The Organic Day Cream has become my daily moisturiser of choice. Drying in quickly means it’s great in the heat. Organic aloe vera, echinacea root and natural vitamin E complex are a few of the ingredients which will gently heal and repair your skinLadies, we have got to stop being afraid of facial oils. Try the Organic Nourishing Treatment Oil and believe me you will change your mind. Key ingredients include virgin cold pressed oils, Amazon root and liquorice. I use it on my décolletage, which is showing signs of sun damage. It re-hydrates my skin and leaves a gorgeous red carpet sheen.www.alkaitis.co.uk THE BEST BODY MOISTURISEROrganic body creams can sometimes be very thick and greasy, taking ages to sink in and even leaving a pretty white residue. A Channel swimmer is not the look we are going for. The Pretty Princess body lotion (don’t you love the name?) by Edelbio Swiss Organic Skincare is divine. It wraps your body in a delicately scented lotion, leaving you silky smooth all day. An organic blend of Edelweiss, white lily, Swiss honey, and shea butter… I love the girlie pink colour and the uplifting citrus scent. The best thing about this line is that it was created by a mother for her daughters; therefore it is suitable for the whole family. www.edelbioskincare.com THE BEST FOR PIGMENTATION By now regular readers will be well aware that I suffer from pigmentation, so I was eager to try the Organic Moisture Lightening Paper Mask by Natralox. Bypassing the waiting list at Harvey Nic’s added to the whole fabulous process. It uses powerful plant extracts of Rumex occidentalis and Walteria indica for their proven lightening effects, combined with L-Ascorbic acid to minimise the appearance of hyper pigmentation spots. I pulled open the packet to find a white mask, with holes cut out for the eyes, nose and mouth. I was halfway through the allocated 20 minutes when my neighbour knocked on the door and shrieked when I answered. I had morphed into a female version of Michael Myers from the Halloween movie. Did it work? Hell, yes. Worth every penny.www.beingcontent.com THE BEST MAKEUPDr. Haushka, of the famous Rose Day Cream, has produced a line of chemical free makeup. Yeah! No synthetic FD&C dyes, artificial fragrances or petro-chemicals, and everything I have tried smells divine. It is found in most health shops… I recommend the Eyeshadow in Solo 02, which glides on and suits everyone. The mascara is the only one I’ve found without parabens and synthetic colours. It has a light botanical scent (I hate the chemical smell of the usual brands). It did take a few coats, but doesn’t clump and leaves a glossy effect. Novum 04-Nature Shimmer lipstick, with argania spinosa oil and shea butter, felt more like a lip balm. Plant waxes assist in securing the colour, meaning re-application is required less often. Be beautiful “au natural”.www.drhauschka.co.uk THE BEST BATH PRODUCT I have been looking for an ethically-sourced 100 per cent organic bath product for ages. I came across Ruby Red, who should win an award for the cutest packaging. Soak your way to sweet dreams with Organic Bath Soak No.4 – it’s nourishing shea butter acting as a calming base for the lavender and palmarosa. As I was just floating off, my partner shouted, “Why are there dead flies in your bath?” Shocked, I looked down to find he was talking about the lavender buds floating around. Men! After I got out of the bath, I didn’t even need to moisturise. Drier skins can top up with the organic whipped shea nut butter.
www.rubyredcosmetics.co.uk THE BEST NIGHT’S SLEEP How about a product that keeps you cool on a hot night, while also fighting wrinkles? Sound good? The 100 per cent natural Silkskin Pillowcase stops your face from drying out and protects it from developing lines. Silk is a living, breathing product containing proteins and amino acids that are identical to those in the skin. Natural silk also has the same ph balance, which helps to protect and maintain moisture levels. Let’s just say Nigella Lawson liked them so much she bought 25. As I lay my head on mine, I let out a long “Ahhhh”. The mixture of the softest silk and the coolness against my skin soon sent me off to La La Land. www.cultbeauty.com Best for babiesMothers worry about their babies twenty-four-seven, wanting to give them the best the world has to offer. I believe there is no place for chemicals when raising a child, and organic baby products are the way forward. The Australian brand Sanctum organic skin care is now available in Spain. It combines medicinal grade, therapeutic herbal and plant extracts together with vitamins and essential oils; therefore their baby range is perfect for baby’s bottoms.Sanctum Baby Powder is talc-free, using arrowroot powder to soak up the moisture, while lavender soothes and calms. If Mummy needs some pampering how about the Sanctum Body Polish, an infusion of salt, ground coffee and crushed macadamia nut shells. Sounds good enough to eat!
www.sanctum.es
