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Thursday, November 17, 2011

A Model Recommends Lavera


For more info and to buy these great products visit http://www.lucyrose.biz/lavera-92-c.asp and benefit from free p&p on all UK orders, as well as low rates for the rest of the EU.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The Brazilian that could cause cancer

The Brazilian blow-dry is the hairstyle that's turning heads worldwide. But few women in Britain realise it has also sparked a major health scare.

While governments around the globe have sounded alarm bells over the treatment, in Britain the authorities' response has been lukewarm at best.

One of the blow-dry's main ingredients is formaldehyde, a pungent gas which is used to bind the protein keratin to the hair, resulting in poker-straight locks.

Widely used to manufacture building products, in liquid form formaldehyde is also used as an embalming fluid.

But Canadian authorities declared the chemical a toxic substance as far back as 1999.

It is banned for some uses in Europe and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has declared it a known carcinogen — or cancer-causing substance.

Yet British lawyer Karen Jackson — of legal firm Roberts Jackson, who specialise in dealing with industrial diseases — says: "Here there have been no official warnings about the use of these kinds of treatments, despite alerts issued in the US and Europe."

In America the Department of Health and Human Services has added formaldehyde to its list of carcinogens and advised avoiding exposure to it.

Earlier this year American health authorities issued a hazard alert to salon owners and workers about the risk of using the chemical.

Now it has been branded "dangerous" by the US Food and Drug Administration who have issued a warning that many Brazilian blow-dry products — even those labelled "formaldehyde free" — can contain methylene glycol. This is simply formaldehyde dissolved in water, which can release the gas into the air.

A-list fans of the style include Liz Hurley Jennifer Aniston, Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie.

Yet there have been hundreds of complaints by US stylists complaining of allergic reactions after carrying out Brazilian blow-dries.

In the US the makers of Brazilian Blowout — the country's top-selling brand — are facing legal action by 200 people who say the product has damaged their health. Although Canada banned it in 2010, the manufacturers are continuing to maintain it is safe.

In Britain Emma Meredith, of trade body the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association, said: "The CTPA issued an information sheet about the Brazilian blow-dry a year ago because we were concerned about what was coming to light about the product.

"It was being marketed as a totally natural and chemical-free treatment, but there is no such thing as chemical-free."

At Fabulous Hair Salon in East London they are doing a roaring trade in Brazilian blow-dries.

Stylist Nikki Henderson says: "They are hugely popular, as they can really tame frizzy hair. But we only use formaldehyde-free solution in our salon."

How it works
THE Brazilian blow-dry is hailed as miraculous by women who hate their frizzy hair. It calms tangled locks, leaving hair shiny, sleek and perfectly straight for up to four months.

Created in Brazil six years ago, the technique uses "natural" products such as the protein keratin. A solution is put on to the hair, then sealed in with extra-hot hair straighteners.

But one of the other main ingredients of the blow-dry is the chemical formaldehyde, which is used to bind the keratin to the hair — and which is causing the worldwide concern.

Potential dangers
US studies of mortuary workers using high levels of formaldehyde have shown raised incidence of a rare kind of nasal cancer.

Among reactions reported by stylists doing Brazilian blow-dries are hair loss, blisters, rashes, blistered scalps, dizziness, vomiting, mouth ulcers, eye irritations and breathing problems. Experts say there are also fears that if absorbed into the scalp the chemical can affect the growth of new hair.

Brit lawyer Karen Jackson says: "Beauty is not worth this level of risk."

EU rules state that Brazilian blow-dry hair solution must contain less than 0.2 per cent formaldehyde to be considered safe.

But in the US some straightening treatments have been found using 50 times this amount.

And there are fears here that some beauty salons are ignoring the warnings and continuing to use unsafe products.

Last year the EU issued warnings about four straightening treatments used in the UK — Brazilian Blowout, Coppola, Global Keratin and KeraStraight.

They should have been cleared from store shelves but earlier this year trading standards officials found they were still being used in salons all over the UK.

Check out our effective and natural hair taming products

Source: thesun.co.uk

Friday, September 09, 2011

Figs & Rouge - New Instore!

Figs & Rouge had an idea - to create a balm that would be completely free from any Harmful chemicals & synthetic ingredients - Voila! -
              
A 100% Organic, 100% Pure, 100% Natural skincare product! Vitamin enriched Organic Essential Oils,Pure Nourishing shea butters and Natures best Organic Bees wax. This award winning formulation is made to deliver the best & most Effective moisturising & Natural balm for all skin types!

Packed with pure & organic essential oils, fatty acids, vitamin e. and a whole host of nutrients - Figs & Rouge balms are incredibly good for skin!

Rejuvenating organic shea butters, soothing bees wax & delicious aromas combine to make these organic balms little wonder tins for all skin types.

The balms are Soil Association certified and have celebrity fans which include Emma Watson and Lizzy Jagger.

The full Figs & Rouge range is now available at www.lucyrose.biz

Summer Recovery

Recovery Programme

Prevention is always the best way to ensure your recovery from the Summer is smooth and minimal.

Protect Hair
Spray hair before going out with John Masters Sea Mist Spray – this will protect hair from salty sea air, chlorine and the sun.

Home Remedy
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp jojoba oil
10 drops ylang ylang
Shake it to combine, then use a little of this oil to protect the hair.

Dry hair after holiday?
Use Green People Vitamin Conditioner – This contains aloe vera & avocado to re-condition your hair and nourish the scalp.

Apply extra conditioner and sit in a sauna for maximum benefit. (adding heat, helps the product penetrate into the hair shaft)

Cracked Heels
Always file heels at least once a week to remove any dead, hard skin. It is very important to then moisturise afterwards with a rich foot cream such as the Burts Bees Coconut Foot Cream – This will soothe, revive and soften tired feet.

Home Remedy
Soak feet for 15 mins in a hot foot bath with 2 tbsp of Bicarbonate of Soda.
Then moisturise as normal.

Alternately
Mix:
¼ cup of olive oil
2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
Then massage into feet and leave overnight.

To soften and whiten heels – cut a lemon in half (squeeze out any excess juice) and sprinkle with sugar. Place firmly on the heels for 5 minutes.

Over Exposure to the Sun
Again prevention is always the best treatment, ensure a good natural sun cream is applied, cover up at hottest periods.

Sun Burn
Always have a good natural after sun at hand – such as Lavera After Sun.

Home remedy
Aloe Vera Gel or Aloe Vera plant – cut of leaf and apply.
Or
Run a tepid bath and add a cup of apple cider vinegar (eases the stinging)
15 drops of lavender essential oil (helps repair sun damage)
1 tbsp of almond oil (helps moisturise the dry skin)

Skin Peeling
Exfoliate with a shower wash/body brush/towel – very important to moisturise with a body lotion or oil.

After Summer Beauty Treatment
Facial Mask – use a 5 minute natural elements mask to relieve dry skin & aid rejuvenation.

Home RemedyAvocado & Manuka Honey Mask
For normal skin types:
Mush the flesh of half an avocado, massage into face and neck.
Leave for 15-20 mins.
Rinse & moisturise

For Dry Skin:Add 1 tbsp Manuka Honey to avocado mash – use on same day.
If you haven't got the time to make your home remedies or you want a treatment that is ready to use, then visit www.luycrose.biz

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Hair Removal by Sugaring

Sugaring has been around since the days of Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece but it's only recently that this form of hair removal has grown in popularity. If you're not familiar with the concept of sugaring, here's your essential guide for what to expect if you're interested in having a go yourself.

What is Sugaring?Sugaring isn't too dissimilar to waxing but uses a mixture of sugar, lemon and water rather than hot wax. You can use sugaring to remove hair on most areas of the body but it can be especially useful for removing hair along the bikini line (that could be too painful to remove through waxing) and fine facial hair. Generally speaking, if it involves an area of the body that is more than a bit sensitive, sugaring can be good alternative to the likes of waxing, and longer-lasting in comparison to shaving or hair removal creams.

The Advantages of Using Sugaring for Hair RemovalBecause sugaring uses different ingredients to waxing, it can have several plus points in its favour.

Here are some of the main benefits of sugaring:
Remove shorter hairs: With sugaring, you can tackle hairs that are just one-eighth of an inch so unlike waxing, you don't have to wait around for hairs to reach a certain length before you can remove them. This is one of the most attractive benefits of sugaring, as there is less re-growth between sugaring sessions.

Less painful: Whereas hot wax comes into contact with the skin as well as the hair that you're looking to remove, sugaring coats the hairs themselves so it's much less likely to make your eyes water.

Less irritation: As the sugar paste isn't heated to the same degree as hot wax, it's kinder to your skin if it does get on your skin. It's also more natural and doesn't contain chemicals so there's less chance of irritation or a bad reaction.
Less messy: The sugar paste is easily dissolved by water so it's not difficult to clean off once you're done.

How Difficult is Sugaring?The most challenging part of the sugaring process is creating the right mix between the sugar, lemon and water, especially in the early days. A typical sugaring paste uses:
1/4 cup of water
¼ cup of lemon juice
2 cups of white sugar

Mix these ingredients together and heat until the paste takes on a smooth and syrup-like consistency. You can do this more quickly in the microwave but because of the risk of overheating the sugar mixture, you may prefer to heat on the stove instead. Once you've achieved the desired result, leave to cool before you even think about starting the sugaring process. When it's time to apply the paste to your body, it's a good idea to heat it up slightly to make it easier to use.

How to Go About SugaringAs well as the ingredients to make the paste, you'll also need to have a spatula to apply it and some fine cotton or paper strips to hand for removal purposes. Make sure that the sugar paste is warm but not unbearably hot, as this will make it easier to spread without burning your skin. Spread the sugaring paste thinly in the direction of the hair growth, apply the cotton or paper strip over the top and pull off in the opposite direction to the hair growth.

What to Expect After SugaringThere will still be some degree of irritation and redness after sugaring, although it should be less in comparison to waxing. On average, this won't last for more than a few hours.

source: Sally Aquire -www.safecosmetics.co.uk

Check out Acorelle's fabulous natural hair removal products and ready to use sugar wax products.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Behind the Brand: L'Oreal

It is the biggest beauty company in the world and owns numerous ethical brands including The Body Shop and Pureology, but do its own ethics stand up to close scrutiny?

Peter Salisbury reports
In July this year, the UK advertising standards authority, the ASA, ruled that an ad for Maybelline’s ‘Eraser’ foundation was misleading. The Photoshopping of model Christie Turlington had given the impression that the make-up had a bigger transformative effect than it was really capable of. As a result, the ad won't be shown again in its current form in the UK. If ethical campaigners had their way then Maybelline’s parent company, French cosmetics giant L’Oréal, would also be banned but this time from shelves across the country. The reason? L’Oréal’s continued testing of some of its products on animals and because of criticisms made about Switzerland’s Nestlé, a 30 per cent shareholder in L’Oréal, over its marketing of baby formula in the developing world.

Both claims are complex and contested. They also present a major headache for consumers who pride themselves on their ethical principles because they raise a question that is likely to become increasingly important in coming years. If we disapprove of the ethics of major corporations, should we boycott all of their brands?

This is particularly difficult in the case of L’Oréal, the biggest cosmetics company in the world. Their brands include everything from high-street fixture The Body Shop to the 100 per cent vegan haircare brand Pureology by way of ‘natural’ supermarket staple Garnier. The company also holds the license to make perfumes and cosmetics for high-end brands, including Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren and Diesel. Quitting your L’Oréal habit could be harder than you thought. How strong, though is the case against the company?

L’Oréal’s most outspoken critic is UK animal welfare campaigner Naturewatch, which since 2006 has called for a boycott of all L’Oréal products including those sold by The Body Shop. The company still uses animal testing extensively, Naturewatch claims, despite assertions that it has not tested any of its finished products on animals since 1989.

The devil, as they say is in the details. In 2009, L’Oréal published a report on its sustainable practices, which repeated the claim that it does not test finished products on animals. The problem is that as one of the world’s biggest cosmetics firms, much of its work is in the development of new ingredients for its products, and it is here that Naturewatch’s problems arise. EU legislation actually demands that all new cosmetic ingredients be tested on animals, although from 2009 onwards it has been working with cosmetics firms to eradicate the use of animal testing by 2013.

‘L’Oréal has not used animals to test its finished products since 1989, except in the case where national legislation requires it,’ the cosmetics giant said in its sustainability report. ‘This is the case in certain countries where L’Oréal operates and in those locations regulations require testing using animals before substances can be registered for commercial use. As L’Oréal operates on an international scale, it is obliged to comply with the current national legislation for products that are manufactured locally and sold locally.’


L’Oréal argues that it is a world leader in researching alternatives to animal testing, including the development of artificial tissue on which it has spent €600m to date It is also a founder member of the European Partnership for Alternatives to Animal Testing and closely involved in the international Tox Cast initiative which is run by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Rather than a cruel advocate of animal testing, it says, it is in fact fully engaged in attempting to make the practice obsolete.

The owner of one ethical skincare firm told the Ecologist that companies like L’Oréal do face a tough set of choices; either innovate in order to maintain their market share, or use existing ingredients and allow less ethical competitors to launch new products, or continue developing within the limits of regional legislation. Smaller producers can simply find green or ethical ways to produce established ingredients. Few ethical firms could afford to pay for the necessary research on artificial tissues that L’Oréal has done, he adds - at current exchange rates, €600m is not far off the £652m it paid for The Body Shop in 2007.

Meanwhile, the Nestlé issue also remains hotly disputed. In 1977, the company was accused of using its marketing campaigns in developing countries to promote the idea that its baby formula was better for infants than breast milk. Since then, a series of campaigns have been run to highlight the company’s practices abroad, particularly by the International Baby Food Action Network [IBFAN], which continues to call for a boycott of Nestlé’s products worldwide. In May 2011, IBFAN claimed that Nestlé had broken 130 rules set down by the World Health Organisation for the promotion of infant formulas in the developing world.

For its part, Nestlé says that it does not question the fact that breastfeeding is the best start a baby can have in life, and claims to work hard to meet the WHO’s rigorous standards. In corporate literature it describes its baby food as being part of a process of ‘complementary feeding,’ which is crucial to babies’ development. It also claims to distribute educational material to healthcare professionals in the developing world advocating breastfeeding, although as the IFBAN points out, it also advertises its formulas to these professionals using similar language.

Working out where you stand on these criticisms is down to individual ethics, and they are both complex and contentious issues and among a number that have been levelled at both firms. In Nestlé’s case in particular, the company has certainly acted in an ethically suspect manner in the past, while L’Oréal itself, through choice or not, is certainly spending big to quit its animal testing habit.

If you do decide that L’Oréal and Nestlé are acting in an unethical manner then the next big question is: should brands like The Body Shop or Pureology be punished for the sins of the parent company?

The founders of both firms have strong ethical principles, and sold their companies so that their message could reach a wider market, making it a tough choice in both cases.  Buying their products may line the pockets of their L’Oréal and Nestlé paymasters, but by buying from The Body Shop, which does not test any of its products on animals, or vegan Pureology, you could also be sending a message to the guys at the top: more of the good ethical products, less of the morally questionable.

Given that many big corporations are now spending more and more on big, ethical brands - Coca Cola, for example, now owns the UK’s Innocent, while another US giant, Kraft, has Green and Blacks chocolate - this is a problem which is unlikely to go away for the ethical consumer any time soon.

So who owns what? The L’Oréal brands

Consumer brandsL'Oréal Paris
Garnier
Maybelline New York
Softsheen.Carson
CCB Paris  
Vichy
La Roche Posay
Innéov
Skinceuticals
Sanoflore
Roger&Gallet 

Professional brands
L'Oréal Professionnel
Kérastase
Redken
Matrix
Mizani
Pureology
Shu Uemura Art of Hair
Luxury brands
Lancôme 
Biotherm 
Helena Rubinstein
Kiehl's 
Shu Uemura 
Giorgio Armani 
Ralph Lauren
Cacharel
Viktor & Rolf
Diesel
YSL Beauté
Maison Martin Margiela

RetailersThe Body Shop

Source: Peter Salisbury, Ecologist, 10/8/11

If you want to buy products where neither the product or it's ingredients have been tested on animals - visit www.lucyrose.biz

Saturday, July 02, 2011

New Instore - Pai Skincare

All of Pai Skin Care products are formulated with sensitive and allergy-prone skin in mind.

Carefully select ingredients with proven remedial and skin soothing properties keep Pai products free from irritating chemicals and alcohol.

If you have highly reactive or sensitive skin, then it is important to know exactly what is in your skin care products.

That's why all of Pai Skin Care products are certified organic by the Soil Association, so you can be reassured the products stand up to scrutiny.

You won't find "parfum" on any of the ingredient lists - a term that legally allows manufacturers to include up to 200 synthetic chemicals, including phthalates, in their products without declaring them on the label.

Pai was the first skin care company to list all ingredients in plain English, so you don't need a chemistry degree to understand what's in the bottle.
 
Unlike many brands on the market, which commission factories to both formulate and manufacture their products, they have their own in-house R&D lab and manufacturing facility.

That means each and every Pai Skincare product is unique and the result of their own hard work, dedicated research and rigorous testing.

Shop now for Pai Skin Care and take advantage of our fabulous launch offer.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

First Aid Ointment Comes from Calendula Flowers

Dear Pharmacist,

It seems my kids spend the summer getting bumped and bruised. Can you recommend a natural remedy to treat all those boo boos? --P.E., Clackamus, Oregon

Answer: Yes, I have just the thing. Not too long ago, a friend of mine took a nasty spill while riding her bicycle. She shared the details of what happened with me, and today, I will share her story with you. My friend's next-door neighbor asked politely how she was doing after the minor accident, and she confessed to her neighbor that everything hurt.
"I have just the thing," the neighbor responded and dunked inside her house, emerging a moment later with a jar of calendula cream. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is an herb that has been used safely all over the world for centuries, specifically for wound healing.

My friend decided to give her neighbor's cream a try, since she trusted the source. She trusted her because the lady had raised five teenagers who played every sport from soccer to volleyball. If this stuff came with the soccer mom's seal of approval, it had to be effective.

As my friend relayed her story to me, I became excited to write about it too, since there are no prescription drugs or salves that do all that Calendula can. My friend dabbed the cream on her bruises and scrapes, took a nap and woke up significantly better. Within days, she was as good as new.

This inspired me to research calendula. I wish I knew about it when my children were young. A few European studies have concluded calendula to help soothe wounds and improve healing. It has antifungal, antiviral, and even anti-tumor properties! I think calendula would be fantastic for cradle cap and diaper rashes, or any rash for that matter. You can use it on minor burns, sunburn, bedsores, eczema and poison ivy. A small study proved it can ease the pain of radiation-induced dermatitis.

Calendula may improve acne too. Health food stores and online retailers sell calendula in cream, lotions, ointments or tinctures. You'll see various brands and companies selling it, a few of which include Boiron, Weleda, California Baby and Hyland's.

If you are creating a first-aid cabinet, I highly recommend you include Calendula. Put it next to your hydrocortisone and tea tree oil. Calendula is so safe you can literally eat the eat the beautiful yellow flowers from which the cream is made, so long as you're not allergic to flowers in the daisy or marigold family.

Calendula extract imparts a beautiful yellow color, so it's used as a natural coloring agent in cuisines around the world. Lately, I've been buying the fresh (and edible version) of flowers from my natural grocer to garnish salads and soups. It makes for a delicious conversation piece at my dinner table.

For great Calendula based products try these: Lavera, Weleda, First Aid and browse more here

Source: Suzy Cohen, Pharmicist

Saturday, May 21, 2011

The Future Is Looking Rosy!

Join the Lucy Rose Beauty Club and earn Rose Reward Points

Award-winning online organic beauty boutique, Lucy Rose, has launched The Lucy Rose Beauty Club, which will give all of its customers the opportunity to collect Rose Reward Points to offset against future organic beauty purchases.

www.lucyrose.biz sells an abundance of hand-picked naturally gorgeous beauty brands which are completely free from chemical nasties, none are tested on animals and all the ingredients are organic and natural.  Now for every purchase made over £15, registered Lucy Rose Beauty Club members will receive 1 Rose Reward Point for each £1 spent.  100 Rose Reward Points will be credited as a £5 gift voucher to use against any future purchase at the Lucy Rose website.

Better still, all purchases come with free P&P within the UK and for most deliveries, will arrive the next day.  There is a sample service so that you can ‘try before you buy’ and the five star rated customer service means that you will receive immediate personal responses to any questions that you have or advice that you require.

Lucy Rose has a growing selection of well known organic brands such as Green People, Lavera, Jason, Weleda and Burt’s Bees and new brands such as BM Beauty mineral makeup, launched by ex Pussycat Doll, Kimberly Wyatt.  All are carefully selected to be genuinely natural and organic.
The benefits of organic beauty don’t just stop at a rosy ‘natural’ glow; at the Lucy Rose organic beauty one-stop-shop, the new Rose Reward Points mean you can earn yourself an irresistible organic treat which is as good for the body as it is for the soul!

Join Now!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Lucy Rose - Natural Health Best Retail Website

Emma Van Hinsbergh, editor of Natural Health Magazine, explains what makes Lucy Rose different. 

“We have witnessed an unerring commitment from the founders of Lucy Rose in not only offering an ever-increasing selection of the best possible natural beauty brands, but also providing customers with the best service possible.  This has included building lasting relationships via e-newsletters, Twitter, Facebook and a recently launched blog. 

Lucy Rose is also able to offer a ‘live’ customer service facility and the customer testimonials speak for themselves.  We are delighted to recognise the immense devotion of the Lucy Rose team, which reflects our own passion for spreading the word and engaging people in natural beauty and everything it stands for – great natural products which are good for the environment, great for our skin, scientifically proven to be effective and cruelty-free.”

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Dr Bronners Enters Grocery Market

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps is expanding into the grocery aisle with new coconut oil. Dr. Bronner's Magic "All-One" Fair Trade and Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is fresh-pressed, unrefined and offered in two varieties: "white kernel" and "whole kernel", PR Newswire reports. Dr. Bronner's oil can be used for stir-frying, soups, sauces, baking, deserts and body care. Whole kernel oil, which is made from the coconut kernel with the inside skin left on, is more nutritious and has a slightly nuttier flavor, whereas white kernel oil offers a more familiar choice to consumers who are familiar with this grade. Both oils have the same culinary and body care uses, and are both certified organic and fair trade.

Dr. Bronner's new coconut oil is produced at Serendipol (Pvt) Ltd. in Sri Lanka's coconut triangle. The company has converted some 500 growers to organic practices, improving soil fertility and increasing yields. The production staff has grown to 160 workers who enjoy working conditions and compensation uncommon in the industry. The fair trade premium paid by Serendipol's customers, which averages US$250,000 per year, is administered by a broad-based committee and funds a range of community development projects, hospital equipment, school facilities and books, water and electricity supply. Source: PR Newswire

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Barefoot Botanicals S.O.S - New Instore

The company’s name was inspired by the ancient Chinese tradition of barefoot doctors who travelled from village to village without shoes, dispensing wisdom and remedies. With their extensive knowledge of healing plants, Hilery and Jonathan had the perfect basis for a range of natural remedies and organic skin and haircare products for the 21st Century.

The secret of Barefoot Botanicals success lies in advanced formulations, which combine the best of cutting-edge science with a thousand years of herbal wisdom. The ingredients are carefully sourced to provide high performance with powerful therapeutic benefits without sacrificing ethical integrity.

Barefoot Botanicals S.O.S is a lifeline for sufferers of dry, irritated skin. Its advanced therapeutic formulas are gentle enough for babies, children and adults, and every product is also suitable for those with eczema, psoriasis, or withdrawing from steroid treatment.
Find out more about Barefoot Botanicals S.O.S products.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Why men are turning to organic skincare

Don't be fooled by the stereotype of a man who doesn't care about the way he looks. Modern men are just as (or at least almost) as concerned with their appearance as women. And healthy skin is a fundamental part of looking great.

For men, skin care is a mere afterthought. Beyond the world of shaving their faces, it is rare for a man to devote time to his skin. Yeah right! These days, skin care is no longer just a woman's concern. We are in the 21st century, and the pressure is on for man to take care of himself. Men are increasingly aware and concerned about the health of their skin. More men than ever are interested in taking care of their skin, and ensuring that they maintain their youthful looks for as long as possible.

Man's blooming desire for beautiful skin is an 8 billion dollar industry. So why are men beginning to catch up with women's interest in beauty products?

Most importantly, everyone wants to retain youthful skin for as long as possible. Along with drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet, moisturizing and nurturing the skin is the best way to grow old gracefully.

As we mature, the elastic and collagen, which is the connective tissues that give skin its firmness and elasticity, begin to disappear. Proper skin care is essential to keep this process at bay for as long as possible.

Why Natural and Organic?

More and more men are reacting to the synthetic chemicals used by many high street brands of male grooming products. Therefore they are turning to natural formulations free from unnecessary synthetic ingredients, which will be absorbed by the body.

Switching to organic food in order to avoid consuming toxins is a popular choice. People are also becoming aware that what is put on the skin will always make its way into the blood stream. That means that if skin care products are full of chemicals, they will eventually be flowing through the body. Since the skin can be a mirror for what is going on in the body, the chemicals may once again show up on the skin. It also means that the liver has to work harder to process them.

Organic, chemical free moisturiser means no toxins for the body to deal with, and ultimately, healthier skin.

Organic Products Can Revolutionize Shaving

Nearly 80 percent of men say shaving irritates their skin. Razor burn is actually often "product" burn. Many of the products that are designed for men are poorly formulated and contain far too many irritating ingredients.

These skin irritants make the hair follicle and skin swell, forcing the hair up and away from the skin, supposedly allowing for a closer shave. Unfortunately, the irritation and resulting swelling cause some of the hair to be hidden by the swollen follicle and skin. The swollen skin makes it harder for the stubble to find its way back out. If the hair begins to grow (which it does almost immediately) before the swelling is reduced, the likelihood of ingrown hairs is increased.

Shaving with a razor abrades the skin enough to cause havoc, but then men typically splash an aftershave lotion with irritating ingredients over that broken skin. Think of splashing chemicals on a cut or scrape on your body.

Most organic products are mild and won't irritate the skin, even if there is abrasion.

Conscious products for Conscious Men

Other natural products that men are choosing to use are soaps and shower gels. Aluminum and parabens have been linked to cancer and other health complaints, but deodorants free of them are available specially formulated for men.

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com/024258_beauty_products_health_chemicals.html

Check out these great natural and organic mens grooming products which are organic, natural and effective.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Kimberly Wyatt Exclusive Interview

Here at Lucy Rose, we were lucky enough to get the chance to ask Kimberly Wyatt about her fab new range of natural mineral make up and here's what she said.....


LR: What led you to set up BM Beauty?

KW: I've always had a passion for makeup and am very passionate about inspiring positive change in people and consumers! Starting BM Beauty with my partner Laura McComiskie has been a FUN journey and I've learned a lot along the way!!

LR: What does the name BM Beauty stand for?

KW: BM stands for Beautiful Movements. www.BeautifulMovements.com is a place for self-expression where people listen, relate, and learn about self worth. Together we, the BM Family, encourage growth through love, compassion, and positive action. BM Beauty stands for the same, leading by example through positive change.

Read more here...

You can order all these fab BM natural mineral make up products now and save 10% off the RRP!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

BM Beauty - Coming Soon!



BM Beauty is co-founded by Laura McComiskie (Love the Planet) and Kimberly Wyatt (ex Pussycat Doll and Sky 1's Got to Dance Judge).


The make up range is BUAV Certfied and free from bismuth oxychloride, parabens, nano particles and synthetic dyes and fragrances.

It's also good for your skin! The mineral foundations contain zinc oxide which is a natural anti-inflammatory which is great for spot prone skin. BM Beauty make up is lightweight and allows your skin to breathe. You can create a flawless complexion without clogging pores and causing further breakouts. Skin perfection with a 'no make up' feel. What could be better?

The official launch of the range on our website is 28/2, however if you pre-order now you will save 20% off the RRP.

Also to accompany our launch we will have an exclusive interview with Kimberly Wyatt and we want you to be involved. We want you to submit one question you would like to ask Kimberly and we will pick the best one and ask her.

All you need to do is send your question to info@lucyrose.biz with Kimberly in the subject line by Sunday 20/2

We look forward to hearing from you.

Check out BM Beauty Mineral Cosmetics for a sneek preview

Thursday, February 03, 2011

Jason Natural Cosmetics - Instore Now!

Jason Natural Cosmetics believe that it is equally important to pay attention to what you put on your body as well as what you put in your body. Since 1959, JASON Natural Products has been the leading purveyor of pure and natural products for skin, body, hair and oral health for the whole family, giving consumers effective, environmentally-friendly alternatives to mass-produced, synthetic chemical products.

Nature has provided an abundance of plants, roots, flowers and herbs rich in vitamins, enzymes, proteins, minerals and other biologically active compounds that have been used in the care of the body, skin and hair for centuries. Knowledge of the healing power of herbs and their special effects on the skin is used in the formulation of every product.

Since their inception in 1959, JASON has strived to produce only pure, carefully balanced products that contain the highest quality, naturally sourced ingredients, known to be skin compatible and proven effective. Jason products contain the finest food-grade, natural, organic and nutritional ingredients that deliver topical benefits to the hair and skin.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Aqueous Creams Make Eczema Worse

Although aqueous cream has been prescribed for millions of sufferers from childhood, it is the first time research has been carried out on an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS).

Previously it was thought the ‘stinging’ sensation affecting half of users was due to a preservative or antiseptic in the cream. In a study by Bath University researchers, aqueous cream reduced the thickness of healthy skin in volunteers by more than 10 per cent in just four weeks and water loss was increased.

Professor Richard Guy, professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Bath, said the remedy was likely to aggravate the dry, itchy rashes that plague eczema sufferers. He said: ‘The skin has a protective barrier layer of lipids, around one eighth the thickness of a sheet of paper, that stops chemicals from getting into the body and keeps moisture in.

‘SLS is a detergent used to mix oils into water-based moisturisation creams to give a nice creamy texture. It’s also used widely in shower gels and other cosmetics. 'Our study has found that rubbing aqueous cream containing SLS into the skin thins this protective barrier, making the skin more susceptible to irritation by chemicals. So to use this cream on eczemous skin, which is already thin and vulnerable to irritation, is likely to make the condition even worse.’ The study was published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

Aqueous cream is the most widely prescribed moisturiser for dry skin conditions. It costs the NHS £1.86 for a 500g tub and is also available from pharmacies. The principal ingredients are liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin and purified water.

Margaret Cox, of the National Eczema Society, said the charity did not recommend aqueous cream as a moisturiser. Almost four million Britons have eczema, which is mainly treated with steroid creams. Many eczema sufferers give up using aqueous cream because they find it so irritating - a study in children showed 56 per cent experienced a 'stinging' sensation when they used it.

Children said it caused more discomfort than any other product - and the latest research suggests SLS is the reason why.

Source: Daily Mail 19/10/10


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