Packed with vitamin enriched plant oils

Mary Elizabeth Bodycare Ltd is a new skincare company, launched in June 2012, which provides natural, organic, eco friendly skincare products.. The products are all packed with vitamin enriched plant oils and pure essential oils.  In developing the recipes we have ensured there is enough of each ingredient so that you really get the amazing benefits of the oils.  Our products are all natural, effective, stylish and sustainable

Our first range is:Frankincense and Rose Moisturiser with Jojoba, Meadow Foam, Thistle Oil, Shea Butter, Vitamin E and the wonderful Frankincense and Rose essential oils.  Super moisturising and really affordable luxury. By the way Meadowfoam Oil  is true wonder of nature, a complex oil with simple properties – super moisturising, anti-oxidant and restoring.

Camellia and Geranium Gentle Face Scrub has super gentle Cupuacu grains and Camellia Oil cleanses and moisturises. It doesn’t strip your skin, and can be used ever day. Camellia Oil  is a lovely light oil so is easily absorbed and works to naturally renew your complexion. Its high nutrient and non-pore blocking composition may help to promote the elasticity and suppleness of your skin

Juniper and Jojoba Hand Cream with Jojoba Oil , Calendula Oil, Shea Butter, and Juniper, Chamomile, Geranium and Lavender essential oils. Calendula Oil is wonderful calming, soothing oil which promotes skin suppleness. Naturally rich in salicylic acid it assists in naturally taking care of the skin. The blend of oils in this fabulous hand cream have a synergy all of their own.  Just try it and you will know what we mean!

Spearmint and Tea Tree Nurture Balm is so packed with oils, including Meadowfoam, Hemp, Avocado, Apricot, as well as lots of Shea Butter, that bloggers have called it “magic in a pot”.  Shea Butter  has properties which are believed to be active in stimulating the formation and growth of new cells. Excellent for moisturising and protecting your precious skin from the effects of the elements. This super versatile balm can be used on lips, nails, hands, heels – anywhere!

Some particular points to note about Mary Elizabeth are:

• All our products are produced to our recipe in the UK by a Social Association accredited producer.
• Our aim is to be environmentally friendly and therefore all packaging is recyclable. 
• Our products are not supplied in boxes which are just thrown away when they are opened.

 Guest blog post by Cecilia from Mary Elizabeth Body Care

AW12 Make Up Trend - Deep, Red Lips

Deep, red lips are a key trend for Autumn/Winter 2012 having been seen on the catwalks of designers such as Viktor & Rolf and Bottega Veneta.

Get the look yourself with BM Beauty by mixing Jewel Lip Gloss with Velvet Dawn Blush and a touch of Noir Eyeshadow!

Facial Energy Centres

Ayurvedic massage stimulates special energy centres located on the face and body. Gentle massage of these areas can greatly benefit your wellbeing, through unblocking energy and enhancing your vitality prana.

Massage Technique:
When you have applied your oil, serum or cream press your chosen energy centre with your index or middle finger for 10 seconds, then relax and repeat. You can slowly rotate or pulse the pressure of your fingers at each location for deeper effect.

Relieve Stress:
The area between your eyebrows is known in Ayurveda as 'the place of stillness'.

Gentle massage in this area regulates kapha, calms the mind and relieves stress.

Relieve your stress with:
Pukka Skincare products: Firming Face Oil, Nourishing Face Oil, Balancing Day Cream, Deep Moisture Day Cream, Nourishing Night Cream, Radiance Serum, Gentle Cleanser, Nourishing Brightener.

If you purchase a Pukka Radiance Serum you will receive a Free Pukka Uplifting Toner (whilst stocks last)

Handmade in Wales by Kelly Edwards

“Kelly Edwards Skincare was established in Wales back in 2010.  Having suffered acne, eczema and psoriasis from an early age, I became increasingly frustrated at the use of synthetic chemicals contained within products manufactured by major high street cosmetic companies.  So, armed with a degree in Aromatherapy and Biology, I decided to channel my passion for science and well-being to create natural skincare products for all using the finest botanical ingredients.” 

We have formulated our products using a range of ingredients rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and phytochemicals. Key ingredients to name a few include Rosehip, Rice Bran, Calendula, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera.  Our ingredients work together to help reduce inflammation and irritations, stimulate cell production and of course protect the skin within all climates.   Whilst we cannot stop ageing, we can certainly slow it down by looking after it.

Our easy to use, fuss free skincare range includes a cleanser, toner, eye gel and face scrub to suit all skin types.  We also offer a choice of moisturisers, masks and serum to suit your own skin type.

For best results we highly recommend:

• Cleansing, toning and moisturising twice a day
• Apply our Eye Gel twice a day, before or after moisturising
• Exfoliating once or twice a week
• Use a mask once a week for either deep cleansing or for extra nourishment
• Use our Florence Selina Rejuvenating Serum as an extra boost to your skin twice or three times a week

Below is the product matrix for the face:

Product Type	Normal Skin	Dry/Mature	Combination Skin	Oily Skin
Cleanse	CLEANSER
Tone	TONER
Moisturiser	Floral Moisturiser	Florence Selina Moisturiser	Balancing Moisturiser	Balancing Moisturiser
Masks	Red Clay	Florence Selina Mask	Red or Green Clay	Green Clay
Serum	Florence Selina Serum	Florence Selina Serum	Balancing Serum	Balancing Serum
Eye Gel	EYE GEL
Face Scrub	EXFOLIATING CREAM

Shop now and Save 20% on Kelly Edwards Skincare products - fabulous handmade and effective organic products made in Wales.

Our Top 3 Handbag Make Up Essentials

Lily Lolo Lipstick - stunning natural glow while protecting your lips with Vitamin E and rosemary extract. Smart case as well!

Green People Volumising Black Mascara - Volumises and lengthens lashes, lasts all day. Fabulous rich black colour.



NATorigin Pencil Eyeliner - Hypoallergenic, natural soothing, healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Allergy UK approved. Good selection of colours.

These are 3 top handbag picks, tell us what yours are?



Cleanse your way to happy, healthy skin

Guest Blog Post by Sarah Brown, founder of Pai Skin Care

Creams, oils, washes, face wipes: with hundreds of Cleansers on the market it’s often difficult to know which is best for you – particularly if you have sensitive skin.

Truth is, Cleansing is the most important part of a skin care regime.

While many with problem skin play around with different moisturisers, correcting your Cleansing regime is often the most transformative thing you can do.

It’s also what helped me solve my sensitive skin troubles.

Post-cleansing, skin should feel clean, smooth and beautifully soft – never dry or tight.

The key to achieving this is to select a Cleanser that removes dirt, make-up and impurities without stripping away the skin’s natural oils.

That means avoiding Alcohol and Detergents (most common in Face Washes and Wipes) - these upset the skin’s crucial pH and oil balance, and leave it exposed to irritants.

A gentle yet effective Cleanser like Pai’s Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser protects the skin’s acid mantle, and maintains the perfect oil and pH balance necessary for clear, healthy skin.

High levels of Vitamins A, B, C & E nourish the skin, while Rose helps it retain moisture for long-lasting hydration.

It’s our best-selling product by far, and a real saviour for truly sensitive skin.

Top Tip: Use with an organic Muslin Cloth for gentle exfoliation and an even deeper clean.

Spend £20 or more on Pai Skin Care before midnight 22/8/12 and receive a free Pai Cleanser 50ml and Cloth worth £17

You’ll never look at ecz-easy (or your salad) in the same way again!

Chickweed

The latin name for this beautiful plant is Stellaria media: stella means star in latin, and in this instance refers to the tiny white flowers that the plant produces. The flowers open when the sun shines, but close at night, or when the sky is overcast.

I love this little plant, which is a common weed in much of Europe and North America. Although it thrives in wasteland, farmland and gardens, one of the places I notice it most often is at the base of roadside trees in urban areas.

I strongly recommend chickweed as a salad base (when picked from an unpolluted source!) as it is delicious and highly nutritious: it is rich in Vitamin C, Beta carotene (Vitamin A precursor), Vitamins B (B1, B2, B3), Bioflavonoids (rutin), Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acid, Calcium, Copper, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Phosphorus and Selenium. It also contains triterpene saponins,
phytosteroles, and mucilage.

You can also take chickweed internally as a herbal infusion or tincture: these can help treat rheumatism, constipation, or urinary infections, and can cleanse your blood by expelling toxins. Of course, I recommend you see a professional herbalist before starting any course of treatment.

Traditionally, chickweed has been used to treat a variety of skin complaints such eczema, psoriasis, erysipelas, ulcers, nappy rash, contact dermatitis and minor skin wounds. I have chosen to use chickweed in Inlight products, such as Ecz-easy, is for its demulcent (soothing) quality, due to the presence of mucilage, and also its ability to reduce itchiness and speed up the healing process, due to its high saponin content.

Ecz-easy, like all Inlight products, is the result of traditional wisdom combined with the latest production techniques to create the perfect diet for your skin. Chickweed (so called as it is a favourite food of chickens) is an essential part of what makes Ecz-easy so effective, so I for one think that this wonderful plant deserves a more worthy name!

Dr Mariano Spiezia
Inlight Organic Skincare

Ever wondered why your hair is so full of body after a dip in the ocean?

Every day can be a day at the beach with John Masters Sea Mist! This 100% natural unique sea salt spray gives hair the same extra body, wave and curl enhancement it has after a day at the ocean. The inclusion of certified organic Lavender oil helps to protect the hair from becoming dry and brittle.

Ever wondered why your hair is so full of body after a dip in the ocean?
Sea salt adds fantastic natural texture and volume to limp and lifeless hair and enhances natural waves and curls. John Masters Sea Mist Spray can also be used to combat oily hair and freshen your style whilst imparting a clean, fresh lavender scent .

How to Use:

• Use any time you want the beach or volumised look.
• Use after shampooing & conditioning.
• For curls and waves spray onto hair
• Leave in and style.
• For a volumising effect spray close

Top Tip:
Use John Masters Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor after washing to keep hair silky smooth and in optimum condition .

What are Jelly Nail Polishes?

Jelly nail polishes are semi-sheer with a unique, ultra-buildable formula. Not only are the Zoya 2012 Gloss Collection shades extremely versatile, they have a super glossy, high-shine finish. They can be worn alone or layered to create an endless variety of custom colors.

Have jelly nail polish but not sure how to wear it? Here are some ideas...

1. Wear the sheer jelly glosses alone for a subtle wash of color. Build color (3-4 coats), to a full-coverage finish that adds depth and darkness to the shade. (source: Gotham Polish)

2. Layer Jellies over metallic or glitter polishes to create a variety of unique colors.

3. Layer over an opaque base in a similar shade or white for intense, vibrant color.
    (source: Makeup Withdrawal)

4. Create a "Jelly sandwich" - Great option for those who like the semi-sheer look but are not a fan of visible nail line (VNL). Layer one coat of jelly followed by a coat of glitter or flakes, topped off with another layer of the jelly polish. This gives the effect that the glitter is "floating" in between the layers. (source: Makeup Withdrawal)

Check out the new Zoya Gloss Collection and if you have any of your own tips, let us know?
(source: ZoyaNail Polish Blog)

Kimberly Wyatt with her BM Lip Gloss

Bm Lip Gloss is Cruelty Free & Natural

Silver Award for Barefoot SOS Body Cream

Barefoot SOS Face & Body Rescue Cream received a Silver Award for Best Body and Hair Care Product at the inaugural FreeFrom Skin Care Awards 2012.

Held in association with The Green Beauty Bible, the Awards were designed to celebrate skin care manufacturers creating products which exclude as many allergens, chemicals, fragrances and artificial additives associated with many modern day skin and health problems.

The FreeFrom Skin Care Awards were held at The Allergy and FreeFrom Show at Kensington Olympia in May and organised by Michelle Berriedale-Johnson, editor of the Foodsmatter.com websites, and Alex Gazzola, deputy editor of Skinsmatter.com and a health writer specialising in allergies.

Barefoot’s Hero Product was shortlisted from 160 products before being awarded a Silver Award. Judges’ comments about Barefoot SOS Face & Body Rescue Cream included:

“The product easily absorbed into the skin: it sinks in easily within a minute or so leaving the skin very soft and protected. Fresh lemony smell. Very fresh, clean and pleasant fragrance. Cooling on application and cooling on irritated skin. Clear labelling, no nonsense packaging. Very impressive.”

“I am delighted Barefoot SOS was recognised for this new award and that the judges spoke so highly of our clear and concise packaging which was rebranded last year. The rebrand has elevated us into the natural skincare solution market and it’s good to see consumers are recognising the benefits of using products which are free from synthetic chemicals,” said Lindsay Dancaster, Barefoot SOS brand manager.

Barefoot SOS has been offering relief for eczema sufferers for over 17 years and the FreeFrom Skin Care Award adds to its growing list of achievements in 2012. Barefoot SOS won the ‘Best Eczema Range’ in the Natural Health and Beauty Magazine Awards 2012 for the second year running. It also picked up a Silver at the Bizziebaby.co.uk Awards for its SOS Daily Rich Body Lotion and the SOS Barrier Hand Cream won ‘Best Hand Therapy Cream’ in the Beauty Shortlist Awards.

Barefoot SOS Face & Body Rescue Cream is an intensively rich and nourishing cream combining Chickweed and Burdock extracts to comfort and soothe, Macadamia and Evening Primrose Oil to deeply moisturise, Organic Sulphur (MSM) to replenish dry skin and Neroli and Chamomile essential oils to nurture the skin.

Barefoot SOS Face & Body Rescue Cream is available in a 50ml size priced at £9.95 and 100ml at £17.95.

Rose - The Multi-Tasker

The rose is one of the most popular flowers in the world and the symbol of love, passion, and tenderness. The word rose comes from Greek rodon (red) and its colour is said to have come from the blood of Adonis, the god of beauty in the Greek mythology.

Ornamental roses have been cultivated for millennia (there is evidence from 500 BC) and the birthplace of cultivated Roses was probably Northern Persia. From here they spread across Mesopotamia and Palestine to Greece and then to Southern Italy. According to Horace and Pliny, the Romans used rose blossoms lavishly during nuptial events, banquets and royal ceremonies. Roses were scattered at feasts in the paths of victors, or beneath their chariot-wheels, and adorned the prows of war-vessels.

Rose contains tannins (tonic and astringents), flavonoids (quercitrin), anthocyanins, plus a volatile and very special essential oil: to make 1 gram of it you need 2000 rose flowers.

In the past, rose infusions have been used externally to treat ulcers (vulnerary), as mouthwashes or as eye drops and internally to clear catarrh and enteritis. By infusing rose petals with honey you create “mel rosatum” (honey with rose) which can be used to treat inflamed gums in babies during teething or as a boost for the immune-system.

Rosehips contain high levels of Vitamin C, and the British Government encouraged people to make Rosehip syrup during World War II, when other sources of Vitamin C were scarce.

The fragrance of roses can help depression, insomnia, nervous tension, stress, frigidity, and headache. Applied externally, rose extract/oil is excellent for treating wrinkles, broken capillaries, mature and sensitive complexions, and for dry skin.

Finally, I believe that rose opens the heart allowing love to flow, and helps to dissolve fears, allowing you to face life with courage and positivity.

Source: Dr Mariano Spiezia

Browse the fabulous Inlight Skin Care range creted by Dr Mariano Spiezia

Toxic Nail Polish Report

Reports about toxic nail polish containing toxic chemicals have gained widespread reactions from companies, medical groups and citizens.

The report by Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) had said that despite marketing nail polish as ‘free from unsafe chemicals’, most brands in fact contain these chemicals.

Chemicals like dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene, and formaldehyde are together called ‘toxic trio’ and are a health hazard to some 121,000 nail salon workers in California. The State of California describes DBP and toluene as ‘developmental toxins’ and Formaldehyde as a carcinogen.

“This report shows that these companies are knowingly peddling tons of toxins without even an ounce of scruples,” Miriam Yeung, director of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum said. “Not only are they including dangerous chemicals in their products, but they are outright lying about it. Most disturbing is that the cosmetic industry continues to be almost completely unregulated- the FDA still does not have the power it needs to keep consumers and salon workers safe.”

For the study, the investigators randomly collected 25 brands of nail polishes that are only available at salons. They later checked these samples for ‘toxic trio’ and found that 10 of the 12 products that advertised to be free of toluene actually had significant levels of the chemical. Four of the products had dangerous levels of toluene.

Of the seven products that claimed to be free of all three dangerous chemicals, five contained either of the three chemicals.

The remaining 13 products that did not make any claim of being toxic free contained toluene but the level was significantly lower than the products that claimed to be ‘non-toxic’.

“In a fetus, there’s felt to be greater susceptibility to the effects” said Dr. Kenneth R. Spaeth, the director of the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Center’s Department of Population Health at North Shore University Hospital.

"Physically, I can tell after eight or ten hours working, the chemicals give you very bad headache and affects you mentally. My eyes itch. My nose itch. But as soon as I walk outside the salon, I feel much better. I hope the state government think about this and make it by law that if you say 'no' and you have it, they have to have punishment or penalty." Tina Bui, a manicurist in Marin County for 17 years told Associated Press.

Nail Polish Company Zoya was one of the two brands that came out ‘clean’ in the study. “Today, Zoya nail Polish and Treatments remain committed to a proactive approach to developing quality, toxin-free products,” a Zoya spokesperson said in a statement.

DTSC said that women who work at the salons, many of whom are young Asian Americans, are more vulnerable to these chemicals as they work in rooms that have poor ventilation.

Source: Medicaldaily.com

The Miracle Super Ingredient - Avocado Oil

With the latest 'miracle health source', avocado oil hitting the headlines recently for its incredible health links in helping fighting heart disease and cancer, we take a look at the impressive beauty credentials and the anti-ageing properties it holds too.

Rich in vitamins, anti-wrinkle, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties the benefits of avocado oil an ingredient in beauty products is ours for the taking. Known to reduce age spots, it possesses high levels of sterolin, which is well recognised for helping to reduce sun damage and scars too.

Jason Natural Care have been including avocado oil in their products since 1959, recognising a results driven ingredient that leaves Jason fans with fewer fine lines, well hydrated and smoother complexions.

Alexander Barani, natural beauty expert of Jason Natural Products, details more uses of avocado oil: "not only does avocado oil have hugely beneficial anti-ageing properties and is an ideal ingredient to anti-wrinkle face creams and oils, it is also excellent for healthy hair. I recommend adding a few drops of the Jason Vitamin E 14,000 Oil, which has a notable concentration of avocado oil, to your shampoo to give your hair a full, silky luster. Avocado oil contains essential minerals and vitamins that help with rebuilding and hair growth, whilst protecting and strengthening each strand. Avocado oil contains natural fats which will add a natural shine to your mane too."

Jason Age Renewal Vitamin E Creme contains rejuvenating vitamin E to replenish lost moisture, while natural avocado oil helps restore elasticity and resilience to your skin.

Celebrity fans of Jason include Reese Witherspoon and Stella McCartney.

The Benefits of Green Tea

Tea comes from the plant Camellia sinensis, which is native to China (from the 10th century BC) and South East Asia.  It is now cultivated in many other tropical or sub-tropical regions, and the leaves are used to make numerous variations of a wonderful beverage loosely referred to as “tea”.

Different teas, including white, yellow, green, black oolong and pu-erh, are a result of processing techniques, and subsequently to different levels of oxidation. Once tea leaves are picked they are usually left out in the sun to become slightly wilted. The leaves are then rolled to break open their tissue. The inner chemicals react with the air and begin to ferment. During the fermentation, the leaves darken and change from green to red and finally to black. After the fermenting is complete, the leaves are dried and then packaged.

Green tea, however, is dried, but not wilted, and it doesn’t go through enzymatic oxidation, which the tea industry calls fermentation. Black tea is wilted and also fully oxidised, whereas the process to make oolong tea is somewhere between the two: it is wilted, bruised, and partially oxidized.

The taste of green tea is often described as light and grassy, while black tea usually has a stronger, sweeter taste.

Tea contains more than 700 chemicals, including flavonoids, polyphenols, amino acids, vitamins (C, E and K), caffeine and polysaccharides with antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-radiation properties. It has also cooling and astringent properties, due to its tannin content.

Tea also prevents dental cavities due to the presence of fluorine, and helps to normalise blood pressure. It is also good for lipid depressing activity (for reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol), and the prevention of coronary heart diseases and diabetes by reducing blood-glucose levels. Tea also possesses anti-bacterial activities against various gram-positive and gram-negative human pathogenic bacteria.

Green tea is particularly good for your health, as it contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which cannot be found anywhere else.  EGCG has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties that may help prevent the development and growth of skin tumors.

Green Tea is one of many special ingredients in some Inlight products that contribute to their unique natural potency.  The Inlight Organic Firm & Tone Oil, for example partly owes its toning and astringent properties to the inclusion of Green Tea.

Browse or buy Inlight Skin Care
 
Source: Dr Mariano Spiezia

Power of Plantain - by Dr Mariano Spezia

Working from a lab in the remote Cornish countryside, is a constant source of inspiration for me. The Lizard is a wild and beautiful place, and my lunchtime strolls always bring a smile to my face, (especially when the sun shines!).

People are often surprised at how many natural ingredients used in my products grow wild, often within metres of the Inlight front door. Even during the colder months, spear like leaves of Plantain thrusting skyward through the pasture: It is usually considered a weed, as it often grows on lawns and driveways, but it is actually very special.

Historically, Greater Plantain (Plantago Major) was referred to as “Soldier’s Herb” and used on the battlefield as a dressing for wounds. As well as being an effective natural healer, Plantain is often used to reduce swelling and itching from bee stings, insect bites, burns and nettle stings. I have also heard of people lining their socks with Plantain leaves on a hike to prevent blisters developing.

The juice from Plantain leaves is anti-bacterial, and is soothing when applied to burnt or damaged skin. It promotes new cell growth (through cytophylactic action) and contains Silica, which promotes the skin healing process: It is for this reason that I decided to use Plantain, together with other plant extracts, in the Inlight Organic Line Softener. The synergic properties between all these plant extracts, will stimulate skin regeneration, slowing down the ageing process and improving your skin’s health.

Click here to brows or buy Inlight Organic Skin Care Products.

Source: Dr Mariano Spiezia