Since you’re reading this I’m going to assume you already know why it is so essential to choose natural, non-toxic beauty products wherever possible.
But in case you don’t, or just fancy some fresh information and inspiration on the topic, I recommend this video.
It’s part of Annie Leonard’s “Story of Stuff” project and there are many worse ways to while away a couple of hours on a Sunday than heading to YouTube and watching her entire collection.
But when it comes to cosmetics (and indeed any product) labelled natural, organic and/or raw it’s buyer beware, as the products do not always live up to these promises. First of all, there is nowhere near enough regulation of the health products market.
Secondly, unlike in the case of food, when it comes to cosmetics it is legal in many countries for the label to say “organic” even if only a fraction of the ingredients are organic and others are nasty manmade chemicals. Not good.
Hot insider tip… My absolute favourite place to go shopping for gorgeous lotions and potions that are so pure you could eat them (though I’m not recommending it!) is The Natural Skincare Company.
Shop here and you no longer have to be a label sleuth: the lovely Amanda McGillivray, founder of the company, has done all the work for you. This company stocks a range of raw, organic skincare, a fabulous range of natural sun protection, and two natural make-up ranges.
It’s a gorgeous place to indulge in some online retail therapy, and Amanda is always at the end of the phone for any natural beauty related questions.
Today I wanted to tell you about the little-known-about Paul Penders range of beauty products. The entire range is not only organic but also raw; cold processed to maintain the bio-active ingredients at full potency.
Products are based on a blend of 22 herbs formulated to nourish and nurture the skin, while live nutrients give an antioxidant infusion and help combat free radical damage, one of the leading causes of aging.
The range has never been tested on animals. In fact, Paul Penders went so far as to relocate overseas (what a guy!) when the Dutch government threatened to close him down for refusing to test on animals. It is now made in small batches on the Malaysian island of Langkawi.
As well as a full range of skincare products, Paul Penders makes gorgeous haircare and bodycare products, and make-up. The one places in the UK that sells it all, including the brand new travel sizes? The Natural Skincare Company.
The travel sizes are great for travelling light, and light on the wallet, too – ideal for trying out the range before investing in the larger sizes. Select one of the travel sets, combining 2-4 of these products, and you can save even more.
My favourite is set 7, combining Rosemary and Calendula Cleansing Milk, Chamomile and Moringa Toner, Aloe and Lavender AM Moisturiser, and Avocado and Cranberry PM Moisturiser. Pure pampering at its very best!
