FACE | SUSTAINABLE GIFT GUIDE

As regular readers may know, we took a pledge in the past year to try as much as possible going forward to only feature products which are cruelty-free, kind to their creators and makers (at every level) and as sustainable as possible in their creation. Whilst this is a big ask and task to manage, (because really, is *any* product truly, wholly sustainable?) we do so with a genuine desire to not promote things which negatively affect people or our planet, and it is with this in mind that we have created this gift guide.  We’re creating this with Christmas in mind, (because everyone needs a little something at Christmas, right?) but we’re also trying to choose products which will work as gifts all year round. Most, if not all of our gifts are UK/Irish made. 

Have a read – and don’t forget to send us any suggestions if you have any 😊

Beauty

Proverb’s Natural Refillable Deodorant

There is definitely an increasing number of shampoo bars, metal razers, and bamboo toothbrushes popping up in bathrooms across the globe - which from an environmental perspective, can only be a good thing! However, one product that is lagging behind its counterparts in the way of sustainability is deodorant - and considering the average container only lasts around three months, that means we are throwing away countless single-use plastic deodorants every year! *sigh*

Enter, Proverb Natural Refillable Deodorant with easy-to-swap inserts that can be reused again and again. Proverb only uses natural, organic and vegan ingredients in their skincare - this means you will not find aluminium, parabens, propylene glycol, petroleums, aerosol gases, alcohol or artificial fragrances in any of their products (which is good for you and much better for the environment). In fact, all of the ingredients in Proverb’s deodorant are edible! Now that is what I call food for the skin…

Proverb skincare is available to buy at www.proverbskin.com

SEABODY Skincare

All-Irish marine-powered cosmetic and nutraceutical brand SEABODY has the perfect range for a guilt-free beauty option for 2022. This biodesigned range of skincare will supply eco-conscious skincare lovers like me with sustainable and ethical health and beauty products.

Not only are the products vegan & cruelty free but they contain proprietary marine molecules that SEABODY has isolated from 100% Irish, organic seaweed using a gentle and zero-waste process. The company makes skincare and supplements that are environmentally conscious, all-Irish and deliver exceptional results - without harming the planet!

Hydrogel Mask Cleanser -100ml €40.00

A luxurious ultra-nourishing cleansing gel, enriched with multifunctional marine glycan complexes - Phytomara™, MaraFucoidan™ and μ-Algae™, squalene, niacinamide, Vitamin E and botanical lipids, Sea Buckthorn, Blackcurrant, Chamomile Flower and Blue Tansy. Feel refreshed and rejuvenated after use.

Glycan Enrich Moisturiser - €65.00

This supercharged ultra-rich moisturiser is powered by potent multi-functional marine glycans, including time release microencapsulated MaraFucoidan™, Alginic Acid, marine antioxidant Polyphenols and vegan Omegas. Boost the skin's moisture and protect from free radicals with this super moisturiser.

AquaSurge Day Serum - €50.00

A super-hydrating daily serum that plumps the skin with the use of marine powered hydration and hyaluronic acid to quench and give the skin a healthy dewy glow. This luxurious formula will have users looking and feeling great all day long.

Overnight Elixir Serum - €70.00

The ultimate overnight tonic for the skin. This lightweight hybrid serum is enriched with microencapsulated marine actives, MaraFucoidan™ and PhytoMara™, which neutralise free radicals, support dermal cell turnover and collagen & elastin production. This formula also contains Vitamins A & E, Phytosqualane, Hyaluronic Acid and an array of vegan lipids including Algal Omegas, Jojoba, Rosehip, Grapeseed, Blackcurrant and Sea Buckthorn Oil, delivering a facial-inspired bounty of skin actives overnight. This impressive serum will have you waking up with post facial skin every morning.

Supplements: 
MOVEMENT - 30 capsules €49.00 
SEABODY Movement contains Copper which contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues; Vitamin C which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones and cartilage; and Vitamin D which contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function 

 IMMUNITY - 30 capsules €49.00 

SEABODY Immunity contains Vitamin C and Zinc which supports the function of the immune system. Vitamin C also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. This boosting supplement also includes Biotin which contributes to a normal energy yielding metabolism, Manganese for the maintenance of normal bones and Copper to protect cells from oxidative stress. 

BEAUTY- €85.00

Designed to support the pathways of skin, nails and hair health, growth, and quality from within. Enriched in Sea Theory’s proprietary marine complex Maragen (obtained from algae) and key hair cell cycle micronutrients Biotin, Zinc, Selenium, L-Cysteine, Vitamin C and D to deliver a daily dose of vegan marine bioactives and nutrients to the hair follicle which support key pathways in the hair follicle involved in hair formation, growth, and quality. 

DIGESTION - €49.00 

SEABODY Digestion is biodesigned to support the digestive process while also containing Fucoidan, a powerful prebiotic. Fucoidan is associated with being the power behind seaweed’s strength, protecting it from various environmental stressors in the harsh ocean environment in which it flourishes. 

SEABODY is available to purchase from Seabody.com, Brown Thomas and Arnotts.

Pietro's Simone 'clean & ethical' skincare range FIERCE.

Fierce, by definition, refers to power, bravery, intensity, and measured results - and that is exactly what Pietro Simone’s new skincare range Fierce is!

We all know our skin can be problematic at times, and no matter what we do to it, it doesn’t seem to get re-hydrated, or glow, or quite rejuvenate like the way we envision or want it to. The Fierce collection looks at the skin as an individual, delivering astonishing results for a range of skin issues. It’s also sustainable and traceable which as you know are two big ticks for me!

Dewy Reboot

Pietro Simone knows skin and pushes skin’s REBOOT button with Dewy Reboot, in his new FIERCE collection. This multi-skilled serum has an advanced anti-pollutant skin shield technology that gives an intense epidermal reboot & renewal. With its 4 dimensional hyaluronic moisturising system, an ultra innovative VIT C structure with Gluthathione molecule and Collilda Gold- for a 100% stable and penetrable form of powerful stable vitamin C, and Gluthathione complex and skin barrier drone delivery system- it will wipe all your skin woes and give you radiant skin just as you want it. It is simply, where your skin’s needs are met with results!

Fierce Rescue Recover & Repair

Irritated, stressed, red skin needs a rescue formula that is quick enough to act as dialling 9-9-9-. Pietro Simone’s FIERCE-Rescue Recover & Repair aids skin instantly and is an extraordinary ally. This bio-gel recovery complex gives intense healing and comfort while balancing out an over-stressed and compromised epidermis.

Fierce Infusion

Pietro Simone’s FIERCE INFUSION targets redness and rosacea is a visionary, groundbreaking moisturising formula that contains a Skin Delivery System Technology, which delivers powerful bio-compatible ingredients to the skin barrier to rebuild and give skin microbiome optimisation.

Pure Kalahari Melon Facial Oil

Nêô Sephiri is a very exciting newcomer to the beauty scene. Founded following 10 years of extensive research, Nêô Sephiri means ‘a secret gift’ in Tswana, the language spoken on the organic-certified, South African farm where this oil is made.
Their first product launched was the Pure Kalahari Melon Facial Oil, a naturally powerful, ethical and traceable skincare that only contains one ingredient: Kalahari Melon oil.
Not only does this unique ingredient have remarkable skincare benefits but it also has extraordinary social impact potential to restore a community devastated by climate change. In fact, the brand was actually founded as a climate change intervention, meaning that sustainability really is at the foundation of their DNA.

Sugar Coated Waxing Pack

Wanting a salon-at-home vibe this year? For beauty lovers who like to remove hair, Sugar Coated's Waxing Pack is an easy-to-use solution made from just sugar syrup and water! 100% vegan, your choice of Wax, Pure Fine Talc & Soothing Mist offers a complete kit for beginners and experts alike.

SOS Serum Skincare Range

My skin always feels a little dry following winter which is no surprise with the constantly changing temperatures and harsh weather - so anything that promises to quench thirsty skin certainly merits my consideration! The award-winning range of SOS skincare, including the SOS Serum, H20 Day Cream and SPF 50 sun cream is full of soothing, healing, and moisturising properties making it the perfect choice for combatting the dull skin left by winter. It is also made in the UK, vegan and with ingredients so good, they are suitable for anyone aged over 1 month.

Solidamie

Solidamie products are highly concentrated, pH-balanced cleansing bars that are activated by water.
For those of you that have previously been skeptical of shampoo bars because of the perception that they don’t lather the same way as traditional shampoos - then this one is for you! I am obsessed with the beautifully-rich lather from these bars - which rivals any of the bottle shampoos that I have long been used to (whilst also being much more environmentally friendly!).
The bars contain salon-quality formulations and have zero soap content - meaning they won’t strip any natural oils from the hair strands.
Having products in a solid, concentrated bar form, enables the brand to reduce its water usage and carbon footprint.
And as if I couldn’t love this brand anymore - their commitment to protecting the planet and minimising the waste that ends up in our oceans means that all products are created are completely biodegradable and have no plastic in them.

Let’s Sanitise

The Covid-19 pandemic hit hard and fast and brought with it a whole new way of normal - including mask-wearing and hand sanitising - All. Of. The. Time.
If you’re like me and don’t particularly like the strong alcohol scent of most hand sanitisers, then the new ready-to-wear ‘Scent's’ range by Let’s Sanitise is for you.
With scents such as oud, watermelon, and citrus, the range comes in gel, mist, or lotion form - promising a whole sensory experience that suddenly makes the whole thing seem like less of a chore (or perhaps a more pleasurable one).
Also, with each bottle sold, Let’s Sanitise donate a bottle to community organisations, care homes, schools and charities.

Each bottle contains 75% alcohol (complying with WHO standards), is vegan friendly, and has been clinically proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. It also contains hydrating glycerol and soothing aloe vera, giving your hands a little extra luxury protection with each clean - what’s not to love?!

CARTIER DÉCLARATION
A luxuriously elegant scent, Déclaration is a true trail of passion led by an overdose of cardamom and locked up in a gorgeous streamlined bottle - a declaration of love.
After an electric and intoxicating burst of cardamom, cedarwood emerges with its unrivalled balance and plenitude. A beautiful addition to any bathroom shelf…

Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue
Inspired by the blue hues found in nature, this rich scent has notes of bergamot, Marine Accord, and Patchouli. The perfect gift for any special man in your life (or a gift to yourself -this is definitely not male-exclusive and I love to wear this scent myself!)

GOUTAL PARIS UNE FORÊT D’OR CANDLE
This limited-edition candle conjures up the moments spent walking in the forest, surrounded by nature. I had this lit all through the festive season and am still enjoying it now. A beautiful luxurious scent that feels like taking a trip down memory lane.
Notes: Pine Branches, Orange Rind. Also, the 100% cotton wick guarantees optimal burning of around 43 to 50 hours.

ONAIE
This female-powered brand was created by two sisters and offers a wide range of stylish handmade sheepskin slippers, including a vegan range. Paying homage to the sister’s heritage, ONAIE'S products are made by a team of highly skilled craftswomen in the Polish Highlands. With sustainability at the heart of the brand, the team continually work with its suppliers to ensure ongoing ethical, social and environmental compliance.

Dolores & Rose

Finding the perfect gift can be hard and it can be even harder if you’re looking for something sustainable, ethical, vegan and luxury!
Thankfully, ethical haircare brand, Dolores & Rose make buying the perfect gift much easier. As well as being vegan and cruelty-free, their products are handmade in Yorkshire and don’t contain any nasties such as sulphates and parabens.
Their shampoo bars make the perfect start on your plastic-free hair care journey with four different types to choose from:
Purify High combines the cleansing power of nettles with peppermint’s antimicrobial properties together to reduce scalp irritation and inflammation for energised, fabulously fresh hair.
Colour Lock nourishes colour treated hair, with rooibos tea which is rich in antioxidants known to promote hair growth and rosemary to revitalise, soften and condition the hair whilst lavender helps to improve shine and resilience.
Soothe and Shine is a refreshing and zesty shampoo bar with a wonderful citrus aroma, suitable for most hair types. Turmeric, lemon and lemongrass provide antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Give your hair some sparkle and shine this spring.
Moisture Hit is an intensely nourishing shampoo bar for hair that is thirsty! Geranium for strength, chamomile to soothe and calm and olive oil esters for that hit of moisture!  A rich, nutritious shampoo bar for healthy hair.
Blonde Brilliance for beautiful blondes, all year long. Featuring lavender essential oil and ultra-violet pigments to banish brassiness and maintain beautiful blonde tones in between salon visits.

FACE | NIMUE JOINS BEST IN CLASS FOR SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY & OFFERS REFILL SYSTEM

Gorgeous brand Nimue – which I have come to know and love over the past year - is one of very few skincare brands globally to offer a refill system (you’ll remember I wrote about another personal fave, Irish brand Skingredients, doing the same a few blogs back). This unique feature ensures that consumers only have to pay for Nimue’s elegant and premium packaging once and thereafter can save up to 30% on buying the refills. Not only good for your pocket but also much better for the environment.

This feature is currently available on Nimue’s top sellers: cleansers, conditioners, exfoliating enzyme, active lotion, and active gel.

Nimue Cleansing Gel - €43.00/£36.00, Refill - €31.00/£26.00

One of Nimue’s biggest sellers, the Cleansing Gel is a soap-free, 2-in-1 gel cleanser that gently removes dirt and debris, the glycolic acid provides a light exfoliation to cleanse pores and clear away dead skin cells. This impressive gel cleanser helps to reveal a more fresh, youthful, and radiant skin underneath.

Nimue Conditioner - €46.00/£38.00, Refill - €28.00/£34.00

This Glycolic Conditioner is a specially formulated skin treatment that stimulates exfoliation, refreshes, and clarifies the skin for a fresh, healthy appearance.

Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme - €49.00/£41.00, Refill - €38.00/£32.00

An enzymatic exfoliator that is non-irritating and non-abrasive, gently removing dead skin cells and promoting cell renewal. The results are impressive, and skin is left smooth and clean without any dryness. The effect is just as polished as with a conventional exfoliator – if not more so – without the irritation. Ideal for those with uneven or congested skin, it gently tackles all those lumps, bumps, and whiteheads. Sensitive skins who don’t get on with scrubs should also find it more than tolerable, and it can be used up to three times a week.

Active Lotion - €47.00/£56.00, Refill - €36.00/£43.00 

A concentrated rejuvenating treatment that stimulates cell renewal through exfoliation, resulting in softer, smoother skin with a youthful, radiant glow.

FACE: VEGANUARY BEAUTY

Why not show yourself some love while sharing the love for the planet too? This week we’ve compiled a list of our favourite eco-friendly products for you to try out this Veganuary.

Dermalogica 

The choices we make every day are directly linked to our planet’s health. As a global brand Dermalogica are acutely aware of the impact that our actions can have on the environment, and so they are committed to an ambitious new Healthy Skin, Healthy Planet initiative.  

All but 3 of Dermalogica products are cruelty-free + certified vegan so why not introduce some into your January self-care routine like Dynamic Skin Recovery spf50 (€79/ £69) 

Broad Spectrum moisturiser helps combat the appearance of skin ageing. Help minimise the appearance of skin ageing with this medium-weight, emollient daily moisturiser with Broad Spectrum SPF50. Antioxidant White Tea, rich in polyphenols, and a unique polypeptide help improve the appearance of photoaged skin. Active sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB rays. 

This Works  

This Works have a conscience as clean as their formulas. All of our products contain 100% natural fragrances, 100% pure essential oils and are free from phthalates, sulphates, GMOs, petrolatum and synthetic colours. They also have a 100% cruelty free PETA accreditation and 83% of their products are vegan. 100% of our boxes are fully recyclable, compostable and biodegradable. 

Why not introduce their amazing sleep plus pillow spray 50ml (RRP €/29 £23) into your January routine?  

By encouraging the body to unwind and promoting a state of deep relaxation sleep plus pillow spray eases users to sleep, whilst our Sleep fragrance is gradually released via motion activated technology through the night, offering immediate and sustained relief to those who toss and turn and helping to reintroduce a normal sleep pattern. 
 

Jordan Oral Care Green Clean Range  

Green Clean is all about helping people make green choices, without compromising on effect. This year we want to celebrate all the small changes people do for the environment, and highlight all the little things that might seem small on their own, but together make a difference.  

Since Jordan introduced their sustainability initiative, Green Clean, starting with just one toothbrush Adult Toothbrush (€3.75/£2.67), Jordan has developed and expanded the range to include the Green Clean Cavity Protection and Gentle Whitening Toothpaste (€3.75/£2.67) and a child friendly line Green Clean Kids Toothbrush (€3.75/£2.67) & Green Clean Kids (0-5) and Junior 6+ Toothpaste (€3.75/£2.67), to take care of your teeth and the environment.  In 2022 they build on this with the introduction of their newest launch the Baby (0-2) Green Clean toothbrush.  

NOTE Cosmetique 

If there's one thing, we love even more than makeup it’s vegan makeup! All NOTE Cosmetique products are 100% Vegan Friendly meaning they contain zero animal produce.  

If Cruelty Free / vegan beauty is as important to you as it is us, you can rest assured that NOTE has you covered from flawless foundations to luscious lips!  

Note Detox & Protect Foundation (€13.95) provides SPF15 sun protection and nourishes the skin with powerful anti-oxidants to protect from environmental stress. It is one of the best friends your face can have! Sweet almond oil provides moisture. Achieve the perfect face using this medium to full coverage formula with a satin finish. This luxurious product rival's foundation costing many times more. Packed with Vitamin E that works as an effective defense against environmental stress. 

SEABODY 

For the month of January, hundreds of thousands of people around the world adopt a vegan lifestyle as a way of protecting the environment, preventing animal suffering, and improving general health. SEABODY is an 100% plant-based brand - with every one of its products being free of animal products, cruelty free and sustainably biodesigned. As sustainable and natural beauty is the core to everything SEABODY does. 
SEABODY skincare ranges from €40-70 and offers a Hydrogel Mask Cleanser, Glycan Enrich Moisturiser, Aquasurge Day Serum and Overnight Elixir Serum. Try the nutritious supplements as well that help Immunity, Movement, Digestion and Beauty from €49-€80.  

wet n wild® 

Not only do wet n wild® have a fabulous range of affordable make-up but they also pride themselves on being 100% cruelty free! wet n wild® believe in beauty without cruelty first and have made it their mission from day one to never test on animals. Most of their products are not only cruelty-free, but vegan as well, and who doesn’t want ultra-glam make-up from a brand that also ensure they are doing the right thing from day one.  

10-Pan Shadow Palette - Heart & Sol (RRP: €6.99) 

Live your best life in color! This Color Icon 10-Pan Palette features an improved, richly pigmented and buttery-smooth vegan formula in matte, satin, shimmer, and metallic finishes. This specially curated palette is perfect for achieving the look of your dreams whether it's naturally soft or jaw-droppingly bold. Each shade is buttery soft for seamless blendability and easy layering. Usable both wet and dry, it's easy to create a true rainbow of creative effects that leave you looking and feeling like a true 10/10. 

Emerald Farm® 

Emerald Farm® are bringing you their natural CBD products that are carefully blended with Vitamins and other ingredients that can contribute to your overall health. Their three core products are Relax, Boost, and Original and with these, they aim to bring you on a wellness journey and provide you with the necessary nutrients your body may need. The crop is grown and hand-picked locally in county Wicklow, dried on-site within 24 hours and then cold-pressed, allowing the crop to retain a majority of its nutrients and keeping nutrition simple.  

You can find Emerald Farm in Boots stores nationwide or on www.emeraldfarm.ie  

Boost (RRP: €37) 

A blended CBD oil containing Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Turmeric, Ginger and the taste of Orange. These multivitamins are added benefits for your immune system. Vitamin D will help protect your bones and teeth health, whilst Vitamin C can help reduce tiredness and fatigue. 

Skingredients 
Skingredients innovative new refill system reduces the amount of plastic used which means that Skingredients skincare is now housed in brand-new refillable and recyclable inner tubes, which maintain the efficacy of each formula’s rock star ingredients. The refills snugly slot inside the protective outer tubes for skin results galore.  The new reusable and durable outer tubes protect the integrity of the formulas found within, while serving your skin the skincare it needs to function at its best. They're your tubes for life!  

The Skingredients Key 4 range is comprised of four products that everyone can (and should) be using for a balanced skin diet and that form the basis of any Skingredients recipe. With a nourishing cleanser, hyaluronic acid pre-serum, pro-ageing vitamin A + C serum, and broad-spectrum SPF, together they promise to help protect, nourish and maintain the skin. 
 

• PreProbiotic Cleanse (Primary Pack €29 / Refill €26) is our nourishing + balancing cleanser that’ll lift away makeup, sebum, pollutant particles + SPF to reveal a blank canvas that’s ready for the skincare that follows.  

• Skin Veg (Primary Pack €55 / Refill €49 is your skin’s super juice that’s powered by hyaluronic acid to hydrate, a pro-collagen peptide to diminish the appearance of fine lines + wrinkles, and fruit, veg + botanical extracts galore for antioxidant protection.  

• Skin Protein (Primary Pack €55 / Refill €49) is your pro-ageing vitamin A, C + E serum that’ll speed up cell renewal and encourage the skin to exfoliate itself for a smoother, tighter + brighter appearance.  

• Skin Shield SPF 50 PA+++ (Primary Pack €55 / Refill €49) is your skin’s invisible parasol that’ll protect against UVA + UVB rays, blue light, infrared and pollution, while leaving a peachy glow without camera flashback.  

Shop now at skingredients.com 

FACE | MARIE REYNOLDS LONDON IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPLMENTS

TREATING OUR IMMUNE SYSTEMS IS IMPORTANT NOW MORE THAN EVER

Marie Reynolds is one of the UK’s most sought-after skin and wellness experts. Marie’s expert understanding of holistic health is available to all through her exceptional range of skin care, internal supplement products and her unique system for skin and internal wellbeing. Her unparalleled understanding of the skin’s composition has led her to build one of the world’s only genuinely incorporated skincare regimes, covering supplements, topical products, and even specially designed tools to create her modern vision of healthy skin. Marie Reynolds’ holistic view of skin incorporates several pillars which she believes are essential to creating magnificent skin. Not only that but Marie Reynolds London’s range of impressive supplements target many different areas of concern ranging from gut health, immunity, fatigue, and perimenopausal symptoms.

Now more than ever people across the globe want to build a strong immune system to ward off viral infections, to help with that the team at Marie Reynolds London have compiled the best in immunity to assist you in doing just that!

DEFEND - €35.00/£31.45

We are bombarded with external and internal pathogens that constantly place strain on the immune system. In today’s current climate the need to boost immunity and fight infection is ever more in need. Marie Reynolds London Defend is a tailored combination of both immunity ingredients and highly potent herbal anti-virals and anti-bacterials based on protocols Traditional Chinese Medicine. It contains high dose vitamin C (512mg) from multiple sources, i.e. herbs, berries, plants, and ascorbic acid PLUS 19 additional ingredients from herbs, berries, fruits, leaves, roots, mushroom, bulbs, vitamins, and minerals, as well as probiotics to boost gut immunity. This supplement is an exciting immune boosting and anti-viral formula to help give your body the support it needs against attack.

OCEAN EFA - €36.00/ £32.50

This 500mg supplement contains omega 3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) and good fats that are required for a healthy body and mind. Ocean EFA also contains the powerful antioxidant, astaxanthin. Antioxidants protect our cells from damage by harmful free radicals - unstable substances that are thought to contribute to certain chronic diseases. Unlike many other antioxidants, astaxanthin crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it can protect the eye, brain and central nervous system from free radical damage. Unlike fish oil, krill oil does not cause a fishy aftertaste, a common side effect of fish oil. Krill oil is also more easily absorbed by the body and contains higher amounts of astaxanthin than fish oil.

Benefits:

Circulation, Skin health, Liver function, Blood sugar health, Brain function, Blood lipid health, Vision, Premenstrual syndrome, Low mood, Immune function, Healthy joints, Inflammation, Memory, and concentration, Fighting the signs of ageing, Protection for cell membranes, Nervous system function.

VEGAN C - €32.00/ £28.95

The human body struggles to recognise synthetic substances, and this includes vitamins. Food form supplements offer a convenient and effective means of topping up on vitamin and mineral intake, because they present nutrients in a form that is as close as possible to the foods where those micro-nutrients naturally occur. As well as providing vitamin C, it is packed with a multitude of other natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, bioflavonoids, pectin’s, essential oils, lycopene, carotenoids, plant sterols, catechins, polyphenolics and other Phyto-nutrients. This vitamin C combination is made up of natural food ingredients, as recognised and required by the body for maximum digestion, absorption, and utilisation. This natural combination is also one of the few vitamin C supplements that: is not rapidly excreted from the body; is easily absorbed (a lower intake is required); is not acidic - many people are unable to tolerate citrus-based supplements, which can aggravate certain medical conditions.

Benefits:

Immunity Collagen formation, Blood vessels, Bones and cartilage, Gums, skin and teeth, Energy levels, Nervous system, Oxidative, stress, Iron absorption.

YVE - €32.00/ £28.95

This gentle and completely natural helper is a favourite amongst women, not least because it does not contain hormones, such as those found in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) drugs. Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity, normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system, normal homocysteine metabolism, normal protein and glycogen metabolism, normal psychological function, normal red blood cell formation, normal function of the immune system and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction, as well as the maintenance of normal bones, hair, nails, skin, vision, immune system, and normal cognitive function.

3-SET – €35.00 / £31.45

3-Set Is a dynamic apoptogenic Botanical Complex with EFSA approved health claims, a synergistic combination of herbs, roots, and vitamins, formulated to combat stress physically, chemically, or biologically while also supporting the immune system, energy levels, mental performance, and a general sense of calm, focus and vitality. These clever herbs help the body adapt to what it needs and regulate the system up or down, as required in the moment. The nature of adaptogenic herbs is to help a person “adapt” to their environment, as well as to normalise, regulate the body’s functioning and support the adrenals. It combines important nutrients and nutraceuticals that support hormonal and adrenal health.

Marie Reynolds London is available to purchase from SkinandBeauty.ie and MarieReynoldsLondon.ie

FACE | DISCOVER THE TROPICS WITH GUAVA AND GOLD

‘Barrister’ seems like such an important job and a pretty grand title. You’re a Queen’s counsel after all, aren’t you?  So to give that all up and, quite literally follow your nose and the scents of the tropics to do something entirely different seems quite radical doesn’t it? This is exactly what Claire Price did just over a year ago, in founding Guava and Gold – and we couldn’t love her more for it.

Her goal was to create an elegant, capsule collection of products with ethical credentials, inspired by heady reflections of the tropics and a desire to capture unforgettable, exotic holiday memories in a bottle - and then ultimately on skin and hair.

There’s really nothing like a smell to truly capture the essence of a memory and transport you off to a moment of sheer bliss; so drawing on the expertise, flair and imagination of an international fine fragrance house, Claire’s team used the distinctive scents of a delicious array of tropical fruits and flowers to create her products -  including delicious guava and cherimoya, fragrant pink magnolia, white floral facets of tuberose (‘the carnal flower’), sweet vanilla orchid and enchanting orange and plum blossom.

 To complement the fragrances, natural oils have been blended with botanical ingredients, specially selected for the health of the user’s skin and hair – these are all to enhance personal wellbeing and no fragrance used is to mask a chemical ingredient, because there are none!

Manuka oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, while sweet almond oil boosts collagen production and keeps skin hydrated. Grapeseed oil, found in most products in the range, is a natural moisturiser which helps to maintain soft, radiant skin and hair, while rich shea butter and vitamins feature across many products in her ranges.

But while what’s *in* the product is natural, we have to applaud Claire and her team for their sustainability efforts in packaging also. All products are currently packaged in fully recyclable bottles and packaging; but the work doesn’t stop there, as there are plans to move to bio-polymer bottles made from sugar cane extract, and to incorporate water-free products into the collection so as to further limit Guava & Gold’s impact on the environment, so you can feel good about the products you use while enjoying a momentary memory – or a daydream trip – to the far-flung shores of the tropics.

You can purchase the full Guava & Gold range at Orlagh Maye salon via BODYCARE Archives - Orlagh Maye

FACE | LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT PAYOT….

Let me tell you a little bit about Payot, a brilliant beauty and skincare brand created by a formidable woman 100 years ago in my second home, France. Nadia Payot was the inventor of the ‘facial gymnastics’ concept, a pre-curser to all modern facial techniques, and, later that year, in 1920, she developed the 42-step facial massage which revolutionised skin treatments forever. 

Later, as her business developed, she worked on creating take-home products for everyday skin types which women could use themselves. In 1947 she developed the Pâté Grise, a brilliantly simple grey paste made from natural ingredients which continues to soar in popularity today. In fact, one pot of Pate Grise is sold every five minutes around the world – and there are quite a few fans here and across our network of online customers too.

What’s the secret sauce?; I hear you ask! Well, Nadia Payot’s Pâte Grise contains an optimum formula to bring small blemishes to a maturation phase. It works while you sleep to accelerate the maturation of minor sub-cutaneous spots and make them disappear, almost overnight. This cult beauty, anti-blemish secret has been passed from generation to generation of French women and across the world.

Payot Masque Charbon - Ultra-absorbent Mattifying Care - Orlagh Maye

FITNESS AND HEALTH | MY ODE TO EARTH: FIFTY WAYS TO SHOW YOU LOVE HER

The path to a more sustainable life may seem a little daunting and admittedly it can take a bit of getting used to (like remembering to always have a keep-cup or water bottle to hand, or even turning off the tap while brushing teeth), but it isn’t really that hard, and the benefits are TOTALLY worth it.

Actually, on that note, do you know that 22,000 coffee cups are disposed of in Ireland every hour? I don’t know what the number is for the UK, or Europe, but if we all swapped to a reusable option, think of the difference that would make! And never mind the coffee cups and lids; there are millions of non-recyclable coffee pod capsules thrown into landfill each year. I dread to think what the global total on those has been since their invention not so long ago. 

Our oceans are being destroyed, our air is polluted, animals are being made extinct and forests diminishing rapidly. Now is not the time to think 'someone else will do it' or 'it's only one plastic bag/straw/cup/whatever'. Or God forbid, you are among those who think climate change isn’t happening [insert scary face emoji here!]

For the past few years, cutting down on my use of plastic and living a more sustainable way of life has been high on my New Year’s resolution list. Slowly but surely – and on some matters, rapidly and immediately – I am making changes and feeling better for doing so. I am excited to see that change for sustainability has now become a prominent topic in the media as well as in my peers’ conversations both online and in person. It is a global crisis after all.

We ALL need to make changes now before it's too late. Some will say these small changes aren't enough, and in some ways they're right. Corporations and governments, big and small, need to act too, but positive individual decisions are a good place to start to change your thinking and habits.

Thinking that one small change won't have a ripple effect is wrong, because the alternative is to do nothing and suffer an increasingly polluted world. Some corporations – and lots of smaller producers - are thankfully using plastic alternatives and choosing more ethically sourced and environmentally recyclable, multi-use materials for their products which makes it easier for us individuals to make better choices. The truth is, if all of us made small little changes it would make a BIG difference, because it’s easy to gauge the tip of the iceberg if you only just multiply all of your daily actions by every person you've ever met - it all adds up. And with billions of people on the planet now, we are creating an awful lot of unrecyclable rubbish with nowhere to go for a very long time.

I have created a list-to-self to keep myself right and I thought I would share my top tips to help you (and me) go more green…  I can’t promise that I do all of these currently – but I am trying every day to adopt more and more of them into my daily decisions.

SECTION 1: AT HOME

1.    Choose an Energy Provider that is Eco-Conscious

Data released in 2017 shows leading energy companies are responsible for a big chunk of carbon emissions. In Australia there is a Green Electricity Guide which lists the best performing retailers in the energy sector. We definitely need one of those in every country. And we should be choosing energy providers which have renewable assets, close to zero emissions, a strong public position against investing in fossil fuels and doesn’t have contracts to buy energy from fossil fuel power stations.

2.    Invest in Energy/Water Efficient Appliances – or Use wo/Manpower!

Kitchen and laundry appliances can account for up to one third of the amount households spend on electricity.  Pick appliances that reduce your power usage, and have water-saving fixtures attached to taps, showerheads. Choose a washing machine and toilet with a great WELS rating. And while we’re at it, use these less often. Do you really need a dishwasher cycle when a sink full of water and some elbow grease will do? I haven’t had a dishwasher or a microwave or a tumble drier in almost five years now and I love it! And as Ma in Derry Girls said, it is sacrilege to use the washing machine for a half load! Think full loads every time for economy - and the environment. When they’re washed, hang your wet clothes on a drying line or rack instead of using a powered dryer. And consider hand washing your clothes, particularly if you only have a few items to clean.

3.    Switch Off!

We don’t need all of our appliances to be left on standby. Switching RIGHT OFF will save power. Take those charger plugs out of the wall when they’re not actually charging! Choosing lightbulbs which are more environmentally friendly also helps, as does switching off the lights when you’re not in the room. Use LED lighting or CFL bulbs instead of incandescent lighting as it’s proven to last longer, which reduces the need to keep purchasing light bulbs. Open up your blinds and use as much natural light and sunshine as possible before switching on your light bulbs.

Not having the TV/ radio/ music in the background when we’re not actually/actively listening/watching will not only save electricity, but you might even be more productive if you work near a TV. They have their own magnetic fields and can honestly interfere with your brain waves. True fact!

Plus, turn your heating off if you’re out for the night and look for more flexibility in the programming boxes to allow you to set timings on an easy app. Put on an extra layer of clothing instead of turning on the heating. Seriously, doubling up on your socks does wonders! This applies to business premises too, I used to get so cross when my team would have the temperature set at 26C and be sitting there in vest tops! Make sure to switch everything off in the evenings and at weekends.

Other tips:

·         Put up a no junk mail sign on your letterbox to limit the amount of paper waste.

·         Start timing your showers. Or better yet, invest in a shower timer and/or a water-saving shower head.

SECTION 2: IN THE KITCHEN

4.    Cook it Yourself.

Not only will you save a bundle of money and probably eat better, but you might even realise you really enjoy cooking and preparing food for yourself – and others! Look at it as an adventure and an experiment using as much fresh (unpackaged!) produce as possible – maybe try to go vegan as many nights a week as you can, because less meat production is good for the planet overall, not to mention your health. Plus, it’s easy to head over to YouTube or even Insta for ideas & inspo if you don’t like traditional recipe books. I’ve covered ethical and sustainable food shopping further down…

5.    Meal Prep

Meal prepping not only saves time, but it can also be energy efficient especially if you’re using the stove or oven. Create enough food for leftovers to prevent having to use your stove/oven every single day.

6.    Cook More Efficiently

Cover your food when cooking in pots and pans on the cooker – this traps heat and can help cook your food faster, thereby reducing the amount of cooking time.

7.    Sustainable Utensils

Use eco-friendly & sustainable cooking utensils and gadgets like bamboo, moulded bamboo, or stainless steel. Bamboo is stronger and more durable than wood, and bamboo forests replenish themselves faster than tree/wood forests. Plastic utensils along with melamine utensils are known to leach chemicals when exposed to heat, contaminating food and potentially causing health issues.

8.    Store Well. And Invest in Eco-friendly and Reusable Food Storage

Being aware on how to properly store your groceries, and how long they keep, can be a good reminder and incentive to use them before they go to waste – ultimately cutting down food waste and saving you money.

Right now I am loving the new food pots from S'nack by S'well and S'well Eats. Food waste is now major consumer issue that will need to be resolved and heightened awareness around single-use plastic bottle waste will transcend into food. In fact, this behaviour is already being embraced on high street with several restaurant chains and cafes allowing their customers to take food away with their own containers. This can't happen soon enough as a recent report from The Guardian stated that the UK generates 11 billion items of packaging waste from lunches and food on the go each year. That is WAY too much and by choosing and using your own reusable food pots, much of this waste can be eliminated. While I’m on this point, please stop accepting disposable cutlery and napkins too. You don’t (always) need them!

Other reusable food storage options include The Swag bags, beeswax food wraps or silicon bags for lunch staples. Not only does this reduce your use of single-use plastic, but it will make your food last longer and save you money in the long run. Me like-y! 

Also, find an empty space in your refrigerator or freezer and stuff with crumpled newspaper or full water bottles (try to avoid the plastic ones) – this improves cooling and saves electricity and money.

9.    Food Waste

According to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment one-third of the one million tonnes of food waste in Ireland comes from households. 60% of this waste is avoidable as it's leftovers and food that’s past its sell by date. This is such an easy fix - just buy less but shop more regularly. Plus – use your nostrils and dip your fingers to test food, sometimes the date on the pack is a guideline and the food is still OK (not always of course, but you know the drill).

For the time poor, try to meal plan and batch cook where possible, freezing food in portions to defrost and eat throughout the week. Use a compost bin. Sometimes life gets in the way and you end up out for dinner a couple of times when you weren't planning to, don't beat yourself up over it but make the effort to throw away less food. You'll save money too.

10.  Plant a Garden

It doesn’t matter if you only grow your own herbs in a window box or one tomato plant by the kitchen window; once you catch the growing bug and taste the amazing flavour difference that homegrown brings, you will only want to do more, get better, and grow bigger. The important thing is just to get started. It’s so very cheap to start a garden and the rewards reaped are awesome, not to mention delicious! A word of warning: start small. Smaller than you think you can handle. Especially if it’s in the ground and will need to be weeded often!

11.  Beeswax wraps

Clingfilm, which is made from plastic, can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. Tin foil is only recently recyclable but can be tricky as some recycling plants can't process it as easy as aluminium cans. It also needs to be clean. I have only bought one roll of clingfilm in my life and I am not a fan of foil ether, except at Christmas for the turkey. A great alternative is beeswax wraps which are popping up everywhere. They are made from natural beeswax, tree resin and jojoba oil and are easily moldable around jars, lids and plates in the fridge. They are also perfect for sandwiches and lunches in your bag, and you can rinse them off and use again. You can buy from Irish company Ireland Beeswax Wraps here.

12.  Water bottles

It’s hard to believe that this one hasn’t quite sunk in yet. Even my seven year old wonders why we sell water in shops when we have water in our taps (plus water bottles). I went to uni in Aix-en-Provence in the south of France and there are over 150 fountains in the city centre – which were all natural water sources as far back as Roman times. Let’s start that again! With drinkable water fountains and taps starting to appear everywhere in big cities like London, I am eagerly anticipating the days when we have water fountains everywhere and can refill at our leisure. We should note here too that drinking water over other juices, or diuretic teas/coffees is best for the body and mind.

To help nudge you in the right direction, please remember that when it comes to bottled water, it takes three times the amount of water in the bottle to make the bottle itself which holds the actual water. You'll be saving money and the planet if you BYO, even if you are already good at recycling the bottles you do buy. My favourites are from Sip n’Swell and the ones from Bobble Bottle which have a natural charcoal filter at the top.

13.  Juice the off-cuts of your vegetables and fruits or pop them into morning smoothies. At worst, use a compost bin and use the rich soil for your garden or herb patch.

14.  Repurpose glass jars. Repurpose any and all containers that you can actually!

15.  Use washable metal straws instead of disposable plastic straws. Or just grow up and don’t use straws at all, you’re not five for goodness sake!

16.  Use cold (or at least cooler) water when hand washing dishes.

17.  Make your own coffee instead of buying takeaway… and on that note – COFFEE…  The coffee industry almost merits a section on its own – forgive me if I talk at length but…

 18.  Coffee Cups* I know these are usually takeaway items, but I thought I’d include them here in the kitchen section because coffee falls into the food category for me.

This is one of the easiest and most cost-effective switches you can make. With almost 366 disposable coffee cups being used every minute they create an incomprehensible amount of waste. Buy a KeepCup or other type of reusable cup that you can bring out and about with you. I have now made a rule for myself that I am not allowed to buy a takeaway coffee unless I have mine with me.

Also, most coffee shops will offer a small discount on your morning latte if you are using one which is even more of an incentive to try. In our office, we have our own IMAGE branded KeepCup for everyone on the team, so perhaps you could encourage your company to do the same.

19.  Coffee Pods

I’m turning to Australia for this one as I love the innovation from Crema Joe.  It is estimated that Aussies are consuming a whopping 6 million disposable coffee capsules each day. This statistic indicates the popularity of coffee pod machines across the country, but it also flags a serious contribution to the global landfill issue. 

There’s no question that coffee is a much loved and important daily ritual for many of us, but the environmental impact is becoming one we can no longer ignore. The planet is slowly being suffocated by coffee capsules that take over 500 years to breakdown, all the while releasing toxic carbon emissions.  The good news is that there are alternatives to disposable coffee pods.

In 2015, Crema Joe took a stand against single-use coffee capsules by offering consumers eco-friendly options for popular pod machines. Made of stainless steel, their leading SealPod capsule is infinitely reusable, which means consumers can now significantly reduce the environmental impact of their coffee pod machine.

Since launching, Crema Joe has estimated that their customers are now preventing over 11,500,000 coffee pods from heading to landfill every year. But this pales in comparison to Australia-wide figures for single-use capsules.

With over one million Nespresso pod machines in homes across Australia, not to mention other brands, the reality is that over 131 billion pods could still be making their way into landfill each year. Crema Joe founder, Kayla Mossuto says, “Educating consumers on product waste is key”.

 “If everyone with a capsule machine made the switch to reusable coffee pods, our annual impact on landfill could be reduced by 45,896,676 cubic feet. Just to put it in perspective, that’s the equivalent of 52 Olympic sized swimming pools every year!” Kayla adds, “There is a lot of ‘greenwashing’ that goes on in the coffee capsule market. Many are under the misconception that recycling is the answer, but it’s simply not.” Unfortunately, the majority of coffee capsules are made from non-recyclable composite plastic. And, for those capsules that can be recycled, it is suggested that less than 5% are actually being recycled appropriately. That’s because spent capsules can’t be tossed into household recycling bins. Our general recycling plants just aren’t equipped to process products so small.

Coffee pods must be taken to special drop-off points to be properly recycled. However, it’s also important to note that the collection and recycling of coffee pods in itself is energy-intensive. The transportation, storage and processing of the pods produce waste and CO2 emissions. “As consumers, we need to take more responsibility for the items we consume and understand the impact it will have for our future, and our children’s future.” Check them out at www.cremajoe.com.au

20.  Mend and Make Do

You can make your own Play-Doh, shampoo, laundry detergent…and all of these things are not only a lot cheaper, but often also healthier and might even just be fun to make. Mrs R Ganics from Helen’s Bay does classes all over the country – sign up and learn, it’s so fun! www.mrsrganics.com And aside from cleaning products, you can also learn to make your own curtains, cushions, clothes, throws, table decorations – and so much more from old clothes.  Plus you CAN do many everyday home repairs and renovations – and the sense of achievement (also, slight smugness TBH) once they’re done is fantastic! Leave the plumbing and electrical to the pros, but you can definitely learn most other tasks. Tune in to a YouTube tutorial near you for anything these days.

21.  Switch to simple cleaning solutions

You’d be amazed at the number of things you can clean with just baking soda and vinegar. Throw some essential oils into the mix and a nudge of elbow grease and you’ll have the cleanest house on the block. You’ll need fewer bottles of stuff under the sink, have less to worry about ending up in your children’s nostrils, mouths and pores, plus you’ll never have to run from the bathroom due to toxic fumes from a bottle again. Old essential oils like orange or lemon that have otherwise lost their effectiveness are great for freshening up bathrooms. I put a few drops inside the toilet paper roll or in the toilet.

SECTION 3: SHOPPING

This could be a whole blog on its own – and maybe I’ll write another blog about this, but for now… some key points….

22.  Put a buying freeze on yourself and learn to appreciate the things you have. Read the books in your shelf, wear the clothes in your closet, (shop your own wardrobe!) pack up and cycle through the toys in your kids’ rooms so they become new to them every few weeks, and just focus on the things you’ve already acquired in life. If you absolutely must get something new, make yourself get rid of (recycle, re-sell) two other similar things to make room for the new thing. So if your kids want a new toy, they have to get rid of two old ones. If you want a new pair of jeans, get rid of two pieces of clothing you’re not wearing. You’ll not only bless others, but you will also be blessing yourself by having less to sort through and clean. Personally, I have a rule that I can’t shop online until I have some money in my PayPal account (from selling my old things), so I just have to get tougher on myself to buy less in general.

 23.  Buy quality items and share them with others. I’m a huge fan of hand-me-downs and I’m astonished by what some people end up throwing away. Set up book and clothing swaps with your friends and neighbours. Pass on toys to other generations of children in your family.

 24.  Shop Locally & Ethically.

I’m really lucky to have a great collection of shops in my town where I can pick up fresh fruit and vegetables and locally raised meat or fish all in one trip by foot. I know that’s not always practical, but if you start supporting the smaller, locally owned food businesses in your community, you’ll not only be helping the local economy, but you might also find yourself eating healthier, in-season foods, learning to cook new things and making some new friends. This applies to fashion and accessories too. Even beauty! Plus, it’s likely there’ll be less plastic packaging too. Do I need to insert a reminder here about bringing our own bags? I often want to kick myself when I forget mine as I know each new plastic bag bought/made is one that won’t be disposed of for a very long time. I’d rather carry 10 items in my arms than bring another plastic bag into the world.

25.  Buy Second Hand or Previously Owned Clothes (Or Just Buy Less…)

And when it comes to shopping for fashion - the world’s biggest pollutant industry - choosing to own or buy less helps more, of course, but if you’re still not ready to give up fresh fashion forever, then think about charity shops and the growing sharing/fashion hire sites and the resale industry – which can all be a massive treasure trove of gems if shopped strategically. Try to consider eBay, HEWI, Vestiaire Collective, dePop and other second-hand sites as much as new clothing e-tailers. Doing this does help make a dent – albeit a small one - in the massive mountains of textiles and clothing waste around the world. And according to VOGUE Business, the resale market is on the rise – so get with the programme baby!

26.  Support Local Crafters and Artisans

Look for local makers, crafters and artisans making cool things from previously used textiles and materials – find them via cool stores like Studio Souk or the craft collectives dotted everywhere.

27.  Choose Natural Fabrics and Fibres

Also, try not to purchase non-recyclable fabrics and fibres; those £20 pleather trousers will take about 500+ years to decompose, so maybe consider cotton, linen, hemp and wool instead as your first options. Be sure to check out Fairtrade labels too, which means the item of clothing has met certain social, economic and environmental standards.

28.  Look for Campaigns to Get Involved With (but not just for spending reasons)

For an affordable option on the high street check out H&M’s Conscious clothing line, or donate your old clothes to H&M, (just ask for the garment-collecting box, often located next to the cash desks), you’ll get rewarded with a voucher. M&S and other retailers have similar recycling options and Zara has recently committed to be 100% sustainable by 2025, which is to be applauded. Well done Zara!

SECTION 4: SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY

29.  Non-Plastic Shower Products

Another great place you can ditch the plastic bottles is the bathroom. A lot of beauty products are sold in containers that are easily recyclable, but it is even better for the planet to cut down on buying them at all. This is going to be my newest switch out, after hearing suggestions from Taz Kelleher on @sustainablefashiondublin.

Instead of buying big bottles of shower gel, switch to old school soap instead. It's sold in cardboard packaging which can be recycled and most of them foam to a rich, thick lather which is a perfect replacement for those cans of shaving gel too. ***Note to self... Be sure to check out what chemicals are in the soap to give it that foam and how good or bad they are….

Other products like shampoo, conditioner and body moisturiser can also be bought in bar form. Lush, in particular, do great, inexpensive versions of these that will last ages. Check out their massage bars which melt into the skin when rubbed over the body. Switching out these few products will drastically reduce the plastic you are using on a monthly basis.

30.  Invest in a Bamboo Toothbrush

One of the easiest switches to make is your toothbrush, from plastic to bamboo. These are now easily available (in Belfast or Dublin, try Avoca) and are so much better for the environment. It is estimated that 3.6 billion plastic toothbrushes are used a year and given that they take almost 500 years to biodegrade, every toothbrush you've ever thrown away is still out there somewhere.

With most bamboo versions, the bristles are still plastic which is more hygienic as they don't hold any moisture like natural bristles. But the handle is bamboo which is much better for our planet as you can pop it in the compost bin when you're ready to replace it. Alternatively, Irish brand Virtue brush has a 100% bamboo handle and compostable Nylon-4 bristles, making it completely eco-friendly. They also plant three trees for every toothbrush sold online proving that even the smallest of changes makes a difference.

31.  Sanitary products

Only in the last few years have we seen sustainable periods become something discussed in the mainstream. Given that, on average, a woman will have up to 500 periods in her lifetime, this can create a huge amount of waste whether you use pads or tampons. Luckily there are so many alternatives now to choose from that aren't single use. Most of these feel quite alien to what we're used to, but it would help even if we switched out half of what we use on our periods to sustainable options.

A moon cup: there are lots of versions of this now but they all work a similar way. It is a soft, silicone cup used to collect menstrual blood for up to 8 hours. It will last you for years so no need to use the estimated 22 sanitary products per period.

Washable sanitary towels: these are popping up everywhere now in all their multi-coloured glory. Shaped like a disposable pad, they are made from cotton and have poppers on the wings to attach to your underwear. There are loads to choose from on Etsy.

Plastic free tampons: All those applicators from every tampon you've ever used? Yep, they're still out there somewhere. Switching to ones without applicators is eco friendly as the tampon itself will biodegrade after about six months. Brands like Natracare offer plastic free tampons that are 100% cotton. Alternatively, if you find tampons difficult to use without one, Dame have created a reusable applicator which is fantastic idea.

Period pants: No we're not talking about the huge pair you hide at the back of the drawer when your period rolls around but underwear that is period proof. SheThinx is an amazing brand which creates underwear that can hold up to two tampons worth and are both washable and reusable (they also look nice too).

32.  Cotton Pads

They might feel insignificantly small in comparison to other polluters, but most females between the ages of 20-50 use roughly three a day, every day. Imagine seeing that amount used in a year stacked in front of you, it adds up to over 1,000 cotton pads! You can buy re-useable cotton pads which can be popped into the washing machine and used again on Etsy and in Urban Outfitters. Or make like your granny (or me!) and stick to a cotton or muslin facecloth.

33.  Cotton buds

Luckily for us there are so many biodegradable version of cotton buds now that there is no longer a need to purchase the plastic ones. We use them for so many things that they are hard to replace with an alternative, or anything reusable. Go eco instead and choose ones that aren't made from single use plastic.

34.  Razors

I’m mostly lasered, so have few body hairs left to remove as part of my beauty routine, but I do still shave every now and again. I’m pleased that I don’t use the wholly disposable razors which contain most plastic and are therefore most damaging, but  even my Venus with its replaceable heads still results in a lot of plastic back into the world. Wax strips are the same. And hair removal creams pump chemicals back into our water system. My top tip here would be to give up the wholly disposable razors for good and challenge the companies to come up with better solutions which don’t wreck the planet. If you can afford it, go laser and reduce the need for hair removal in the future.

A very old school option is a safety razor. Investing in one that is good quality, with a weighted handle will last you a lifetime. All you need to do is replace the blade, which is far less waste and as they are so sharp, do not need to be replaced as frequently. Key tip: take a tutorial on using these as there is a knack to getting it right (and not ending up with a bloodbath!).

Also:

35.  Check product ingredients – I’ll do a separate blog on which ones are most damaging, but check out Sarah Jossell online, she is a fab beauty editor and a real champion of eco and sustainable beauty.

36.  Go makeup free for one week each month.

37.  Limit the amount of water you use to brush your teeth. Turn off the tap!

38.  Make your own face cleanser and scrub. Again, Mrs R Ganics does great classes to help you learn to make your own cleanser. One good class will teach you a lifetime of products and tips! Personally, I love a bit of natural oil and warm water on a good old fashioned face cloth, you can’t beat it!

SECTION 5: COMMUTING AND TRAVELLING

39.  Buy a second-hand bicycle and start using it to commute everywhere.

40.  Take stairs over the elevator. This also doubles up as a booty workout of course.

41.  Use public transport. It’s also an excellent opportunity to catch up on reading and other things you couldn’t do if you were driving.

42.  Make Fewer Car Journeys - so many car journeys are, in fact, needless. Cars are responsible for emissions of air pollution and greenhouse gases. Choose to go without your car and walk or ride a bike or scooter to work, grab a train, bus or car pool with friends, or use ride share services to do your bit to reduce emissions into the environment.  Every little bit counts.

SECTION 6: SUSTAINABLE OFFICE OR WORKPLACE

43.  Go paperless

I’m proud to say we went paperless in our office between 2014-15 and we were collecting, re-using and recycling all single-sided paper before that from 2008. It’s incredible how many people and businesses still don’t do this! Shame on you! In a digital world, paper is mostly unnecessary in any business, so say no to unnecessary paper/posted invoices, receipts. Opt to have all your bills and bank correspondence sent via email and avoid printing tickets to festivals, events, concerts and flights when digital QR codes are available via your smart phone. In fact, get rid of your home printer. This will encourage you to seek a printer when you absolutely need it.

As for lights & electronics, the rules for home apply here too – switch off!

Sustainable baby items

44.  Switch to cloth diapers/nappies.

Sustainable gifting

45.  Save gift bags and boxes for future use.

46.  Give people experiences instead of things. (I’m a massive fan of this, as any of my friends, family and exes will attest!)

Sustainable lifestyle

47.  Spend more time outside. Plant a tree with someone, or for someone! Go for walk and talk meetings/catch ups instead of sitting eating food your body doesn’t need.

48.  Shared Reading: Borrow books from the library or swap with friends instead of purchasing them directly (even though it pains me not to support writers by saying this!) Also - read your favourite newspaper publications online instead of reading the paper versions.

49.  Adopt pets instead of buying them from a breeder. There are so many orphaned pets out there who need a family. And the same can be said for children!

50.  Recycle Medicines: Bring unused medicines back to the pharmacies who can recycle them efficiently (although many just incinerate them, which isn’t good). Have a sniffle? Carry around your own handkerchief instead of using disposable tissues.

BONUS BALL: Create a video, a slideshow or a blog post of how you implemented these ideas and publish them publicly to help spread the word. Follow cool sustainable people or organisations on your social to keep the topic front of mind and receive fresh ideas as often as possible.

FACE | The DL and the WTH of SPF

“Nothing looks better in your 50’s than suncream in your 20’s”

Jennifer Garner

The DL and the WTH of SPF

We all know we’re supposed to use it, yet so many of us still skip sunscreen. If you’re young, count yourself lucky that we’re so much more clued up about UV damage these days and start using SPF today. We may not be able to turn back time, and of course it’s good to get a dose of Vitamin D when we can, but all of us can take a moment to protect our skin and help prevent further damage.

If you do like a tan, fake it with my favourite, He-Shi – so many products right across the range - and/or add a few drops of Tan Luxe or Clarins tanning drops to your regular moisturiser for a golden glow on the face. 

5 reasons to slather on sunscreen - rain, hail or shine ...

1. Depletion of the ozone layer has increased our risk of damage from ultra violet rays.

2. Not a single ray of sun is required for skin damage to occur; UV rays are out in force every day, every season (even here in the UK & Ireland!).

3. Sunscreen protects against skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the UK & Ireland, accounting for 31% of all cancers.

4. Sunscreen is the most powerful anti-ageing product. There is zero point in spending a fortune on the best skincare around if you don't add sun protection, end of. And if you only use one product on your skin, it should be sunscreen.

5. Products containing retinol, liquid exfoliants and some serums leave skin particularly vulnerable to UV damage and must be paired with SPF50+.

Sun Facts

• Most sun damage is done in our youth. (Count yourself lucky if you didn't grow up when SPF4 was the norm like me. I used actual olive oil on my skin in my teens, eek!).

• You can't layer SPFs. Makeup with SPF15 + sunscreen with SPF30 = protection of SPF30, not 45. Only the highest factor counts.

• Broad spectrum means you are covered for both UVA and UVB protection.

• SPF should be reapplied every 2 hours (more often if swimming, although please also think of the environment and the water pollution you can cause, so try not to jump straight in after applying, then reapplying and so on…)

• Sunscreen may be water resistant but not waterproof - and should always be replenished after swimming.

• Sunscreen has a shelf life and must be replaced every Summer to work optimally.

• SPF rarely causes breakouts; not removing it properly does. It's designed to stay around, so double cleansing is advisable for complete removal.

I like to use a separate SPF for my face as these are usually non-comedogenic (won’t block pores), have a lighter texture for under make-up and offer higher protection.  Always extend your facial sunscreen down your neck and décolleté - both of which are very delicate and equally prone to sun damage. I also apply any excess to the backs of my hands, one of the first areas to show signs of ageing.

My SPF tick list:

·                     high protection

·                     light, quickly absorbed formula

·                     no greasy feel

·                     no white cast

·                     won’t interfere with make-up application

·                     won’t cause breakouts

Which Sunscreen?

Choosing the best sun screen can be a bit of a minefield and with so many formulas available, it’s difficult to know where to start. Gone are the days of thick white creams that leave a white cast and greasy texture... facial SPFs are much more sophisticated now and as pleasurable to use as skincare. Speaking of which, SPF should be the last step in your skincare routine, directly before any makeup.

Note whether the active ingredients are chemical or physical sunscreens. Physical (often described as natural or mineral) sunscreens most commonly contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which provide a physical barrier on the skin that reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens contain chemicals, which protect the skin by interacting with and absorbing ultraviolet energy.

The Hawaii state legislature recently passed a bill to ban oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals found in most non-mineral sunscreen products. Studies show that these two chemicals have damaged Hawaii’s marine environment, causing coral bleaching and possible coral death. If the bill becomes law (in 2021), it will affect most chemical sunscreens sold in the United States and force manufacturers to reformulate or stop selling these products in Hawaii.

Suncare Favourites

While you’re probably used lashing on the SPF to help protect your skin over the summer, there’s more you can do to protect your skin against the sun: namely, antioxidants. Antioxidants are a great way to help neutralise the visible effects the sun may have on skin (such as dark spots and wrinkles), so picking products with antioxidants can go a long way.

 Just to give you a quick recap about just what exactly antioxidants do - free radicals (or as scientists call them, “reactive oxygen species”) form in our bodies from different causes, particularly UV rays. These molecules are missing an electron, so they scavenge around for one and in this process, they cause damage to other cells. This is where antioxidants come in to save the day. By “donating” an electron to free radicals, antioxidants manage to neutralize them and halt or minimize the damage.

One of my faves is Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract; it is often credited as the source behind the flawless complexions of the Japanese and green tea has long been known for its amazing health benefits. It’s also a potent antioxidant, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products like the IMAGE ORMEDIC Balancing Antioxidant Serum €70.50…

And two of my all-time favourite products, the IMAGE VITAL C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum €76.00, and VITAL C Hydrating Antioxidant ACE Serum €67.00 are also formulated with green tea extract for a burst of antioxidant power.

Face:

• La Roche Posay Anthelios XL SPF50+ Tinted BB Cream (available in different formulas for normal-dry or oily) (RRP £17.00)

• ·Sisley Sisley Super Soin Facial Sun Cream SPF50+, 40ml (RRP £114.75)

• Eucerin SPF50 CC crème - ideal for sensitive skin (RRP £12.00)

• Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++ (RRP £28.00)

• Tropic Tinted Skin Shade SPF50 (RRP £28.00)

Clarins Sun Care Body Cream UVA/UVB 30

• Eucerin Sensitive Protect Sun Lotion Extra Light SPF30 (RRP £18.00)

• Vichy Idéal Soleil Sun-Milk for Face and Body SPF 30 300ml (RRP £19.00)

•  · Green People Scent Free Sun Lotion SPF30 (RRP £22.50)

For after sun I love LANCASTER After Sun Tan Maximizer (RRP £26.00) and then rich body oils, butter butters (my old faves The Body Shop butters are fab here and usually available in all airports) as well as Aloe products for anyone who has overdone it.  

 

FACE | INTERVIEW WITH JENNIFER ROCK AKA THE SKIN NERD AS SHE LAUNCHES NEW BOOK

In a world where beauty consumers are inundated with marketing messages and every product is said to be the ONE you need for your skin, where does one turn to for truthful and helpful advice without agenda?

Look no further because The Skin Nerd, Jennifer Rock shares all her skincare expertise, and the passion and knowledge gathered in her extensive career in this helpful beginner’s guide. The Skin Nerd: Your straight-talking guide to feeding, protecting and respecting your skin is a 360° approach to your healthiest skin.

Written with Jennifer’s unique brand of humour and honesty, her first book is jam-packed with skinformation and advice, which will educate and empower you to know what your skin needs and how to achieve better skin health. Readers will learn how the skin works from the inside out with information on nutrition and beneficial skin vitamins and supplements, to managing the ageing process and tackling skin conditions. Jennifer also shares her core Nerd Philosophies and Commandments and the benefits of Spritz O'Clock. With all this information and more The Skin Nerd: Your straight talking guide to feeding, protecting and respecting your skin will be your skin bible for life.

Extractable sections:

·       The ideal skin diet

·       The skin test - assess your skin situation

·       Spot quick fixes/remedies

·       Jennifer’s favourite skingredients and makeup products

·       The Korean skincare regime and other skincare trends

·       Jennifer’s special event skincare schedule

Our editor Cathy caught up with Jenn for a bit of a chit chat on how she got to where she is today.

What was your tipping point, getting you to actually turn The Cleanse Off Mitt into a business? 

I was a skin therapist in London and I had clients who were buying premium results-driven skincare but using face wipes to “cleanse” first so the fantastic skincare wasn’t able to properly penetrate into the skin and do its job. They may as well have been pouring half of the serum directly from the bottle onto their bathroom counter (and expecting skin results). 

I knew that there was a gap in the market for an accessible, affordable and skin-friendly alternative to face wipes so I created it and so the Cleanse Off Mitt® was born. 

#cleansewithme is the new #getreadywithme - but can you overcleanse?

Yes! Of course you can! I think it more has to do with what you’re using to cleanse than the amount of cleansing you're doing. I advocate for a double cleanse - remove your makeup and debris with your first step and then cleanse with something that is either soothing or pacifying the skin or delivering active ingredients after.

Overcleansing is when you are using too many skin-stripping ingredients, you’re using active cleansers too frequently (such as a cleanser with a high salicylic acid content twice a day) and you’re essentially damaging your skin’s barrier. 

Everyone wants to know about adult breakouts - are they caused by food, hormones or products? Or a mixture of all three?

They can be caused by any of these or combinations. I believe it is important to investigate the root of the concern, to figure out whether it’s stress that is causing your breakouts, whether it’s lifestyle, whether it’s products that no longer work for you or whether it’s an intolerance, for example. 

This is why we send all clients of the Nerd Network a skin diary to complete, to track whether they slept correctly and how much sugar they ate, for example, and see if these things correlate with their skin troubles. 

Skin from within - which supplements would you recommend for healthiest skin?

All of them. First and foremost, vitamin A in some shape or form so long as you are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Probiotics are something that everyone should take, as are omegas. Vitamin C is key for tackling pigmentation, boosting our collagen production and strengthening capillaries to aid with redness. If you’re looking for plump, youthful skin, collagen supplements like IMAGE’s Yana are the ticket. 

Is sugar the devil? Should we stay away from it for our skin - for our health in general? 

Unpopular opinion but yes, sugar should be avoided whenever possible. Sugar increases inflammation throughout the body (thus in the skin) and helps to form AGEs (advanced glycation end-products) which attack our collagen and elastin and age our skin faster. 

That being said, all in moderation. Every once in a while, it’s not the end of the world if you have some chocolate. If that same chocolate helps to reduce stress, then isn’t it having a positive effect on your skin nonetheless?! 

For the blurb about book at end, can we feature the consultations too like so? (I've attached the book press release again below)

For an online skin consultation and personalised results-driven routine from an expert, as well as access to your recommended products on The Skin Nerd® store, exclusive content, events, webinars and so much more, visit www.theskinnerd.com/onlineskinconsultations/ and join the Nerd Network.