Lipstick and Audrey Hepburn

Whilst searching for some work related information, I stumbled across the following Audrey Hepburn quote:

“Make-up can only make you look pretty on the outside but it doesn't help if you’re ugly on the inside. Unless you eat the make-up.” – Audrey Hepburn

Ok, so I have a grasshopper mind, leaping from one idea to another in a seemingly random fashion. In my somewhat flimsy defense, I had been seriously distracted by the prospect of a new limited edition lipstick launch from Dr.Hauschka – yet again my grasshopper mind is conjuring up images of happy people hurling lipsticks into the air- I’m very easily amused! I admit, lipsticks have nothing to do with test strategies (note to self  -scan work document later for random references to gloss and colour palettes!) but the quote did seem apt for the ethos of Dr.Hauschka, reinforcing the words of their co-founder Elisabeth Sigmund that “True Beauty comes from within.” This is a sentiment very much echoed within the marketing material for the new launch “Sensual, sassy and seductive – our lips offer an expression of our ‘inner glow’“

Whilst, I’m 100% sure that none of the lovely Dr.Hauschka team would condone the consumption of lipstick, and given the choice between eating or wearing, definitely go for the latter – the new shades look gorgeous (Red Quartz, Beige Opal, Violet Marble, Pink Topaz and Rose Crystal).  However, far better to eat one of the 100% natural formula lipsticks than a product comprised of synthetic, chemical nasties. To quote a recent tweet from Dr.Hauschka’s Education Manager (@Hauschkachick) “There's a reason Vaseline rhymes with gasoline”.  

I love the fact that Dr.Hauschka is a no compromise company. No compromise on style, no compromise on high quality, sustainably produced, biodynamic ingredients.  Such is my confidence in their products that when the advertising states the new hydrating lipsticks will leave “lips sumptuously-soft from morning to night” I believe them.  I can’t wait to try for myself. As for the shade I’m sure Audrey would pick pink.  Ok, so Audrey Hepburn would look stunning wearing a moldy bagel (and I’m pretty sure she does actually wear one in a scene in Breakfast at Tiffany’s) but, nonetheless, with Valentine’s Day around the corner, pick a glorious shade, pucker up and let your inner beauty shine:

“I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” – Audrey Hepburn

Regenerating Body Moisturiser

Whilst my mother and I are similar in many ways, we have a very different gene set when it comes to products.  At best, she views anything beyond soap and water as a frivolous waste of time and money.   It was therefore with a deep suspicion that she originally accepted to try some moisturiser on a patch of skin that had been left with scars following an acute attack of shingles. She held the bottle in her outstretched hand as if it were a slightly dangerous object.  She accepted merely to avoid offense, and in my mind I was transported back to school home economic days, where my poor suffering friends and family would chomp through rock cakes that even starving birds would have refused (poor blighters would have never flown again!).    The bottle was left in the bathroom and no more was said.  A couple of days later the moisturiser had, somewhat contrary to my expectations, not been ‘returned to sender.’  Knowing full well that this must mean she really loved it, I rather cheekily enquired as to its whereabouts – “It is so wonderful, I’d rather keep hold of it” Not quite a statement that is going to make the side of the packaging, or the front cover of Red magazine, but a ringing endorsement none the less.  The moisturiser in question is one of the 2012 Hero Products, Regenerating Body Moisturiser.  Here is a summary of its key points:

Price	Now it is not cheap at £45.00 per 150ml.  In fact, had I mentioned the price to my mother I think she would have passed out. I’m still actually keeping her in the dark about the price – because I’ve calculated one bottle is worth approx. 5 years supply of soap! The lovely people at Dr.Hauschka often have samples of this product, so it is worth checking with them before making an investment (although be warned, you will want the full sized version afterwards ; )
Aroma	Orange and Rose impart an amazing aroma.  It is incredibly comforting, gentle and calming yet at the same time uplifting and empowering.
Absorption	Although an incredible rich formula that will provide all day hydration,  it glides onto the skin effortlessly.  As with many Dr. Hauschka products, a little goes a long way.
Skin Types	Suits : oily, normal, dry, sensitive or mature
Features	•      Supports and stimulates the skin's natural powers of self-regeneration •      Increases elasticity and leaves skin feeling firm and toned. •      Pomegranate brings moisture and vitality •      Contains specially chosen ingredients including extracts of antioxidant-rich medicinal herbs which activate, vitalise and protect the skin: ◦       Silica-rich Field Horsetail supports the form-giving powers of the skin. ◦       Marsh Mallow and Birch leaves regulate moisture content.
Packaging	Pump dispenser: A classic, clean, subtle, unassuming design, which definitely suits the product range. Benefits: hygienic (so good to share..but you won’t get it back!), prevents oxidation of the product. Cons: You can’t easily tell when you are running out of moisturiser

The product definitely meets its billing on the website

“A deeply nourishing body moisturiser with regenerative and firming benefits for mature skin; Daily use of this body moisturiser leaves the skin feeling noticeably smoother, firmer and supple”

Yet, like so many of their products, it works on another level.  I can only attempt to express this by paraphrasing an idea from one of my favourite books, Le Petit Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.  If what is truly beautiful is not visible to the eyes, then this is the most invisible of products.

More than a Quantum of Solace…

I must confess to never fully understanding the title of the last Bond film “A Quantum Of Solace”.  Apparently, it was taken from one of Ian Fleming’s short stories in the book “For Your Eyes Only”. It is a brief tale about a failed relationship; the term “quantum of solace” alluding to the smallest possible measure of comfort amid sorrow and despair.   For me, the Dr. Hauschka product “Eye Solace” is the complete antithesis of these titles. Firstly it is suitable for all eyes; secondly it provides a huge amount of comfort and relief.

Two weeks ago I had conjunctivitis, and, keeping up with the filmic theme, my usually “bright eyes” were “burning like fire”.   Pink eye is not an attractive look, and combined with a gritty, itchy feeling, it was seriously getting me down.  I know that Eye Solace was recognized in the Green Beauty Bible awards, whilst the website states:

“Eyebright, Anthyllis and Chamomile extracts soothe sore, reddened, overtired eyes; refreshing and resting any eye irritations, bringing relief to those with eye strain and allergy sufferers”

It was therefore with eager anticipation that I greeted the arrival of my order.

It comes in box with 10 x 5ml ampoules and 10 cosmetic pads – enough for 10 applications used as a compress.   It costs £21.95, so roughly £2.20 per application.  Which I must admit did seem a lot, but then my eyes were stinging and I have incredible faith in the power of all their products, so was prepared to make the investment.

The first thing to remember is that, as with the Rhythmic Night Conditioner ampoules, you must make sure the liquid is at the bottom of the ampule, prior to twisting off the top.  Although these are plastic ampoules, as opposed to glass, so you don’t need to be so careful to avoiding cutting yourself.  Divide one cosmetic pad and empty the contents of the ampoule onto the pads.  Place one pad over each closed eyelid and rest, allowing the preparation to work for 10 minutes.

Did I feel a difference? This is Dr.Hauschka we are talking about, of course I did!! All their products are developed with such love, passion and consideration, and this is no exception.  Checking out a review on the website it seems that I am not alone:

“I have really sensitive eyes due to being a contact lens wearer and recurring eye infections and I cannot stress how fabulous this product is! I have tried every eye drop and mask on the market and none of them come close to the benefits and results of using these! An absolute must have!!” Soraya, Herts

I used mine first thing in the morning, although as the instructions suggest, it would be a really lovely thing to do when applying a mask.  Part of the magic of the product is the 10-minute relaxation time. We all tend to rush around looking for instant fixes, but this works on a much more subtle level.

This is a truly beautiful product and I will definitely be incorporating it into my routine!

A very Hauschka New Year

The first of January is a time of both reflection and looking forward.  When making my 2012 calendar, for the month of January, I selected this photo from my garden:

Pansy - Viola tricolor

It is a nod to the mythological origins of the month’s name – Janus, the two-faced god who marks transitions and new beginnings.  This is a time of looking forward but with an eye to the past, and the beautiful flower markings do indeed look like long-lashed eyes peering out into the world.  The name pansy is derived from the French, pensée (thought), and it was bestowed upon the plant for its resemblance to a pensive human face. 

Another name for the plant is “heartsease” since an infusion of the heart shaped leaves is fabled to mend a broken heart.  So again, for me, this seems an apt choice for the start of the year, as I look to heal from past wounds.   As is the case with most plants, it works on both a physical and an emotional level.  Within cosmetic preparations, extract of pansies helps with the skin’s process of elimination, bringing relief to painful inflammations.  The extract is used with Dr.Hauschka Firming mask - so I’m going to have to treat myself to a facial later (in the interest of research of course ; )

There is very much in 2011 that I would like to forget, but also many things that I would like to take with me into 2012.  A seemingly simplistic thing, but my love of nature and all things Dr. Hauschka has helped me find light in even the darkest hours.   I would like to thank all the Dr. Hauschka team for their kindness and generosity over the past year and I’m very much looking forward to discovering more about the plants and the company in 2012 x x