10 Years of Skincare Innovation

Balance Me champions innovation by sourcing cutting-edge natural ingredients and creating unique, high performance products that push the boundaries of natural beauty.  And this year ‘Balance Me Beauty’ is turning 10 years old... Happy Anniversary! Here we catch up with Sian Jones, Balance Me Co-Creator... 

Sian Jones, Balance Me Co-creator

How did you start out?

Balance Me was founded ten years ago in 2005 after Co-Creator sisters Rebecca and Clare left their respective corporate careers behind and retrained in the holistic field in the search for a better work-life balance. They had originally created an events business called “Balance Being” where they offered companies holistic treatments and catering at their client entertaining events. They were making products in their kitchen to use at these events when they were spotted by a high street retailer and British Vogue. Within a year I joined as the third partner, bringing my retail experience and aromatherapy passion to the brand, and Balance Me was born. 10 years on, we are determined to continue pushing the boundaries of natural beauty to create unique, high performance products that solve skin concerns without creating others.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

Creating natural products that give fantastic results and skin benefits. Whilst training to be an aromatherapist I developed a natural flare and passion for mixing essential oils and creating beautiful, aromatherapy inspired products that give benefits to both the body and mind. I love researching into new technologies and advances to natural beauty that allow us to push the boundaries, as we did with our new cutting-edge Collagen Boost range, which contains a unique natural peptide complex, that stimulates the skin’s ability to produce collagen(sadly women in their 40’s have 50% less collagen in their skin than women in their 20’s). It is always very rewarding when we hear stories from customers about how our products have boosted their skin confidence, it makes the years of hard work, love and passion that we put into each and every product come to life.

KEEP BALM AND CARRY ON

We seem to think that a complicated system always has to be better. By layering numerous products on our skin on a daily basis, we must be giving it everything it needs and then some, right? Surely this HAS to be the way to go? Well, not necessarily.

I am all for embracing advances in skincare, and as a self confessed beauty addict I am the first to admit to using my fair share of products regularly. But sometimes simplicity wins hands down and Balm Balm does exactly that.

I have to say that the price of these products is really quite fantastic when you consider what you are getting. 100% organic, 100% natural and Soil Association certified, Balm Balm founder Glenda Taylor aimed to make a range like this accessible to all. It is hardly surprising that with her wealth of expertise the products perform well too. 

The ingredients list on every product is simple to understand; personally, that is something I LOVE to see when looking at products. Not only that but many of the products are multi-purpose. In addition to the all over balms (as the name would suggest these can be used, well, all over), many of the other products can be used in numerous ways too. Take the Balm Balm Face Balm (£6.99) for example. Use it as a cleanser, as a moisturiser, or as a balm to smooth lips or tackle dry skin patches. This highlights the purity of the formulations perfectly; they can be used in so many ways.

My personal fave? Balm Balm Coconut Cleanser (£13.25) Although an oil formulation, the product still cleanses well, works perfectly on my combination skin and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. If you are keen to try the range, then Balm Balm Organic Facial Kit (£13.25) would be a good buy. The set contains 4 products plus a muslin cloth, for under £15. That has to be worth a go!

Buy the range here: Balm Balm

Skin Therapy

As the dark evenings fast approach, winter is well and truly on its way. Skin tends to suffer more with the change in seasons than at any other time of year, so it is important to look after it. Barefoot Botanicals is a range designed to help with everyday skincare challenges, from dry and sensitive to premature ageing. The SOS range is the lifeline for those with extremely dry, sensitive, irritated or uncomfortable skin. The products deliver extreme moisturisation, are suitable for all ages and for those who may be prone to eczema and psoriasis. 

Restore skin with Barefoot SOS Soothing Face & Body Wash (£13.60), a gentle, non drying creamy wash for face and body. It gently cleanses without stripping your skin’s natural oils leaving you soft, refreshed and rehydrated. Follow with Barefoot SOS Daily Rich Body Lotion (£18.70) to restore dry and sensitive skin, and provide daily nourishment and moisture.

Hands can become dry in winter months, so massage Barefoot SOS Barrier Hand Cream (£11.10) into hands and nails to restore dry, rough hands and fingers. If your skin is seriously parched or distressed, then Barefoot SOS Face & Body Rescue Cream 100ml (£15.30) is a must. This rich cream, combining EFAs with therapeutic herbs, relieves itching, stinging and inflammation leaving skin feeling calm and soothed. The relaxing aroma of the pure essential oils is gorgeous too. Soft skin made easy. 

Buy the range here: Barefoot Botanicals

Jurlique at Agua Spa

There are few spas that can take your breath away, before your treatment even begins. Agua Spa at the 5* The Sanderson Hotel is one of these places, where Jurlique offer gorgeous treatments.

Agua Spa is stunning. At 10,000 square feet with 14 treatment rooms, chill-out zone and meditation beds, this place has an amazing ambience. Luxurious in every way, the spa is an absolute joy to visit; a total indulgence. With its abundance of white curtains (there are miles and miles of curtains dividing up the vast space) and beautiful furnishings, you won’t want to leave.

My therapist came to greet me in the waiting area and led me to my treatment room. The place is noticeably quiet, so calming and tranquil. The treatment matched the surroundings- not surprising when you consider that Jurlique skincare focuses on nature, science and innovation to offer effective, natural skincare products with proven results. My skin felt so pampered and soft, the treatment clearly delivered.

My favourite product used was the Jurlique Skin Balancing Face Oil (£31.50), lightweight and non-greasy to help soften, protect and nurture skin, with such a yummy scent. Both the spa and Jurlique are worth trying if you haven't already. Treat yourself to some pure indulgence!

Buy the range here: Jurlique

The OSKIA Experience

When stepping out of bustling Covent Garden tube station, it is hard to believe that nestled away is somewhere as peaceful as the OSKIA Boutique Spa. Upon entering, you wouldn’t believe that lively Covent Garden is literally just outside. I wanted to try for myself the range described by Grazia as “taking the skincare world by storm”, and what better way than with their signature treatment.

The space is intimate, with gorgeously decorated treatment rooms and a calming aroma. After completing my brief consultation form, my treatment- the OSKIA Signature Facial- could begin. Georgie Cleeve, OSKIA Founder, says "Lots of clients come in for our Signature Facial to repair stressed-out summer skin. We concentrate on deep exfoliation and using products such as the Oskia Renaissance Mask to balance skin tone and reduce pigmentation spots, while our facial massage and acupressure techniques are perfect for prepping the skin in readiness for Autumn." Great for me as I had just returned from holiday and my skin needed some urgent TLC.

The Facial didn’t disappoint. In fact, it exceeded expectations. The brilliant Therapist took the time to explain problem areas she would be addressing throughout the treatment, which gave a really bespoke feel to the whole experience. In addition to the excellent facial massage, every single product used felt divine on my skin, and smelled beautiful. One favourite was the Oskia Micro Exfoliating Balm (£46). I adored the Peppermint smell and the gentle yet refining texture of this product is incredible. 

Another favourite was the Oskia Skin Smoothing Massage Candle (£34.50) I have never experienced anything like it. The Therapist lights the wick and after a few minutes, the warm melted blend of oils and waxes are applied directly onto the skin using a fan brush. The ingredients used have been chosen for their skin healing properties and the Rose de Mai perfume is something else- I am not a big fan of most Rose scents, but this I could smother myself in; you can use the product as a Body Oil too. I left the treatment room feeling utterly pampered and could not believe how amazingly soft and glowing my skin was.

It is hardly surprising, then, that building on the success of their own Boutique Spa, OSKIA is launching at the 5* Langham Hotel in London and will be announcing further luxury Spa partnerships very soon. This brand is a perfect match for places like the Langham; OSKIA simply screams luxury.

Buy the full range here: Oskia

Weleda Wins Again

We were absolutely thrilled to hear that Weleda have won 2 ‘Janey Loves’ 2012 Platinum Awards!

Janey Lee Grace, natural living guru and author, has awarded the beautiful Weleda Wild Rose Pampering Body Lotion (£16.95) ‘Best Natural Body Lotion’.  This indulgent product has recently been repackaged and is a winner with our customers.

The Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil (£16.99) was also ‘Highly Commended’ by Janey. This dermatologically proven treatment nourishes skin and visibly improves skin appearance, toning down cellulite and supporting your skin’s overall health.

A massive well done to Weleda too for their win in Harper’s Bazaar Beauty Hot 100; their fabulous Weleda Skin Food (£7.65) was voted ‘The feel-good all-round beauty hero’. This celebrity favourite intensively nourishes and deeply hydrates. With such affordable pricing and such positive feedback, these are products worth trying.

Buy the full range here: Weleda