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.

Buddha Nose: New at Naturisimo

Buddha Nose offers something a little different. This range of balms, sprays and scrubs soothe, strengthen and nourish. Only USDA certified organic ingredients are used when available, and recyclable packaging means you do your bit for the environment, too.

The range contains products with a purpose, combining the energetic dynamics of shiatsu, a Japanese form of traditional medicine, with essential oils. Feeling congested? Buddha Nose Deep Breathe Balm (£20) relieves dry skin all over, soothes congestion and clears the mind. Are you suffering with your hormonal cycle? Try Buddha Nose Girl Balm (£20), a treatment balm to help with aches and moods associated with hormonal mood shifts. Feeling fatigued? Buddha Nose I Booster Salve (£20) can help provide energy and wake you up. The balms are extremely conditioning and rich, without leaving any nasty residue on the skin. They smell great and the essential oils work their magic. Although it may seem a little expensive for a balm, the tins are generous and would last a long time.

The range also includes bath tea sachets- try Buddha Nose Detox Bath Tea Sachets (£25) for example if in need of de-stress- as well as other body care products. The body mists are quite unique; Buddha Nose I Booster Spray (£20) designed to inspire confidence and energy, and Buddha Nose Heart Spray (£20) to calm emotions and leave you feeling soothed.

There will be something here for everyone; a little bit of therapy for life’s little problems.

Buy the range here: Buddha Nose

Neom Luxury Organics

Whoever still thinks that organic products cannot be luxurious and high performance clearly hasn’t yet discovered Neom. A modern, luxurious take on beauty and home treatments, the essential oil content in the products is so high that they can also work as holistic treatments. The Neom range makes you feel utterly pampered whilst strongly opposing synthetic scents and harsh ingredients. Their products work.

The Neom Organic Bath & Shower Indulgence Set (£19) is a perfect introduction to the range and comes in a lovely gift box- a great gift for Christmas. The set contains 6 bath oils in 3 scents, designed to create your very own bath spa. The oil leaves your skin nourished and hydrated, and the full size bath oils are even more beautiful to look at than the minis. Check out the Neom Tranquillity Bath Oil (£32). The bottles are stunning and the boxes are so elegant.

The range includes fragrance for the home and numerous other body care products. My favourite is the Neom Real Luxury Body Lotion (£23.50) I find this lotion so soothing and calming, it instantly softens skin and has a comforting aroma.

Although not the cheapest range, I have to say the products are worth the money. A little goes a long way too, and who doesn’t deserve a little treat now and then anyway? 

Buy the range here: Neom

NEW Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty

Juice Beauty is a brand you have to love. With a patent liquid juice base more nourishing than the typical water base and products backed by powerful science, the products have a strong following. And now, Alicia Silverstone has collaborated with Juice Beauty to create a stunning collection to keep you looking simply gorgeous.

The range consists of 5 products for skin care and makeup. Cleanse with Alicia Silverstone Simply Pure Chamomile Cleanser (£21), a daily essential to remove impurities and soothe skin. Keep skin hydrated and silky with Alicia Silverstone Simply Nourishing Moisturizer (£35), an ultra lightweight moisturizer to keep skin healthy.

Keep your look matte and enhance your natural complexion with Alicia Silverstone for Juice Beauty Pressed Powder (£22), and give any skin type a healthy, radiant glow with the peachy-pink Alicia Silverstone Irresistible Glow Facial Highlighter (£21) Finish off the fresh faced look with the gorgeous Alicia Silverstone Purely Kissable Lip Colour (£15), a yummy blend of organic passion fruit, acai and goji berries with natural minerals that deliver a beautiful universal pink shade.

The packaging is subtle, utterly feminine, simple yet beautiful; just like the products. We wonder if there will be any new additions to the range soon...

Buy the range here: Juice Beauty

Sensitive Skin Saviours

As winter fast approaches, sensitive skin can suffer, with harsher weather and central heating to name only two common skin aggravators.  But fear not if you have sensitive skin, because there is a UK brand for you, and as UK brands go, they don’t get much better than this.

Pai Skincare is noted by beauty editors for being organic, handmade and boasting beautiful packaging. UK Soil Association certified, chemical free, cruelty free and suitable for vegans, this brand scores highly on all fronts. 

First, cleanse with the much loved Pai Camellia & Rose Organic Cleanser (£25) Our customers adore this product- check out our incredible reviews. Gentle yet effective, and complete with Muslin Cloth, this cleanser lifts away dirt and make up with ease leaving skin smooth and fresh. And yes, sensitive skin can use this too! 

Follow with a refreshing toner. Pai Lotus & Orange Blossom BioAffinity Toner (£30) is ideal for dry, sensitive and rosacea skin, whereas Pai Rice Plant & Rosemary BioAffinity Toner (£20) is more suited to combination and sensitive skin. These are alcohol free and should soothe, tone and hydrate.

There are 4 moisturisers to choose from depending on your skin type. My personal choice is Pai Geranium & Thistle Combination Skin Cream (£24), for combination skin. Light in texture, this moisturiser cools and calms my complexion.

If you are a fan of the serum skincare step too, or your skin is just in need of an extra hydration boost, then Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil (£20) is a must. With daily use, this natural serum conditions the skin, improving skin firmness, elasticity and suppleness.  Don’t forget your peepers either; treat them to Pai Echium Organic Eye Cream (£24) to regenerate and firm the delicate eye area.

And finally, carry a little bit of Pai Skincare with you with the perfect handbag companion, the Pai Bergamot Organic Lip Balm (£6) Apply as required to soften and protect dry, chapped lips.

Buy the range here: Pai Skincare