Superbalm to the rescue!

This beloved rescue remedy is the definition of a multi-tasker. Versatile enough to address a multitude of dry, chapped skin issues, this soothing plant-based balm combines pure essential oils and plant waxes to bring comfort and pleasure to the skin (and senses) from top to toe. Here are some of the fabulous uses that customers have shared with me over the past decade. Enjoy….

Protect sensitive skin from the cold – use on the lips, cuticles and under the nose where the cold really penetrates; also on sore, exposed cheeks. It’s ideal for the little people in your life too: the mini size is perfect for school uniform pockets! And it’s a natural plant balm so ideal for younger, more delicate skins.

Ultimate sore skin conditioner – use on the elbows, knees & heels, on cracked, dry skin to immediately replenish, condition and comfort. Use in combination with our Foot Repair Moisturiser (UK, IE & US) for the ultimate pedicure too – I like to use Superbalm (UK, IE & US) on the toe cuticles as it doesn’t dull nail polish either, followed by a layer of Foot Repair Moisturiser.

Use to groom stray, fly-away hair, unruly eyebrows and sore cuticles – they don’t stand a chance! Apply to the cheeks and eyebrow bones too, to highlight. A quick slick makes the world of difference in hydrating and highlighting.

Enjoy this botanical skin-saviour – truly an SOS must-have to dip into during this cold weather or anytime skin needs a quick rescue!

Spring is here!

The launch of our Spring Newsletter means spring has truly sprung! And just like the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, I feel I am late for a very important date, with seeds to sow, suppliers to visit and customers to meet.  Thankfully I’ll have our wonderful new spring offer to help me greet the new season with radiant, sparkling skin.

Whilst every newsletter is special, this one is just an absolute joy for me: from cover to cover.  It stars our Botanical Essence No. 1 (UK, IE) and as a botanist, I couldn’t be prouder. Each of the 14 precious botanical ingredients in our bespoke, fine fragrance has a special story to tell, and it was my job to track down every single one.

My research took me to Grasse, the heart of the French perfume industry, to meet the team at Laboratoire Monique Remy (LMR). As you may have picked up, I’m just a tad passionate about plants, so spending time with people as plant-crazy as I am was my definition of a great time.  In the fragrance industry, LMR are the byword for excellence when it comes to natural ingredients, and visiting them it was easy to see why. From travelling the world to establish close working relationships with growers and collectors, trialling new varieties and growing techniques in their fields in the hills above Grasse, to distilling new fragrance materials in their state of the art laboratories, LMR pursue quality and knowledge believing - as I do - that the two are inextricably intertwined. The result is the best natural ingredients for fine fragrance.

We wanted to bottle the romance of fine fragrance, that intimate and complex relationship between a woman and her scent, that illusive quality where the fragrance becomes her signature, a shorthand for her personality and individuality. With Botanical Essence No. 1, you are a critical component of the fragrance: your skin will change the notes, enhancing the scent as it develops and matures in a way that is all your own.

This winter I have had the chance to meet some of you at events in our flagship store at the Duke of York, at Biskra our island home, and over lunch at Chewton Glen. And all through the cold and gloomy months, the magic of Botanical Essence No. 1 has been a hot topic. I’ve  taken some of you on a journey across the globe, to the high-altitude lavender fields on the slopes of Mount Ventoux, to the sun-drenched Italian orchards of bergamot and mandarin, and to the damp, earthy rainforests of the Amazon where tonka bean trees tower overhead like enormous giants holding up the sky.  And you have shared with me the powerful scent memories Botanical Essence No. 1 brings back, the elation of finding a new signature scent that captures you. I couldn’t be more proud to have played a part in Botanical Essence No. 1.

But this newsletter is not just about fragrance. Another perennial favourite of mine is our original plant-packed Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, which this year celebrates its 15th birthday (watch this space for more news) so be sure to check out the ‘Day in, Day out’ (UK, IE) feature by my fellow QVC expert and Treatments Manager, Jo Givens, filled with lots of handy tips to help you get the most from your daily beauty regime. Last, but not least, the team here has been ultra-busy creating not one but three irresistible new offers to get your skin and spirits in the mood for spring.

I can’t wait for you to receive your copy and let me know what you think - it’s due to land on doormats any day now but if, like me, you are a little impatient, then why not take a sneaky peek at the online version (UK, IE)?

Springtime Beauty

At last, the perils of the winter snow are behind us (well mostly), and spring is just around the corner...

I’ve been out and about hearing your delightful stories, and am overwhelmed with positive feedback on our fail-safe, intensive Superskin Moisturiser (UK, IE & US) – with many of you agreeing that everyone needs a little pot for SOS days, when you need to ‘step up’ from your daily moisturising regime. Superbalm (UK, IE & US) is another favourite for those dry, chapped areas of skin, and it seems you’ve fallen in love with this botanical salve all over again. (I have to admit, it’s been amazing at comforting the dry, split skin around my nails after a morning of gloveless snow-shovelling!)

I’ve also been enjoying using two perennial customer favourites – Gentle Face Exfoliator (UK, IE & US) and Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask (UK, IE & US). Buffing away dead skin cells is one of the quickest, most effective ways to brighten the skin – and our gentle exfoliator comfortably polishes away those stubborn cells, to reveal spring-fresh skin. To rehydrate skin after a winter of central heating, a ten-minute relax with Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask will soothe away your skin sorrows, revealing plumper, healthier-looking skin.

And for now, what better way to lift your spirits than a quick spritz of our Botanical Essence No 1? Don’t just keep this delicious fine fragrance for your morning routine spritz during the day, whenever you need a quick pick-me-up. For me, the warmth of the decadent rose absolute is the epitome of spring, and I’m immediately transported to another place. Perfect for these long days, waiting for the clocks to change and to welcome in the new season!

This week, I’m thrilled to join Liz for my first proper TSV (Today’s Special Value) on QVC. We have an action-packed 24 hours planned, with our team of experts on hand to help with advice and suggestions - I started as a customer myself and still love tuning in to hear Liz’s pearls of wisdom. This time, we’re also joined by my wonderful colleagues Jo and Jennifer, bringing you their own respective therapist and botanical expertise, including some helpful tips for natural, radiant springtime beauty.

Liz, Jo, Jennifer and I really look forward to hearing your stories on air, from midnight on Friday 5th and throughout the day on Saturday – we hope you can join us...

P.S I also wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted in the recent Top Sante Glow Beauty Awards- we’re absolutely over the moon that we won the award for best Natural Beauty Brand, so thank you again!

Brightening tips

Restore radiance to dull, tired complexions with our Brightening Treatment Mask (UK, IE & US). This multi-tasking skin-saver can be used on its own for a quick fix or combined with other products for maximum benefits. Here are just a few of my favourite ways to use it.

• If you’re running short of time in the morning, mix a pump of our Brightening Treatment Mask together with a pump of Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser for a fast way to restore a radiant glow to skin in less than a minute – double the benefits in one single treatment.
• If you suffer with breakouts or oilier areas, try mixing our Deep Cleansing Mask with a pump of Brightening Treatment Mask for an instant glow, while leaving skin balanced and clear.
• Hands are often neglected, so for an instant pick-me-up smooth Brightening Treatment Mask onto the back of your hands and leave for 30 seconds - 2 minutes, before removing with a damp muslin cloth to reveal gorgeous, glowing skin.

Bring back the humble oat

Whatever the weather, the breakfast staple in my bowl is oats which started domestic life as weeds in fields of wheat and barley before farmers got smart and grew them as a crop in their own right. Why look to the far side of the globe for a superfood when there is a fantastic, multi-tasking and delicious one under our noses? Aside from being a low glycaemic index food, oats are packed with protein. Not only that, but they are a great source of β-glucans. This soluble fibre has been shown to help to lower cholesterol, helping to prevent heart disease.

To be completely truthful, oats are a bit of an obsession in my family, to the point of pedantry. My mother is quick to remind me that when it comes to bringing benefits, all oats aren’t equal. Steel-cut (sometimes called Irish or pinhead) oats have a lower glycemic index (GI) than rolled or instant oats. As with sugar, the more refined the oat groat, the higher the GI. Rolled oats are less processed than oatmeal and quick oats, but more than steel-cut.

I am an inveterate early riser, and what keeps me going on these dark, cold winter mornings is porridge. Oats release their energy slowly, fuelling me for long days of research and sourcing whether I am trekking across the countryside or just up and down the stacks at the British Library. But I don’t just eat porridge for the oats alone: I use it as a base and add all sorts of ingredients rich in the antioxidants, vitamins and omegas my body craves.

Don’t limit your creativity to a handful of sultanas and the odd sprinkling of sugar. Go wild. Toasted almonds, hazelnuts, linseed, grated apple, dried apricots, cranberries, dates and goji berries…when it comes to porridge, my husband accuses me of stopping just short of adding the kitchen sink. Have a sweet tooth? Give blackstrap molasses a go: one tablespoon provides you with at least 20% of the RDA of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. If like me, you are allergic to fish and can’t get those precious omegas from the sea, add linseed (aka flax seed), walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.

As the weather starts to warm towards spring, I swap my hot porridge for Bircher muesli. A blend of oats and fruit, muesli was developed at the turn of the last century by a Swiss doctor Maximilian Bircher-Benner as the ideal hospital breakfast. Little did he know that his scientifically perfected blend of oats and fruit would be transformed into the array that greets us on supermarket shelves.

Sticking closely to the Bircher-Benner original, my recipe means I know exactly what is going into my bowl.

• 200g rolled oats
• 350ml fruit juice - orange, apple, pear, peach…you can tailor the recipe to your tastes
• 1 apple
• 125g natural or low-fat yoghurt (soya and goats’ yoghurt also work well if you don’t eat dairy)
• Fresh fruit – another chance to add your antioxidants in the form of blue, black and red berries and to get a jumpstart on your 5-a-day.
• Dried fruit – I love the combination of apricots, sultanas, cranberries and even blueberries if I can’t get fresh.
• Toasted and flaked almonds
• Seeds and/or nuts to sprinkle over the top
• 1 tablespoon of manuka honey or blackstrap molasses, to drizzle over the top.

1. Put the oats and dried fruit in a bowl and cover with enough juice to moisten them. Cover the bowl and chill overnight in the refrigerator.
2. In the morning, peel the apple and coarsely grate it. Stir the apple chopped fresh fruit and almonds into the oats. Stir in enough yoghurt to create a creamy consistency. You can adapt the texture of the Bircher muesli to your taste by adding additional juice or yoghurt.
3. Place each portion in a bowl and top with a drizzle of honey or molasses, a sprinkle of seeds and nuts, and a few more berries then serve.

I’ve found a great way to use oats at the end of my day, too. As a child, my sensitive skin made conventional bubble baths a no-no. Instead, my mother used oat baths to calm irritated skin, whether from chicken pox or allergies. Oat grains contain avenanthramides; compounds that have a range of activity against itchy and inflamed skin. More than three decades later, Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash (UK, IE & US) with its soothing oat extract came into my life, and now my baths are full of gentle bubbles.

Feed your skin

One of the best ways I've found to help keep my regular New Year's resolutions (eat more healthily, take more exercise…!) is to make really delicious 'on the go' snacks which not only taste good but also provide plenty of skin and energy-boosting nutrients. There is a clear correlation between what we eat and the way we look and feel; food nourishes us in so many ways and one of my first books published back in 1993 by BBC Books was simply called Eat Yourself Beautiful. The following recipes are two of my own favourites. The first is for Beauty Boost Bars and comes from my latest book, Skin Secrets. These are something I often make at weekends and cut into small squares to keep in the fridge ready for healthy snacks during the week. Packed with goodness, these bars are low GI (glycaemic index) so they help stabilise blood sugars and contribute to slow-release energy during the day - just the thing to lift the spirits and keep you going during the freezing weather. Their high seed content also provides a healthy dose of skin-smoothing essential fatty acids, which is why I named them beauty boosters. Another low GI family favourite is a very healthful carrot cake recipe with a twist - I make mine with a little added courgette which I find improves the texture and makes the mixture deliciously moist. Blackstrap molasses is an excellent iron-rich ingredient (also delicious drizzled over porridge on cold and frosty mornings), but you can substitute with black treacle if you prefer. I prefer to eat this cake plain, but the two pieces can also be sandwiched together with a little plain cream cheese or butter icing for a slightly richer result.

Beauty Boost Bars

50g each of dates, dried apricots and sunflower seeds
100g raisins
100g porridge oats
30g wheatgerm
25g medium oatmeal
20g linseeds
Juice and grated zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons cold-pressed flax or rapeseed oil, plus a drizzle to grease the tin

Whizz all of the ingredients in a food processor until they form a firm dough ball.  Lightly oil a 20cm loaf tin or one end of a rectangular baking dish.  Press the dough into the pan to a thickness of around 2cm.  Chill in the fridge and about an hour and then cut into sticks or cubes and enjoy!

Courgette and Carrot Cake

Makes 2 x 18cm (7 inch) cakes:
2 organic eggs
2 tablespoons crude blackstrap molasses
2 tablespoons clear honey
150ml plus 1 tablespoon of walnut, hazelnut or olive oil
175g buckwheat flour
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
50g natural wheatgerm
50g chopped walnuts
100g carrots, scrubbed and grated
100g courgettes, scrubbed and grated
 4 tablespoons orange juice

Pre-heat the oven to 180°C, 350°F (gas mark 4)
Lightly oil 2 x 18cm (7 inch) cake tins with 1 tablespoon of oil.  In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs together before adding the molasses and honey.  Stir vigorously before pouring in 150ml oil.  Fold in the buckwheat flour, bicarbonate of soda and wheatgerm, followed by the remaining ingredients.  Pour into baking tins and bake for 35 – 40 minutes, or until a metal skewer come out clean. Allow to cool before turning out and slicing into wedges.  Store in an airtight container in a cool place.

Detox tips

Many of us over-indulge at Christmas, so a New Year detox is the perfect way to revitalise the body, renew energy levels and restore radiant skin. By following these 5 simple tips your body will soon look and feel refreshed and invigorated…

1. Elimination
Sweating is one of the most natural ways to detox the body. We are designed to do this automatically and for hundreds of years many tribal cultures including Native Americans practise this ritual in 'sweat lodges' which are a natural sauna.

My tip: Try to have a sauna at least twice a week. This is a great way to eliminate toxins, it boosts and hydrates your skin and also really cleanses your whole system.

2. Internal cleansing
Apple cider vinegar was used as a detox supplement long before 'detox' pills and drinks were available. Totally natural, this remedy is reputed to help with eczema, fatigue and allergies.

My tip: Source a natural apple cider vinegar from a good health food shop. Put 2-3 tablespoons into a glass of water and drink daily. You can add honey to improve the taste and this will also help digestion. This is a great way to boost your body's defence system.

3. Professional facials
A regular facial by a qualified professional beauty therapist is a great way to enhance your natural beauty and detox your skin. Why not start the New Year by giving your skin a hands-on boost?

My tip: Try to find a facial that incorporates vacuum suction, such as the Liz Earle Signature Facial. Vacuum suction is an established beauty therapy treatment that enhances the effects of facial massage. It helps to boost sluggish circulation, eliminates impurities and plumps skin. Depending on your individual skincare needs, an intensive course of 6 treatments or a maintenance facial once a month will make a real difference to your skin.

4. Skin buffing
Exfoliation is a great and simple tool to eliminate dry skin, boost circulation and bring oxygen to your skin cells.

My tip: Always exfoliate before applying a nourishing mask. Imagine you are creating a canvas for your skincare, by removing the dead skin, which can make skin look dull, especially in the winter months. Massage a gentle exfoliator over your face, neck and décolletage and wipe off with a dampened pure muslin cloth before spreading on a facial mask such as Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask (UK, IE & US) to brighten and revive a congested complexion.
 
5. Brighten & purify
Using a detoxifying mask will help to draw out impurities and balance your complexion.

My tip: Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask (UK, IE & US) is great for absorbing excess oil and eliminating impurities. Either apply daily as a treatment directly on spots for 10 minutes, over the T-zone (nose, chin and forehead), or all over skin if quite oily. Leave for 10 minutes and remove with damp sponges. The green clay will absorb excess oils and give a matte finish to the skin.

Resolve to be positive!

Happy New Year! This is the time of year when we traditionally try to negate the indulgences of the festive period by returning to austerity and discipline in our diet and lifestyle. Although I love the fresh start of a new year (and decade), it can sometimes feel like all the light and sparkle of Christmas has suddenly vanished when others around me are happily detoxing and re-energising themselves. Something that Liz once said always springs to mind for me – that you can add good things back into your life at this time of the year, rather than stripping everything away! It can be a time for positive additions and for me, I try to make these decisions emotional choices, as well as lifestyle-orientated ones.

Lifestyle-wise, I try to swap caffeine in the mornings for a cup of hot water with a slice of lemon & manuka honey to ward away the January bugs. I also think that everything should be done gently to ease your way in: if you want to step up your exercise, then build up gradually – even just a stroll in your lunch break, or getting off the bus a stop earlier can make a difference. Our Energising range (UK, IE & US) is wonderful to help in combination with exercise. After your work out, try an invigorating shower with Energising Body Wash (UK, IE & US)and Scrub (UK, IE & US) to totally zing you into bouncy life, and help soften the skin. Finish with Energising Hip & Thigh Gel (UK, IE & US) on problem areas to help de-puff, tone and stimulate sluggish skin. You’ll feel like a new woman, even if you only do the Energising product bit!

Emotionally, I try to take a step back and praise myself for the positive things that the past months have brought – we often spring into the new months looking forward, but looking back is both cathartic and positive. I was once told by a customer on the Isle of Wight that you should always physically tick things off your action list each day, to positively enforce what you’ve achieved; a customer in our Kings Road store also told me recently about how she’s kept a diary for the past 30 years with just a few lines each night about the day before. She told me that it’s hugely rewarding to look back now and see how supposedly insurmountable obstacles actually were possible and are now nothing with the distance of time. It’s important to do little things to keep a gauge of our lives too – as we all text and emails nowadays, we tend to keep less memorabilia for the future, so my resolution this year is to write more letters!

I’d love to hear your thoughts too – do join me for our QVC shows on Wednesday 6th January from 10am. We’ve put together some fantastic new kits to help your New Year begin with a spring, for face, mind and body. I’m really excited to be with you during shows throughout the whole day so please do call in with your stories, experiences and tips to share with everyone. Can’t wait to see you!

Christmas stress-busters

At this busy time of year, it's easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed but you don't have to spend a fortune on expensive stress-relieving remedies. Simply allowing ourselves a few minutes of 'me time' to relax and unwind can make all the difference to how we feel and doesn't have to cost the earth...

Blissful bath…

After busy Christmas preparations, a candlelit soak in a scented bath is one of the simplest ways to restore mind and body to restful balance. Using aromatherapy oils turns a simple routine into a treat that benefits both your skin and spirits as the heavenly aromas can have a powerful influence on your mood and emotions. To prepare your aromatherapy bath, first mix a teaspoon of pure plant oil – grapeseed, apricot kernel or almond – with a few drops of your favourite essential oil (I especially love combining lavender with neroli). Add these oils only after the bath has run, as essential oils are broken down by heat and their effects will last longer if you add them just before stepping in. Alternatively, why not try our Bliss Vital Oil for the Bath, for the ultimate escapist experience.

Skincare is for sharing…

A girls’ night in is fun and wonderfully therapeutic – a great way to catch up with your girlfriends and celebrate the festive season. Everyone brings two or three of their favourite beauty treats and swaps tips and treatments with a giggle and a gossip (and a glass or two of antioxidant-rich red wine). It’s a great way to try something new without costing too much, and you can also swap any unwanted Christmas gifts!

Beauty Sleep...

Partying and celebrating over Christmas often means that we get to bed later than usual, but beauty sleep is an irreplaceable part of skincare. After a good night’s rest, wrinkles and furrows are ironed out and skin absorbs moisture and nutrients, so try to make sure you get as much sleep as possible. During the party season, set aside at least one night a week when you get a good 8 hours. Also don’t forget to remove your make-up before bed: if left on at night, pores become blocked and skin congested – not good at the one time of year we all want healthy-looking, glowing skin. One pump of Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser removed with our pure muslin cloth swiftly diminishes daily grime, make-up and even stubborn mascara.

Get outside...

It’s amazing how energising and exhilarating a brisk walk can be - even in the cold and grey. Why not make the most of Boxing Day with an outdoor activity such as walking the dog, running, cycling or even kicking a football. These are effective stress-busters and really benefit your skin too!

Laugh out loud...

Laughter is a real tonic and gives us a genuinely natural high. Spend time with friends who make you laugh (my brother is my own family favourite who never fails to raise a smile or three). Keeping a stash of classic comedy DVDs, joke books or even computer ‘funnies’ from websites such as YouTube can lift the spirits and break the build-up of stressful tensions faster than almost anything.

I do hope these stress-relieving tips help and wish you all a very happy, healthy Christmas and a fabulous New Year

Top tips for gorgeous, glowing, party skin

Hurrah, my favourite time of the year is fast approaching. I love the festive season – the anticipation of Christmas, spending time relaxing with loved ones, the fun of choosing gifts over the next few weeks and, of course, the social whirl of December. Whether it’s an office party, a quick drink in the local with neighbours on Christmas Eve, the big annual get-together with girlfriends who live miles apart, or an official party date, we all love the build-up to a good celebration.

Looking (and feeling) good is all about great skin – this is your base on which to build everything else. If your skin looks good, you need less make-up. To help you prepare for the festivities this year, we've created a brand new Christmas gift including all of my party favourites.

Getting ready...

Step 1
First things first: clear yourself some time to get ready and give your skin a chance to enjoy some pampering. This focused time is well spent, as it allows you to unwind, calm party nerves and maybe even enjoy a quick glass of your favourite tipple to get you in the mood.
 
Step 2
I find that the best way to prepare is the heroine that is Brightening Treatment Mask (UK, IE & US) – used on clean skin, this quick-fix minute mask peps up and brightens even the dullest of complexions. It also lends skin a delicious dewy mattness that means subsequent make-up just glides on effortlessly. Use alone or mixed with Cleanse & Polish (UK, IE & US) for extra speed, this soft mousse-like mask is a real multi-tasker.

Step 3
Now for some sparkling eyes. Eyebright (UK, IE & US) is one of our original four products and has stood the test of time for its eye-cooling, de-puffing, line-softening qualities. Pour a little of this cool solution onto two cotton wool pads and place over the eyes whilst you lie back and relax for a few minutes (cue that glass of bubbly, from step 1!). If you’re in more of a hurry or getting ready in the office, then fold the cotton wool pad in half and use under the eyes only (you can also use this to refresh any smudged make-up if you’ve only got time for a quick touch-up before you head out).
 
Step 4
With glowing skin and dewy eyes, now it’s time to add some subtle shimmer to the cheekbones, collarbone/décolletage and arms – smooth on Sheer Gold Shimmer (UK, IE & US) for a subtle, grown-up shimmer of gold. This works wonders at taking the edge off winter-clad pale skin on the body, and it helps hydrate too (I adore make-up and this is one of the few ‘cosmetic’ colours I’ve found that also acts as skincare).

My top party tips...

Make-up tips? Go for multi-taskers that mean minimal handbag space – e.g. a lip & cheek tint. Many make-up brands also produce fun, limited edition sparkly little numbers for this season – try a fun new eyeliner (I’ve just fallen in love with a smudgey green one) or try a new lip-gloss to refresh your normal party look (but do practise beforehand!). These don’t break the bank and they’re a fun way to revive your make-up kit. Mineral-based powders are also good if you’re prone to problem skin, and there are also many good, matt-finish / minimal-shine foundations out there too – great if you’re planning on hitting the dance floor later!
 
Enjoy your night on the town – and rest assured that you can wake up with Liz Earle remedies to hand. Pop your Cleanse & Polish (UK,IE & US)  next to your basin and Eyebright (UK, IE & US) into the fridge, before you head out. The rich creamy sensation as you massage Cleanse & Polish into your skin will revive even the most partied-out of skins with speed, ease and decadent comfort. Whisk away the excesses of the night with the soft muslin cloth. The next morning, soak the cool Eyebright onto cotton pads to instantly revive and refresh tired, puffy eyes.