Naturally Active Haircare launch

This is a truly momentous and long-anticipated day for us all here at Liz Earle Beauty Co. so there really should be the written equivalent of a trumpet fanfare right here and now!! For so many years we have been the proud purveyors of Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare – and now we are adding a whole new dimension with our launch today of Naturally Active Haircare. Shampoo and conditioner have long been the most frequently requested products for us to develop. When we started our research for these more than six years ago, we asked our customers what kinds of products they would most like us to create. We had a staggering response – over 20,000 of you kindly wrote in answer to our questionnaire (many of you writing pages of detailed information as to what you would really like). From this incredible research, our team has worked tirelessly over the years to formulate a truly exceptional set of haircare products.

Creating one naturally-based shampoo for all hair types, free from sodium lauryl sulphate, laureth and olefin sulphates (all of which can irritate sensitive scalps) has been a real challenge for us, which is why it has taken so long. Mainly because the usual more naturally-derived foaming ingredients don’t perform very well as washing agents. They tend not to foam properly, can strip or fade colour-treated hair and cause static. We know this because we tested over 100 different formulations using many different kinds of ingredients. Then, our team discovered a new breakthrough ingredient which does deliver outstanding amounts of foamy lather that gently cleanses without stripping, drying or irritating hair
or scalp.

We have tested our new shampoo on very many different hair types, from fine limp hair to thick coarse hair, young children’s hair, older thinning hair, fine, wiry, colour-treated, permed – you name it, we have been there and tested on it! And the most exciting news of all is that our new shampoo works wonderfully well on all hair types. Yes – just as Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser works for all skin types, so Botanical Shine Shampoo works well for all hair types. How fantastic is that? No more confusion when we are faced with a baffling array of different shampoos, wondering which one to choose. We have taken away all the guesswork and very carefully formulated one shampoo which delivers gentle cleansing and outstanding shine for everyone. Excitingly for me personally is the fact that our new genius shampoo doesn’t irritate my very sensitive, eczema-prone scalp and all my problems with itching and flaking are truly a thing of the past. What a wonderful result.

 

In the same way that we have three Skin Repair Moisturisers for each skin type, so we have created three conditioners, depending on your hair type. Each one of our new Botanical Shine Conditioners contains key botanical ingredients to seriously condition and shine, depending on whether you have fine hair that needs light conditioning; normal hair that requires a little more nourishment, or dry / processed hair that benefits from a more deeply moisture-enriching formula. We have a conditioner to perfectly suit your individual needs and you will be amazed at how little of these silicon-free formulations you need to create the glossiest, healthiest-looking hair. Each of our three Botanical Shine Conditioners is based on natural plant oils (not silicons or mineral oils) and contains a wonderful native ingredient, found locally here on the Isle of Wight, called blue sea kale (also known as sea cabbage) which is an excellent anti-fade ingredient to keep processed hair colour-safe. Each conditioner also contains a new, unique and exciting emollient called yangu oil which comes further afield from Kenya. This unusual seed oil is hand-harvested by the local people in this developing country, who are personally benefiting from our partnership in producing this luxurious cold-pressed plant oil that delivers exceptional sheen and shine on all hair types.

If you’d like to find out more about the remarkable yangu oil, we have put together a short film from my travels. ( Just click on the film player above.) I hope you enjoy taking a little look behind the scenes on my field trips, but more importantly, our entire team, Kim and I very much hope you enjoy your first Liz Earle Naturally Active Haircare experience. Do please let us know what you think.

Our Cover Story - It's finally hair...

It's getting on for a year since my last design blog and it has been a very busy, exciting and extremely creative 12 months here at Liz Earle!

You may remember that the last time I blogged it was about Christmas....well, I've a slight case of 'deja vu' because as I write these words I'm on a photo shoot for our 2010 Christmas gift guide...and it's looking amazing! I can't give the game away just yet but never fear I'll be writing a Christmas blog very soon...as it is only about 15 weeks to the big day (scary I know!).

But I digress....the subject of my blog today is our new haircare range...how we approached the pack design, what inspired us and how we shot the haircare cover story for the autumn & winter newsletter.

The design work started well over a year ago...that was the first time I got my hands on the shampoo and three conditioners that our hard-working technical team had been working on for over six years. With this level of attention to detail in the formulations, I was determined to do the team proud when it came to the pack design.

As with all packaging design...not only does the pack need to function well, it needs to look great too and to my mind it also should convey the 'ethos' and promise of what's inside it...so this is where we began. We used the products in the shower over a period of weeks in many different bottles, pumps and jars before settling on the final tube...checking that the pack was easy to use, didn't clog up or dispense too much...even taking a prototype pack on holiday to check it survived the rigors of airport baggage handling and didn't leak in my suitcase! Once the pack was chosen it was onto the 'look and feel'....and the design challenge of how to represent a botanical haircare range without showing hair?

This is where brainstorm sessions are crucial to any design project...we get together as a team and bounce lots of ideas around...thinking around the problem until we hit on a number of solutions. These are then worked up to the next stage and gradually whittled down and down until we reach the final design you see on your bathroom shelf. Two images stuck in my memory from our initial design mood boards...a fantastic photograph of a girl shot from behind with her long, glossy, healthy hair literally 'flowing' down her back...and a strong, green, lush and striking shot of botanical leaves (pictured above) by renowned London-based photographer Gareth Sambidge. And this was where the spark of inspiration came...

The graphic illustration across the front of the haircare packs represents 'botanical hair' shown as a luscious green, leafy stripe...mimicking a cross section through a head of healthy hair (in fact if you look really closely you'll see that not all the lines are dead straight some are 'swinging' gently as hair would do as you walk), whilst at the same time looking like a succulent leafy plant that you could run your fingers through. Then because we wanted to represent the fact that our hair shined with health after using the shampoo and conditioners...we made the packs shiny too! This is a real departure for us as our skincare packs are all matt finish...the gloss not only looks great, but also has a very practical application as it helps to differentiate haircare from a 'touch' point of view from our other tubes when you're in the shower!

The packs completed and the launch date fast approaching... it was then on to designing the launch newsletter. The newsletter cover choice however was easy and neatly completes the design circle for me - we went to photographer Gareth Sambidge...whose image helped inspire us originally...and worked with him to shoot a real botanical version of our graphic botanical illustration.

Rewind...to a flaming hot day in June 2010 and a day at Gareth's studio in a quiet London mews. Carefully choosing plants with the right leaf structure and colour mix to represent the 'hair' illustration, we set about cutting selected leaves...working quickly as both sweltering June heat and studio lights seemed intent on drying the leaves out! Gareth skillfully shone varying degrees of light through the leaf structure to obtain the imagery you'll no doubt recognise from our newsletter cover...the result, I hope, is a true, real-life botanical head of beautiful hair and one that hopefully answers my original design brief of how to represent botanical haircare without showing hair.

  

View our autumn & winter newsletter online

Wedded Bliss….



I was chatting to my girlfriend Debbie recently, who’s getting married in September. I introduced her to our range years ago now, and since then she’s never looked back. She has found our Special Treatments range particularly beneficial in the busy run-up to her big day – always an exciting but challenging time, from personal memory, four years ago!

I then read a lovely testimonial in our book at John Lewis, Milton Keynes: “I just popped into John Lewis to stock up on my skincare essentials. I came in a couple of months ago, suffering with horrendous breakouts due to the stress of my upcoming wedding. Thank you so much for your recommendations, there is such an improvement in my skin. I now cannot wait to get married in two weeks!” 

And it’s not only brides-to-be who can benefit from some skincare magic –one mother-of-the-bride shared her experience with our team at John Lewis Oxford Street: "Superskin Moisturiser is the best moisturiser I have ever used. It is so refreshing to find something that really makes a difference on my skin. After all these years of trying different creams, I have finally found ‘THE ONE’. I may be old, but my skin has never looked and felt better." So even if it’s not your own big day, there’s still the opportunity to find ‘the one’ in your skincare.  I will always remember a mother-of-the-groom who mistakenly rubbed some of her red lipstick onto her son’s collar, as she kissed him goodbye before the ceremony. Luckily, they’d been staying in a hotel and she had her mini Cleanse & Polish in her suitcase with her. Hey presto, lipstick vanished. A real relief all round, and a wonderful heart-in-your-mouth tale, when she retold it!

We have put together our own top tips to help all of you beautiful brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride and groom to achieve radiant skin – see here for more details. From 6 months before up until the big day, it’s a real find for those of you who’d like to follow a regime - specifically with brides in mind. If you can reach our London Treatment Rooms, then don’t forget to stop off there for regular facials too – it really is the key to radiant skin on your special day.

Congratulations to all of you who have recently become engaged ladies, and enjoy this sparkling time!

Liz Earle Wedding Day Beauty Countdown

Whether you’re the bride-to-be, maid of honour or mother of the bride, we’ve created the perfect guide to help you and your skin look their beautiful best on the big day.

 

Six months to go

Begin your pre-wedding beauty blitz with a luxuriously pampering Liz Earle Signature Facial at our London Treatment Rooms, then follow with a course of monthly maintenance facials. Alternatively, follow our step-by-step home facial guide on Jo’s blog.

Boost your skin and circulation by dry body brushing with a natural bristle brush once a day before you shower. Start at your feet and work upwards in long, firm strokes towards your heart. Follow with Energising Body Wash and Energising Hip & Thigh Gel.

Three months to go

As the big day approaches, stress levels may be rising so balance any skin changes with a weekly mask. Need help choosing? Check out Jo’s blog on finding the right mask for you or give our team of expertly trained skincare advisors  a call on 01983 813913.

At night, start using a facial oil, such as Superskin Concentrate, to balance and calm stressed skin. Warm a small amount in your hands, then take a few moments to inhale the aromatic essential oils to soothe the senses and aid restful sleep. Then massage over your face, neck and décolletage with light sweeping movements.

One month to go

Continue to thoroughly cleanse, tone and moisturise every day and start using Gentle Face Exfoliator 2-3 times a week. 

Keep up with your daily body brushing, and exfoliate your body with Energising Body Scrub 3 times a week, paying attention to elbows, heels, knees and ankles. For your bust, décolletage and neck, use Superskin Bust Treatment which is packed with kigelia, quince seed and mangosteen to smooth and plump.

Tip

Don’t forget your hands and feet. Start applying Foot Repair Moisturiser and Hand Repair every night before bed then massage Superbalm into your nails and cuticles.

Two weeks to go

Help your eyes to sparkle by applying an eye compress in the morning to reduce dark circles and puffiness. Dampen 2 cotton pads with chilled Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion then place over eyes for 10 minutes. 

Care for your eye area and soften fine lines with Daily Eye Repair in the morning and Smoothing Line Serum at night or Superskin Eye & Lip Treatment if you have more mature skin.

Go for a sauna or steam to cleanse your body and de-stress. Use a small amount of Deep Cleansing Mask on your t-zone to help decongest and detox your skin.

Tip

For fuzz-free skin on the big day, book a bikini, leg and underarm wax. Soothe your skin afterwards with Instant Boost Skin Tonic – the organic aloe vera helps to keep skin ultra-hydrated and calmed. 

3 days to go

Give yourself a little ‘me-time’ by relaxing in a warm bath and applying Brightening Treatment Mask to your face and neck for 3 minutes. If you have sensitive or dehydrated skin, use Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask. 

Go for a professional file and varnish for your hands and feet, then top up with Hand Repair and Foot Repair Moisturiser daily.

Tip

If you are planning to have a fake tan, prepare skin by buffing away dead skin cells with Energising Body Scrub and Gentle Face Exfoliator for the face.  Lavish your skin with Superskin Body Cream the day before your tan application to ensure even coverage.

 

The day before

Treat any last-minute blemishes by mixing Deep Cleansing Mask with Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser in the morning, then apply Spot-On during the day.

Today is all about soothing your nerves so why not treat yourself to a professional massage?  Also, try to avoid bread, pasta and salt as they can cause bloating and avoid alcohol completely if you want to look and feel your best.

The night before

Go to bed early and sleep with a few pillows under your knees – this will help reduce puffy ankles in the morning.

Massage a few drops of Superskin Concentrate over face, neck and the backs of hands.  Have a warm bath and turn off your mobile.

Tip

Eat a light meal such as a salad and soup and do not eat after 7pm – you will get a better night’s sleep. 

The big day

Thoroughly cleanse, tone and moisturise. Pop on Brightening Treatment Mask (or Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask if you have sensitive skin) and an eye compress with chilled Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion. 

Have a warm shower with Orange Flower Body Wash, then apply some Hand Repair to your hands and Superbalm to your cuticles, while you take 5 minutes to relax and take some deep breaths.

Tip

As you add your finishing touches, spritz your hair and behind your ears with your favourite perfume. Keep your lipstick, some tissues, and a travel size Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer to soothe your skin and senses throughout the day. 

Your Summer Stories

I hear so many inspiring stories from you – this week I’ve decided to focus on some of the more unusual ones…

I always love hearing how many friends you’ve recommended to the range and, at our Duke of York store recently, I met a fan who was choosing a gift for her mother-in-law’s 76th birthday (she chose our Superskin summer offer, plus Nourishing Botanical Body Cream, two of our eye products and Gentle Face Exfoliator). Having converted all of her six brothers and two sisters to the range, the rest of the family are now addicted too! Her mother and daughter have both enjoyed our Signature Facial recently, and she herself commented how she now experiences ‘no spots when travelling by plane’, which is a great accolade for the range as I know that tricky long-haul skin is a pain for many of us.

I also met one of our Facebook fans and her husband for coffee during a fly-by visit to London. Susanne has used the range for years but has yet to convert her husband - Graham. After a catch up over a cuppa, he admitted that he would like to try Cleanse & Polish for Men and also After Shaving Moisturiser. Not long afterwards, Graham joined our weekly evening chat room session and told me that not only was he really enjoying using the range, and he could finally see what all the fuss was about! Thank you, Graham, and welcome onboard.

When guys are as passionate about our range as us ladies, it’s always a refreshing chat. Michael popped by recently after a series of facials with Emma, one of the therapists at our London Treatment Rooms. He first discovered us four years ago, when he followed Emma from her previous role and has been hooked ever since. His favourites include Superskin Concentrate and Deep Cleansing Mask followed by Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask. I’ve not thought of this combination but he loves it and swears by it. His oily combination skin looked super healthy, so glad it works well for him.

And finally, thank you to the lovely lady who stopped by recently, after being sent by her husband who was convalescing at the Brompton Hospital. His mother had brought him in some skincare, which he politely refused and requested ‘Liz Earle’ - hope all went well and that he’s swiftly on the mend. Thank you for sharing your story.

P.S. My mother was reading my blog from the 30th July and mentioned her own story of seeing others use the range abroad, on a recent trip to Indochina with my father. They spent a few days on a cruise and, near the Mekong Delta, they met an English woman using our Botanical Aftersun Gel on deck. My mother mentioned  that I have been with the company for over a decade, and how much she loves the range herself – the lady agreed and said she loved using it to soothe insect bites on the boat trip…Don’t forget to share your own stories!