Beauty

We hosted our latest 'Spring Clean Your Skincare Sustainably' virtual event last week with our founder Jo and green beauty expert Lou Dartford. The focus this time...DIY Facial Oil! DIY beauty is ingrained within Beauty Kitchen & our sustainability ethos for reusing what we already have. So the main thing to note is that we want you to use what's already available in your own home!If you missed out on the live event, we recorded it below: What You'll Need for the Facial Oil: A mixture of cold pressed and organic oils Your choice of essential oils - 1 drop per 30ml (optional) Tablespoon for measuring - 1 tablespoon = 15ml Teaspoon for measuring - 1 teaspoon = 5ml Small mixing bowl Small jar or bottle to store blended oil   Our Favourite Oils Kitchen cupboard oils Benefits Other Oils Benefits Olive oil great for drier skins, slower absorption Jojoba great balancer and all rounder Avocado great for drier skins Abyssinian/Argan regenerating lightweight oil Sunflower (not high oleic) good for all skins, lightweight medium absorption Sweet Almond soothing & anti-inflammatory Hemp good for all skin types & acne prone, soothing & anti-inflammatory Rosehip regenerating, high in Vit A & C, dry oil absorbed quickly Walnut Oil good for dry & problem skin, to treat fine lines Grapeseed very lightweight, fast absorbing   Recipes For Sensitive Skin60ml jojoba Balancing and regenerating30ml jojoba15ml hemp10ml Abyssinian/argan5ml rosehip Soothing and regenerating 30ml sweet almond15ml argan15ml rosehip Nourishing30ml Jojoba15ml Olive10ml Hemp5ml Avocado Essential Oils An optional extra to include in your facial oil mix is essential oil, which carry so many benefits. If you have incredibly sensitive skin, we recommend skipping this step but see below for great ways to personalise your recipes by adding a 2-3 drops! Essential Oil Benefits Essential Oil Benefits Lavender calming/antibacterial Sweet Orange brightening Frankincense Nourishing/anti-aging Rose hydrating/rose Tea Tree Anti-inflammatory/anti-microbial Ylang Ylang moisturising Chamomile calming/nourishing Lemongrass antibacterial/anti-aging Cedarwood antiseptic/anti-inflammatory Bergamot antibacterial/purifying Don’t forget to check out our vegan and cruelty free Facial Oil’s too from our Abyssinian Oil & Seahorse Plankton+ ranges. These are supercharged with sustainably sourced ingredients and packaged in reusable bottles that are part of our Return•Refill•Repeat programme – where we wash & reuse packaging again and again as part of the circular economy. Let us know what DIY concoctions you come up with & what we should showcase in the next event! 

The natural, cruelty free, vegan & sustainable skincare range that gives back! Containing 0% microplastics, our sustainable and award-winning Seahorse Plankton+ range includes two types of microalgae and three hand-harvested types of seaweed, that are scientifically proven to renew and protect your skin. Supercharged with a unique blend of sustainably sourced marine extracts, this range is great for those who are looking to refresh skin and combat signs of ageing at the same time! It also hydrates, soothes and calms redness - suitable if you suffer from rosacea. From cleansers to masks and serums to oils, we’ve got your whole sustainable vegan skincare routine covered. Supercharged with a unique blend of sustainably sourced marine extracts, including two types of microalgae and three hand-harvested seaweeds, this range is scientifically proven to renew & protect skin.  “We want to provide people with a fully sustainable alternative to their usual skincare routines that isn’t going to harm the planet. Our Seahorse Plankton+ range provides just this! We’ve harnessed the power of natural plant based plankton to create skincare products with incredibly effective results.” - our founder, Jo Chidley. Plankton isn’t Vegan…right? Ours is plant based, so yes it is! Since we don’t want to take any resourses from the ocean (or from the endangered seahorse population), we grow the plant based marine extracts ourselves. We do this in giant algae baths within a bioreactor which is essentially a large greenhouse. The microalgae then absorb Co2 and release oxygen - creating renewable energy that we sell back to the electricity grid as part of the circular economy!   We also make sure we donate 2% of our sales (not profits) to charities such as The Seahorse Trust so we can ensure the safety and conservation of these beautiful sea creatures. It’s skincare that gives back. The Seahorse Plankton+ Range Revitalising Gel Cleanser - this rejuvenating gel gently removes make-up and impurities to renew your natural glow Facial Cleansing Konjac Sponge - simple, effective, deep cleansing and pure. Our Konjac Sponge is eco-friendly and 100% compostable…even the packaging it comes in is! Bright Eyes Probiotic Serum - powered by marine extracts and caffeine, this super serum lightens dark circles, tightens and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles High Definition Facial Oil - proven to boost collagen in just 24 hours and reduce the appearance of face spots, fine lines and wrinkles Really Radiant Moisturiser - protects skin from pollution, evens tone and revitalises daily for ultra-moisturised skin Bright Night Intensive Cream - restorative overnight cream bursting with our unique blend of marine extracts that targets fine lines and wrinkles, boosts collagen and awakens radiant, dewy, dream-like skin in just one beauty sleep Super Glow Active Mist - dives deep into your skin to protect, hydrate and refresh through the afternoon and evening for a bright, glowing boost in one spritz 5 Minute Miracle Mask - reduce redness, brighten complexion, smooth texture and even skin tone for a dewy, youthful glow in just 5 short minutes! Beauty Boost BB Cream - plankton-powered to protect and perfect. A light coverage cream that blends with almost all skin tones and doubles up as a great base for foundation too 60 Second Manicure - a super advanced hand scrub powered by our collagen-boosting marine micro algae and Himalayan salt, to smooth texture and revitalise hands in just 1 minute Ultra Restore Hand Cream - reduce redness, brighten complexion, smooth texture and even skin tone for a dewy, youthful glow in just 5 short minutes! Return•Refill•Repeat A huge 95% of packaging is thrown away, with only 9% of plastic recycled globally which is why we launched our Return•Refill•Repeat programme - the first ever full circle, zero waste programme. All of the packaging from this range a part of this programme* where you can send back empty packaging for us to wash and reuse. *Apart from our Seahorse Plankton+ Facial Cleansing Konjac Sponge which is 100% compostable!  We look at every single element of a product’s journey to ensure our products are waste zero from the inside out. It’s time to Join the #ReuseRevolution now! Dive into the full vegan Seahorse Plankton+ range here to look at our individual, value bundles and even our Discovery Kit to introduce you to the top picks! Or for more vegan haircare and Bath & Body products, check out The Sustainables range.  

Our latest 'Spring Clean Your Skincare Sustainably' virtual workshop focused on how to create your own natural DIY face masks using what's already in your cupboards! We covered recipes, do's & don'ts for at home facials & some basic massage techniques that are guaranteed to leave you refreshed & glowing for the weekend. If you missed our live workshop, don't worry because we recorded it for you! You can find our full facial guide here too to follow after your face mask treatment.Our Favourite DIY Recipes:#1 Dry Skin: Hydrating Avocado Mask ¼ avocado 1 teaspoon of organic honey (or agave syrup for a vegan alternative) ½ teaspoon natural oil (olive/avocado/sunflower/Abyssinian…) Benefits: Avocado contains natural oils that quickly soften and moisturise the skin. Honey hydrates by drawing water to the surface of the skin, contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits, and has a low risk of irritation. To make: Mash the avocado together with the honey. Add the natural oil to loosen the mixture slightly & add extra nourishment. Spread evenly onto your face (& neck if you wish), rinsing off after 15-20 minutes. You can substitute the honey for blended cucumber packed full of vitamin E to create a soothing face mask to hydrate and reduce swelling & puffiness. #2 Combination Skin: Creamy Banana, Strawberry & Oatmeal Mask 2 tablespoons of oats ½ a ripe banana 1-2 mashed strawberries 1 teaspoon of organic honey (or agave syrup for a vegan alternative) Benefits: Oats contain amino acids, which help to heal blemishes and repair damaged skin. These benefits are boosted by the addition of honey to relieve tired, inflamed skin. Bananas contain lots of  skin boosting vitamins, including vitamins A and E. Whilst strawberries destroy free radicals that cause premature aging – promoting youthful looking skin! To make: This mask doubles up as a gentle scrub too! Leave on for 10-15 minutes before gently exfoliating the oats into your skin & washing off with warm water. #3 Dull Skin: Brightening Raspberry & Lemon Mask 1 cup water (boiled) 1 teabag green tea 6 raspberries ½ teaspoon of lemon juice Benefits: Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe redness and irritation, while raspberries and lemon juice contain loads of juicy vitamin C which is a great antioxidant to help reduce skin damage & premature aging. To make: Steep the green tea in the boiling water for 2 minutes, then empty the tea leaves out in to bowl. Add the raspberries & lemon juice to the leaves & mash into a paste. Apply to face and relax for 15 minutes before washing off with warm water. #4 Oily/Problem Skin: Detoxifying Green Clay Mask 2 tablespoons of Green clay (maybe not one you will have at home, but you can get from health food stores like Planet Organic!) 1 teaspoon of honey (or moistursing agave syrup for a vegan alternative) 1 tablespoon of water for oily skin or natural oil for dry skin Benefits: Green clay will draw out oils & toxins whilst re-mineralising the skin. Again, honey is anti-inflammatory & anti-microbial, good for drawing moisture into the skin while killing acne-causing bacteria. This mask is great to speed up the healing of problem skin! To make: Mix the green clay & water or oil stirring thoroughly. Mix in the honey and add a drop more water or oil if the mix if too dry for you. Apply the mask, leave on for 15 minutes & remove with warm water & a washcloth. #5 Beauty Kitchen Face Masks If you haven't already tried our own Beauty Kitchen Face Masks, here's more info! All of our products are cruelty free & microplastic free, made with natural & sustainably sourced ingredients. These three face masks are also part of our Return•Refill•Repeat programme where you can send back your empty packaging ready for us to wash and reuse again, all in a bid to combat single use plastic waste in the beauty industry. Abyssinian Oil Quick Fix Moisture Mask  For a quick beauty fix! This rich, hydrating mask is made with Abyssinian Oil to give skin an intense moisture boost that leaves your complexion looking brighter, firmer and glowing. Contains hydration boosting ingredients like Sweet Almond Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Rose Absolute, Abyssinian Oil & kaolin clay to detox skin. Abyssinian Oil Night Halo Potent Sleep Mask An even more intense hit of overnight hydration! Containing Olive Oil, Beeswax, Cocoa Seed Butter, Organic Shea Butter, Blackcurrant Seed Oil & Rose Absolute packed full of calming essential oils that help you drift into relaxation. Wake up to skin that feels hydrated, balanced and ready to take on the day. Seahorse Plankton+ 5 Minute Miracle Mask Rejuvenates for bright and glowing skin in just 5 minutes! Contains so many skin boosting & renewing ingredients including Kaolin Clay, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Sustainably sourced plant based marine extracts, Seabuckthorn Seed Oil, Blue Chamomile, Lavender Oil, Magnolia Flower Oil & Vitamin E.

Your new Waste Zero Hair Heroes are here! Packing a punch in your plastic free bathroom, these small but mighty bars are created with the end in mind. With each Shampoo bar saves two single use plastic bottles and lasts up to 70 washes, and our conditioners save three! On top of that, their packaging is 100% compostable, so they really are Waste Zero. Oh, and they are SLS free and silicone free - only made with naturally derived and nature identical vegan, cruelty free & microplastic free ingredients. Deep Cleanse Shampoo Bar Wash & grow daily! A concentrated bar of coconut, peppermint, orange, and spearmint to deep cleanse and condition the hair and scalp so you're ready to grow instantly. Results: Thicker and fuller looking hair that stays fresher for longer. Daily Shine Shampoo Bar Natural radiance revealed! This bar is packed full of nature’s miracle ingredients to instantly boost dull tresses, this bar gently cleansing away impurities to reveal your hairs inner beauty and shine. With hints of grapefruit and lemon this bar will leave your smelling fresh! Results: Radiant, soft, naturally flowing locks that shine. Intense Moisture Shampoo Bar Perfectly smooth hair all day! Containing a powerful blend of coconut and cocoa, this bar locks in moisture and colour whilst protecting your hair from heat styling, humidity, and pollution damage. It’s full of goodness! Results: Hair that’s softer, smoother and silkier than ever before. Everyday Gentle Conditioner Bar Weightless roots and silky soft ends! This gentle conditioner naturally nourishes whilst protecting colour and reducing breakage without weighing down your hair. Results: Gives you beautiful hair that's full of movement. How Do I store my Haircare Bars? It’s simple, just store them as you would with any bar soap. It’s important to let your haircare bar air dry between washes so we would recommend a plastic free soap rest. Good thing our No Mess Soap Rest does the trick! Made from sustainably sourced coconut fibre and natural rubber, it’s the perfect addition to your plastic free bathroom. What Do You Think? A few of you have already tried out our favourite new haircare bars already! “Great shampoo bar with a lovely scent! Easy to use and fits nicely in your hand. Most of all, sustainable and plastic free so no more plastic bottle lying about in the bathroom!” - George M. “This is hands down the best shampoo bar I've ever used. My hair is soft, silky, shiny and event though it's very long and thick, there's so much volume and body in it, and it stays clean for longer.  Will not be without this now! I've bought two more bars!” – Casey C. “I’ve been using shampoo bars for a while & there are a lot out there & a lot that don’t work well. I’m so glad I found this one at Beauty Kitchen, I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now, it cleans my hair without stripping it & the lather is lovely, smells great. Easy to rinse & I’ve now bought the conditioner to try that too.” – Joanne W. “Bought this for my husband, we’ve tried lots and he’s always happy but this one he loves, the subtle smell and the way it lathers up quickly. I have also tried it as has my daughter. We usually dismiss the bars after one use but will be using this again as it actually works well for long hair. Finally, a shampoo bar that I can use, and the whole family can use. It’s a thumbs up from us.” - Katie P. Let us know what you think & you can shop all our sustainable haircare here!

Say hello to our new reusable AND compostable bath accessories range - it’s everything you need for a 100% Plastic Free, everyday sustainable skincare routine. Try out our Waste Zero alternatives & join the #ReuseRevolution today! The #ReuseRevolution is our way of refusing single use, and we believe this ethos should include everything outside of your beauty products too. Especially when so much other plastic waste occurs with general beauty accessories (think plastic shower puffs, exfoliating mitts and synthetic face cloths). Of all plastic ever produced, 91% of this has gone to waste…entering landfill, our environment and oceans - and eventually broken down to tiny microplastics and microfibres that are constantly polluting our planet and causing havoc for wildlife. This is why we have introduced our unbleached, long-lasting and compostable natural bathroom accessories that follow Cradle to Cradle principles. We created this rage with the end in mind meaning these natural products, once used and reused, will go full circle once popped into your compost bin! LARGE REUSABLE HEMP COTTON PADS The alternative to single use cotton and synthetic cleansing pads! Most cotton pads we buy contain plastic polypropylene and are usually bleached to give that snow-white appearance, meaning they don’t biodegrade. In terms of reusable face pads, you might be thinking “this isn’t novel…I already have some in my bathroom!” – however, these seemingly ‘ecofriendly’ reusable face pads are often made from synthetic plastic fibres such as polyester or contain nylon in the stitching. Over 60% of materials used in the textile industry consist of synthetic materials that pollute our land and oceans with tiny plastic fibres (microfibres) each time we wash these materials. Drifting through our plugholes or washing machines, it’s estimated that around 165,000 tonnes of plastic fibres enter the sea and an additional 176,000 dumped across land EACH YEAR… We NEVER use microplastic ingredients in our products, so it was important for us to steer clear from microfibres too. Which is why we opted for a 70% hemp and 30% cotton blended material with cotton stitching in our Large Reusable Hemp Cotton Pads, for a totally natural pre-cleanse! Hemp is a low-impact crop that can be converted into fabric sustainably, returning a significant percentage of nutrients back to the ground during the extraction process. This results in healthier soil that can help slow erosion and keep the environment healthy for a longer period of time. It’s also one of the strongest natural fibres out there, meaning our cleansing pads are long lasting, perfect for Reuse. Lasting up to 800 washes, our Large Reusable Hemp Cotton Pads come as a twin pack, perfect for morning and night! Pair with our Abyssinian Oil Prime Time Cream Cleanser for the perfect companion to melt away make-up and impurities, leaving skin with a satin smooth finish. Shop our Large Reusable Cleansing Pads here (RRP £7.50) DUAL SIDED REUSABLE FACE CLOTH The alternative to single use wipes! Due to their popularity and utter convenience, the UK goes through a staggering 11 billion wet wipes in just one year. Often, they aren’t being disposed of properly, causing 93% of blockages in UK sewers. The single use nature of wipes leads to many of us simply throwing them out, but this is causing a detrimental effect on our environment. In fact, there has been a 400% increase in the number of wipes found on beaches in the UK, with 80 of them being found for every mile of beach we cross. So, say goodbye to your face wipes and welcome our Dual Sided Reusable Face Cloth into your bathroom instead! Similar to our Large Reusable Cleansing Pads, our face cloth is made from a blend of unbleached hemp and cotton for true sustainability and durability. Unlike garments made from other materials, which become distorted with multiple uses, hemp clothing holds its shape and lasts much longer. Our Dual Sided Reusable Face Cloth lasts up to 800 washes! It’s dual-sided for fast and effective cleansing with gentle exfoliation that is suitable for all skin types. Pair with our light Seahorse Plankton+ Revitalizing Gel Cleanser for the ultimate cleanse, leaving refreshed, glowing and nourished skin. Shop our Dual-Sided Reusable Face Cloth here (RRP £7.50) EXFOLIATING SOAP Pouch A sustainable alternative to plastic exfoliating gloves that won't irritate your skin! Completely free of plastic and elastic openings, our Exfoliating Soap Pouch is made with 100% hemp for a thorough exfoliation. Exceptionally durable (lasts up to 6 months!) this all-over exfoliation is great for silky smooth skin or for prepping before applying fake tan. Simply slip your favourite Organic Vegan Soap Bar inside and scrub away for a super luxurious foaming skin massage. Top Tip: pop your remaining little soap remnants all together in this soap pouch to make the most of them for the ultimate Waste Zero soap saver! Shop our Exfoliating Soap Pouch here (RRP £4.50) Bath & Shower Body Exfoliator Waste Zero shower power! The perfect alternative to scratchy synthetic shower scrunchies and plastic puffs. Our Bath & Shower Body Exfoliator is made from 100% unbleached sisal, which is another extremely durable natural fibre from the long green leaves of the agave sisalana plant. Lasting up to 6 months before it needs replacing, you can be sure no microplastics are being washed down your drain with this exfoliating sponge. Body cleansing and serious smoothing for squeaky clean and sparkling skin. Great for exfoliating and cleansing skin alongside your favourite Organic Vegan Body Wash! Shop our 100% plastic free Bath & Shower Body Exfoliator here (RRP £5.50) We are SO excited for the launch of our Plastic Free Bath Accessories range and we can’t wait to hear about how much you enjoy them! Remember to tag us in your Beauty Kitchen images using #ReuseRevolution and keep your eyes peeled…we may have some more plastic free accessories coming soon! Can you guess what they might be?

The miracle mist that provides an invisible protective shield for your face. SOS Skin Shield+ is here to save the day! Why do you need this? Because on average, you touch your face 16 times per hour. You're probably doing this right now! Touching your face repeatedly can quickly spread dirt, oil, and bacteria from surfaces to your face, which can lead to the spread of germs, clogged pores, irritation and breakouts. Made with Hypochlorous Acid, SOS Skin Shield+ is clinically proven to kill 99.99% of all harmful germs and viruses in less than 30 seconds and keep them away for up to 4 hours, giving you protection that you can trust. What’s more, SOS Skin Shield+ is suitable for use on anyone, anytime, anywhere. Alcohol free, hypoallergenic and pH balanced, SOS Skin Shield+ is kind to even the most sensitive & problematic of skin types. It’s powered by our miracle ingredient Hypochlorous Acid, which is a natural substance our bodies produce to fend off germs and promote the appearance healthy younger looking skin. It makes sense then that our SOS Skin Shield+ is also clinically proven to do the same, and is suitable for use on all skin types even sensitive, acne and eczema prone skin.  Suitable for all ages and skin types, SOS Skin Shield+ is perfect for the whole family at home or on-the-go. At the park, visiting friends, using your face mask, as part of your skincare routine…no matter where you are, SOS Skin Shield+ can always be used to help protect your skin. How to Use SOS Skin Shield+? Simply spritz the unique, fragrance free solution generously over skin and allow to dry naturally…it’s that easy. Incorporate into your daily skincare routine as your final step to provide a protective shield against harmful bacteria transferred to your face.  Then pop in your handbag whilst on-the-go to reapply whenever and wherever! Paraben free and safe to inhale, SOS Skin Shield+ is suitable for frequent use on the face, near eyes, and anywhere else your skin needs it, no matter where you are.   SOS Skin Shield+ is perfect for use over makeup to stay sanitised throughout the day, and whilst wearing face coverings to prevent maskne. Also suitable to sanitise brushes, makeup tools, colour cosmetics and lots more. Let’s see how you’ve been using our SOS Skin Shield+ already… Iesha - "As a PT I am quite active - I find i'm often touching my face due to sweat or a stray hair. SOS Skin Shield+ is hygienic, protecting & easy to use!"    Tejal - "I use SOS Skin Shield+ at home, on-the-go (for days when I work to the office) & in the car. I also use this to sanitise my cosmetic brushes and even handles on bags and more!" Cheryl - "As a lash and brow technician who has just been able to start back at work I have loved using this product! I’ve been using it between clients, over make up and after a mask change. As a glasses wearer, I don’t use a shield at work to completely cover my face so being able to spray my face with this then put on a fresh mask gives me extra reassurance!" Shalal - "The product is very gentle which is great for sensitive skin. A good product for days out or travelling to keep stuff clean, particularly when wearing face masks/coverings that may build up bacteria inside which could leave dirt on your skin!"  Shop SOS Skin Shield+ here!  Return • Refill • Repeat Sustainability powers every decision we make from our ingredients to our packaging. Our refillable & ecofriendly SOS Skin Shield+ is included in our Return • Refill • Repeat (link) programme, where we wash and reuse our returned Beauty Kitchen packaging. This means, instead of going to landfill, not being recycled, or using up energy to recycle, we can kickstart the SOS Skin Shield+ packaging lifecycle all over again in the most sustainable way possible! Cruelty free, microplastic free & registered with the Vegan Society, SOS Skin Shield+ is an essential addition to anyone’s skincare routine for clean, germ free and protected skin. * Use sanitisers safely & always read the label before use

Sustainable. Natural. Compostable. The Konjac Sponge is making a huge impact in the beauty industry as the eco-friendly cleansing tool. The notorious 'wet wipe' is the queen of convenience right? However…these little skin saviours are perhaps not as innocent as they seem. Due to their popularity, the UK goes through a staggering 11 billion wet wipes in just one year and often, aren’t being disposed of properly; causing 93% of blockages in UK sewers. The single use nature of wipes leads to many of us simply throwing them out, but this is causing a detrimental effect on our environment. In fact, there has been a 400% increase in the number of wipes found on beaches in the UK, with 80 of them being found for every mile of beach we cross! Okay...so what about cotton face pads, they're versatile and plastic free right? On one hand, they may be a step up from face wipes, however they are still single use. When cotton isn't organically sourced, the chemicals used in the farming of cotton can impact our ecosystems and pollute the environment. In fact, the cotton farming industry uses almost one quarter of the world's insecticides. It also takes a huge amount of water to produce regular cotton (one kilo can take more than 20,000 litres of water to make). This excessive amount of water taken from natural habitats can impact on the surrounding wildlife. Not only that...the chemicals contained in the finished product will eventually leach into our environment once the pad is disposed of.  Here at Beauty Kitchen, we want to try and eliminate waste all together so that it's easier for you make sustainable decisions in the first place! So as an alternative to single use wipes and cotton pads...say hello to the Konjac Sponge! Vegan, cruelty free, all natural and no added colouring's in sight. The colour of our Konjac Sponges come from charcoal, red clay and blue chamomile we add for extra skin benefits. Pronounced Kohn-Jack, these little cleansing tools last a good 2-3 months and once finished you can simply throw them in your compost bin. They are 100% compostable, from the sponge itself to the packaging it comes in. Compared to a single wet wipe which could take up to 100 years to breakdown… “To make the sponge, we take the roots and grind them to a powder before placing in moulds and re-hydrating with a small amount of water. We then dry them in an oven to avoid adding any chemicals. Sea sponges are often considered as the go-to natural sponge, but with over harvesting and no way to repopulate what has been taken, they’re not necessarily the most sustainable. With konjac sponges, we can keep replanting the vegetable to create a more sustainable supply and so, a more sustainable sponge” - Jo, our Founder These miracle sponges work on even the most sensitive of skins, cleansing away dirt and impurities whilst gently exfoliating skin to leave it feeling soft and glowing. Simply rinse and hydrate the sponge in warm water (your sponge will get silky soft and grow to around twice the size), squeeze out any excess water and prepare your skin for a cleanse like you’ve never experienced before. Pair with a light natural cleanser like our Seahorse Plankton+ Revitalising Gel Cleanser or if you’re needing something a bit more nourishing, our Abyssinian Oil Prime Time Cream Cleanser adds extra hydration to your routine. Our larger Body Konjac Sponge is perfect for using the shower with your favourite Beauty Kitchen Body Wash too! Abyssinian Oil Facial Cleansing Konjac Sponge Infused with rose and red clay. Shop Abyssinian Oil Facial Cleansing Konjac Sponge Seahorse Plankton+ Facial Cleansing Konjac Sponge  Infused with chamomile and blueberry. Shop Seahorse Plankton+ Facial Cleansing Konjac Sponge  Fragrance Free Body Cleansing Konjac Sponge  Infused with bamboo and charcoal. Shop Fragrance Free Body Cleansing Konjac Sponge

There’s something reassuring about knowing you have more time and space to enjoy the comfort of your own home. It’s time to pick up old hobbies, or time to create a new one. It’s time to read that book you’ve left on the side and forgotten about. It’s also time to relax, take it easy and reconnect with yourself. Here’s how all of us at Beauty Kitchen will be spending our new time… Get Creative Are you one of those people that feels as though there isn’t enough time in the day to get back into their drawing? Or are you one of those people who has always found inspiration in creativity, but never had the chance to dedicate themselves to it fully? Whether it’s art, music, writing or crafting…this is your chance to get involved again! Spending your time putting your new-found energy into something creative can put your mind at ease and calm anxiety. If you have kids, this is a great opportunity to get them on board and keep them occupied too! Recreate a Spa Experience…In Your Own Home So, you’ve got a few extra hours in the morning and evening, right? Of course, we’re being a bit biased here working at Beauty Kitchen and all that, but everyone deserves some self-care at home to disconnect from the daily stresses of life. We created The Sustainables range for moments like this in mind. We’ve used organic ingredients including spa-like essential oils so you can add a bit of relaxation to your day-to-night routine, or whenever you need a little lift. Run the bath, light a candle, dim the lights…and prepare to unwind. We can guarantee you’ll be ready for that early night sleep. Oh, and we’ve just included these in our Sustainable Subscription so you can get them delivered directly to your door! Bright Spaces Spending so much time inside can seem odd to those of us who haven’t done it before, but it’s a great chance for us to fall in love with our homes again. Keep on top of clutter, spruce up your surroundings and Feng Shui your living space simply by moving your furniture about to give your room a new feel. If you’re working from home now, a top tip from the BK team is to work near a window so you can experience a bit of natural light. Be sure to open your window to experience nature, get some fresh air and hear the birds singing outside if you can! Take A Trip to The Past Speaking of time…this is the perfect opportunity to spend a few hours sifting through your old photos and reminiscing about memories. Get your family and friends on a video call and share your treasures while catching up over a coffee. You could even create a scrapbook! Get Lost in Another World Bring out the inner child in you and cosy up with that book you’ve been meaning to read (or stick a movie on if you prefer something more visual). No matter what genre: Sci-Fi, Romance, Mystery and so on, let your imagination go wild and escape to another reality. We love slathering on a nourishing face mask while we’re doing this too! The soothing scents of our Abyssinian Oil Sleep Mask are inspired by walks through a wildflower meadow. Packed full of calming essential oils, including Rose, Cedarwood and Magnolia, this hydrating mask will help you drift into pure relaxation. Listen to Something Inspirational We’ve ticked off reading and watching a movie, but something that we’re really enjoying tuning into right now are podcasts! You can listen to them while you snooze, have a shower, clean your house or even listen to one in the background while you work. There’s something for everyone, and if you’re in need of some work motivation, our Founder Jo Chidley was recently invited onto the Leaders Council podcast talking about how we run things here at BK. You can listen to the full podcast here. Yoga Since going to a yoga studio is out of the question, this a great time to recreate a relaxing atmosphere, put on some soothing music and do some at home yoga or meditation. Whatever your level of practice, we love following YouTube tutorials or apps like Down Dog where you can be a part of an active yoga community. These following apps are currently free to download until April 1st so make the most of it while you can: Down Dog, Yoga for Beginners, HIIT, Barre, and 7 Minute Workout. So, those are our top ways to turn our current experience into something positive and making the most of this extra time. Don’t forget, we’re always here to answer any questions or if you need a chat! Catch up and stay in touch with us on our social platforms @beautykitchen

“…beauty should be fun!” A few weeks ago, we had the chance to catch up with makeup artist and green beauty lover Lou Dartford at the Sustainable Lifestyle Awards. This sparked the idea to get her involved in our new ‘Beauty Kitchen Meets’ feature! Read on for some tips and tricks on 'green' festive looks, her views on sustainability in the industry, and what beauty means to her: Beauty Kitchen: Was there a specific moment in time when you decided to move to green beauty or is this something you’ve always been interested in? Lou Dartford: I’ve always been interested in natural health and looking after myself, and green beauty was the natural progression. I came across some organic skincare about ten years ago which sewed a seed that just grew and grew. I was thinking about what I was eating, but as a make-up artist I was using lots of products that I didn’t even know what was in them. I started to question these products, and everything changed for me. I started to switch my personal beauty routine to a greener one, but then made the decision that my professional kit needed to be green too. My job is to put make-up on people therefore I should be putting the very best products that I can on them – ones that respect their skin but also the planet.   BK: What does beauty mean to you? Lou: To me beauty is lots of things. We’re surrounded by it with nature, it’s about being kind, warm and respectful, to others but also to ourselves. I use the term green beauty a lot, of course I’m talking about products a lot of the time, however we could buy all the beauty products in the world, but I don’t think beauty is face value, there are so many layers to it. It is of course what’s going on in the inside too.   BK: This year our founder Jo was listed on the Who’s Who of Natural Beauty again, as were you! Congratulations on being named as ‘The Industry Trendsetter’, do you feel like the beauty industry is finally ready to embrace the idea of sustainability? Lou: Aah thank you very much and congratulations to Jo too! I think we’ve got a long way to go in terms of sustainability in the beauty industry. The UK beauty industry is bigger than the motor industry and is set to only get bigger. That’s a lot of products that will be released over the coming years, and the beauty industry is responsible for so much landfill waste. Conversations are happening though, which is wonderful, and change is starting to take place. Consumers want to know more, and brands are reacting to that. There are some amazing schemes happening in terms of recycling, and of course people like yourself taking it that one step further with re-using and cradle to cradle – thank you for leading the way! I do worry that some brands are perhaps doing it as a box ticking exercise though, rather than really fully throwing themselves into it. However, I do understand it can take a long time for brands to change their ways, especially those with well-established production lines and manufacturing processes for example. That said there has definitely been a big huge shift, but we need to keep the momentum going. As consumers we can make a difference and encourage more action too.BK: We always live by the mantra that “small change makes big impact” and we totally appreciate that moving to a more sustainable lifestyle can be tricky. Do you have any tips or advice on how to make more conscious choices when it comes to beauty or lifestyle choices? Lou: It can be totally tricky when trying to switch to a more sustainable lifestyle. I think it’s really important to decide what your personal ethos is, as this will really help you to make the right choices for you. There will always be conflicting advice or brands offering different things; if you know what is important to you, then more conscious decisions can be made. I find there can be a lot of confusion and guilt, when trying to do the right thing, I know I have certainly felt it, but as long as we are trying then we’re in the right place and also constantly learning and moving forward. And yes, I completely agree with small change makes big impact; a small personal change can seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but if we all do one thing it adds up to a lot. Also, each small thing is a change in mindset and habit, and before you know it, you’ve changed loads of things. When it comes to beauty, I always say to switch to ‘greener’ products as others run out. This is way better for your bank balance but also no wastage of product and, you’ll know what is working for you. Don’t stress about it either, beauty should be fun!   BK: We bet you’ve had some amazing opportunities to work in various places and meet influential people, right? Do you have any special career highlights? Lou: I do have a fun job and I feel very lucky to have had some wonderful experiences. I travelled to India and Bangladesh with People Tree which was amazing, and I’ll always remember it. The days were long and hot, but it was such an eye opener to see the power of buying Fairtrade. Defining Samuel L Jackson’s brows was also a highlight :) My job is so varied; each day is different and has its own special highlight – corny I know, but it’s true.   BK: So, it’s nearly Christmas! You included our zero plastic Eco Glitter Balm in a sparkly look not so long ago, which looked amazing by the way. Is this one of your favourite times of year to create more dramatic make up looks? Lou: Aah yes ‘tis the season to be sparkly. This is definitely a lovely time of year to be playful with make-up. I think people are more open to ideas this time of year, there is something about a Christmas party that encourages them to be a bit more adventurous. A smokey eye or playing with glitter is always fun. *You can see Lou’s incredible festive look featuring our Beauty Kitchen Eco Glitter Balm - and Eco Star Dust’s glitter on the lower lash line!* BK: You’ve been a friend of ours for a while now, do you have any favourite Beauty Kitchen products that have made their way into your own skincare routine? Lou: The konjac sponge is one of my favourite ever, I feel like it really boosts my skin regime by deep cleansing and a gentle exfoliation. I also love that the whole thing including packaging can be put into your compost waste. The Prime Time Cream Cleanser is also a favourite of mine, the face oils are lovely too *see below for Lou & our Natruline!* BK: We recently highlighted the importance of self-care and how important is to take some time out for yourself every now and then. What’s your favourite way of winding down and relaxing, especially during the festive season? Lou: In an ideal world I’d have a monthly facial and daily yoga although that doesn’t happen that often! I try to do a weekly yoga class, usually on a Monday morning which helps start the week of well! I also swim and find the water really calming.   BK: Finally, do you have any plans for 2020 that you’re excited about? Lou: I can’t believe that the new year is almost here, and a new decade at that! I’m excited to develop my blog a little more and I’m hoping to offer some more events. I’m part of a lovely collective called Conscious Beauty Union and I’m excited to see how we can all work together in 2020. Also got a few other little projects that I’ve been working on that can hopefully be revealed soon :)   Be sure to check out Lou’s Green Beauty Blog here and keep up to date with her amazing work through Instagram! ♥️

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