Community Blog

Lavera Faces Skincare is re-launched for 2012 – So Organic reviews the range

Sat, 12 May 2012 07:25:14 +0000

It’s hard to believe that Lavera Faces has been around for over 12 years, it just goes to show that when brands launch products that work they’ll run and run.

Lavera put a huge amount of research into every single product they launch and are constantly striving to refine and improve their formulations. For the Lavera faces range that means that 2012 is the year the entire range gets a complete makeover and the results are stunning.

Fresh and up to the minute packaging that clearly communicates what the product is supposed to do, and the ingredients that make it so effective, as well as the products organic credentials which are very high. The entire Lavera faces range is certified organic by Natrue and is also suitable for Vegans too.

A simplified range that’s a vast improvement:

In an effort to de-clutter and simplify the range, cleansing, toning and scrubs have been divided into two groups:

Gentle, for dry, sensitive and mature skins, and the Purifying-invigorating line for Oily and Combination types.

Normal skin types (lucky devils!) can pick and choose whichever they like.

The cleansers remove make up brilliantly, but Lavera does also make an eye make up remover should you need it for extra stubborn mascara. The toners are refreshing without stripping and the Lavera faces scrub offers gentle effective exfoliation without a hint of scratchiness.

Choose what’s right for your skin type:

The next stage of skincare more closely matches the Lavera faces range skin types we have grown to love so well, but the formulations have been enhanced and brought right up to date for skincare that really feels like a treat for the skin.

Dry skin is nurtured by the Wild Rose range, it suits mature skins too, but these are now brilliantly catered for by the Lavera My Age line.

Normal to combination skin should choose the calendula range, which now boasts a new addition in the form of a special mask for combination skin, as well as an enhanced formula for the much loved Lavera Faces balancing cream.

The products for Oily skin are a vast improvement with a much more sophisticated formula for the moisturiser which helps to mattify the complexion but also features hyaluronic acid to give hydration without greasiness. The jewel in the crown however, has to be the Lavera Faces 2 in 1 Anti Blemish treatment. Previously just a lipstick style medication concealer stick that was hard to blend and felt heavy, it now incorporates two brilliant treatments in a handbag handy product. An organic serum packed with ingredients specially chosen to purify the skin and aid healing in a clever little roller ball that applies the product just where it’s needed. At the other end is a soft and creamy concealer in a neutral shade that’s easy to dot into position with a wand to be blended to perfection with a (clean!) finger.

I’m really delighted to see such a fabulous revamp of a much loved range and hope you’ll love it as much as I do.

If you feel like giving it a try why wait? UK delivery is Free so why not order some Lavera Faces Skincare and see for yourself?

Breakfast with the Prime Minister!

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:17:33 +0000

“You’ll never guess who I had breakfast with yesterday” is the first thing I’ve said to everyone I’ve met this morning. Not a single one has guessed that on Thursday morning I went to 10 Downing Street to have breakfast with David Cameron.

I feel so honoured to have been invited along with 14 owners and directors of other small and medium sized businesses from all around the UK to talk directly to the guys in charge of running the country about the issues affecting our businesses.

Prime Minister David Cameron, Chancellor of the Exchequer the Rt Hon George Osborne and Mark Prisk MP Minister for Small Business & Enterprise were all there, all listening much more than they were talking too!

We talked at length about things that Government does and does not do for us and the ways in which they can help or hinder us in the running of our businesses. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to speak on behalf of our businesses and our industries on the issues affecting us, and thrilling to be part of such a lively discussion in which they were clearly listening intently and taking on board what we said.

As an entrepreneur I really hope that this Government can really help to encourage a culture of entrepreneurship in the UK that helps lift us all out of these dark and gloomy economic times. From where I’m sitting the future looks very bright indeed, we are surrounded by great UK based businesses doing amazing things with a Government that truly seems to mean it when it says it wants to help. That’s certainly putting a spring in my step this sunny Friday afternoon.

PS. Forget what we talked about, I know you really want to know what they’re all like, that’s the first question anyone has asked! Well from what I could tell they all seemed like thoroughly great people who it was an absolute pleasure to meet.

Wow! A wind powered car from Ecotricity

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:05:17 +0000

Stu and I were lucky enough to be invited to a wonderful event last night. It was the launch party for the new green bond from Ecotricity and their wonderful new wind powered car; the Nemesis.

Ecotricity are an amazing and truly inspiring company, they see that it’s not enough to sell green power but that we need to invest in increased capacity and the ability to produce more green energy otherwise there just won‘t be enough available to make the kind of different that we need to. They invest in wind turbines and produce electricity from them which is where the “wind-powered” bit comes from. This electricity goes into the grid and is used to power everything from boiling the kettle for your morning cup of tea to charging up your electric (“wind-powered”) car!

Ecotricity have spent two years working on the car which looks fabulous and is a great way to show that being green doesn’t have to be boring. With a top speed of 170mph and 0-100mph in 8.5 seconds, it’s great antidote to the myth that you can’t get great performance out of an electric car. Apparently it's great fun to drive too, the meanies didn’t let me have a go so I can’t vouch for that though! ;o(

Lucy Siegle who writes on green issues for the Observer was there filming the car and the amazing reaction to it so hopefully you should be able to watch the film via the Ecotricity website soon.

The Ecotricity eco bond is a way for you to invest your money to get a better return that you would at the bank (7%) and because you’re investing directly with Ecotricity you enable them to invest even more in building capacity to product more green energy quicker. It’s a definite win: win situation.

If you’re looking for simple ways to go green and really make a difference without it affecting your life (other than giving you a nice warm fuzzy feeling that you’re doing your bit), then switching your electricity to Ecotricity is a great step. They invest far more than any other energy company in new sources of green energy, which is what we need to do if we want to reduce our reliance upon fossil fuels and make a sustainable change for the future.

Ecotricity don’t charge any more for their energy either, and price match with the 6 main electricity providers so when there’s no premium for using green electricity, what other excuse can you think of for not using it? We can’t change the world overnight, but we can make a difference by working together to take steps in the right direction. Switching to Ecotricity is a very easy first step. We’ve changed over, and I hope you will too. Switch now….

Sam Burlton in Top 20 Who's Who in Natural Beauty

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 16:13:06 +0000

Last night I was at a lovely drinks reception Whole foods Market, Kensington, for the announcement of the Who’s who in Natural beauty 2011. It’s a list of those people who really make an impact in the world of natural beauty, voted for by their peers, the retailers, manufacturers and consultants to the industry and it’s a huge honour to make your way onto the list.

My jaw nearly hit the floor, when the list was revealed and my name was way up there at the top in 2^nd place, only behind Simon and Rhodri the lovely guys behind the Bulldog brand.

I’m absolutely thrilled to be on the Who’s who in natural beauty list again and owe a huge thank you to all of my peers who voted for me and to my fantastic team here at So Organic HQ who help me so much. Thanks to you all.

UK Government Goes Organic, with So Organic…

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:27:33 +0000

So Organic, the UK’s award winning online department store for natural and organic products has been asked by the government to help them understand the practical realities for business in the UK. In an initiative led by Mark Prisk MP, Minister for Small Business and Enterprise, senior government figures and civil servants are taking the opportunity to step outside of Whitehall, and into the business world, through week long work placements. Mark Prisk MP said ‘It’s nearly ten years since I last ran my business, so I need to better understand the current issues affecting small firms, if I am to be an effective Minister with responsibility for enterprise. After all, nothing is better than direct experience.’

As part of this initiative, the Deputy Director for Enterprise Policy and Strategy, David Wilson will work with the So Organic Founder Samantha Burlton and Chief Operating Officer Stuart Burlton to see what it is like on the ‘front line’. Stuart Burlton commented, ‘We are looking forward to having David work with us, and showing what running a small business is like in today’s economic environment. The Organic Industry has it’s own challenges, so it will be great to have a senior member of the Department for Business, Industry and Skills working with us.’

The So Organic team have a number of challenges and projects awaiting David Wilson, who is looking forward to stepping in to the business world. David said ‘The experience will be invaluable, and I will be hoping to take back as much knowledge as I can to further the cause of small business within the department.’

The work experience commences in October 2010, and you can follow David’s progress through the So Organic Blog, Twitter and Facebook, and at www.SoOrganic.com.

So Organic has won another award for the online company SoOrganic.com.

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:37:18 +0000

Ethical Living is one of the most highly regarded natural and organic magazines in the UK, and every year they have their ‘Ethical Living Health and Beauty Awards’. So Organic was highly commended as the UK’s Best Ethical retailer. What is even more pleasing is that voting was by the general public, customers who love what So Organic stands for and what we believe in. Organic is a lifestyle choice, and not a compromise. With great products like Dr Hauschka, Green People, Lavera, NVEY Eco, there is something for every member of the family. We have a new catalogue coming out soon, so if you would like to place an order, then please do sign up now.

Organic Fortnight 3-17 September 2010: Choose organic everyday

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 13:11:52 +0000

Soil Association Organic Fortnight, is the UK’s biggest celebration of all things organic. This year they are encouraging you to try something organic every day.

Get involved during the fortnight and discover why organic is good for your well-being and your planet, is kind to animals and wildlife and allows us make a big difference - simply through the way we shop.

We're offering 10% off with code CELEB to all customers old and new to try and encourage more people to try organic products.

Also we'll be posting an organic tip every day on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Finally if you're in the London area come and see us in our Greenwich store for free refreshments and 20% off this Saturday 11/09/10 between 10-12pm!

Organic strawberries may cost more, but it's a price worth paying, scientists say.

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:52:56 +0000

After the criticism that Organic Food has had in the press over the last 12 months, it is finally good to see a national newspaper come out with the truth...that organic fruit is both tastier and better for your health!

In the Daily Mail today, they quote that the most detailed research study of its kind has found that organic strawberries contain higher levels of anti-cancer nutrients than fruit sprayed with chemical pesticides. Naturally-produced strawberries also have a longer shelf life and a richer, more fruity flavour, according to the researchers. These findings add to a growing body of evidence that organic food is healthier than conventional fruit and vegetables. At So Organic, we know this already!

Here is what the Daily Mail said:

‘Dr John Reganold, who led the study at Washington State University in the U.S., said: 'We show that you can have high quality, healthy produce, without resorting to an arsenal of pesticides.' Researchers analysed the taste, nutrition and quality of three strawberry varieties growing on 13 organic and 13 conventional farms in California, as well as 31 chemical and biological properties of the soil where they were grown. The organic fruit had ' significantly higher' levels of antioxidants - nutrients that mop up potentially dangerous and cancer-causing 'free radicals' in the body. They also last longer and have 'more strawberry in the strawberry', Dr Reganold reports in the journal PLoS One, published by the Public Library of Science. In blind taste tests, volunteers said they found organic strawberries sweeter and more flavoursome. And when they saw the fruit, they judged the strawberries from the organic farms to have a better colour. ‘

To all those people that criticise our belief that organic products are better for you, they better watch out...organic is back!

FSA Report 'Benefits of Organic Food' - Under Fire

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:00:48 +0000

Making headlines in all the major newspapers last week was the result of a report on organic food that it is no healthier than non-organic food. The report in question, commissioned by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), found that "there are no important differences in the nutrition content or any additional health benefits, of organic food when compared with conventionally produced food". Of course this created a frenzy in the media. The Times reports: "Organic food is no healthier than other produce, according to the Government's food watchdog". Joanna Blythman from the Daily Mail says it's "a cancerous conspiracy to poison your faith in organic food". Leo Hickman from the Guardian says "it's just a shame we can't ask the local birds, fish and insects for their expert testimony on which method they prefer." Carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine this is an accurate report as far as the past research that was used to create its findings goes. But there is so much it misses out. It reviews 11 studies only and the FSA itself admits to a lack of research on which to base findings. It is unclear in many of the studies that ‘certified' organic produce was used. It does not include contaminant content i.e. foods exposed to pesticides, herbicides and the like and it does not compare the environmental or ethical impacts of organic and conventional agricultural practices. Also 4 of the 6 human studies used 20 participants or less and 4 other studies didn't consider the overall diet of participants - "almost akin to feeding a doughnut-eating coach potato and a vegan cyclist organic apples for a week and then comparing the differences in their health" as Mark Anslow from the Ecologist aptly put it. Not exactly meaty evidence to draw strong conclusions from, is it? The researchers concluded at the end of the report that the evidence base currently available "contains limitations in the design and in the comparability of studies... examination of this scattered evidence indicates a need for further high-quality research in this field." Hopefully scientists pick up on this and we'll soon see an influx of more detailed, comprehensive research undertaken. Despite all the controversy around nutritional benefit of organic food there is strong evidence to support it's importance for animal welfare, a chemical-free environment, and the avoidance of genetically modified produce. Organic is the way forward for us however you look at it. What do you think? Will you stop eating organic based on this report? Write in and let us know. By the way the researchers did find significant differences in nutritional content of organic and conventional foodstuffs including higher levels of phenolic compounds, magnesium, zinc, flavonoids, sugars, dry matter, and phosphorus in organic food. A worthy find considering many of us in the west are deficient of zinc or magnesium.

Organic Buying in the Polls

Sun, 10 May 2009 15:00:46 +0000

The Soil Association released their Organic Market Report 2009 recently and it said that last year organic product sales increased overall by 1.7%. Given the turbulance of the economy that's good news for the organic industry because more of us are buying organic... right? Or is it simply that some of us are buying more and widening our organic purchasing scope. The organic crusading charity also conducted an opinion poll and found that 48% of us are buying 10% or less organic goods. Thankfully, 25% of those consumers not currently buying organic food expressed they would like to know more about the benefits of organic. The Soil Association are intensifying their efforts to highlight these benefits by organising activities like visiting Greenwich Market (see blog on our Grow an Organic Pumpkin event) to talk to people direct - preaching to the non-converted so to speak. New research is consistently appearing in the media about why organic is the answer to so many of our global problems. We're all on a continual learning curve. We have to be if we truly wish to engage in the all-important issues of climate change and diminishing non-renewable resources.