Beauty Philosophy by Bethan Cole

Today's Topic: Organic and Natural

I have to admit to being something of a late adopter when it comes to green issues. But there are reasons for that. I tend to come over all contrarian when a trend hits critical mass and am usually deeply suspicious of any kind of consensus, in the media or fashion or beauty. My main problem with the green thing was the hypocrisy involved; you'd get celebrities with private jets eulogising the benefits of organic face creams. There seemed to be a disjuncture and miscomprehension in the way people were approaching environmentalism.

Yet, grudgingly, I've had to admit that attempting to be green is undoubtedly a good thing. Provided you tackle the big issues like flying and car use first, rather than see it as a mere fashionable shopping option. I've made various concessions to it in my lifestyle. I've cut down the amount I fly from 10-12 times a year to once or twice a year. I use my bike or walk local journeys. I recycle as much of my household waste as is possible. And crucially I try to consume less: where in my twenties I would happily traipse up and down Oxford Street each and every Saturday, now, ten years on, I hit the shops once every six months and limit myself to three or four outfits for each new season.

I've adopted the same stringent and edited attitude towards beauty products. Where before I would buy and stockpile beauty 'treats' whenever I hit a shop, now I have identified my staples and make targeted purchases when each item runs out. When I interviewed an ultra hip New York perfume maker, in summer 2007, he said some very wise words to me: 'The more you know the less you need.' This has now become my mantra. It is my philosophy to be as informed as possible about all the shopping options then limit my purchases to the bare minimum and the most epicurean products.

Which is where Jo Wood comes in. The one area where I'm somewhat lax on the green front is my predilection for daily baths. I know it is wasteful of water but I'm addicted to the ritual of wallowing. Thus many of my bathroom essentials are related to bathing. I've tried a lot of bathing products and I have to say that Jo Wood's Amka Organic Bath Oil is one of the most delectable, sybaritic, idyllic unguents out there. The scent of Persian rose otto, jasmine, neroli and bergamot hovers, vaporous and dense over a hot bath, and is the ultimate invitation to bathe. The oil leaves skin wondrously supple and silken. The whole experience is a sublime sensual seduction.

I've also fallen in love with her new Everyday range, which is Ecocert  (the French organic regulatory board) certified and comprises three products, all of which are essentials. I've got Tula Cleansing Body Mousse, Tula Exfoliating Salt Scrub and Tula Nourishing Body Cream in my shower right now. Not only are they great value during these credit crunch stricken times, they're the three things I cannot live without when I am taking a shower. These are wonderfully luxurious essentials that make your daily ablutions a sweet scented delight. The added bonus is they are organic, recyclable and not stuffed with horrible chemicals. In this case being green is an easy option.

Comments

[Belinda]

What a pleasure to read an honest article about green products! I am really impressed - well done.

[Cindy Moore]

Good info
Thank you

[Cindy Moore]

Good info
Thank you

[cecile/detour2mode]

thanks you..i'm happy someone is talking about green products but also of the other maybe more important things that are flying or car using

[Alissa]

I am glad you have got stuck into green beauty products! It has been a bit of a personal mission of mine to go completely green with my beauty regime, which has proved pretty easy (though not so easy on my wallet). I recommend Dr Hauschka, Neals Yard and Suki for the face, and for hair either Faith in Nature or Organic Surge. Have fun testing out new products!!