How to Switch to Organic Beauty: 5 Top Tips

People lack information on why to make the change and ways on how to. Whether it is curiosity or intuition, you are one step closer to making one of life's greatest and least regrettable decisions. Changing from everything you know and everything you have ever known, is agreeably never easy, but commendable. There is an undeniable revolutionary shift in the beauty mindset and this is spreading across the globe, fast. 

New attitudes towards beauty are from knowledge being gained and research being conducted about 'going beauty green'.These discoveries are spurring the great and unstoppable demand for natural and organic beauty products. 

New brands are rising with a new message and a clear vision that focuses on creating skincare that is beneficial to the skin, safe and pure. Well, why should I change? is what you may ask. Here are 3 reasons to consider. 

1. Skin food - our skin absorbs almost everything we put on to it - fact. Just look right now at the ingredients on a simple product such as lipstick. All THAT?! The majority of these ingredients are just chemicals upon chemicals with no respect to nature or to you. Natural and organic beauty products contain natural vegetable oils and essential oils that are far more superior in terms of functionality, feel and effect on the skin. 'Green beauty' products are much gentler and kind to sensitive skin too! They can help eradicate irritation and sensitivity, since inflammation is often caused by the harsh chemicals, soaps, and fragrances in conventional products.

2. Natural and organic beauty products are a much safer option when it comes to your health. Many of the ingredients used in formulating non-organic beauty products have been proven to contain toxic chemicals, artificial colours, fragrances and harmful preservatives that seep into your bloodstream as you use them. These have been linked to hormonal disruption, bad skin allergies and even as worse as being carcinogenic.

3.  Not only are you putting healthier products on your skin, you are helping protect the environment. No animal testing and ethical practices are at the centre of many natural and organic beauty brand philosophies; that's obviously  a good thing!

HOW TO Switch to Organic Beauty: 5 top tips 

1.  After reading this don't chuck everything out! Being wasteful is not environmentally-friendly. Instead, finish off the products you have and gradually replace them with new natural beauty products. This is easier and far more affordable.

2. Read our Meet the Brand features (such as this one) on our blog. This gives you brand insight and what to expect from their product line. So much quicker than going through many pages of Google to get this information, we have done all the hard hard work for you briefly summarising the brand for quick reading and easy learning. 

3. Focus on an easy starter such as cleanser or toner, then begin to work your way up. How to decide your next skincare step? Think of your main skincare concern first. You may be trying to fight the signs of ageing on your face. Try a serum which is a product specially formulated with a higher concentration of potent ingredients to target specific skin concerns. Serums boost your skin with lots of goodness and help fight concerns such as wrinkles, age spots, hyperpigmentation and dull, lifeless skin.

4. Another great way to start your new natural beauty routine is to experiment with a selection of at home products, giving you a feel of just how superior natural and beauty is! Some facial deep cleansing and body detoxing products also have aromatherapeutic effects that relax the body and calm the senses. 

5. Final tip. Give it time! Healthy, glowing, feel-good skin are great benefits of switching to organic beauty, however you will not see miracles within days. Average skin cell turnover takes 28 days and as we age, this process takes even longer. Patience is certainly a virtue.

For more help on how to switch to organic beauty, contact us for personal advice.

Have you recently made the switch? How did you do it? Share your experiences with us

How to Choose the Right Foundation

Ladies of the United Kingdom were estimated to have spent over a whopping £1bn on colour cosmetics alone this year! (Mintel, 2014). Ladies, we love to doll up - fact. From the time we are tots watching our mothers beautify themselves from the dressing table, right through to our teen years where we begin to master the art of make up. Then comes along adulthood, where make up is no longer about creating beauty but rather enhancing it; where we believe simplicity and elegance is key. So just like diamonds girls, make up is definitely a girl's best friend!

Whether you use a little or use a bit more, make up is part of our everyday lives. Use it to correct stuff you don't particularly like. Express your mood or who you are. Simply wear it as part of your professional attire. Apply it as a feel good factor, for a dress to impress event, your wedding, a Christmas work party or simply to look pretty for that special date! 

The big question is which make up is right for you? I understand there are many ladies out there who never want even a pop of concealer near their faces and I respect that. However, is it a case of genuine dislike or a fear of looking like Barbie rather than you? Well here is a simple guide to let you know what is out there and which make up you can confidently use without taking you out of your comfort zone.

1. Concealer

Many women feel that looking natural involves just using this product where needed. Contrary to this common belief, it works very well and actually better with foundation. Concealer is not meant to be used as an alternative to full foundation, but rather on small concentrated areas to aid in disguising blemishes, counteracting discolourations and lightening up any dark or shadowed areas. Unless you are blessed with skin complexion perfection, concealer without foundation can make you look worse with dots of colour on your face and actually accentuate, rather than conceal, the problem(s) you are trying to hide! Great for dry, normal, combination or sensitive skin, a cream concealer, like one from Xenca, has a coverage that is buildable. Don't apply too much and remember to blend! Stuck on what type of foundation to choose? Read on.

2. BB Cream 

For the minimalist this is for you. Originally known as a blemish balm to heal scars from surgery and clear spots or hyperpigmentation, it is now known as the genius Beauty Balm. Infusing 6 (or more) skin benefits in 1, the all-in-one facial cosmetic is a product designed to work on your skin as a treatment, primer, concealer, foundation, sunscreen and provide similar colour coverage to that of a tinted moisturiser! This is perfect for the lady who is pressed for time and wants to keep things simple! Skin sensitive? Try the Alva BB Cream which is specially formulated for sensitive skin. This little beauty is Vegan too!

3. Liquid Foundation

Matte liquid foundation provides a sheer to medium coverage and creates a smooth finish without a shiny or dewy appearance. This type of foundation tends to be long-wearing and great for oily skin.  Attractive makeup is based on good coverage not coverage that is blatantly obvious! Ensure you choose the right shade that matches your skin colour to enhance your natural beauty.


4. Compact Powder

Powder foundations have more pigment and can be applied for a minimal feel but fuller coverage. Applied with a sponge or brush, these are designed to be used alone, without the need of another type of foundation underneath. Compact powder tones the face and gives it an even appearance. This formulation is good for women with normal to oily or combination skin. It is not particularly recommended for those with dry or flaky skin as the powder content can be too drying on this type of skin. There are, however, specially formulated compact powders such as NATorigin's Compact Face Powder which have soothing and softening properties that make it suitable for use with dry skin (always read the product description to find out). This product is great for you too if you have allergies as it has been approved by Allergy UK!

So there you have it - the quickest guide to choosing the right make up for you. Stay classy and stay fabulous ladies!

Oh! And after all the glitz and glam, always, ALWAYS cleanse your face before you sleep! (definitive beauty rule). Wipes are forgivable for when H20 is out of reach but this is not a substitute and should not be used as part of your daily cleansing routine. Make-up remover and cleansers are essentials in any lady's beauty cupboard. Take good care of your skin! 

Tanya for Evonsch

EVONSCH - Who We Are

Here at EVONSCH, we are strong advocates for 'green' beauty. The Evonsch boutique promotes brands and products that are Vegan, Organic or Natural, whilst being ethical, safe and pure.

At EVONSCH, luxury beauty products that adhere to our strict policies and green credentials are what we continually promise to offer to you. Naturally beneficial to your health, skin and body, the products we retail are not tested on animals and boast desirable and certified ‘green’ credentials. 

Many cosmetics and beauty products contain ingredients that may not be of benefit to skin, hair and body. We try our hardest to ensure the brands we offer to you do not use harmful substances and toxins such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS), various Parabens (such as Propyl-, Methyl-, Isopropyl-, Ethyl-, Isobutyl-, Butyl-), Mineral or Petroleum based oils, certain preservatives and GM ingredients.

We are passionate about green beauty just like you are and feel it is important to be transparent about the products we stock. We list all the ingredients of all our products and include information on whether a product has been certified Vegan, Organic or Natural by the Vegan Society, Soil Association, Eco Cert, Cosmebio, BDIH, ICEAS, COSMOS or Nature et Progres, so you can buy with extra confidence.

Our virtual shelves are arrayed with such luxury beauty products from a wide range of ethical brands. A boutique of premium ‘green’ beauty online, evonsch.com is the perfect destination to shop for him, her, mum and baby. Shop to your heart’s content with the beauty of your little luxuries delivered straight to your door. Enjoy a shopping experience that is quick, easy and convenient for you and all the family.

Just like you, we love  “Luxury, Authentic Organic Beauty”. Unearth the beautiful world of niche Vegan, Organic and Natural skincare and cosmetics only on evonsch.com. 

Meet the Brand: ORGANIC ELEMENTS

Conceptually designed with real applied science, ORGANIC ELEMENTS is a luxury brand which offers a high performance product range that is "Naturally Organic, clinically proven". With products for cleansing and toning, renewing and oxygenating to moisturising and de-stressing, Organic Elements is simply your daily oasis of well-being. 

nf20 p.m to a.m Skin Feeder 50ml

Promising skincare that goes beyond the skin "to reach the emotions", the luxurious, holistic and sensorial approach used in their product formulation is designed to stimulate the senses and have a positive influence on your mood. The face and body range includes an average of 91% of ingredients of natural origin, using certified organic ingredients and products formulated 100% free from parabens, mineral oils, petrochemicals and animal derivatives. With over 50 years of research and development, Organic Elements has a strong connection to nature and great philosophy which envelopes a "commitment to the environment, to future generations and to ourselves".

Although we would love to, listing all the brand has to offer is simply impossible. Here is a snapshot of some of our key favourites from the extensive skincare range.

Used as a weekly treatment, the pf30 particle cell-renewer is designed for deep cleansing. It has a gentle microdermabrasion action that facilitates cell renewal, respiration and regeneration for the skin. With a soft, creamy texture, pf30 has extracts of sage and mallow that stimulate and refresh giving you soft, smooth and elastic skin. 

The fennel and sage pf8 revealing biotoner is a God-send that completes the daily cleansing routine. It normalises oil secretions, reduces shine and gives skin a matt finish. With a delicate peeling action, it accelerates and stimulates the regeneration of skin cells. Combat free radicals and aging skin with its great antioxidising properties. 

Like many of us, we suffer from baggy eyes in the morning. The ef35 eye contour feeder with honey and dogrose is a smoothing concentrate targeted for the eye zone. Relieve puffiness and fatigue and brighten those gorgeous eyes of yours with this beauty.

For a quick pick-me-up during the day, this product should always be on hand in your bag! We love the dsf8 office booster because it emits a green tea and sweet clover aroma that literally de-stresses, smells so good and is ultimately refreshing on the skin. Used after moisturising your skin, it's light gel texture can make it ideal as base for makeup. This little gorgeous must-have can even be applied over your makeup to refresh your face during the day!

Your skin is highly active and repairs itself while you sleep. The nf20 pm to am skin feeder is that revitalising cocktail you need after a hard and long day's work. It's bioactive formula reactivates microcirculation, eliminates toxins and boosts skin repair. Wake up to fresh and oxygenated skin!

ef40 C-Biosurge 30ml

The Organic Elements skincare range includes all products for face, including serums and detoxifying treatments, right through to body cleansing, de-stressing and moisturising products. The full range is available exclusively on evonsch.com  

Know Your Skin Type

When choosing beauty products, it is imperative you select the right products for you. Your skin type can change over time so it is important to frequently keep your skin in check. What worked for you when you were 18 is not necessarily going to work for you at 35, 47 or even 65! Admittedly, we are creatures of habit and we tend to want to stick to something, just because. However, what you may not realise, is that you are depriving your skin from looking and feeling its best. 

.

By denying it the correct beauty products to address your current skincare needs, skin can look worse or even trigger skin issues that did not exist. Other temporary or permanent factors such as hormonal changes, climate, diet, medication, stress and even genetic predisposition can alter the behaviour of your skin.  

Your skin type is based on water content (which affects suppleness of skin and comfort); your skin's oil or lipid composition (this affects skin texture/softness) and the level of sensitivity present.

Skin types can be streamlined into 5 very basic categories:

1. Dry 
2. Combination
3. Normal 
4. Oily
5. Sensitive

All skin requires products especially formulated for its type. With this in mind, it is advisable you use complimentary products from the same brand product range as all formulations for that particular skin type are interlinked to bring optimum results. Caring for your skin type is very easy as many brands, such as Yours Truly Organics, will generally have a 1. cleanser, 2. toner, 3. serum and 4.moisturiser to help you follow a simple and effective daily skin care routine. The 4-step skin routine/regimen will be explained to you in a later blog post.

At Evonsch, we desire that our customers shop with knowledge and with confidence. We recommend you follow the simple steps, outlined in the video, on how to determine your skin type.

video by @glamology

Did the information provided and video help you? Share your thoughts in the comments box below

NEW IN! FOM COSMETICS Age Defying Hand Serum

Luxurious in all its ways, the FOM Cosmetics Age Defying Hand Serum is this season's new release.

FOM Cosmetics Age Defying Hand Serum, 50ml £22

Dressed in an elegant and sophisticated glass bottle, this beautiful hand serum is scented with 100% essential oils and packed full of BioActive botanical extracts. With Hyaluronic Acid, Marula fruit and powerful Antioxidants, these ingredients work in harmony with your skin to make your hands naturally soft and beautiful.

With continued use, the Age Defying Hand Serum helps protect your skin from future free radicals, lightens age spots and delivers moisture to help with dry and patchy skin.

Available now on www.evonsch.com