GUEST POST | Bamford: Sustainable Farming & British Heritage

Bamford’s founder, Carole Bamford has a simple philosophy; to create beautiful and tasteful products that care both for the environment and ourselves.

Originating from her family’s organic farm in Gloucestershire, the Bamford family have been farming organically for over 25 years. The farm holds a special passion for real food, their holistic approach to healthy and organic living has inspired a range of luxurious body products. The range combines the Bamford asthetic of quiet living with their (and our!) passionate belief that natural and organic products are better for us than synthetic products.

What goes on the body is as important as what we put inside

Their range of Botanical Body products cleanse, protect and help rejuvenate using the most pure and organic ingredients accredited to the highest standards.

Bamford Body is certified by the Soil Association, the UK’s organic certification body. The ultimate aim of the Soil Association is to preserve the soil. Therefore their recommendations endorse sustainable farming.

Sustainable methods of farming and British heritage is more important than ever, what better way to celebrate than to treat yourself or a loved one to something gorgeous from the range. 

Only the most natural colours and fragrances are used, the products are free from GM ingredients and they us preservatives from natural sources.

We love Bamford because it is simply beautiful, their luxurious packaging oozes sophistication and yet it has the lowest possible impact on the environment, proving that for something to look incredible you don’t have to compromise on quality and sustainability.  All packaging is recyclable too.

Our favourites are;

Chamomile Body Oil | Try it for £30.40

Geranium Hand Wash (was 16 now £12.80)

We love having gorgeous soap in the bathroom at home, this one looks great and smells incredible. With essential oils of eucalyptus, peppermint, geranium and lavender it will gently cleanse hands and the scents will clear the mind. The pump bottle is perfect for easy application.

Chamomile Body Oil (was £38 now £30.40)

For normal to dry skin, this luxurious body oil will nourish and care for your skin without feeling too greasy. Great to put on after a bath in the evening, as it soothes and calms. Massage it into skin to boost circulation and deeply moisturise. Bring the spa experience home.

Mini Pebbles Soap Set (was £24 now £19.20)

Perfect as a gift. Rose, geranium and chamomile soaps in the shape of the sweetest heart shaped pebble that Carole, the founder of Bamford found on the beach. These are just too cute!

Watch our exclusive video on Bamford here >

Congratulations to Herbfarmacy!

Co-directors of Herbfarmacy Organic Skincare, Paul Richards – doctor in botany and plant physiology - and his wife Carol have been voted in the Top 3 of natural beauty leaders in the country. The results were announced this month by The Natural Beauty Yearbook.

Paul Richards has spent the past 28 years growing herbs organically and harnessing their medicinal benefits in his innovative range of skincare products, tinctures, ointments and oils.

Earlier this year Herbfarmacy’s Just Eyes Cream was voted the ‘Best Facial Skincare Product’ in the Natural and Organic Awards 2011. It’s Rose and Echinacea Toner was a finalist and the Rose Face Oil was selected as the ‘Best Facial Oil’ in the Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards 2011.

The company fulfills the farm to skin experience and it is the only UK organic skincare company to grow and make its products on site. Infusions of plant oils and unique combinations of essential oils are transformed into luxurious skincare products, all made by hand.

“It is so rewarding for the team to be recognised for their dedication,” says Paul. “We run a labour intensive business – growing and harvesting the herbs and handcrafting our skincare products. We couldn’t do it without a loyal team.”

One of the first herbs Paul grew commercially was Comfrey. The leaves were dried for Comfrey Tea and the roots were used to make a powder for animals suffering from arthritis. He went on to make a range of healing ointments using combinations of herbal oils.

The continuing success of the ointments inspired the creation of the Herbfarmacy range of everyday skincare. The products capture moisturising, anti-inflammatory and replenishing properties of key herbs to nurture and protect the skin.

Press | Kimia

To her credit, Olivia Palermo, former reality tv star, current socialite and permanent fashionista, has the most flawless skin.

Palermo puts it all down to her religious use of French-brand Kimia, which particularly addresses skin issues like ageing.

The magic behind the Kimia range is that it's packed with active ingredients.

Kimia's Rejuvenating Facial System, pictured, is the brand's hero product. The face oil, which contains the purest and most potent essential oils, goes onto your face and neck first, and is followed immediately with the hydro-activator which creates a synergistic effect, increasing the absorption of the oil into the skin and accelerating the removal of dead cells.

We think it's time we gave Ms. Palermo a run for her money in the perfect skin stakes.