Meet the Brand: NATorigin

The ONLY skincare and cosmetics brand in the UK to have its entire cosmetics and skincare range approved by Allergy UK, NATorigin is THEE solution for allergy prone and highly sensitive eyes and skin. If you suffer from, amongst other symptoms such as, red eyes, weeping eyes, tingling sensation, itching, redness, or dryness of skin you ought to give this a try! 

Using a key bio-inertia formula to minimise the risk of allergic reactions, NATorigin’s natural, organic and hypoallergenic make up and skincare is a clear first choice for people with sensitive skin or eyes and contact lens wearers. The entire range has also been approved by the Vegetarian Society, Certified Organic and won a large host of awards including: Janey Lee Grace Loves, Vegetarian Society Awards, Natural and Organic Awards, Natural Health Magazine Beauty Awards, Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards, Beauty Shortlist Awards and many more! Want to know they’re award winning products? Read on!

8 Key Facts about NATorigin skincare and make up:

1.  Formulated with at least 97% naturally sourced ingredients
2.  Use as many ingredients from organic farming/agriculture as possible
3. Principle of bio-inertia used in all formulations – this is best for sensitive skin and eyes
4.  Give preference to active ingredients from plant and marine environments
5. No parabens, no phenoxyethanol, no phthalates , no mineral oil, no formol, no silicone, no chrome, no sodium lauryl sulphate, no sodium laureth sulphate in any of their products
6. No use of ingredients of animal origin (approved by the Vegetarian Society)
7.   Not tested on animals
8.   Full use of recyclable packaging

And here they are! Multiple Award Winning products we absolutely love:

You just don’t what you’re missing if this is not in your make up bag – the Lengthening Mascara with 98.5% naturally sourced ingredients is a high performance formulation that gives you gorge lashes from the word go.

Highly recommended for even the most sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, the hypoallergenic mascara also has a natural formulation specifically designed to strengthen and lengthen eyelashes for the ultimate lash-factor.

YES there is something to banish those little wrinkles creeping up on our faces without invitation! With 99.5% naturally sourced ingredients, we love anything that slows down AGE on our skin in the safest, purest and most natural way. The Regenerating Lifting Serum is so omg with a big O, M and G! Hypoallergenic with a light, melty texture, the super serum has a naturally-sourced tensing active mix that acts INSTANTLY to stretch and smooth the skin leading to a visible reduction in wrinkle depth. Use with Firming Anti-Wrinkle Cream. Don’t forget ladies, continued use is the KEY to see reduced skin ageing over time!

NATorigin Lipstick comes in 6 gorgeous shades that are suited to all skin tones, so there is definitely one for you! Certified by EcoCert, this lipstick is preservative and paraben free. And if that wasn't enough, the whole range of lipsticks are gluten-free making them suitable for coeliacs! -

NATorigin Lipstick (Papaya)

100% of the total ingredients are from natural origin and almost 40% of that is from organic farming. 

At a nifty £12.00 this is a MUST-HAVE in your beauty cupboard. With a pH identical to skin, the hypoallergenic Facial Cleansing Water & Toner gently protects, purifies and softens your skin. It’s fully loaded with protective antioxidant organic arctic raspberry seed extract, stimulating red seaweed extract and anti-inflammatory, cellular-rebuilding brown seaweed extract. If you have dry or really sensitive skin, use the Cleansing Milk .

The NATorigin skincare and make up range boasts rich, natural and active ingredients such as Red Seaweed Arctic Raspberry, Rosemary, Argan Nuts, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter, just to name a few. 

Learn more about NATorigin and the benefits of each product’s ingredients by simply going on Evonsch 

Are you using any of the NATorigin products we love? Share with us in our comments box

Meet the Brand: APPLE & BEARS

APPLE & BEARS invites you to discover the power and purity of nature in their exclusive luxury body collection. Created for today's ethical man and woman, the entire collection is made from the finest natural and organic ingredients. 

Featured in Harper's Bazaar, Vogue and GQ magazine, the ethically sourced and Eco-certified organic ingredients harness the healing powers of nature, remaining true and gentle to your skin. 

12 Quick Facts:

1. Suitable for all skin types
2. Natural & Organic Ecocert Greenlife certified
3. Extracts from real fruit and flowers
4. 100% Natural  fragrance
5. Gluten free
6. Suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians
7. Natural  active skin firming ingredients
8. 100% FREE from animal testing
9. No Parabens or Phthalates
10. The APPLE & BEARS Luxury Body Care collection supports Breast Cancer Care by donating 5% of all product sales to this worthy charity
11. APPLE & BEARS is strictly against animal testing at any stage during development or production
12. Apple & Bears aspires to make a difference by investing back into the planet and purposely avoids conflict between the environment, human and animal rights.

The Body Wash Collection has pure, natural extracts and gentle aromas that cleanse, nurture and nourish your skin for an indulging and renewing bath and shower experience. Discover anti-oxidant boosting Bergamot& Green Tea, nutrient rich Grapefruit & Seaweed, anti-aging and healing properties of Pomegranate & Aloe Vera and radiantly balancing Honey &Hemp for a bath and shower experience that rejuvenates and re-energises your mind and body.

Infused with a blend of organic and natural ingredients, the Luxury Body Silk Collection is a sensational silky and luxurious body care experience. The collection brings harmony to your skin, helping it recover from the stresses of daily life. Choose from nourishing Honey & Hemp, antioxidant rich Bergamot & Green Tea, gently uplifting Grapefruit &Seaweed and fruity scented Pomegranate & Aloe Vera. A non-greasy formula, the scientifically proven skin firming ingredients boost the skin’s elasticity and firmness naturally, while the nutrient rich mineral goodness hydrates, nourishes and rejuvenates your skin.

The perfect gift for any occasion, the Luxury Body Care GiftSet is a great treat for self-pampering or for a special someone. All 4 Apple and Bears fragrances are available in a luxury gift box containing a full size Luxury Body Wash and full size Luxury Body Silk.

The full Apple and Bears range is available to purchase on www.evonsch.com with a special 20% off all products for 1 week only (starting 24/05/15)

Use Code: Apple20 at the checkout

Essential: 4-Step Skincare Routine

Cleansing and caring for your skin is an essential part in achieving good skin health and helping it look its prime. You should do this all-year round but now that we are getting into summer, you DO want beautiful skin, right? All those weddings, holidays at the beach, garden parties...yes! It is important you know your skin type before you start this 4-step skincare routine.

Identifying your skincare needs will ensure you purchase the right products for YOU and help you get the best possible results. Read our helpful advice on knowing your skin type and follow the short video tips for at-home diagnosis.

This quick guide is designed to help you understand the highly recommended steps in daily facial skincare and get you on your way to being beautiful Bella or gorgeous George!

1. Cleanser
Why? Just splashing your face with water is not enough. A cleanser is especially formulated to remove makeup, dirt, oil, sweat, bacteria and pollution - things that simply h2o cannot do! Use your cleanser maximum twice a day, morning and evening.

Some cleansers have very fine microparticles that are suitable for daily exfoliation. General exfoliation is a special additional cleansing process that we recommend to be carried out no more than twice a week. If you have delicate or sensitive skin, exfoliating more than twice a week may be too harsh and cause irritation. Exfoliators are to be used to gently scrub away dead skin cells, eliminate build up that causes blocked pores, remove blackheads, lessen the appearance of wrinkles and brighten dull and uneven skin tone. The micro-particles exfoliate the skin and inside the pores to reveal new, smooth and glowing skin.

For deep cleansing and treatment of a particular skin concern, use a facial mask. Depending on your skin type, a mask provides the ultimate skin detox and care that can rejuvenate skin, help blemishes heal, tighten and tone skin, draw out impurities, hydrate and nourish the skin and calm and soothe the skin. You can enjoy this spa-type experience by using at-home kits for a regular facial detox.

2. Toner
Why? Toners are to be used immediately after cleansing to repair and replenish the skin's surface. In addition to removing lasting traces of dirt, oil and makeup, toners smooth, soften and calm skin. Pore tightening and skin hydrating ingredients in toners are dependent on skin type. Use daily for cleaner, refreshed skin - a step surely not to be missed!

3. Serum
This should not be confused with a moisturiser. It works differently and is not a replacement for your moisturiser. People still do not understand the purpose of a serum - but there are plenty reasons why you should! 
            1. They are super concentrated with active ingredients that target and treat specific skin concerns
            2. These super ingredients go to the deeper layers of your skin (something that moisturisers cannot do)
            3. A serum fights and delays/prevents further damage of the skin problem you are experiencing
            4. Repairs and helps skin recover
            5. Makes an unquestionable, visible difference - consistency is key, just give it time!
            6. Find a serum for YOU - wrinkles? blemishes? redness? age spots? dull/jaded skin? skin too oily? There's definitely something for you in the world of super serums
As they are extremely concentrated a very small amount is needed on application. Use as part of your morning and night-time routine after cleansing and toning, but before your moisturiser.

4. Moisturiser
A moisturiser is designed to stay on the top layer of the skin, adding moisture and hydration. Moisturisers help skin look smooth and supple, keeping away dull, dry and flaky skin. Contrary to myth, oily skin needs to be moisturised too! This will help control and balance oil production

So get to grips with your skin type FIRST - don't follow what Jane just bought, just because,, Summer is around the corner, get picture perfect by following these simple rules! 

Your essential 4 step skincare routine from yours truly, 

evonsch.com

Meet the Brand: ALVA

"Where science and nature meet; pure and organic...naturally" ALVA NATURAL COSMETICS boasts a skincare and cosmetics range that is comprehensive, environmentally-friendly, organic, natural and ethical. Pioneers in the natural cosmetics industry, ALVA was the first European natural cosmetics company to import tea tree oil from Australia and one of the first to develop an extensive line of anti-ageing skincare products using organic sea buckthorn.

The first European natural cosmetics brand to launch a range of makeup products certified organic and vegan, the brand also led the use of research-proven patented beta glucan in cosmetics.

Modern-day forerunners in developing and manufacturing the now-common crystal deodorants, Alva has an exciting product range extending all skincare regimes, from award winning make-up and anti-aging skincare to bodycare and men's grooming products. 'Sensitive'', launched in 2013, is the latest addition to the ALVA family; a range of 8 "innovative, highly effective and luxurious" skincare formulated for even the most sensitive skin types. Although designed for sensitive skin, anyone can use this range including those with mature and dehydrated skin.

All products in the Sensitive range are hypoallergenic, 100% natural, and free of alcohol & preservatives, with 7 of the formulas being vegan! With the majority of products in the range packaged in premium recycled and recyclable card and in recycled glass bottles, Alva is highly visible on our 'go green' radar.

ALVA products we love:

• Perfect for spring time, ditch the heavy winter make up for the Sensitive BB Cream. Certified Organic and Vegan, it acts as a tinted moisturiser with a hydrating formula. With SPF 20, help protect your skin against free radicals and sun damage. It mattifies shiny skin, corrects blemishes and promotes an even, glowing complexion. Anti-aging and skin firming, it strengthens the skin’s immunity with patented beta glucans
• The multi-award winning and best selling liquid crystal Intensive Roll On for round the clock protection. Designed for sportspeople and those who perspire heavily, the Vegan aluminium-free deodorant is packed with aloe vera, comfrey and rosa damescena for a gentle and soothing effect on the skin. 
• A solution for thinning hair! The Caffeine rich shampoo produced from certified organic coffee re-activates circulation in the scalp. With Organic Aloe Vera and Orange Water for an instant moisture boost, this exclusive formulation helps strengthen hair from the roots to the hair follicles.
• For men looking for a natural and alcohol-free alternative to soothe dry and razor-stressed skin, the After-Shave Balm has a Bisabolol and vitamin E moisturising complex to calm and condition the skin. It absorbs quickly, refreshes, smoothes and soothes!

A select range of Alva products are available to purchase now on www.evonsh.com

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.