Saffron Rouge Blog

Safe enough to eat - because you are Precious

saffronrouge — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 11:00:00 -0500

A lipstick launch celebration with a real difference - Living Nature staff celebrated the launch of Precious by Lorraine Downes with a unique afternoon tea. The special challenge for each team was to contribute an edible delight featuring lipstick as an ingredient. We know our lipsticks are safe enough to eat and we're happy to prove it!

Staff came up with some fabulous ideas including lipstick coconut ice, lipstick fudge, lipstick-topped jellies and wafers and lipstick on cheese and crackers.

The cause for celebration is Precious by Lorraine Downes, a new lipstick suitable for everyday wear, or worn with Living Nature Lip Balm to add additional sheen and sophistication. This moisture rich, mineral lipstick is formulated with vegetable waxes for smooth application, and is of course lead free and Certified Natural.

But there is so much more than just a new ‘nude pink’, on trend colour behind the introduction of Precious by Lorraine Downes. With inspiration and input from Lorraine, our Brand Ambassador and New Zealand’s one and only ever Miss Universe (1983), our team has created this lipstick to provide a revenue stream in perpetuity to support the New Zealand Breast Cancer Network with a donation from each sale.

The story behind the Precious name resonates with the important work done by the BCN to educate and inform women to reduce help stop cancer where it starts. Lorraine says “I believe all women are precious to their families. As a mother, wife, sister, aunty, I do my utmost to educate women to remove the unnecessary toxic load on their bodies. Lending my name and voice to this cause emphasises that all women should regard themselves as precious by taking great care with their choices. For Living Nature, Mother Nature is the most precious and has the answers to all. Women just need to be closer to nature to hear her answers.

"In my travels and vocations I have the chance to meet and speak with so many amazing women from all walks of life, telling me that they always want that one shade they can use everyday that would go with everything and save the dramatic shades for special occasions. And it was these ideas that lead me to develop Precious – the perfect natural pink tone that suits works for a day and evening look.”

Behind the Brand: W3LL PEOPLE

saffronrouge — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 17:14:00 -0500

1. What motivated you to start your own line?

As long-time friends who went to school in Austin at the University of Texas, we were “turned on” to the importance of being mindful regarding products we consume and the ingredients they contain at a relatively early age. We were drinking organic smoothies in the late 80’s at the original little Whole Foods Market on Lamar Boulevard before organic was even cool.

But even then, we didn’t think to apply the same paradigm we were using for food to other categories, including personal care. Funny enough, it wasn’t until years later, once we had all achieved success in our individual careers (Shirley is a world renowned makeup artist, Renée is an elite Cosmetic Dermatologist and James built a branding company focused on sustainability), that we realized whoathe crap we are putting on our skin can be quite harmful.

Based on the synergy of our professional backgrounds (and that we’re best friends) we decided to embark on mission to change the face of makeup for good, filled with an authentic passion and professionalism we found lacking in the industry.

2. How long did it take? When was your product line ready for the general public?

As it turns out, starting a pioneering new company that’s totally changing all the rules ain’t so easy. The journey has been a long and challenging one. The products our friends and fans enjoy now are the culmination of a laborious formulation and testing process six years long. And we are still constantly learning and innovating - that’s what excites us and drives us. We don’t think we’re done by a long shot, so stay tuned for more natural awesomeness!

3. What obstacles did you face along the way?

Um, do you have a few hours? When you’re starting from scratch (read: not going to China to buy stock stuff in tubs) literally everything is a challenge and has a built in learning curve, i.e. investigating and vetting sources for the best in natural and organic ingredients.

Oddly we were sometimes our own biggest obstacle, James would be pushing for an exclusively organic formula on a given product, but Shirley would put her foot down, if for some reason the payoff and texture weren’t just perfect. That’s why though we are absolutely 100% natural with no cheating, no chemicals, no petroleum or petroleum by products, the one area we may compromise is organic levels.

Believe it or not, some organic ingredients act differently from their natural counterparts and that difference is not always desirable cosmetically. This is a living example of the beauty and benefit of W3LL PEOPLE and the dichotomy of its founders.

4. Who did you draw your inspiration from?

Given the difference in our personalities and professional backgrounds, W3LL PEOPLE taps a funky and fabulous variety of inspirations.

Shirley, who clearly leads the artistry of W3LL PEOPLE, draws from her amazing apprenticeship with the infamous François Nars and working with the likes of Naomi Campbell. Renée is inspired daily by the patients she treats who are sometimes facing life or death situations and the daunting impact of the choices we all make. James reaches back to his early formative years farming with his grandfather in rural Santa Fe, New Mexico and the love of nature was born during that time.

5. What is unique, different or special about your brand?

Well if you haven’t guessed by now, it’s the sum our parts, or minds in this case. Our synergistic, multi-disciplinary backgrounds enable us to bring a holistic and effective solution to the world of makeup the like of which have never been seen before.

6. Have you or your products ever won any awards?

We are happy to say we’ve achieved quite a cult status in a relatively short amount of time, whether it’s Halle Berry loving us or W Magazine touting us as one of the Best Six New Makeup Brands. And trust us, we’re flattered by the awards and attention. But we’re careful about being too focused on press awards, we’re focused on our client and her stories and her praise. That’s what turns us on and keeps us going.

7. What is the story behind the name W3LL PEOPLE?

We’re clearly not another “me too” brand and we want our name to embody that. So instead of traditional, narcissistic naming conventions, we chose a name that communicates the culture of wellness we want to create - we just want to look freakin’ fabulous doing it.

8. How do you feel about changes in the organic beauty movement?

We’re mostly optimistic and encouraged by all the real people working toward real, positive change. Clearly we’re not gonna go back to a time where it’s OK to put toxic crap on your skin that’s hazardous to your health and the world we live in.

So kudos to vanguards and certain media for shining a light on this issue. And kudos to the power of the mindful consumer making change mandatory for a lot of sleepy companies.

That said, the green washing by some corporations and the lack of action by governing bodies is sometimes disconcerting given how hard we’re working. But finding true beauty sometimes takes time and we are not stopping!

9. If you had to choose one product that you cannot live without, that you feel says everything about W3LL PEOPLE – what would it be?

The Universalist ColorStick. The name says it all and has such the perfect vibe given who we are as a company. Never mind that this little magic stick creates some seriously radiant color on the go, anywhere you want it, instantly.

10. What are some of the hot new trends in makeup for the coming season?

We’re completely smitten with the tough, moto-chic style happening. And we love the contradiction of the soft/meek stereotype seen the natural beauty category against the in-your-face attitude of rock n’ roll. So we’re launch a whole new Fall + Winter Campaign built on the concept of “Natural Warrior.” Cool, no? We’re ready to fight for natural beauties everywhere!

Thinking Outside the Box

saffronrouge — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:54:00 -0500

They say don’t judge a book by its cover, and by extension, a product by its packaging, but sometimes what’s on the outside is worthy of a little spotlight too. When it comes to evaluating cosmetics and skincare, the quality of the ingredients, the formulation, the performance and the colors are certainly paramount, but this Earth Week we thought we’d turn the focus on the innovative, eco-friendly packaging some of our beloved brands use to bundle their offerings.

Here are some sobering stats.

The average person generates 4.5 pounds of trash every day, which amounts to about 1.5 tons per year.
Each year 250 million tons of solid waste are thrown away in the US alone - that’s enough to cover Texas twice over.
The average family tosses 6 trees worth of paper per year.
51 billion plastic bottles are used on an annual basis, less than 1% are recycled. It takes plastic 600 years to break down.
Although the EPA estimates that 75 percent of solid waste is recyclable, only about 30 percent is actually recycled.
30% of solid waste comes from product packaging − its the biggest contributor to landfills and illegal dumping

The “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra is helping, but we’ve still got a long way to go. There’s no need for manufacturers to literally waste away the resources of this planet for a one-time encasing of a consumer product. We can do better − and many of our brands do.

So without further ado, here are some Saffron Rouge “wrap” stars that are as committed to green packaging as they are to producing premium organic products.

Erbaviva started out as a line of pure, natural, organic and wildcrafted skincare geared towards moms-to-be and their babies but has now evolved to include products for the whole family. Their commitment to the environment and the global community is evident not only in their choice of raw ingredients but also in their packaging. Materials for their signature fiber bags, reusable cloth pouches, unbleached cotton sachets and basketry is sourced from a sustainable farm project in Northern Thailand and Burma, which benefits the workers from the Pwo Karen hill tribe. Bottled products such as the organic Baby Shampoo, Stretch Mark Oil and Lemon Sage Deodorant are made from recyclable amber glass which preserves the therapeutic integrity of the essential oils by protecting the contents from ambient light.

Yarok, which means “green” in Hebrew, is a company that specializes in nourishing botanical products for the hair and scalp. All ingredients are consciously sourced, responsibly harvested and vegan-compliant. Everything from the business operations, strategic partnerships with environmental causes (3% of profits support indigenous people of Ecuador and Peru and protect 10 million acres of Amazonian Rainforest) and eco-friendly packaging is in line with their values. There labels are made with 80% ultra-thin FiberStone, an environmentally responsible non-paper material that minimizes the carbon footprint. Rather than chopping down trees this material is made of limestone, an abundant element. It is the most ecologically available paper substitute that is also waterproof − an important consideration for a haircare line.

Lulu Organics is a holistic beauty company that primarily specializes in talc-free USDA certified organic hair powders which absorb oil, add volume and impart a natural scent to your tresses. Raw materials are sourced from a fair trade co-op in Iowa, and are handmade from ingredient like rice powder, baking soda, horsetail and essential oils. What immediately stands out about these products is the gorgeous Art Nouveau designs that are silk screened onto the cornstarched-based biodegradable and recyclable packaging. Not only does this hair powder make you look good, the artsy cylinder looks good on your vanity table as well!

Suki, one of our best selling evolutionary lines, is as committed to its low-impact processing and packaging standards as it is to its 100% natural, top quality, fair trade, organic and biodynamic formulations. These top-shelf skincare and beauty products are made fresh by hand in a 100% wind-powered plant to be as carbon neutral as possible. They primarily use recyclable glass bottles to preserve the dynamic vitality of the herbal concoctions. Boxes are made of 77% post-consumer recycled unbleached paper and printed with clean, biodegradable, vegetable-based inks. Even the local printer was carefully sourced to ensure they supported Suki’s environmental philosophies.

In case you’re wondering, Saffron Rouge only uses biodegradable cornstarch packing peanuts in our boxes to protect your delicate orders from breakage during shipping.

Behind the Brand: Mai Couture

saffronrouge — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:00:00 -0500

1. What motivated you to start your own line?

After years of doing makeup, I realized that many women don't wear makeup because they don’t know how to apply it or simply don’t have the time. There are so many beauty products and so many types of brushes out in the market - How do you know which one to use and which one to buy? It can get very costly. Taking all this into consideration, I came up with makeup on paper. Now you can apply makeup in minutes and not worry about the mess, or which brush to use with which product. It’s easy to apply, convenient, and mess-free. You can stash these booklets literally anywhere. Touching up has never been so easy! We like to say, apply makeup anytime, anywhere!

2. How long did it take? When was your product line ready for the general public?

It took almost 2 years to perfect the formula to launch to the public.

3. What obstacles did you face along the way?

The challenge is developing a product that actually can perform. Everyone’s initial thought is, "how are you going to put make-up on paper?" Is it going to be blotchy? The biggest challenge is getting the formula right.

4. Who did you draw your inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from just being a woman and a makeup junkie. As a woman, we all like to look good naturally and effortlessly.

5. What is unique, different or special about your brand?

Here are a few reasons why our brand is different and unique:

You don’t need to carry all your compacts and brushes in your bag. That can weigh down your shoulders!
You can apply it brush-free, making it more bacteria free. Brushes can accumulate bacteria over time. These are single use so you just toss after each use.
It is travel friendly and mess-free. You will never have to worry about your powder compact shattering in your favorite bag.

6. What if anything would you do differently if you could do it over?

Absolutely nothing! There were a few obstacles I faced developing the products, but I am grateful for all the support the past few years.

7. How do you feel about changes in the organic beauty movement?

The organic beauty movement will only get stronger. We all like to use what is good for our body and skin.

8. What advice would you offer other novice women entrepreneurs?

Follow your dreams and your intuition. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not possible. Believe in yourself and think positive no matter what difficulty you face. Dreams do come true.

9. Do you think it is more difficult for women when it comes to business?

Definitely not! We are all created equal. How much you want to succeed is all up to you.

10. How do you find work/life balance?

I find it easier to balance work and life when you love what you do. I have a true passion for beauty: this makes my job a lot easier. There needs to be a good balance between work and family in order to succeed.

Behind the Brand: Kahina Giving Beauty

saffronrouge — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:30:00 -0500

1. What motivated you to start your own line?

I had been searching for effective organic skincare when I traveled to Morocco for a vacation in 2007. It was then I discovered Argan oil and realized I had found the single ingredient I had been searching for. After frequent trips to Morocco to source the highest quality argan oil, I developed a deep appreciation for the people of Morocco, particularly the Berber women who do the work of extracting the argan oil. Inspired by these women, I developed the idea to create a line of ethically sourced skincare that provides economic opportunity and gives back to the Berber women.

2. How long did it take? When was your product line ready for the general public?

I devoted 2008 to developing the line, identifying a chemist and creating the brand, while continuing to travel to Morocco to source the oil. We launched with five products, our pure Argan Oil, Facial Cleanser, Facial Lotion, Serum and Eye Serum, in the Spring of 2009.

3. What obstacles did you face along the way?

The cosmetics business isn’t easy, particularly when you are formulating natural products without traditional preservative methods, and importing ingredients from third world countries. Identifying good partners in Morocco, who can supply high quality raw materials on time, while ensuring a fair wage to the women who do the work has been a challenge. And of course there is a language barrier that can sometimes be difficult. That’s not to say there haven’t been obstacles on this continent as well. As a newcomer to the beauty business, I had to basically reinvent the wheel, solving problems ranging from shipping logistics to the organic certification process and complications of exporting goods.

4. Who did you draw your inspiration from?

My line was inspired by the Berber women of Morocco for their simplicity, warmth of spirit, and ability to see and create beauty from the most basic materials. I have tried to infuse their spirit into the product line by featuring their signatures on the packaging and naming the line after a Berber queen and prophetess.

5. What is unique, different or special about your brand?

Our outstanding results for all skin types and striking design make Kahina stand out. Beyond that, Kahina has a unique mission to help women in need by providing economic opportunity while also contributing a percentage of profits to programs that directly benefit the women who do the work of extracting the oil at the heart of our line.

6. What if anything would you do differently if you could do it over?

Honestly, I wouldn’t do anything over. It’s been a struggle at times, but I wouldn’t change a thing. The mistakes I’ve made and challenges I’ve had have all been part of the process.

7. How do you feel about changes in the organic beauty movement?

I think it’s fabulous that more people now care about organic ingredients in their beauty products. The increased demand puts pressure on cosmetics companies to clean up their acts. Major companies entering the organics market can afford to do research that small companies cannot do. This means that there will be a greater variety of certified organic ingredients to choose from. The problem has been the "greenwashing" that has been going on with a lot of companies making false organic claims creating consumer confusion surrounding the term organic. The competing certifying bodies and lack of consensus on what it means for a cosmetic to be organic only adds to the confusion. I’m a strong believer in organic certification, but ultimately it really is up to the consumer to learn how to read and decipher labels for themselves.

8. What advice would you offer other novice women entrepreneurs?

I hate to generalize, but I find that women have so much to offer in business - energy, intuition, communications and problem solving skills, and the ability to multi-task. But often they can sabotage themselves with self-doubt and by second-guessing themselves. I know that’s the case with me. I need to coach myself daily to be fearless by reminding myself of all that I’ve accomplished in five years, and that the greatest rewards come with taking risk.

9. Do you think it is more difficult for women when it comes to business?

I’ve never thrived in a corporate structure so I really can’t speak from personal experience about success in that environment. As an entrepreneur, I have found tremendous support as a woman, particularly from other women. When women work together there is an incredible amount of energy to be harnessed.

10. How do you find work/life balance?

Because I love what I do, I tend to live and breathe Kahina, which can be a problem for my family sometimes. I travel a lot, but when I’m home I am very present for my three kids. I work out of my home so I’m always available to pick up my youngest son from school and help with homework. I’m lucky to have an extremely supportive husband.

Beauty Benefits of Coconut Oil

saffronrouge — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:11:00 -0500

Most of us are still in the shackles of winter, pining for an island escape. So let’s turn our focus to something tropical — coconuts. This hard-shelled hairy fruit of the palm tree is not just for pina coladas anymore. The mighty coconut has finally taken its rightful place as a super-food and wonder-ingredient with both internal and external health benefits.

Not long ago coconut oil had a bad rap, demonized as a highly-saturated artery-clogging fat that made movie popcorn a sin. It is true that in its processed hydrogenated form, coconut oil is something to be avoided like a heart attack. However, pure unadulterated virgin coconut oil is another story.

Asians and Pacific Islanders have been praising the power of coconut oil for centuries, but now modern science is catching up. Studies have shown that this tropical fruit is one of nature’s most effective natural anti-microbials. High in lauric acid, capric acid and capylic acid, it has proven antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It is also a potent antioxidant, heroically scavenging those prevalent free radicals that do so much cellular damage and deterioration as we age.

From a beauty perspective, coconut oil is a rich, silky, readily absorbable emollient that soothes and softens skin. The oil has a particularly high moisture retention capacity, so it helps lock in hydration to nourish, protect and rejuvenate the face, body, feet, lips, hair, cuticles — the works! Miraculous healing effects have been reported on a host of skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, dermatitis, blemishes, burns, wounds and wrinkles.

Coconut oil increases the levels of lipids on the skin’s surface, which helps preserve connective tissues and restore elasticity, one of the first qualities to diminish as time goes by. That lipid barrier also helps ward off sun damage, fades discolorations, promotes healing, firms sagging and erases etchings. Straight up, it makes a wonderful massage oil, facial oil, lip protector, lash lengthener, dry skin eradicator, hair defrizzer, scalp tonic, natural deodorant, stretch mark preventative, make-up remover and cuticle smoother. Phew — is that enough for you? It’s no wonder that coconut oil is taking center stage in so many body and beauty care products these days.

At Saffron Rouge, we’ve got a lovely bunch of coconut-based products. Here are a few you should let get under your skin.

Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Coconut Lotion — Hydrating jojoba, hemp and avocado oils team up with coconut and lavender for a soothing, calming combination.
Yarok Feed Your Shine Hair Serum — Coconut oil is a key ingredient in this ultra-nourishing serum that stimulates both scalp and strands for lustrous locks.
Inika Eye Makeup Remover — Organic coconut oil, along with chamomile, calendula and aloe vera, is the base of this gentle cosmetic remover that is ideal for sensitive eyes.
John Master’s Organics Bar Soaps — Rather than using harmful sulphates, John Master’s cleansing and shaving bars gently lather up with the saponification of certified organic palm & coconut oils.
RMS — Pure organic coconut oil features prominently in many nourishing, beauty-enhancing RMS product formulations, including the best selling Living Luminizer, Lip & Skin Balm, Lip2Cheek, Cream Eye Shadow and, of course, Raw Coconut Cream, where this multitasking tropical wonder proudly stands alone.

Behind the Brand: Studio 78 Paris

saffronrouge — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:35:00 -0500

Saffron Rouge is thrilled to welcome Studio 78 Paris to our family, an exciting line of luxury organic beauty products from France. It combines quality botanical ingredients with a modern color palette, offering perfectly pigmented products for face, eyes and lips that are gentle enough for sensitive skin. We recently spoke with founder Margareth Halfon about her cosmetic collection.

1. What motivated you to start your own line?

This was not just a marketing approach. Studio 78 Paris is a brand that has been made with our hearts.

We noticed that a real change was happening in the organic skincare market, but we just couldn’t find any makeup brands that seduced us. There was no alternative line that was also fun, with cool colors, that made us dream.

After working in the luxury, fashion and beauty industries, my partner Laurence and I decided to combine our skills to create our own brand.

Studio 78 Paris was created with a simple concept: to go back to the basics of any traditional makeup brand, which is to be feminine and glamorous, with innovative textures and strong, long lasting pigments. At Studio 78 Paris, making beautiful cosmetics comes first, and then the consumer is pleased to see that it is also an organic brand.

2. How long did it take? When was your product line ready for the general public?

We started in 2010 and it took us 10 months to develop the textures and the color range. Then we introduced Studio 78 Paris to the professionals at Beyond Beauty Paris in September to see how they felt about it. That year, 51 journalists elected us their Press Favorite among 65 brands in competition. Everybody was very enthusiastic about our brand. However, we decided to take few more months to improve the textures before the launch into the market because we wanted it to be perfect. Then Studio 78 Paris officially launched in September 2011.

3. What obstacles did you face along the way?

Studio 78 Paris is a very exciting venture, but there were some obstacles we had to face.

We wanted to have the Ecocert certification for all our products, but it was hard to find organic ingredients that gave us nice pigments but also meet the Ecocert’s standards, especially for eyeshadows.

It was a long road, but we persevered and it worked!

4. Who did you draw your inspiration from?

Studio 78 Paris was born so women wouldn’t have to compromise between beauty and health.

We decided to wander from the typical organic brand approach and to stay closer to the approach of traditional and luxury makeup brands, only with better natural ingredients. Our palate is inspired by the timeless, classic feel of the black & white era, and the glamorous, feminine style of floral watercolors.

5. What is unique, different or special about your brand?

Most of our products are based on our innovative formulas – baked technology for the powders, and bi-phased water foundation for a seamless texture that melts into the complexion.

The color range is modern and follows the current fashion trends. Our packaging is luxurious yet practical. Each detail is there to make life easier for women.

6. What if anything would you do differently if you could do it over?

We faced some problems since the beginning and I’m sure we will face other problems in the future. But each time, we ultimately found a better solution from what we had before. So, to be honest, we would do everything exactly the same!

7. How do you feel about changes in the organic beauty movement?

Throughout the past few years, we have seen a lot of changes operating in the organic beauty market. First, it started with skincare, then it followed with makeup, then perfume.

Some countries are more aware about organic products. Others still have to be educated to this new, better way of consumption. It will take some time. But as products become more attractive, the faster consumers will make the switch from traditional to organic products. It is our job as producers to make them want to make that switch. Don’t forget, when you sell beauty products, you sell dreams.

8. What advice would you offer other novice women entrepreneurs?

In one hand, when you start your own business you should be really motivated because you will go through hard times. You have to stay focused on your aim.

On the other hand, you should find suppliers who want to work with you because they trust in your project. They will get involved in your adventure and become a kind of partner.

9. Do you think it is more difficult for women when it comes to business?

To be honest, I think it’s easier for a women to create her own business. I’ve found suppliers are often filled with admiration for our courage and they want to help us.

Laurence and I used to work for huge companies before launching Studio 78 Paris. We both agree that was often much more difficult.

10. How do you find work/life balance?

When you start your own business, it’s like having a baby. You never have weekends or holidays. You always think about it.

But it’s all for good and happiness!

What's All The Buzz About Manuka Honey?

saffronrouge — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:32:00 -0500

You may have read about it in the magazines or seen it on the shelves of your local health food store. Now it’s popping up in a range of natural skin care products. Manuka Honey—the vitamin, mineral and enzyme-rich golden nectar from bees down under—is no longer the best kept secret of New Zealand. While it’s not exactly mainstream, this special honey is starting to take its rightful place in the health and beauty spotlight. We’re not talking about any old regular honey, honey. This is a class above. Manuka honey is the bee’s knees and really is worthy of all the buzz it is generating these days.

Just like the quality of fine wines varies according to the geographic region the grapes are grown in, honey quality varies according to the plants near the hives where the bees work to produce it. Consider manuka to be the Dom Perignon of honey, not so much in terms of taste but in terms of its exceptional nutrient content. It is exclusively created by honeybees that gather pollen and nectar from the manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium) found only in New Zealand and has been prized by the Maori for centuries. This small evergreen shrub related to the tea tree produces white flowers that make all the difference in terms of the therapeutic value of this liquid gold.

Biologically active raw unpasteurized manuka honey is full of flavonoids, amino acids and has 4 times the mineral content of most other honeys. What really makes it a standout, however, is its unique high content of methylglyoxal (MG). The higher the concentration of MG, the higher the Unique Manuka Factor—or UMF—rating. A UMF rating of 10 or higher is considered beneficial for a host of health and skin conditions, from digestive issues to high cholesterol. Topically, it is remarkable at treating wounds, burns and infections due to its natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. In fact, it is used medicinally in creams, lotions, gels and bandages in hospitals burn units around the world. Studies have shown that manuka honey stimulates the production or cells that can repair tissue. It’s a powerful humectant, meaning it attracts and retains water to rebuild moisture levels in the skin without making it oily. It makes skin soft, supple and elastic, so it’s no wonder that it’s being coveted by the skin care and anti-aging market.

Naturally, this holistic healing honey features prominently in our New Zealand-based Living Nature line of skin care, body care, hair care, makeup and more. Taking cues from local Maori traditions and an array of unique native plants that only grow in rugged, isolated New Zealand, this company developed a comprehensive range of skin and cosmetic products for men and women. Make a beeline to check out some of these items and see how marvelous manuka works for you.

Manuka Nourishing Body Wash gently cleanses and revitalizes the skin head to toe, without stripping it of essential moisture.

Rescue Gel leverages the power of manuka oil and honey in a potent skin salve that heals blemishes, scratches and irritations.

Firming Eye Cream tightens those fine lines around the eyes, lips and neck, giving you a natural lift.

Ultra Nourishing Mask renews and restores your skin with a deeply hydrating manuka treatment ideal for dry or damaged complexions.

Balancing Shampoo & Conditioner brings bounce and shine to your hair without sodium lauryl sulphate.

Tinted Moisturizer offers light coverage along with nourishing hydration boosted by manuka honey.

A perfect way to try out the Living Nature Line is with one of their complete starter kits. There’s one for different skin types with various manuka-rich products for cleansing, moisturizing, firming and treating your skin, all tucked in a reusable fabric travel-handy pouch.

Aromatic Aphrodisiacs: Top 5 Essences to Set the Mood

saffronrouge — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:02:00 -0500

Many people are aware of the healing powers of aromatherapy, but plant-based scents can have other intriguing benefits as well. “Aphrodisiac” might be a bit of an overstatement, but there are several essential oils that have long been revered for their passion-inspiring properties. Our sense of smell directly stimulates the olfactory lobe of the limbic system in the brain, which rules over our emotions, memories and desires. Inhale the right fragrant oil and you just might trigger a romantic response.

Don’t overdo it, however. Too much of a good thing can be overpowering and off-putting. With concentrated botanical essences, less is more. Two to three drops in a diffuser, bath, base oil or carrier lotion adds a subtle sensual scent that is alluring beyond the nose.

For February, the month of love, here are our top five aromatherapy essences to help you set the mood for love.

Rose

There’s a reason why the red, red rose is the symbol of love and romance. The seductive essence of this classic flower was enjoyed by ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans as a way to woo. Lore states that Cleopatra scented the sails of her royal barge with rosewater to draw in Mark Anthony. It takes several thousand rose petals to distill just one ounce of precious rose oil, so don’t be alarmed at the price a little bottle commands – used sparingly and it should last a long time, and its tantalizing effects are worth every penny. Be wary of cheaper synthetic imitations and diluted blends, as the purity and quality can’t compare. Rose is a balanced aroma on its own, with deep rich base notes, floral middle tones and a sweet, leafy top note. Try it mixed with water and spritzed as a hydrosol onto your pillows and see what happens.

If you’re not into essential oils, you can still enjoy the luscious scent of roses in a luxurious facial moisturizer with Dr.Hauschka Rose Day Cream. 30 roses go into each tube of soothing, nurturing, fragrant tube so it’s a treat for your skin and your nose.

Neroli

Otherwise known as orange blossom, neroli is a light, sweet, slightly bitter citrus scent that long been associated with ardor. The name originates from an Italian Countess of Nerola, who scented her bathwater and gloves with this floral essence and helped popularize its perfume. Victorian brides traditionally wove a sprig of orange blossom into their headdress and bouquet to calm their nerves and help ignite the flames on their wedding night. The Chinese consider it a symbol of fruitfulness and fertility. For the most potent effects, look for a pure neroli oil produced from the steam distillation of freshly picked flowers. This balanced scent can stand alone, or can be blended with a variety of other essential oils like jasmine, lavender and rosemary. Place a drop or two of this liquid romance on some parchment paper and see if he’ll write you a sonnet.

You can indulge in a burst of orange fragrance in the shower with John Master Organics Citrus and Neroli Detangler. Not only does it nourish scalp and smooth your tresses, it imparts a sweet scent that will uplift your spirits and inspire your mood.

Ylang Ylang

Extracted from the flowers of a tall, tropical tree, this exotic essence with the double name just might inspire a repeat performance. There’s an Indonesian tradition for brides to lay out ylang ylang flowers on their nuptial beds. So powerful is its stimulating, inhibition busting effect, the oil is often used in tonics to help overcome sexual difficulties. This light libidinous scent has a good balance of feminine and masculine notes – both sweet and rich, part floral and part woodsy. Ylang ylang is an intoxicating essential oil that promotes relaxation, which is always a good first step to a night of love.

Ylang ylang takes a key role in red flower’s intoxicating, multifaceted, exceptional Yuzu Mimosa Sea Algae Body Wash. Citrus, moss and floral notes are blended with silky sea algae into a stimulating tonic that cleanses, heals and hydrates the skin.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood is a warm, rich, sultry scent extracted from fragrant wood of the Santalum tree, a dwindling resource primarily found in India. This oil has been heralded for its meditative, relaxing, soothing qualities since ancient times and is often used in spiritual rituals. In fact, the Japanese have been burning it in incense and Indians have used it in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia. Along with skin enhancing qualities, sandalwood is thought to magnify sexual pleasure and heighten orgasm. The scent is as seductive as a walk in the woods, with a earthy balsamic aroma ideal for those who aren’t into floral fragrances. A few drops in some massage oil or a bathtub for two and, well, you get the picture.

The soothing touch of sandalwood can also be experienced in Dr.Hauschka’s Lavender and Sandalwood Body Moisturizer. It warms, relaxes and comforts both body and soul for supple skin and a willing spirit.

Patchouli

Patchouli was the scent of the 60s, embraced and inhaled by the hippie culture as they experimented with free love. Before that, it was popular in the Far East, made its way along the silk route to the Middle East, and then was brought to Europe by Napoleon Bonaparte via an expedition to Egypt. A tropical herb of the mint family, complex patchouli has a deep, musty, earthy, sharp, smoky, sweet and spicy aroma that people either love or hate – there’s no middle ground. Those that like it find it quite a turn on, and it has been a common addition to various love potions and aphrodisiac elixirs throughout folk history. It’s a heavy, heady scent, so use sparingly or it may overwhelm. Like a fine wine – or true love – patchouli oil becomes better with age.

If you really want to be irresistible, try Tallulah Jane’s Gotham Natural Eau de Parfum. This sexy and sophisticated fragrance combines both romantic rose and potent patchouli for a one-two hit of hit-on-me temptation. The rest is up to you.

Valentine's Wish List

saffronrouge — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 21:10:00 -0500

Just when the December holiday hoopla is put to rest, Valentine’s emerges on the horizon. While this sends many a woman’s heart a-flutter, it puts most men into cardiac distress. Sad but true, not all guys are good with gifts, and the added pressure to get their paramours something “romantic” and “meaningful” is more than some can manage.

Let’s go easy on them this year. We’ve compiled a Valentine’s wish list of sensual, organic bath, body and beauty items that would make any woman swoon. All you have to do is casually leave this blog page open where they can stumble upon it or anonymously send them a link with the subject line “hint, hint.” Too subtle for your loveable caveman? Take charge and point out exactly what you want – or just buy it for yourself – lest you get stuck with drugstore chocolates and a tacky silk rose again!

Can there be a more apropos Valentine’s gift than a bottle of Infinite Love? Lotus Wei is a remarkable company that specializes in what they call floral alchemy, the art of using flower essences to create transformative mood-enhancing experiences. Exotic wildflowers are hand collected and carefully selected for their vibrational effects on your meridians and your states of mind, along the lines of aromatherapy without the strong essential oils. The Infinite Love concoctions contain orchid, lotus, magnolia and other essences which help to attract kindness, inspire charm, dissolve irritation, soothe the heart and stir affections. It comes in several different formats - an ingestible elixir, a facial serum, a spray-on mist and a perfume. Whichever you choose, it certainly makes an original romantic gift for the one you love.

For a more traditional-with-a-twist Valentine’s gift, how about an exquisite contemporary French fragrance from organic haute perfumery Honoré des Prés? This luxuriously eclectic line contains no petrochemical additives, no phthalates, no colorants and no irritants. What it does contain are quirky, unexpected essences from vegetables, flowers, herbs and seeds. Its modern botanical whimsy that works. Try Sexy Angelic, a sweet, seductive, feminine fragrance with a hint of almond, or Vamp à NY, a flirty homage to the cosmopolitan Big Apple. Or embrace your special bond with tropical Love Coconut, a sexy, beachy his-and-hers scent that partners can share.

Here’s a gift that requires a little manual labor, but the rewards – for the giver and receiver – are so worth it. A sensual massage oil like red flower’s Cardamom Amber Oil is sure to ignite that Valentine mood anytime of the year. Spicy notes of cardamom and black pepper increase circulation while earthy aromatics like vetiver and sandalwood help relax the muscles. Blended with jasmine, ylang ylang, rose and apricot oil, it’s a perfect balance of masculine and feminine essences so both parties can enjoy the relaxing, fragrant bliss. Quick absorbing and never greasy, it’s the kind of gift that nourishes the skin, the soul and the relationship.

What’s Valentine’s Day without a rose, the ultimate symbol of love? This time make it a rose infused bath and body set so you can pamper your skin from head to toe with its heavenly floral fragrance. Weleda’s Wild Rose Pampering Holiday Kit is a tantalizing twosome with a creamy body wash and a moisturizing body lotion, both coming up roses with elasticity enhancing ingredients including organic rose hip seed oil, rose damascena essential oil and wild rose. You’ll feel embraced by a romantic bouquet every time you shower.

Men aren’t mind readers, so perhaps the ultimate gift is a special something we get to choose for ourselves. A Saffron Rouge gift certificate might not be the most romantic gesture, but it is practical. Don’t consider it a cop out that screams “I don’t know what do get you” but rather a thoughtful touch that whispers “I love you enough to let you select something you really want.” Cosmetics, skin care, fragrances, bath and body products are such personal, intimate items, and unless your guy is really in tune with your beauty preferences (does such a man exist?) a $50, $100 or $200 e-gift certificate to an upscale organic online retailer is a fabulous option. It’s a good-for-him/good-for-her solution made even sweeter by the fact that neither the giver nor receiver have to leave the house – or even get dressed – to complete the transaction. Just think what you can do with all that extra time on your hands!