Lifestyle & Home: Urban Eco Chic by Oliver Heath

I have been reading sustainable designer Oliver Heath’s latest book ‘Urban Eco Chic’. Oliver’s unique eco style is based on 3 elements; technology, nature and vintage. The book shows you how to combine these 3 elements to create an eco-friendly home that does not compromise on style.   

Packed full of inspiring ‘urban eco chic’ images, the book highlights the multitude of eco options now available on the market, from flooring to furnishings. This is a very useful resource for anyone planning on refurbing their home and wanting to create an interior that is full of character and charm.   

The book is available to buy here.

Carly Gordon

Health & Beauty: New product launches from MÁDARA skincare

One of my favourite beauty brands, Madara has just launched two new products. The delicate Cleansing Milk & Herbal Deodorant and The MÁDARA Delicate Cleansing Milk.

Both products are ECOCERT[1] certified and contain typical herbs and plants from the Baltic region, which are known for their high level of active ingredients.

The MÁDARA Delicate Cleansing Milk (RRP £13, 200ml) gently cleanses the skin and is perfect for people with dry or sensitive skin. The formula contains 100% natural ingredients including oats, known for their skin softening and healing properties, and linden flowers, which are high in anti-oxidants.

The MÁDARA Herbal Deodorant (RRP £9.90, 50ml) is 100% natural, non-staining and provides all-day protection, even on a hot summer’s day! It doesn’t contain any alcohol, which can cause irritation, and its quick-drying anti-bacterial and soothing formula will leave your underarms feeling fresh, while hydrating the delicate skin in this area.

MADÁRA products can be purchased from Selfridges (London), Harrods, Fenwick, natural beauty apothecaries across the UK and from leading online stores including, www.amarya.co.uk, www.beautique.com and www.naturisimo.com.

Health & Beauty: Balancing Blooms

Ever feel like your life is a little out of balance or are you having a full-on crisis? Well balancing blooms are here to help. There is an essence for every possible ailment, be it a lack of confidence, romance issues, a lack of focus or even a case of the blues. Containing specific blended mixtures of various Bach Flower remedies, they work on a subtle level to eradicate your fear and create balance again.

If you have never tried bach remedies then I strongly recommend that you try them if there's anything that is currently causing you anguish, distress or anxiety. I actually used the remedies to clear my fear of flying, with a mixture of hypnotherapy and rescue remedy and they really help to keep your mind calm. Just remember to do your bit for the planet and recycle the glass and plastic bottle after use.

Updates: Ink Magazine Jewelry Feature

Check out Rachel's styling work in Ink Magazine this month 'A Delicate Issue'. Featuring exquisite handmade, intricate jewelry from Jeremy Hoye and vintage clothing from the Vintage Generation to create an easy, relaxed summer luxe feel.

You can buy a limited edition, version here.

Updates: Brighton Fashion Week

Myself and fellow creative Nina Sagri took part in Brighton Fashion Week 2010. We held a one hour workshop at the Brighton Dome entitled 'Be Your Own Stylist' where we gave focused styling and make-up advice to a group of lovely ladies.

We will be organising further, more in-depth wokshops very soon. To register early interest in these just drop us a line: info@laluminata.co.uk

Photo's by Juliet Greig

Design: New career path for redundant tins!

  

Health & Beauty: Bésame cosmetics

If the sight of old Hollywood glamour sets your heart aflutter and if you’re the kind to wear ‘rouge’ rather than ‘blusher’ you will no doubt be happy to learn of Bésame’s migration to England.

Gabriela Hernandez, founder of Bésame Cosmetics Inc strives to incorporate old fashioned glamour and natural formulas to create a beautiful collection of vintage inspired make up. Taking inspiration from her grandmother’s old lipstick tubes and her own love of art and design, Hernandez’s brand is packaged in stunning deco style.

Whilst using the same pigmentations and production techniques as those from the 30s and 40s, Bésame make their products with ‘A mix of today's cutting edge technology and some wonderful natural ingredients that have proven benefits to your skin.’ Not only is the use of these natural ingredients and organic oils beneficial for our skin, they also actually improve the staying power and performance of the products themselves.

Beautifully presented and now readily available from UK stockists, these lipsticks, powders and little pots of rouge will enable you to ‘remember to feel glamorous everyday’.

Poppy Sakulku