OV naturals Blog

A Year in the Life... OV naturals 2011

2012-02-06T12:13:00.000-08:00

A Year in the Life…

of OV naturals 2011

Lucy Stevens, OV naturals founder, at Sherborne Castle Race for Life 2011

2011 was an excitingyear!

Thanks to some great local, national & international coverageabout OV products, we started selling OV skincare products across the UK and further afield to Southern Ireland, Belgium & Sweden. We began selling a fewproducts in venues in Somerset.We participated in some great local events. As always, you, our customers, keptus busy with massage, facial treatments and other therapies – thank you all. We wouldn't be here without you!
From the top...

Jan 2011
The Hair & Beauty Loungein Shepton Beauchamp continues to offer facials using OV products. A greatlocal collaboration. Big thanks to Lisa, Sue & Ellie.

Feb
Ran a little ‘natural face lift’ workshop at Orchard View,passing on some tips about natural ways to give yourself a lift, along withsome home-made flapjack!

April
- Very honoured to be featuredin the Irish Independent Woman section Sarah Stacey chose OV Triple Rose as herdesert-island must-have!“Whatwould be your desert island beauty buy?”“Facial oil. Currently Triple Rose LuxuryOrganic Facial oil by a tiny Somersetbusiness called Orchard View Naturals.” (The Beauty Bible's Sarah Stacey in the IrishIndependent woman, Apr 2011)
- Joined a Yoga & Relaxation day, at Seavington Millenium Hall.Sandra Harvey taught yoga, Lucy gave massages and Merricks Organic Farmprovided food and refreshment. A lovely sunny day with relaxation all round. Manythanks to Sandra.

May

- Absolutely delighted to be featured on the cultbeauty website Beauty

Bible in the ‘Sarah Loves’ column. Thanks to Sarah. "'OV’ stands for

Orchard View,the home of aromatherapist Lucy Stevens, in

Somerset. She’s a wonderful practitioner (her Ayurvedic-based facial

massage is afab temporary face-lift, and blissfully relaxing), and the

products are aslovely as she is. I love rose (as manyof you do too, we

know) and this nourishing facial oil (OV Triple Rose LuxuryOrganic

Facial Oil) made my skin instantly soft and velvety feeling, with a

visible bloom. You can use night andmorning – with night cream for

extra moisturising overnight; in the morning, Iuse it under a tinted moisturiser.” 'Sarah Loves' May 11

Lunch with yoga &massage day attenders and Sandra Harvey, yoga teacher (forefront)

June- Finally took the plunge into Facebook with our very own OV naturals page – visit us on Facebook and ‘Like’ us to keep up with all the news.We’ve lost several hours to social media… but made lots of new friends!
- Took part in a ‘taster event’ alongside Pukka Herbs at the Trading Post Farm Shop, Lopenhead. Gave little dabs of Triple Rose to customers! Thanks to Sue, Dani & co.

- Sales of Triple Rose got exciting with coverage in the YOU magazine (Mail on Sunday). Thanks to Sarah Stacey & Josephine Fairley, who selected OV naturals Triple Rose facial oil as a ‘favourite’ on the same page as Kylie & alongside Liz Earle, L’Occitane, Guerlain, Decléor, Chanel, Nude & Darphin… Check out the Mail on Sunday ‘Save our Skin’ supplement

July

- Featured in SublimeMagazine with 'Stay Balanced' Organic Moisturiser and 'No Fuss' Purifying Cleansing Lotion – alovely glossy double page beauty feature, thanks to Jenny Page, Beauty Ed

- Hosted a ‘meet & greet’ at the Minster HealthFoods in Ilminster, offering customers a chance to chat about therapies &to try out some OV products. Thanks as always to Becci, Claire & Denise

August

- Developed a new luxury product, OV ‘Rosy Glow’Luxury Organic Moisturiser,

with all the gorgeous goodness of Organic distilledRose Otto and Organic Rosehip.

October

- Lucy took part in Yeovil Hospital’sGreen Day event, helping to promote

green alternatives to staff. Our OV stallattracted lots of interest. Thanks

to Michelle.

Our Green Day winner (left) withMichelle, organiser (centre)

- OV Luxury Organic ‘Rosy Glow’ moisturisercompetition on Facebook

attracted masses of fantastic beauty tips and over 150entries! Our winner

had a marvellous natural recipe to treat ‘chloriney’ hair.Well done to

Sandra Henderson! You can find all the beauty tips on Facebook or read our

summary on the OVnaturals Blog.

- Featured in SublimeMagazine again, this time with OV Luxury Organic

Triple Rose Facial oil – anotherlovely beauty feature. Huge thanks to

Jenny, Beauty Ed.

'Sublime' feature

- Won the title of the 1^st ‘Beautetition’winner – by offering a lovely OV

prize worth £60 for a Twitter competition.See beaute online’s Blog.

Thanks to the lovely Elle who tirelessly promoted us!

Our winners badge with beaute

November

- Light Green,the ‘Eco-chic’ Emporium in Castle Cary, Somerset, began to

stock Triple Rose oil& other products – thanks to Sarah Chapman

& co.

- We had a week-long ‘Virtual Pamper Party’ onFacebook & attracted

lots of lovely people for virtual massages & othertreats & to win

five OV goody bags. They were very well received… "Stunning, gorgeous,

indulgent and so sogenerous .... what am I talking about? Yes of course

the fabby goody bag with Iwon from OV naturals. Thank you so much xx"

(Lesley Devlin on FB)

- Delighted that OV Luxury Organic ‘Triple Rose’Facial oil was featured in

the uber-cool Country Calling Lastminute West Country Gift Guide Thanks

to the Lovely Laura

December 2011

- An evening at theTrading Post, Lopenhead, promoting and selling OV

products, along with otherlocal producers including Burrow Hill Cider,The

New FarmRestaurant & the Sausage Shed. Thanks to Sue, Dani & co.

Lucy at the Trading Post Christmas Local ProducersFair

- Lucy offers some insights intoLavender in a Blog by theGlam Green Girl

Thanks to GGG Cassidy.

- Card received following our pledge to donate a %OV's December profits:

"Dear Lucy, Thank you so very much for thecheque you sent me for

SOBS. It is such a lovely thing to do. All the best for2012... Kind regards,

Barbara." Thanks to Barbara, Exeter branch of SOBS (Survivors of

bereavement by suicide).

And inJanuary 2012…

We’ve had a little revamp of all our publicity materials, andwould like to say a big Thank You to Beth, who was the ‘Face’ of OV for thepast year.
Although some of you have suggested I put my own face oneverything, I’ve had to decline (!) However, we are using some beautifulproduct piccies as our main publicity images – look out for rose petalseverywhere!

OV naturals moisturiser

We continue to hold therapy clinics at Orchard View andonce a month at the Minster Centre,Ilminster.
We look forward to seeing what the rest of 2012 brings… wishinghealth & happiness to you xx

Stayin touch

Love Lucy, OV xx

www.OVnaturals.co.uk
www.facebook.com/orchardviewnaturals
www.twitter.com/ovnaturals

How we use Lavender essential oil at OV naturals

2011-12-20T06:14:00.000-08:00

We were delighted to be asked to contribute to a lovely Blog by the Glam Green Girl in December 2011. Check out her lovely Blog using the Link above. Thank You GGG!

Below we have shared our full article with you complete with links to OV naturals, should you wish to sample any of our goodies. Thank you for visiting x

Lavender - Lavandula officinalis /Lavandula angustifolia

Welove Lavender here at OV naturals and use it regularly. Lavender is the firstessential oil you study in aromatherapy, as it is so versatile, with over 100active constituents. At OV naturals we use Organically Certified High AltitudeLavender in our massages & facials and in our products. It is vital thatessential oils are of therapeutic quality if they are to have any effect on thebody.

Thearoma of the Lavender varies depending on where it is grown & how it isproduced. Traditionally, French Lavender is the most sought-after. TrueLavender has a sweet scent with a slight woodiness and can be quite pungent.The Organic Naturally Farmed, High Altitude French Lavender we use at OrchardView is a lighter, more uplifting oil, which still retains the floral scent butis less heady, in fact, it gives the impression of standing on top of amountain! High Altitude Lavender generally produces more esters: relaxingnatural chemicals.

InAromatherapy massage, at Orchard View we use Lavender essential oil for stress,anxiety, digestive disorders, muscular aches and pains and respiratory issuesas well as for skincare. For skincare it can be effective to help treat acne,allergies, bruises, burns, dermatitis, eczema, inflammation, psoriasis, spots,sunburn and wounds.

Lavenderis a feature in several of our OV skincare products, both for its positive actionon the skin and its relaxing aroma.

Forexample, our popular Stay Balancedrange of Cleanser, Day & Night Creams for Normal/Combination skin. OV ‘Stay Balanced’ Harmonising Organic moisturiser contains lavender to help balance skin and for itsanti-inflammatory & antibacterial properties. It was featured ininternational glossy ‘sustainable lifestyle’ magazine, Sublime, in the summer:

SublimeMagazine Issue 28 July/August 2011 -"Stay Cool" Beauty & Groomingfeature.
"Indulge overheated, stressed skinand hair with our fabulous selection of refreshing, soothing treats - perfectholiday or festival must-haves… For Her: OV naturals Stay Balanced Harmonising Organic Moisturiser. Luxurious, easilyabsorbed moisturiser for normal/combination skin with certified-organicLavender, organic, antibacterial palmarosa and certified-organicbergamot."

Thesoothing, antibacterial and microbial power of Lavender also means we use it inour gentle exfoliating cream, OV ‘Little Gem’ Purifying Facial Exfoliant and OV ‘Skin Deep’ Purifying Facial Mask. Perfectly cleansed skin is essential forradiance and using a non-scratchy exfoliator and a gentle mask regularly notonly helps your skin, but is very nurturing too. OV 'Muscle Relief' Tingly Body Rub contains Lavender too, to helpsoothe & relax tight muscles.

Thereare many ways to use Lavender essential oil at home, too, for first aid orrelaxation. Lavender is a mild sedative,so as with all essential oils, use it in moderation. It is always best toconsult a professional before using essential oils at home. Always read theDirections and precautions before using essential oils.

LucyStevens MFHT Dip (BA MA)

Aromatherapist& Founder of OV naturals Aromatherapeutic skincare

OVproducts are free from:

parabens, detergentsderived from petroleum based products including EA e.g. PEG & SLS, DEA,TEA, MEA, bleaching agents, formaldehyde, paraffin & fossil fuelderivatives, GM ingredients, lanolin, synthetic ‘parfum’ or ‘fragrance’,petrochemicals e.g. mineral oils, isopropyl alcohol, petroleum, propyleneglycol; phthalates e.g. dibutyl, dithylhexyl, PEHP; added retinol &silicones, artificial colours, synthetic limonene and synthetic linalool.

Production:

OV products aredesigned, hand-blended and bottled to order by a Professional Aromatherapist atOrchard View naturals, using specialist UK-made formulations and signature rawmaterials. Cosmetic regulations compliant and Safety Assessed. Made withpassion, expertise and care.

Join us atwww.OVnaturals.co.uk twitter.com/OVnaturals facebook.com/orchardviewnaturals

Lucy Stevens / OV naturals

OV naturals - Where to find us

2011-11-18T05:50:00.001-08:00

Little shout-out for lovely places where you can find OVnaturals:

IN SOMERSET, UK

- http://www.light-green.co.uk - The Eco-chic emporium -Castle Cary - stocks OV Triple Rose facial oil & moisturisers

- http://www.tradingpostorganics.co.uk - An Aladdins Cave ofa farm shop - Lopenhead - stocks a variety of OV products

- http://www.minster-pharmacy.co.uk - Health Foods, Pharmacy& Therapies - Ilminster - Clinic with Lucy Stevens, 1st Tuesday each month- stocks OV soaps & OV Triple Rose facial oil

- http://www.thehairandbeautytherapylounge.co.uk - SheptonBeauchamp - offers OV facials & orders OV products for customers

-http://www.sheptonbeauchamp.org.uk/doku.php?id=businesses:sheptonstores - Postoffice & Stores stocking OV soaps & information leaflets

- http://www.weston-farm.co.uk - Somerset B&B with OVsoaps & information

- http://www.newfarmrestaurant.co.uk - Restaurant &accommodation uses OV organic hand wash

NATIONALLY

http://www.beautebysarah.co.uk - OV Facials - Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent - offers OV facials

ONLINE

- http://www.ovnaturals.co.uk - secure online shop, freepostage over £40 spend, UK & EU up to 2kg. Information pages on Therapies,Skincare, Ingredients, Testimonials & more. Links to FB, Twitter, Blog,newsletter sign-up.

- http://www.ethical-junction.org/profile/ovnaturals -Ethical website with shop selling OV Triple Rose & other info.

Remember us while you're Christmas shopping! We're a smallUK biz relying on your support (: Thank you!

Get glowing skin with OV ‘Triple Rose’

2011-10-31T06:09:00.000-07:00

Get glowing skin

with OV ‘Triple Rose’Luxury Organic Facial oil

– acclaimed by thebeauty industry

"Welove facial oils to keep skin supple and glowing. A favourite is OV Triple RoseLuxury Organic Facial Oil, which really does plump and moisturise dry skinovernight."

You magazine, Mail onSunday, 'Skincare Special'

by Sarah Stacey & JoFairley, beautybible 06/2011

OV TripleRose Luxury Organic Facial Oil: "A beauty industry favourite."

Sublime Magazine 10/11"Mellow& Fruitful"

Beauty& Grooming Feature

Pleaseread this to get the best out of your OV Triple Rose facial oil

Think ofyour facial oil as you would think of a serum. It is packed full of amazingingredients such as natural trans-retinoic acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin Cand other fantastic antioxidant ingredients which have healing properties, helpingto reduce fine lines & wrinkles, improve the skin’s moisture content, fightthe effects of free radicals from sun damage & pollution, smooth &protect the skin & help collagen production. Then consider the wonderingredient, Organic Damask Rose Otto (more expensive than gold!) with itsability to calm the skin and reduce the appearance of broken capillaries andwrinkles and you’ll understand why this facial oil is so very precious &effective, melting in to the skin to hydrate, repair, protect and smooth.

There aredifferent ways to use your Triple Rose, depending on your individual needs.

Sarah Stacey, of beautybible.com suggests using it under a moisturiser:"You can use night andmorning – with night cream for extra moisturising overnight; in the morning, Iuse it under a tinted moisturiser." www.beautybible.com'Sarah Loves' May 2011

Elle from beauteonline suggests using it at night:"Use @OVnaturalsRose Moisturiser during the day & Triple Rose facial oil during the nightfor a gorgeous glow! It's worked for me!"

Sharon Humphries in Somerset uses it morning & night:"Having recentlybought the OV Triple Rose Luxury Organic Facial Oil from you, have to say it isjust gorgeous. Am using it in the morning and last thing at night, when thebeautiful scent helps me to relax ...it makes my skin so soft andrehydrated."

Listento your skin and use Triple Rose every day or just occasionally, when your skinneeds an extra boost, however it works for you.

Toapply, use the dropper to dispense just one or two drops initially, you onlyneed a tiny amount. Warm between your palms and you will feel it spreading,then press gently into the face, neck & décolleté. Gently massage the skinusing upward strokes. You will know when you have over applied just by the feelof your skin. Your skin should never feel greasy, just hydrated and glowing.

Wedo hope you enjoy using OV Triple Rose. Do keep in touch & tell us what youthink – OV naturals is asmall, rural UKbusiness, with strong ethics & a personal touch. It was born out ofrequests from our clients & we thrive on your feedback.

LucyStevens, Aromatherapist MFHT. Founder, OV naturals

Your Beauty Tips Shared

2011-10-26T02:46:00.000-07:00

Visit & 'Like' to keep up to date!

www.facebook.com/orchardviewnaturals

Wow! Thank you for sending over 150 entries into our ‘Rosy Glow’ Facebook competition during Sept & Oct 2011! A big THANK YOU to everyone who entered & liked & shared. This is what you’ve been saying:

Think Holistic
Very happy to see that so many of you share the OV philosophy of a holistic approach to beauty. Lots of your tips involved getting enough sleep, relaxation, love, laughter, confidence, a good diet, lots of water. Remember exercise too – only a couple of you mentioned this – it’s great for body, mind, soul & as one of you mentioned, for the facial muscles also! Many of you recognise the individual nature of beauty and that it’s not just skin deep, that it radiates from within and that our outer appearance reflects how we feel inside.

Take care
We all know that beauty comes from within, but it doesn’t hurt to look after ourselves on the outside, too! Our skin is the largest organ in the body and does a fantastic job of protecting us, regulating temperature, giving us sensory clues and lots more… including making us beautiful! We love the fact that many of you protect your skin from UV rays, which cause wrinkles. Lots of you also understand the importance of cleansing the skin and taking off make-up at night, moisturising and generally taking care of yourself.

Food for thought… & skin & hair
You sent in some fab natural recipes & ingredients for skin & haircare. Lots of you like using natural vegetable & plant oils on skin & hair, which we love too – you’ll find amazing natural plant oils in lots of OV products, such as Jojoba (a natural wax), Rosehip, Apricot Kernel & Starflower. We also loved these top tips from you – coffee granules for anti-cellulite action (massaging and exfoliating are both important for cellulite & caffeine is an ingredient in lots of anti-cellulite products), avocado to smooth facial skin as it is really moisturising (at OV we also love Avocado oil for haircare), sea salt for natural exfoliation, eggs to condition skin & hair, beer to add protein to the hair…

Some of you also mentioned the use of temperature – cold water to tighten pores, teaspoons in the fridge for the eyes, heat to help condition the hair or to warm up your eyelash curlers – easy and effective ways to care for yourself.

Bits & Bobs
We wanted to mention a couple of other entries we liked – the idea of multi-tasking appeals, so we liked the idea of using conditioner to wet-shave your legs – providing of course that it’s natural/organic and doesn’t contain any synthetic, drying ingredients. A few of you use a certain brand of petroleum jelly as a multi-tasker for lips, elbows, eyebrows etc… - we love the philosophy, but personally we’d prefer to be using a natural balm made from plant oils rather than petroleum-derived products… that’s just us

A little word of warning…
It’s just our opinion, but… there were a few entries we thought needed a word of caution adding… We wouldn’t recommend hairspray on your face to fix your make-up – it will work, as it is a fixative, but pleeease think of the synthetic fumes you are breathing in and the clogging effect it will have on your skin! We really wouldn’t recommend it. The idea of lemon juice under the eyes scares us, too, as lemon is acidic & harsh… so instead, try cucumber slices or cold tea bags & also think about your diet & lifestyle. Some people have hereditary dark circles - a good concealer can work wonders. We wouldn’t recommend brushing teeth with strawberries as although they contain xylitol they also have fruit acids & sugars which will harm your teeth, but we do agree that strawberries can work well in a face pack if you have oily skin. As with every ingredient, whether synthetic or natural, think carefully before you apply it to your body and consider any allergies or side effects.

SAND’S WINNING ENTRY:

Talking to people in the local community & exercising meant that Sand had this fab natural beauty recipe passed down to her - a truly holistic approach to beauty! We've tried it and it's amazing - especially the day after treatment our hair looked a-maz-ing! We've tweaked it slightly & here it is:

OLD LADY AT THE SWIMMING POOL's HAIR QUENCH MIRACLE
Ingredients, preferably or...ganic:
• Quarter of a cucumber
• 1 tbsp virgin olive oil
• 1 egg (if not organic, at least free range)

• Place all in a food blender and blend to a milky consistency.
• Spread evenly over hair, paying attention to dry ends & scalp. Leave for between 10 and 30 minutes.
• Wash off with warm water (too hot & it might scramble!). If you wish, wash once, lightly, with a gentle, organic shampoo.
The result: boosted, voluminous hair with a healthy shine.

Please remember to take into consideration any food allergies before using this recipe.

Why does this work?
This recipe works because it has all the ingredients needed for hair to look healthy and no unnecessary synthetics which can dry the hair out even more. Egg is rich in protein, amino acids with reparative properties and EFA’s (essential fatty acids). Olive oil also contains EFAs (essential fatty acids) and is a natural emollient to moisturise & smooth the hair. Cucumber is cleansing & hydrating. Because eggs contain fat, this helps the oil & water content to emulsify and therefore blend smoothly. The whole blend contains vitamins which help fortify & protect from damage in the future.

AND THE RUNNER UP - we couldn't resist awarding a runner's up prize too for this from Julia:

"Smile and be happy - there's nothing as beautiful as the warmth and sparkle in the eyes of a person with a happy soul" Julia Gray

We were delighted to send a pot of OV Rosy Glow Luxury Organic Moisturiser to Sand and a mini pot of the same to Julia.

Big thanks to all who entered!

Lucy x

#beautebiz winner

2011-10-16T16:08:00.000-07:00

OV naturals are honoured to have been given the title of the #beautebiz winner 16th October 2011. Will write more about this... in the meantime visit www.twitter.com and follow @ovnaturals and @beauteonline #beautetition #beautebiz www.twitter.com/ovnaturals

Are my skincare products really natural & organic?

2011-08-16T04:39:00.000-07:00

Q: 'Natural' and 'organic' skincare? Really? How do I know whether OV naturals products are really what they say they are?

A: Good question. The words 'organic' and 'natural' are bandied about everywhere nowadays - at OV we like to be honest about what is and isn't in our products. Our clients trust us - we hope you will too.

Over the years I have used a lot of the high street, expensive products. And none of them are nearly as effective as OV. It means a lot to me the way they have been sourced, and I really look forward to using them." Jenny Johnson, Somerset

What is 'natural'?
'Natural' covers a wealth of different ingredients. For OV naturals, it means high quality, naturally active ingredients being prioritised over synthetic alternatives. Usually 'natural' will mean from plant origin. However 'natural' can also mean animal derivatives - we only use organic beeswax (no lanolin, carmine etc).

What is 'organic'?

The word 'organic' can be used as a noun or an adjective. 'Organic' in the context of skincare products means that ingredients meet certain standards due to '...not using artificial chemicals in the growing of plants and animals ...' (Cambridge Dictionaries Online August 2011).
At OV naturals, if a product has 'Organic' in the title, this indicates that it is over 70% Organic. We use trusted professional suppliers, many of whom produce certified organic ingredients, which we believe to be more pure than the alternatives, so better for us and better for the environment.

The only way to be sure that your skincare products reach your own personal standards is to read & understand ingredients.

Most of the plant and essential oils in Orchard View products are naturally farmed, sustainable wild, organic or organically certified and all are therapeutic grade oils of the highest quality. There are many lesser quality oils on the market which do not have the richness or quality of the therapeutic-grade oils we use (commercial grade oils are cheaper but have far fewer, if any, active properties to help your skin).

Lucy Stevens, the Aromatherapist behind the OV naturals brand, personally selects everything that goes into OV products. Strict criteria include: no animal testing, therapeutic and active grade ingredients (no wishy-washy commercial stuff that is so over-processed that the goodness is depleted), no so-called 'nasties' (synthetic ingredients such as pthalates, parabens or SLS). Some 'organic' ingredients are rejected if they don't live up to our expectations. The ingredients have to work on every level - aroma, texture, quality, safety, effectiveness.

Lots of love goes into OV products!

An 'Organic' OV product dissected

OV 'Happy Days' Replenishing Organic Day Cream contains over 97% Organic ingredients. Here is an explanation of the ingredients you will be using on your skin:

INGREDIENTS:

Aqua - water (necessary for hydration)

Helianthus annuus - Organic sunflower oil

Cocos nucifera - Organic coconut oil

Stearic acid -Derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, an emulsifier and softening agent for skin and hair.

Cetearyl alcohol - Emulsifying wax. A mixture of fatty alcohols derived from natural wax.

Coco glucosides - Derived from coconut oil.

Glycerin - An emollient skin softener, which helps to attract and retain moisture without blocking pores. Also used as a natural emulsifier. Plant-derived.

Phenoxyethanol - Derived from sage essential oil, a safe and effective food grade preservative. A mild, anti-microbial ingredient / preservative, particularly effective at protecting water-based products, such as moisturisers, from bacterial contamination. Accepted by the Soil Association.

Ethylhexyglycerin - An anti-microbial agent (preservative), natural deodoriser and skin conditioner. derived from vegetable glycerin.

Cetyl alcohol - A plant-derived thickener and emulsifier

Sodium hydroxide - a synthetic ingredient derived from sodium chloride (sea salt)

Tocopherol - Vitamin E

Rosa Canina - Soil Association Certified Organic Rosehip Seed oil

Simmondsia californica - Soil Association Certified Organic Jojoba

Buxus chinensis - Jojoba

Citrus aurantium v. dulcis - Organic Sweet Orange essence

Cananga odorata genuina - Organic Farmers and Growers Association Certified Ylang Ylang Complete essential oil

Jasminum grandiflorum - Soil Association Certified Organic Jasmine

As you can see, there are technical ingredients in the product which help to make it pleasurable and safe to use. Moisturising creams contain water, so without preservatives, they would be a breeding ground for bacteria (Yuch!). Emulsifiers are also needed, in order to allow the water and natural oils to blend effectively. Remember, though, that these ingredients are minimal - the majority of contents are naturally active ingredients to feed, nourish and protect your skin.

We hope this has shed some light on OV ingredients.

Find out more on our Ingredients page at www.OVnaturals.co.uk

How do I protect my face from the sun?

2011-07-06T06:53:00.000-07:00

Q) Can you recommend a natural facial skincare cream with UV protection?

A) Using sun protection not only protects against skin cancer, it is also vital to help prevent skin ageing prematurely. Here at OV naturals, I am increasingly asked to recommend natural facial skincare products with sun protection. Here is some information that might help you choose.*

How does sun protection work?

There are two basic types of protection: screens, which protect via a chemical reaction and
blocks which protect with a physical barrier – commonly zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Why use sun protection?

Most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds (Cancer Research UK 2011).

Cancer Research UK recommends:

a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15
sunscreens with a star rating of four stars or more
products that have not gone past their expiry date - most sunscreens have a shelf life of 2-3 years
http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/healthyliving/SunandUV/
http://www.sunsmart.org.uk/advice-and-prevention/sunscreens/

Why a natural product?
Providing the product is from a reliable supplier, a natural product will use less synthetic chemicals to do the same job.
Which natural product?
At OV naturals we do not currently make products which contain sun protection. We do, however, take sun protection seriously and therefore try to always stock something for our customers. We currently stock Green People’s UVA/UVB protection which is the most natural sun protection we have found in recent years. This is a daily moisturiser with broad spectrum UV protection, containing organic chamomile, edelweiss and aloe vera. It does require a little extra work to rub it in as it has a whiteness from oxides, however, we use it and find it effective. If you would like to order some please email us as it is currently not on the website and we will send you an invoice through Paypal. It is currently on special offer (June 2011).
*DAY SOLUTION SPF15 Face - Pocket size RRP ~~£3.60~~ Now £2.70
*DAY SOLUTION SPF15 Face – 50ml RRP ~~£14.30~~ Now £10.73
*While stocks last

Here is what Green People have to say about their sunscreens:
“All minerals used in sunscreens are technically classed as nano-particles as the individual particles measure less than 100nm across. There are two concerns over the use of nano-particles in cosmetics - firstly that they cause the formation of free-radicals when exposed to UV light and secondly that they can penetrate the skin and enter the body. To avoid the first problem, the Titanium dioxide (TiO2) that Green People use is coated with a fine layer of silicates that shield the TiO2 from contact with oxygen and therefore prevent the formation of free-radicals. As regards the issue of skin absorption, whilst the individual particles of TiO2 are small enough to be theoretically absorbed through the skin, when they are incorporated into a cream or lotion they form aggregations or clumps that that are too large to be absorbed beyond the stratum corneum, the outer horny layer of skin. This has been confirmed in a number of trials using human volunteers. Based on this evidence, we feel that the use of ultra-fine TiO2 as a sunscreen is both safe and justified.”

Alternatively, The Beauty Bible experts do a ‘Summer Sun Special’ for the Mail on Sunday’s You Magazine – visit the site to see the latest (2011) recommendations:
http://www.beautybible.com/june_11_summer_sun.html

Their 2011 winners included Jason Sunbrellas Facial Natural Sunblock SPF20:
”A natural sunblock (it’s translucent, not chalky) - Not a spectacular score, but for the wannabe-natural beauty, this put on the best performance of all those ‘greener’ options that we trialled.” www.beautybible.com

I personally have tried the Jason sunblock (July 2011) and have found that although it has the white colour of many more natural sun protection creams, it is lighter & more easily absorbed. So I will be switching to this one until something even better comes along!

Extra care
Whichever you choose, do use a cream with UV protection to protect the skin in the summer months. In addition, here are some handy hints:
-Make sure the cream you buy contains UVA and UVB protection – often called ‘broad spectrum’. UVB causes
sunburn and is associated with skin cancer. UVA until recently was thought to be responsible for ageing, however,
there is increasing evidence to suggest that UVA can damage the skin and may also cause cancer.
- Choose the right sun protection factor – at least factor 15 which allows only 7% of harmful UVB rays to get
through. At factor 60, only 2% of harmful UVB rays get through.
- Don’t stay in the sun longer just because you are wearing cream.
- Do not use an old cream, most last 2-3 years only.
- Cover all exposed skin liberally. Remember ears, backs of knees, feet and hands.
- Apply sunscreen BEFORE going outdoors.
- Cover up also, especially when the sun is strongest. Remember cream does not fully protect. For example, wear
sunglasses with 100% protection, hats and long sleeves.
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days – the UV rays still get through.
- Re-apply after swimming, sweating, and at regular intervals.
Sources:
Beauty Bible www.beautybible.co.uk
Cancer Research www.cancerresearchuk.org
Green People www.greenpeople.co.uk
OV naturals www.ovnaturals.co.uk
Sun Smart www.sunsmart.org.uk

*Disclaimer: Lucy Stevens / OV naturals can take no responsibility for choices you make as a result of this article

OV Triple Rose Luxury Organic Facial Oil in the news!

2011-06-30T03:08:00.000-07:00

"Skingenious Skincare Special" in You Magazine in the Mail on Sunday (26th June 2011).
"Q My previously normal skin is getting much drier as I go through my 40s. It looks dull and rather sad – and makes me feel like that too! What can I do?"
"We love facial oils to keep skin supple and glowing. A favourite is OV Triple Rose Luxury Organic Facial Oil, which really does plump and moisturise dry skin overnight." Sarah Stacy & Jo Fairley

OV 'Triple Rose' Luxury Organic Facial Oil was given the thumbs up in the 'Over-40 fixes' section, on the same page as Kylie Minogue & in the same list as such skincare giants as Guerlain, Decleor, Liz Earle, L'Occitane & Darphin.

The Inside Scoop... Damask Rose Otto is the most precious essential oil on the planet - three times more expensive than gold! It is difficult to obtain, especially now, as the yield from this year's rose harvest is not yet known. At OV, we seek only the best Soil Association Certified Damask Rose Otto (distilled from the rose petals) & Lucy only accepts the most equisite & tenacious aroma, meaning that different oils are tested to find the very best.

Damask Rose Otto is an excellent skincare oil. A vasoconstrictor, it helps to reduce inflammation, broken capillaries & thread veins. It works exceptionally well on dry, mature skin & wrinkles.

If you'd like to try the facial oil that all Lucy's clients are talking about at its current introductory price of £22.99, do it now! It is only available while current ingredient stocks last - thereafter it will be £32.99.Click here for OV Triple Rose Luxury Organic Facial Oil

What is aromatherapeutic skincare?

2011-06-05T03:08:00.000-07:00

Q). What is Aromatherapeutic skincare?
A). Professional Aromatherapists usually administer essential oils within a blend of plant oils through massage for health and wellbeing. Aromatherapeutic skincare is simply skincare which is based on the same principles as Aromatherapy, using essential and plant oils and other botanicals for wellbeing.

“An essential oil is an aromatic, volatile substance, usually extracted by distillation or expression from a single botanical species.” Aromatherapy Trade Council

The use of essential oils & their isolated components is the norm in the food, cosmetic and perfume industries, for pharmaceutical flavouring, in medicines, tobaccos, cosmetics and elsewhere, although there will normally be little or no therapeutic value in these oils. You may not know it, but your soft drink may contain Lavender essential oil!

True essential oils & essences are extracted from different parts of the plant such as flowers, seeds, roots, leaves and fruits and purity ensures therapeutic effectiveness. Like good wines, good oils have a vintage and a ‘vineyard’. Producing top quality essential oils is labour intensive, time-consuming and costly. Artificial and synthetic copies give smells and flavours but the therapeutic effects are non-existent.

Like food, essential oils are affected by where, when, how they are grown and influenced by climate, location, plant source, time of cultivation and harvesting, production process and storage.

Essential oils have a subtle, natural aroma. Orchard View naturals’ own products contain only natural aroma, and no artificial fragrances or ‘parfum’. If you are used to using highly fragranced synthetic products you may need to give your nose time to adapt its sense of smell to really appreciate these wonderful essential oils.

From an Aromatherapist’s perspective, our training teaches that molecules of essential oils produce an effect on the body and have specific therapeutic qualities. However a different set of rules applies to cosmetics. For more information about therapeutic use of essential oils, you may wish to book an Aromatherapy treatment.

Skincare Tips: How to get the best from your OV naturals products

2011-05-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

Q. Are more naturally based products used in the same way as conventional creams lotions etc? Is there anything different I need to do?

A: OV products may feel different to your usual products as they are packed full of goodness & use minimal synthetic chemicals to help you and the environment. Follow these tips to get the most from your products:

We are used to splodging masses of product onto our skin & hair. With OV, all of this changes. You only need a tiny amount of product. A little goes a long way. Start with less and work it into your skin. You will know if you've overdone it just by the feel of your skin
Over time you will see that OV products are a great investment, as you often need less of the product as your skin readjusts and rebalances
Warm oils in the palms of the hands before using and then gently press into the skin
Remember the neck & décolleté areas which are often neglected. They show signs of ageing as much as the face and the skin is thin on the décolleté area too. Massage products into these areas using upward strokes.
Store your OV products with the lids tightly closed & use clean hands to apply.
Use of a flannel or cloth with your cleansing product will enhance its action. Cleansing is really important for clear skin. OV cleansers are efficient without being too harsh. They won't compromise the acid mantle (protective barrier) of your skin.
It may take a little time to get used to OV products but as your mind adjusts to the new routine you will start to understand the benefits.
Products contain essential oils of the highest therapeutic grade - so OV products are really special. They work on your skin with these active ingredients and also act on the limbic area of the brain with their therapeutic aromas. Most commercial products use processed essential oils which have no therapeutic value so have no positive action on the skin. OV's essential oils have powers such as cell regenerating, antibacterial, emollient, hydrating, vulnerary (wound healing), analgesic (naturally pain relieving) and so on.

Remember, skincare is all about everything you do – so drink plenty of water, watch your diet, protect from UV rays, always take your make up off before bed, cleanse thoroughly. And finally – remember your neck, decollete & hands which show your age as much as your face! Treat yourself well. Don't worry about expression lines and other natural signs of ageing too much. Make the most of your best features & what you have.

Happy Pampering! Love, OV x

"Tip – use OV products and visit Lucy, as often as possible – not forgetting to drink that water! I wouldn’t want to be without the night time oil, or firm friend face cream, not to mention Lucy’s hand made soaps. Over the years I have used a lot of the high street, expensive products. And none of them are nearly as effective as OV. It means a lot to me the way they have been sourced, and I really look forward to using them." Jenny Johnson, Somerset

www.OVnaturals.co.uk

What's in the Bottle? OV Ingredients laid bare

2011-02-27T05:02:00.000-08:00

“I am swayed by ‘natural’ products’ but in all honesty I am not sure what is REALLY natural - and what is chemically enhanced. Something could say 'poppyseed scrub' and I would buy it. Chances are though the poppy seeds are little blobs of polystyrene.”
Alli Beddoes, London

“I try to buy organic but am learning that what it says on the label isn’t always true” TM, Somerset

Orchard View naturals ‘Free from…’ policy
OV naturals is all about the ingredients. We study the ingredients labels on shelves on the high street and even some of the well-known Organic & Natural products have ingredients that we wouldn’t put in ours! At Orchard View we completely avoid:
•parabens which are commonly used preservatives and linked to hormone disruption
•amines and derivatives including ethanolamines DEA, MEA & TEA which may irritate skin & mucous membranes and have been linked to carcinogens
•bleaching agents e.g. hydroquinone and mercury which have caused allergic reactions and are linked to carcinogens
•detergents derived from petroleum based products including Ethoxylated Alcohols (EA) such as PEG Polyethylene/polyethylene glycol & SLS/SLES (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate/Sodium Laureth Sulphate) which can be irritating, disrupting & drying on the skin as they strip the skin of its natural oils
•formaldehyde, a synthetic preservative which is sensitizing & allergenic
•paraffin & fossil fuel derivatives
•genetically modified (GM or GMO) ingredients, as we do not know about the risks long-term
•lanolin from sheep’s oil glands which is linked to allergic reactions
•synthetic ‘parfum’ or fragrances which are linked to allergies: we use natural essential oils instead. On some Weleda ingredients you may see ‘parfum’ which is natural fragrance derived from pure essential oils.
•petrochemicals e.g. mineral oils, isopropyl alcohol, petroleum, propylene glycol. Mineral oil is used to coat the skin synthetically which can be drying & clog pores as the skin cannot break it down.
•phthalates e.g. dibutyl, dithylhexyl, PEHP, added retinol & silicones which coat the skin synthetically. Pthalates have been linked to toxicity.
•artificial colours which have been linked with allergic reactions and can irritate the skin
•synthetic constituents such as synthetic limonene and synthetic linalool which can be irritants. This can be confusing as they are also naturally occurring components of essential oils. Look out for ‘Natural constituents of essential oils’ on ingredients to ensure that you are using the limonene and linalool of natural origin.

OV 'Full of'ingredients policy

OV naturals’ own-blended skincare products contain a wealth of high-grade, pure, natural, organic and organically certified ingredients, including:
•Aromatherapeutic essential oils: Organic oils such as our Palmarosa, Soil Association organically certified such as our Bergamot & Sandalwood, Organically Grown such as our Ylang Ylang Extra, Naturally-farmed such as our High Altitude Lavender and Wild-crafted such as our Rosemary. All, without exception, are high-grade and therapeutic. Essential oils provide the natural aroma in our products - we never use artificial fragrance. If you are used to artificial fragrance, OV products may seem very subtle at first, but phase out the ‘artificial’ and phase in the ‘natural’ and soon your nose will adapt and begin to appreciate these fine aromas, which have a positive effect on the brain and your wellbeing.
•Cold Pressed Plant oils including nut & seed oils such as Soil Association organically certified Rosehip Seed, Jojoba (wax), Sweet Almond and Avocado and therapeutic grade such Starflower. We also used infused oils such as Calendula. Cold pressed oils are by far superior as they retain many essential vitamins and other constituents which are lost when plant oils are produced commercially.
•Hydrosols (also known as hydrolats or flower waters) that are a product of the essential oil distillation process and contain some of the same beneficial ingredients, smell wonderful and rehydrate the skin.
•Vegetarian and vegan ingredients, the only non-vegan ingredient being Organic Beeswax.
•Some necessary preservatives, emulsifiers and other ingredients which are not considered to be unecessarily harsh. These may be plant derived or man-made. These are only used when necessary either for your safety or the function of the product.

For more information visit the OV Ingredients page and scroll down to our A-Z.

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And please Forward our info to your Friends!

Love, OV xx

Say No to Cruel Cosmetics in Europe

2011-01-18T04:46:00.000-08:00

Q. I am concered about testing on animals. What assurance can you give me that OV naturals products are cruelty free? I am a vegetarian.

OV's 'Firm Friend' Organic Day Cream contains Organic Rosehip oil, Organic Sunflower, Organic Coconut for emollient properties and Neroli, Organic Frankincense & Organic Bergamot for their actively therapeutic properties

A. Testing cosmetic ingredients on animals in the EU has been banned since 2009, however, current loopholes allow new ingredients testing to be done overseas so products you buy in the EU may not be cruelty free. (Source - The BUAV 2011).

At OV we completely oppose animal testing for cosmetics and household goods. You can be assured that OV skincare products are cruelty-free. Although we have not registered with The BUAV (due to costs) OV's ingredients suppliers have given us written guarantees that they do not test on animals. We use no animal ingredients in our products except for organic beeswax in some Soil Association-certified moisturiser bases and this is always detailed on the label. The majority of our products are Vegan. We don’t use lanolin (grease from sheep’s wool) for example, which is found in many natural products.

Did you know that products such as bleach are still tested on animals in the EU? The BUAV has a list of companies which are registered with them, who do not do this. M&S and the Co-op produce cruelty-free household cleaners – look for The BUAV’s rabbit logo on these products.

The CTPA (Cosmetics, Toiletry & Perfumery Assocation) present additional information about the current concern over cruel cosmetics. They say that some information has been misreported and they aim to present the facts in relation to the 2013 legislation.

If you are concerned about animal cruelty, as we are, then please sign and share the BUAV's Cruelty Free UK petition to ban cruel cosmetics in the EU Click here to sign

A balanced look at chemicals

2011-01-10T01:16:00.000-08:00

Q. I want to cut out as many harmful chemicals from my life as I can. Where do I start?

Rosehips in the hedgerows. Rosehip Seed oil is a fabulous,natural skincare ingredient.

A. There’s no such thing as a chemical-free life, as chemicals make up all living things. Not all chemicals are bad, for example, essential oils contain complex naturally-occurring chemicals with active therapeutic benefits when used correctly. When used incorrectly, these ingredients may be harmful.

Safety is often determined by dose. Just a small amount of pure Eucalyptus oil, if ingested, can be fatal, however, when used in the correct dosage this is one of the most effective essential oils to ease catarrhal conditions. Likewise, drinking too much water can kill you but we all know that water is good for us, indeed, necessary for life.

Regarding synthetic ingredients, there are many conflicting reports about their dangers. We increasingly hear that certain commonly-used synthetic chemicals cause, or contribute to, disease, while there is usually a counter-argument. At Orchard View, we believe that there has been too much reliance on unnecessarily harsh synthetic ingredients in our society and we seek effective, approved natural alternatives where possible while also considering your safety. For example, we would consider an approved, synthetic preservative more preferable than bacteria or fungal growth in your face cream! Preservative systems, where needed in our products, are as mild as possible. We believe in gorgeous, as-natural-as-can-be products which work to keep you safe and beautiful, without being laden with unnecessary synthetic ingredients. We will tell you honestly about what is in our products, so you don’t have to learn to speak the language of ‘ingredientso’ to understand what you’re buying! Then you can choose what’s right for you. Find out more here: All about OV ingredients

Keeping warm, normalising appetite & nourishing skin

2010-11-29T04:21:00.000-08:00

Q. Dear Lucy

I am aching from the cold, but I can hopefully manage to keep going through stretches etc.

Do you know of which essential oils are good for normalising the appetite? Sugar is creeping in and it makes me feel rubbish xx

Also, I've been using a sunflower mix with essential oils on my face as well as body. On the face I use it after the water spritz toner you did for me - is that ok? No spots so far, probably because of reducing sugar?

Hannahxx

A. Dear Hannah,
Keeping warm is really important, so do keep moving. Other tips are to keep your neck & head covered, and your feet. We lose a lot of heat through our heads. Warm baths, warms soups, warm drinks and hot water bottles are all good. You could always add something warming to your body oil, such as eucalyptus or ginger, which will help warm your bones.

It's natural to crave sugar and carbs at this time of year. Remember you're often dehydrated rather than hungry, so a warm drink instead might help. Getting enough rest is also important so if you're craving sugar try a power nap instead. Bergamot helps regulate appetite so you could use that in your body oil but remember unless it has been fractionated then it is phototoxic (reacts with light).

Great to use the toner followed by the oil. Remember that skin also needs water for hydration, so alternate with a water-based moisturiser or use under your moisturiser. For the face, half the amount of oil used on the body is best. So 1 drop of essential oil per tsp (5ml) of base oil for the face and 2 for the body.

Remember to always check contraindications and safety instructions before using essential oils.

I hope that helps.

With best wishes
Lucy x

(Printed with permission from Hannah)

Keeping skin healthy from the inside

2010-11-11T08:05:00.001-08:00

Q. I suffer spots & breakouts. What can I do to help now the season has changed?
A. Autumn is the Season of the Lungs & Large Intestine, according to Chinese medicine. These organs have a direct impact on the skin which is also known as the '3rd Lung'. If you are suffering from spots and outbreaks, consider whether your systems of elimination are overloaded, causing the skin to erupt. Do you feel bunged up, constipated, are your sinuses puffy, do you have excess mucus in your throat or chest? Is your breathing shallow? To combat this, keep hydrated, eat clean, fresh food and lots of liquid vegetable juices and soups. Breathe clean air, deeply. Open the lungs. Cleanse your body. Your skin will show its thanks.

Love, OV x

How to beat S.A.D.

2010-11-08T07:31:00.000-08:00

Q. I miss the sun and now the nights are longer I feel down. What can I do?
A. You may be suffering from S.A.D - Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here is some S.A.W. - Seasonal Affective Wisdom - which I hope will help!

"SAD may begin at any age but the main age of onset is between 18 and 30 years. SAD occurs throughout the northern and southern hemispheres but is extremely rare in those living within 30 degrees of the Equator, where daylight hours are long, constant and extremely bright." (SADA, 2010)

Lots of OV clients feel the symptoms of S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder) at this time of year - such as craving stodgy foods, overeating, feeling lethargic & tired, feeling anxious or depressed. These can be mild or more debilitating depending on the individual.

In my Aromatherapy practice, I often work together with clients, holistically, to try and minimise symptoms or even better, to prevent them happening in the first place. So I thought I'd share some of the things that in my clients' experience, have helped:

Make the most of mornings. If the morning is bright or the sun is shining, try and get outside for 15 minutes minimum to make the most of this natural light which sets our own bodyclock naturally. Walking outdoors generates natural endorphins to help us feel good, too.
Wake up & Smell ... Grapefruit. Using uplifting essential oils in the oil burner is a lovely way to help yourself feel uplifted - it works on guests too! When people step into my hallway they exclaim at the aroma - that's the limbic area of the brain responding to the essential oils burning. Grapefruit is great to help combat S.A.D with its summery, fruity, zesty, sweet uplift.
Wrap up warm! Chinese medicine suggests that Autumn is the time that relates to the lungs and so we need to remember to wrap up - keep the chest, head & neck warm. Hats & scarves at the ready...
Just breathe. Breathe deeply (when air is clean & fresh). Yogic breathing from the abdomen is good right now. And keep the exhalation going for longer than the inhalation. Yoga suggests that you will find calm if you pause at the end of the out breath.
Steam Up. Another essential oil with an affinity to Autumn is Eucalyptus. This essential oils helps open the lungs, is anticatarrhal, anti infectious, antibacterial and will help to keep your imune system strong if you are affected by S.A.D. Again, you can use Eucalyptus on your oil burner or, providing you are not asthmatic and do not suffer from any medical problems, a lovely way to use Eucalyptus is as an inhalation. Just fill a bowl or sink with hot water, add 2 drops of essential oil, place a towel over your head, and breathe in the vapours.
Slow down! Easy to say, harder to do... but like hibernating animals, we need to slow down, relax, sleep and try to do a little bit less over the darker winter days. Remember to eat healthily, too, with nutritious soups and warm foods to nurture the body.
Light up your Life. I am a big fan of light therapy and as an avid user of a Bodyclock from Lumie Lights and a S.A.D lamp next to my computer, I often advise clients to look into these devices for themselves. Pleased to report that several clients now use S.A.D lamps to great effect! The main thing is to make sure, if you invest in one, that you don't underuse it. For more info about S.A.D and light therapy go to the SADA Charity website
Bathe. A warm bath before bed relaxes muscles and helps you sleep. Using aromatherapeutic candles in the bathroom adds a subtle lift to the experience. Add some OV 'ME-Time' Replenishing Luxury Bath Oil to the bath. Or use 2 drops of Lavender essential oil emulsified in an eggcup of full-fat milk, added to bathwater, to make you relax & smile.
Treat yourself. It's a great time of year to pamper yourself with Aromatherapy massages and facials or other nurturing therapies that work for you. Most important is a therapy room that is warm so that you really relax. Don't be afraid to ask for more blankets... and warming oils in the oil blend used. Jan Kusmirek calls vegetable oils used for Aromatherapy 'Liquid Sunshine' and many of these are a beautiful sunny yellow colour.
Talk. You're not alone. Lots of people feel down at this time of year. Share tips and inspiration with your friends and feel good for helping someone else, as well as yourself.

Hope this helps!
Love, OV x

Disclaimer: Always read labels carefully. Seek advice regarding use of light therapy & essential oils.

OV Mini Pots are here

2010-10-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

Q. Can I buy OV moisturisers in trial sizes? I loved those little purple pots you sent me...
A. You can now! OV Mini Pots are here - our bestselling moisturisers Wake up Happy, Firm Friend & Stay Balanced, at just £3.75 each (15ml) in our signature purple pot. Buy 3 and get a free organza gift bag (while stocks last!) A lovely treat, travel companion, stocking filler... why wait? Click here to find out more

Love, OV x

Help! I need a beauty routine that takes minutes!

2010-10-14T01:10:00.000-07:00

Q. Help! I don't know the basics of skincare. What do I do with all these creams? I don't have time to spend ages on my skin...
A. Many clients ask how to use products for their beauty routine. A cleanse, tone, moisturise routine doesn't have to be a drain on your time, in fact, it only takes minutes to make a difference every day. Simply:

1) Massage in your creamy cleanser with a few upwards movements, then rinse off with tepid water or use a face cloth for extra exfoliation and deeper cleansing. Pat face dry. Time taken: 1 minute.
2) Spray some flower water on a damp cotton wool pad and wipe over your face & neck with upward movements to take away any cleanser residue. Time taken: 1 minute.
3) Add eye cream using tapping and sweeping movements, under the eye and above the eye socket. Then add your daily moisturiser to face, neck & decollete. Time taken: 1 minute.

Slip on a dressing gown and do your hair or make your morning cuppa - after a few minutes your moisturiser will have absorbed.

Easy!

Love, OV x

For more tips on skincare, visit the Skincare section on the OV naturals website

OV Clients offer winning tips for Autumn

2010-10-06T06:25:00.000-07:00

Q. From OV to Clients: What are your tips for enjoying the Autumn?
A: The WINNING ENTRY for our OV competition about how to enjoy the autumn is right here...

1. Enjoy nature walks and appreciate the rich and warm autumn colours
2. Try to eat seasonally - lots of delicious, nutritious vegetables available at this time of year
3. Start something new - September is a great time to sign up for new courses and this season is a time of change
4. Enjoy warming, fruity essential oils via the oil burner, in sunflower oil straight onto the skin or book an OV massage!
5. Wear colours and clothes that make you feel good and keep you warm. Arrange your wardrobe accordingly.
Congratulations to our winner who was rewarded with OV Me-Time Replenishing Organic Bath Oil.

Love, OV

Autumn Advantages from OV

2010-10-06T06:23:00.001-07:00

Q: It's starting to feel Autumnal. I'm starting to feel a bit lacklustre... what can I do to help?
A: So many of our lovely clients are feeling tired & listless at the moment. The nights are drawing in and there's a nip in the air ... you can turn it to your advantage...

OV's Top Tips for Autumn

Pick blackberries and eat them on your breakfast cereal - fantastic for antioxidants to keep you healthy and fight off bugs.
Think of those lovely cosy nights cuddled up in front of the fire...
The zzz's you get before midnight are the best. Get to bed early with a good book. Try Lavender on the oil burner to help you sleep or Eucalyptus to boost your immune system.
Start using your Lightbox, if you have one. It will pay dividends as the days get shorter.
Make an appointment with yourself! Our favourite thing to do is spend time in the bathroom. Warm baths with special oils, aromatherapeutic candles, a magazine, face mask & hair treatment ... bliss!

Love, OV x

Visit us now at www.OVnaturals.co.uk

What is an Essential Oil?

2010-08-05T08:37:00.001-07:00

Q: What exactly is an essential oil? Isn’t it just something nice & smelly? Like something in candles?
A: Nice & smelly – Yes! ‘Just’ nice & smelly – NO!
Essential oils come in many different guises. Cheap versions are used in pharmaceutical, food, perfume & cosmetic industries, in cleaning products, fizzy drinks, aftershave, perfume & bubble bath (yes & candles too). These cheap, commercial oils are ‘standardised’ or adulterated e.g. diluted or synthetically modified. They are made cheaply, ‘watered down’ & have no therapeutic value.
Essential oils used in Aromatherapy (& in OV products!) are as far from these cheap commercial substances as ‘Iceland’ is from ‘Waitrose’!

A true essential oil is:
• the ‘life force’ of a plant located in leaves, petals, resins, roots, berries, grasses etc
• highly concentrated in extraction
• 100% pure natural & unadulterated
• extracted from a single botanical source
• fragrant & non-greasy

At OV naturals, we specialise in products containing top therapeutic grade essential oils. A complex mixture of natural chemicals within these essential oils, such as aldehydes & esters, combine to give the oil its therapeutic powers.
Your OV products contain essential oils far superior to those you will find on the high street & therefore far more effective for your skin.

If you have a question that I might be able to help you with then please email: skincare@ovnaturals.co.uk or for more information about essential oils & aromatherapeutic products visit www.ovnaturals.co.uk

Love, OV x

Welcome to OV naturals aromatherapeutic skincare Blog

2010-04-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to OV naturals Blog.

Introduction to OV naturals

OV naturals is based in Somerset, UK and run by Lucy Stevens, a trained aromatherapist who passionately believes in the positive power of essential and plant oils and other botanical ingredients. As well as having a thriving aromatherapy clinic, Lucy has responded to her clients' interest in how essential oils can help their skin by founding her aromatherapeutic skincare brand OV naturals. Using her specialist knowledge, she hand-blends products in small batches and to order, only using the finest ingredients. The aim is to give you the very best skincare available, with a good dollop of the feelgood factor in every bottle, jar or soap.

At www.OVnaturals.co.uk you can read all about skincare & ingredients and see what others are saying about OV naturals in the testimonials section. You can buy OV naturals products as well as complementary, recommended products by other trusted brands in the natural, organic skincare sector.

We hope at www.OVnaturals.co.uk you'll find everything you need for a natural skincare regime.

OV ‘Free from’ ingredients policy

OV naturals products are Free From: parabens, PEG, SLS/SLES, DEA, TEA, MEA, bleaching agents, formaldehyde, paraffin & fossil fuel derivatives, GM ingredients, synthetic ‘parfum’, petrochemicals e.g. mineral oils, isopropyl alcohol, petroleum, propylene glycol; phthalates e.g. dibutyl, dithylhexyl, PEHP; added retinol & silicones, artificial colours, synthetic limonene and synthetic linalool. And just because we’re ‘natural’ that doesn’t mean we use lanolin (from sheep’s oil glands), in fact the only animal derivative in our products is Organic Beeswax. Plus we are completely against animal testing which is unnecessary and cruel and we ensure our suppliers are too - we gain written endorsement of this fact from all our suppliers.

OV ‘Full of’ ingredients policy

OV naturals skincare products contain a wealth of high-grade, pure, natural, organic and organically certified ingredients, including:

•Aromatherapeutic essential oils: Organic oils such as Palmarosa, Soil Association organically certified such as Bergamot & Sandalwood, Organically Grown such as Ylang Ylang Extra, Naturally-farmed such as High Altitude Lavender and Wild-crafted such as Rosemary. All, without exception, are high-grade and therapeutic. Essential oils provide the natural aroma in OV products - we never use artificial fragrance. If you are used to artificial fragrance, OV products may seem very subtle at first, but phase out the ‘artificial’ and phase in the ‘natural’ and soon your nose will adapt and begin to appreciate these fine aromas, which have a positive effect on the brain and your wellbeing.

•Plant oils including nut & seed oils such as Soil Association organically certified Rosehip Seed, Jojoba, Sweet Almond and Avocado and therapeutic grade such as Calendula & Starflower.

•Vegetarian and vegan ingredients (the only non-vegan ingredient in OV products being Organic Beeswax).

•Some necessary preservatives, emulsifiers and other ingredients which are not considered to be unecessarily harsh. These may be plant derived or man-made. These are used when necessary either for your safety or the function of the product.

We hope you enjoy discovering OV naturals as much as we enjoy making OV products.

At OV naturals we are often asked by clients for skincare advice and we plan to use this Blog to publish some of the questions and answers which we hope will help lots of you out there to find equilibrium for your skin as well as your body, mind & wellbeing in general.

Love, OV x