1) What inspired you to set up Pure Halal Beauty, PHB?
I’m a vegetarian and had become increasingly concerned by some of the ingredients in many well know High Street beauty products and cosmetics. Animal fats, crushed beetles and pig placenta are common ingredients as well as harsh alcohols. These ingredients are used predominantly because they’re cheap and they’re used as fillers but are clearly not ethical or good for the skin. I started to research halal products as I found their stringent criteria matched my own beliefs. I then found that actually there was a demand for these products not only from the Muslim community but also from vegetarians and vegans.
2) Who designed the look of the products and how did you go about choosing the ointments?
I designed the look of the products myself and also all the labeling. I decided early on that I wanted to use eco-friendly packaging which has a luxurious look but is 1005 recyclable. After doing a lot of research I found that I wanted to do skin ranges for 5 skin types; sensitive skin, dry skin, anti-aging, normal/combination and oily/troubled skin. I then came up with the idea to colour code the ranges so that they would be easily identifiable and easy to pick out. Choosing the ingredients for the products was a slow process, but I researched all the different plants and their properties to find out which were the most beneficial for certain skin conditions.
3) The products are halal – what does that mean in terms of ingredients and who do you hope will buy them?
In Islam as I’m sure you’re aware ‘halal’ means permissable or what is allowed in the Muslim faith. Where beauty products are concerned animal ingredients, animal testing and haram alcohol is forbidden. Halal certification is a strict process whereby the products are tested and certified halal meaning they comply to Islamic law. The majority of our products are also vegan society registered which obviously strengthens the products status with regards to not containing animal ingredients. We obviously have many Muslim customers but also, vegetarians, vegans and all conscious consumers who like to use more natural products that are better for their skin.
4) What are the nasties we should look out for in our daily skincare products and why should we avoid them?
Ingredients like talc, fillers, petro-chemicals and parabens are to be avoided as are harsh alcohols and animal ingredients. All of these ingredients can have a negative effect on skin and can be extremely irritating especially to sensitive skin.
5) Tell us a little bit more about your shop – with retail struggling, has your innovative take on beauty taken off?
It’s true that generally retail is suffering at the moment but over the 12 months we’ve been open we have built up a strong customer base both locally and around the country through www.purehalalbeauty.com and our customers are always spreading the word to their friends and family about how much they love the products so that has been really great.
6) What’s your muse?
I’m inspired by people in business who are entrepreneurs and who embark upon new and sometimes risky ventures. Without these type of people we wouldn’t have some of the amazing inventions and advancements we have today in the world of medicine, science and technology. Outside of business, I am inspired by determined and persistent people.
7) At 20, you’re so young – what do you hope to achieve?
I would very much like to start opening stores across the UK and indeed I have had many enquiries regarding franchising. Internationally, I have had a lot of interest and we have an exciting prospect for the Middle East. 2012 looks to be a very busy and exciting year for PHB.
8) What should a bride do to ensure her skin is flawless for her big day?
Make sure you prepare skin well in advance of the big day. Your diet is crucial as is a good beauty regime. If you don’t already, begin to cleanse tone and moisturise every day at least 3 months before the day of your wedding. Also, pay special attention to your makeup. On your special day you want to enhance your natural beauty, not mask it. Our PHB Mineral Miracles foundation will provide you with a flawless complexion whilst appearing and feeling like your wearing nothing at all. Our foundations, blushers and eye shadows come in a fantastic colour range with something to suit all skin tones, so you can be sure to create an incredible look with PHB Mineral Miracles for your big day. Our Mineral Miracles are long lasting and they also absorb excess oils which will stop your face from becoming shiny during the day, crucial for those wedding photos!
9) With brides in mind, what are the key three products from the range that will help them achieve this?
We have a fabulous skin brightening range called Awaken & Revive. It is specially formulated using high doses of Vitamins and antioxidants, and the finest oils including rosehip, neroli, and ginger to boost brightness and circulation whilst evening out skin tone and pigmentation. You should cleanse, tone and moisturise morning and evening, apply the serum and eye-gel in the morning and use the face mask twice a week. Following this regime in the run up to your big day will help to brighten skin and even out skin tone leaving it fresh and glowing for your big day.
For the body I would recommend our incredible 3Seas Salt Scrubs. They exfoliate skin using 3 different types of salt including Dead Sea Salt to provide essential vitamins and minerals whilst also moisturizing with hydrating and repairing oils to revitalize skin. Finish off with one of our incredible nourishing body butters which will help to firm and enhance skin.
10) And finally what are your top three beauty tips for brides to be?
- Plenty of sleep and a healthy diet (plenty of water and fresh fruit & veg)
- A good beauty regime
- Exercise when you can, it is good for not only keeping in shape but also relieves stress and removes toxins from the body.
Our verdict: The PHB range offers a no nonsense approach to your beauty regime. Of the Awaken and Revive products I tested I found them to smell lovely and left the skin with a soft and hydrated feel. The cleanser was divine and left my skin feeling cleansed but not stripped of its natural moisture. The serum was especially good at getting results and brightening the skin. Overall I found the range good value for money and nice to use, I’m not sure I could part with my existing regime but I would certainly use these products when I wanted to give my skin a breather.
I haven’t often found my self defeated by the London transport system, but on this rare occasion I found myself absolutely shattered and rather late when I arrived at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. I had checked the route twice before leaving, but alas, my optimism (and ignorance) didn’t fare well on this occasion. So I arrived bereft at my lateness (I have a problem with punctuality) and feeling that this city had let me down, I had let myself down and quite frankly I had let the Spa down, who had stated in their confirmation email you must arrive at least 15 minutes before your treatment.
I was somewhat abruptly but gladly escorted to the lifts by the hotel’s staff and found myself repeatedly cursing and being grateful for having arrived around thirty minutes late. I was greeted by the reception with a warm but not overtly friendly welcome, as is sometimes the case with spas, and was invited to take a seat, have a cup of tea and treat myself to snack.
By the time I had arrived at Mandara Spa I was in a safe haven, away from the hustle and bustle and bitter cold (it was late November), the music was enchanting and I felt a cloud of calm encompassing my soul. I was just where I needed to be after a most treacherous day of tackling tubes and trains. I admired the teas on offer – and settled for a water and something which resembled a walnut cake. It was delicious and certainly something which wouldn’t be out of place in an organic bakery. I was asked to fill out a form and wait for my therapist. I did as I was told, the form is a standard spa procedure and allows therapists to be informed of any concerns before the treatment begins.
I was here for a treatment, but couldn’t help but look at the amazing size of the swimming pool as I entered, and once again cursed myself for not giving myself enough time to get here. The spa houses a gym and steam rooms, all of which are available to guests of the spa.
Toni introduced herself and showed me the way to the treatment room. It was of ample size and had soft led lighting which spoke to the soul and was the start of one of the most peaceful and calming experiences I have ever been grateful to enjoy.
The warm bamboo massage treatment I had lasted for around 90 minutes from start to finish, and involved a deep massage with an oil of my choice. I chose sensual, which had sweet floral undertones and an aroma of true beauty. The massage itself involves a mix of hand movements and the use of warm bamboo rolled in long soothing movements. Pressure is applied to ensure lymphatic drainage, this at times is a little uncomfortable than other massages I have had in the past, but it works to improve circulation and relieve tension – and believe me when I say after the five hours of travelling nightmare my body required this. And the massage does seem to go on forever and ever, forcing you to forget your worries (I was due at a literary awards ceremony the same night) and relax. Whilst forced into this state I realised and regretted not doing this sooner, for putting relax and calm at the bottom of my priorities. The treatment is brought to and end with an invigorating bamboo head massage – which I have failed to find elsewhere. When Toni had finished I was ready for a deep sleep, but alas, I was to join the overworked and seasonly well travelled amongst the city once again – that’s not before I tucked into another bite of cake and tea – of course!
The warm bamboo treatment is available at Mandara Spa for £95 and lasts 75 minutes once you’re in the treatment room. Do allow for those fifteen minutes though!
Its nearly here. I haven’t written anything about Xmas yet because it would mean its time to put your thermals on and go out shopping. If like me, you don’t really fancy freezing whilst scrambling around shops looking for something unbelievable for that someone special, and then queuing up for hours when you’ve found it – do as I do - put your feet up and go online!
The first place I would look is in the beauty stores and I’m going to make this really simple. I’m not going to bombard you with loads of ideas. Whilst true beauty might be within – your skin deserves to be looked after and you can’t go wrong with spa brand, Elemis. It might seem indulgent and expensive normally, but the Xmas collections offer good value for money and the receiver of this gift will love you for it.
My top three from Elemis this Xmas are:
Something for the girlies -which includes a complete detox treatment with your Skin Bliss capsules, and 30ml of Pro-collagen marine cream, and a personal favourite, a full size Papaya Enzyme Peel. For the body – there’s a gorgeous bath milk and frangipani duo. Its the Superstars collection and costs just £45. What more could a girl want?
For the boys there’s this top collection which includes everything a groom needs to scrub up and look the part. Its a divine collection which will take them right through winter. With a facial wash, scrub, shave gel your basics are covered, and with the added Time delay and Eye reviver – they’ll be looking good for their big day. The Essential Grooming collection is a steal at £35.
If you’d rather get the bride and groom something they can enjoy together a spa treatment or a spa day might be in order. There are lots to choose from but Wildmoor Spa in Stratford Upon Avon gets my vote. At under £100 (per person) A Spa Taster includes a £30 Complimentary gift set. Now that really is a bargain.
All of the above beauty goodies are available at timetospa. Now didn’t I tell you, you wouldn’t have to leave the house!
When I first heard about this newly launched body oil I had visions of smelly grease. The words Black Chicken on the label didn’t help – but you’ll be pleased to know, as I was to find, that the oil is neither black or has anything to do with chicken.
Love your body oil has a warm sensuous smell, with tones of lavendar and patchouli, making it perfect to use as a pre wedding massage oil. However it really comes into its own when used as a quick application after a bath or shower.
If like me you suffer from dry skin and are looking for something that will relieve your skin from dryness whilst keeping it hydrated and moisturised you’ll be sure to find joy with this product. Whilst you soak up some sun on your honeymoon you no longer need to worry that your skin is going to flake/look dull/dry out. You’ll have that beach glow all day long thanks to a powerful combo of 12 remedial oils which provide deep long lasting moisture to nourish dehydrated skin.
Available to buy from Selfridges.com and at www.blackchickenremedies.co.uk retailing at £45.50.
Leading beauty brand SBC is delighted to announce the re-launch of their fantastically popular Student Make-Up Kit, now with a brand new, chic look and contemporary design. Featuring everything a student needs for professional make-up application, accentuation and finish, SBC’s Student Kit provides trainee beauty therapists and make-up artists with highly-respected cosmetics at uniquely competitive prices, maintaining an outstanding balance between exceptional quality and considered affordability.
SBC’s Student Kit contains an updated nine-piece professional brush set, three concealers, three foundations, translucent loose powder, eight eye shadows, four crème eye shadows, three eye emphasisers, two lash crèmes, four lipsticks, four lip emphasisers, lip gloss, liquid eyeliner, a brand new bronzer, plus a range of essential accessories, such as sponges and a pencil sharpener, for perfect application every time. With all of these incredible products contained in a sleek and stylish new kit bag, which includes a lower zip compartment for maximised storage potential, SBC’s Student Kit is everything the new and returning student needs to excel during their course.
Other latest additions include disposable sponge applicators and mascara brushes to help students maintain a hygienic, uncluttered and easily manageable make-up set.
This makes a great pressie for a bride, giving her an ‘everything a girl could dream for’ make up kit. It could also be purchased for a mehndi party, or for aspiring make up artists to dress the younger children on the wedding day.
SBC has a long-standing reputation as an acknowledged expert in the beauty industry. Over 25 years of professional experience have been combined to create an exceptional line of luxury products, precisely crafted to suit all skin types. A dedicated commitment to excellence has led to the SBC Student make-up kit becoming the kit of choice for trainee make-up artists and student beauty therapists.
RRP: £110.00 – worth an amazing £250.00 if you purchased the items individually, plus includes FREE P&P. To order, simply go online to www.sbcgels.co.uk
Samina Pure Mineral Makeup is the first cosmetics company in UK to sell Halal Certified Makeup.
The products offered include a full range of make-up for the face, eyes and lips. Using the highest quality natural ingredients the range is 100% animal products and alcohol free. Crucially, the products exclude all chemicals and preservatives, and are completely pure and natural. They are as kind to the environment, as they are to the skin.
As consumers we are becoming more and more ethical and green conscious so its refreshing to stumble upon this make up range. I’m no fan of all mineral make up – especially those claiming to be natural when they are loaded with talcs and parabens – but Samina’s range when applied is gentle and offers good coverage. The end result is a soft and romantic look – perfect for a bride. The vibrant eyeshadow colours are great for those of you looking to add impact and glamour to your look and in trend colours will ensure you will stand out from the crowd. The vegan kabuki brush is not only adorable but the best I have tried on my sensitive skin.
by Sophia Parveen
Did you know that 40 million pieces of make up are thrown away each year in the UK alone? And that the average woman buys seven foundations before finding the right one?
Not expecting to learn any revolutionary makeup techniques I turned up to the Bobbi Brown diverse make up masterclass led by Paul Hamilton, Head of Artistry at Bobbi Brown. Once inside the studio, I realised immediately this was going to be an interactive hands on workshop, and instantly perked up! Determined to share all my new found knowledge with you all, this is what I learnt:
Don’t feel obliged to wear foundation if you have good skin, you can use tinted moisturiser and concealer.
Always use a primer before applying foundation to create a smooth base.
Match your foundation colour by testing three of the closest matches to your skin on your cheek and checking which one blends in seamlessly.
Look at your collarbone to check your powder colour so the colour flows from your face to neck to collarbone to décolleté.
Look for lip colours either the same shade or darker as your natural lip colour. If you match to your own lip colour, you wont get the patchy effect as the colour wears off.
Gel eyeliners are amazing, if you don’t own one it should be the next thing to buy on your shopping list. Try caviar.
I felt reassured hearing Asian skin tones were prone to dark circles and often they can be difficult to conceal. After trying a corrector underneath concealer I was converted. Paul also reiterated the need to apply concealer first before foundation to ensure you don’t use too much foundation unnecessarily. Concealer needs to be one shade lighter than your foundation but Bobbi Brown concealers are manufactured as such so you can buy the same shade.
The most important lesson I learnt was to focus on skin tones rather than skin colour. The secret to looking your best is to apply the right foundation shade for your skin colour.
So, if you’re looking to revamp your look in 2010, why not head down to a Bobbi Brown counter, and try the diverse range for yourself? The beauty assistants are always more than happy to give you a free makeover and show you what a good look can do for you.
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