Some brands wait years to garner a cult following that has it tripping off the tongues of beauty editors and scooping up accolades in the press, so we are delighted to announce that the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Professional Cleansing System has already bagged an award in the updates edition of Jo Fairley and Sarah Stacey’s must-have manual for eco beauty product junkies, The Green Beauty Bible (Kyle Cathie). The kit, which comprises the paraben-free Moringa Cleansing Balm which is powered by natural oils such as grape seed and moringa extract, exfoliating granules made purely of rosehip seeds and a polishing face cloth, is indeed a great choice for anyone looking for a ‘green’ cleanser. And when you think about it, using a chemical-laden formula for the purpose of cleansing is a somewhat bizarre proposition. The award is a timely feat as effective cleansing is even more important in winter. “Your whole body becomes more sluggish at this time of year,” says Emma. “According to Traditional Chinese Medicine the liver and kidneys go into hibernation. This means that they aren’t removing toxins from the body as efficiently so it is crucial to help the skin to carry out its toxin-eliminating role through good cleansing.” So how do you get a professional result from the Professional Cleansing System? First, Emma recommends applying a tiny amount of the cleansing balm to a moist cotton pad to wipe away eye make-up. Next, splash water onto your face before applying a “hazelnut-sized amount” of balm to form an emulsion. “Massage the balm into the skin, tracing the contours of the bones to help drain the face of toxins,” advises Emma. The double-sided cloth in the kit is for removing the balm: use the muslin side to remove the bulk of the product and then buff skin to a satin finish with the microfibre side. “The microfibre side has a positive static charge which acts as a magnet for any dirt and bacteria on the skin as these have a negative charge,” explains Emma. “It also creates a sort of suction on the skin, so is great at boosting circulation and bringing back a natural radiance.” The other integral part of the system is the rosehip seeds, loose granules that can be mixed with the balm to form a scrub. Central heating causes the skin to hold on tight to dead skin cells in an attempt to retain moisture, leading to dull-looking skin and making it more difficult for any moisturisers or creams we apply to be properly absorbed by the skin. “Use the seeds up to three times a week,” says Emma. “You can tailor the treatment to your skin type – oilier skins are thicker so you can exfoliate more often, while more sensitive skin types are best with just a pinch of seeds used once a week.”
Facial tip of the month – Lips – The Lip Smacker To strengthen and plump out the lips, open your mouth then curl your lips into your mouth, wrapping them around your teeth until you feel a stretch. Pulse your lips inwards 20 times then hold the stretch for a count of 20. Finish by uncurling your lips and pressing them together for 10 seconds. Perform daily.
Latest new update – Emma’s FaceFacts Workshops are now taking place at branches of Space NK in London. There is a £15 booking fee, £10 of which is redeemable against products. For details call 01923 839 505.
Spreading the word – “I’d recommend anyone who is prone to Seasonal Affectation Disorder (SAD) to invest in a light box,” says Emma. “When we feel low our skin always looks worse so it will brighten both your mood and your skin.” Lumie have a good range of light boxes – see www.lumie.com for details.
