Since
the age of 13, when Mother Nature decreed I was ready to breed, I don’t think I
can remember a day when I didn’t have a spot of some kind somewhere on my body.
Ok,
I’ve never actually had what might be called acne, just well-placed spots.
Usually cropping up just in time not to be left out when I have a date, or a
party to go to, and where they’re impossible to cover up (like bang in the
middle of my left cheek). I’ve tried everything: pills, creams, sun on my face
to heal the scars. As soon as one heals, another one arrives to take up the
baton.
My
mother used to tell me to be grateful, as oily skin meant I was unlikely to
become lined in middle age, and true, she was right to a certain extent. I will
soon turn 51, and am still frequently mistaken for a woman in her mid-30s, but
to be frank, after nearly 40 years of this, I am exhausted.
I
don’t believe in miracle cures, but I have to say I’m close, waiting to exhale,
because for over a month, since I started using Herbal Harmony’s Lavender soap to wash my face, I haven’t had a
single breakout.
Owned
and run by Gwent based, certified medical herbalist, Catherine Marshall, I
stumbled upon the Herbal Harmony stall of fabulous preparations, shower gels, moisturisers, lip balms, and lip glosses at The New Forest Show about 3 years
ago. I have been bee-lining it to her stand in Craft Tent B every year since –
but mainly just to buy the Hibiscus lip-gloss.
 |
| The Herbal Harmony Stand - New Forest Show - 2015 |
This
year, however, I decided to blow my show cash and buy a load more stuff. Soap, Geranium
Bath Melts, moisturisers, and a pot of Cinnamon & Orange lip balm as well –
simply because it smells insanely wonderful.
“Basically,
it’s Neal’s Yard without the crazy price tag” I told my friends, who have been
joining me, one by one, to try, buy, and rave over Catherine’s fabulous
preparations too.
I
now, and finally, have what could actually be called a ‘beauty routine’.
Following bathing with the Lavender Soap, I use the Frankincense moisturiser
(for mature skin) as a night cream, then in the morning, on goes the Rose &
Apricot moisturiser (for sensitive skin) for daily hydration, and all is topped
off with Calendula Balm on any unhappy patch that has thus far resisted
healing.
The
effects have been almost instantaneous.
As
if all this were not enough, everything Catherine makes is cruelty free, which,
if you’re anything like me and don’t want anyone, or anything, else to suffer
for your own vanity, is pretty darned important.
For
further information, and to order online, visit: http://www.herbalharmony.co.uk/
©
Emma Blake – 2015
