Brand Preference

Why do I choose to purchase certain items from a particular brand in the presence of other competing brands?

I generally strive to purchase products and services that are made ethically with minimal harm to, and minimal exploitation of, humans, animals and the natural environment.

Affordability, quality and sustainability (respectively) are also taken into account.


Eyes Lips Face
~ Launched in 2004 by Scott-Vincent Borba.
~ Where beauty meets value.
~ The internet is used for branding rather than higher-priced advertising media.
~ The best ingredients are sourced at competitive prices.
~ Products take top priority, rather than packaging.
~ Website: http://eyeslipsface.co.uk/


Origins
~ Powered by Nature. Proven by Science.
~ Long-standing commitment to protect the planet, its resources and all those who populate it is reaffirmed by their earth and animal friendly practices, packaging and policies.
~ Products are formulated without parabens, phthalates, propylene, glycol, mineral oil, PABA, petrolatum, paraffin, DEA or animal ingredients (except cruelty-free honey and beeswax).
~ On-going Plant-A-Tree campaign to help improve the local and global environment.
~ Website: http://www.origins.co.uk/


REN Skincare
~ Clean Bio Active Skincare. Skincare as it should be.
~ Launched in 2000 by Robert Calcraft and Antony Buck.
~ Principles: Right Ingredients; Right Science; Right Attitude; Right Product Experience and Right Environmental Impact.
~ Website: http://www.renskincare.com/


Lily Lolo Mineral Cosmetics
~ Launched in 2005 by Vikki Khan.
~ Recognised and approved under the BUAV Humane Cosmetics Standard for not testing any products on animals.
~ Recognised by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for a cruelty free production process.
~ Every product is free from harsh chemicals, dyes and fillers and even has antibacterial properties to help improve the skin.
~ Website: http://www.renskincare.com/


Laboratoires Embryolisse
~ Began in 1950 by a dermatologist specialising in skin pathologies.
~ Pharmaceutical skincare products that are essential, effective, natural and highly tolerant.
~ A sincere, authentic and effective skin care brand, for all women who wish to commit their skin to a recognized expert in the health and beauty industry.
~ Website: http://www.worldwide.embryolisse.com/
~ Online ordering: http://www.cocobeau.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=65


Bam Clothing
~ A Bamboo clothing brand founded by David Gordon in 2006.
~ Products are made from 70% natural Moso bamboo fibre - a sustainable resource
from the Yunnan Province.
~ Clothes are made by workers in Europe and in Turkey, paid with minimum wages and in excellent working conditions.
~ Bamboo fabric is soft, smooth and comfortable as well as being strong and durable. Bamboo fabric has moisture wicking and thermo controlling qualities and is suitable for sensitive or allergy prone skin.
~ Website: http://www.bambooclothing.co.uk/


MUJI
~ No Brand Quality Goods
~ Japanese company selling household and consumer products at reasonable prices whilst following their simple policy: to conserve resources and reduce waste.
~ Website: http://www.mujionline.co.uk/



* This list is subject to change at any time *


"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit" - Aristotle.

My Current HG Products - Part One

 ~ Arbonne FC5 Mattifying Powder
Takes away unwanted shine and reduces the appearance of redness.

~ Baby Bottom Butter from Waitrose 
Great for adults who have patches of dry, itchy or inflamed skin. Contains only natural ingredients: olive oil, vanilla and chamomile oil.

~ Blot Out Offensive by Nurturing Force
Instant matte HD primer/ shine & oil control cream. 

~ Dandelion by Benefit Cosmetics
A ballerina pink finishing powder which I use as a blusher.

~ Dove Beauty Cream Bar
Contains 1/4 moisturising cream - does not dry your skin like other soaps.

~ FACE Atelier Ultra Foundation
Silicone based formula that offers lightweight yet highly pigmented coverage.

~ Keratase Elixir Ultime
Beautifying hair treatment enriched with Maize, Argan, Camellia and Pracaxi oils. Hair is transformed into silky weightless matter.

~ Moisture Surge Face Spray by Clinique
Great for setting mineral makeup.   

~ Origins Multi-Grain Makeup SPF 14
Fortified with oats, vitamins and minerals.


* This list is subject to change at any time *

Sweet Potato Pancakes / 蕃薯餅/ Fan Shoo Beng

~ Sweet potatoes
~ Glutinous rice flour
~ Spring onion (optional)
~ Brown sugar to taste (one tablespoon)
~ Salt to taste
~ Oil

Peel, dice and boil the sweet potatoes for 10 minutes or until soft.

Mash the sweet potatoes up and mix in the brown sugar.

Scoop the mash into a clean bowl.

Stir fry some diced spring onions. Mix the spring onions in with the mash.

Fold in the glutinous rice flour to the mixture (a small amount at a time) until a dough texture is achieved. This part of the process can take quite a long time.

Make into balls and fry in pan with a tiny bit of salt and oil.