Liz Earle Official Statement

In the interests of full disclosure: I have worked for Liz Earle in the past. 

I used to joke that if you lived on the Isle of Wight you either worked for Liz Earle or were a chambermaid (no offence IOW peeps). The company is a huge part of the IOW's being. And the IOW is very small. About 140,000 people. That makes it the size of Bolton. Or, slightly larger than Brighton. Everyone knows everyone.

Earlier today my phone started going into overdrive. People were being laid off. They had cancelled their plans for the huge expansion on the Island and the 500 new jobs that would go with it. Managers were being let go. Liz had been let go. From multiple sources. And when I say sources - I mean friends. I'm not working for the Wall Street Journal folks - I'm under no illusions.

After I had tweeted about what was happening I immediately received a call from their PR Dowal Walker.

'It is categorically untrue that Liz has left the company.' 

Fine. I'm more than happy to put something right.

I asked if it was true that she is now contracted for 25 days a year only - and that was mainly for QVC and PR purposes. As far as the Official line: Liz is still on board.

This from their Facebook page earlier this month when the rumours started.

"Hi All.

Please be assured that Liz continues to be an integral part of Liz Earle Beauty Co ltd. We are delighted that Liz has retained her involvement since Avon acquired the company in 2010. We hope this clears up any misunderstanding :)"

This is their release to the press regarding the redundancies/cancelled expansion:

'Liz Earle Beauty Co. Limited continues to evolve and contribute to the Island economy.

It is best practice that companies review their organisational design and processes to support their growth plans. 

Liz Earle Beauty Co. Limited is currently reviewing the infrastructure to ensure world class resources are in place for future growth expectations. A consolidation of roles, improvement in working processes and effectiveness are key priorities. The business objective is to continue to drive for growth and optimal business performance. 

As part of the Organisational Review there is a consultation process underway and is expected to conclude in the next 30 days.'

'A consolidation of roles, improvement in working processes and effectiveness are key priorities.'

Ahem. Laying people off.

I've since been told both Liz and Kim Buckland officially resigned from the Board on 25th September, which is true. Source

So what gives?

Who knows.

It's inevitable that when a smaller company sells out to a huge international conglomerate - Avon - that they will make changes after the initial grace period of promising 'no changes'.

But please: don't treat people like idiots and tell them 'not to talk to anyone'. Especially when it's people losing their livelihood. Its an even bigger insult.

Most requested reviews - and why I haven't thus far..

There are a few products/brands that I am asked about regularly - whether it's for my opinion on Twitter or just to review. 

Here's the thing: I try, in general, to keep this blog about things I love - or really like - if I wouldn't use it - I don't tend to blog it. I love this industry. I love my work. I have no interest in being the Liz Jones of the beauty blogging world.

However, I am asked so often about these items below that it seemed to be worth rounding them up and explaining my thoughts on them.

Eve Lom Cleanser

Eve Lom is a Goddess in the skincare world. She is. You may not have been around pre-Eve - but I was. 

It was a dull minefield of tissueing off milk cleanser and soap. *shudders*

Eve came along, independently from any corporate input and said: 'You know what? Use this balm, wash your face properly, take it off with this cloth - use a cloth to wash your face, stop being lazy.' She got people washing their faces properly. 

She was the pioneer of muslin cloth cleansing. Years before Liz Earle who has openly said she copied Eve for Cleanse & Polish.

She is opinionated, decisive, slightly eccentric in the best possible way and stands her ground. I absolutely love her for that. 

The only reason I do not use or recommend Eve Lom Cleanser is because it is mineral oil based. And it breaks me out. That's it. 

There was a time in the late 90's when Eve Lom was the only thing to use. Other brands saw this and came along and made their own version. In my opinion they bettered it. I'm not the majority. Eve Lom Cleanser has been the best selling item in SpaceNK for well over 10 years - probably nearer 15. I have some of the newer Eve Lom products in my 'to try' queue and I'm sure most of them will make it to the blog as an approval. Just not, sadly, the original bestseller.

If you use Eve Lom and love it - and it works for you, perfect. Don't stop. It just doesn't work for me.

Which leads me nicely on to...

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

Possibly my most requested review ever. I reviewed it briefly nearly 2 years ago - but it was in passing - and part of a larger post. So maybe it's an age thing. Either they have changed the formulation or my 40+ skin is suddenly rejecting it - whichever...

In the spirit of full disclosure, I used to work for Liz Earle. It was without doubt the single most miserable experience of my working career. Although ironically the most rewarding CV-wise. 

To be clear - that was absolutely nothing to do with the Liz Earle or Kim Buckland - both of whom are utterly inspiring and brilliant at what they do. It was more to do with the unexpected corporate environment, mixed messages from line managers and feeling 'hemmed in'. That and travelling to the Isle of Wight (or as I came to call it - Alcatraz) 3 or 4 times a week. *I digress*

I was the first person to put the products into a routine and trial a facial on both Liz and Kim. I left before the facials were launched. 

I love the Deep Cleansing Mask, Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Intensive Nourishing Treatment.

The reason I don't recommend  C&P is because when I use it, my skin goes redder than a postbox (an English RED postbox) and burns. I personally think its a mixture of the rosemary and eucalyptus - it's too much for me. And judging by the comments left on this blog over the last few months - a lot of you do too.

Liz Earle say - word for word - on their website: 'We only make one cleanser because this formulation works on every age and skin type, offering concentrated yet gentle cleansing power.' Erm. No. It doesn't. 

As approximately 70 billion (or thereabouts) are sold every minute - I'm sure I am in the minority. But I am not going to recommend something that makes me reach for aloe vera to soothe burns afterwards.

I'm sure Liz Earle can handle it.

Clarisonic

I can't remember a phenomenon bigger than Clarisonic in recent history. You can't move for celebrity endorsements, different colours being released, different versions being released - in short - a massive cashing in on a very big cash cow. 

I've had two Clarisonics. I gave one to a mate and used the other one as a giveaway. I was questioned by a savvy reader as to why I was giving something away that I didn't endorse - very fair point. I explained that it wasn't so much the actual Clarisonic, but the way it had become the be all and end all - kind of like a Chanel handbag of the beauty world and the way it still seems to be used without much guidance. If used properly, on the right skin, I'm sure it's fine. 

The reason I don't recommend Clarisonic is because it gave me the worst acne breakout of my life. It took me months to get my skin back to normal.

If you use a Clarisonic and love it, then I am seriously happy for you. Don't stop. Just don't overdo it .

Astalift

Astalift launched amidst much fanfare earlier this year and I am constantly asked my opinion on it. To be fair, I know it has received positive reviews from people such as Pixiwoos and Lisa Eldridge and there are few people whose opinion I respect more.

The reason I haven't recommended Astalift is because it did nothing for me. I tried. Genuinely I did. I used it exclusively until it ran out. It made no visible difference to my skin. And the texture made me stabby. It is literally like jelly - if you throw away the spoon that comes with it you are screwed. 

If you are using Astalift and enjoying it - and it is the best thing you've ever had on your skin - please don't stop on my account. I am very happy for you.

I genuinely think my skin is just too much like hard work for it. Maybe it's my age. Sorry. 

I trust that clears that up. 

Cleanse, Tone & Moisturise - Tanya Burr

My first victim guest for Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise is Tanya Burr - You Tuber extraordinaire and all-round lovely lady. A fully trained makeup artist, Tanya has previously worked for Laura Mercier and Clinique and her YouTube channel currently receives over a million hits a month.

The whole point of this feature is to get products on to the blog that may otherwise not have made it - although I trial new products all the time, I'm pretty set in my ways when it comes to basics - so why not open it up a little?
I thought I'd pick Tanya's brain as she's (clearly) much younger than me and her skin is totally different...

Just a reminder that the the question is: What are your default 'go-to' products for the 3 basic steps?...

Tanya's choices are....

Cleanser - Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

I have been using this cleanser for the past 2 years and although being a beauty vlogger/blogger I try lots of different cleansers, I always come back to this one and find nothing beats it. It gently but thoroughly removes all my makeup including eye makeup and the muslin cloth polishes away any dead skin without being abrasive like a scrub might be.

Toner - Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner

This product was recommended to me when I had a facial at a spa last Summer. The lady said it would help to tighten my pores and balance the oily and dry areas on my skin, I have to say it did exactly what she said - and that is why I love it!

Moisturiser - Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega Mushroom Skin Relief

Although like I said before I try out lots of different products, I have stayed pretty loyal to this moisturiser for the last 4 years! That is a long time for me to stay in love with a product, but this one is truly amazing. Benefits I see from this cream are, evenly hydrated, soft, clear and even skin. It's just incredible.

Thank you Tanya! - next up: London Makeup Girl

Toners - Which ones??

Following yesterdays post about toners - here's a quick guide to a few of my current faves and some trusty reliables.

Starting from affordable 'cheap as chips' up to middle priced - I won't spend £££ on a toner. A treatment lotion - absolutely - but a toner. No.

L'Oreal Age Perfect - Mature Skin

This toner retails for around £4.69 for 200ml and being in the 'mass' category you can sometimes find it on offer in the big chemists. And it does what is says on the bottle. Very refreshing and leaves the skin soft and smooth. I have some of this decanted into a mini-spray bottle on my desk - for hot weather AND hot flushes?

If you're on a budget - this is for you. *The Mouth Recommends

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic

Liz Earle's Instant Boost Skin Tonic retails for £11.50 for 200ml.  In a world where toners are being forgotten and discarded (not MY world you understand!) this is bucking the trend. Sales are up and continue to grow.
It contains organic aloe vera, natural vitamin E and rose geranium - but if you are a 'natural' freak - it is not completely natural - and claims otherwise are misleading. Check your inci's. Does absolutely leave the skin refreshed, plumped and hydrated. Also available as a spritzer - very handy.

Clarins Lotion Tonique - Camomile

Clarins Lotion Tonique comes in two flavours - Camomile and Iris and retails for £16.00 approx - you can buy it as a kit with the suitable cleanser and it comes up a bit cheaper. The Camomile is for a dryer skin and the Iris is for combination. But they are much of a muchness in my opinion. I should probably use Camomile but I prefer the smell of the Iris. Both toners contain alpine herbs and really do soften, plump and in my opinion - nourish. NOM.

Lancome Tonique Douceur

This retails at £20.00 for 200ml and is here for my mum. She has used this for over 20 years and swears by it.  Again alcohol-free, it contains pineapple as an anti-inflammatory and papaya extracts to hydrate. She is a woman 'of a certain age' and her skin is a marvel. This obviously contributes to that.

Gatineau Nasturtium

Gatineau's Nasturtium retails at £21.00 for 250ml - but if you are a fan you can get salon sizes cheaper on QVC.  This is aimed at a more combination skin as the nasturtium flower extract rebalances the skin. Leaves skin plump and fresh.

Darphin Intral Toner

Darphin Intral Toner retails at £26.00 for 200ml. I love a bit of Darphin and I love this toner.  If
like me you suffer from sporadic outbreaks of redness, or basically any inflamation whatsoever - this is the toner for you. It instantly calms, takes away redness and really does leave the skin soft, smooth and nourished. Lush.  *The Mouth Recommends

What about you? Have I missed any of your favourites? Let me know!

Parabens and Animal Testing - a quick word...

After a few comments this week on Twitter about parabens and a post from the lovely Sarah on London Beauty Review about animal testing - (more of that here)  I just wanted to highlight a couple of things very briefly from my own experience...

Parabens
Regardless of where you lie in the paraben debate - do you/don't you - if you are in the 'don't want them in my products at all' group - you need to look further back than the original inci list on your product.

A product listed as paraben-free means that there are no parabens in that particular product.  It does not mean that the source ingredients in that product were not preserved in parabens. In other words, companies can say that their product is paraben-free - but the source ingredients that make up that product may have been swimming in them for months, even years.  If you are unsure, ask questions - and don't ask the counter staff/shop staff - ask Head Office.
If you want something that is absolutely paraben-free you may need to do more than look on the box - and if you want to be absolutely sure - you need to go certified organic . Not 'natural' - ORGANIC.  There are a lot of brands out there calling themselves natural - (a product only has to have 6% of something (anything) natural in it to call itself natural) - very few walk the walk and talk the talk.
One of the few that do is The Organic Pharmacy.  Margo and Francesco Marrone are two of the most passionate people I have met in the industry.  They also get rid of any cliched ideas you may have about organic = dowdy, dull, frumpy and boring. There are no grey areas in The Organic Pharmacy.  It's either in - or it's out.  If you are concerned about what is in the products that we routinely put on our skin - check out TOP -  for more info on their philosophy and background  - visit their website - here.  And if you haven't yet tried any of their products - start with the Carrot Butter Cleanser - phenomenal.


Animal Testing
At the other end of the paraben scale is Liz Earle.  Liz Earle Cosmetics actively and openly use parabens - and defend them in their literature (although they are noticeably missing from all of their newest products released - make of that what you will).

Where there are no grey areas with Liz Earle is in animal testing.  So much so that a few years ago the EU revised the law on all self tanning products because they were concerned about the effects of inhalation in tanning booths.  The new EU testing regime for self tans involved testing on animals. Liz Earle refused to let their (very good) Self Tan be tested on animals and so discontinued it rather than go against one of their fundamental principles.
The customers were not happy - but LEC were unrelenting. They still do not carry a self tan in their range.  More on LEC and their philosophies here.

If you use any form of self tan - odds are it has been tested on animals - maybe not by the company - but by their source manufacturer.

Forewarned is forearmed.