Natural Skin Care

February is the month for romance and blissful escapes. Indulge in the luxury of true perfumes made without harmful chemicals or synthetics. From the pretty pink packaging to the beautiful aromatic treasures inside, Tallulah Jane is a pure fragrance line we think every girl should experience.

1. What motivated you to start your own line?

I had always been a huge fragrance fanatic, ever since I was a young girl growing up in London and sampling the latest perfume trends in Selfridges and Harvey Nicks. As I got older though I found that I developed sensitivity to the synthetic perfumes I was accustomed to wearing, to the point that I had to stop wearing them all together. I did miss fragrance though so I started experimenting and blending essential oils for myself. I received such enthusiastic reactions from people that I decided to launch my own scents.

2. How long did it take? When was your product line ready for the general public?

Hmm, that’s a question that’s impossible to assign a definitive timeline to. I’ve had seeds of ideas that I had been playing around with for years that would eventually become one of our products so I could say it’s been 10+ years. But I didn’t start entertaining the thought of marketing my blends until the enormously positive reaction from family and friends, and friends of family that I decided to give it a go. My husband and I started to ramp up into launch mode in the spring of ‘09 and were able to release our initial line of fragrances in the fall of ‘09.

3. What obstacles did you face along the way?

Sourcing our ingredients is actually one of the most difficult aspects of producing our fragrances. The quality of many of the oils we use can vary greatly depending on producer, region, season, etc. so finding ingredients that are up to our standard can be a challenge. This is one of the reasons why I hand blend all of our recipes, if there is a slight variation in the bouquet of a particular oil I can adjust the formula so as to remain true to the original.

We also faced a tremendous hurdle in packaging production and sourcing. Especially when we first started and had much lower sales volumes, we struggled to justify the production run minimums that were thrust upon us by vendors. Otherwise, the cost for smaller runs would have a huge impact on the price point that we’ve strived to maintain.

Our solution was to bring all the production services in-house and teach ourselves how to do it. We purchased bottle printing machinery, printers, custom dies and die-cutting presses, etc. so now we print, press, convert or bind all of our sample vials, sample cards, bottles, cartons, press materials, and collateral. It’s been a lot of learning to establish our routine but it’s one way in which we’re able to mitigate our costs so that we don’t need to charge inflated prices for our products. It also allows great dexterity to accommodate co-branded material requests or micro-runs of limited edition products.

4. Who did you draw your inspiration from?

I’ve always had a big crush on Serge Lutens! Not only for the perfumes he created with Christopher Sheldrake, which are some of my all-time favorites, but also for his artistic direction, fashion imagery and branding genius. He was one of the first to really understand how fine art could have a profound influence in expanding the beauty product experience.

5. What is unique, different or special about your brand?

From the start of our endeavor we’ve meant to compete in the industry with all fragrances, synthetic and natural, so our goal was to make excellent perfumes and oils that would excel on their own without imposing our views on our clients. We are healthful, green and ethical because we feel there is no other way to be. We didn’t want to make that a requisite part of our brand but it is essential to who we are.

We’ve also succeeded in keeping our price points some of the most competitive, not only in the natural market but the general fragrance category as well. We still use only the finest and purest ingredients available, the same or better than those that are used by houses charging far higher premiums for their products.

6. Have you or your products ever won any awards?

We’ve just had the honor of being awarded Best Natural Fragrance in both the Men’s and Women’s categories by Organic Beauty Talk and are currently in the running for a FIFI award for Best Indie Perfume, fingers crossed there. We’ve also appeared on many, many Best Of lists both in print and within the blogosphere.

7. What, if anything, would you do differently if you could do it over?

I would not change a thing, really! Everything we’ve been through has been a tremendous learning experience and rising to the challenges that we’ve been faced with have made us more confident and resolute.

8. How do you feel about changes in the organic beauty movement?

We couldn’t be happier to see more companies developing new products that are healthier options for both the customer and the environment and are enthusiastic about trying and being inspired by so many amazing creations!

9. What advice would you offer other novice women entrepreneurs?

Make sure you’re doing something you love because creating a successful business is so much harder than you can anticipate. There will be times when you might question what you’re doing or whether it’s all worth it so being passionate to the point where you can’t not do it can be such a saving grace.

10. Do you think it is more difficult for women when it comes to business?

I know that many of my female friends that have tried to launch their own businesses have encountered disparate and numerous hurdles that perhaps wouldn’t have been an issue had they been male. Luckily for me, the industry in which our brand is competing has a huge number of women in position of power and who are the driving force behind so many of the products and brands that I adore so I really haven’t encountered additional challenges personally.

Hello Lily Lolo!

Saffron Rouge is thrilled to announce a new addition to our family of natural makeup lines – and it’s almost as fun to say as it is beautiful to wear. Lily Lolo hails from London and is the top mineral cosmetic brand in Europe. It’s about time we introduced it to discerning customers on this side of the pond.

Naturally, if it’s approved by Saffron Rouge you know it’s free of synthetic dyes, petrochemicals and other no-nos. Quality ingredients a given, it’s ultra-fine formulations are particularly soft and luxurious, giving you that flawless airbrushed effect with just a light dusting.

Lily Lolo founder Vikki Khan became a fan of mineral cosmetics in her travels but could never find a product back home that quite measured up, despite the fact that many makeup manufacturers were jumping on the mineral trend. So she created her own company and now boasts an award winning line of foundations, finishing powders, cover-ups, bronzers, blushes and eye shaddows, attracting a bit of a cult following in the process.

Fans of the brand love how it minimizes the appearance of fine lines but doesn’t settle or cake into creases (a more diplomatic way of saying “wrinkles”, don’t you think?). It inhibits shine but still let’s light reflect and your complexion glow. Unlike some liquid or creams, these weightless powders allow skin to breath while providing natural SPF protection. Lily Lolo also offers a toolkit of fabulous brushes so you can gently sweep and swirl the makeup around your face and eyes, blending and layering until you get the coverage and effect you want.

It’s the colors that really sell cosmetics, though, and Lily Lolo has a wonderful palette with whimsical names like Gold Digger, Doll Face, Sugar n’ Spice and Ooh La La. Ranging from natural shades to vibrant hues, there’s a lot to choose from and play with.

We’re sure you’re going to love the Lily Lolo line. We always appreciate feedback on new products, so don’t hesitate to tell us what you think.

At Saffron Rouge, we find it fascinating dealing with the very talented founders and formulators of our prestigious brands. It is now 2012 and we will be publishing monthly guest spotlight blog postings from these remarkable women.

1. What motivated you to start your own line?

When I was 27, while skiing in Coursheval, France I had a stroke. Sitting in the hospital in nearby Grenoble on Christmas Eve, I woke up to an essential message – good health is everything, and every day life is rich and beautiful. That awareness to live life to its fullest, to restore health and wellbeing, to balance and move to appreciate the everyday forms the red flower mission. Every moment should be an opportunity to enrich your life in everything you do from the daily practices of washing your hands to lighting a candle. I look to create a multi-sensory experience layering rich texture, potent natural ingredients, unforgettable aromatherapeutic scents and healthful, restorative benefits. Living healthfully, naturally and fully by transforming every day experiences continues to be the guiding force behind red flower.

2. How long did it take?

I see this as an evolution, still taking time, learning and growing along the way.

3. When was your product line ready for the general public?

My background in design and product development helped me get our first range of products (petal topped candles and organic flower tea) off the ground in about 9 months to a year with product testing being a big part of that time.

4. What obstacles did you face along the way?

Running a business is filled with obstacles and challenges. Sourcing the type of ingredients I was looking for was probably the most time consuming and challenging, finding the one ingredient I was on the hunt for often felt like finding the holy grail. Building a culture and team of like-minded individuals with whom to run the company also presented many unexpected challenges and rewards.

5. Who did you draw your inspiration from?

Beatrice Wood, the founders of Shiseido, travel, nature, architecture, the streets of New York, organic food, yoga, art, music, literature and my family.

6. What is unique, different or special about your brand?

I strive for an unparalleled experience in everything we make and put health and the environment first, from the way we sustainably source the highest quality, most concentrated and most potent ingredients to our local production practices which keeps the line fresh and truly pure. red flower is all natural, where possible certified organic, and is forever on the quest for unusual ingredients from thoughtful producers who focus on the living force of all botanicals to create exquisite scents and restorative benefits.

7. Have you or your products ever won any awards?

We have garnered countless accolades and awards from the industry, press and consumers including being the first organic perfume to be awarded in the top 5 all-time best perfumes by the New York Times fragrance critic.

8. What, if anything, would you do differently if you could do it over?

You can’t really do over so you have to make mistakes and learn from them.

9. How do you feel about changes in the organic beauty movement?

I feel positive about the increase in awareness and the availability in finding quality products.

10. What advice would you offer other novice women entrepreneurs?

Start now, be persistent, live a full life (not just a work life).

11. Do you think it is more difficult for women when it comes to business?

In the beauty business I truly do not.

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” – Maya Angelou, African American Poet

I was reading my ebook reader the other day while my applying my skin treatments. The cool thing about ebook reader is that you can get thousands of ebooks on one device without a problem! you can read it virtually anywhere – while on the bus, in bed, or while getting a facial. Anyway, if you’re anything like me, you’d love to get yourself one of those ebook reading devices.

Flipping through the pages of People Magazine, you may have noticed recommendations for two of Saffron Rouge’s favorite products, RMS Beauty Living Luminzer and RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream.

The beauty editors at People say RMS Beauty Living Luminizer is the perfect make up accessory to “get a healthy glow,” pointing out that it can also be used to add a sexy glow over the cheekbones and can be used to highlight the collar bone and shoulders. We couldn’t agree more!

Turning their attention to Raw Coconut Cream, RMS Beauty founder and make up artist Rose-Marie Swift used her signature products to create a sexy look for Gisele Bündchen at the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala.

“We wanted Gisele to look naturally sophisticated, making the look more modern and not falling into a retro direction,” Rose-Marie told People Magazine. “Use coconut oil on your body at night. It will help soothe and hydrate your skin if you’ve stayed in the sun too long.”

RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream replenishes and refines your skin giving you radiance and moisture. This revolutionary skin care formula is made from pure, certified organic, raw, unrefined virgin coconut oil. The cream contains amazing skin healing and cleansing properties that protect the skin from free radical damage and premature aging.

Visit RMS Beauty on Saffron Rouge for more information on this outstanding line.

Your guy may not always take the best care of his skin, but we know how important daily skin care can be to men’s overall health.

Saffron Rouge carries a wide selection of men’s skin care items from body care to colognes to shaving lotions and accessories. We have got your guy covered from head to toe to keep his skin looking and feeling healthy on Father’s Day or any day of the year. You can help your guy using the same nursery rhyme he now sings to his own little ones… Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.

Head

Help your guys start the day off right with one of our invigorating shampoos from Dr. Alkaitis. This specially formulated Organic Herbal Shampoo gives hair a soft, full body with ingredients like aloe vera and wild Andean rose. The clean fresh scent will make your hair feel and smell clean and refreshed all day long.

Style hair with John Masters Hair Pomade. Smooth’s frizz, adds texture and boosts shine. Protects hair and scalp from environmental damage and doubles as a hand salve and cuticle softener. Contains skin healing mango butter, extra virgin olive oil and Jojoba.

Get smooth, clean skin with Leap Organics Facial Cleanser made with vitamins A, B, C and E. Enriched with jojoba, shea butter, and olive oil help replenish the skin’s natural moisture balance, while aloe juice and extracts of cucumber and green tea soothe the skin’s surface and provide nourishing antioxidants.

Shoulders

Keep him smelling fresh all day long with Citrus Deodorant from Weleda. Made from the juice of fresh pressed lemons, this deodorant offers a fresh odor fighting scent that works throughout the day. Aluminum-free and Certified Organic.

Sun damage is one of the major causes or aging. Badger Sunscreen will protect his skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Non-greasy and available in both cream and lip balm formulas. This effective sunscreen is scented and unscented. This formula is also water safe for trips to the beach. Available in SPF 15 and 30.

Knees

Does your guy have rough patches on his knees, elbows or hands? Dr. Bronner’s Hand and Body Lotion will leave his skin feeling soft and supple. Comes in a variety of scents including peppermint, patchouli lime, orange and lavender.

Heal cuts and skin irritations with Living Nature Rescue Gel. Perfect for all skin types, this unique formula also calms blemish prone skin with healing manuka oil and manuka honey.

Manuka Nourishing Body Wash gently cleanses the body while leaving it soft and refreshed. The nurturing formula revives the senses and nourishes skin with nutrients and minerals. Antiseptic manuka honey and antibacterial tea tree oil are combined with mineral-rich kelp to delicately cleanse skin without stripping away protective moisture. Has a fresh mint and kelp scent.

Toes

Get squeaky clean from head to toe with Leap Organics Lemongrass Bar Soap. An uplifting blend of organic citrus oils and lush later to get your man squeaky clean. The intensely moisturizing organic, fair-trade shea butter also nourishes the skin with vitamins A, E, and F.

Give him a little taste of everything with the Pangea Organics Peace Gift Set. Treat your man to this tranquil and fragrant limited-edition collection. It covers everything from head to toe with a unique selection of Pangea Organic favorites. Contains: Pyrenees Lavender With Cardamom Shower Gel, Pyrenees Lavender With Cardamom hand & Body Lotion, Italian White Sage, Geranium & Yarrow Bar Soap, sample of the Egyptian Calendula & Blood Orange.

A complete list of all our men’s skin care products can be found on our website at www.saffronrouge.com/men.

Welcome back! In part two of our first ever Saffron Rouge Holiday Gift Guide, we’ll look at some of the great products we have for that special guy on your Christmas shopping list.

Weleda Men’s Shaving Cream: This is a must have product for most men. It has a nice creamy consistency so it offers optimal hydration and a gentle shave without any tugging. The scent is fresh and clean. We also have many female clients that love it for shaving their legs! Follow with the perfect partner; Weleda Men’s Facial Moisturizer. The scent is similar and it has witch hazel for it’s astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dr. Alkaitis Travel Kit: As one of the top selling lines we carry, the Alkaitis Travel Kit is used and loved by both men and women alike. If acne, impure or sensitive skin is a concern, these products can be life changing! Dr. Alkaitis makes all of his products by hand in fresh, small batches. He discovered that only organically-grown plants or those harvested from the unpolluted wilderness contain the superior therapeutic properties. Dr. Alkaitis skin care products are created exclusively via organically grown or wild-crafted plants and unpolluted sea life. This kit is perfect for that guy who is always on the go.

Florascent Aqua Colonia Trial Collection: It includes vials of the Habanna, Du Soleil, Santal and Vetyver. These are the top selling Florascent Colognes for men. A beautiful assortment and perfect when you are not sure what scent to choose for him.

Intelligent Nutrients Hand Purifier: Men do more hand shaking than anyone! Intelligent Nutrients Hand Sanitizer is the perfect alternative to harsh alcohol and chemically laden Hand Sanitizers. It cleanses and moisturizes leaving a fresh vanilla and mint scent. I also make my kids carry it in their school backpacks, duffle bags and lunch bags.

Soap: We have so many wonderful soaps to choose from! Pangea Soaps are a personal favorite for gift giving because of the way they are packaged. All Pangea boxes are plantable. Some soaps such as Lemongrass & Rosemary, Canadian Pine with White Sage, Malagassy Cinnamon with Clove and Oatmeal with Italian Bergamot are preferred by guys. Tell them to soak the box in water for a minute and then plant it in a pot of soil or outside. It will grow basil, sweet amaranth or even a spruce tree. How cool is that!

Styling/Grooming Products: It is a great gift to convert someone from silicone or petroleum based hair care product to organic ones. John Masters Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel is non-sticky and offers medium hold. The scent is fresh and citrusy. Intelligent Nutrients Hair Balm comes in stick form and easily travels. Only a very small amount is needed so this is the gift that keeps on giving! The scent is buttery and slightly nutty.  Short, spikey styles are perfect for this product but it works for anyone looking for definition or shape. It is also great for those unruly eyebrows!

Stay tuned for part three…

It’s no secret that baths provide an opportunity to unwind after a hectic day. However, what you add to your bath water can help to beautify your skin, calm both body and mind, cure a common cold and even energize your senses.

No matter what your mood, it’s always a great time for a bath. Check out some popular baths below, and discover exactly what you need to create your ultimate bath experience.

Milk Bath

Some people will tell you that bathing in camel’s milk was the secret to Cleopatra’s gorgeous skin. While we can’t say for sure whether the infamous Egyptian pharaoh did in fact frequently bathe in milk, it is true that milk baths positively affect your skin’s appearance.

Milk baths have a beautifying effect on your skin because milk contains nutrients that rejuvenate the skin, making it appear younger and softer.

Relax your mind and body with Weleda’s Pine Bath Milk, or get a burst of energy with their citrus scented milk bath mixture, ideal for use prior to any physical activity.

Moms-to-be can also can enjoy an invigorating milk bath. Erbaviva’s USDA certified formula is safe for both mom and baby, and has a lovely lavender and herb scent.

Aromatherapy Bath

The essential oils of an aromatherapy bath penetrate the skin and enter the nasal passages as a vapor, calming your mind and instantly relaxing tense muscles. Aromatherapy baths also improve blood circulation and moisturize dry skin.

Adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bath helps to soothe sore muscles and reduce the look of red, irritated skin. Dr.Hauschka’s Lavender Bath dissolves quickly in warm water. Or, if you can’t find time for a soak in the tub, relieve shoulder tension by adding small drops of the lavender oil to a hot compress and place it on the back of your neck.

If you’ve got a cold, an aromatherapy bath can help clear congested respiratory systems. Primavera’s Eucalyptus Cold Therapy Bath Oil helps to ease symptoms of a common cold while in the bath.

Energizing Bath

Most people are aware that baths can be incredibly relaxing, but baths can also give you a boost of energy while still softening, strengthening and moisturizing your skin. Primavera’s Energizing Ginger Lime Bath Oil uses organic ingredients that do just that!

Ginger invigorates the body with its unique warming effect, while lime awakens the skin with its mild astringents and antiseptic properties. Jojoba and olive oils hydrate and protect your skin by increasing its natural moisture barrier.

Create your ultimate vath experience today!

Run some warm water, grab your fluffiest towel and jump into the bath that best suits your mood.

It’s no secret that baths provide an opportunity to unwind after a hectic day. However, what you add to your bath water can help to beautify your skin, calm both body and mind, cure a common cold and even energize your senses.

No matter what your mood, it’s always a great time for a bath. Check out some popular baths below, and discover exactly what you need to create your ultimate bath experience.

Milk Bath

Some people will tell you that bathing in camel’s milk was the secret to Cleopatra’s gorgeous skin. While we can’t say for sure whether the infamous Egyptian pharaoh did in fact frequently bathe in milk, it is true that milk baths positively affect your skin’s appearance.

Milk baths have a beautifying effect on your skin because milk contains nutrients that rejuvenate the skin, making it appear younger and softer.

Relax your mind and body with Weleda’s Pine Bath Milk, or get a burst of energy with their citrus scented milk bath mixture, ideal for use prior to any physical activity.

Moms-to-be can also can enjoy an invigorating milk bath. Erbaviva’s USDA certified formula is safe for both mom and baby, and has a lovely lavender and herb scent.

Aromatherapy Bath

The essential oils of an aromatherapy bath penetrate the skin and enter the nasal passages as a vapor, calming your mind and instantly relaxing tense muscles. Aromatherapy baths also improve blood circulation and moisturize dry skin.

Adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bath helps to soothe sore muscles and reduce the look of red, irritated skin. Dr.Hauschka’s Lavender Bath dissolves quickly in warm water. Or, if you can’t find time for a soak in the tub, relieve shoulder tension by adding small drops of the lavender oil to a hot compress and place it on the back of your neck.

If you’ve got a cold, an aromatherapy bath can help clear congested respiratory systems. Primavera’s Eucalyptus Cold Therapy Bath Oil helps to ease symptoms of a common cold while in the bath.

Energizing Bath

Most people are aware that baths can be incredibly relaxing, but baths can also give you a boost of energy while still softening, strengthening and moisturizing your skin. Primavera’s Energizing Ginger Lime Bath Oil uses organic ingredients that do just that!

Ginger invigorates the body with its unique warming effect, while lime awakens the skin with its mild astringents and antiseptic properties. Jojoba and olive oils hydrate and protect your skin by increasing its natural moisture barrier.

Create your ultimate vath experience today!

Run some warm water, grab your fluffiest towel and jump into the bath that best suits your mood.

Facial toners are an important part of your skin care regimen. However, they are often overlooked. This is likely because people today are more familiar with the toner that goes into their printer than that which can soothe and moisturize their skin. Trust me, you don’t want to mix up the two. It’s not pretty.

But pretty can be used to describe your glowing complexion after using an organic toner as part of your daily skin care routine. Just be sure to choose the appropriate toner for your skin type. Not to worry, we’re here to help you with that.

There are three types of products that fall into the ‘toner’ category: traditional toners, astringents and fresheners.

Toners

Traditional toners contain moisturizers, extracts and essential oils that soothe your skin and restore its moisture. The Concentrated Balancing Toner by Suki is packed with vitamin C and soothing aloe, helping to balance normal to oily skin types and offer gentle relief after a day out in the sun.

If you have dry skin, check out Pomega5’s Daily Purifying Face Mist. The invigorating toner replenishes the skin’s moisture with citrus essential oils.

Astringents & Fresheners

Astringents are alcohol-based and use the harsh chemical to tighten pores and remove oil – you won’t find any of those on Saffron Rouge. However, if you are looking for something to naturally tighten your pores, fresheners work similarly to astringents but use organic ingredients instead of chemicals.

The natural ingredients like organic grape alcohol (from the fermentation of grapes) and Atlantic seaweed in Dr. Alkaitis’ Organic Herbal Toner work to tighten pores while still lightly moisturizing and protecting the skin. This Saffron Rouge customer favorite is ideal for all skin types and can also be used to soothe sun scorched skin.

For best results, use toners twice a day – once in the morning and once at night – after washing your face. Shop Saffron Rouge toners now!