‘Green’ is now a weighty word, not to mention one with a plethora of interpretations.  From our food to our modes of transport the market is increasingly dominated by products claiming a link to the omniscient force that is Mother Nature.  Of course, given the abundance of toxins, free radicals and general grime we expose our long suffering epidermises to on a daily basis, it’s good to know that our cosmetics can give it a non-invasive injection of organic goodness … but with so many products out there, how do you know which ones are for you?  Naturally we are here to advise, and with the weekend upon us, we decided to pick a few of our favourite green products to suit all personalities!

If you are a youthful yogi it has to be Pinks Boutique

Who? Having met at Oxford University, professional rugby player and human scientist Luke Sherriff and historian Kirstie Allen found over time that what seemed to be alien interests had a common theme.

What? Between his interest in organic diets and her interest in organic cosmetics the two found mutual inspiration in the practices and plants of Asia, which have now come together in the form of Pinks Boutique – a range of products that use flowers, aromas and exotic ingredients from Indonesia, Tibet, Nepal, Thailand and Japan. 

Where? Such are the benefits of their products that The Oxfordshire Golf, Hotel & Spa is a devotee to their professional range.

For fair-faced foodies, choose Temple Spa

Who?  Temple Spa is the brainchild of Liz and Mark Warom who were also behind the initial formation of Virgin Vie cosmetics.

What?  The brand was born of a sabbatical spent travelling that saw the couple fall in love with the warm culture, environment and sumptuous organic ingredients that make up the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle.  The ethos revolves around the basic principle of ‘if you can put it into your body; why not put it onto your body?’

Where?  The products include two ranges – the spa products – used by the likes of Rowhill Grange, Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa and Alexander House Hotel; and those which you use at home, both of which are equally decadent, benefit from the headiest scents, and have the added benefit of noticeably making you glow … instantly.

A must have for high-end hippies: Germaine de Capuccini

Who?  This has to be one of the sleekest eco-chic skincare brands on the market – when green goes global and high-tech, this is evidently what it looks like.  Founded by Spanish aesthetician Carmen Vidal, the brand incorporates an international prestige of using beauty secrets learned in Algiers, and honed in Paris.

What?  A far cry from a few local hippies and a cauldron of squashed berries, Germaine de Capuccini uses ‘Green Chemistry’ that embraces organic ingredients and rejects animal testing without the stereotypical matted hair and questionable body odour.  To be honest, these products aren’t even Sienna Miller-style modern hippie, they take responsible cosmetics into a different league entirely, and as if that wasn’t enough, they also actively plant trees to offset any small amount of carbon produced.

Where? Germaine de Capuccini’s vision might have started in Spain, but it has now spread to venues across the world including the The Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa.

To be a bare-cheeked beauty get into [ Comfort Zone ]

Who? An offshoot of the Bollati family’s Davines S.p.a. brand based in Parma, [ Comfort Zone ] incorporates spa knowledge, Italian style, and a natural approach that encourages being gentle with your skin, inspired by their Oriental knowledge.

What? The proof is in the pH balanced pudding with this one: particularly well known for their facials, having arrived wearing full make up, one customer commented on leaving: “I feel more confident now without make up on that I did coming in with my make up on!”  … Speaks for itself really.

Where? Find these stylish, time tested (the brand launched in 1982) products at New Park Manor, The Ickworth, or The Elms Hotel and Spa!

Any California dreamers out there?  Opt for Kerstin Florian

Who? There is something timelessly elegant about Swedish women, so the fact that Swedish born Kerstin Florian also has forty years of experience in the spa industry and has spent time in the aesthetic capital of the world – California, should give an idea of the calibre of her products.

What? Working on an ‘outer beauty, inner health’ principle, formulas are rich in algae, thermal mineral water, mud, herbal extracts, essential oils, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.

Where? It is fitting that an organic product should be enjoyed surrounded by natural beauty, which is probably why Ashdown Park, Tylney Hall, The Grand Hotel, and Coworth Park all choose to play host to treatments using Kerstin Florian’s concoctions.

To visit one of our venues contact the team on 0800 043 6600 or visit Spabreaks.com.