Eggs have been getting a bad rap in recent years, for being too high in cholesterol. But new research suggests even eating as much as 2 eggs a day can actually have a positive effect on your overall cholesterol levels. And saturated fat, as found in pies and red meat is much more likely to raise your cholesterol than a little egg.

The British Heart Foundation is already convinced and has dropped its advice to reduce egg consumption to two or three a week. And nutritionists are calling on doctors to support the new findings too.

So, go forth and eat eggs (organic, preferably) - as many as you like. We at  are already working on our omelette-making skills accordingly. So far they look more like eggy-coated greens but still nutritious and delicious… Perhaps we need a helping hand from Pete and Gerry - the organic egg duo from New Hampshire. They’ve put together a load of different eggy recipes - quiches, omelettes, scrambles, fritattas, and my personal favourite - pumpkin cheesecake! You can even submit your own eggy recipe… provided it’s organic, of course

Central America is known for its vibrancy of spirit. Blend these ingredients to produce an uplifting remedy, suitable for all skin types.

Essential Oil Blend from Central America

The higher the grade of oil you choose (preferably organic), the greater their potency and effectiveness.

Essential Oils: 6 drops of Immortelle essential oil + 5 drops of Petitgrain essential oil + 1 drop of
Peppermint essential oil

Base Oil: Rosa Mosqueta oil + Aloe oil

Why this blend?

Immortelle (Helycrisum Italicum Ssp. Serotinum): The action of this essential oil is precious and rare; Its healing properties act upon scar tissue, acne, skin sensitivity, broken capillaries, etc. Immortelle heals the sensitive spirit to go through the emotions while releasing energy from the past. It transcends the individual.

Petitgrain (Citrus Aurantium Ssp. Amara): Soothing and healing for oily skin mostly, it rejuvenates the
skin, calming the stress that leads to an intense fatigue and nervousness.

Peppermint (Mentha Piperita): Cooling and healing the tissues for acne prone skin, it boosts the properties
of the other essential oils it is combined with. As an energy booster, it helps the individual to embody his/her willpower and go forth.

Rosa Mosqueta Oil (Rosa Canina): One of the vegetable oils most rich in vitamin C, it rejuvenates the skin,
boosts the skin cell renewal and tones the skin efficiently.

Aloe oil (Aloe Vera): It has more than 200 biologically active agents and some include polysaccharides,
phytosterols, glycerol, Vitamins E, B & C and Zinc. Aloe Vera has been found to have anti-inflammatory
properties, burn-healing effects, wound and scar-reducing properties and many more.

Application:

• Pour the essential oils into a 1/3 oz (10 ml) bottle,  and then add the vegetable oil.

• If you have known sensitivities, allergies or immune system health problems, carry out a simple skin patch test before use. It is advisable to use this technique when first using any new product and its ingredients for the first time. Follow this simple method.

• If you are happy to proceed, pour one drop of this precious blend onto the palm of your hands, warm it up with your fingers and then apply it to the following points. You can apply the blend on all or any of the points as feels appropriate for you. Alternatively, place some drops of this blend into a diffuser, or burner for its healing properties, creating a gentle and relaxing environment.

• The second chakra is also known as the seat of all our emotions: Massage a few drops of the blend just two fingers above the nostril to empower your inner self.

• Press gently the point located in the middle of your upper lip then slide your fingers along and below your cheekbones to the lower part of your ears.

• Inhale the blend deeply after applying your organic skin care regimen.

Apparently, it’s the ultimate marque of eco-friendliness - sorting the gung-ho warriors from the flaky greenies. Refrigerators, especially rather dated ones, can produce up to 2,000lbs of CO2 - the equivalent of burning 105 gallons of petrol. So, if you really want to demonstrate your green credentials, as well as eschewing chemical-laden cosmetics and food, you must manage to keep said food from perishing without the use of electricity.

Well, that’s fine for singles or couples who live in walking distance of fresh food facilities and can shop everyday, but for everyone else, it would be a pretty tall order… and, probably not even worth it because driving to out of town supermarkets every day would clock up a pretty hefty carbon footprint, as would the extra packaging required for all the small fresh purchases. Some argue that giving up meat would have a much bigger impact on one’s carbon footprint overall.

Not to mention long-haul flights. Speaking of which, Victoria and David Beckham have been accused of having the biggest carbon footprint in the whole wide world, owing to the number of transatlantic flights they take - in first class! Victoria has already been on 9 planes in the last month, causing her to rack up about 13.2 tonnes of CO2 - generally more than the average Brit emits in a year!! And, of course, there’s all the 4×4s and extra electricity required to heat/light their various international residences - even when they’re not there…

Sounds like The Beckhams need to take a leaf out of the Bishops of Liverpool and London’s book (which, for once wouldn’t be the bible because I’m pretty sure God makes no mention of carbon counting :)). Anyway, the bishops have pledged to mark this year’s Lent with a “carbon fast”. Even the UK’s energy and climate change minister Ed Miliband is getting in on the action by giving up his car for short journeys, while the Bishop of Liverpool is installing a solar hot water system at his home. The fast has been proposed by the Christian organisation, Tearfund. They have a facebook page, too, which offers simple suggestions for how ordinary folk might go about this fast:

DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY: Remove one light bulb from your home and live without it for the next 40 days. This will decrease your energy use and act as a reminder of what you are doing during Lent.

DAY 2 – THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY: Cook food in a microwave. They use significantly less energy than a conventional oven. When you need to use a pan always use a lid to preserve heat when cooking – this will also cook your food faster.

DAY 3 – FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY: More than 150 billion litres of bottled water are sold worldwide every year. This contributes significantly to landfill and transport emissions. Say no to bottled water and drink tap water – buy a refillable washable bottle to use instead.

DAY 4 – SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY: Look at what food you throw away this week. Aim to reduce it by a third by eating leftovers and shopping more carefully – using a list and planning your meals.

DAY 5 – SUNDAY 1 MARCH:
Today is the last Sunday in GlobalPovertyPrayerWeek. Pray for people living in poverty and affected by climate change. Ask whether you can give a short notice or lead a prayer at church or in your home group. Why not talk about the Carbon Fast when you do so? See www.tearfund.org/prayerweek for more info.

Oishii Gishiki (Delicious Ritual)

This exotic facial combines SOPHYTO organic skin care with Japanese ingredients that will revitalise your skin and boost its metabolism.

Ingredients:

• 4 Mikan wedges (Japanese tangerine)
• 1 tsp Mikan juice
• 1 tsp rehydrated Wakame (sea vegetable)
• 2 tsp mashed ripe Kaki (Persimmon) pulp
• 2 Fuji Apple discs
• 1 sachet of SOPHYTO Purifying Active Mask (or as much as needed)
• OPTIONAL: SOPHYTO Ultra Mild Silken Cleanser and/or SOPHYTO Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser; SOPHYTO Purify & Energise Super Bioactive; SOPHYTO Polyphenol Skin Drops, SOPHYTO Skin Energising High Potency Concentrate; SOPHYTO Mega Omegas Day Face Moisturiser.

Step-by Step Application: (Suggested leave on time — 10 to 15 minutes)

1. Blend mikan juice, wakame and persimmon pulp, add Purifying Active Mask then set to one side. (if you are not using the full SOPHYTO range skip to step 3)
2. Thoroughly cleanse skin with either Ultra Mild Silken Cleanser and/or Deep Pore Foaming Cleanser.
3. With 1 wedge of tangerine in each hand, gently massage fruit over face, neck and décolleté. Both the pulp and the skin side of the fruit can be massaged against the skin. (if you are not using the full SOPHYTO range skip to step 7)
4. Gently wipe skin clean with Purify & Energise Super Bioactive.
5. Using a light circular motion, apply Refining Peel Active Mask to face, neck and décolleté. This exfoliation step does not require a pause - continue to step 6 after massaging the product onto the skin for 1 minute onto the skin.
6. Gently wipe skin clean with Purify & Energise Super Bioactive.
7. Either steam the face for 2-3 minutes or apply a hot towel (not burning) on the face. Follow with extraction of impurities if required and apply more Purify & Energise Super Bioactive to sterilize the area.
8. Apply set aside Purifying Active Mask/fruit mixture. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Using a Fuji apple, cut 2 sets of thin discs then chill. To apply to eyes, rest 2 discs on the lower eye socket bone, leaving space between the eye and the disc and rest 2 discs on the upper eye socket, but do not cover the eye itself.
9. Massage skin with remaining 2 wedges of tangerine and gently wipe with steam towels or Purify & Energise Super Bioactive.
10. Apply Polyphenol Skin Drops and Skin Energising High Potency Concentrate, then feather in Mega Omegas Day Face Moisturiser.

Glossary of Fresh Ingredients:

Persimmon (Diospyros Kaki): Contains high amounts Vitamin A and C. Rich in proanthocyanidins - a very
powerful antioxidant which has been shown to protect cells from the oxidative damage associated with ageing. Persimmons also enhance skin firmness and elasticity.

Wakame (Undaria Pinnatifida): Contains high amounts of vitamins, minerals and trace elements which enable it to detoxify, brighten, soothe and regenerate the skin. Wakame is a rich source of prebiotics which strengthen the skin’s friendly flora. It is capable of maintaining normal levels of Hyaluronic acid even as people grow older because it inhibits the effects of Hyaluronidase (an enzyme that breaks down Hyaluronic Acid). Hyaluronic Acid binds moisture, keeps the skin hydrated, toned, smooth and looking young and healthy.

Fuji Apple (Malus Domestica): Antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, encourages skin regeneration.

Tangerine (Citrus Reticulata): Antioxidant, stimulating, antiseptic, brightening regenerating, toning.

Delicious by name, delicious by nature. We defy you not to feel invigorated!

When a parcel of Organic Surge products landed in my lap last year, I noted its slick, appealing packaging and promptly put it aside it for my sister’s birthday. But, then I read this piece in The New Zealand Herald and it made me think twice about the brand.

A former interior designer turned hair salon owner, Scottish Organic Surge founder Alan Mackenzie developed the range after experiencing adverse reactions to the chemicals he used in the salons. So far, so charming. We all like a bit of human interest, after all. But, aside from wanting to give everyone access to affordable organic cosmetics, Mackenzie also wants to give people - especially women - who will never buy his products a chance for better health, too: specifically in Kenya and Uganda. Having witnessed women devastated and abandoned following Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) - a traditional ‘rite’ practised to ready young girls for sex with their future husbands, Mackenzie continues to invest time and profits from Organic Surge into orphanages and baby and women’s rescue centres in these African countries.

Organic Surge has only been in production for a year but the range is already available across the UK, as well as in France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Ireland, Estonia, Singapore, New Zealand and now Canada.

As well as organic skin care, the brand also produces organic body care, hand care and hair care products, too. The Lavender Geranium and Organge blossom ranges smell particularly good…

Africa is home to a wealth of natural resources, which - if blended correctly - can produce wonderfully transforming concoctions, suitable for all skin types.

Essential Oil blend from Africa

The higher the grade of oil you choose (preferably organic), the greater their potency and effectiveness.

Essential Oils: 6 drops of Sweet Orange + 4 drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil + 4 drops of Patchouli

Base Oil: Macadamia oil + Hazelnut oil

Why this blend?

Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis): softens the skin, improves toning and “wakes up” a dull complexion. Delightful and uplifting, it is known to soothe the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata): balances the sebum by regulating the sebaceous glands, making it
beneficial for oily and dry skin issues when going through purging, detoxifying, after harsh medical treatment to the body. Emotionally, it brings an inner sense of well-being and enhances the feminine self when one goes through transition time.

Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin): the chemical element of patchoulene, present in the oil, is very similar
to that of azulene found in German Chamomile and presents the same anti-inflammatory properties.
It is an essential component for skin transition since it normalises the flow of “chi” physically and emotionally. Patchouli tightens enlarged pores. It also induces peacefulness and inner balance.

Macadamia oil (Macadamia Integrifolia): cold-pressed from the nuts of Australian macadamia trees, the oil is very similar in composition to skin sebum, and is therefore very gentle and absorbed rapidly into the skin, giving a silky luxurious feel because of the high concentration of palmitoleic acid.

Hazelnut Oil (Corylus Avellana): has astringent benefits and absorbs very quickly, making it extremely
effective on acne-prone and oily skin. It is high in essential fatty acids and helps tone, tighten and firm the skin, while encouraging cell renewal.

Application

• Pour the essential oils into a 1/3 oz (10 ml) bottle, and then add the base oil.

• If you have known sensitivities, allergies or immune system health problems, carry out a simple skin patch test before use. It is advisable to use this technique when first using any new product and its ingredients for the first time. Follow this simple method.

• If you are happy to proceed, pour one drop of this precious blend onto the palm of your hands, warm it up with your fingers and then apply it to the following points. You can apply the blend on all or any of the points as feels appropriate for you. Alternatively, place some drops of this blend into a diffuser, or burner for its healing properties, creating a gentle and relaxing environment.

• The 3rd Chakra: Massage the blend in a figure of 8 on your sternum to reduce any stress

• Apply a light pressure to each side of your nose, on the middle of your upper lip (between your nose and the upper lip) and the middle of your chin. Press 3 times. Repeat as necessary.

• Inhale the blend deeply in the morning after applying your organic beauty regimen.

Organic essential oils are fairly widely available these days. Whole Foods, Fresh & Wild, Florame, Quinessence, NHR Organic Oils, and Essential Aura are just some of the international stockists.

Pssst, if you’re a UK dweller, the wait for Dr. Frank Lipman’s amazing new tome, Spent: End Exhaustion and Feel Great Again - the book that will in fact change your life and potentially make you very popular with any friends, family and total strangers you choose to bestow it upon - is almost over.

And, lest you forget/have no time to trundle down to a book shop, why not register to reserve a copy now on Cult Beauty. That way, you’ll get it before everyone else and, more importantly, they’ll do the leg work!

Check out the fancy pea-green cover that’s just for special British people. Nice, huh?

When you’re a product of two or more ethnicities, choosing the right products to meet your skin’s varied needs can be no mean feat. Using specialized ethnic cosmeceuticals might not work because you’re usually only targeting skin conditions relating to one ethnicity.

So, when it comes to multi-ethnic skin, the most sensible and effective approach is to restore a mildly acidic environment (by using pH-balanced formulations) which support normal skin functions and help kick-start the healing of all ailments. Regardless of your ethnic background, a mildly acidic pH is to the skin what oxygen is to the lungs.

Given the unique nature of multi-ethnic skin, it is really important to avoid exposing it to any chemicals which may alter the skin’s pH and exacerbate any adverse skin conditions. For instance, it’s better to choose mineral SPF instead of chemical-based sunscreens, which can actually cause more harm than good. And, use formulas rich in antioxidants as they boost the skin’s protection against UV radiation and free radicals.

SOPHYTO offers a unique approach based on the structural and physiological characteristics of the skin,
treating the cause not the symptoms.The concept is simple - when it comes to skin care, less is more.

Whatever your skin type, ethnicity or surrounding environment, SOPHYTO’s mildly acidic multi-tasking formulations will adapt to your skin’s specific needs, restoring it to good health.

For more info about how the products work, click here.

Check back soon for aromatherapy blends and fresh facial recipes designed specifically for multi-ethnic skin.

Ever tried calculating the carbon footprint of your favourite chocolate bar? Well, there’s the manufacturing process and the packaging of course, but what about the first stage - the cow which provided its milk?

You might not think that the methane produced by a cow would make much difference to the concentration of greenhouse gases, but what about 100 or 500 or however many dairy cows Cadbury’s “employs” to make its many millions of chocolate bars? Apparently, the confectionery giant has identified that its cows’ flatulence makes up some 60 per cent of its total carbon emissions, and as such is asking its dairy farm suppliers to feed the cows less grass - the main cause of flatulence - and more clover and maize, instead.

No doubt the local ramblers’ association will be tickled pink about this, too

Despite this sterling effort from Cadbury’s… we still think organic raw chocolate is the way forward. Not only does it taste amazing and enable you to enjoy a delicious but healthier alternative to conventional chocolate bars. But, no dairy = no methane. Period.

At the moment we are particularly enjoying Conscious chocolate. Not only do the bars look really really cute but they come in amazing flavours - Choca Mocha Magic, Best Ever Essential Orange, Love Your Heart Superfood, Yummy Mummy and Love Potion No. 9, which contains Otto Rose oil. They don’t use any sugar or dairy or soya - just raw cacao powder, cacao butter, maca, goji berries, coconut butter and other natural wonders…

What do you think of when you picture Caucasian skin? Pale and pasty? Ruddy and freckly? Well, yes and no…

Some characteristics of Caucasian skin:

• Skin tones range from fair ivory (Northern/Eastern European countries) to golden beige and olive (Mediterranean regions).

• Fair Caucasian complexions tend to be thin, with fine pores and freckles (especially if the hair is red) whereas beige to olive complexions are slightly thicker with normal to large pores.

• Fair Caucasians usually have dry skin and are at an increased risk of sensitivity/irritation/allergy to environmental factors and/or chemicals which can compromise the skin’s acid mantle and increase Trans Epidermal Water Loss (dehydration). Beige/Olive skins are prone to oiliness, blackheads, whiteheads and/or acne.

• Blushing, Couperose, Telangiectasias and/or Rosacea are common among fair Caucasians due to compromised micro-circulation.

• Fair complexions usually scar well but bruise easily; Caucasian skins with olive undertones may have thicker, darker scars and longer-lasting bruises.

• On the Fitzpatrick Classification for sun reaction, Caucasians rank as following: Type I: Always burns, never tans (Northern/Eastern European); Type II: Always burns, can lightly tan (Northern/Eastern European); Type III: Can slightly burn, tans easily (Mediterranean).

• The rate of skin cancer in Caucasians is greater than any other ethnicity because they produce less melanin (pigment), which provides necessary protection against UV radiation.

• Signs of ageing appear earlier in fair Caucasians than olive-skinned Caucasians. The diminished levels of melanin make Caucasians more prone to premature ageing and/or photo-aging (wrinkles, loss of firmness and/or hyperpigmentations) than any other race. According to the Women’s Dermatologic Society “darker skin tones may appear up to 10 years younger than that of a Caucasian the same age.”

How can SOPHYTO organic skin care help Caucasian skin?

• GENTLENESS: The SOPHYTO cleansers leave both dry and oily skin soft and fresh, without stripping any natural oils or irritating sensitive skin. The daily micro-exfoliation won’t thin down skin like stronger acidic scrubs can, but will leave the the skin looking younger and more even, as well as reducing pore size.

• BALANCE: The mildly acidic pH of the formulations restore normal function of the sebaceous glands, reducing sebum production in oily skin and increasing it in dry skin types.

• HYDRATION: The pH-balanced formulas are rich in water-binding ingredients, such as vegetable glycerin, which restore the skin’s Natural Moisture Factor (NMF).

• SUN PROTECTION: The antioxidant-rich formulas help protect sun-sensitive skin against UV radiation/free radicals, preventing premature ageing and/or skin cancer.

• ANTI-AGEING: Ultra light-weight, hydrating and moisturising active ingredients, such as Hyaluronic Acid, Co Q10 and Shea Butter keep skin supple and plump, “filling” fine lines and wrinkles without clogging the skin. The astringent properties of the active ingredients also diminish sagging by toning the skin.

• SENSITIVITY: The use of bio-fermented active ingredients provide prebiotic activity which strengthens the skin’s immune system, protecting it from germs, bacteria, viruses, etc. The astringent properties of the formulas also reduce redness/irritation by constricting the blood vessels, which helps improve conditions such as Telangiectasias, Couperose and Rosacea.

• RADIANCE: The high antioxidant content and bioactivity of organic ingredients helps increase the skin’s micro-circulation, which stimulates its metabolism, helping to keep the skin functioning and looking healthy despite its fair complexion.

Check back soon for aromatherapy blends and fresh facial recipes designed specifically for Caucasian skin.