Spiral Soap Surprise!

The lovely Emma, from Spiral Soaps, sent me a lovely little surprise of a selection of soaps, body polish and lip balm.



Lovely Rich Soaps

An absolute pleasure. These soaps are enriched with cocoa butter and olive oil, among other lovely goodies. The scents are gorgeous and the lather is rich, creamy and delightful. It is like a luxurious skin treatment, every time you wash and leaves the skin soft, silky and gently scented.

Looking on the website, there are quite a few different soaps to choose from. What is clear is that each one has had a lot of thought and consideration to make it slightly different from the others, so no matter which one you choose, you know get more that just a lovely soap, you get a little bit of heart and soul too.

Polish Up!

The Tangerine body polish is gorgeous. The aroma from the essential oils is astonishing. Fresh, bright, fruity and sparkly!! It contains a high proportion of shea butter, so the skin is utterly drenched in skin-loving goodness. The sugar particles slough away dead skin cells, leaving the skin alive and glowing. I found that this polish has been remarkable used on my winter hands, at night, especially when it is preceded with one of the rich, creamy soaps (the Lemon Soul is my favourite). I found I didn’t even need to moisturise after. The soap and the scrub was enough to relieve dry hands.

Getting Lippy

The lip balm is wonderful. It glides on perfectly to instantly relieve any dryness. The balms are rich in cocoa butter (which I love in lip balms) so leave the lips soft and gives them an appearance of fullness. It has a lovely shine and has been an absolute godsend, especially during these really cold winter days. Like the soaps, there are plenty to choose from. I tried Dew Drops (which tastes a little bit like Pear Drops), which was lovely. I do have my eye on the Coco-Vanille, which contains virgin cocoa butter and a hint of vanilla (yum!)

For more lovely skin treats, visit www.spiralsoaps.com. I do know that there is an upcoming Christmas Fair at Osterley Park House, Middlesex, so if you are in the area, why not pop along and see for yourself on the 18th and 19th December between 12.00pm – 3.30pm.

I would like to extend my thanks to Emma for allowing be the great pleasure of using these lovely products :o)

A Winning Formula!!

I cannot say that I know anything about cheeses and I know nothing about fine wines but I do think myself as a little bit of a connoisseur, when it comes to lip balms. I have been using a superb Lemon & Tangerine lip balm, created by Soaperstar.

The instant citrus burst, followed by the delicious cocoa flavour, is reminiscent of a certain famous chocolate orange confectionary – delicious. The balm glides on like a dream, deliciously melting onto the lips with no drag at all – perfect! Initially, when you apply it, it feels cooling but then is feeiling soon replaced by a comforting warm sensation.

I absolutely love a lip balm that shines and boy, this positively gleems!! I have been using it over the top of a natural rosy lip liner and it gives a brilliant effect, making the lips appear healthy, shiny and full. I also like how it lasts so long. Yes, I think I am rather smitten and would, wholeheartedly recommend it. An absolute winner for me!!

Visit Soaperstar for a fabulous range of soaps and bodycare products...

Pure & Balmy Product Review

The Pure & Balmy range of products have most exquisite texture. The range includes a selection of rich body butters (including a lovely whipped shea) and gorgeous lip balms fragranced with natural essential oils.

I tried the Decadent Ylang Ylang & Rosewood Butter Balm in a no-mess, really handy twist up tube. It is really easy to apply as it just glides on like silk. The smooth texture feels incredibly luxurious and the aroma is exotic and heady – wonderful for winding down in the evening.

I was also lucky enough to try the Geranium & Vetivert Moisturising Balm. What a perfect balance of rosy geranium that is underpinned by just the smoky richness of vetivert. The moisturizing balms are so cute! Three heart-shaped mini massage bars presented in an pretty organza pouch. These would make an absolutely lovely gift for someone special.

Both balms are enriched with pure shea butter, which sinks into the skin – no mess, no grease – just a lovely, silky after feel and a slight sheen that gives the skin a nice healthy glow.

The cocoa butter rich lip balms are superb. I tried the Delicous Honey, Vanilla & Coffee Balm, in a twist up, oval tube. The shape allows for a lovely smooth application. I loved using this during the day to keep my lips soft and intensely moisturised. This will be an excellent balm for cold winter days. Really protective.

The other balm I was lucky enough to try was the Lavender Lip Balm, in a cute and handy slip tin. This is an absolute must for the evenings, with its calming and soothing aroma (was nice to use on the temples too).

The Pure & Balmy product range is, without a doubt, a carefully developed collection of handmade products of outstanding quality.

Pure & Balmy as well as other products, including a range of natural equine care products and other gifts, can be purchased from www.balmsandcrafts.co.uk

Wax On, Wax Off - & Aftercare?

The following article I wrote a couple of years ago but since it is appropriate to a discussion we have been having on The Melting Pot forum, I thought it might be good to post...

Now I am not saying that all therapists are missing that all-important element of providing adequate aftercare advice to their clients following a wax treatment. Indeed most responsible therapists do. However, it does amaze me sometimes when I have new but supposedly ‘wax-savvy’ client book in with me and they look at me blankly when I ask if they, for example, exfoliate between treatments (is this not important in the prevention of ingrown hairs?).

I remember one (new) client saying to me (as I was doing a final check for any residual wax following a half leg & bikini) “oh don’t worry about that, a nice hot bath later does the trick!” It turns out that this was part of the aftercare that she had been previously given. Wax treatments + Hot baths or any other heat treatment = Ouch! Trying to remain professional (and not scream of the wrongness of such advice), I diplomatically explained more appropriate methods of removing wax residue (namely afterwax lotion).

Adequate aftercare advice is crucial, particularly in the first 24-48 hours but equally important is a brief explanation of the hair growth cycle and general structure of the skin. Why? Well, if a client is more informed about what is happening to their skin and hair between treatments they will more encouraged to apply the appropriate homecare to prevent ingrown hairs & better prepare the area for their next wax (and it will also help to explain why a few hairs seem to start growing back shortly after treatment).

Aftercare is essential and (most) insurance companies will insist that the client signs their record card to confirm they have received & understood the (written) advice given on every visit. Advice should include…

• Keep area clean and avoid touching the area (increased risk of infection)
• No hot baths, showers or heat treatments (such as sauna or steam) for 24 hours (min)
• Do not expose area to chlorinated water (no swimming) for 24 hours (min)
• Do not use perfumes, lotions, sprays, talc, self-tan lotion etc…except those recommended by the therapist 24 hours (min)
• Wear loose clothing (avoid tights, leggings & other tight-fitting clothes)
• Treat area sensitively avoiding heat and friction
• Do not massage area for 24 hours (min)
• Avoid exercise (such as aerobics)
• Avoid make-up for 24 hours (min)
• Avoid sunlight & do not use a sun bed for 48 hours (min) – use a sun block regularly
• Apply antiseptic lotion 3 times in the first 24 hours
• If red & irritated, bathe area with a salt-water solution frequently using cool boiled water (1 cup) + salt (1/2 teaspoon)

48 hours after treatment, commence homecare…

Exfoliate 2 times a week and it is advisable to exfoliate the day before next wax treatment
Keep area well moisturised

So conclude, adequate advice is of the utmost importance for both the client & the treating therapist. It helps equip clients with the knowledge and understanding to ensure satisfaction, confidence in their therapist’s professionalism and optimises the success of future treatment. But ultimately, correct & appropriate advice ensures the client’s welfare & safety.

New Recipes / Tutorial

How are you all? I hope you are enjoying your summertime and getting lots of time in the fresh air. I just thought I would update the blog to give mention to a couple of new recipes and a tutorial that have been very kindly written and submitted to the main Fresholi site (in Community) by members of the Melting Pot Forum.

Gwen has taken the time to kindly write & share a very clear tutorial for creating cigar bands in photoshop. It has been incredibly useful to a number of people, so a huge thank you to Gwen.

Lissi, from Jenny Ellen kindly submitted a Basic Saddle Soap recipe, which she developed through lots of research into the needs of leathers etc... it has raised a lot interest. Thanks Lissi.

Finally, Suzanne from Scent Trail has been kind enough to share her recipe for a lush Foot Balm, that she was initially developing for something else but found it did wonders for dry feet. Thank you ever so for sharing that Suzanne :o)

You'll need to log in to the site to view the recipes but I am sure there will be some you will make really good use of them.

Wishing everyone a happy August!!

Back To Work!!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer (although I am not quite sure where the summer has gone these last few days???). Anyway, we have just returned from a really nice holiday and we are nicely refreshed and ready for work.

We have reopened the shop and with a few additions...

Rosemary Extract (antioxidant) - not only will this help to stabilise oil blends but also has an anti-inflammatory and calming effect on the skin.
Organic CO2 Vanilla Extract - deliciously sweet, creamy and the purest of aromas

Organic CO2 Coffee Bean Extract - rich, aromatic and has the aroma of fresh, ground coffee beans.

The new CO2 extracts, like the Organic Ambrette Seed already available, are both of a premium aromatic quality. Read more about why CO2 extracts here....

Just a quick note to say that Fresholi has now entered Tweetsville. By being a follower, I will be able to send quick updates about new products (that I often don't get the time to mention and just sneek them onto the site).

Love These.....

There is something I love about these gorgeous new soaps from Future Primitave. These really caught my eye as I was looking at the Future Primitive Blog and I just wanted to share them.



The colours, texture and the lush ingredients, including unrefined shea butter (Mmmmm), scented with sweet orange, cardamom, ylang and cedarwood are fantastically and cleverly combined to produce this beautiful soap. I particularly love the topping how the colours and textures merge. Beautful :o)

Soaperstar launches Sheer Body Butter Range

Soaperstar is proud to announce the introduction of their new Sheer Luxury Body Butters. Their Sheer Luxury Body Butters contain only the finest ingredients, many of them organic, so that your skin is treated to the luxury it deserves.





Belgian Chocolate Sheer Luxury Body Butter


These Body Butters will help smoothe, hydrate and moisturise your skin as they nourish your skin. They the highest quality Shea Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, a mix of creamy white Cocoa Butter and Organic Dark Cocoa Butter alongside other ingredients so that your skin is nourished and left feeling wonderfully smoothe and silky.

Silky Cocoa Butter Sheer Luxury Body Butter


Fragrances include Belgian Chocolate - deep, rich and chocolately; Citrus Sunshine - a bright sunshine-y blend of Mandarin, Tangerine & May Change Essential Oils; Rose Geranium & French Lavender, a soft floral/herbal blend of essentail oils; Silky Cocoa Butter - smooth & seductive; and Vanilla Caramel - reminiscent of vanilla, rich and creamy with tiny hints of cinnamon and deep, rich, luxurious caramel.

Citrus Sunshine Sheer Luxury Body Butter


These are whipped body butters, that will melt immediately on contact with your skin. Take a little on your fingertips and rub into your hands before applying to the rest of your body. It is designed to sink into your skin quickly and easily whilst protecting and smoothing it.

Directions for Use:

• Apply all over the body as often as desired
• Gives you delicately scented and highly nourished skin
• Best used after a bath or shower to help trap the moisture into your skin
• Excellent for use on your feet—get them sandal ready for Summer!
• Excellent for use on dry, sensitive skin but can be used by all skin types very successfully
• Designed to soak into your skin quickly & easily
• Perfect for use as a hand and cuticle cream
• Not recommended for use on your face

If you are interested in purchasing, please check out Soaperstar's Online Store. As a special introductory offer for the month of April only, these 100ml butters will cost you only €6.50 each (+ P&P) - regular retail price is €8.00 (+ P&P).

Future Primitve Video Tutorial

Wow! If you haven't seen it already and are in need of some inspiration or are simply curious to know how some interesting and utterly beautiful soaps are made, you must have a look at Tiggy's fantastic video tutorial.

Tiggy, from Future Primitive was recently featured on The Soap Bar blog. The tutorial is in two parts and is so simple, clear and very inspiring (although she makes it look much easier than I imagine it is, lol). It demonstrates how she creates her gorgeous Humbug soap which features a lovely circle right in the centre (pictured above). Visually stunning. Her video can also be found on her Future Primitive Blog.

Do go and have a peek at some of the other beautiful soaps when you visit - they are just lovely.

Future Primitive Soap

A Product To Watch Out For…

I received a most lovely surprise last week. Jacquie, from A String Of Beads, sent me a lovely Pomegranate Noir hand cream that had the most incredible presentation. The handcrafted labels are adorable and the wrapping was secured with a ‘special little button’ that is fact becoming Jacquie’s trademark. Looking at the wonderful creations on her site, it is clear to see that creativity and attention to detail comes easy to her. Seriously outstanding.

The cream is rich and glossy, yet light and so easily absorbed leaving the skin velvety soft, lightly scented and not at all oily or sticky. Because it absorbs quickly, it is great for using throughout the day to prevent dryness.

Applying it more liberally at night the skin benefits from a rich envelopment of skin-loving ingredients, such as shea, cocoa and almond butters, so that when you wake up, your hands look renewed, feel soft and really comforted.

At the moment, Jacquie is in the early developmental stages of her skin/body care line but she is has launched a range of lovely lip balms and butters on her site here that is really worth a look – again, outstanding presentation. I for one will be watching this space...

Milly & Flossy Is Launched!

Rachael from milly & flossy is delighted to announce the launch of their on-line shop.

milly & flossy was created to make gentle, kind products for your baby.

We manufacture by hand and in small batches to maintain quality. All our ingredients are natural, we don’t use nasty chemicals, parabens, SLS or palm oil in our products. We only use synthetics where they are unavoidable, for example to preserve, and all products are suitable from birth.

• Gentle, natural and kind baby skincare
• No parabens, SLS, synthetics or palm oil
• Suitable from birth
• Hand-made in small batches

And now you can buy our products on-line at www.millyandflossy.co.uk

The best of luck with your new business venture Rachael!!

Cool As A Cucumber....

I hope everyone had a most lovely Christmas and are looking forward to a wonderful 2010. It's a bit chilly at the moment, here in the UK as I think it is throughout most of Europe at the moment. Bit of a contrast to midnight swims to try and escape the baking 37c heat being experienced in Australia (phew!). I hope everyone is finding means of staying at a comfortable body temperature both sides of the world.

I just thought I would give a little update about new developments at Fresholi....

I have just taken delivery of a small stock (for the time being) of the incredibly fine virgin cucumber oil. An incredibly light oil which hints the refreshing scent of cucumber and absorbs into the skin superquick - seriously, I don't think I have experienced any oil quite like this and would be incredible in eye treatments. I only have a small stock for now (as we would like to see what people think of this rather new product). This will be added to the site shortly so do keep checking back.

Also, over Christmas, a couple of new products were added to the site... Coriander essential oil and sodium cocosulphate.

I have recently took delivery of some old friends, emulsifying powder (naturally derived from a vegetable origin and widely used in both food and cosmetics) and cetyl alcohol. These will be added shortly.

I am just waiting for a new delivery of the gorgeous organic nilotica butter and awaiting the arrival of a new stock of orange flower wax, jasmine wax and tuberose wax. I anticipate increasing our range significantly throughout 2010 so if you have any suggestions, please, I would be most happy to hear them.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010!!!

www.fresholi.co.uk