On Thursday, March 2, I had a lovely surprise. I was offered an introductory facial by Rock Rose Beauty’s co-founder Raquel Le Bon, personal skincare co-ordinator. Three friends Raquel, Vanessa and Lindsay, from Hastings, founded a company when they came across Cistus ladanifer (CL) and realised its potential when mixed with other oils, especially realising just how helpful it was to Lindsay, helping moisturise her skin during her cancer treatment. Ethel Loves Me on the high street made a small but spacious enough room available at the back of the shop to use as a treatment space. Ethel Loves Me is an Aladdin’s cave with eclectic items to peruse and buy.
The three friends noticed that the ancient healing herb CL, commonly known as ‘Rock Rose’, when carefully blended with other premium oils, showed an amazing result on the skin. Thus, the award winning, niche, luxury, sustainable skincare brand was born. It has the ability to repair and rejuvenate the skin. The key fact of the brand, Raquel said, is that it is made from clean waterless balms and oils with “potential and effective organic ingredients, free from parabens, additives, artificial fragrances and powerful antitoxins”. It is also a cruelty-free product.
The packaging is crafted in the UK, fully recyclable, in sustainable screen printed glass and aluminium. The founders are passionate in their belief that this new skin care can also deliver positive results for mind and body. In 2020 it was voted “Independent Organic Skincare and Best Cruelty-Free Healing Balm” product. The sustainability of reducing their carbon footprint is proven by the minimal packaging, no unnecessary boxes or cellophane. The company encourages the customers to return their empty jars and offer a free gift people having returned four empty jars.
Raquel, who represented the company and their products, was very knowledgeable, animated and gave me a wonderful massage which was strong but at the same time gentle, softening the facial and neck skin with lovely oils and aromas. It was very relaxing and to add to the pleasure I was given a sample tube of moisturizing balm. A big thank you to Ethel Loves Me for providing this opportunity to trial this new skincare product. Raquel and friends hope to arrange other spaces in Rye and offer locals and visitors this sustainable and genuine skincare regime.
If anyone would like more information or a treatment please go to www.rockrosebeauty.co.uk or email info@rockrosebeauty.co.uk.
Image Credits: Natasha Robinson .