The 4th product reveal for May's 'The Beauty of Simplicity' box is the delicious Organic Lip Scrub by Kathy Sue-Ann's.
Made with just 4 ingredients (organic coconut palm sugar, extra virgin coconut oil, sweet almond oil and vitamin E), this scrub is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and fatty acids to keep your lips healthy, soft, smooth and moisturised.
The lovely Kathy over at Kathy Sue-Ann's, agreed to answer a few questions about her natural beauty journey and how she came about making her own skincare range.
What is the story behind Kathy Sue-Ann's? How did you get into creating your own natural skincare products?
Originally from the tropical Island of Jamaica and moving to Bonny Scotland at age 9, I noticed my skin became drier due to the cold weather. My Mum would 'grease me up!' I mean would religiously moisturise my skin every morning, so skincare has always been an important part of my daily routine from a young age. In the last few years I began paying attention to what I was putting on my skin every day. I tried many different products for my dry skin but was never truly satisfied with the results. When looking at a number of different products’ ingredients list, I noticed that the natural ingredients were either missing or hidden among the long list of chemicals.
After some research I found the best ingredients for moisturising skin were all natural. I came to the realisation I could nourish my skin with all the beautiful resources that Mother Nature has to offer. This was the beginning of my natural journey; I began creating my own skincare products using only natural, organic ingredients for their skin nourishing properties. Since making the change to using all natural/organic skincare products, my skin has felt hydrated, softer and has a noticeably healthy glow. My goal was to create products for all skin types and gender. Once I had perfected my formulas I had to share my creations with everyone, starting with friends and family - and they loved my products too. Now I feel it’s time to share them with the rest of the world!
Can you tell us a bit more your process and the ingredients you choose?
All of our products are lovingly handmade in North London and are created from natural and certified organic ingredients. Each ingredient has been selected for its unique beneficial properties and when combined they work together in harmony to bring out the best in your skin in the most natural way. At the heart of all my products are beautiful butters and oils such as cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado oil and coconut oil.
Your brand message is 'Love your Skin, Love You' - can you go into a bit more detail about the meaning behind your brand message?
‘Love your skin, Love you’ represents our belief that we are all beautiful and unique in many ways and that we should love ourselves for that. It represents being comfortable in one’s skin and being happy inside and out. Part of that love is caring for your body and we believe using naturally nourishing products are the best way to do this. People spend a lot of money on products to look younger and getting rid of fine lines, and at times see no results. Our products offer a natural alternative with results. We believe when your skin looks good and healthy, that feeling crosses over to other aspects of your lives and you feel more positive, confident and happy.
May's box is featuring your Organic Lip Scrub. Can you tell us a bit more about this product?
In Jamaica the weather is constantly warm so dryness is less of an issue for me there. However I live in the UK now where the weather is forever changing so I feel these elements affect our skin. Dry, chapped lips are common, however I always want my lips to feel and look soft, so I created lip scrub with a tropical vibe.
I wanted to create a simple yet effective lip scrub and I am a firm in believer in using ingredients that have many beneficial properties, quality over quantity. Most scrubs I found were made with normal refined sugar which makes a good exfoliator, but has no beneficial properties. Alternatively, coconut palm sugar is made from the naturally occurring tree sap and is rich minerals, fatty acids and antioxidants. I wanted to find nourishing oils that would work in harmony with coconut palm sugar to make it a great exfoliator but also nourishing. Keeping to a tropical vibe I choose super nourishing coconut oil, sweet almond oil and Vitamin E to create a lip scrub that removes dry skin whilst moisturising, hydrating and softening lips - with a great smell and taste too!
Which of your products do you use on your own skin?
I use all my products - not because I create them, but because I truly see and feel the difference in my skin. I use the Rosehip oil and eye balm in the morning and at night. Organic sweet orange body butter in the morning after a shower and the lavender at night. Moisturising Lip balm is essential throughout the day. Also all my products are tested on myself firstly and then onto tougher critics such as my lovely boyfriend, friends and family.
What is your bestselling product?
I would say it’s a close call between the Organic Sweet Orange Body Butter and my newest product Rejuvenating Rosehip Facial Serum. The feedback I have received from customers has been so positive.
Do you have any natural / green beauty tips you can share for healthy glowing skin?
I would highly recommend having a good skincare routine. Here’s my daily skincare routine:
- I wash my face with a coconut and honey facewash first thing in the morning followed by a shower, and then again at night.
- After showering, I apply my organic sweet orange body butter. I just love how it feels on my skin and the smell is fresh and uplifting.
- Next I would use a cotton pad and apply natural toner containing witch hazel which further cleanses and tightening up my pores
- I would then apply my anti- ageing eye balm, taking the time to gently massage and nourish the skin around my eyes. Great for fine lines and puffy eyes.
- Next I apply my Organic Rosehip facial oil, which absorbs into my skin quickly leaving my face feeling fresh and supple.
- I then apply Mascara / blusher and lip balm
- Then it’s peppermint tea time!
What are your plans for the future?
My plan for the future is to have my products on display at major department stores. I would also like to expand beyond the UK. My sister in the states has been of great help and I recently sent her some products to sell there. I also have received interest from Jamaica and Trinidad with positive results. I am constantly getting feedback from customers on products they are interested in, e.g.facial scrubs and more eye care products. This is my passion and I want to bring skin care products to people to help them have the best skin possible.
If you could only take 2 products on a desert island, what would they be?
Choices choices.... my number one would be my Rosehip Facial Serum, this serum is fantastic on my skin. I have dry + oily skin = combination skin and this serum works wonders for my skin type, it sinks into my skin effortlessly without any oily residue and my skin is left feeling rejuvenated, hydrated and soft to touch, ready for the day ahead. Second must have would be my organic lavender body butter. This super moisturising body butter melts into my skin and instantly leaves it feeling hydrated. As all the ingredients are natural and organic, I would be able to use it on all over, even on my lips and hair ends if needed especially from all the sun, sea and swimming!! Also I love the scent of lavender and mosquitos don’t, so it would work as a great mosquito repellent BONUS! :)
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You can get Kathy's delicious lip scrub in May's box, along with 4 other amazing skincare products worth over £50 - plus a bonus sample item will feature in this month's box with an exclusive discount code. There are only a handful of boxes remaining this month so make sure to subscribe asap. Boxes will be shipped on 20th May.
If you would like to see more of Kath'ys lovely range of products - shop here.