Minarovic Dominika - Clean Beauty

We all know we should read our food labels these days, turning our noses up at additives, strange E numbers and added sugars. Were so used to chucking the contents of our veg drawer (green or otherwise) into the NutriBullet and sipping it from our biodegradable, reusable canisters on the way to Bikram. We all get that health, fitness and well-being are intrinsically linked and were all doing our best to change our lifestyles for the better. And thats great, were totally on board. But in the flurry of whipping up another batch of vegan protein balls, many of us are overlooking another daily routine that has become pretty much second nature since our teenage years: one thats just as important to our health and well-being.

So were turning our attention to our beauty products and applying the same thought process: if I care about what I put in my body, what about what I slather all over it? Clean beauty means using products that contain high quantities of natural ingredients and are totally clear of any questionable ingredients that dont benefit our bodies in any way. Clean beauty is about using our beauty routine to nourish our skin and hair, just as we use food to nourish and fuel our bodies. The cleaner and simpler we keep our products, the healthier we can be. The body absorbs what is put onto it, so seeking out unprocessed, nutrient-rich ingredients makes sense. Were not wasting our money on cheap alternatives; were actually feeding our skin and hair with high quantities of our favourite plants, nuts, flowers and seeds: all the anti-ageing, super-moisturising, ultra-nourishing goodness that hasnt been diluted with pointless fillers.

Whats more, were all aware that our planet is deteriorating. Clean beauty is also about sustainability: ethical manufacturing processes, eco-friendly packaging; using less and wasting less; all helping to protect our environment.

We love beauty products but we also love our health. And this is what clean beauty means to us: absolute potency, zero fillers, 100 per cent natural. Want to know more? Join the movement #cleanbeautycrew.

Were Dominika and Elsie, founders of Clean Beauty Co. We met in advertising in 2013 when we both joined the same media company. It wasnt long before we became firm work BFFs: bonding over office gossip and online shopping. Our real common ground was a shared passion for health and well-being. We were regular gym buddies, spurring each other on to do that extra set of squats or one more press-up. We embarked on some physically testing (and downright crazy) challenges together, including a 64-mile walk to Brighton (never again) and an Olympic-distance triathlon. We also embraced the healthy eating trends that had taken the UK by storm, exploring new ways of eating. Vegan, Paleo, Lean in 15 You name it we tried it and we loved exploring what fuels our bodies. We were scrutinising food labels, growing savvy to unnecessary added sugars and additives and shifting our diets away from processed foods.

Alongside this we were also, like many twenty-somethings living in London, complete beauty fanatics. Working in sales meant we were expected to regularly entertain clients and we loved nothing more than a trip to the spa with them (tough gig). Manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, tinting, dyeing and general pruning and preening; we were (and still are) absolute beauty junkies and were willing at that time to pay anything for the latest miracle cream.

It was a combination of these two our love for both health and beauty that ignited an idea. We were passionate about what was going into our bodies but had we stopped to think what was going onto our bodies? Had we ever actually read the labels of our moisturisers, creams, scrubs, soaks, hair oils, body washes, shampoos and conditioners?

Despite an overwhelming urge to turn a blind eye, we decided to brave up and take a quick peek at the ingredients list of one of our beloved products. Needless to say, when we looked we were both disappointed and pretty shocked. What were these long lists of ingredients that we couldnt even pronounce? Were they really the healthy, age-defying, ultra-nourishing power ingredients that the industry promises? In short, no. Of course they werent. There were synthetic fillers, pointless additions, water: all there to make more of a product at a much cheaper price. And on even closer inspection, there were some pretty alarming ingredients lurking in our favourite products. After a little research, we realised that the stuff we were slathering all over our faces, on our mouths and close to our eyes and paying all that money for the privilege could be potentially hazardous to our health. Ouch. It was enough of a shock to kick us into taking action. We decided to make a change and, pretty much overnight, Clean Beauty Co. was born.

At that point we were faced with a decision we could go on a shopping spree and replace every product on our bathroom shelves with natural alternatives, which would be an easy thing to do. There are some amazing brands out there making effective, clean beauty products. But we wanted to take things a step further, to pull apart our products, understand exactly what was going into them and try to replicate this process ourselves. We were doing the same with food, after all making fresh, unprocessed and wholefood recipes inspired by the likes of Deliciously Ella, Madeleine Shaw and the Hemsley sisters. So surely we could do the same with our beauty products?

Turns out we were right. Making our own beauty products is totally doable and actually much easier, more enjoyable and, most importantly, more effective than we thought. Were in complete control over every single ingredient that we put all over our bodies, and our skin and hair has never looked better. Our company (and this book) is the result of hours of study, practice and a diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation. Were experts now and we want to share everything weve learnt. Weve done the hard work for you, bringing you a curated collection of our very best natural DIY beauty recipes that really work, and wont harm your skin or the planet in the process.

What you need, apart from all the ingredients, obvs:

Mixing bowls

Digital kitchen scales that measure down to 0.1 grams

A pot and glass bowl for a bain-marie

Aluminium spoons (wood harbours bacteria faster and other types of metal shouldnt be used with ingredients such as clay. Invest in a good set of aluminium spoons and you can use them for all of your recipes)

Plastic funnels

50ml glass jars

120ml glass jars

50ml glass bottles with atomiser cap (amber bottles are best if you can find them)

50ml glass bottles with pump cap (ditto)