This post is a little late coming. Originally scheduled for early last week, it has been sitting part written in my draft posts folder until yesterday. It’s been a particularly busy period with work and with the added bonus of half term and a few other spanners in the works I haven’t had a chance to do any non-filming based work outside of tardily answering the odd email! Still, better late than never!
It seems an age ago now but a couple of weeks ago I attended a Welled Masterclass. Held in the beautiful Temple Lodge Club in Hammersmith, Weleda had gathered together a group of Make-up Artists to share their love for Roses… (I don’t think I have been surrounded by so many Make-up Artists outside of a crowd room or pro trade show in a long time!)
We were warmly greeted by the team and given a welcome glass of Elderflower and Rose Cordial. After a brief introduction, Managing Diretor Jayn Sterland talked about her pet project, the Weleda Cleaner Beauty campaign (you may remember I wrote about this a couple of weeks ago) and what it means to Weleda.
Using the Wild Rose range as an example, Jayn discussed Weleda’s approach, ensuring that they are completely transparent, operating in an ethical and sustainable way at every step. Every part of the process is valued and benefits financially as a result. As member of the Union for Ethical Biotrade (an international not for profit organisation that supports sustainable business growth, local development and biodiversity conservation) Weleda also invest in long term educational projects and aim to establish at least one a year.
In 2001 Weleda established a project in the Turkish Isparta province where farmers converted their farms in order to grow sustainable organic roses (without any existing knowledge of biodynamic farming methods). The project has since grown and now over 300 small scale farmers have been trained in organic farming methods, producing approximately one third of the world’s crop of Rose Absolute. Working in in collaboration with the Sebat Distillery, Weleda have used the income from the project to finance a kindergarten for children from the farms.
Weleda has become the largest purchaser of Rosa Damascena and Centifolia roses, harvesting more than 400,000,000 roses annually. These roses are the lead plant in the Wild Rose range; providing the nutrients that support the skin as it ages.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Wild Rose range, it is targeted (but not exclusively for) those who’s skin is beginning to show the first signs of ageing (roughly those in their 30’s). The development of fine lines, loss of glow and the beginning of the decline in collagen levels in the skin means it is important to provide nourishment in order to help the skin retain its youthful resilience.
One of Weledas Wellbeing Advisors (who’s name escapes me for the moment) demonstrated the Harmonising Rose Facial which was created specifically for this event using a selection of face and body products from the Wild Rose range. We were given the option to join in and give ourselves a DIY facial – which of course I did.
The facial was also the perfect opportunity to introduce the latest skincare product to be launched; the Gentle Cleansing Foam. Although not suited to mydry, sensitive and frankly dehydrated skin (I found it far too astingent), this vegan friendly foaming face wash I can imagine being a hit with teens and those with normal to oiler skins.
Following a short break for more of the delicious cordial (or rose tea) and a particularly tasty cupcake, we headed back indoors for part two.
My friend and fellow Make-up Artist Lou Dartford was on hand to give us a demonstration of how to incorporate Weleda’s other two new additions; the Beauty Balm and Lip Balms into a natural, everyday make-up.
Combining the two Weleda products and a selection from the Inika collection, Lou created an understated but incredibly beautiful look. Sadly I didn’t manage to get any good photographs inside the room (user error rather thantechnology fail I suspect) but you can see some images and read all about what she did and the exact products she used to create the look over on her blog – Lou Dartford Green Beauty.
After a short Q&A we adjourned to the restaurant.
Lunch was pretty fabulous, I have to say. Held in the neighbouring vegetarian restaurant The Gate, the group set menu did not disappoint (I opted for the Mediterranean Tart, followed by the Wild Mushroom Risotto Cake and the Chocolate Brownie to finish in case anyone is interested ;)
I am rubbish at food shots as invariably I have demolished the dish in front of me before I even think about photographing what was elegantly placed upon it! Needless to say it was super tasty and I throughly recommend a trip if you are in the area (it’s perfectly located behind the Hammersmith Apollo).
On leaving we were gifted the most generous goody bag full of many of the products we had seen in action throughout the day along with some old favourites. You can read my thoughts on the Weleda Tinted Lip Balm here but the bag also included the Beauty balm which I have yet to have a proper go at using so I will keep you updated on how I get on with it.
I would like to thank Jayn, Susie and the team for putting on such a fabulous day.
Images: (1) Via ; (2, 3, 4) LJS – OMUA
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