From the way we eat to the products we use on our skin, it’s more important than ever to consider our environment in everything that we do. Watching locals fight against Shell’s seismic surveys in the name of nature and wildlife has been nothing short of inspiring, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Robyn Simpson. However, it would be hypocritical to protest without changing our own behaviours, starting at home.
Read also: What the Shell is going on, President Ramaphosa?
Unbeknown to many are the dangers that lurk in beauty products, namely face wash and body scrubs (for both men and women). Researchers at Plymouth University in the UK found that each time face wash is used, 94,500 “microbeads” can be released into the oceans.
“Microbeads” are small plastic balls, also found in toothpaste, that are too small to be filtered out by sewage systems before they reach rivers and seas. They are harmful to marine life and even work their way back up the food chain, onto our plates.
Microbeads are one of the fastest growing forms of marine pollution, reveals Independent.
Fortunately, we Capetonians have access to a great range of local, sustainable products that make caring for the environment and our ocean life that much easier. Founded by Jamie Cleaver in October 2021, Blür Beauty is the newest local brand to hit the market, and we’re here for it!
Conceptualised and developed at home, the brand started with a reimagining of wasted coffee grinds.
Jamie started researching different oils, their properties, and their effects on our skin. She went to the shops and bought a range of different oils, from Argan Oil and Patchouli Oil to Coconut Oil and Sweet Almond Oil and played around in the kitchen and came up with the “first batch.”
Clean beauty is the best beauty!
Blür Beauty believes in ‘clean beauty’ practices and supports sustainability throughout the product’s production: the range is vegan, uses organic ingredients, is committed to no animal testing which makes Blür cruelty-free and its packaging is eco-friendly by using FSC board and biodegradable laminate.
Recycled coffee grinds – acquired from Cape Town’s Truth Coffee, named among the world’s best coffee shops – is the scrub range’s core compound given the effectiveness of caffeine as a safe stimulate to the skin.
This is expertly blended with essential oils such as broccoli and almond, together with apricot exfoliator, to produce products that reduce the appearance of cellulite, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and stretch marks.
As its primary ingredient, the serum uses a coffee oil, also acquired from recycled coffee grinds, and fuses it with a number of other active oils including lemongrass, eucalyptus and grapefruit. All completely biodegradable and soluble.
A fresh take on beauty standards.
With her body positivity philosophy, Jamie has created a range of face and body products that help women across the country love the skin they’re in.
Blür wants to help women understand that you can “Own Your Beautiful”, while living consciously and confidently in her own skin.
Jamie wanted to create a brand that (actually) makes a difference through supporting local, helping the environment and boosting women’s confidence.
So, if you’re looking to feel a little brighter and live a little lighter, support local, support women in business, support sustainability. Support Cape Town’s very own Blür Beauty.
Visit www.blurbeauty.co.za to view the range and shop.
Also read:
Your morning coffee could be killing the planet – but it doesn’t have to
Pictures: Blür Beauty