Brand Focus #1: Melvita

Brand Focus #1: Melvita

I'm going to be starting a new series on LBQ, where I delve into the depths to focus on a brand that may be relatively unknown, a hidden treasure or has a great range of untapped basics. There are so many fabulous brands and products available through boutiques and apothecaries, but unless you have the time to test everything on the shelf you may never get to discover some of the best things out there. I'm starting the series with a brand I've been using for the last couple of years, but because the products are fuss-free, simple and effective, they blend into my routine and inevitably get forgotten about from a blog perspective. Melvita has been around since 1983, so is this year celebrating their 30th anniversary of providing pioneering organic beauty products. The founder, Bernard Chevilliat, was originally a beekeeper and biologist fascinated by the relationship between bees, flowers, honey and beauty: "I wanted to place 'nature at heart' in all that we do: in our approach to beauty and skincare and of our ecological and humanistic concerns." It's grown to become one of France’s leading brands of natural and organic cosmetics, moving to the UK subtly and now being available in their very own shop in London's Covent Garden. Although the packaging may be relatively uninspiring, the beauty of these products is how easy they are to use and how they effortlessly slip into your routine. The scents are extremely subtle, the formulas predominantly white or clear, the texture inoffensive and the effect on the skin pleasurable. Some of my favourite products are the Orange Blossom Extraordinary Water, (a delightfully light gel that helps hydrate skin and leave it prepped for moisturiser, as well as helping to remove traces of cleanser) the Ultra-Nourishing Cream (a delicately scented moisturiser that's light enough to wear under makeup, absorbs quickly and doesn't leave any residue) and the Body Scrub (which exfoliates effectively with a high proportion of ground kernels, while helping to leave skin soft and supple.) There are so many hidden gems within the range; so much so that I couldn't recommend enough popping along to their boutique in London if you're ever in the neighbourhood. In an industry so focused on newness, flashy claims and flashier bottles, Melvita provides a refreshing outlook and products that simply do what they say on the pack. It's well deserving of the first position within LBQ's brand focus.

Find out more about the brand and range via their website: uk.melvita.com