In the first of what I hope will become a regular interview feature at 40s Chic we catch up with natural beauty expert Sarah Silvester.
Sarah is the founder of Laidbare Skincare, a brand that uses only natural ingredients in its formulations; she also sources natural beauty products – including fragrance and make-up – from around the world through her company Touch My Face.
The company donates 10% of its profits to Sreepur, a charity that through education, supports more than 100 destitute mothers and 450 children in Sreepur village, Bangladesh.
What made you set up your own business?
I saw an opportunity to launch natural skincare brands that had a visible impact on the skin, and were otherwise lacking in the UK market.
Why skincare?
I have worked in beauty for 12 years so had the right experience to confidently launch and grow skincare brands. Skincare has always been a personal journey, having suffered teenage acne and rosacea in my late 20s, so developing products that work on my skin first enabled me to bring them to retail.
Does Laidbare cater for all types of skin?
Yes from young to more mature skin. Oily skin types are driven to the green and blue products while mature users can select from the blue and pink products.
Are your products organic?
We have organic content but predominantly our products are natural.
What is your favourite product in the range?
From Dusk Till Dawn Vitamin C serum, essential in my regime now the weather is so chilly, as it offers a barrier against the cold.
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| Sarah at the Sreepur Village charity in Bangladesh |
What is your favourite beauty product?
Mascara
Have you seen changes in skincare products over the last few years?
Yes. The natural market has steadily taken hold and is now influencing the ‘big’ players in beauty. More and more synthetic brands are trying to appear more natural and green.
What is the big thing in beauty at the moment?
To be paraben-free, thanks to exposure within the media.
What is your favourite beauty tip?
Take off your make-up before bed and apply a vitamin c serum, the most vital ingredient for keeping skin youthful.
What made you choose to support Sreepur?
My mother-in-law runs the UK side of the charity, so that’s how I was introduced to it; I was lucky enough to visit a few years ago.
Do you have any advice for women thinking of starting their own business?
Know your market, control your costs and work with trustworthy business associates. Draw up a strategy and review it regularly to set your goals and achievements.
Find Laidbare skincare online at naturisimo.com