Not eco-luxe luxury brands

According to the first major audit of sustainability in the world's top 10 luxury brands companies, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co and Tod's fail miserably in the ethical and environmental stakes. None of the top 10 labels in the report, carried out by charity WWF, score more than a C+ and two – Bulgari and Tod's – have been given an embarrassingly poor F grade. L'Oreal comes out as top of the lot with a C+, while Chloe and Gucci are given D's. With such humongous budgets, and in an industry worth a whopping £77bn worldwide, one might expect a tad more ethical and environmental effort, but it seems using up natural resources, exploiting labour and keeping supply chains well and truly secret is the name of the game for these ethical offenders.

'Tis the season of goodwill...

and goodwill should be spread. So how about making an entire Sri Lankan village’s eco-luxe wish come true with the gift of a water well? Random I know?! but completely do-able now that World Vision have launched their Alternative Gift catalogue. Every gift makes a life changing impact, from buying a bog (the mind boggles!), to buying a fishtank for five families, or a motorbike for a healthworker. With 67 gifts to choose from (all have been requested by the communities they will affect in 16 developing countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and South America), the catalogue has something to suit and appeal to everyone.

The gift of a water well costs £1,356 (or how about the gift of building a classroom for children in Sierra Leone, £3,389?). See www.greatgifts.org or call 0845 600 6445 for a free brochure.

Brit brand big in LA LA land

Eco Luxe is on a bit of a beauty roll... and let's face it, when a Brit brand is causing a stir in Hollywood we wanna shout about it. Green chemists from SOPHYTO Organic Skincare are, this January, launching their much-awaited anti-ageing skincare line. It's the first professional use line to have been given a UK Soil Association (SA) certification (which is pretty damn good, trust us!) and, with an average of 95% organic, food grade preservatives as well as a delivery system that transports all the non-toxic multi-vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes your body needs for anti-ageing: this is a range that's not only keeping it real but also keeping it eco-luxe real.

In the seven years between conception and final development, the brand has been trialled by two of Hollywood's most influential trend gurus; Hollywood stylist Will Carrillo and make up artist, Kathleen Beaton. With a huge celebrity following (Jennifer Lopez, George Clooney and Eva Longoria to name a few), along with experts, dermatologists and plastic surgeons, their input has ensured the product's A-list
credibility.

Pictured is the SOPHYTO Polyphenol Skin Drops, £45. To buy this and other products from the line, go to www.beautyexpert.co.uk, or www.sophytoorganics.co.uk, or call 0800 680 0671.

Pure as Puresha

Puresha is this winter's most-talked-about new beauty and lifestyle beautique. Selling a cutting-edge and very high end selection of natural and organic brands, the online store is beloved by beauty editors and aficionados alike.

With designer brands ranges from UK lines such as REN, This Works, Jo Wood Organics, Pai and Mama Mio, as well as a selection of exciting cult brands from around the globe – Duchess Marden, Chocolate Sun, Patyka, Perfect Organics, Baby Bear Shop, The Original Little Sprout, Sage Perfumes, L’Artisan Parfumeur’s organic Jatamansi range, Hamadi, Ginger & Smart and Buddha Nose – Puresha has already garnered rave reviews and is set to become huge.

We at Eco Luxe love Chocolate Sun Cocoa Absolute Sunless for the body and Patyka Repair Cream/Creme Miracle

www.puresha.com

The ultimate eco- and baby-friendly retreat

So you're thinking of next year's vacation. You know you want somewhere family-friendly AND eco-friendly... but it really does have to be the height of luxury as well. Where to go?

Well look no further than the stylish 'Mesmear', two beautifully restored 18th century barns located in trendy Rock in Cornwall. With their own borehole, enough solar and geothermal power to prevent 12 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, and facilities to sleep 4 in one barn, and up to 10 in the other, it's the perfect eco-luxe holiday destination. You'll even have a driver, housekeeper and cook at your beck and call. What could be better?

For more information (and to book), see www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk (a website travel company that specialises in family-friendly boutique-style retreats).