The Benefits of Lanolin in Skincare (And Why We Still Love It)

Lanolin doesn’t always get the spotlight in modern skincare.
It’s not trendy. It’s not new. It doesn’t have a complicated name.
But it is incredibly effective.
Used for generations, lanolin is one of those quiet achievers that continues to prove its worth — especially for dry, depleted or hardworking skin.

What Is Lanolin?

Lanolin is a natural wax derived from sheep’s wool. After shearing, the wool is carefully cleansed and refined to create cosmetic-grade lanolin that is safe and beautifully suited for topical use. Importantly, no sheep are harmed in the process — it’s a by-product of wool harvesting, something that would happen regardless. Once purified, lanolin becomes a rich, deeply moisturising ingredient that has a remarkable similarity to the natural oils (lipids) our own skin produces. And that’s where its magic really lies.

Why Lanolin Works So Well

1. It Mimics Your Skin’s Natural Oils

Lanolin’s structure closely resembles the lipids found in human skin. This means it doesn’t just sit on the surface — it integrates beautifully, helping to soften and replenish without feeling foreign or harsh. Skin recognises it. And responds to it.

2. It Helps Prevent Moisture Loss

One of lanolin’s greatest strengths is its ability to support the skin barrier. It forms a breathable, protective layer over the skin that helps lock in moisture and reduce transepidermal water loss (that tight, dry feeling we all know too well). Unlike some synthetic occlusives, it doesn’t create a suffocating seal — it protects while still allowing skin to function naturally.

3. It’s Deeply Restorative

Lanolin shines when skin is cracked, chapped or severely dry.
Think:

• Hardworking hands

• Dry heels

• Chapped lips

• Weather-worn skin

• Post-sun or wind exposure

It’s rich, concentrated and incredibly effective — and a little truly does go a long way.

4. It Supports Simple Skincare

In a world of 10-step routines and ever-changing ingredient trends, lanolin is refreshingly straightforward. It doesn’t need hype. It doesn’t need layering with five other actives. It simply does what it’s meant to do — nourish, protect and restore.

Is Lanolin Right for Everyone?

As with any ingredient, there can be sensitivities — though true lanolin allergies are relatively uncommon. Using high-quality, properly purified cosmetic-grade lanolin makes all the difference in both safety and skin feel. For most dry or mature skin types, lanolin can be transformative. If your skin feels tight, depleted or compromised, it may be exactly what it’s been asking for.

A Quiet Achiever Worth Rediscovering

We love ingredients that have stood the test of time. Ingredients that are purposeful, effective and uncomplicated. Lanolin is one of them. Not flashy. Not trendy. Just deeply nourishing and beautifully practical.

Sometimes the simplest ingredients really do the heavy lifting.

The Power of the Potent Petal

There is a reason calendula has been a staple in herbal medicine for centuries. Often referred to as marigold, this vibrant flower is far more than just a garden beauty. In the world of skincare, it serves as one of nature’s most effective botanical healers.

Why Your Skin Loves Calendula

At Windella Farm, we lean into the science of plants to deliver results without the toxins. Calendula extract is packed with flavonoids and saponins, compounds known for their ability to significantly speed up the skin’s repair process.

The primary benefits of this golden herb include:

• Intense Soothing: It quickly calms redness and reduces inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin.

• Antiseptic Properties: It helps protect minor cuts, scrapes, and bites from unwanted bacteria while they heal.

• Deep Hydration: It supports the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and keeping the complexion supple.

• Regenerative Support: It stimulates collagen production at the site of a wound or dry patch to help the skin bounce back faster.

Meet the Windella Farm Calendula Heroes

We have harnessed the concentrated power of calendula in two of our most versatile formulas. These are the essentials every Australian household needs in their skincare cabinet.

1. The Healer Salve Think of this as your all-purpose skin saviour. Formulated for everyday upsets, it works wonders on damaged and irritated skin (eg: eczema, fresh tattoos, nappy rash, minor cuts & scrapes).

2. The Fixer Salve When your skin needs a little extra intervention, reach for The Fixer. This potent blend is designed for dry cracked skin; think elbows, cracked cuticles, and wind-burned lips and cracked heels. It provides a protective layer that allows your skin to recover in peace.

Both salves are Certified Australian Made, cruelty-free, and formulated without a single hidden toxin. Just pure, plant-based relief.

Why Goat’s Milk is the G.O.A.T. for Supporting Your Skin at Every Stage

If you have ever stepped out of a shower feeling like your skin is two sizes too small, you are likely using a soap that is far too harsh. At Windella Farm, we believe your daily cleanse should be a moment of nourishment, not a stripping process.

This is why fresh goat’s milk is the cornerstone of our range. It is a traditional ingredient that has stood the test of time, and for good reason. Whether you are navigating sensitive patches or simply looking to embrace the skin you are in with more confidence, here is why goat’s milk is the ultimate skin companion.

It Mimics Your Skin’s Natural pH

The biggest culprit behind dry, itchy skin is a disrupted pH balance. Most commercial "beauty bars" are highly alkaline, which can blow out your skin’s natural acid mantle. Goat’s milk, however, has a pH level very similar to human skin. When you wash with it, you are working with your body’s natural chemistry rather than against it.

Gentle Resurfacing with Natural Lactic Acid

We are big believers in age-positivity, which means we focus on health and radiance rather than "anti-ageing." Goat’s milk contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), specifically lactic acid. This gently breaks down the "glue" holding dead skin cells together. The result is a mild, daily exfoliation that keeps your complexion bright and soft without the need for abrasive scrubs or harsh chemicals.

A Nutrient Powerhouse

Think of goat’s milk as a multi-vitamin for your skin barrier. It is naturally rich in:

• Vitamin A: Essential for repairing damaged skin tissue and maintaining overall health.

• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and B12: Helping to support skin vitality.

• Selenium: A powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors.

Intense Hydration and Barrier Support

Unlike water-based cleansers, goat’s milk is loaded with cream. The fatty acids (like caprylic acid) and proteins provide a deep, luxurious moisture. For those of us living in the harsh Australian climate, this extra layer of barrier support is vital for keeping skin hydrated and resilient throughout the day.

The Windella Farm Way

Every bar we make is Certified Australian Made, toxin-free, and cruelty-free. We don't use "fillers" or synthetic fragrances that irritate sensitive skin. We just use honest, farm-fresh ingredients that respect your skin's journey.

Whether you are 25 or 75, your skin deserves to be treated with kindness. Switching to a goat's milk-based routine is one of the simplest ways to start loving the skin you're in.

The High-Achiever: Why Hemp Seed Oil is Your Skin’s New Best Mate

Today we’re shining a spotlight on an ingredient that’s basically a green smoothie for your face: Hemp Seed Oil.

If you’ve been looking for a way to support your skin without the fuss (or the "nasties"), this is it. We love it because it doesn’t try to "stop the clock"—instead, it gives your skin the tools to look its vibrant, glowing best at every age.

Here’s why it’s a permanent fixture in our farm-fresh formulations:

• The Ultimate Balancer: It has a comedogenic rating of zero. Translation? It hydrates deeply without clogging your pores. It’s the perfect peace-keeper for oily, dry, or "confused" skin.

• Omega Powerhouse: Packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, it acts like a leafy green salad for your skin barrier, keeping it strong, resilient, and plump.

• Calm in a Bottle: Got a bit of redness or sensitivity? Hemp seed oil is naturally anti-inflammatory. It’s like a cooling breeze for stressed-out skin.

• Age-Positive Radiance: Rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants, it helps protect your skin from the harsh Aussie sun and environmental stressors, leaving you with a "lit-from-within" finish.

No gimmicks, no toxins—just pure, plant-based goodness that respects your skin’s journey.

Ready to get your glow on? Hemp Seed Oil is a feature of the following products: Honey Hemp Lip Balm, The Healer Salve, Worship Body Oil and Nurture Face Oil.

Aren't all shampoo bars the same?

If you've used a shampoo bar you most likely think they are all much the same, kind of like all the bottles of liquid shampoo on the supermarket shelves... but in actual fact there are 2 very different types of shampoo bars on the market & the distinction is important. 

Have you ever seen those cookie shaped pucks that have a slightly grainy or textured appearance? They are what most people are thinking of when they refer to shampoo bars. They are called Syndet bars. Syndet stands for synthetic detergent. These cleansing bars contain artificial surfactants... AKA detergents. Syndet bars are effectively concentrated liquid shampoo without the water & plastic packaging. They behave much the same as traditional shampoo & may contain harsh surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Coco Sulfate (SCS), which can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions & dermatitis. SLS & SCS can also be harmful to waterways & aquatic life. Many Syndet bars contain synthetic silicones to smooth hair follicles and prevent frizziness. Over time these silicones can build up on the hair, weighing it down and leaving it looking dull and lifeless. While Syndet bars often have a lower PH than shampoo soap, this necessitates the use of a conditioner.

Soap based shampoo bars are formulated the same as cold process soap, which contains natural surfactants to make them lather & cleanse. While soap based shampoo bars will naturally have a higher PH than Syndet bars, a simple apple cider vinegar rinse can help to naturally balance the PH. Soap based shampoo bars can be as varied as the number of people making them, so it's important to purchase from a reputable brand that knows their stuff. Our shampoo bars are carefully formulated to be gentle on the scalp, conditioning for the hair & all natural, to suit the most sensitive skin.

So if you want to make the switch from traditional bottled shampoo, ask yourself 'Why'? If you're looking purely for a plastic-free alternative, then a Syndet bar might be suitable. If you are looking to switch to a genuinely natural alternative, steer clear of 'soap free' Syndet shampoo bars & opt for a shampoo soap instead.

Fun fact: Notice how that bar of Dove on the supermarket shelves is not called soap? It is a Syndet bar! If the cleansing product you are using is labeled 'soap free' it is made using a synthetic detergent (ewww!). 

Not all soaps are created equal

'I'm allergic to soap'
'My doctor told me I can't use soap'
'I only use body wash'
Sound familiar? It does to me. In my decade of making skincare, I've heard it all before. I understand that most customers are just listening to the professionals in response to having bad experiences with various products. What I always say is 'all soaps are not created equal'.

I too would never use what most people think of when they talk about soap... a bar of Dove, Palmolive, or any other commercial brand. Hotel soaps? No way! I would even be extremely particular in selecting a handmade soap that wasn't mine. The reason being, that your experience with soap depends largely on the formulation & ingredients. Think of the variety in chocolate cake recipes; some are dry, some are stodgy, some taste amazing & some might even make you a little sick... soap recipes are infinitely varied & can be equally excellent or detrimental for your skin.

It is so important to be using a well formulated bar that is designed to gently cleanse while also delivering nutrient rich ingredients to your skin. I've been making skincare for a decade now & my recipes are all carefully formulated to prioritise these qualities over cost, efficiency or appearance. So be discerning with your skincare purchases. Ask questions, evaluate the experience of the maker & read the label. There must ALWAYS be a label.

Sarah's Top 3 Favourites & Why

As a skincare founder I am incredibly fussy about what goes on my skin. It goes without saying that I use ALL of the products in our range & if I don’t believe in a product, it doesn’t make it onto our shelves. But if I was stranded on a dessert island, these are the Top 3 products I would take with me, & why:

1. Face Oil (Rewind): Face oil has been an absolute game changer for me. Once, it was such a foreign concept to deliberately put oil on my skin, but I realised that these oils deliver a degree of hydration & nourishment that just can't be matched with traditional lotions. Our face oils are incredibly versatile too; I use mine nightly to cleanse my skin, twice a day to moisturise & weekly as a hair treatment. And of course if I didn't have my delightful Worship Body Oil on hand, I would use the face oil on all my other bits too. 

2. Deodorant: Developing my own deodorants has eliminated SO MANY toxins from my daily skincare routine & my body is so much healthier for it. I no longer use products containing harmful aluminium salts, sweat blockers, alcohol, parabens, propylene glycol, triclosans or synthetic fragrances. Switching to my own deodorants has meant that my pits are fresh & healthy, naturally. My favourite scent is Kosciuszko, followed by Daintree. I love that our generous 60g tins last me a full 3 months & the packaging is reusable too. 

3. Shampoo Bar: My whole life I have battled with fine, oily hair & a sensitive scalp. I used to wash my hair daily, constantly trying to fight off the greasy look & give my hair some semblance of volume. Then came along my shampoo bars. The gentle cleanse of our shampoo bars means that my scalp is no longer being stripped of it's natural oils & therefore no longer going into 'oil production overdrive'. Our conditioning formula negates the need for a separate conditioner, while leaving my hair feeling soft, silky & clean. The concept of a bar of shampoo is also wildly convenient for travel while being far better for the environment; No plastic packaging or bulky liquids to transport. 

The Best Cleanser for Dry Skin

Did you know that how you cleanse your face can have a huge impact on how your skin looks & feels? Use harsh cleansers & you will end up with tight, flakey & dry skin that has been stripped of it's natural oils. Don't cleanse thoroughly enough & you are asking for clogged pores, dull complexion & breakouts. An appropriate cleansing routine creates the base for your skin to receive nourishment from your skincare, so it is just as important (if not more) to have this step sorted so you don't waste your precious skincare on ill-prepared skin. 

Our Windella Farm soaps are perfect for cleansing both face & body as they are formulated to be very mild & gentle on the skin. However, dry, mature or dehydrated skin will benefit enormously from Oil Cleansing. The theory behind Oil Cleansing is that 'like attracts like', so the oils in your face oil will naturally pull away the makeup, grime, pollution & sweat without stripping your skin's natural sebum. This creates a beautiful clean, fresh complexion that is soft & smooth. 

The best news is that your Windella Farm face oil doubles as an Oil Cleanser! Here's how to do it:

• Fill the dropper and disperse over your face. 

• Use your fingers to work the oil all over your face as if it were a cream cleanser. 

• Wipe off with a damp washcloth. 

• Rinse the washcloth with tepid water and wipe over the face again, followed by a splash of cold water.

• Once or twice a week you should follow your oil cleanse with a gentle soap cleanse (more often if you wear makeup or sunscreen frequently).

• Once your skin is clean & fresh, it's time to follow up with your night-time Beauty Sleep Serum and then just a couple of drops of face oil to lock it all in. 

Silky Soft Hair In 3 Easy Steps

Silky soft hair & a clean, healthy scalp doesn't need to cost the earth! Forget those expensive salon bottles & time consuming treatments. Let me show you how to achieve salon quality hair in 3 easy steps at home.

Start with a quick wash of your hair with Windella Farm solid shampoo. Our shampoo bars are all natural & free from silicones, parabens & SLS. Simply wet your hair & the soap, gently rub the bar around your head a few times, then massage your hair with your fingertips until thoroughly coated with lather. Comb out with your fingers to detangle then rinse well.

Next is the apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse. Fill a drink bottle or jug with 1 part ACV, 10 parts warm water. Prepare this before your shower so it's ready to go. Slowly pour the ACV mixture over your head, ensuring all parts of the scalp & hair are covered. Feel free to leave it in while completing other shower tasks then rinse thoroughly & towel dry. ACV creates shine, protects colour, clarifies & adds volume. It’s also great for encouraging hair growth & relieving dandruff / itchy scalps.

Once dry, apply 1-2 drops of Windella Farm face oil to the ends of your hair to help hydrate, soften & detangle. Comb out & style as desired. 

What happened to my skin when I took my own advice?

We've all been there right? Someone comes to us with a problem & we have real, practical & helpful advice that we impart. Then, when faced with the same problem we forget our words of wisdom because sometimes life gets in the way. This was me, this winter. 

My skin has really suffered this winter; it's been persistently dry & flakey despite my daily use of face oil & nightly applications of serum. I mean, I have all the right skincare at my fingertips & yet I felt like a failure & fraud because my own skin was not towing the line. I have put the dryness down to environmental factors (plus ageing); I've spent a lot more time outdoors this year in the sun, wind & cold & the elements have really blasted my skin. 

Then... we spent 2 nights away camping & for the sake of convenience I switched to oil cleansing each night, using my Rewind Face Oil & a warm wash cloth. The result? I came home with my best skin of the season. Seriously. 

While I was admiring my newly plump, soft & glowy complexion I had a light-bulb moment. Oil Cleansing! Of course! I know this to be an excellent technique for dry & dehydrated skin; I wrote an entire skincare routine around it for Dry & Dehydrated Skin on my website! I had used oil cleansing before & loved how soft, clean & hydrated it leaves my skin, but then life got busy & I started opting for the quicker, easier method of just washing my face with my beautiful soaps in the shower. Let's be clear, this works just fine. But for very dry skin & perhaps seasonally at different times of the year, oil cleansing is more appropriate. In just 72 hours I improved my skin 100%. No exaggeration. I've now switched to oil cleansing every night combined with a soap cleanse twice a week & my skin is loving this new routine. 

So, if you want to give oil cleansing a go, read up on this technique & other tips for dry skin in the Your Skincare Routine section of the website. The great news is that your current Windella Farm face oil is perfect for oil cleansing, so no new products are required! 

Breath New Life Into Old Tattoos

Is your old ink looking dull or flakey? Don't despair because you can breath new life into old ink with The Healer salve.

If you've been with us for a while you will know that I love tattoos; I'm up to 7 so far! You will also know that I only make products that I want to use & that I believe in, so of course I developed a tattoo healing salve! It's been through a couple of iterations & names, & it's now known as The Healer because it's great for tattoos as well as so many other purposes.

It's awesome for healing fresh tattoos by applying 3 times a day. It's also great for rehydrating dry, neglected tattooed skin which in turn will freshen up your old tattoos. When used daily you will notice your skin condition improve after as few as 3 days. When the skin is suitably hydrated black ink will be appear darker & coloured ink more vibrant. You can even use The Healer on your face because it is super light weight, non-comedogenic & fragrance free.

Want to know what else it's great for? Eczema, psoriasis, cuts & scrapes, burns, scars & nappy rash.... the list goes on!

Real life: How our shampoo bars relieved a red, itchy & inflamed scalp

Imagine going through life with relatively few skin concerns, only to reach your late 40's and be faced with an immense burning sensation along your hair line & insane itchiness, redness & inflamation all over your scalp. That's what Chloe* (name changed for privacy) found herself experiencing earlier this year. When traditional medical treatments failed to provide relief, Chloe turned to a brand she had known & trusted for years, & finally found the solution to her discomfort with Windella Farm shampoo bars. 

I asked Chloe to share her experience with me in the hope that it might help others with similar issues. Chloe explained that her symptoms started mid-July with 'a burning sensation along the line where my hair parts' combined with redness & inflammation. Chloe initially put her symptoms down to sunburn however her scalp then became insanely itchy all over the top of her head, with even her face feeling irritated. Her thoughts then turned to head lice, but a friend gave her the once over & she was declared lice free. 

When asked how her symptoms affected her day to day life, Chloe said 'I was scratching my scalp constantly. CONSTANTLY! I couldn't focus on anything because the itchiness was always there, distracting me'. So intense was the discomfort that Chloe was embarrassed, emotional & inspecting her scalp several times a day, trying to determine the cause. 

After about a week Chloe consulted with her doctor, who declared that her scalp was dry & raw looking & recommended antihistamines, medicated shampoo & a steroid ointment for her scalp. By this point, even Chloe's face was unbearably hot & itchy. 

Chloe persevered with the doctor's recommendation for about two weeks. She said that while her scalp was slightly improved, she was still uncomfortable & itchy. The treatment had left her hair lank, oily & rope-like. 

At a loss & desperate for some relief, Chloe decided try a sample of the Windella Farm Peppermint & Bergamot shampoo bar that she had been gifted. 'Immediately after washing my hair I felt some relief'. But she persevered with the GP recommended treatment a little longer. Eventually, Chloe's despair led her to stop the medicated shampoo & steroid ointment. 'I felt like I had nothing to lose. I gave my hair a REALLY good wash with the (Windella Farm) bar. Really lathered it up well, scrubbed my entire head, temples & ears'. Chloe shared that when she got out of the shower & dried off 'I felt immediate relief. My face wasn't itching for the first time in weeks!'. 

Chloe decided to persist with the Windella Farm shampoo bars, washing her hair every night for a couple of weeks. 'It got better every day. Within maybe four to five weeks I was back to normal! I now wash my hair with the shampoo bar every two or three days & I've not had one episode of itchiness since then'. 

I asked Chloe if the doctor had any suggested cause for her symptoms. He initially mentioned dandruff, but this didn't ring true for Chloe who's hair was never flaky. However, the timing coincides with some minor peri-menopause symptoms that she has been experiencing. It's well documented that 'peri' can bring about many changes in women's bodies, with falling oestrogen often leading to dry, itchy & inflamed skin. During this period it becomes even more important to evaluate the ingredients in hair & skincare products, many of which can become irritating to maturing skin. That's where Windella Farm can really help; our products are full of nourishing, plant-based butters of oils. They are specifically formulated for sensitive skin & are free from artificial fragrance, alcohol, parabens, silicones & preservatives.

I wrapped up my chat with Chloe by asking if she would recommend Windella Farm shampoo bars to others? 'I certainly would. It has bought me so much relief. At one point I could have just about cried at how uncomfortable I was, but now I never get an itchy scalp. My hair looks wonderful too; super shiny & healthy looking'. Chloe kindly shared a photo of her beautiful hair & happy, smiling face but we'll keep that to ourselves to protect her privacy. 

If you are experiencing irritated, dry or inflamed skin, reach out for a chat & let's see if Windella Farm products can help you too. 

Celebrating Australian Made Week

It's Australian Made week! One of the most interesting parts of many Australian Made businesses is their Origin Story... where it all began. For Windella Farm, it started with the newcomers (us) in a small rural town breeding dairy goats. We were the talk of the town (in fact, many were laughing at us) until a local dance teacher asked if I made goats milk soap. I responded with 'no, but I guess I could give it a go'. Fast forward a few months & my addictive hobby was turning into something more. I was paying for dance classes in goats milk soap & already dreaming of leaving my life as an accountant & pursuing my hobby full time. But patience is a virtue (that I lack) & it took 5 years of blood, sweat & tears to turn my side hustle into my full time job. Now, 9 years down the track & a global pandemic to boot, our Australian Made story is travelling all over the country to trade at some of Australia's leading markets & events. 

The moral of the story? When you support Australian Made businesses you are putting food on the table & bringing dreams to reality for millions of creatives & entrepreneurs. Thank you, from one Aussie to another. 

The in's and out's of Collagen

Collagen has been a beauty buzzword for as long as I can remember, but what is it? Collagen is a protein in our bodies that gives our skin strength & elasticity, helps our skin to heal & keeps it hydrated. Collagen makes up about 30% of our body's total protein mass & is found in tendons, cartilage, skin, connective tissue, ligaments, teeth, bones, the valves of the heart and the cornea.

From our mid-twenties, collagen levels decline, which is why our skin transforms from 'baby's bottom' smooth to developing fine lines, wrinkles & sagging as we age. As we know, 'anti-ageing' is a booming business & many skincare brands promote topical products containing collagen. However, the large protein molecule in collagen cannot penetrate the deeper layers of our skin, so it cannot increase the amount of collagen found in your skin. 

Here's how best to boost your collagen production & avoid wasting time & money on ineffective products:

1. Products containing vitamins (A & C in particular) & antioxidants can boost collagen supplies & elastin in our skin. This is great news because ALL of our skincare products are formulated with ingredients that are rich in vitamins & antioxidants.

2. Cigarrettes; nicotine inhibits the delivery of oxygen & nutrients to the skin, while tobacco chemicals damage collagen & elastin. So ditch the ciggies, simple!

3. A balanced diet that contains vitamins, antioxidants & omega-3 fatty acids will aid in the preservation of collagen.

4. Exercise can help to reduce the visible signs of ageing while maintaining collagen levels & contributing to the health of our bones, muscles & joints.

5. Pollution & free radicals contribute to diminishing collagen. You can help to reverse environmental damage by incorporating products like our Ivory Clay & Berry Boost face mask into your routine.

6. Exposure to the sun's UV rays breaks down the collagen in our skin, so sun protection should be an essential step in your daily routine. 

Fun Facts About Soap

Soap... it's something that we are all familiar with and yet if you're not a soap maker, you probably don't give it too much thought. Soap has actually been around since 2800BC and is thought to have been first made by the Babylonians. By the end of the 16th Century it was in general use, yet still a luxury afforded only by the wealthy (even Queen Elizabeth only had one bath a month back then)! 

Heard of the term Soap Opera? That dates back to the 1930s daytime radio dramas which were often sponsored by soap manufacturers. Likewise, the term Soapbox was coined from the raised platforms that people stood on to make an impromptu political speech's. The speakers would stand on a wooden crate originally used for the shipment of soap. 

Alarmingly, 1.4 million deaths can be prevented each year by washing hands with soap (I always thought of myself as a lifesaver)! However the lather, hardness and moisturizing qualities of soap are dependent on the ingredients used and the formulation of the recipe.

Finally, you know that bar of 'soap' on the supermarket shelves? Most commercial soaps are not true soap, but are what's called syndet bars (synthetic detergents). They are a combination of chemical detergents, artificial lathering agents & toxic chemicals. The kicker is, we absorb about 60% of the products that we put on our skin. 

So if you are to take away anything from this quirky little blog post, let it be that 'not all soaps are created equal'! Not all soaps are even truly Soap. I often hear people say that they 'can't use soap' which tells me 2 things; they are probably using liquid body wash which is basically detergent, & they just haven't used a good soap yet. Soaps are as varied as chocolate cake recipes; you've got to find the one that is right for you. And let's remember; this little soap maker can't afford to sponsor radio ads or even her favourite podcast, but your word-of-mouth referrals are worth so much more than that & mean the world to me, thank you!

Natural Deodorants; Why?

Natural deodorant; it sounds 'better' than the commercial alternatives but why? Let's break it down for you.

Firstly, being aluminium free means we have eliminated one more toxin from your daily routine. Aluminium works as a sweat blocker in traditional antiperspirants but has historically been linked to Alzheimers and breast cancer. Plus, when aluminium salts combine with sweat, you end up with those gross yellow stains on your clothes. So let's ditch that stuff!

While not all things natural are good for us, in this instance a deodorant containing natural botanicals & minerals is much preferred to the synthetics, alcohol, aluminium & propellants found in your commercial deodorants. It is also natural to sweat as it is our body's natural way of purging toxins, which is one more reason to ditch the sweat blockers in antiperspirants.

Our unique blends of essential oils are effective in eliminating odour. They work in combination with ingredients that inhibit bacteria growth & keep you dry, to leave you smelling fresh as a daisy all day long. Essential oils are much more gentle on sensitive skin than artificial fragrance oils, preservatives and petrochemicals.

Finally, plastic packaging be gone! And don't get me started on those annoying twist-up tubes that seem to be 90% packaging, 10% product. Our deodorants are packaged in simple aluminium tins that are compact, easy to use & infinitely recyclable. 

Making Resolutions for 2023

It’s that time of year when we look to make changes and set goals. The biggest mistake when setting resolutions is that we go too big, too soon or pick resolutions that are all about depriving ourselves of things.A tip when making resolutions is to ensure they are sustainable & will enrich your life.

Here are a few great resolutions that you can add to your list to make 2023 your best year yet.

Environmentally Conscious Resolutions
* Buy local and aim to reduce waste
* Recycle and/or upcycle to minimise landfill
* Minimise spending on unnecessary items
* Minimise water wastage by setting a time limit on showers

Physical & Mental Wellbeing Resolutions
* Minimise stress with meditation, Thai Chi, Walking or Yoga
* Move your body with physical exercise daily
* Look after your skin with a regular skincare routine
* Drink at least 6 glasses of water daily
*Incorporate an SPF into your daily routine

New Hobby Resolutions
* Outdoors: try swimming, horse riding, gardening, dancing, fishing, running, golf etc
* Indoors: try reading, cooking or baking, crafts, painting, sketching etc

5 Fun Facts About Me

It's time to get to know me a little better. I'm not talking about boring stuff like degree qualifications or work history, but fun, frivolous stuff because hey, I'm lacking ideas for content at the moment & so, why not!? Here we go!

1. My favourite food is ice cream. I firmly believe that it belongs at the bottom (big part) of the Food Pyramid. 
Nuts? No. 
Milo on top? Yes. 
Best brand? Connoisseur of course!
One scoop or two? FILL THE BOWL!

2. I have 7 tattoos. Every one of them has been 'the last one I'll get'. They all have meanings. The first one was a tramp stamp (I came of age in the low-cut jeans Brittany Spears / Spice Girls era) and the latest one is a tribute to my Granme.
Do they hurt? Yes.
How long did they take? The biggest one was about 5 hours in the chair.

3. I grew up on the Gold Coast. While my first 30 years were spent on the GC, I was always a farm girl at heart & used to beg my mum to let me move to my grandparent's farm in Victoria. Life has a funny way of working out & I absolutely adore the country lifestyle that we have built. 
Why Cohuna? My sister lives here & when we visited her, we loved it! 
What about the heat? Fly masks & getting up early are essential. 
What about the cold? I love winter!

4. I've only ever broken 2 bones in my body; my upper arm and a rib. Both were from falling off horses. I am extremely clumsy. It's never the horses fault. 

5. If I won the lotto I would still live in Cohuna. I would build the town a new pool & child care centre, bitumen our road & of course have more horses. 

Holiday skin got you down? We've got you.

So you hit the sauce a little hard over the festive season? How's your skin looking? Dull, dry, breaking out? Don't worry, we've got you! In six quick steps we will have your skin looking clear, plump & glowy. 

Step 1: You probably need to hydrate, so get started on 2-3 glasses of water ASAP. Remember that alcohol & caffeinated drinks dehydrate you, & your skin. Water is your friend. Try to drink 8 glasses a day to help hydrate your skin & keep it clear. 

Step 2: Did you break the cardinal rule & sleep in your makeup? Get that off, stat! A gentle oil cleanse with your favourite Windella Farm face oil will remove even the most stubborn of eye makeup. Follow with a quick cleanse using a WF soap to remove any remaining residue. 

Step 3: Detoxify with a natural clay mask. We love the antioxidant rich Ivory Clay & Berry Boost mask for this time of year. Packed with nutrients from Davidson Plum and Blueberries, this quick 10 minute mask will work to draw out impurities, refine texture & give your skin a great dose of antioxidants for that New Year health kick you've been meaning to start. 

Step 4: While rinsing off your mask in the shower, exfoliate away any dead skin cells using a warm wash cloth in soft, circular motions over your face. Be gentle, the skin on your face is delicate!

Step 5: Achieve plump, glowy skin with a few drops of your WF face oil. Be sure to remember your neck & décolletage! That's your skin hydration sorted.

Step 6: Sunscreen! Every day. No arguments. Sun damage is the #1 contributing factor to visible signs of ageing like sun spots, pigmentation & wrinkles. While we can't stop them, we can slow their progress by looking after our skin & protecting it from sun damage. If you are sensitive & fussy when it comes to facial sunscreen, check out Trinny London's BFF SPF 30 cream. It is my absolute fave & works to subtly 'perfect' the skin without any visible tint. 

PS. Still not feeling all that great? Nanna naps are the answer to everything.

Bad habits we need to kick when it comes to our skin

We are all guilty of poking and picking our face every now and then, but there are also several other bad habits we put our skin through, some without even being conscious of them. Here are our top 10 bad habits to break, to ensure we are taking good care of our skin each day.

1. Picking and touching your face often

2. Sleeping with make-up on

3. Popping pimples and squeezing blackheads

4. Boiling hot showers

5. Skipping the sunscreen

6. Ignoring your neck and décolletage in your skincare routine

7. Using dirty brushes and applicators

8. Not drinking enough water throughout the day

9. Using the wrong products for your skin type

10. Using harsh chemicals that are damaging your skin