Health & Beauty
Pure Lakes Hydrating Hand Balm
A rich hand balm to soften, repair and moisturise dry skin.
21 December 2017
This article first appeared in our International Women’s Day issue of My Green Pod Magazine, published 04 March. Click here to subscribe to our digital edition and get each issue delivered straight to your inbox
Ever wondered what it takes to craft natural products from local and sustainable ingredients?
Now there’s a way to find out – and it’s not as complicated as you might think.
My Green Pod Hero Pure Lakes has curated an immersive and completely accessible experience that shares the secrets behind how its beautiful natural candles are made, plus how to harness the power of therapeutic essential oils for a healthy and happy home.
‘There are many different elements that determine the ‘health’ of your candle’, reveals Pure Lakes co-director Claire McKeever. ‘Most candles are made using paraffin, which can have a negative impact on air quality; soy candles are a healthier option but have been linked to deforestation. The choice of wick can also affect a candle’s emissions.’
In contrast, Pure Lakes candles contain a simple combination of coconut butter and rapeseed oil, and are only fragranced with pure essential oils.
‘We are so proud of what we do that we love to show people around and demonstrate that natural skincare can be affordable and accessible to all’, Claire says.
Claire and her husband, Gareth, were customers of Pure Lakes and huge fans of its ethos and sustainable principles; they bought the business in 2016 and have since grown the team, expanded the range and built bespoke headquarters.
‘I am from a small village in the Lake District’, Claire shares. ‘It was my ambition to have our business relocated there to help with employment, grow the economy and keep the village a living, breathing community. Our village and its surroundings have so much to offer but often get overlooked by the more well-known sites. The Lake District needs to remain a living, breathing place and can only do so if jobs are available, businesses are growing and communities are thriving.’
Everything at Pure Lakes is made by hand, and the workshops were launched in 2024 as a way to share the company’s craftsmanship and knowledge in a transparent and accessible way.
‘Visitors can have the complete experience of making something from scratch which is unique to them’, Claire tells us.
While many Pure Lakes products can take all day to make, candle-making is relatively simple and the final product has a definite ‘wow’ factor.
The workshops aren’t suitable for children, but all adults are welcome – as well as 16-year-olds accompanied by an adult.
During the workshop, guests will learn all about essential oils – their therapeutic benefits, the different notes and how the proportions of each note affect the smell of the final blend.
‘As you enter the room, you will be greeted with comfortable sofas, a small library of books to relax with and original prints on the wall of my grandmother’s artwork’, Claire shares. ‘She painted botanicals which complement our work perfectly. Once the workshop has started, you will smell and learn about the different properties of over 60 essential oils. You will go on to make your own bespoke blend; the art of blending is tricky, but you will be given the knowledge to create your own and learn more in general about how we do things at Pure Lakes and the natural ingredients we use.’
Afterwards guests will make their own 200g candle from scratch, which will contain their own unique blend of essential oils. Their achievements will be rewarded and celebrated with locally roasted coffee and cake from a nearby artisan bakery.
Much of the workshop content is educational, and many people surprise themselves by choosing oils they normally wouldn’t, challenging themselves to get out of their comfort zone and be bold with new smells.
‘I enjoy showing visitors new smells they would never have experienced before’, Claire tells us, ‘but the main takeaway from the classes has been laughs – we all have lots of fun!’
Claire and Gareth have allowed the workshops to grow organically, through word of mouth and reviews, and are ‘delighted’ with how well they are going.
‘We are hoping to open up the workshops to more businesses and group parties this year’, Claire tells us – and if last year’s success is anything to go by, the workshops will continue to be a raging success.
A rich hand balm to soften, repair and moisturise dry skin.
Pure Lakes is donating hand balms to the NHS and offering a discount to anyone working on the front line.
One couple’s wish came true when they bought natural skincare company Pure Lakes.
Luxurious skincare doesn’t have to cost the earth; by passing on savings, companies like Pure Lakes are making natural pampering an affordable reality.
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