5 Questions With TCBE Founder, Dawn Mayne

5 Questions Q&A with TCBE Founder, Dawn Mayne

For our first 5 QUESTIONS column we're talking to our very own Founder, Dawn Mayne, who is responsible for creating and launching The Clean Beauty Edit. Here she talks about what pushed her to create TCBE, why clean beauty is so personally important to her, and what products currently have pride of place on her bathroom shelf. 

Why did you create The Clean Beauty Edit?

I created The Clean Beauty Edit because I felt that there was a need for more retailers in the World specialising in healthier, toxin-free beauty products that are also sustainably and ethically produced. I have loved beauty and fashion my whole life, but over the past 10 years I have suffered from a number of health issues that have forced me to completely reassess my lifestyle and what I was using and consuming. Although it has been very difficult, and scary, at times dealing with chronic health issues, my struggles with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteopenia, hormone imbalances and anxiety have led me to a more conscious sustainable lifestyle – and the formation of The Clean Beauty Edit – for which I am very grateful.

In order to heal myself, and to regain control of my health, I started eating a clean, plant-based diet (no gluten, dairy, sugar, processed food etc.), meditating daily, using only clean beauty products, swapping out any chemical cleaning products around my home, trying to minimise plastics and other toxic materials around my home… I have improved so many areas of my life on this quest that I am on, and the results have been incredible. I have come off all medications, I feel energised, less anxious and just so much healthier and more satisfied. It’s turned me into a much more mindful consumer, and now what really excites me is healthy organic food, sustainable fashion brands and gorgeous clean beauty brands. I don’t feel like I’m restricted or as though I am missing out at all, in fact I feel that others who haven’t been on this journey are the ones missing out. I really wanted to shout the many benefits of a cleaner lifestyle from the rooftops and starting The Clean Beauty Edit has given me the chance to do that.

Can you tell me more about the ethos behind your brand? The Clean Beauty Edit is all about helping people become a little healthier and a little greener by offering high-performance skincare, make up and personal care products that are free of known toxins, while being just as effective and pleasant to use (if not even more so!) as traditional products. We are also big on promoting brands that are ethical and have strong sustainability credentials, and we reflect those values too in all that we do – from our eco-friendly packaging to our friendly and honest customer service. We want to be a positive force in the World, and part of the solution rather than the problem.

Why is clean and toxin-free so important to you? We live in a World that is beautiful and exciting but undeniably full of chemicals, ingredients and materials that our bodies are just not designed to cope with. The sheer quantity of chemicals and toxins that we are unwittingly exposed to daily is mind-boggling once you start looking into it… no wonder people’s bodies are freaking out and there’s such a huge and terrifying rise in disease. There is no avoiding all toxins, they are a part of modern life, but it is possible to reduce our exposure and help our bodies deal with – and heal from – the barrage we face. It’s something that I’ve had to face up to in order to gain back control of my health and I am so glad that I’m much more conscious of potential hazards and how to deal with them now.

What recommendations do you have for anyone interested in switching to clean beauty?

• Do your research on ingredients and brands. Get to know what to avoid, and not just in terms of skincare and make up. Look into clean eating and other aspects of your lifestyle too. It’s all about finding balance within all these areas to boost your health and really find your inner glow. It’s worth the effort, believe me.
• You also don’t need to spend a lot to get started. Switch out products as old ones run low, rather than going clean in one big swoop. Start with either make up or skincare and then build from there.
• Join Instagram pages and follow clean beauty blogs for great tips and information, but go to established organisations, like ewg.org, for scientific research and hard facts.
• The most important thing you can do for glowing, healthy skin is eat right, avoid alcohol, sugar and processed food, drink water and get lots of sleep. The natural and organic products that we sell on TCBE will definitely help to boost that gorgeous glow, but good health is the best foundation for healthy, radiant skin.  

What products are currently on your bathroom shelf and in your make up bag?

I like to keep things really simple, and while I do wear make up almost daily it tends to be very natural and easy. I have two young children so morning time is rushed and my routine needs to be quick. I  mainly focus on keeping my skin healthy and glowing with a clean, organic diet, and great natural skincare products. I love oils and serums and tend to rotate my favourites.

I adore Nunaia’s Nourishing Radiance Serum, for the relaxing ritual that comes with it and for the beautiful results. I also really love Olio E Osso’s Oil Cleanse and Finishing Oil. A little goes a long way and I find the bottles last me for months. They are really pure and natural and leave my skin feeling very nourished. For serums I love Ere Perez Green Booster Serum and The Organic Pharmacy’s Protect & Repair Serum Duo. I have dry skin so if I’m not using an oil cleanser it would be a cream one such as Antipodes Grace Cleanser or The Organic Pharmacy’s Rose & Chamomile Cleanser.

Evolve have so much to love in their range. I use their Skin Saviour Body Oil and Summer Glow Body Lotion a lot. For haircare, I am a slave to Innersense and their Pure Harmoney Hairbath and Pure Inspiration Conditioner. They smell so good and give me shiny, healthy hair. I don’t use very many styling products, but their Refresh Dry Shampoo and I Create Hold are great when I do. For deodorant, at the moment, it’s Ben & Anna’s Pink Grapefruit and I also use their Whitening Toothpaste.

I am obsessed with Olio E Osso Balms and use different shades depending on my mood and look. I love to swipe them over lips, cheeks and eyes! They feel so silky and smooth and give just the right amount of colour. I also use the No. 1 clear balm on my children and it’s brilliant at soothing dry patches.

For make up, I love Lily Lolo’s BB Cream most days or Ilia’s True Skin Serum Foundation when I want a little more coverage. Both Lily Lolo and Ilia do amazing mascaras and lipsticks, that feel so much more hydrating than any traditional lip colours. Ere Perez Eye Palettes are a favourite too – and their Carrot Colour Pots.   

For night’s out and events I love Ella & Mila polish in Honeymoon Bliss or Paint The Town Red, The Organic Pharmacy Self Tan and PRTTY Peaushun to add a healthy glow to my pale limbs.

I guess that’s actually quite a lot of products! I’m very lucky that I get to do what I do – not only testing out all these amazing clean beauty products but also connecting with customers and brands on a personal level every day. I really love it and I’m looking forward to sharing so much more with everyone as The Clean Beauty Edit grows and develops. Watch this space!

Dawn xox