Archive for News

A natural choice of gifts for ‘Papa’ this Father’s day
May 30, 2022

Caring-handsFather’s Day is on Sunday 19 June this year and it’s the perfect opportunity to show your papa just how much you love and appreciate him.

We’ve put together four fantastic gift sets containing a handpicked selection of our gorgeous French market soaps, as well as some of our eco-friendly and plastic-free accessories, hand picked for that lovingly luxurious gift.

Caring Hands gift set for £11.25 – Clean up with this vegan wood and sisal nail brush and Marine French market soap with a scent as fresh as the ocean.

hand-body-luxuryRefreshing Choice gift set for £13 – Give your dad a taste of the good life with six French market guest soaps packed with masculine appeal.

Hands & Body Luxury gift set for £17 – with two wonderfully fragrant and moisturising French soaps, natural sisal soap bag and wood nail brush to complete top to toe cleansing

Natural Cleansing gift set for £24.40 – this is the big one containing two French market soaps, rustic soap on a rope, vegan wood nailbrush and Lava Pumice stone. The ultimate indulgence for your dear papa!

natural-cleansingWhether your dad is a traditional chap or a well-groomed guy, you can’t go wrong with one of our great gifts this Father’s Day. So, go on, shower him with love and order your gift today. And if you need any more information or advice, please get in touch with Katie now on 07867 486402 or email info@frenchsoapstore.co.uk and she’ll be delighted to help.

The benefits of using an exfoliating soap bar
April 14, 2022

exfoliating-soap-barThe best way to clean and healthy skin is by investing in a high quality exfoliating soap that will treat your skin with care. The purpose of an exfoliating soap bar is not only to cleanse your skin but also to make sure that it keeps your skin free of bacteria that can cause skin irritations and spots.

How to choose the best exfoliating soap bar for you

It’s important to exfoliate your skin, but it is equally important to choose a soap that helps to promote a clear, refreshed and revitalised skin. So what should you look for when buying an exfoliating bar soap:

Ingredients

Choosing an exfoliating soap with the right ingredients for your skin type to gain the maximum benefits is top of our list. Some commonly used ingredients in an exfoliating soap are:

  • Oatmeal: Because oatmeal is one of the most natural and gentle exfoliants, it is one of the most widely used ingredients for exfoliation.
  • Seasalt: The coarse, granular texture of sea salt makes it a great choice as an exfoliant because it helps to remove dead skin cells revealing healthy, glowing skin.
  • Coffee: Ground coffee is full of antimicrobial and anti-aging qualities, which is especially good for acne.
  • Charcoal: Charcoal is known to be highly beneficial for oily skin and in treating acne as it aids in the removal of oil and toxins, drawing out impurities to unclog pores, leaving behind a fresh and clear complexion.
  • french-soap-papaya-exfoliating-soapFlowers & fruits: Certain types of flower and fruit extracts act as a gentle exfoliant when combined with plant oils.

Skin Type

Depending on your skin type you will require a different mix of ingredients to care for your skin.

Dry skin: A good exfoliating soap for dry skin is one that has moisturising agents such as plant oils and butters. These ingredients help cleanse the skin whilst keeping it hydrated. Our Papaya French soap, enriched with organic shea butter, has grains to exfoliate away dryness leaving moisturised baby soft skin.

Combination skin: A gentle exfoliating soap bar with a mix of plant oils and exfoliants is ideal for those with combination skin. Our Lavender and Almond Tandem soap has two different sides. The first side contains lavender essential oil, as well as the lavender flower for exfoliating. The other side is enriched with sweet almond oil, making the soap surgras, which means it is incredibly moisturising.

Oily skin: Oily skin needs an exfoliating soap and ideally be packed with ingredients which unclog pores and reduce the oil present on the skin. An ideal soap bar would be our Charcoal exfoliating and cleansing soap which removes oil and toxins, drawing out impurities and unclogging pores.

lavender-almond-tandem-soapWhat are the reasons for using an exfoliating soap?

An exfoliating soap has many uses and benefits:

  • Helps to get rid of dead skin
  • Cleanses the skin and removes dirt
  • Evens out skin tone
  • Opens pores and unclogs hair follicles
  • Helps improve the absorption of moisturiser into the skin
  • Helps in buffing the skin, leading to the reduction of visible signs of aging
  • Promotes detoxification by improving blood flow and circulation.

Exfoliating soaps help to cleanse your skin by removing dead skin cells, calluses and acne. They also improve uneven skin tone and keep it healthy. Regular exfoliation improves blood flow, removes bacteria and impurities present on the skin and keeps it odour-free. All our exfoliating French soap bars are 100% vegetal, cruelty-free and suitable for vegans. 

Frequently asked questions

Can I use an exfoliating soap every day?

An exfoliating soap with ingredients that are gentle on the skin and keep moisture in the skin intact is suitable for everyday use.

Charcoal-exfoliating-soap-barAre exfoliating soaps good for the face and acne?

Yes, but only when used gently and correctly with an exfoliating soap with mild, non-irritating ingredients that will not over-dry the skin.

How often should I use an exfoliating soap?

If you have just started to exfoliate, it is recommended to start with using it once a week and slowly increase to 3 – 4 times a week.

What ingredients should I look for if I want to moisturise my skin as well as exfoliate it?

Ingredients such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, Shea butter, cocoa butter, and other plant oils in the soap helps to moisturise the skin whilst exfoliating it at the same time.

Say “Je t’aime” this Valentine’s Day with a natural French soap gift box
January 10, 2022

Valentine's-DayShopping for the one you love? Then why not pamper them this Valentine’s Day with our fragrant natural French soaps handcrafted in Provence.

Our range of beautiful Valentine gift boxes is sure to suit every soap lover. You could pick a calming classic Lavender collection… or give the gift of TLC in our extra gentle soap collection. Or treat yourself too with the Sharing soap gift box!

There’s a thoughtful gift box of our most ultra-gentle natural French soaps to treat someone with sensitive skin; which includes Savon de Marseille and hydrating donkey milk soaps as well as a set of French soap bars to share and a box of all our cute and creamy French gift soaps. We’ve even tailored a box of French market soaps we think the men in our lives Sharing-gift-boxwill particularly love.

And finally, there’s our personal selection gift box giving you the opportunity to choose the fragrances that are personal to the one you love.

Whichever you choose, you can feel good knowing that all our handcrafted French soaps are triple-milled and enriched to create a divinely velvety lather to soften the skin. And they’re beautifully packaged in a recycled box too.

Plus, don’t forget if you spend £20 or more we’ll include a FREE heart gift soap and a FREE handcrafted, heart-shaped rustic soap dish made from real slate.

So come and discover our wonderful natural French soap gifts boxes for Valentine’s Day – Shop Now>

Christmas is coming to the French Soap Store
September 15, 2021

We’re putting the finishing touches to our festive soap bar gift sets and starting to feel all Christmassy here at the French Soap Store. We’ve got some fabulous treats in store for you!

Have you started planning your gift list yet? Our traditional French soap bars will make perfect presents to give your loved ones, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

Here are eight reasons to give our natural French bar soap gifts this Christmas.

Natural-French-soap1. Our handcrafted soap is 100% natural.

Our traditional, handcrafted soap bars contain no worrying chemicals, artificial ingredients or fillers; just skin-loving oils, therapeutic plant-based ingredients and sublime natural aromatic extracts. (Read more: What is natural soap and why should you use it?)

2. High quality bar soap is a luxurious treat

There’s something truly pleasurable about using a fresh bar of pure traditionally made soap with its uplifting fragrance and the feeling of the creamy nourishing lather it creates on contact with water. Our traditional handcrafted soaps from Provence are a real delight for the senses.

Plastic free July3. Our soap bars are eco-friendly

Our natural French soap bars are sustainable, entirely plastic free and kind to the planet. Handcrafted from natural ingredients in the traditional way, with no unnecessary waste, the solid soap bars are a perfect gift for anyone who wants to cut back on all the single-use plastic in their bathroom. (Read more: Three top reasons to switch to solid natural soap bars).

4. Natural French soap is a useful gift

Traditionally-made natural French soap is a thoughtful, original gift that will be well-received, especially as everyone is handwashing more frequently these days. Our soap bars are so gentle, attractive and deliciously-scented they are guaranteed to be used and enjoyed.

5. We have soap bar gifts for every budget and every body

Our natural and sustainable French market gift soaps are the perfect size for stylish stocking fillers and little treats; while our luxury sets of different soap bars are the ultimate pampering treat for someone special.

6. Natural solid soap is a gift that keeps on giving

Our traditional French market soaps don’t just look and smell gorgeous, they last a lot longer than ordinary, mass produced soaps. The organic shea butter in many of our soaps gives the bars extra structure and longevity too.

7. You’ll be supporting traditional artisan soap makers

By choosing our natural French soaps you’ll be supporting traditional artisan soap makers in Provence, who operate small businesses like ours. You’ll also be buying something made with loving care and passion using centuries-old ancient and natural processing methods.

Gift-box8. Have your soap bar gifts delivered for you

Simply order your natural soap bars here online and we’ll arrange the delivery for you. There’s no better way to delight friends, family and relatives than by surprising them with a gift of traditional French soaps sent straight to their door. It shows that even far away, you’re still thinking about them and sending loving thoughts and wishes.

Christmas is the perfect opportunity to introduce your friends and family to all the benefits of natural solid soaps traditionally handmade by artisans in Provence. We look forward to bringing you all our festive gift ideas soon.

STOP PRESS

French-soap-storeCome and see us…

We are going to be at some magical Christmas fairs and craft markets this year. Check back to this blog to find out where we’ll be and do come and visit us, it will be lovely to meet you. We’re really excited at the prospect of setting up our stall again with all our fabulous French market soap bars, guest soaps and festive gift sets.

Loxwood village fete and fun dog show
August 13, 2021

Loxwood village feteThe French Soap Store is delighted to announce that we will have a stand at our local village fete in Loxwood on Saturday, August the 21st from 11 am until 4 pm.

This family affair includes events such as a Fun Dog Show, Children’s Races, Punch & Judy, Magic Show, Bouncy Castle, Slinfold Concert Band, The North Singers, Face Painting as well as an excellent selection of stalls, Tombola, Grand Draw, Licensed Bar, Barbecue, Teas and many other attractions.

Our stand will include all the usual favourites French market soaps, organic donkey milk soaps and exfoliating soap bars, all of which can be purchased, 4 for £12. Our fabulous 240g soap on a rope (Savon de l’écolier) has a special offer, buy 3 and get a free 60g French guest soap. Plus sensational summer offermany more …

So put the date in your diary and come and enjoy the fun!

If you can’t get there just remember there is still our sizzling summer offer of 15% off any combination of our fabulous natural French soaps, but hurry this offer ends soon!

#PlasticFreeJuly: switch to natural soap bars
July 1, 2021

#PlasticFreeJulyAre you taking part in #PlasticFreeJuly this year? Switching to our natural solid soap bars is a great way to reduce plastic waste.

Plastic Free July is a global annual campaign which encourages people to cut down on single use plastic and help to protect the planet.

The problem is even everyday tasks, like washing our hands, our hair or our home, can use numerous plastic bottles of shower gel, liquid soap, shampoo and detergent. That adds up to a lot of plastic, especially if you’re part of a large family.

So, how can you use less plastic? One simple step is to simply replace your plastic products with solid bars of soap, like the natural soap bars we stock here at the French Soap Store.

Our natural French zero-waste soaps are free from plastic and chemicals, which makes them better for the environment and better for your skin too.

Did you know you can shampoo with a solid bar of soap? Our organic solid French shampoo soap bars are the ideal plastic-free alternative to bottled shampoo. They last for ages too. Each one is chemical-free and handmade using nourishing natural oils.

You can clean just about everything with our traditional SAVON DE MARSEILLE. This handcrafted soap block is naturally anti-bacterial and can be used to clean everything from stone floors and delicate clothes. It’s so gentle on the skin, fabrics and the environment, we just add grated soap flakes directly to the wash.

Lose your bottle and choose solid soap

So, go on, take part in #PlasticFreeJuly and treat yourself to some natural plastic-free soap.

Sensational Summer Offer!
June 24, 2021

sensational summer offerGet 15% off all our natural French soaps in our sensational summer offer!

Looking forward to the long hot summer days ahead? Then why not grab yourself a bargain in our super summer sale?

With 15% off your order of any combination of our fabulous natural French soaps, what’s not to like?!

Just add the code SUMMER15 at checkout and 15% of the total cost of your order will be deducted – it’s as simple as that.

But hurry as this offer is for a limited time only – a bit like our summer …

Top to toe soap bars for every body
June 10, 2021

Natural-French-soapThere’s everything to love about our solid French soap bars. They’re 100% natural, vegan friendly and completely free from chemicals and synthetic additives – just simply made from gorgeous natural ingredients. They’re all you need to gently clean and nourish your face, hands, body and hair… and care for the environment too.

Treat your face to the finest care

Have you discovered our range of ultra-pure natural French soaps made with olive and coconut oils and organic shea butter? They feel fabulous on your face and because they’re so incredibly gentle they’re perfect for anyone with very sensitive skin.

shampoo-soap-barsNourish your hair naturally

Say goodbye to plastic bottles and chemicals and say hello to soft, shiny, healthy hair. Your hair needs as much gentle care as your skin, but many shampoos contain irritating detergents, foaming agents and preservatives that can make your scalp flaky or itchy. So, do try this natural solid shampoo bar. I love it. It’s easy to travel with too. 

Exfoliating Soap Lavender Flowers125gBuff your body with our exfoliating soaps

Scrub a dub dub with our sensational French exfoliating soaps. They contain real pieces of fruits and plants. The lavender bar for instance contains crushed lavender flowers from the fields of Provence. It feels so good to gently and naturally exfoliate your body and remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth, fresh and healthy.

Treat yourself and your loved ones to natural soap

Father's-Day-giftsWith everyone handwashing more frequently these days, and more of us wanting to ditch single-use plastic and use fewer chemicals, our natural and sustainable French market gift soaps are perfect for friends, family and guests. Oh, and don’t forget Father’s Day – we’ve got some wonderful gift ideas for him here. Many guys have sensitive, dry or easily irritated skin who would appreciate our natural French soaps.

If you have any questions about our soaps or gifts, do get in touch with me, Katie, on 07867 486402 or email me at info@frenchsoapstore.co.uk and I’ll be very happy to help.

 

Father’s Day Gifts from the French Soap Store
May 27, 2021

Father’s Day is the time of year we celebrate the loving and caring men in our lives. A card with a special message will let him know how much you appreciate all of his advice and unconditional support. This day also gives us the opportunity to show every father how much they mean to their families.

Fathers-Day-GiftTo help you make dad feel special, we’ve listed a selection of Father’s Day quotes to celebrate their contribution to our families.

Whether it’s an uncle who’s inspired you, a granddad who always puts a smile on your face or your husband who’s been a wonderful father to your children, you’re sure to find the perfect sentiment.

For that extra special touch, pair your heart-warming card with a Father’s Day gift he will love. We have three unique gift sets containing some of the UK’s finest small-batch craft beers from The Crafty Brewing Company* in Surrey and our traditional Fathers-day-gift-20french soaps handcrafted in Marseille. This means you’ll be able to serve him delicious drinks and pamper him with his own luxury soap bars – all in one Father’s Day gift.

A Refreshing Choice gift set for £15 with two natural French market soaps and four cans of delicious craft beer.

Happy Hour gift set for £20 containing three bottles of craft beer, three aromatic soaps and our hemp soap bag.

Fathers-Day-giftCrafted to Perfection gift set for £25 – this is the big one containing four different bottles of craft beer, two French market soaps, rustic soap on a rope, and five gift soaps.

And if you need any help putting together a custom made Father’s Day gift please get in touch with Katie now on 07867 486402 or email info@frenchsoapstore.co.uk and she’ll be delighted to help.

FATHER’S DAY QUOTES

  • “Dad: A son’s first hero, a daughter’s first love.” —Unknown
  • “The power of a dad in a child’s life is unmatched.” —Justin Ricklefs
  • “It is a wise father that knows his own child.” —William Shakespeare
  • “One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.” —George Herbert
  • “A girl’s first true love is her father.” —Marisol Santiago
  • “A father’s smile has been known to light up a child’s entire day.” —Susan Gale
  • “A father doesn’t tell you that he loves you. He shows you.” —Dimitri the Stoneheart
  • “Fathers just have a way of putting everything together.” —Erika Cosby
  • “Behind every great daughter is a truly amazing father.” —Unknown
  • “To her, the name of father was another name for love.” —Fanny Fern
  • “The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get.” —Tim Russert
  • “No music is so pleasant to my ears as that word―” —Lydia Maria Child
  • “A father carries pictures where his money used to be.” —Steve Martin
  • “When my father didn’t have my hand, he had my back.” —Linda Poindexter
  • “A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.” —Unknown
  • “The greatest mark of a father is how he treats his children when no one is looking.” —Dan Pearce

Natural French soap bars, perfect for that holiday getaway
April 28, 2021

frence gift soapsThe weather this April has been lovely, albeit a little on the chilly side! I’m sitting in my garden in the gorgeous spring sunshine today, with my eyes closed dreaming about being on holiday back in Avignon, France. Here we’d be sipping wine, taking in the lively atmosphere, walking into the charming shops and losing ourselves in the hidden hideaways, great for postcard writing or just to collect our thoughts. It was lovely while it lasted and has got me in the holiday mood. Are you thinking of getting away on holiday too?

Natural French soap bars, perfect for that holiday getaway

At the French Soap Store, we have the perfect size soaps for a weekend getaway! Our 30g gift soaps are ideal, with twelve different scents to choose Natural french soap barsfrom. Or if you are going away for longer, then our 125g French Market soap bars, with 32 different fragrances are perfect.

Our new 60g soap bars come in thirteen different fragrances making them the perfect travel companion for any holiday at home or abroad. Each bar is made with nourishing plant oils, organic Shea butter and fragrances from Grasse. They last for ages and are wonderfully moisturising, while the all-natural formula will keep your body and conscience clean.

Extend the life of your soap with our organic hemp soap bag

To make your natural French soap last even longer why not buy our organic hemp soap bag? This bag is 100% natural, hygienic and odourless. It is Natural Hemp-soap-bagsuitable for washing, mild skin removal, massage and stimulating blood circulation. By placing your soap in the hemp bag you prevent slipping and wastage. When finished with just hang it up to dry. This bag helps save your soap from excess wear and tear and the very last bit can be used.

We also have some more great new products coming to the store soon and we are so excited to share these with you! Call Katie now on 07867 486402 or email info@frenchsoapstore.co.uk and she will be delighted to help.