‘Embrace the elements’ with skincare designed for rural life

Breathing the fresh air of the Great British countryside may have many health benefits, but the weather can be hard on the skin, which is what inspired Claire Barker to develop a skincare range especially for those who enjoy the rural way of life.

As a bee farmer with a passion for outdoor pursuits, Claire is out and about all year round and says her skin suffered from exposure to the elements. Already the owner of an award-winning skincare brand, she decided to apply her skills to creating products for those who enjoy the outdoors.

She says it is important for busy farmers to take the time to care for their skin: “When we’re outside all the time our skin can become sore and irritated; we often have our hands in muck and dirt. We should still be comfortable in our own skin and deserve something that’s going to soothe and nourish us.”

Her business, Barker & Sloane offers a range of ‘no-nonsense’ daily skincare products that promise to protect skin from the elements, putting an end to weathered or ruddy complexions and rehydrating skin exposed to windy weather.

Claire recommends protecting your skin before you go outside with the Daily Defender, while the 12-Bore Boost Mist works while you are out in the field. It becomes part of your first aid kit to cool, soothe, refresh and rehydrate your skin throughout the day and can be applied as and when you need it.

The Overnight Recovery then hydrates and repairs any damage done throughout the day.

Meanwhile, the brand’s Man Balm, based on an award-winning formula, is new to the line and offers an ‘all in one’ groomer which can be used in the hair and beard.

The company prides itself on using local ingredients for its products, only sourcing items from overseas if absolutely necessary. Products are developed and manufactured on-site in Wiltshire, using British oils from British farmers as part of its formula.  Claire says: “Supporting British farmers is really important to me – it’s great to support British industries but it also keeps air miles down so matches our very strong sustainable ethics.”

Founder Claire ditched the corporate lifestyle for beekeeping, and retrained as a cosmetic formulator on the side.

The botanical oils used for the products are carefully selected to offer nutritional benefits for the skin – such as blackcurrant seed oil, which is high in vitamin C, regenerates the skin cells, evens the skin tone and reduces age spots. White poppy stops irritation, calms the skin, slows ageing and prevents moisture loss; while marine algae gives the skin a beautiful, luminous finish.

Claire says the company is a ‘true indie brand’ that gets to know its customers and helps to solve their skincare issues. As a lover of open spaces, fresh air and natural beauty, she ditched the corporate lifestyle many years ago to become a bee farmer.

She also retrained on the side as a cosmetic formulator, allowing her to combine her two passions, launching a successful business manufacturing honey-based skincare. A few years on it seemed fitting to develop a new, unique product range that celebrates our British rural heritage and suits the outdoor lifestyle.

For more information visit: https://www.barkerandsloane.co.uk