DOES B USE FAIR TRADE PACKAGING AND INGREDIENTS?
We try to buy fairly traded packaging where possible, B currently buys all our jewelled pots and brushes from fairly traded local artisans in India. There is no current Fair Trade labeling system for crafts; so we have, working alongside fair trade groups in Delhi, established a set of criteria when looking at potential suppliers. These include but are by no means inclusive; no child labour, gender equality, protection of the environment, creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers, transparency and accountability, working conditions and payment of fair trade.

In conjunction with Lush we buy fair trade ingredients where possible, including bananas, shea and cocoa butters. Our buyers for Lush and B are continually sourcing and investigating new suppliers and community based projects to find new fairly traded providers for our ingredients.

Does B recycle?
All shops and manufacturing have recycling schemes in place where applicable. Our exquisite packaging was sourced with the intention that it can be re-used in a multitude of ways. We currently use recycled bottles for the OM Bath Oil and we are now also able to offer re-fills for all our eyeshadow, blusher and face powder pots.

Does B have plans to expand and if so when and where?
The emerging movement within the beauty industry towards elegant and feminine niche brands that invoke images of opulence, nostalgia and sensuality have shown that B shops with their signature boudoir feel are most desirable within the market. “We already have the infrastructure in place to grow quickly with the potential to open a B store next to every Lush” says Rowena Bird. We are actively looking at key locations in the United Kingdom with the view to open new B stores in the near future.

Why a brand new company on top of Lush, as some of the products are on a similar level? Is it a more up-market Lush?

When B was in its initial stages of concept and design the focus was on producing an Aladdin’s cave of girlie decadence moving away from the ‘dimly lit cosmetic halls of the past’, that would ultimately be something completely different to Lush. It wasn’t necessarily designed with the idea that it would be more up-market to Lush especially as when we first opened there weren’t many similarities in products between the brands, with the primary focus on make-up and fragrance. However as the brand gained popularity there was a strong demand for the fragrance ranges to be expanded so we began to introduce products that are more commonly associated with Lush.