If you can’t find the product you want at the price that you want what do you do? Most of us would shop around until we did. But British mum of 2, Louise Vaughan, based in Spain, decided to source her own product. This way she knew exactly what she was getting.
Setting up a business in Spain
Your new venture is Pure Plum, why did you decide to set it up?
I started using plum oil a year ago from a company in the US after being influenced by an influencer. It was very expensive for a natural face oil and I was in two minds whether to buy it. I did lots of research into the benefits to see if it was worth the money, decided it was and took the plunge; from then on I was hooked. I couldn’t live without this oil, but equally didn’t want to keep paying the €100 price tag every time. I looked around for an alternative, bought a few bottles I found online but nothing was like the oil I had originally tried (it seems not all plum oils are equal). I decided that I would source my own and make it myself!
How is the oil extracted from the fruit and how pure is Pure Plum?
Pure Plum is extracted from the kernel of the Prune d’Ente from the region of Agen in France (known for producing the sweetest and most luscious plums in Europe, and arguably the world). These plums are usually dried into the renowned pruneaux d’Agen, with the kernel being a by-product. It is cold-pressed which means the kernels are crushed slowly without using any heat to extract the oil. Cold pressed oil retains most of its natural physiological and chemical properties, unlike hot pressed oil. Our plums are certified organic so that we only produce the best oil from this luscious fruit.
What are the overriding benefits of plum oil compared to other oils around?
This is where plum oil is really exceptional, it contains, vitamins A, C & E, omega fatty acids, oleic acid, linoleic acid, polyphenols & antioxidants. Most people aren’t too familiar with the power of these nutrients, so here’s a quick rundown:
Vitamin A promotes healing and cell turnover, which can help improve wrinkles and skin elasticity
Vitamin C helps repair cells and reduce hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin E helps heal and repair damaged skin.
Omega fatty acids 6 and 9 hydrate skin.
Oleic acid helps to regulate sebum (oil) production and it’s also noncomedogenic, so it’s safe and potentially helpful for oily skin
Linoleic acid encourages skin cell turnover and works to prevent clogged pores.
Polyphenols provide anti-inflammatory benefits and help protect the skin from sun and pollution damage.
Antioxidants help with the production of elastin and collagen. They also help neutralize free radical damage to protect the skin from UV light
You can also use it on your hair to moisturise and calm dry, frizzy, flyaway hair.
Last but not least – the smell! It has an amazing scent; a perfect combination of almond, marzipan and cherry Bakewell tart.
And how do natural oils compare to the myriad of skincare available?
They say you should never put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t put in your mouth. With natural oils you know exactly what you are getting, there are no hidden nasty ingredients that could cause a reaction.
Some people might be wary about putting an oil on their face, how do people’s skin generally look after applying Pure Plum?
Pure Plum is 100% organic and pure, so there really it little to worry about when applying this to your face. It is absorbed easily and doesn’t leave the usual oil slick like other oils. You’ll notice a dewy, hydrated look to your skin. I like to use it as a ‘primer’ under make up, it helps evenly apply foundation and blur the lines that concealer usually accentuates.
“I have noticed a huge change in my skin since using Pure Plum.
I also use it for my son’s sensitive skin. It’s rejuvenating and leaves the skin glowing. Love this product!” – Sophie
Is there a specific skin type that is more suitable for the oil?
Pure Plum is suitable for all skin types. It’s also good for soothing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The skin’s lipid barrier is naturally made up of Omega fatty acids, and Pure Plum oil is effortlessly absorbed. It is even gentle enough to use around the eye area to help prevent lines and wrinkles. It is also suitable for acne prone skin as it is lightweight and non-comedogenic which means it does not block pores.
When is best to apply Pure Plum and how long does it take to notice a difference in skin tone?
I use it day and night. You can use it on it’s own or as part of your skincare routine with other products. I have had hyperpigmentation on my face since the birth of my first child and nothing would get rid of it, I have found a noticeable difference in the dark spots, they aren’t so obvious anymore. Like any skincare routine, it’s the cumulative effect of using it that makes the noticeable differences. My skin tone is more even and my fine lines have softened.
Pure Plum is a relatively new business, how did you find the process of establishing a company and all the other challenges that are involved?
It has been a challenge. We decided to start a company in the US, to give us more flexibility in the future of where we can sell. We decided that this process was too important to leave in our novice hands so enlisted the help of a tax adviser and lawyer in the US who helped us establish the LLC company and the right to trade in Spain with a NIF and IVA number. For now, we are concentrating on the Spanish market but hope to start selling in the UK and the rest of Europe early next year.
Do you have plans for expansion?
Pure Plum is still in its infancy so I would like to see how we get on with this product before launching more. But yes I would love to expand into other creams and lotions using plum oil as the base.
You live just outside Barcelona, in Alella (Maresme), what do you think are the key benefits of living there?
I love living in Alella, it’s the best of all worlds. I’m close enough to the city that I can enjoy all that it has to offer but then at home with views of the mountains and sea, I feel a million miles away. I love living in a local village where there is a real sense of community and my children can have a bit more freedom than if we lived in the centre of Barcelona. Plus we are only a hour from the Costa Brava and two hours to the ski resorts!
How can people find out more about Pure Plum?
Pure Plum is available to buy on our website www.pure-plum.com and we are also on Instagram @pureplumoil and Facebook @pureplumoil
Read more stories from mums living abroad and mums in business
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