2021 In Review

December 30, 2021Lise

At the cusp of moving into the new year, I find myself looking back on the previous 12 months with a feeling that might perhaps be described with the photo above. The light in the snow could resemble ‘keeping things going despite surrounding darkness’.

But looking closer, it becomes evident that there is light approaching on the horizon – an indication of positivity and hope, and that’s what I try to focus on.

So here is an overview of some of the most positive markers from my 2021.

Two New LisaLise Cosmetics Books

In February, the Book of Natural Balms Volume 1 was released and I was quite simply blown away by how much interest it got - especially because developing and making balms of all types are truly close to my heart.

It has been absolutely thrilling to experience so much interest and makes me so happy to see so many others with a love of balms. I want to personally thank each and every one of you who purchased this book!

And there is a reason I named it Volume 1. Do stay tuned for more balms in the coming year.

I really don’t think I could count how many times people have asked me about how to go about sanitising everything, getting set up and organised when your artisan cosmetics lab is modest and maybe even in your home, so it was really high time I got this next project done.

My second new book, GMP for the Artisan Lab came out in May and coincided with a brand new tutorial at Tisserand Institute: Good Formulation Practice .

This is the first time I’ve done a video tutorial as well as book on the same subject. Some people prefer video and some prefer reading, so being able to choose either (or even both) has been a hit and the response been a fabulous!

Good Manufacturing Practice for the Artisan Lab

También en Español

I am very happy to be able to say that 2 of my books became available in Spanish this year!

They were both translated by the incredibly talented Paty Orozco who not only is a language wiz, but also a cosmetic formulator, so I feel very lucky to have found such a multi-talented lady to work with.

I can already reveal we have more projects lined up for the coming year.

Below are the 2 ‘libros’ available in the Spanish language shop.

Buenas prácticas de fabricación para el laboratorio artesanal

Haz tus propios productos cosméticos naturales sin conservantes con 21 ingredientes

New Course at Tisserand Institute

This year, I also had the immense pleasure of teaching a new course at Tisserand Institute. The Essential Gels and Serums course focused on getting a handle on the science behind gels and how they work and then getting busy working with natural gelling agents.

Knowing how the ingredients work (or don’t work) together makes it much easier to make substitutions and avoid many of the most common pitfalls of making gels. We even busted the myth about carbomer being ‘the only gelling agent’ that can make clear gels.

Everyone who attended the new course were engaged, enthusiastic and full of inspiration! AS a matter of fact - everyone who attended any of my courses this year were an absolute pleasure to work with.

Thank you to everyone who took any of my courses this year – you have been an inspiration and a joy to work with!

I’m very proud to say that my courses at Tisserand Institute now total a full 16 weeks of formulation study. All of the Tisserand Institute courses will be offered again in 2022, so I hope to see you there!

Courses

Learn to develop and create your own safe, effective, natural cosmetics with LisaLise via a complete Certification Program consisting of several modules at Tisserand Institute.

The LisaLise Pure Natural Skincare Forum on Facebook

One learns as time passes to never say never. I really and truly never expected to start a Facebook group, but at the end of May, I suddenly found myself trying out the idea to see if there would be any interest and was incredibly flattered to see so many people join.

Members total over 4000 (insert gasp and happy face here) and everyone is helpful, inspiring and willing to share!

I was really honored when Vivienne Campbell of the Herbal Hub, Susan M Parker of the Lipid Oil Academy and Hana Tisserand of Tisserand Institute all agreed to function as group experts in the forum.

Needless to say, the expertise on hand makes me feel very privileged.

Thanks for Sticking Around

To all of you who have stayed with me - either via my newsletter, this blog, or my social media accounts, I want to give you my most heartfelt thanks for watching me squish plants and offering your warmth, positive comments, and cosmetics-making inspiration. Here’s a big old cyberhug coming your way!

I wish you a very very happy New Year.

See you in 2022.