Sunday, May 06, 2012
Sorry for delay, we've been busy.
I know, I know, it is a long time since the last new post. I have tried to keep things ticking over with a few re-posts but finally I can update you with all the latest Cocovogue news.
Where to start? Well, let's tell you about the amazing job done by our great friends and colleagues at Cocovogue International, based in the beautiful city of Riga. Ritvars, Liene and the team have just signed exclusivity contracts for 4 countries; Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Ukraine now have exclusive Cocovogue distributors. Well, to be perfectly correct, Latvia and Lithuania have Cocovogue distributors. Unfortunately, due to trademark disputes, we have had to change the name in Finland and Ukraine, where we will be marketed under the name "Cocos Code". It is almost laughable that Chanel and Vogue feel we are a threat to them, but they can afford to hire teams of lawyers and we can't. It will be interesting to see if Chanel try and force the change in the Philippines, where, for obvious reasons, virtually every other company has "Coco" in its name.
Maria Lani herself has also been incredibly busy over the last few months. Not only has she been working on exciting new products for us, but she has spent a lot of time working on products for private clients. Unfortunately, for contractual reasons, I can't tell you who these companies are. However, Maria Lani uses moringa/malunggay and the finest raw (that's "raw") virgin coconut oil in most of her creations, and they are all manufactured in the Philippines. There you go, a couple of hints.
The Profit Through Ethics Project.
For those of you who have absolutely no idea what this is about, please take a close look at their website. http://www.profitthroughethics.com/ Anyone who has followed this blog through its different incarnations will be fully aware of our attempts to find a certifying body that isn't just being used as a tool for greenwashing, or, even worse and far more common, just in it for the money. There are so many certification bodies, Fairtrade, Organic, Bio etc., who have absolutely no interest in how the business is being run, just so long as they get their money. "Pay up and you can display the logo." They may check a few things, but if they turn you down they don't get paid, so they don't turn you down. Profit Through Ethics is totally different, they actually make strenuous efforts to find out about the businesses they allow to join. As they state on their website, "The Profit Through Ethics project is recruiting businesses willing to answer straightforward questions - devised by leading NGOs and campaign groups - that cover a wide range of social, environmental and ethical issues." We at Cocovogue are extremely proud to be the first Philippine company to sign up to the project and are making every effort to complete the questions fully and honestly. We urge all businesses to join.
Having written a paragraph about how honest we are, I am almost scared to say that our new website will be "live" within the next couple of weeks and you will also be able to purchase our products via this blog and several other online stores. I know I have promised this on numerous occasions before and have unwittingly provided you with false information. However, this time I am fairly confident I am correct......(She types with fingers crossed.)
Finally - our Facebook following is increasing quite nicely. Many thanks to all the people who have taken the time to click on the "like" button; we really appreciate it. You can also follow me on Twitter should you so wish, @Cocovogue_Phil
Take care.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Certified organic, raw, virgin coconut oil for beauty products.
This post was made almost two years ago. I have re-posted it because we have more visitors to this blog now, and it is vitally important that they realise the quality of the oil we use in our products. Also, not only do we use use raw virgin coconut oil in the production of our products; we use certified organic, raw, virgin coconut oil.
Believe me, there are very, very few companies using this quality of oil in their products. Quite simply, they won't pay the price for certified organic, raw, virgin coconut oil. They would much rather buy the cheapest oil they can find, and use the savings in their advertising budget. (There are actually very, very few companies who sell this quality of oil even as dietary supplements.)
Cocovogue is perfectly happy to tell customers where our ingredients are grown, and the farmers who grow them. We use the finest natural ingredients; why wouldn't we be proud to tell you where they come from.
...................................................................
This is a video Steve made when he was running Cocovida.
This is the quality of the oil that Maria Lani uses in all the products she creates for Cocovogue. Cocovogue uses the oil from several producers across The Philippines. Each producer manufactures raw VCO. It is the most natural oil you will find.
Maria Lani does not use refined, bleached and deodorized oil. She does not use second grade VCO. She does not use factory produced oil.........The VCO used in Maria Lani products, produced for Cocovogue, is the finest organic, raw VCO.
Believe me, there are very, very few companies using this quality of oil in their products. Quite simply, they won't pay the price for certified organic, raw, virgin coconut oil. They would much rather buy the cheapest oil they can find, and use the savings in their advertising budget. (There are actually very, very few companies who sell this quality of oil even as dietary supplements.)
Cocovogue is perfectly happy to tell customers where our ingredients are grown, and the farmers who grow them. We use the finest natural ingredients; why wouldn't we be proud to tell you where they come from.
...................................................................
This is a video Steve made when he was running Cocovida.
This is the quality of the oil that Maria Lani uses in all the products she creates for Cocovogue. Cocovogue uses the oil from several producers across The Philippines. Each producer manufactures raw VCO. It is the most natural oil you will find.
Maria Lani does not use refined, bleached and deodorized oil. She does not use second grade VCO. She does not use factory produced oil.........The VCO used in Maria Lani products, produced for Cocovogue, is the finest organic, raw VCO.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The website........almost there!!
As has been mentioned numerous times, on this blog, on Facebook and on Twitter, our first website is near completion. In fact, it is so near completion that I am happy to post a link just to show how close we are to going live.......Just a few minor tweaks and spelling corrections.
http://speechlesswebdesign.com/marialani/
So, there you are, a small but extremely well constructed site, leading the way for our much more detailed, international, e-commerce site early next year......Or early 2013, if things run to form.
The new site was constructed by the wonderful team at Speechless Web Design, http://www.speechlesswebdesign.com/, who have been tremendous with their support, whist we have procrastinated, changed tack, reconsidered, and generally been incredibly slow.
Friday, November 11, 2011
The Raw Oil.
This is an article I wrote a few years back about virgin coconut oil. I didn't go into too much detail then about why raw VCO is the finest you can buy. I didn't even use the word "raw". Along with Maria Lani and several other producers of the most naturally processed oil, we used the term "Absolutely No Heat", ANH. As the demand for raw products began to grow, and because very few people actually understood what ANH meant, we began to refer to our oil as "raw".
We honestly believe that the oil produced for the Maria Lani beauty range, and also for sale as a nutritional product is one of the few that can legitimately be called "raw". What you get is what is pressed from the coconut meat. It isn't refined, bleached or deodorized. It hasn't been heated, and it has not been produced using enzymes.....Quite simply, it is the raw oil.
Oh yeah, the article.
......................................
For years coconut oil has been receiving a bad press. Mainly because of it's high level of saturated fat. We are being continually asked about the link between saturated fat and raised cholesterol. We give the same answer every time, because it is what we genuinely believe. Yes, coconut oil does contain high levels of saturated fat, there is no disputing that, coconut oil is 92% saturated. HOWEVER, and that's a big however, 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being transformed into a substance called "monolaurin" in the human body. Monolaurin is an antibacterial, antiviral and antiprotozoal substance used by the human body to destroy lipid-coated viruses such as HIV, herpes and influenza. The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil have been shown to have formidable healing power and because coconut oil is a saturated fat, it does not form dangerous trans fatty acids when used in cooking.
We could easily carry on extolling the virtues of VCO. Explaining that the medium-chain fatty acids are "good fats". Mentioning another source of lauric acid is mother's milk. Pointing out that The Campaign Against Trans Fats In Food calls coconut oil " the healthiest oil in existence". Revealing that Sri Lanka , where coconut oil is used for cooking and people typically eat 120 coconuts a year, HAS THE WORLD'S LOWEST RATE OF HEART DISEASE. Would you believe us though? After all, we are offering to sell you coconut oil.
.......................................
Of course, the fact that Maria Lani uses the finest raw virgin coconut oil, and the finest organic moringa, in her beauty products, brings to me to another point. Will these amazing products from The Philippines be accepted as "designer" products? What constitutes a designer product anyway? Do they have to be sold at ridiculously high prices? Do they require celebrity endorsers? Does the packaging need to be vastly superior to the product itself?.........Or could it just be that they are "designed" by someone with a special talent, and are incredible products?
I've said it before, but I will keep on saying it. Wouldn't it be great to have a designer brand from The Philippines!............I wonder if we can afford Manny Pacquiao as an endorser!!
Of course, even better would be, a designer brand from The Philippines that follows the principles of Equitrade, that does not test on animals, that supports The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, and tries it's best to make a difference........Much better!!
We honestly believe that the oil produced for the Maria Lani beauty range, and also for sale as a nutritional product is one of the few that can legitimately be called "raw". What you get is what is pressed from the coconut meat. It isn't refined, bleached or deodorized. It hasn't been heated, and it has not been produced using enzymes.....Quite simply, it is the raw oil.
Oh yeah, the article.
......................................
For years coconut oil has been receiving a bad press. Mainly because of it's high level of saturated fat. We are being continually asked about the link between saturated fat and raised cholesterol. We give the same answer every time, because it is what we genuinely believe. Yes, coconut oil does contain high levels of saturated fat, there is no disputing that, coconut oil is 92% saturated. HOWEVER, and that's a big however, 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being transformed into a substance called "monolaurin" in the human body. Monolaurin is an antibacterial, antiviral and antiprotozoal substance used by the human body to destroy lipid-coated viruses such as HIV, herpes and influenza. The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil have been shown to have formidable healing power and because coconut oil is a saturated fat, it does not form dangerous trans fatty acids when used in cooking.
We could easily carry on extolling the virtues of VCO. Explaining that the medium-chain fatty acids are "good fats". Mentioning another source of lauric acid is mother's milk. Pointing out that The Campaign Against Trans Fats In Food calls coconut oil " the healthiest oil in existence". Revealing that Sri Lanka , where coconut oil is used for cooking and people typically eat 120 coconuts a year, HAS THE WORLD'S LOWEST RATE OF HEART DISEASE. Would you believe us though? After all, we are offering to sell you coconut oil.
.......................................
Of course, the fact that Maria Lani uses the finest raw virgin coconut oil, and the finest organic moringa, in her beauty products, brings to me to another point. Will these amazing products from The Philippines be accepted as "designer" products? What constitutes a designer product anyway? Do they have to be sold at ridiculously high prices? Do they require celebrity endorsers? Does the packaging need to be vastly superior to the product itself?.........Or could it just be that they are "designed" by someone with a special talent, and are incredible products?
I've said it before, but I will keep on saying it. Wouldn't it be great to have a designer brand from The Philippines!............I wonder if we can afford Manny Pacquiao as an endorser!!
Of course, even better would be, a designer brand from The Philippines that follows the principles of Equitrade, that does not test on animals, that supports The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, and tries it's best to make a difference........Much better!!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
It's not just us.
Tales Of A Veggie
Sat, Sep 10 2011
Company: Cocovogue by Maria Lani
Products: Serenity Bath and Massage Oil, Coco Moringa Cucumber Body Souffle, and Coco Moringa Spice Dry Oil Mist
Verdict: 5/5
As a full time student relaxation is very rare, but when I happen to have the chance to embark in an at-home spa experience, I definitely don’t take it lightly. Choosing products that are relaxing rather then overwhelming has proven to be a tough feat. But fortunately Cocovogue by Maria Lani has established a line of products that takes relaxation to a whole new level.
After lighting a dozen or so candles and filling the bathtub with warm water I am ready to soak my troubles away. First, I add a few drops of Cocovogue’s Serenity Bath and Massage Oil to the warm water. After a period of time when I’m feeling a bit more relaxed, I like to step it up a notch and massage the Serenity Massage Oil wherever I feel I need it most (I have to warn you, this usually ends up in me massaging everywhere!). This beautiful Bath and Massage Oil has a perfectly formulated blend of holistic scents such as bergamot, juniper berry, sweet orange, and just the right amount of lemon grass to refresh your senses and relax your weary bones.
After soaking for what seems like (and probably is) hours, I jump out of the tub and pat my skin dry. Afterwards I grab my Coco Moringa Cucumber Body Souffle (talk about yum!) and massage it all over my skin. This delicate lotion is enough to make me swoon! The light scent of cucumber lingers on my skin keeping me feeling clean and refreshed and my skin as smooth as silk. Last but certainty not least, I spritz the Coco Moringa Spice Dry Oil Mist onto my clean, dry skin, and lightly rub it in. I like this product specifically for after getting out of the bath, because it takes virtually no time to spritz it where I want, while it still gives my skin the appropriate amount of moisture it needs, and adds a beautifully light, spicy aroma.
I highly recommend checking out Cocovogue by Maria Lani’s webpage and snooping through the other products they offer, you will not be disappointed!
The Lowdown;
Pros They are delightfully scented – perfect for relaxation! Super moisturizing They leave your skin smooth and soft, rather than oily They don’t test on animals!
Cons I truly don’t have any con’s. These products do more than get the job done, and keep you feeling and smelling beautiful!
Sat, Sep 10 2011
Company: Cocovogue by Maria Lani
Products: Serenity Bath and Massage Oil, Coco Moringa Cucumber Body Souffle, and Coco Moringa Spice Dry Oil Mist
Verdict: 5/5
As a full time student relaxation is very rare, but when I happen to have the chance to embark in an at-home spa experience, I definitely don’t take it lightly. Choosing products that are relaxing rather then overwhelming has proven to be a tough feat. But fortunately Cocovogue by Maria Lani has established a line of products that takes relaxation to a whole new level.
After lighting a dozen or so candles and filling the bathtub with warm water I am ready to soak my troubles away. First, I add a few drops of Cocovogue’s Serenity Bath and Massage Oil to the warm water. After a period of time when I’m feeling a bit more relaxed, I like to step it up a notch and massage the Serenity Massage Oil wherever I feel I need it most (I have to warn you, this usually ends up in me massaging everywhere!). This beautiful Bath and Massage Oil has a perfectly formulated blend of holistic scents such as bergamot, juniper berry, sweet orange, and just the right amount of lemon grass to refresh your senses and relax your weary bones.
After soaking for what seems like (and probably is) hours, I jump out of the tub and pat my skin dry. Afterwards I grab my Coco Moringa Cucumber Body Souffle (talk about yum!) and massage it all over my skin. This delicate lotion is enough to make me swoon! The light scent of cucumber lingers on my skin keeping me feeling clean and refreshed and my skin as smooth as silk. Last but certainty not least, I spritz the Coco Moringa Spice Dry Oil Mist onto my clean, dry skin, and lightly rub it in. I like this product specifically for after getting out of the bath, because it takes virtually no time to spritz it where I want, while it still gives my skin the appropriate amount of moisture it needs, and adds a beautifully light, spicy aroma.
I highly recommend checking out Cocovogue by Maria Lani’s webpage and snooping through the other products they offer, you will not be disappointed!
The Lowdown;
Pros They are delightfully scented – perfect for relaxation! Super moisturizing They leave your skin smooth and soft, rather than oily They don’t test on animals!
Cons I truly don’t have any con’s. These products do more than get the job done, and keep you feeling and smelling beautiful!
Friday, September 02, 2011
Do you believe in the word of mouth?
If you think about it logically, there is only one way that a small company from the Philippines will be able to compete with massive western companies in the natural and organic market. It won’t be by price; it is expensive to ship halfway round the world. It won’t be because of our extremely expensive packaging; we simply can’t afford to have it imported to the Philippines. It won’t be because of our advertising budget; we don’t have an advertising budget. The way will compete is by the quality of our products. They are that good! We will rely on word of mouth.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
More praise.
Just click on the title to read a review of our fantastic natural room sprays.
It is very easy for us to go on and on about how great our products are, but we are prepared to offer samples so that people can make their own judgement. We are very confident that the Cocovogue range will compare favourably with any products on the market.
It is very easy for us to go on and on about how great our products are, but we are prepared to offer samples so that people can make their own judgement. We are very confident that the Cocovogue range will compare favourably with any products on the market.
Saturday, August 06, 2011
The latest Cocovogue by Maria Lani franchise .
The latest Cocovogue by Maria Lani franchise has opened in the Domina Shopping Center, Riga. Congratulations to Ritvars, Liene and the team, but especially to new franchisee Ulrika.
We haven't forgotten the children.
Another section to the Cocovogue range.
BABY MILD
Loaded with high antioxidant vitamins, rich minerals, phytonutrients and soothing moisturizers from the powerful synergy of ‘raw’ Virgin Coconut Oil, Moringa Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Bergamot Essential Oil and soft powdery essence oil, to cleanse and nourish your baby’s skin and guard it against free radicals.
BABY FRESH
Loaded with high antioxidant vitamins, rich minerals, phytonutrients and soothing moisturizers, from the powerful synergy of ‘raw’ Virgin Coconut Oil, Moringa Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Geranium Essential Oil and botanical essence oils, to cleanse and nourish your baby’s skin and guard it against free radicals.
BABY BLOSSOM
Loaded with high antioxidant vitamins, rich minerals, phytonutrients and soothing moisturizers from the powerful synergy of ‘raw’ Virgin Coconut Oil, Moringa Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Neroli Essential Oil and botanical essence oils, to cleanse and nourish your baby’s skin and guard it against free radicals.
BABY MILD
Loaded with high antioxidant vitamins, rich minerals, phytonutrients and soothing moisturizers from the powerful synergy of ‘raw’ Virgin Coconut Oil, Moringa Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Bergamot Essential Oil and soft powdery essence oil, to cleanse and nourish your baby’s skin and guard it against free radicals.
BABY FRESH
Loaded with high antioxidant vitamins, rich minerals, phytonutrients and soothing moisturizers, from the powerful synergy of ‘raw’ Virgin Coconut Oil, Moringa Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Geranium Essential Oil and botanical essence oils, to cleanse and nourish your baby’s skin and guard it against free radicals.
BABY BLOSSOM
Loaded with high antioxidant vitamins, rich minerals, phytonutrients and soothing moisturizers from the powerful synergy of ‘raw’ Virgin Coconut Oil, Moringa Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Neroli Essential Oil and botanical essence oils, to cleanse and nourish your baby’s skin and guard it against free radicals.
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