Jacqueline Evans Skincare range.  Photography by Armelle Habib, styling by Claire Larritt-Evans, product branding by Swearwords.

You know, there really is no shortage of lovely skincare products on the market and I, frankly, have often been guilty of using anything that smells good... and if the packaging is pretty - even better.  I know, I'm such a floozy.

And YET what I have learnt just recently is that not all skincare is equal!  SOME skincare is produced with such perfectionism, such strict adherence to organic and naturopathic prinicples, and such an intensely personal touch - that it really does sit in a category of it's own. And you wouldn't necessarily know that just by looking at the pretty packaging!

Jacqueline Evans is a Melbourne-based qualified naturopath.  In addition to running her private practice and skincare line, she consults for a pathology company, and her main area of interest is liver detoxification, womens health and the emerging field of nutrigenomics (translation: the study of the effects of food on gene expression). Clearly, she really knows her stuff.  But her real passion, both personally and professionally, is organic skincare.

'It is impossible for me to lecture about improving health without discussing the benefits of natural cosmetics' says Jacqueline.  'Remember that the skin is the body’s largest organ, and we should treat it with the same respect we treat our other organs – we carefully consider what we put into our bodies, and so we should carefully consider what we put onto our bodies'. Okaaayyy, I get it, that makes sense... continue...

Jacqueline Evans' first interest in naturopathy came whilst studying Chinese at University - a course in which she was required also to learn Chinese history and philosophies.  She quickly became preoccupied by Eastern Medicine, and it wasn't long before Jacqueline realised  her passion was in complementary medicine.  She was drawn to the holistic approach of naturopathy, and the idea of seeking the least invasive measures necessary for symptom improvement or resolution.

After studying Naturopathy in Melbourne, Jacqueline moved to London and began working under a renowned UK pharmacist and homeopath. It was here she became interested in formulating her own skincare.

'I was already acutely aware of the level of poisonous pesticides used in our foods, but was shocked to learn about the questionable ingredients often used in cosmetics' Jacqueline says. 'In London I learnt about the potentional risks and benefits of skin care ingredients. When I wasn't treating patients I was in the laboratory formulating natural cosmetics. I was obsessed!'.

In 2002, Jacqueline returned to Melbourne and obtained qualifications in Cosmetic Chemistry.  And finally, after 8 years in formulation, Jacqueline Evans skincare was born in 2008!

A few Jacqueline Evans Skincare ingredients.  Photography by Armelle Habib, styling by Claire Larritt-Evans.

With this range Jacqueline is committed to creating skincare products founded on naturopathic philosophies, using only pure certified organic ingredients.  'I wanted to create a range that men and women could trust. I was tired of the overuse of the word ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ by companies misleading consumers with clever marketing' she says.  'My principles are very simple - the best natural and certified organic ingredients, honest expert advice, quality service, and incredibly effective products'.

We were very lucky to have Jacqueline's beautiful organic sweet orange and cedarwood liquid handsoap for our gift bags at The Design Files Open House and I am now itching to try her face products too.... And BOY do we have one hell of a giveaway for one lucky reader today!

One TDF reader will win the complete Jacqueline Evans product range set, including a customised moisturiser based on their skin type (to be determined in consultation with Jacqueline via email).  That's every product you see in the photograph at the top of this post, a total value of $385.00!

To be in the running, simply leave your comment on this post before 10.00pm today, Melbourne time.  The very lucky winner will be selected at random and contacted by email tomorrow!

* UPDATE - This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Mish (comment #121) whose name was drawn at random and is the winner of the complete Jacqueline Evans product range set! Thank you to everyone who left a comment and extra special thanks to Jacqueline for this generous prize!

Weirdly, the Jacqueline Evans skincare range has a loyal customer base internationally, with stockists in Hong Kong, Macau, China, America and Germany, but within Australia you can currently buy the range only from Jacqueline's online store at this stage. (Potential stockists should definitely get in touch!).

Massive thanks to Jacqueline for this very generous giveaway and crash course in skincare education!   She is so very knowledgable on the subject and has so many insights that I didn't have room to include here!  I really think she needs to start a blog on this subject...  whose with me!?

Jacqueline Evans Skincare range.  Photography by Armelle Habib, styling by Claire Larritt-Evans.