Taking HELLO! magazine on a tour of the Highgrove Estate, hairdresser to the stars Daniel Galvin Jnr reveals how Prince Charles has inspired his new organic beauty collection.
Pressing a sprig of lavender between his fingers, the organic beauty pioneer reveals that it is one of the vital aromatic ingredients in his new collaboration with the prince's social enterprise, Highgrove Enterprises.
Daniel says: "His plants and herbs are my inspiration," as his wife Suzanna and their 16-year-old son Rhett accompany us on one of the organised guided tour, which in turn raises funds for The Prince of Wales's Charitable Foundation.
Daniel Galvin Jr pictured with his wife Suzanna and son Rhett
"Whenever I visit here, I feel uplifted. You only have to look around to understand what the prince's passion and imagination have achieved. He once said that a garden is a reflection of a person's soul, and you can see that reflection here."
Two years ago, Daniel created Highgrove Baby, a collection of gentle organic body washes and lotions which contain mandarin and roman chamomile, a herb found in the royal flower beds, and next month Daniel is launching globally his latest offering: the Highgrove Signature skincare and gift range.
Developed with the utmost integrity, after three meticulous years of research with renowned aromatherapist Alexandra Soveral, it contains many of the herbs and flowers found in the gardens at Highgrove, such as lavender, rose, peppermint and bay.
"It has an invigorating, upbeat effect on the senses," says Daniel. "It's the perfect garden tonic."
Daniel has worked closely with Highgrove Enterprises throughout the entire process, discussing everything from ingredients to testing the products, to packaging. This close relationship with the brand, which is renowned for its retail offering of products that have organic and sustainable credibility, was an essential part of developing a range that would reflect the essence of the garden and the prince’s own ethos.
"I always love talking to the prince because he's very knowledgeable and full of enthusiasm for organics. I got the impression that he liked the fragrances of bergamot, juniper and bay.
"He also has a wonderful sense of humour. There's a standing joke between us that when he asks how we test the product, I respond, 'My biggest guinea pig is here, sir. It's Mrs Galvin.' To which he grins and replies, 'Well, I'm pleased to see you still have your own hair!'"
The Highgrove Signature collection will be available from October 2016 at www.highgrovegardens.com, or by visiting one of its retail outlets. Christmas gift packs will also be on sale in Fortnum & Mason. www.danielgalvinjunior.com
Makeup: Rina Steinberg
Hair: Tom Greenhouse, Daniel Galvin Jr
Daniel Galvin Jr salon: Tel: +44 (0) 207 245 1050
