Edinburgh’s Best Shopping: Lucky Cloud

When we discovered Lucky Cloud at Leith Market, we thought we had hit the jackpot. This Edinburgh skincare brand not only produces luxurious body cream and lip balm, but their packaging is just beautiful…and we LOVE nice packaging.

Dickins spoke to the lovely Lucy Cardwell, founder of Lucky Cloud, about the inspiration for her brand and her range of products.

Could you tell us a bit about the company?

Lucky Cloud Skincare is a range of handmade, natural skincare. Based in Edinburgh, we create products with luxurious, plant-based ingredients that are moisture rich, nourishing and soothing for your skin, as well as being 100% vegan.

Originally from Australia, I moved to Scotland in 2008. I studied photography at art school and have worked in various art museums, galleries, festivals and event companies for over 10 years in both Australia and Scotland.

How did the launch of Lucky Cloud come about?

I’ve always suffered from dry, eczema prone skin; about 3 years ago I had a particularly bad bout of it and I just started to get sick of using supermarket bought creams that constantly flared up my symptoms and heavy duty cortisone creams from doctors. I’d started playing around with simple lip balm recipes (I love making things), and friends started telling me I should make body moisturisers.

Initially, I thought it sounded too complicated and far beyond my capacity! However, I bought a few ingredients and just started experimenting. Suddenly it sparked an enthusiasm. I wanted to learn more and understand about different oil properties.

Photos by Ellie Morag for Every Edinburgh

I found a Scottish based company that supplied raw ingredients and held courses (both in London and up north), so I enrolled and bought books and yet more ingredients…! From there it was a good two years of experimenting, testing recipes on friends, fine tuning and brand development. I launched my initial range in April this year with a friends and family soft launch. The last 6 month period before I launched was excruciatingly slow – it’s that feeling of being so close to something and it makes you want it even more!

Are ingredients locally sourced?

About 95% of my ingredients are sourced from a Scottish company called Aromantic. Although a number of my ingredients are grown/sourced from Scotland or the UK, it’s not possible for everything to be. For instance, Shea Butter, which comes from a tree grown in West Africa. Everything is always ethically sourced and produced.

Photos by Ellie Morag for Every Edinburgh

Could you tell us a bit more about the range of products you stock?

I launched with just a small range of body care products – available in two ranges: Soothing & Hydrating.

In each range, there is a Body Butter, a rich luxurious cream moisturiser, a Body Milk, a light, easily absorbed lotion and a Body Balm, more like an ointment consistency great for very dry skin and targeting key areas on the body that require extra moisturising like knees, elbows, heels etc.

The Soothing range contains oils that are specific to help with dry, itchy skin such as oat, olive and sweet almond oils. While the Hydrating range is enriched with calendula oil and apricot kernel oil. I also use lots of lovely butters like shea, cocoa & coconut, botanical extracts and Vitamin E oil in each product.

I also have three Lip Butters available in Coconut, Vanilla and Cocoa.

All my products are vegan-friendly, so contain no animal ingredients (or testing); I use a soy wax instead of beeswax in the Body Balms and Lip Butters.

Photos by Ellie Morag for Every Edinburgh

Are there any plans for expansion?

I have lots of ideas for expansion! So many that it’s difficult to rein myself in sometimes! I’ve got ideas for some more body products, but think the next stage will be to release a range of face care products early in 2016 – including cleansers, toners, masks and serums. I can’t wait!

Where do you find your inspiration?

Nature, and my friends and family. I love the smell, colours and patterns of nature; flowers, leaves, trees, sand, sunsets and clouds. My friends are an incredible source of support and inspiration – from their constant complimentary feedback to telling me what they’re looking for in future.

Where can we buy your products?

My local Edinburgh stockists include Century General Store in Marchmont, Scottish Design Exchange in Ocean Terminal and the Fruitmarket Gallery on Market Street. You can also find me at the Leith Market on the first Saturday of the month and, of course, online! I will be selling at a few local markets and pop-up shops in December, see my website for more info.

I also have stockists down south, The Inherited Life in Sheffield, The Little Deer in Brighton and other online stockists including The Lost Lanes, a fantastic marketplace for ethical homewares, lifestyle and gifts.

Photos by Ellie Morag for Every Edinburgh

Get Social with Lucky Cloud…

Find out more about the delightful range from Lucky Cloud online, or via their Facebook page, Instagram or Twitter.

Could you think of a more perfect gift?

If you know someone who loves skincare, Lucky Cloud have put together beautiful gift packs this Christmas…

Share your Experience…

We would love to hear from you on social media. Tag us on Instagram or Twitter using #WhatTheDickins and share your Edinburgh experience with others.

Photographs by Ellie Morag for Every Edinburgh