Archive copy by Jenni Baden Howard

Next month, six years after launching her Naturally Active Skincare range, Earle will unveil her long-awaited suncare line. Devotees of her delicious-smelling, radiance-boosting products are sure to find the Sun Shade treats equally addictive.

The antithesis of clinical, sci-fi ranges with unfathomable labels, Earle’s back-to-nature approach relies on scrupulously sourced, natural ingredients. The formulae harness the latest research on botanical extracts and their benefits (Earle recently recruited a resident botanist).

Although Earle refuses to name-check, her products have a fashionable following. The Superbalm, for example - an intensive, use-it-anywhere skin soother - flies out of the chic London boutique Browns. American customers buy it in bulk when they visit, although the just-launched new website - www.lizearle.com - should help to lighten their load.

Four years in the making, the Sun Shade range exemplifies Earle’s uncompromising, natural-is-best philosophy. ‘It is my firm belief, my passion, that chemical-free is the way to go,’ she says, as we spritz and smear our way through the line-up. ‘A lot of people, myself included, are sensitive to chemical sunscreens. New developments in mineral blocks and physical filters meant that we could make products that don’t give you that deeply unflattering, white, shiny look.’

The capsule, lavender-coloured collection includes a Face Protector SPF 24 (£15) and a Body Protector SPF 15 (£17). ‘Besides being chemical-free, they give very broad spectrum protection, against UVA and UVB rays. I also put in lots of botanicals, such as pomegranate - the fruit grows in tropical conditions, so nature gives its own armory to protect it against the sun - green tea and natural source Vitamin E, which we put into virtually everything.’

A Botanical Aftersun Gel (£12) and Self-Tan Spray (£15) complete the range. ‘We used an organic aloe vera base for the aftersun, with cooling peppermint and lavender, which is also very good if you do get a bit of sunburn.’ I can’t stop sniffing it. ‘That’s the high altitude lavender,’ says Liz. ‘All those hours at altitude force the plant to produce a fantastically good smelling oil.’

Earle set out to make a ‘foolproof, non-scary’ self-tanner. ‘We found a plant-based source of DHA, the active “tanning” element, in beetroot. You get a very light, golden glow, so you won’t turn orange overnight. The spray is more like a vapour, so you don’t have to rub it in or wash your hands afterwards.’

This summer also sees the launch of a wonderfully-scented Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash (£9.50), suitable for sensitive skins and children (Earle uses it on her own brood of three). ‘A combination of corn and coconut produces a really nice, foamy lather, without the need for drying detergents,’ says Earle. As with everything in the range, it is available in a travel size. ‘I love minis -they make room in your suitcase for shopping,’ she says.

Earle recently celebrated the opening of her first shop, Union, on the Isle of Wight. ‘Most companies have “London, Paris and New York”. We have “London and Ryde”,’ she says. She also finds time to chair discussions on natural beauty (she is giving a talk next week at Chewton Glen in Hampshire, see below), and is currently updating her bestselling book, Vital Oils, to be published autumn.

How does she do it? ‘It’s a passion,’ she says. ‘I consider myself very lucky to be doing what I love.’

Liz’s Summer Beauty Secrets

• For an aromatic, summertime treat, add a few drops of lavender oil to a deep, cool bath.

• Add a generous splash of lavender or rose oil to a simple water spritzer, and use it as a natural home humidifier and room spray.

• Never skimp on sunscreen - apply it liberally and regularly, twenty minutes before going out in the sun (to ensure immediate protection).

• Aloe vera gel makes an incredibly soothing post-shave or waxing skin calmer, reducing redness and sensitivity.

• If your eyes get puffy and irritated in summer, fill a basin with cold water and add a drop of homeopathic eyebright if you have hayfever. Splash your eyes twenty times before patting dry with a muslin cloth.

• Liz Earle’s Sun Shade range will be available from the beginning of June, by mail order, tel: 01983 813913, or visit www.lizearle.com. On 28 May, Liz will be giving a talk over a three-course lunch at Chewton Glen in Hampshire. The cost is £48, and places are still available. Inquiries, tel: 01425 275341.