If you’re trying to cut down the chemicals, toxins and synthetics in your life, here’s a hotlist of NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL PRODUCTS …
There’s no mistaking the new focus on natural in beauty right now: more and more launches that land on the beauty desk feature ingredients lists filled with superfoods, from honey and kale to berries, all claiming to have life-giving, skin-smoothing properties. The appeal of organic and “free-from” is getting broader. According to research commissioned by the Organic Trade Board, under-35s are the “most engaged and active” organic consumers, moving away from chemicals and silicones and looking for things that are pure, but that work. A caution: always read the small print to ensure things are as pure as they look to be: if silicones are high up the list, it’s not particularly natural. Try doing a beauty bag “detox”. Tried-and-trusted names like Burt’s Bees and Trilogy endure for a reason. We’re also delighted to see a broader offering in terms of natural fragrance. If you’re trying to cut down the chemicals, toxins and synthetics in your life, here’s a hotlist of naturally beautiful items.
The skincare
Honey is having a moment as a skincare ingredient. We have a soft spot for Burt’s Bees: its Hydrating Lip Balm with Coconut & Pear (€3.95) is pleasingly cheap and cheerful; their new Instense Hydration skincare range, with clary sage, is under €20. Try also Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream (available at www.boots.ie, €39.99), with honey and bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis. www.egyptianmagic.com.
The treats
House of Intuition’s Bath Bag (€11, available at www.thisisbeautymart.com) is a nifty collection of bits and pieces for a detoxifying bath; handy for travel, too. Prismologie Green Epoch Bath Oil with Vetiver and Jade (€50, www.prismologie.com) smells as good as it looks, and makes the most mundane bathroom a place of luxury.
The fragrances
Travel-friendly Jo Browne Natural Solid Perfumes are made in Carlow using organic beeswax, with three female and two male fragrances, from €24 at www.jobrowne.com. The Acorelle collection of nine organic fragrances, developed with perfumers in Grasse, is popular in its native France. This entirely natural, certified organic range of perfumes highlights the different qualities of essential oils. From €15 for a roll-on. At www.vclaire.ie.
The mood-enhancers
Aveda’s cult Blue Oil is now called Cooling Oil Balancing Concentrate, and it’s entirely naturally derived, with organic peppermint and blue chamomile. Use as a calming massage oil, footbath or on pulse points throughout the day. €34.50, from March 28 at salons and stores. Neom’s first fragrance Energy Burst eau de parfum is all about its effects on body and mind: its lemon, grapefruit and mint notes are uplifting clean and energising, and it’s all natural. €59, at www.neomorganics.com.
The daily essential
Dr Hauschka Facial Toner, €27.45. Ideal for men and women (soothing after shaving). Keep this oil-free tonic on your desk to revitalise skin during the day. www.drh.ie.
The shop
Discover Danish brand Badeanstalten, Estonian herbal brand Dr Konopka’s and Ella + Mila chemical-free nail polish at Skinfull Affairs, recently arrived in Dublin, stocking intriguing natural and environmentally aware brands from around the world that are currently under the radar. Treatments on offer include YonKa facials (from €25), manicures, brow threading and tinting (all from €15). 34 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2. www.skinfullaffairs.ie.
SARAH HALLIWELL
This article appeared in a previous issue, for more features like this don’t miss our next issue, out Thursday April 6.
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