FACE | SUSTAINABLE GIFT GUIDE

As regular readers may know, we took a pledge in the past year to try as much as possible going forward to only feature products which are cruelty-free, kind to their creators and makers (at every level) and as sustainable as possible in their creation. Whilst this is a big ask and task to manage, (because really, is *any* product truly, wholly sustainable?) we do so with a genuine desire to not promote things which negatively affect people or our planet, and it is with this in mind that we have created this gift guide.  We’re creating this with Christmas in mind, (because everyone needs a little something at Christmas, right?) but we’re also trying to choose products which will work as gifts all year round. Most, if not all of our gifts are UK/Irish made. 

Have a read – and don’t forget to send us any suggestions if you have any 😊

Beauty

Proverb’s Natural Refillable Deodorant

There is definitely an increasing number of shampoo bars, metal razers, and bamboo toothbrushes popping up in bathrooms across the globe - which from an environmental perspective, can only be a good thing! However, one product that is lagging behind its counterparts in the way of sustainability is deodorant - and considering the average container only lasts around three months, that means we are throwing away countless single-use plastic deodorants every year! *sigh*

Enter, Proverb Natural Refillable Deodorant with easy-to-swap inserts that can be reused again and again. Proverb only uses natural, organic and vegan ingredients in their skincare - this means you will not find aluminium, parabens, propylene glycol, petroleums, aerosol gases, alcohol or artificial fragrances in any of their products (which is good for you and much better for the environment). In fact, all of the ingredients in Proverb’s deodorant are edible! Now that is what I call food for the skin…

Proverb skincare is available to buy at www.proverbskin.com

SEABODY Skincare

All-Irish marine-powered cosmetic and nutraceutical brand SEABODY has the perfect range for a guilt-free beauty option for 2022. This biodesigned range of skincare will supply eco-conscious skincare lovers like me with sustainable and ethical health and beauty products.

Not only are the products vegan & cruelty free but they contain proprietary marine molecules that SEABODY has isolated from 100% Irish, organic seaweed using a gentle and zero-waste process. The company makes skincare and supplements that are environmentally conscious, all-Irish and deliver exceptional results - without harming the planet!

Hydrogel Mask Cleanser -100ml €40.00

A luxurious ultra-nourishing cleansing gel, enriched with multifunctional marine glycan complexes - Phytomara™, MaraFucoidan™ and μ-Algae™, squalene, niacinamide, Vitamin E and botanical lipids, Sea Buckthorn, Blackcurrant, Chamomile Flower and Blue Tansy. Feel refreshed and rejuvenated after use.

Glycan Enrich Moisturiser - €65.00

This supercharged ultra-rich moisturiser is powered by potent multi-functional marine glycans, including time release microencapsulated MaraFucoidan™, Alginic Acid, marine antioxidant Polyphenols and vegan Omegas. Boost the skin's moisture and protect from free radicals with this super moisturiser.

AquaSurge Day Serum - €50.00

A super-hydrating daily serum that plumps the skin with the use of marine powered hydration and hyaluronic acid to quench and give the skin a healthy dewy glow. This luxurious formula will have users looking and feeling great all day long.

Overnight Elixir Serum - €70.00

The ultimate overnight tonic for the skin. This lightweight hybrid serum is enriched with microencapsulated marine actives, MaraFucoidan™ and PhytoMara™, which neutralise free radicals, support dermal cell turnover and collagen & elastin production. This formula also contains Vitamins A & E, Phytosqualane, Hyaluronic Acid and an array of vegan lipids including Algal Omegas, Jojoba, Rosehip, Grapeseed, Blackcurrant and Sea Buckthorn Oil, delivering a facial-inspired bounty of skin actives overnight. This impressive serum will have you waking up with post facial skin every morning.

Supplements: 
MOVEMENT - 30 capsules €49.00 
SEABODY Movement contains Copper which contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues; Vitamin C which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones and cartilage; and Vitamin D which contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function 

 IMMUNITY - 30 capsules €49.00 

SEABODY Immunity contains Vitamin C and Zinc which supports the function of the immune system. Vitamin C also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. This boosting supplement also includes Biotin which contributes to a normal energy yielding metabolism, Manganese for the maintenance of normal bones and Copper to protect cells from oxidative stress. 

BEAUTY- €85.00

Designed to support the pathways of skin, nails and hair health, growth, and quality from within. Enriched in Sea Theory’s proprietary marine complex Maragen (obtained from algae) and key hair cell cycle micronutrients Biotin, Zinc, Selenium, L-Cysteine, Vitamin C and D to deliver a daily dose of vegan marine bioactives and nutrients to the hair follicle which support key pathways in the hair follicle involved in hair formation, growth, and quality. 

DIGESTION - €49.00 

SEABODY Digestion is biodesigned to support the digestive process while also containing Fucoidan, a powerful prebiotic. Fucoidan is associated with being the power behind seaweed’s strength, protecting it from various environmental stressors in the harsh ocean environment in which it flourishes. 

SEABODY is available to purchase from Seabody.com, Brown Thomas and Arnotts.



Pietro's Simone 'clean & ethical' skincare range FIERCE.

Fierce, by definition, refers to power, bravery, intensity, and measured results - and that is exactly what Pietro Simone’s new skincare range Fierce is!

We all know our skin can be problematic at times, and no matter what we do to it, it doesn’t seem to get re-hydrated, or glow, or quite rejuvenate like the way we envision or want it to. The Fierce collection looks at the skin as an individual, delivering astonishing results for a range of skin issues. It’s also sustainable and traceable which as you know are two big ticks for me!

Dewy Reboot

Pietro Simone knows skin and pushes skin’s REBOOT button with Dewy Reboot, in his new FIERCE collection. This multi-skilled serum has an advanced anti-pollutant skin shield technology that gives an intense epidermal reboot & renewal. With its 4 dimensional hyaluronic moisturising system, an ultra innovative VIT C structure with Gluthathione molecule and Collilda Gold- for a 100% stable and penetrable form of powerful stable vitamin C, and Gluthathione complex and skin barrier drone delivery system- it will wipe all your skin woes and give you radiant skin just as you want it. It is simply, where your skin’s needs are met with results!

Fierce Rescue Recover & Repair

Irritated, stressed, red skin needs a rescue formula that is quick enough to act as dialling 9-9-9-. Pietro Simone’s FIERCE-Rescue Recover & Repair aids skin instantly and is an extraordinary ally. This bio-gel recovery complex gives intense healing and comfort while balancing out an over-stressed and compromised epidermis.

Fierce Infusion

Pietro Simone’s FIERCE INFUSION targets redness and rosacea is a visionary, groundbreaking moisturising formula that contains a Skin Delivery System Technology, which delivers powerful bio-compatible ingredients to the skin barrier to rebuild and give skin microbiome optimisation.

Pure Kalahari Melon Facial Oil

Nêô Sephiri is a very exciting newcomer to the beauty scene. Founded following 10 years of extensive research, Nêô Sephiri means ‘a secret gift’ in Tswana, the language spoken on the organic-certified, South African farm where this oil is made.
Their first product launched was the Pure Kalahari Melon Facial Oil, a naturally powerful, ethical and traceable skincare that only contains one ingredient: Kalahari Melon oil.
Not only does this unique ingredient have remarkable skincare benefits but it also has extraordinary social impact potential to restore a community devastated by climate change. In fact, the brand was actually founded as a climate change intervention, meaning that sustainability really is at the foundation of their DNA.

Sugar Coated Waxing Pack

Wanting a salon-at-home vibe this year? For beauty lovers who like to remove hair, Sugar Coated's Waxing Pack is an easy-to-use solution made from just sugar syrup and water! 100% vegan, your choice of Wax, Pure Fine Talc & Soothing Mist offers a complete kit for beginners and experts alike.

SOS Serum Skincare Range

My skin always feels a little dry following winter which is no surprise with the constantly changing temperatures and harsh weather - so anything that promises to quench thirsty skin certainly merits my consideration! The award-winning range of SOS skincare, including the SOS Serum, H20 Day Cream and SPF 50 sun cream is full of soothing, healing, and moisturising properties making it the perfect choice for combatting the dull skin left by winter. It is also made in the UK, vegan and with ingredients so good, they are suitable for anyone aged over 1 month.

Solidamie

Solidamie products are highly concentrated, pH-balanced cleansing bars that are activated by water.
For those of you that have previously been skeptical of shampoo bars because of the perception that they don’t lather the same way as traditional shampoos - then this one is for you! I am obsessed with the beautifully-rich lather from these bars - which rivals any of the bottle shampoos that I have long been used to (whilst also being much more environmentally friendly!).
The bars contain salon-quality formulations and have zero soap content - meaning they won’t strip any natural oils from the hair strands.
Having products in a solid, concentrated bar form, enables the brand to reduce its water usage and carbon footprint.
And as if I couldn’t love this brand anymore - their commitment to protecting the planet and minimising the waste that ends up in our oceans means that all products are created are completely biodegradable and have no plastic in them.

Let’s Sanitise

The Covid-19 pandemic hit hard and fast and brought with it a whole new way of normal - including mask-wearing and hand sanitising - All. Of. The. Time.
If you’re like me and don’t particularly like the strong alcohol scent of most hand sanitisers, then the new ready-to-wear ‘Scent's’ range by Let’s Sanitise is for you.
With scents such as oud, watermelon, and citrus, the range comes in gel, mist, or lotion form - promising a whole sensory experience that suddenly makes the whole thing seem like less of a chore (or perhaps a more pleasurable one).
Also, with each bottle sold, Let’s Sanitise donate a bottle to community organisations, care homes, schools and charities.

Each bottle contains 75% alcohol (complying with WHO standards), is vegan friendly, and has been clinically proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. It also contains hydrating glycerol and soothing aloe vera, giving your hands a little extra luxury protection with each clean - what’s not to love?!

CARTIER DÉCLARATION
A luxuriously elegant scent, Déclaration is a true trail of passion led by an overdose of cardamom and locked up in a gorgeous streamlined bottle - a declaration of love.
After an electric and intoxicating burst of cardamom, cedarwood emerges with its unrivalled balance and plenitude. A beautiful addition to any bathroom shelf…

Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue
Inspired by the blue hues found in nature, this rich scent has notes of bergamot, Marine Accord, and Patchouli. The perfect gift for any special man in your life (or a gift to yourself -this is definitely not male-exclusive and I love to wear this scent myself!)

GOUTAL PARIS UNE FORÊT D’OR CANDLE
This limited-edition candle conjures up the moments spent walking in the forest, surrounded by nature. I had this lit all through the festive season and am still enjoying it now. A beautiful luxurious scent that feels like taking a trip down memory lane.
Notes: Pine Branches, Orange Rind. Also, the 100% cotton wick guarantees optimal burning of around 43 to 50 hours.

ONAIE
This female-powered brand was created by two sisters and offers a wide range of stylish handmade sheepskin slippers, including a vegan range. Paying homage to the sister’s heritage, ONAIE'S products are made by a team of highly skilled craftswomen in the Polish Highlands. With sustainability at the heart of the brand, the team continually work with its suppliers to ensure ongoing ethical, social and environmental compliance.

Dolores & Rose

Finding the perfect gift can be hard and it can be even harder if you’re looking for something sustainable, ethical, vegan and luxury!
Thankfully, ethical haircare brand, Dolores & Rose make buying the perfect gift much easier. As well as being vegan and cruelty-free, their products are handmade in Yorkshire and don’t contain any nasties such as sulphates and parabens.
Their shampoo bars make the perfect start on your plastic-free hair care journey with four different types to choose from:
Purify High combines the cleansing power of nettles with peppermint’s antimicrobial properties together to reduce scalp irritation and inflammation for energised, fabulously fresh hair.
Colour Lock nourishes colour treated hair, with rooibos tea which is rich in antioxidants known to promote hair growth and rosemary to revitalise, soften and condition the hair whilst lavender helps to improve shine and resilience.
Soothe and Shine is a refreshing and zesty shampoo bar with a wonderful citrus aroma, suitable for most hair types. Turmeric, lemon and lemongrass provide antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Give your hair some sparkle and shine this spring.
Moisture Hit is an intensely nourishing shampoo bar for hair that is thirsty! Geranium for strength, chamomile to soothe and calm and olive oil esters for that hit of moisture!  A rich, nutritious shampoo bar for healthy hair.
Blonde Brilliance for beautiful blondes, all year long. Featuring lavender essential oil and ultra-violet pigments to banish brassiness and maintain beautiful blonde tones in between salon visits.

 


FACE | NIMUE JOINS BEST IN CLASS FOR SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY & OFFERS REFILL SYSTEM

Gorgeous brand Nimue – which I have come to know and love over the past year - is one of very few skincare brands globally to offer a refill system (you’ll remember I wrote about another personal fave, Irish brand Skingredients, doing the same a few blogs back). This unique feature ensures that consumers only have to pay for Nimue’s elegant and premium packaging once and thereafter can save up to 30% on buying the refills. Not only good for your pocket but also much better for the environment.

This feature is currently available on Nimue’s top sellers: cleansers, conditioners, exfoliating enzyme, active lotion, and active gel.


Nimue Cleansing Gel - €43.00/£36.00, Refill - €31.00/£26.00

One of Nimue’s biggest sellers, the Cleansing Gel is a soap-free, 2-in-1 gel cleanser that gently removes dirt and debris, the glycolic acid provides a light exfoliation to cleanse pores and clear away dead skin cells. This impressive gel cleanser helps to reveal a more fresh, youthful, and radiant skin underneath.

Nimue Conditioner - €46.00/£38.00, Refill - €28.00/£34.00

This Glycolic Conditioner is a specially formulated skin treatment that stimulates exfoliation, refreshes, and clarifies the skin for a fresh, healthy appearance.

Nimue Exfoliating Enzyme - €49.00/£41.00, Refill - €38.00/£32.00

An enzymatic exfoliator that is non-irritating and non-abrasive, gently removing dead skin cells and promoting cell renewal. The results are impressive, and skin is left smooth and clean without any dryness. The effect is just as polished as with a conventional exfoliator – if not more so – without the irritation. Ideal for those with uneven or congested skin, it gently tackles all those lumps, bumps, and whiteheads. Sensitive skins who don’t get on with scrubs should also find it more than tolerable, and it can be used up to three times a week.

 

Active Lotion - €47.00/£56.00, Refill - €36.00/£43.00 

A concentrated rejuvenating treatment that stimulates cell renewal through exfoliation, resulting in softer, smoother skin with a youthful, radiant glow.

 

FACE: VEGANUARY BEAUTY

Why not show yourself some love while sharing the love for the planet too? This week we’ve compiled a list of our favourite eco-friendly products for you to try out this Veganuary.

Dermalogica 

The choices we make every day are directly linked to our planet’s health. As a global brand Dermalogica are acutely aware of the impact that our actions can have on the environment, and so they are committed to an ambitious new Healthy Skin, Healthy Planet initiative.  

All but 3 of Dermalogica products are cruelty-free + certified vegan so why not introduce some into your January self-care routine like Dynamic Skin Recovery spf50 (€79/ £69) 

Broad Spectrum moisturiser helps combat the appearance of skin ageing. Help minimise the appearance of skin ageing with this medium-weight, emollient daily moisturiser with Broad Spectrum SPF50. Antioxidant White Tea, rich in polyphenols, and a unique polypeptide help improve the appearance of photoaged skin. Active sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB rays. 

This Works  

This Works have a conscience as clean as their formulas. All of our products contain 100% natural fragrances, 100% pure essential oils and are free from phthalates, sulphates, GMOs, petrolatum and synthetic colours. They also have a 100% cruelty free PETA accreditation and 83% of their products are vegan. 100% of our boxes are fully recyclable, compostable and biodegradable. 

Why not introduce their amazing sleep plus pillow spray 50ml (RRP €/29 £23) into your January routine?  

By encouraging the body to unwind and promoting a state of deep relaxation sleep plus pillow spray eases users to sleep, whilst our Sleep fragrance is gradually released via motion activated technology through the night, offering immediate and sustained relief to those who toss and turn and helping to reintroduce a normal sleep pattern. 
 

Jordan Oral Care Green Clean Range  

Green Clean is all about helping people make green choices, without compromising on effect. This year we want to celebrate all the small changes people do for the environment, and highlight all the little things that might seem small on their own, but together make a difference.  

Since Jordan introduced their sustainability initiative, Green Clean, starting with just one toothbrush Adult Toothbrush (€3.75/£2.67), Jordan has developed and expanded the range to include the Green Clean Cavity Protection and Gentle Whitening Toothpaste (€3.75/£2.67) and a child friendly line Green Clean Kids Toothbrush (€3.75/£2.67) & Green Clean Kids (0-5) and Junior 6+ Toothpaste (€3.75/£2.67), to take care of your teeth and the environment.  In 2022 they build on this with the introduction of their newest launch the Baby (0-2) Green Clean toothbrush.  

NOTE Cosmetique 

If there's one thing, we love even more than makeup it’s vegan makeup! All NOTE Cosmetique products are 100% Vegan Friendly meaning they contain zero animal produce.  

If Cruelty Free / vegan beauty is as important to you as it is us, you can rest assured that NOTE has you covered from flawless foundations to luscious lips!  

Note Detox & Protect Foundation (€13.95) provides SPF15 sun protection and nourishes the skin with powerful anti-oxidants to protect from environmental stress. It is one of the best friends your face can have! Sweet almond oil provides moisture. Achieve the perfect face using this medium to full coverage formula with a satin finish. This luxurious product rival's foundation costing many times more. Packed with Vitamin E that works as an effective defense against environmental stress. 

SEABODY 

For the month of January, hundreds of thousands of people around the world adopt a vegan lifestyle as a way of protecting the environment, preventing animal suffering, and improving general health. SEABODY is an 100% plant-based brand - with every one of its products being free of animal products, cruelty free and sustainably biodesigned. As sustainable and natural beauty is the core to everything SEABODY does. 
SEABODY skincare ranges from €40-70 and offers a Hydrogel Mask Cleanser, Glycan Enrich Moisturiser, Aquasurge Day Serum and Overnight Elixir Serum. Try the nutritious supplements as well that help Immunity, Movement, Digestion and Beauty from €49-€80.  

wet n wild® 

Not only do wet n wild® have a fabulous range of affordable make-up but they also pride themselves on being 100% cruelty free! wet n wild® believe in beauty without cruelty first and have made it their mission from day one to never test on animals. Most of their products are not only cruelty-free, but vegan as well, and who doesn’t want ultra-glam make-up from a brand that also ensure they are doing the right thing from day one.  

10-Pan Shadow Palette - Heart & Sol (RRP: €6.99) 

Live your best life in color! This Color Icon 10-Pan Palette features an improved, richly pigmented and buttery-smooth vegan formula in matte, satin, shimmer, and metallic finishes. This specially curated palette is perfect for achieving the look of your dreams whether it's naturally soft or jaw-droppingly bold. Each shade is buttery soft for seamless blendability and easy layering. Usable both wet and dry, it's easy to create a true rainbow of creative effects that leave you looking and feeling like a true 10/10

Emerald Farm® 

Emerald Farm® are bringing you their natural CBD products that are carefully blended with Vitamins and other ingredients that can contribute to your overall health. Their three core products are Relax, Boost, and Original and with these, they aim to bring you on a wellness journey and provide you with the necessary nutrients your body may need. The crop is grown and hand-picked locally in county Wicklow, dried on-site within 24 hours and then cold-pressed, allowing the crop to retain a majority of its nutrients and keeping nutrition simple.  

You can find Emerald Farm in Boots stores nationwide or on www.emeraldfarm.ie  

Boost (RRP: €37) 

A blended CBD oil containing Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Turmeric, Ginger and the taste of Orange. These multivitamins are added benefits for your immune system. Vitamin D will help protect your bones and teeth health, whilst Vitamin C can help reduce tiredness and fatigue. 

Skingredients 
Skingredients innovative new refill system reduces the amount of plastic used which means that Skingredients skincare is now housed in brand-new refillable and recyclable inner tubes, which maintain the efficacy of each formula’s rock star ingredients. The refills snugly slot inside the protective outer tubes for skin results galore.  The new reusable and durable outer tubes protect the integrity of the formulas found within, while serving your skin the skincare it needs to function at its best. They're your tubes for life!  

The Skingredients Key 4 range is comprised of four products that everyone can (and should) be using for a balanced skin diet and that form the basis of any Skingredients recipe. With a nourishing cleanser, hyaluronic acid pre-serum, pro-ageing vitamin A + C serum, and broad-spectrum SPF, together they promise to help protect, nourish and maintain the skin. 
 

  • PreProbiotic Cleanse (Primary Pack €29 / Refill €26) is our nourishing + balancing cleanser that’ll lift away makeup, sebum, pollutant particles + SPF to reveal a blank canvas that’s ready for the skincare that follows.  

  • Skin Veg (Primary Pack €55 / Refill €49 is your skin’s super juice that’s powered by hyaluronic acid to hydrate, a pro-collagen peptide to diminish the appearance of fine lines + wrinkles, and fruit, veg + botanical extracts galore for antioxidant protection.  

  • Skin Protein (Primary Pack €55 / Refill €49) is your pro-ageing vitamin A, C + E serum that’ll speed up cell renewal and encourage the skin to exfoliate itself for a smoother, tighter + brighter appearance.  

  • Skin Shield SPF 50 PA+++ (Primary Pack €55 / Refill €49) is your skin’s invisible parasol that’ll protect against UVA + UVB rays, blue light, infrared and pollution, while leaving a peachy glow without camera flashback.  

Shop now at skingredients.com