It’s usually around this time of year that I reassess my skincare routine and switch to slightly richer moisturisers. When the weather gets colder I find that my skin needs more nourishment. Although the temperature has been fluctuating a lot lately, it won’t be long before the cold sets in for Winter. Ensuring my skin is protected is essential, especially when I’m out running. Luckily, I’ve been introduced to three amazing skincare brands recently – all cruelty-free and vegan.
When I became vegan almost a year ago I still had a lot of beauty products that were not vegan. Rather than throw them all away (which would have been very wasteful and not environmentally friendly) I decided to use them up and then find vegan alternatives for future use. I’ve actually found that harder than avoiding the pitfalls in my diet. It seems there is less transparency when it comes to beauty products, something that I hope will soon change. These three brands that have become my October beauty favourites are all proudly cruelty-free and vegan.
When it comes to green credentials they don’t come any better than RosehipPLUS, which is certified organic, free from pesticides, bleaching, colouring and fragrances. Plus, it’s endorsed by PETA. RosehipPLUS is a family business based in Sydney. All of their products are made in Australia with rosehips sourced from the Andes mountain range in Southern Chile. Rosehip Oil is a fruit oil extracted from the seeds of the Rosehip, an amber berry-like fruit that grows wild on rosehip bushes and is left behind after the rose has flowered and dropped its petals.
The oil in RosehipPLUS products is cold pressed using a chemical-free and heat-free process with a screw-driven machine or press. This process ensures that the Rosehip oil retains the potent antioxidants and essential fatty acids that may otherwise be lost or reduced during a chemical extraction process. The oil is rich in naturally occurring vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that are very beneficial for the skin. These include Vitamin A (Retinol) and Vitamin C, essential fatty acids Omega-3, 6 and 9, as well as Lycopene and Beta-Carotene to help keep skin hydrated and moisturised.
I tried the RosehipPLUS Organic Daily Cream Cleanser and Hydrating Day Cream from the range and my skin loved it. The cleanser contains a blend of Rosehip, Jojoba and Sea Buckthorn essential oils to help maintain the skin’s perfect moisture balance. It’s a more fluid consistency than my go-to Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish cleanser. But this means it lasts longer, while still doing a great job of cleansing my skin. (I stuck to my usual routine of removing my makeup with a micellar water first).
I adore the smell of the RosehipPLUS cleanser; it has the most gorgeous, natural fragrance. After using it my skin feels clean, hydrated and refreshed. Priced at £18.50 150ml, I think this is fantastic value for money and I will definitely buy another one when this one runs out.
Alongside the cleanser, I also used the Hydrating Day Cream. This a lovely creamy fluid consistency that sinks into the skin leaving it soft and smooth. The blend of Rosehip, chamomile, avocado and rose geranium oils soothe and nourish the skin. It’s ideal for all skin types, even sensitive. For optimum results it’s recommended that you massage two drops of RosehipPLUS Rosehip oil onto the skin before moisturising. I plan to buy some for an added moisture boost over Winter. On its own though, it worked fine for me during the mild Autumn. There is also a Nourishing Night Cream which I plan on buying to complete the set. The Day Cream is £23.50 for 75ml, and the Night Cream around £19 for a 50ml pump.
Skinirvana Beauty Oil
A good quality face oil is one of my Winter skincare essentials. When my skin starts to suffer the effects of the cold weather, massaging in a few drops of oil at night helps to keep it supple and plumped up. Skinirvana Beauty Oil has become my go-to facial oil. The company’s founder Mary-Rose Lobo suffered from eczema and rosacea in her twenties. After a bad reaction to a commercial skincare brand, Mary-Rose started creating face oil blends for herself and friends. She went on to open a facial salon in South East London in 2014.
There are two formulations – original and delicate. I chose the original version as I don’t have particularly sensitive skin. The first thing that struck me when I used it was the fragrance…it smells divine. I love to warm the oil in my hands and breathe it in before massaging it into my skin. I’m sure it helps me to relax and therefore sleep better at night.
The oil is formulated to be used in place of a daily moisturiser for morning and evening application, without the need for any additional products. However, I decided to only use it at night as my skin does tend to become a little oily during the day. (I staggered the use of the three brands I’m featuring in this post to ensure a fair and accurate review). My skin drinks it in and feels soft and nourished. When I wake up I somehow look more rested than when I don’t use it.
The trio of ‘wonder oils’ (Juniperberry, Neroli and Rose) in SKINIRVANA Pure Bliss Original formula, combine to detox, rebalance and rehydrate the skin. This luxurious beauty oil works to regenerate the skin and heal any damage from exposure to environmental toxins, as well as the natural ageing process. The sensitive version is suitable for pregnant ladies, nursing mothers and children over 6 months. Both are priced at £45 for 30ml.
The oil arrived with a lovely card and a vegan chocolate which was a wonderful surprise. I’d been saving the chocolate as a treat and had left it on my dressing table for a couple of weeks. One day it mysteriously disappeared…all that was left was the foil wrapper. I knew straight away who the culprit was ( a certain small person!) who confessed to taking a bite and leaving half of it in her bedroom. I’m happy to admit without an iota of shame that I found the nibbled choccy and ate it. Despite being half-eaten it was delicious. Note to self: always hide the vegan chocolates!
Recently I’d been neglecting the serum stage in my skincare regime, so I was delighted to receive a new one to try. Skin Harmony Estriol Face Serum is formulated in a rose water and Aloe Vera base to tone, refresh and hydrate the skin. It contains powerful ingredients as well as nourishing essential oils (like Meadowfoam and Sunflower seed oils), plus botanical extracts (like Cranberry Fruit and Lemon Peel Extract) to protect and condition the skin.
Skin Harmony Estriol Face Serum is vegan, free from parabens, phthalates and gluten, and is not tested on animals. The consistency is quite thin, not like most other serums I’ve tried. It sinks in instantly and leaves no residue. I’ve been using the serum both mornings and evenings. I have to admit that I wasn’t sure if it was having an effect on my skin at first, but after about a week I started to see an improvement in firmness, texture and tone.
This last week has been a test for my complexion as I’ve been severely sleep-deprived. Even on only five hours sleep my skin has looked remarkably good, and I’m convinced I have this serum to thank for that. It’s not too expensive at $49.99 for a 50ml pump. I would definitely consider purchasing another one.
Disclaimer: I was gifted these items in exchange for a review. All words and opinions are my own.
I love oil skin care. I use them nonstop in winter for my dry skin. Thank you for introducing this brand to me .
http://www.chez-rama.com
It’s fab when you find a cream or serum that actually gives you results. Hope you catch up on some sleep soon Emma xx
https://www.passionfruitpawsandpeonies.com
I’m always happy to get first hand product endorsements, Emma. Thank you for letting us know about Skin Harmony. If the chocolate was in my house–I would have been the culprit–ha!
Great review. I like that the products are not tested on the animals. Funny chocolate story. o)