Today’s post will be about the sore point again)) I often observe a disdainful expression on the face when it comes to natural cosmetics and the claims sound about the same: “Natural? But there are only oils, what can they do to the skin?” “Oh, all the organics have such a terrible design!” “Well, what should we take from organics? Not Chanel/Dior/Armani!” “I need something stronger than natural cosmetics, I tried (God forgive me, Agafya, etc.) and I didn’t like it at all!” I love beautiful design, but for me, the composition and effectiveness of the product are primarily important. Yes, many natural brands have a rather unprepossessing or minimalistic design, simple packaging, this is usually a consequence of choosing a material that is more environmentally friendly or simply made from recycled materials. In defense of natural cosmetics, I will also say that some brands grew out of small family businesses, which means they are still simply looking for “their” design.
For example, the famous brand Acure Organics has been shining with a bright and thoughtful design only in the last year; the previous packaging of my favorite cleansing cream was completely discreet.
However, especially for those who are looking for Chanel and Dior in a natural/organic environment, I have prepared a list of truly luxury brands whose compositions and designs are at the highest level, and many reviews have been written about their effectiveness. By the way, luxury natural cosmetics stores have now begun to appear, so far only abroad, but I hope that something similar will appear here too. In this article I will analyze only skincare cosmetics; there will be a separate part about decorative cosmetics. Go!
Of course,
May Lindstrom
May Lindstrom is a model who has created her own line of skincare products with incredibly pure ingredients. All means, according to May herself, bloggers and ordinary buyers, are very effective. The products contain organic base oils that were collected from the wild, essential oils (May does not use fragrances), natural clays, and honey. All formulas were developed by May herself, and initially she made these products for herself, then for friends, and then it turned into creating her own cosmetic line. By the way, May takes care of herself with the help of her cosmetics) In order to achieve maximum benefits in her products, she buys ingredients fresh from small suppliers who work directly with farms from all over the world. Despite the fact that May Lindstrom products can be purchased in large “green” online stores, all cosmetics are still made by hand in the owner’s small studio. She believes that skin care doesn't have to be complicated, and that our skin can heal itself, we just need to give it this opportunity.
“Most of my clients come in with skin that is simply exhausted, has lost its radiance and is dull. Depending on the product, we teach the skin to regulate moisture levels, get rid of acne, and work wonders on wrinkles and spots. We must understand that miracles begin when we observe the natural rhythm of our skin and allow it to take care of us inside and out. “
I like May's philosophy; I believe that the more we act on the skin, the more we can injure it rather than help it. I already talked about how I don’t think it’s necessary to wash my face with a cleanser in the morning and evening, and I do it only in the evening, and in the morning I just wipe my face with toner or hydrosol. Now I'm more inclined to believe that even the gentlest cleanser may not be all that good for the lipid barrier, which is why my immediate plans are to test a waterless method of washing, with an oil balm and a muslin/bamboo cloth. By the way, about tonics and hydrosols, only one product in the May line contains water - this is The Jasmine Garden , which contains witch hazel, silver, jasmine absolute, jasmine extract, rose oil, caprylic triglyceride, ylang-ylang and vanilla essential oils , and cocoa butter. Pay attention to where jasmine absolute is located, and this is one of the most expensive essential oils! I would say that the composition is actually luxury. Prices for May cosmetics, as befits a premium product, are very expensive, especially considering the current exchange rate. From 60 to 160 dollars. However, almost every product becomes a bestseller. In fact, there are not many products in the line, so I would like to tell you more about them.
- Concentrated balm The Blue Cocoon with an unusual blue color, which is given by blue chamomile essential oil. Gives very strong hydration and soothing to the skin, it contains many exotic oils - camellia, yangu, marula, baobab, boswellia, etc. May advises using it for people with sensitive, irritated skin, as well as for mixing with mineral powder to create tone, or as a primer.
- The Honey Mud is a cleanser based on honey, white halloysite clay, witch hazel extract and various oils, including such expensive ones as vanilla, boswellia and myrtle.
- The Clean Dirt is a mixture of the same halloysite, Moroccan ghassoul, salts, vitamin C, baking soda (!), marshmallow root (link), calendula and rose flowers, and incredible spices - cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, turmeric, ginger, beans vanilla and cocoa! And all this beauty is organic. Many people note incredible smoothness, clean pores and even skin tone.
- The Problem Solver - the composition is almost the same as Clean Dirt, but it also adds cloth clay, which has the ability to incredibly absorb fats, and therefore thoroughly clean out pores, much better than ordinary kaolin clays.
- Another bestseller is The Youth Dew - a serum that contains the best oils for the skin - avocado, meadowfoam oil (which Olesya Mustaeva also uses), jojoba, olive, plum seed, rosehip, sea buckthorn, pomegranate, tamanu, borage oil , kukui nut, evening primrose and essential oils of geranium, grapefruit, orange, lemon, rose absolute and essential oil of Bulgarian rose, neroli, carrot and coenzyme Q10. An incredible combination! All oils are famous for their incredibly nourishing effect on the skin, they soothe, give elasticity, and even out the tone. This serum contains all the oils that I would like to try)) The bottle of the product is small, but May claims that it is so rich that literally a couple of drops will be enough to moisturize your entire face.
- The latest product in the May Lindstrom line is The Good Stuff , a body oil elixir that contains the same base oils as the previous product, minus the exotic ones, and a touch of mica to add a subtle glow to the skin. At first glance it may seem - what is this money for? But I believe that real organic oils can really work wonders on our skin, because they are very close in composition to sebum, which means they are not perceived as foreign to the skin. In addition, jasmine, vanilla and rose absolutes are some of the most expensive, and now add the fact that they are organic and of high quality, the price will increase before your eyes, but so will the benefits! I believe that essential oils are one of nature’s most valuable gifts, but finding high-quality essential oils today is really a problem. May has created a gorgeous, truly luxury product, and I hope that I will be lucky enough to try it))
I also have a short video for you with May, where she talks about her line
And look at this awesome video with instructions for using the products!
Victoria's Secret
At the end of the eighties of the last century, the collection of luxury perfumes was replenished with chic scents from the American fashion house Victoria's Secret, specializing in lingerie. The first perfume bore the symbolic name Victoria; today the perfume line of the famous fashion house includes more than two hundred scents.
The best creations of the famous lingerie brand:
- Victoria's Secret Scandalous - an exotic blend of praline, raspberry and black peony;
- Victoria's Secret Crush – an invigorating perfume of pink pepper and enchanting peony;
- Victoria's Secret Incredible Daring - the perfect combination of white musk, freesia and African orange blossom;
- Victoria's Secret Night - a glamorous bouquet of plum, vanilla orchid and tonka bean;
- Victoria's Secret Very Sexy is a provocative and seductive perfume with black blackberries and juicy clementine.
Kypris
Another popular brand today, created by a girl named Chase Polan .
In addition to the premium focus, Kypris position their products as cosmeceuticals, which means that specialists work on the formulas, and the ingredients have undergone clinical trials. “All of our products are made from ingredients that have been clinically tested by chemists with more combined experience than I am,” Chase says in an interview.
One of the main goals of Kypris is to create a superior texture, a pleasant feel and, of course, ease of application, they are targeting those customers who are switching from traditional brands to “green”. And indeed, buying a beauty elixir for $225 and comparing it with ordinary luxury cosmetics, I would really like to at least see a pleasant texture and feel a pleasant aroma, and of course, see the result) By the way, all Kypris products are aimed at anti-age action , while Chace has a very interesting view of the aging process itself.
“The popular idea that youth is somehow better or preferable to (old age) is useless and has nothing to do with beauty. We at Kypris refuse to be part of this craze for youth.”
This idea is very close to me - taking care of yourself, aging gracefully, without trying to be forever young. Despite the fact that I am only 25, and I often hear that as I get older I will be ready to do anything to maintain my youth, I still believe that my position will be the same at 40 and at 50.) But this is a separate topic for post))) I just want to say that you should learn to accept yourself as you are (which does not at all negate self-care, but even vice versa), live in harmony with your inner world, then beauty will not be equal to youth, but to old age - the end of the world)) All Kypris care products contain the most effective components, such as coenzyme Q10, Vitamin C and vitamin E. According to Chase, all elixirs are certified by the manufacturer CoQ10, as meeting the gold standard in the medical community.
The ingredients for Kypris cosmetics are also collected in wild places, produced on small farms, and laboratory components are synthesized in compliance with “green” standards. Chace is also close to the concept that we should give our skin everything it needs as much as possible, while helping it restore its functions. Prices range from $62 to $225 for elixirs and serums.
I suggest you also watch the interview with the charming Chace
Chanel
The click of heels, the rustle of a little black dress, what should a luxurious woman smell like? The answer is obvious: the best luxury perfumes of the Chanel brand need no introduction. The magnetic appeal of unvulgar, feminine scents originates from the creation of the legendary classic Chanel No. 5. And although the brand’s perfume history goes back to the distant 1921, the unique collection is constantly updated with new fashionable scents that “keep up with the times”:
- Bleu de chanel is a rich, truly masculine composition that emphasizes self-confidence;
- Gabrielle chanel is a warm and seductive perfume for women;
- Paris – riviera – a delicate fusion of citrus and white flowers;
- Coco Mademoiselle is a rich and bold aroma with a barely noticeable bitterness;
- Les Exclusifs de Chanel Gardenia is a complex and multifaceted floral perfume;
- Chanel Chance Eau Tendre is delicate and romantic, one of the most recognized fragrances;
- Chanel Cristalle Eau Verte - an elegant scent of night freshness, emphasizing style and elegance;
- Chanel N19 is a sophisticated and beautiful perfume created during the lifetime of Coco Chanel herself.
Osmia Organics
The creator of this brand Sarah Villafranco , no matter how surprising it may sound, before working on Osmia she had nothing to do with creating cosmetics, she was an emergency room doctor! One day, after taking a soap-making course, she became so carried away by the process that she subsequently decided to quit her job and start her own business. Surprisingly, Sarah also believes that our body's abilities are truly enormous, and we underestimate the power of self-healing.
Like Mae Lindstrom, Sarah works with small ingredient farms.
They have been on the cosmetic market since 2012. It’s interesting that Osmia cares not only about the ingredients, but also about the packaging; everything from the bottles to the boxes in which the order is placed is degradable or recyclable (the plastic used by the company decomposes in 7-10 years, yes, it’s still a lot, but already a big step towards completely eco-friendly packaging). Prices for cosmetics range from $23 to $135, almost all products have samples costing about $5, as well as full-size facial care sets. Beautiful video about Osmia Organics bath salts
Lacoste
Another representative of luxury perfumery from the creator of iconic casual wear with his famous emblem - a small green crocodile. The first appearance on the perfume market took place at the end of the last century. Moreover, the debut was dedicated to men, and the women's line started a little later. The first perfume collections were youth-oriented, but already at the beginning of the two thousandth there was a natural expansion, after which feminine notes appeared.
The most popular perfume of the brand:
- Lacoste Pour Femme Intense - an original combination of sweet caramel, delicate rose and Himalayan cedar;
- Lacoste Pour Femme - a touching perfume with woody and floral notes;
- Lacoste Eau De Lacoste Sensuelle - a mysterious and flirtatious aroma of piquant pink pepper and black currant;
- Lacoste Eau De L.12.12 Pour Elle Sparkling - a cheerful scent of tangerine and blackberry, seasoned with notes of French cakes and cotton candy;
- Lacoste Inspiration - a romantic and delicate perfume with jasmine and iris;
- Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Pour Elle Magnetic - a magical aroma of clementine, orange and mango.
Tata Harper
Tata Harper Skincare
Perhaps the only “green” brand that can be found in Vogue. American giants of natural cosmetics. It’s funny that Tattoo Harper , like me, was concerned about the effectiveness of natural cosmetics, and was upset by the words of those who formed their opinion about eco-cosmetics based on a couple of unsuccessful mass-market products. Tata assures that natural cosmetics are just as effective if they contain high-quality active ingredients and are formulated correctly. Tata carefully selects the ingredients for its products, combining scientific developments with oils and extracts. When talking about scientific developments, I mean the various enzymes and antioxidants used in the brand’s serums and creams. I am especially impressed by the fact that the origin of the product is often stated (“made from wheat”, etc.). Also under the composition you can see the percentage of organic and natural ingredients and active substances. I haven't seen this with any company. However, I cannot help but mention something that causes me doubts - the preservative.
Benzyl benzoate is used as a preservative. At EWG it scores a frightening 6 points, however, as I was able to find out, in general everything is not so bad, but a little unclear)) The fact is that benzyl benzoate is a very powerful tool in the fight against various skin diseases caused by parasites and fungi (pediculosis , demodicosis, lichen and seborrhea). This is very good, since, for example, demodicosis is often a consequence of the use of cosmetics with insufficient preservation. Simply put, such “super natural” cosmetics will make your skin worse. There is enough information on the Internet about the fight against demodicosis and the consequences of using cosmetics without the appropriate percentage of preservatives. In this case, I will choose the lesser evil and benzyl benzoate) However, this component can potentially imitate estrogens, which will lead to hormonal imbalance. Other serious side effects of this substance include convulsions and sudden loss of consciousness, these are typical in overdose, which is most likely unlikely when used as a preservative (however, if the skin is damaged, the probability of penetration of the substance is higher). Benzyl benzoate can also provoke various allergic reactions. Despite the negative effects of benzyl benzoate, it is used by brands such as Dr.Hauschka, Weleda, Jason. It is also worth noting that benzyl benzoate is contained in cinnamon essential oil (up to 3%), and is also often used in perfumes. In general, with the appropriate dosage, it’s okay, however, many fears about this component have not been confirmed or refuted by chemists, so everyone decides for themselves whether to avoid it or not, I haven’t decided yet) By the way, there’s still a big question, which is worse - the notorious phenoxyethanol, which is found very often in natural cosmetics, or benzyl benzoate. Tata Harper, for example, considers phenoxyethanol a great evil. Speaking about this brand, it is worth noting that prices correspond to the luxury segment - from $40 to $365 per product. A facial care kit with full-size products will cost you $600.
I suggest you watch the interview of Melissa Lenberg, creator of the online store CitrineBeauty, with Tata Harper. Pay attention to Elixir Vitae, according to Tata, its effect is comparable to Botox!
There is a whole playlist with short interviews with Tata.
As a bonus, watch the video presentation of Tata Harper cosmetics, very beautifully shot.
Tata Harper Introduces the Open Lab & Traceability Program from Tata Harper on Vimeo.
Lotus Wei
Lotus Wei specialize in essences of various flowers and herbs. Perhaps this is the most extraordinary company among all mentioned here. What are flower essences and how do they differ from flower hydrosol waters? The Lotus Wei philosophy is based on Bach's flower essences. Flowers are handpicked from wild habitats, the buds are cut off and placed in a container of clean spring water, with the petals above the water, and then the bowl is placed in the sun for at least a couple of hours. The result is an essence-concentrate, which is diluted with clean water and taken orally a couple of drops, and also sprayed around oneself and on the face. Alcohol is used as a preservative for essences. Fans of flower concentrates believe that they regulate the psycho-emotional state and are able to change the energy around a person. The use of Bach essences is very common among homeopaths and aromatherapists, and although there is no reliable scientific research on the effectiveness of such treatment, many people who have tried this method report significant improvements in their emotional state and overall health. Essences differ from hydrolates and infusions in that during their production there is no heat treatment and no alcohol is involved (only as a preservative); whole buds are used, not petals.
The Lotus Wei collection includes elixirs, serums, mists, perfumes and essential oil mixtures. All of them are distributed by mood (you can choose by smell, or by the area you want to adjust): Joy Juice, Infinite Love, Radiant Energy, Inner Peace, Quiet Mind and inspiration (Inspired Action). To enhance energetic vibrations, the water used to prepare the essences is “enriched” with tourmaline. It is believed that natural stones, like flowers, can eliminate negative energy and influence a person’s aura and health. Prices for Lotus Wei products range from $35 to $125 (set of elixir, mist and serum).
In this video you can learn more about the philosophy of Katie Hess and the impact of Lotus Wei products on human health
A short video about Katie's essences
Suki
For some reason, I always thought that this was a Japanese brand) The creator of the company, Suki Kramer , decided to develop her own products in 2002 after she tried many products from the natural and non-natural sphere, and nothing helped her in the fight against eczema and skin sensitivity . She is very sensitive about any synthetic ingredients in her products, which is why they are no longer sold at Whole Foods. According to Suki, Whole Foods became more lenient on ingredients such as stabilizers, thickeners, and preservatives, and their marketing policies became more stringent (for example, they could claim that the effectiveness of a product was confirmed by clinical studies, while no such studies had been conducted ). In addition, Whole Foods began to interfere with the way small companies, including Suki Skincare, position themselves, forcing them not only to adjust their ideals and philosophies, but also their formulations in accordance with their views and only with their approval. Suki Kramer stuck to her guns and ended her relationship with Whole Foods. Such integrity commands respect.
For me, an indicator of a company's honesty is the indication of the origin of the ingredients, and especially the indication of the preservative. So Suki is okay with this; alcohol is used as a preservative, and not just alcohol, but denatured lavender essential oil! Another advantage of Suki is that their products do not contain water; the first place in their creams is Provençal rose concentrate. The company’s pricing policy, despite the premium segment, is quite acceptable, especially in comparison with those mentioned above, from $27 to $164 per product. By the way, Suki Kramer repeatedly emphasizes that the brand’s products are cosmeceuticals, and their effectiveness has been repeatedly confirmed by clinical studies. And of course, I can’t help but mention that Suki Skincare is sold on Iherb, which personally makes me very happy, because all the other brands mentioned in this post are not so easy to find in stores with delivery to Russia.
A short interview with the creator of the brand
Guerlain
Introducing an old brand of luxury perfumes. The first perfume under the Guerlain brand was released in 1830, created by the French perfumer, founder of the legendary company Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain. After the sensation created, individual fragrances that were created to order began to enjoy enormous popularity. In those days, aristocrats and royalty enjoyed Guerlain's art of perfumery.
But Pierre has long been gone, his business was inherited from generation to generation along the family line. And only recently the perfume brand came under the control of LVMH, although for several years after that the company continued to be supervised by the grandson of the famous perfumer.
Today, many fragrances can be found under the Garlen brand, and “exclusive” collections can be purchased only in selected boutiques. The most popular perfumes:
- Guerlain Shalimar Parfum Initial – chypre floral scent with musk and caramel;
- Shalimar Initial L'Eau - a transparent and romantic combination of grapefruit and damask rose;
- Aqua Allegoria Teazzurra - a fresh scent of summer coolness, combining the aroma of green tea with chamomile with lemon and vanilla;
- Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca - ideal for young ladies with clover, mint and cyclomen;
- Shalimar Souffle de Parfum is a sweet scent of a traditional oriental fragrance.
Kahina Giving Beauty
Brand with a taste of the East. The founder, Katharine L'Heureux , was inspired by a trip to Morocco, where she first learned about argan oil and was impressed by the results of its use. Catherine was struck by the poverty of the Moroccan women involved in the preparation of the world's most expensive vegetable oil. Since the creation of the brand, Katherine has considered it her duty to help (they donate 25% of income) to needy women in the countries where the raw materials for Kahina cosmetics are sourced. By the way, the brand is named after the Berber queen, and the packaging of the products contains the signatures of those women whom Katherine met on her travels. Kahina Giving Beauty is certified by Ecocert and is not tested on animals. The formulations are extremely pure, the components score 1-3 points on the EWG. Soaps, serums and creams - in all products, organic argan oil is in the first position, which, of course, affects the price. The most inexpensive is soap, it will cost you $18, suitable for all skin types, as well as for hands, body and face. The most expensive of the face creams, night cream, costs about $105. What makes me especially happy is that you can order a sample set of facial products for $20, which includes everything from cleansing to masks. Organic argan oil without additives, depending on the volume (30-100ml) will cost $36-82.
Speaking about the quality of argan oil, Katherine mentions the process of its processing and one very interesting detail: the argan fruit resembles olives; inside the pulp there are 2-3 nuts in a very hard shell, from which the oil is extracted. The shell of the nuts is so hard that it takes a lot of effort to extract the oily kernel. This, as you understand, is costly for the manufacturer. Therefore, there is another way to get kernels without the shell - feed the fruits to a goat. Yes, yes, exactly a goat. Nuts that have undergone this “processing” do not have a hard shell and are cheaper. The smell of oil produced from such raw materials is appropriate. It turns out that argan oil does not have any “specific aroma”? It is difficult for me to answer this question, based on the opinion of one person, I can only say that the oil from Spivak that I used did not smell of anything other than nuts, but Aura Cacia argan, judging by the reviews, does not have a very pleasant aroma. I think this issue is worth exploring further.
Interview with Katharine L'Heureux talking about Kahina Giving Beauty
The brand also has a YouTube channel
Givenchy
An aristocratic brand of the oldest fashion house of a talented couturier from France, a descendant of the noble family of Hubert le Givenchy, whose first store was opened in the middle of the last century. The history of perfumery began in 1957; from this year, fans of democratic luxury and liberated elegance were able to enjoy the aroma of the master's first perfume, L'Interdite. The couturier himself considered the creation of a perfume line a natural and necessary step. Only an elegant perfume can complete the look.
Over the entire history of the brand, more than two hundred perfumes have been released under the Givenchy logo. Many of them are still popular today:
- Ange Ou Demon Le Secret Elixir is a romantic and daring women's fragrance;
- Songe Precieux - an original combination of jasmine and citrus fruits;
- Dahlia Divin – warm scent of mimosa and vanilla;
- Pour Homme Blue Label is a strong and confident masculine scent;
- Play Sport - a refreshing perfume with notes of mint and lemon;
- Xeryus Rouge is a masculine scent with an oriental flavor.
Mun
MUN skincare
A company also related to Morocco. Makeup artist Munemi Imai went on a trip to Morocco in search of natural raw materials after becoming interested in the whole “green” topic. On the plane to New York she met Anas Saidi , and they exchanged contacts. From the trip, Munemi brought with her oil, which miraculously transformed her face, however, the inscription was in Arabic, and Munemi turned to Anas for help. And so a company called MUN was born, and the main ingredient in the products was prickly pear seed oil. Now the company has only 3 products and 1 set.
- Aknari Serum is a facial serum containing only 3 ingredients. Three! Prickly pear seed oil, argan oil and rose essential oil, all organic. No water, no emulsifiers, no preservatives, packaged in a glass bottle with a pump. It’s so simple, but I think it’s an effective remedy. Some of the most powerful antioxidant and smoothing oils combined with the most expensive anti-aging essential oil, what is not the elixir of youth? Cost - $95 for 20ml
- Anarose Toner is a facial toner based on rose hydrosol, aloe juice and various extracts. $68 for 100ml.
- Ayour Body Serum is a body serum containing olive oil, rose hips, cucumber seeds, prickly pear seeds, supplemented with essential oils of lavender, bosswellia, neroli and marjoram. I can imagine what a floral-spicy aroma this product has! Now it costs $63 (with discount) for 100ml.
MUN products are used by many celebrities, models, makeup artists and SPA salon owners. Reviews of famous people can be found on the special page of the brand. I don’t know how effective this cosmetics really is, but I am impressed by the minimalistic design and composition. Sometimes, effective products may consist of only a few, but high-quality ingredients. In my opinion, MUN is a very promising brand.
So who said that there is no premium in organics? :) I suggest adding to the list of luxury brands of natural cosmetics in the comments.
kahina giving beautykyprislotus weiluxurymay lindstrommunorganic livingosmia organicssukitata harperbeauty elixiroil serum
Amouage
The Arabian brand of luxury perfume debuted in 1983, created for aristocrats and lovers of luxurious life by a prince from Arabia. The very first perfume instantly became the personification of the trading house, and each subsequent masterpiece was the result of the painstaking work of talented perfumers. The luxury perfumes of this brand quickly became recognizable due to the complexity and richness of the composition.
Famous fragrances for men and women with an oriental character:
- Honor woman is an emotional and delicate perfume, a combination of rhubarb, lily and clove, inspired by the image of the opera muse Madame Butterfly;
- Honor man is a regal and dramatic masculine scent with warm woody spicy notes;
- Ciel – a delicate and sophisticated creamy scent, the personification of femininity;
- Dia is a fresh perfume, an original interweaving of aromas of sage, tarragon, cyclomen and bergamot;
- Love Tuberose - a floral-fruity white floral scent, flavored with delicate whipped cream and sweet vanilla;
- Portrayal is a bold scent with sophisticated jasmine and bitter tobacco motifs.
