The Conscious Edit: Feel-Good Beauty to Feel Great About
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
With sustainability at the forefront of a lot of conversation right now, many are considering how their choices affect the environment. And their beauty regimes are no exception.
Just as we’re becoming more aware of what we’re putting in our bodies, we too are taking a closer look at what we’re putting on them.
But making more conscious choices doesn’t have to be so overwhelming.
There are lots of things we can do to make our beauty routines more eco-friendly, from the products we choose to the way they're packaged and the ingredients they contain.
So, to celebrate Earth Month, we’re highlighting some of our favourite products that put the planet first.
We're not here to sway you one way or another. We’ll simply point you in the direction of some of our tried-and-tested beauty faves.
1. KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum.
Fast facts:
- Natural and plant-based alternative to retinol.
- Certified organic formula that gently nourishes, conditions and hydrates the skin.
- Formulated with Bakuchiol and plant-based antioxidants that help heal, calm and soothe the skin.
- Protects against environmental aggressors, targets the visible signs of ageing and restores vitality into the skin.
- Energised with amethyst crystal which is believed to enhance tranquillity and peace, and dispel negative energy.
My KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum review:
First things first: Can we please take a moment for the packaging!?
You don’t even have to love crystals to appreciate the serum’s *stunning* amethyst exterior.
OK, now onto the review.
As someone with dry and sensitive-prone skin, traditional retinol can often be quite harsh. But I’m happy to report that KORA’s all-natural formulation is super gentle.
After using it for two-ish weeks, my skin felt plumper, smoother and had a more firm texture as promised.
I used it both morning and night, as directed, in hand with my daily SPF for extra protection (although its natural formulation doesn't have the sun sensitivity that comes with traditional retinol products).
Its relatively thin, milky texture felt rich and nourishing without feeling heavy. It also didn’t cause any irritation.
The serum’s subtle herbal scent did take me a minute to get used to—but with anti-aging benefits like these, I think I can overlook it.
Knowing how to recycle your empties is an easy step toward being more sustainable. Tune into the below Beauty IQ Uncensored episode to learn how:
When it comes to sustainability, my colleague Kathryn knows a thing or two.
Committed to eco-friendly beauty, she shares the products that she can’t help but keep coming back to.
2. INIKA Organic Baked Blush Duo.
Fast facts:
- Baked blush duo of rose and peach that’s perfect for cross-seasonal wear.
- Delivers the healthiness of mineral makeup with the performance of a baked powder.
- All-natural ingredients enriched with magnolia bark extract, squalane and sugar cane.
Kathryn’s INIKA Organic Baked Blush Duo review:
“If you see me whimsically stare off into the distance, it’s because I’m thinking of this blush. One side is a lighter rosy-pink shade, while the other is my dream peach.
It’s the perfect customisable staple blush, and oh does it make your skin glow.
My one non-negotiable is cruelty-free, but this baby is also vegan and the pot is made from post-consumer recycled plastic. It’s the love of my life.”
3. Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Body Oil.
Fast facts:
- Nourishes dull, dry, or tired skin; and smooths out fine lines and wrinkles.
- Lightweight formulation that sinks in quickly yet stays comfortable all day.
- Packed with rich natural oils to maintain even, smooth skin for an all-over glow.
- Restores skin’s natural moisture barrier and protects against free radical damage.
Kathryn’s Dermalogica Phyto Replenish review:
“My childhood – and adulthood tbh – dream was to be a mermaid, but my scaly, neglected legs probably aren’t the way to go about it.
After pondering my life during my 75-step skincare routine, I decided I could lend at least one step to my body.
If you’re lazy like me, this delicious hydrating oil soaks easily into your leg scales and quickly makes up for the life-long neglect.
It’s vegan and cruelty-free which we love, but it’s also housed in a sturdy glass bottle making it better for the planet, too.”
4. Hunter Lab Hand & Body Wash.
Fast facts:
- Aromatic formula works to cleanse and purify while caring for skin.
- Combats free radical damage, minimising premature ageing and improving the health of the skin.
- Created with native Macrobiotic Sea Minerals which are rich in vitamins and nutrients that work to revitalise skin.
Kathryn’s Hunter Lab Hand & Body Wash review:
“If you’re looking for a place to start your conscious journey, this is such an easy way to do it.
This Melbourne-made hand and body wash is soothing, hydrating and formulated with Vitamin B.
It smells divine, with delish notes of grapefruit, tangerine and rum (but has none of that zesty sting).
It also gets the tick of approval from my boyfriend, who struggles with finding a body wash that doesn’t inflame his eczema-prone skin.
I’m also a firm believer in hoarding the bottles – they look so luxe.”
But wait, there's more. Deep dive into Kathryn's makeup bag with us in the below video.
With so many amazing vegan and cruelty-free beauty products available on AB, we couldn't help but include these ones too...
This vegan and cruelty-free hairspray is formulated with Australian native actives that provide a firm but flexible hold without flaking or stickiness. Subtly scented with peony for a multi-sensory experience.
6. Skinstitut 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum.
PSA to all dry and dehydration-prone skin havers: This nourishing serum penetrates multiple layers of skin to deliver instant hydration and plump and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
For skin in crisis, this richly nourishing mask is packed with naturally-based ingredients that focus on hydration, repair and healing. Perfect as a daily hit of hydration or for your Thursday night beauty routine.
8. Tan-Luxe Super Glow Serum 30ml.
If you’re a regular Beauty IQ reader, chances are you’ll know about Super Glow. The world’s first hyaluronic superfood and self-tan in one, this serum is a staple on many an AB staffer’s skincare shelf, including our podcast host and senior content manager, Joanna Fleming.
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