Hi Everyone,

This week, I am talking to you about a new brand that I was introduced to, Antipodes. Antipodes is a New Zealand-based brand as the name might suggest, whose products are all 100% natural and made from plant based ingredients that are tested and validated on human skin cells, not animals. Let me just start with saying wow, and how amazing this is for all products to be 100% natural as well as scientifically validated. I feel like this is so hard to find and quite rare so I was intrigued to see how the products would work on my skin. They are also certified vegetarian and vegan. So far, so good,   right? Well there is a lot more where that came from. 

Antipodes were kind enough to send me a few products from their range. Firstly, their *Baptise H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel (£29.95) which is clinically shown to increase skin hydration by 52% after 24 hours. From the second I opened the tub, I just wanted to apply to the skin as the texture looked so smooth and plump. It applies beautifully and literally melts into the skin. Once applied, the gel instantly gives your skin a bouncier, rejuvenated look. One of the key ingredients that is used in some of Antipodes products is Manuka honey. It is well known that Manuka honey, gathered from the nectar of the Manuka plant, which is only found in New Zealand, is a superfood. Having antibacterial properties and being able to balance skin's pH levels is one of it's super powers, however it is also a humectant meaning it can draw moisture into the skin, which in turn can help give that nourishing glow that we all love. It is topped off with a beautiful rose scent that lingers on the skin. I have been obsessed with this product since I started using it as it feels so indulgent and I can see myself using it time and time again. 

Another product I have been loving is the *Limited Edition Kiwi Seed Gold Luminous Eye Cream (£45.95, with 23K dissolvable recycled gold flakes). This has been awarded Harper's Bazaar International Award for the Best Eye Cream, so I really wondered if it would live up to its name. Once again, I have not been left disappointed. I have been applying this around the eye area and have found it gives an instant illuminating effect, which is probably helped along by the exuberant gold colour. The key ingredient to this magic in a pot is the kiwi seed oil it contains. Just 1% of each kiwi fruit is made up of it's seeds and these are then pressed to extract their pure oil which contain high concentrations of fatty acids, as well as vitamin C and E, which directly help the skin around the eye to stay moisturised and nourished. This is particularly great for those who are looking to be proactive and beat those signs of ageing. Another key ingredient in this product is the Vinaza Grape seed oil. These have double the polyphenolic antioxidants of grapes grown anywhere else in the world and is a key in reducing premature signs of ageing. For those days where my skin is really lacking any brightness, I find myself reaching for this product. Once applied, my eye area feels so hydrated and my eyes look much more awake!

Left: Queenstown Hot Chocolate Right: Forest Berry Red

Left: Queenstown Hot Chocolate Right: Forest Berry Red

The final product I tried was their *Moisture Boost Natural Lipstick (£17.99), with the tag line 'so healthy you could almost eat them'. You don't need to tell me twice! Although it does say almost, so I better not. Antipodes have also ventured into makeup and this couldn't make me happier. Clean beauty is definitely the way forward for me and on application the creaminess of the lipstick makes it a pleasure to wear. It is not drying in any way and the pigment that it provides packs a punch. It contains Vitamin E and another key ingredient of Antipodes products, Avocado Oil. Avocado Oil contains a substance called Sterolin which is a naturally occurring steroid that increases collagen production. It also acts as a natural sun filter as it contains a component called Lutein which absorbs UV light. So, while you are wearing this amazing lipstick, you are also doing your lips a whole host of favours.

Applying Moisture Boost Lipstick in Queenstown Hot Chocolate.

One thing I really appreciate about the brand is their approach to sustainability. All products come in biodegradable boxes and recyclable jars, vegetable ink is used for printing. And in a world where sustainability is more important than ever, Antipodes have this at their core. It was so nice to see a package arrive which was small, compact and recyclable! I can definitely see myself buying more from the brand and look forward to it.

Amina xx


*AD Gifted PR Samples. All opinions are my own.