Rites: global beauty finds for the design-conscious
Calling all beauty gurus – here’s your definitive guide to the best luxury beauty products of the year. We’re on the lookout for natural solutions that promote a healthy, comfortable (and stylish) lifestyle. Featuring elite nutrition and skincare supplements, contemporary takes on traditional razors and ethical beauty products formed from natural ingredients, we have our eyes peeled for items that bring out your best.
Flower Of The 5 Wounds, by Guy Morgan
Flower of the 5 Wounds is Guy Morgan’s new range of facial oils and balms that borrows its name, colour and heart from the passionflower. Known mostly for its strange beauty, passionflower also has unique anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and, apart from its use traditionally to treat scars and bruises, is restorative and calming for both the skin and the mind. Flower of the 5 Wounds, like all Guy Morgan products, is unisex and suitable for all skin types, but it’s pure and organic formulation in addition to it’s gentle base of passionflower-seed oil makes it ideal for sensitive skin and to use during pregnancy.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
Selahatin toothpaste
Swedish entrepreneur (and former magazine editor) Kristoffer Vural has found a gap in the dental hygiene market – a place to be filled with minimally adorned tubes of toothpaste flavoured with natural ingredients skilfully combined to please the palate. It was during a long period of recovery from a stroke, when he was contemplating what makes life worthwhile, that the idea to create what he calls ‘the Chanel of oral care’ struck. ‘It became clear that one thing that wasn’t very uplifting was brushing teeth. Whereas perfume can be like paintings for the mind, toothpaste received very little love.’ Raising the tooth-polishing experience by crowning clinical performance with complex accords, the launch flavours include anise, honey and peppermint; cinnamon, orange and peppermint; green mint, peppermint and menthol. All have whitening credentials and contain fluoride alongside anti-oxidants Edelwiss extract (to neurtralise free radicals adnd redress bacterial imbalance) and Betain (that relieves dry mouth) and are approved by the Swedish Dental Assocation.
Available from WallpaperSTORE*
Writer: Emma Moore
Earl of East London
With its new candles, bathing salts and essential oils, Earl of East London is embarking on a new journey. After Greece’s ‘greenhouse’, Lisbon’s ‘Viagem’ and the Palace of Versaille’s ‘Jardin de la Lune’ the brand is visiting Japan. The new blends are inspired by the bath culture in the land of the rising sun and ‘Shinrin Yoku’ (or forest bathing) is a mix of cedarwood, oakmoss and black pepper to create a calming meditating atmosphere, while ‘Onsen’ (or hot spring) combines peppermint, eucalyptus and mandarin to refresh and rejuvenate. Recently introduced in the London Design Junction, the candle also comes in a limited clay pot edition.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
The Art of Organic Grooming, by Vitruvian Man
Paying tribute to Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, Hong Kong native Vivian Lau’s organic skincare range has at its core, the three tenets of Vitruvius: strength, functionality and beauty. Strength is derived from the hydrating benefits of the Resurrection Plant, the main component of the Broad Spectrum Resurrection Cream. Functionality is the mainstay of The Anti-Pollution Cleanser & Toner, created for men who don’t have the time to faff about with complex skincare regimes. While Beauty is inherent in the elegant presentation of this high performance skincare range, crafted from pure botanical extracts.
Writer: Michelle McDermott
Crème de la Mer vintage deco jar design
Celebrate La Mer founder Dr. Huber and Crème de la Mer’s transformative touch with a vintage edition featuring one of his earliest jar designs.Since the Miracle Broth’s first appearance in the 1950s, it has been at the forefront of skincare’s bio-fermentation, probiotics and microbiome techniques with decades of devoted customers and testimonials to prove it. Always ritualistically produced in small batches following the same sustainable and time-consuming methods, this limited edition jar celebrates exactly the unique la Mer legacy inspired by one of Dr Huber’s original vintage designs.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
Souvenirs for the Skin, by Heinrich Barth
The main inspiration behind Heinrich Barth’s Souvenirs for the Skin is the great 19th-century geographer and explorer famous for his travel accounts from North and South Africa. Destinations Line is a collection of skin & body cleansers, tanning oils and sunscreens that transfer us to places like Mykonos or Dakar. Campaign images by photographers like controversial Heji Shin (Eckhaus Latta) and sensualists Arturo/Bamboo have something of the romantic allure of the Grand Tour. Produced with traditional methods in Turin and ingredients from Peloponnese to Sicily seems like travelling is also in H. Barth’s DNA and we believe its a great holdall filler for the 21st-century explorer.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
Stratosphere candle, by Addition Studio
The idea behind the Statosphere candle is that ‘the user can adjust the light the candle emits by moving the stone semi-circles around’, explains designer and Addition Studio founder Ryan Hanrahan. A play of clear forms, natural materials, colours, textures and shadows that can turn a common everyday gesture like lighting a candle into a small ritual. Use more than one to coil them around, curving them like a snake. And, says Hanrahan, we should expect a new stone and candle every season to mix and match according to our moods and tastes.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
Owmen grooming range, by Oway
Recently launched by male grooming brand Oway, Owmen delivers the ‘techno-botanical’ principles from active produce biodynamically grown on Oway’s own farm. Enhanced with ‘primordial active ingredients’ that survive the harshest of environments, like resurrection plant from Mexican desert, organic Maqui from Patagonia and zeolite growing on unkind volcanic soils. Owmen tenders its incredibly rich antioxidant qualities to the most extreme male routines. Eleven products beautifully packaged into indefinitely reusable amber jugs that will keep their precious ingredients fresh for a long time.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
Copper Hexagon comb, by Go-Comb
When Brooklyn-based Go-Comb founder Heather Burkman noticed an ugly black plastic comb clumsily protruding from her uncle’s wallet, she sought a simple solution: design a smart one to fit. The Go-Comb is practical, sleek and multi-functional with the option of a personalised engraving. The space-efficient tool comes in stainless steel, brass-coated steel or plastic in a broad selection of colours and patterns, ranging from floral motifs and whimsical illustrations to understated metallic finishes. Offered in wide or fine-toothed versions, they are suitable for all hair types and even for taming unruly beards. If the Go-Comb wasn’t nifty enough, some varieties incorporate a built-in mirror or bottle opener. Ideal for nestling between credit cards, there’s a comb for every mood, occasion and hair emergency.
Writer: Harriet Lloyd-Smith
Skincare line, by It’s Skin
Lately the world of beauty often turns to South Korea for both its innovative products and the increasingly popular 10-step Korean skin care routine. But you don’t have to look far anymore because It’s Skin, South Korea’s leading cosmetics brand has arrived in the West. Developed by dermatologists at the University of Seoul, the brand offers a full range of cleansing foams, serums and moisturisers that are made to tailor your own bespoke skin routine. For example, Skin power 10VC effector serum packed with anti-oxidant vitamin C in its most chemically stable form can instantly contribute to a brighter, glowing skin.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
Fumabat, by Couteau de Poche
Inspired by Jean Genet’s The Thief’s Journal, Couteau de Poche is an enigmatic one-man brand that lies in that hazy area between an art project and a perfume line. According to founder Parid Cefa, it aims to represent ‘irreverent elegance’. CDP’s first release – Fumabat – is a perfume not intended to be wearable but instead feels ‘more like an experience’, with 1980s-inspired notes of oak moss, Bulgarian pine, Galbanum, patchouli, frankincense and vetiver, while remaining relevant and contemporary.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
Skilltools, by TechnoGym
Skilltools is TechnoGym’s new range of accessories specially made to complement its range of hi-tech, smart and connected exercise equipment, which is favoured by Olympic golden champions and the average gym-goer alike. Developed around stability, speed and all types of rigorous, stretching or restorative exercises, Skilltools offers foam rollers, mobility sticks, power bands, jumping ropes, balance pads, plus medicinal, slam and wellness balls that evoke neutrality to match both individual and commercial needs.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
Peach & Lily skincare line, by Alicia Yoon
Since launching the digital beauty portal Peach & Lily, Alicia Yoon has played an instrumental part in breaking down Korean beauty trends and innovations to the American market, as well as making them available to buy. A beauty product fanatic motivated by a long-standing quest to soothe and control her eczema, Yoon has become an authority on transforming skin with her arsenal of carefully curated products, each vetted for quality, efficacy and experience. This week, Yoon unveils her own skincare line, the Peach & Lily collection, which has been formulated without toxins, synthetic fragrances and aggressive agents, and adheres to those same principles. The five-piece collection includes a deep cleansing resurfacing mask that has the power of a chemical peel while still being gentle on sensitive skin, the Glass Skin refining serum that helps one attain the Korean beauty holy grail of poreless, translucent skin, a matcha-infused antioxidant cream with a whipped ‘pudding’ texture, a luxurious, protective face oil that restores skin’s equilibrium and the a sheet mask, which delivers plump, well-hydrated skin in each packet. With Yoon’s stamp on each product, it’s no surprise that some of the line has already sold out.
Writer: Pei-Ru Keh
Layers 01 perfume range, by Experimental Perfume Club
Experimental Perfume Club is known for its workshops that offer a space to learn, explore and practice the art of perfumery. It brings its ‘direct and open access’ philosophy to a wider audience with its commercial release. Layers 01 consists of three different perfumes (or layers) that work on their own or mixed to create a personal bespoke scent.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
Skincare line, by Circumference
The booming clean beauty market does not lack for options, but one young American line is setting itself apart from the pack. Circumference takes a holistic approach when it comes to creating its 100 per cent toxin-free skincare products. Not only has the New York-based company used only natural ingredients in its formulations, they’ve also vetted all their production partners and chosen to work with them for their commitment to quality and purity. This means that ingredients can always be traced back to their native growers and sustainable practices are employed throughout. A water filtration process used to make the products ensures that there is no toxic runoff and all natural byproducts are used as fertiliser or compost. Each of the label’s products is also either packaged in glass or with recyclable, recycled and biodegradable materials. The line itself is just as thoughtful – comprised of two masks, a face oil, a vitamin C serum and a nourishing and brightening toner, the concise range is as efficacious as it is good looking so that everything comes full circle.
Writer: Pei-Ru Keh
The Class, by Taryn Toomey
Summer weekends in the Hamptons might be best known for escaping the suffocating pace of the city, but these being New Yorkers, familiar urban comforts are never afar. Tucked amongst private pools, lobster rolls and designer shopping is the Hamptons’ latest arrival – an idyllic new studio space in Bridgehampton from the fitness and wellness phenom Taryn Toomey. Best known for her upbeat blend of physical conditioning, yoga, meditation and catharsis, Toomey’s signature workout, The Class, is now available to experience out east in a refurbished barn that boasts clear quartz light fixtures by Kelly Wearstler and a palette of taupe, mauve and ivory shades – another Toomey signature. To complete its holistic approach, the Bridgehampton haven also offers a range of products including Joanna Vargas skincare and totes by MZ Wallace, whom Toomey launched a collaborative design with last year.
Writer: Pei-Ru Keh
Horn combs, by Byredo
Despite its olfactory beginnings, Byredo has become a purveyor of finely made objects, which today range from leather goods and body care products to manicure tools and fragrances. The latest addition to its collections is a limited edition series of horn combs that is inspired by African history. Crafted from zebu horn, each comb has been designed for a different use. Named after powerful African queens – specifically Queen Pharaoh Hatshepsut, Queen of Sheba, Queen Mother Idia of Benin, the warrior Queen Aminatu of the Zazzau kingdom and the Queen Nzinga of Angola – the combs have been made by hand in the French Pyrenees according to a traditional 14-step technique. Not only is horn a natural, biodegradable and renewable material, it is also rich in keratin and thus an ideal complement to hair. Exclusively available at Byredo’s New York boutique in Soho, each comb is unique and accompanied by a calfskin leather case.
Writer: Pei-Ru Keh
Goodnight Wrinkle Cream, by Hims
Hims has caused a stir in the world of male wellness by providing prescription products for sensitive topics like erectile dysfunction and receding hairlines. With its direct-to-customer sales model – that looks like the future of lifestyle marketing – Hims approaches the modern man with humour and style, through the convenience and security of his smartphone, providing made-to-measure services at affordable prices. From 26 June, Hims expands to male skincare with a whole new range of products. Its first installment is the prescription Acne Kit and Magic Formula. The former consists of a combination of antibiotics and retinoids that control acne causing bacteria, while the Mlatter is a deep moisturising mix of medical-grade ingredients that will battle wrinkles and keep skin young. Later in the summer, Hims will introduce over-the-counter products, including a daily moisturiser, vitamin C serum and anti-aging wrinkle cream.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
Modern Botany Deodorant, by Modern Botany
Plant scientist Dr Simon Jackson and development manager John Murrey, the masterminds behind Modern Botany, are based in Schull with just a handful of other employees. In their lab, they mix like alchemists – experimenting with the herbs and plants native to Ireland, the seaweed of the South West coast, and some of the finest ingredients from the rest of the world – concentrating on just one product at a time. Modern Botany’s latest release is evidence that this careful and lengthy process works: their new deodorant-antiperspirant took two years to develop and was definitely worth the wait – pure and gentle, it is guaranteed to keep you naturally fresh. Modern Botany Deodorant available from Content Beauty.
L’Officine Universelle Buly Kyoto store
L’Officine Universelle Buly introduced the millennial customer to one of the oldest and most prestigious French perfume and beauty houses, combining tradition with the most advanced developments in cosmetics. Its shops reflect this concept by contrasting the Napoleonic antique style to minimalistic high-tech simplicity. Its latest shop in Kyoto takes this idea even further by bridging not only different eras but also two different worlds; West and East. Emulating a traditional Japanese teahouse from the outside, you step surprisingly into the baroque Buly world inside. Its a space of contrasts successfully rendered by founders Ramdane Touhami and Victoire de Taillac, housing uniquely crafted Japanese minebari combs and water-based perfumes.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
Natural stone dumbbells, by Archive & Archive and Studio Corsanini
Archive & Archive and Studio Corsanini are bringing luxury to your workouts with their collection of natural stone dumbbells. Made of a single piece of Italian travertine, Carrara, Spanish Marquina, Verde Smeraldo, Portoro Extra marble A&A elevate an otherwise ordinary and dull object into a functional sculpture that makes an addition to the latest trend of luxury, natural and sustainable workout gear. Finished and detailed by hand they feature a Latin number on the side indicating the weight in kilograms.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
‘The Vanity’, by WANT Les Essentiels and Harry’s
A new collaboration is at hand between two of the trendsetters among men’s luxury brands: leather goods travel accessories WANT Les Essentiels, and grooming supplier Harry’s. The first instalment of this partnership debuts in New York Design Week 2018, and is a Vanity like no other, making a momentous moment of an everyday morning routine. The quality of materials and detailing of this Vanity reflects both brands’ high standards and leaves us wondering if theres more design essentials in store.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
Home Care Kit, by The Gentle Label
The Gentle Label’s line of multi-functional house cleaning products is your choice for a spotless home free of chemicals and allergens. Made of natural, organic ingredients, the tight edit of a dish soap, laundry liquid and multi-surface cleaner minimises your consumer choices, freeing space from your cleaning storage cabinet. They are all highly concentrated to last, with biodegradable certificates from the Soil Association, without compromising on looks. Available at Content Beauty.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
George Bamford Grooming Department Store
George Bamford has opened the first stand alone Bamford Grooming Department Store, to add to the three existing Bamford brand locations across London. Nestled at 33 Threadneddle Street, on the outside of The Royal Exchange, this dedicated shop is home to the collection of men’s grooming essentials. A traditional listed façade conceals a sensitively renovated boutique, which started life as an 1850s tobacconist. A spiral staircase loops up towards a double-height ceiling, while a secret lower ground floor area is the perfect place for quiet, one-to-one appointments and selected pop-up partnerships.
‘Grace’ shower, by Hans Verstuyft, for Purificare-Us
This elegant outdoor shower by Belgian architect Hans Verstuyft got us thinking about what else we might need for a spot of sun-soaked loafing. Hair often gets forgotten, but Oway, a new Italian botanical hair brand, is providing us with many new favourite staples, including its Sun Protective Elixir. There’s also the detergent-free New Wash by Hairstory, Davines’ replenishing Su Hair Mask, and Frédéric Malle’s hair mist, newly available in cult scent Portrait of a Lady.
Sun Protective Elixir, €32, by OWay. New Wash, £44, by Hairstory. Su Haur Mask, £20, by Davines; ‘Portrait of a Lady’ hair mist, £125, by Frédéric Malle, both from Liberty. ‘Galles’ towel, £115 for two, by Society Limonta. ‘Grace’ shower, €5,980, by Hans Verstuyft, for Purificare-Us. ‘Mind the Step’ wallpaper, £100 per sq m, by Christian Benini, for Wall & Deco, from West One Bathrooms
Photography: Jack Wilson. Writer: Emma Moore
Washing Powder candle, by Any Hindmarch
The Anya Hindmarch Smells candle range which launched last year has expanded, with the addition of three new fragrances. This time, Hindmarch was inspired by often overlooked, yet familiar scents, re-interpreting them in her signature eccentric style as high-end perfumes for the home. Lip Balm is a lush fruit with notes of cherry blossom, plum, jasmine and iris to remind us of our first kiss. Toothpaste is a fresh herbal mix of mints, menthol and fruits to evoke the familiarity and cosines of those nights spent curling on the sofa. While sun-dried, laundry-inspired Washing Powder is an ozonic floral with violet, pine needles, cucumber and watermelon. All three candles come adorned with her signature cartoon style.
Available from WallpaperSTORE*
Writer: Sotirios Varsamis
Charcoal Aura Anti-Pollution Facial Mist, by Guy Morgan
Studio Guy Morgan is keeping up with the tradition of East London’s hot houses and famous nursery gardens to offer a range of gender-neutral products made in small batches locally with natural ingredients. Its latest release is a contemporary urban lifestyle accessory to moisturize and protect on the go. On a base of Bulgarian rose water, a blend of anti-oxidant ingredients shields your skin against damaging pollution and creates a mist of reflective calmness around you. For extra protection is infused with some Somerset sourced charcoal known for its property to remove and eliminate toxins.
Writer: Sotirios Varsamis
Skin to Soul collection, by MALĀKO
With our ever-increasing demands for natural beauty products, newly launched skincare brand MALĀKO is sure to satisfy them, with a wellness-based approach to skincare. Established by Kanchalika Stephenson and informed by Thai holistic medicine, MALĀKO utilises 17 natural therapeutic ingredients and vitamins to uplift both inside and out. Three soul-soothing goods and an ‘Essentials Kit’ make up the current Skin to Soul collection. Produced in the UK in small batches to preserve potency, the packaging, meanwhile, is devised by London-based studio Loolaa Designs. Featuring key ingredients, including stress-reducing lemongrass and soothing May Chang, the concoctions deeply hydrate dry winter skin, while their zesty scents recall of Thailand’s lush climates.
Writer: Jessica-Christin Hametner
In Two Minds skincare range, by Aesop
It’s been a while since Aesop threw its hat into the ring with new skincare offerings, and with the imminent launch of In Two Minds, it isn’t doing so lightly. It has taken three years of research led by Aesop’s Innovation and Research Manager, the impressively qualified British-based Rebecca Watkinson to come up with a three-step regime that addresses adequately and comfortably the needs of complexions that exhibit dehydration (typically across the cheeks) and excess oil (typically in the t-zone). The Facial Cleanser does the hard graft, taking away oil with disrupting the balance, and a soothing Facial Toner if followed by the Facial Hydrator, which combines Andiroba and Copaiba and Acai oils, for a nourishing but unclogging finish. With tantalising textures, it’s a range that’s sure to be popular, whether an oily t-zone is your bag or not.
Writer: Emma Moore
Elevator Music collection, by Ben Gorham and Virgil Abloh
Kindred spirits Ben Gorham and Virgil Abloh have joined forces on a multi-disciplinary collection of fragrance, denim, t-shirts and handbags called ‘Elevator Music’. Inspired by the soundtracks that are intended for passive listening, the dynamic capsule range explores the idea of luxury goods in Off-White’s distinctly tongue-in-cheek way. To match, Byredo has designed a subtle, yet captivating scent to serve as a backdrop for daily life. An elegant mix of midnight violet, bamboo, jasmine petals and burned wood, the fragrance is available in perfume, hand cream and hair perfume forms.
Writer: Pei-Ru Keh
Skincare collection, by Austin Austin
Set up by daughter and father Bessie and Richard Austin, eco gurus and art addicts will find their skincare match in Norfolk-based beauty brand Austin Austin. Comprising six certified organic products formulated without GM ingredients, silicones or artificial colours, the collection caters to skin, body and hair, among them a fragrant bergamot and juniper shampoo and conditioner made with plant and olive extracts. Goods are filled with essential oils that deeply nourish the skin and respect the environment, as each is suitably contained in 100% recycled packaging, adorned with illustrations by fine artists such as Christian Newby. With minimalist good looks and deeds, Austin Austin elevates the green market by bringing an air of sophistication to high-performance skincare.
Writer: Jessica-Christin Hametner
S/S18 collection, by Kure Bazaar
Launched at London Fashion Week 2018 in partnership with Roland Mouret and Peter Pilotto, the new S/S18 Kure Bazaar collection is a model fit for the fashion and eco-conscious. With 90 per cent of ingredients deriving from natural sources and the all-important ‘10-free’, the polish brings nature to nails without skimping on performance. Kure Bazaar is both vegan and free from animal testing, sourcing Vitamin E and Bamboo to strengthen and repair nails. The latest colour collection is comprised of 4 shades, from the statement ultra-violet ‘Catwalk’ to the natural and muted ‘Rose Snow’. Boasting durability, longevity and squeaky-green values, Kure Bazaar is forming part of the evolving conversation about ethical fashion.
Writer: Harriet Lloyd-Smith
Oliver&Co Madrid flagship store
Seven years since debuting its avant-garde perfume brand, Oliver&Co has opened its first flagship shop in Madrid, which from now and on, will be its only retail outlet in the world. Founder Oliver Valvere, loyal to his uncompromising and renegade profile, collaborated with interior designer Nacho Amago to craft a space that has nothing in common with any other conventional niche perfumery, but reminds more of an underground dark-industrial electronic club, referencing Oliver’s background as a DJ and sound engineer. The use of rough unrefined materials like concrete and metal in contrast to soft black drapes together with sound, strong backlight graphics and cosmic imagery draws the vistor’s attention to the fragrance itself and the perfumer’s olfactory alchemical transformations.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis
Skincare collection, by Dr Loretta Skincare
In a bid to turn back the clock, Dr Loretta Skincare keeps skin unexposed from the elements to reveal its youth. The newly launched brand was developed by patient-doctor duo Dr Loretta Ciraldo, a sought-after board certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience, and Myriam Zaoui Malka who boasts over 20 years of expertise in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, nutrition and aromatherapy. Formulating products that target the four external factors they found to cause 85% of damage to the skin – pollution, light, climate and irritants – the co-founders infused their goods with ‘inactive’ ingredients, which do not irritate the skin. Instead, each contains high concentrations of medical-grade actives, therapeutic essential oils and effective botanical ingredients, all protecting the skin’s pH and microbiome.
Writer: Jessica-Christin Hametner
ISSA II toothbrush, by Foreo
Four years ago beauty innovator Foreo was a dental care game changer by redesigning the electric toothbrush from scratch. Now it has pushed its own boundaries even further with the new upgraded version, ISSA II. From the outside it features the same high-tech design like the previous model, incorporating a PBT polymer and medical grade silicon brush-head that won’t harbour bacteria and promises to last at least six months. But ISSA II is twice as powerful providing 11,000 high-intention sonic-pulse microsweeps per minute, 16 easily adjustable cleansing modes and this time, won’t need charging for a whole year. Just smile freely and make sure you remember where you keep the charger.
Writer: Sotirios Varsamis
Wonder Oil, by Ref Hair
Stockholm based Ref Hair care puts simplicity and sustainability at the forefront of its ethos. Self-branded as making ‘natural beauty by Swedish standards’ its range is 100 per cent vegan, organic and made with the intention of celebrating beauty from all cultures and backgrounds. Aptly named the ‘Wonder Oil’, its signature product – with subtle yet exotic twists of coconut and rum – promises a silky, nourishing effect without the need for silicone and other undesirable additives. Armouring hair with UV and free radical protection, the serum is reinforced with quinoa protein to strengthen and a combination of marula, jojoba and sunflower seed oils to smooth and reign-in stray hairs.
Writer: Harriet Lloyd-Smith
La Bouche Rouge lipstick, by Wendy Rowe
Dubbing itself ‘a revolutionary French cosmetics Maison, with a concern for the environment and humanist values’, La Bouche Rouge is quite the mouthful. It creates the desire to buy less, by buying better – helping the environment, and in turn, the amount of uneccesary products in your bathroom cabinet. The lipstick case, a fine calf-leather ‘piece of art’, is produced in one of the most prestigious tanneries in France, according to skilled methods kept secret through the generations since 1842. On request in the Atelier, a specialised craftman will also engrave your initials onto the leather. Six new colour tubes debuted at New York Fashion Week, devised by make-up artist Wendy Rowe. Among them, a poppy hue inspired by the canvases of Andy Warhol, a 70s, slightly orangey red — think all-American, Pepsi Cola and roller disco and an ultra-pigmented brown red.
Writer: Elly Parsons
Beauty serums by Bioeffect, Vintner’s Daughter, 111Skin, Votary, Kjaer Weis, Vanderohe and Dr Sebagh
What if you could banish all those bottles from your bathroom cabinet – the one that depuffs your eyes, the one that brightens your skin, the one that irons out wrinkles – and replace them with just one serum? A number of beauty entrepreneurs have launched single cure-all serums to the market. In a bid to uncomplicate her skincare regime, Napa winery owner April Gargiulo founded Vintner’s Daughter and developed the multi-correctional Active Botanical Serum. It quickly gained cult status. Vanderohe’s No.1 Nourishing Face Serum and The Beautiful Oil by Kjaer Weis are two more with similar intent. We’ve looked into the growing choice of complexion panaceas, and found a few worth clearing our shelves for.
Pictured, from left, EGF serum, £125, by Bioeffect. Active botanical serum, £175, by Vintner’s Daughter. Cryo energising face serum, £140, by 111Skin. Super Seed facial oil, £70, by Votary. The beautiful oil, £180, by Kjaer Weis. No.1 nourishing face serum, £88, by Vanderohe. Nutrient Concentrate skin smoothing, £93, by Susanne Kaufmann. Supreme Maintenance Youth serum, £215, by Dr Sebagh
As originally featured in the March 2018 issue of Wallpaper* (W*228)
Writer: Emma Moore
Ki sunscreen, by Caci Clinic
Forming part of Caci Clinic’s new skincare range, Ki sunscreen was created with the unforgiving New Zealand sun in mind. Offering vital skin protection from the consequences of sun exposure, the product is appropriate for all skin types, including those prone to acne and heightened skin sensitivity. Made from recyclable packaging, Ki is fragrance and synthetic free, functioning as an effective antioxidant and to repel the impact of harmful UVA and UVB rays and free radicals. Other benefits include minimising pore visibility, preventing accelerated ageing and oil control through the powerful ingredient, Matmarine. Ki Sunscreen leaves skin feeling smooth, matte and primed to confront the elements.
Writer: Harriet Lloyd-Smith
Stifflu Peace pipe, by Smarin and the Observatory of Alternative Medicines
This therapeutic object was conceived when ideas from French design studio Smarin and the Observatory of Alternative Medicines merged. The Sifflu Peace Pipe places emphasis on the mechanism of breathing, encouraging the user to lengthen breaths and draw strength from the diaphragm. The device aims to banish negative habits by reverting back to natural respiratory function without mental or environmental interruptions. In diverting attention to self-awareness and mindfulness, stress-induced tension can be released and a more effective posture acquired. Through a particular technique, the pipe can also be used to diffuse essential oils within a space. With a slim shaft of gold-flashed copper finished with silicone tips, Sifflu’s design is sophisticated and distinguished, forming an elegant accessory in its own right.
Writer: Harriet Lloyd-Smith
Meridian balms, by Prismologie
Using the universal language of colour, a new niche beauty brand called Prismologie combines the highest quality ingredients with the healing benefits of gemstones and crystals. Its latest release – six remedy balms that correspond to the meridian channels of the body – introduces the ancient wisdom of Eastern medicine to our everyday beauty routines. Intended to rebalance and assist natural wellness, each balm has a different function according to its colour: white diamond and platinum for purification, green jade for restoration. Packed with a lot of heart in small, travel-friendly bottles, Prismologie balms provide ‘instant’ therapy, whenever the occasion might present itself.
Writer: Sotirios Varsamis
130 Years, by Claus Porto
Living as we do, in a time where products come with planned obsolescence, how refreshing to celebrate Claus Porto’s 130 years of making ultra-luxe soaps and body-care with a beautiful publication. The book’s designer – Andrew Howard – leads us through the pages, delving into all aspects of this design-forward brand’s jazz age packaging, and going behind the scenes of its production processes. If you are an aficionado of the Portuguese pine, eucalyptus and juniper scented soaps and joyful belle époque wrappings, this book is for you.
Writer: Angela Gokani Brasier
Perfumes by Buly 1803, Aesop, Note de Yuzu and Heeley Parfums
The Japanese don’t traditionally do perfume, but the nation seems to be having a moment in western perfumery circles. Previous borrowings favoured cherry blossom, but lately it’s the aromatic citrus plant yuzu that has hooked the likes of Buly 1803, whose Eau Triple Kiso Yuzu features yuzu, mint and Japanese laurel, and Maison Kitsuné, which has worked with British perfumer James Heeley to launch Note de Yuzu. Aesop, meanwhile, has launched Hwyl, which takes inspiration from the woody aromas of a walk through a 300-year-old Hiba forest in Japan.
From left, Eau Truple Kiso Yuzu, €130 for 75ml, by Buly 1803; Hwyl, £85 for 50ml, by Aesop; Note de Yuzu, £90 for 50ml, by Heeley Parfums, for Maison Kitsuné, from Liberty.
As originally featured in the December 2017 issue of Wallpaper* (W*225)
Writer: Emma Moore. Photography: Philippe Fragnière
Skin Resistance Training Supplement, by Proverb
Proverb is the new, organic male skincare range formed by power couple Kirstie and Luke Sherriff, who met while studying at Oxford University. The influential skincare consultant, and former Harlequins RFC player joined forces to employ their extensive knowledge of elite nutrition to a concise line of skincare and supplements to aid wellbeing for the active man. To accompany the products, the duo has created an app to personalise routines and monitor progress. Self-styled as the ‘skincare equivalent of going to the gym’, Proverb maintains that all components of the body are interlinked: skin, diet and mentality. The proof is in the proverb: ‘You only get out what you put in’.
Writer: Harriet Lloyd-Smith
Ex-Voto candles, by Cire Trudon
‘Ex-Voto’ can be defined as a material manifestation of a miracle given to a saint or divinity. A new iteration of the idea – the ‘Ex-Votos’ candle collection from Cire Trudon, modelled after an artifact discovered in Syria currently housed in the Louvre – is instead intended as an offering to a friend, your home or the one you love. The wax candles, available in a number of muted colourways, can be tendered for protection, for gratitude or simply because they are beautiful. By turning a sacred relic into an everyday object, the legendary candlemaker reminds us that we don’t have to look far for miracles; we can find them closer to home.
Writer: Sotirios Varsamis
28 Day Hormonal Cycle range, by Amereta
Among the many different facets of the female disposition that both beguile and befuddle, the impact of the hormonal cycle is probably the most mystifying of them all. The all-natural skincare label Amareta seems pretty close to cracking the code. Made without synthetic fragrances, hormone-disrupting chemicals, synthetic preservatives and harsh acne treatments among others, Amareta embraces the natural rhythm of a woman’s hormonal make up, whether it’s the usual 28 day monthlies, pregnancy, or general dips in hormone levels that result in dull or dry skin. With offerings including skincare, bodycare make-up, all filled with botanical actives and elegantly packaged to match, each product is as luxurious as it is efficacious to use.
Writer: Pei-Ru Keh
Angle Razor, by Morrama
London-based design agency Morrama has launched its first solo project, the Angle Razor. A contemporary version of the traditional straight razor, it aims to bring back the pleasure of the wet shave ritual in the era of complicated smart shavers and disposable shaving cartridges. The well balanced, carefully articulated angle promises the utmost control and safety, and is made from anodised, long-lasting aluminium. The Angle offers the precise shave of a professional barbers, echoed in its clean, sharp design.
Writer: Sotos Varsamis