I don't really believe that the world needs more skincare brands. Right now, I feel as though the beauty industry has maxed out on everything it can provide us in terms of skincare. Unless there's a game-changing new innovation, my general opinion is that I don't want to know about any new product. If anyone is going to launch a skincare business in 2022, it better do something that nothing else can. Personally, I'd much prefer it if brands used their resources to educate the skincare consumer honestly instead of investing time and energy into launching more products.
It's safe to say, therefore, that when I first heard fashion designer Stella McCartney was launching a skincare line, my eyes rolled hard. It's not that I don't like Stella McCartney and all she's done for the world of fashion; it's just that I want skincare to be a space reserved for, well, experts. I'm simply just not sure the beautysphere needs any more skincare lines created by people who aren't fully immersed in the science of it all. And when I heard that Stella by Stella McCartney beauty was set to be "rooted in nature," I was fully prepared to never give it a second thought.
Shannon the morning after using Stella by Stella McCartney skincare.
But my journalistic instinct got the better of me, and I needed to know more. The truth is I've found Stella McCartney's impact on the fashion industry admirable—her environmental standpoint has really helped shine a light on unsustainable practices and set a precedent for the rest of the industry. So, I thought, if Stella McCartney could make a difference to the world of fashion, what's to say she can't do the same for the beauty industry?
As it turns out, Stella by Stella McCartney skincare is a feat, and I'm genuinely happy about its existence. First of all, let's touch on sustainability. It feels needless to say that the line is vegan and cruelty-free (of course), but beyond that, the collection has also put a ban on over 2000 ingredients in its products due to environmental concerns around their production and extracting (including popular silicones and carbomers, which remain points of contention among environmental experts). Impressively, the packaging itself is created with a reduced number of virgin materials, is recyclable and champions a totally reinvented form of refill with recyclable sachets obtained from certified renewable sources. (Carbon emissions are drastically reduced via shopping refills due to minimised packaging and weight.)
Above all, though, the thing I am most impressed by is the line-up itself. While most skincare brands are keen to sell countless products to us, designed to generate more sales, more money, and as a result more waste, Stella by Stella McCartney is a small, considered line-up of just three products. Utilising ingredients from nature, they aim to care for and nurture the skin in a no-fuss, simple way, focusing on essential hydration and skin health while they're at it. Not only do the products look great on the shelf, but they are exceptionally beautiful on the skin, too. Oh, and if that isn't enough to tempt you, the fresh but gentle scent (inspired by the Scottish highlands) was blended by none other than Francis Kurkdjian (yes, the man behind Baccarat Rouge 540) and smells every bit as soothing as you'd expect. Keep scrolling for my honest review of each product.
Key ingredients: sunflower oil, marine spring water, organic birch sap, glycerin
I am a firm believer in the importance of cleansing. I believe skin should always be cleansed with a gentle, wash-off formula in the morning and that this step should be repeated at the end of the day before cleansing again with a more targeted cleanser. This stuff makes for the perfect morning and first-cleanse cleanser. It's lusciously lightweight, silky, and gentle enough to use over eyes. Is it going to be enough to bust blackheads and excess oil production? Probably not. But is it the perfect everyday cleanser for providing a sufficient cleanse without stripping the skin of essential moisture? Absolutely.
Unlike the other refills in the collection, the cleanser refill needs to be poured into the existing bottle. If you're not fussed about fancy glass bottles, I'd recommend just buying the sachet on its own and using it straight out of the pouch.
Key ingredients: natural origin hyaluronic acid, olive squalane, organic rock samphire extract, biotechnical lingonberry extract, marine spring water, wild harvested dulse algae extract
If you're looking at that ingredient list and wondering what any of it means, I've got you. Essentially, this lotion-like serum tackles a whole array of skin concerns—and it does it very, very well. Hyaluronic acid and marine spring water help boost hydration levels, while olive squalane and organic rock samphire extract help to nourish and protect the skin barrier, helping to prevent dryness and any hastening of premature signs of skin ageing. Meanwhile, lingonberry extract tackles uneven skin tone and delivers antioxidant benefits (boosting glow while it's at it), and dulse algae extract utilises polysaccharides to further improve skin tone and tackle dark circles. In short, I adore this serum. It's hydrating enough to use on its own if you have oily skin and really does it all. Sadly, the refill sachet is currently out of stock, but I'll be unscrewing mine from the bottle and packing it for my end-of-summer holiday.
Key ingredients: organic birch sap, natural origin hyaluronic acid, cherry blossom extract
Think of this as a much, much more nourishing version of the aforementioned serum. It makes for the perfect daily moisturiser to lock in all of the goodness of a serum and ensure your skin barrier stays healthy while it's at it. After just one application at night, I noticed a significant improvement in the way my skin looked come morning. After a few weeks of use, my skin is looking plumper, more radiant and generally in its best state. If your skin is dry, you'll likely want to apply this morning and night. If it's on the oilier side of the scale, like mine is, it's probably a bit too rich for morning use but wonderful come bedtime.
Just unscrew the cap and pop the refill into the glass pot. As a tip, keep hold of these caps so that you can remove the pouch from the glass container when you go travelling.
Shop More Refillable Skincare
This oil-based cleansing balm helps to effectively remove makeup and grime while pineapple enzymes gently exfoliate for a glow boost.
Refill £26.
Charlotte's Magic Cream is considered to be one of the very best glow-boosting bases for makeup by celebrities and makeup artists.
Refill £67.
This SPF is one of the most high-octane and nourishing formulas around thanks to vitamin E and niacinamide, and it feels beautiful on the skin. Seriously, there's not a hint of greasiness.
Refill £46.
Containing hydrating hyaluronic acid and fruit peptides, as well as exfoliating AHAs, this lightweight moisturiser leaves skin suitably radiant.
Refill £56.
This daily face cream is beautifully hydrating, sinks into skin in seconds, and leaves a beautifully plump radiance that lasts all day.
Refill £40.
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