It is a very exciting month ahead as we embrace all things Christmas related. There will be office Christmas parties, nights out with friends, and of course Christmas day itself.
Then there’s the week between Christmas and New Year when we will be shopping in the sales and prepping for New Years Eve.
If you don’t have the right beauty products for the party season you can always add a few to your Christmas list. Alternatively, treat someone else to something gorgeous from the beauty world.
We’ve compiled a gift list, which includes fragrance, make-up, skincare and body care.
Fragrance & Scents
Miller Harris, Myrica Muse EDP, £125 (100ml)/£95 (50ml) from Miller Harris
Elie Saab, Girl of Now Lovely EDP, £70 (90ml EDP & 70ml body lotion) from The Perfume Shop
Floral Street Fragrances, Ylang Ylang Espresso EDP, £25 from Floral Street
There’s no doubt that good skin, health and wellness comes from within. Periods of being busy or having fun can mean we don’t always eat a balanced diet, get enough rest or hit our weekly exercise goal which is why it’s good to get a little helping hand. Cutting edge, premium nutrition brand, Swiss Vitae offers a range of science backed supplements that support and improve health and wellbeing. House of Coco Wellness Editor, Anji McGrandles caught up with founder, Peji Kanani to find out more about the brand that is taking the wellness market by storm.
What led you to set up Swiss Vitae?
I began my career in one of the world’s largest technology companies, specialising in bringing FMCG brands to market through tech solutions. Years of working in a high-intensity corporate environment began to take its toll on my health and in 2021, I left the corporate world to focus on my own health and wellness.
In pursuit of optimal health, my research led me to Switzerland, whose population is one of the healthiest in the world and to set up Swiss Vitae. As a brand we are committed to produce the highest quality, scientifically backed supplements. Our mission is to empower every customer with the ability to gain and maintain optimal health, from the inside out.
What sets you apart from other supplements on the market?
We need our nutritional support to be flexible, and what better way than to choose liquid vitamin and minerals. Our shots are developed in Switzerland and produced in a state-of-the-art GMP certified facility. Liquid vitamins take less time to break down and be absorbed. If your body struggles to absorb nutrients, a liquid vitamin is easier to take than pills or tablets.
Bioavailability refers to how an ingredient is transported and absorbed into the bloodstream. Some ingredients on the market are less bioavailable than others. Swiss Vitae uses hydrolysed marine collagen peptides which are so small they are absorbed faster and more efficiently into the bloodstream ensuring they get to work immediately with very little wastage. Liquid shots have almost 95% absorption into the body versus pills or powder which is around 30%.
Tell us a bit about Swiss Vitae and the range
The current product range consists of three products. Immunity is a multivitamin for everyone. It’s a blend of 20 unique vitamins and minerals to strengthen your natural defence and immune system to help you feel more energetic.
Weight Control stimulates fat burning and boosts your energy. The unique blend of l-carnitine, garcinia cambogia, corn stigma and chromium picolinate improves the body’s metabolism, counteracts the absorption of fats and can help the body from producing free radicals.
Marine Collagen improves your skin. Our liquid shot is 12 times more powerful than any gel or powder. Each shot contains 3000mg of hydrolysed type 1 marine collagen, 120ml hyaluronic acid, which means you will see results much quicker and faster with our formula than any gel or powder.
Collagen is trending right now, who should take it and why?
Collagen is a type of protein that gives structure to tissues such as the skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, organs, teeth, muscles, and blood vessels. Collagen accounts for 33% of the body’s total protein mass. As we age, our collagen supply naturally depletes. This can result in tired and dull-looking skin, which is prone to wrinkles, and limp, lifeless hair. Using only natural ingredients, our unique formula is proven to support healthier, better-looking skin. Our collagen shot contains marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and seven different vitamins and minerals for improved skin health.
How important is it to include a supplement in your wellness routine?
We are all putting our best efforts into living our best life. We know to eat a balanced diet, get a good night’s sleep and live as active a lifestyle as our body allows however it can be difficult to tick every single box, every day. Adding supplements into your routine is a great way to give your health that extra boost.
How do you know the right supplement for your needs?
Healthy eating is important, there is no discussion about that. Many people are healthy eating on a daily basis, but still lack vitamins in their diet. Only a small percentage of people consume 250 grams of vegetables and two portions of fruit daily. Therefore there is a good chance that you are also deficient in some vitamins and minerals every day. Taking a high quality, all-round supplement like our Immunity Shot will ensure you are giving your body a good boost of vitamins.
What are the ‘essentials’ when it comes to supplements (i.e. what should everyone be taking for optimum health)?
Everyone has a different lifestyle and at different stages of their health journey so there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. Our essential product would be Swiss Vitae Immunity which is a blend of 20 vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system. Thereafter, it really depends on what your specific goals are. If you are active and looking to strengthen your joints and recover faster from workouts along with improving your skin elasticity, the collagen shot is a good option. If you are looking to reduce your body weight, our weight control drink which contains essential amino acids together with natural herbs will help you.
With stress levels rising and people looking for ways to boost their immunity levels and enhance their nutrition, wellness experts say this is the ideal time to introduce supplements into your wellness routine. Adding our easy-to-take supplements to your daily food intake and exercise regimen could go a long way towards keeping you healthy during pressured, challenging periods.
Do you have any top tips for people looking to boost their overall wellbeing?
A healthy lifestyle is important. If you take good care of yourself, you will feel better both physically and mentally. Time for yourself is key so aim to get a good night’s sleep, social contact and frequent exercise, as well as a balanced diet. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Swiss Vitae products are an easy way to incorporate positive healthy changes into your lifestyle. With one shot, you are all set for a new day.
What’s your vision for the brand?
Our vision is to inspire people to live healthy and happy lives. To realise that self-care is not a chore and that building good habits can be very simple. We expect further growth to come from the expansion of the product range and innovative product introductions such as sleep, anxiety, sexual well-being and recovery.
Collagen is having a moment right now, I can’t scroll through my social feed without seeing a fresh faced celebrity claiming this elixir is responsible for their glowing youthful skin. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, so I spoke to Peji Kanani, founder of Swissvitae supplements.
Collagen makes up 30% of protein in our bodies and is an important building block for your skin, hair and nails. Collagen is a protein that contains key amino acids giving the skin its plump appearance, elasticity and strength. From around the age of 30 the body’s collagen production begins to decrease, this can also be accelerated by too much sun, processed foods, alcohol and smoking. When our levels start to drop we get visible signs of ageing like thinning hair and wrinkles.
While collagen is mainly coveted for its beauty properties it does more than just support healthier and better-looking skin. Collagen is an essential factor in muscle health and recovery, gut health, hair and nail strength, bone and joint health, and hormone health. You can support your collagen levels with a supplement but with so many on the market from liquids, to capsules and powders how can you be sure you are using the most effective product? Kanani recommends marine collagen. He says, “marine collagen is Type 1 collagen – the most abundant kind and is a rich source of amino acids, including proline and glycine”. Marine collagen comes from a variety of sea life, including jellyfish and fish. Once the fish’s flesh has been removed for food, everything that is left is cleaned. At this point, the collagen is extracted. It then goes through a process called hydrolysis. This breaks down the collagen into collagen peptides, which are small units of protein. Marine collagen contains a higher collagen content than other sources. It is also considered an eco-friendlier option because it prevents fish visceral from being wasted.
It is possible to keep our collagen levels high by eating a diet rich in protein and vitamins, however, it can be difficult for the body to absorb this so-called native collagen. To help with the absorption of collagen in the body, Swissvitae UK’s supplements take a liquid form. Kanani says “Liquid supplements have the advantage of their form. The liquid is already ready to be absorbed, meaning that your digestive tract can start absorbing the nutrients as soon as it starts its descent into the stomach. Research shows that up to 90% of nutrients are absorbed within approximately 30 seconds, and the entire absorption process takes up to 4 minutes. That’s a leading factor as to why liquid supplements are known to have an absorption rate of 98%. With the added value of having smaller, easier to breakdown molecules, it makes the efficacy of the absorption better, too. Powder form typically has an absorption rate of less than 30%”.
With most things don’t expect changes overnight. To see and feel the benefits you need to be taking the supplement regularly for at least three months. Swissvitae’s collagen shot contains marine collagen as well as hyaluronic acid and four different vitamins and minerals for better skin health so you’re getting more bang for your buck.
Nothing in this world is more rejuvenating than a good night’s sleep and here at House of Coco, we’re all about creating night-time rituals that can help relax and restore us for the day ahead.
This Christmas, we’ve rounded up the best sleep-enhancing gifts from silky pyjamas, luxurious eye masks, pillow mists, essential oils, fluffy slippers and even bath soaks that will put even the most restless sleeper to bed. Because there truly is no better gift than a good night’s sleep.
11. Five Minute & Foot Mat and Mindful Aromatherapy Balm by Scentered available at https://scentered.me/
ONAIE’s new Star Sheepskin Slippers not only look and feel wonderful, but they’re completely unique, sustainably made, and built to last. Each pair is crafted by hand using the finest quality materials, and no two pairs are ever the same.
The Sonic toothbrush uses professionally designed sonic technology, allowing for the gentle feel of a manual toothbrush with an actual deep clean effect that was designed with both efficiency and comfort in mind. It’s a real game changer! You can even have the Sonic Toothbrush personalised in time for Christmas.
Drowsy’s luxurious Deep Sleep Collection Gift Box is the ultimate sleep kit that promises uninterrupted rest. Like a hug for your face, the sell-out Silk Sleep Mask features a heavenly padded lining for total blackout with skin ageing and hair-damage protection properties.
Treat someone that deserves some me-time to three nourishing handmade body oils, complete with a Gaia gift box, to attend to the body and mind’s every need over the busy Christmas period. Awakening to uplift spirits and provide support throughout the day, Balancing brings harmony and Calming provides comfort and relaxation at the end of a busy day.
Perfect for those looking to add something new to their wellbeing ritual, Point Zero’s 24K Gold Plated Ear Seeds can be used to stimulate pressure points in your ear to clear energy blockages in order to bring your body back to balance in all facets – work/life, physical and mental aka ‘point zero.’ Just the thing to get you in the right mood for a good night’s sleep.
Scentered’s Five Minute Acupressure Foot Mat & Mindful Aromatherapy Balm is compact and easy to use for every space, it helps restore balance to the body’s energy flow and promotes a sense of wellbeing to the body and mind, after just 5 minutes! Aviela’s sumptuous hair-to-toe shea butter is rich in fatty acids, Vitamins A and E, and natural soothing properties to help deliver intense hydration, superior nourishment and incredible skin softening properties to all skin types, whilst working hard to alleviate dryness and calm irritated skin.
We love Made Your Day’s organic cotton pyjama sets which look just as good in bed as it does in your lounge. Ethically crafted in Portugal, the fit is contemporary and relaxed, flattering and not skimpy, to ensure maximum comfort as loungewear and nightwear.
Starpowa’s vegan Snooze Gummies are made with 5-HTP, Vitamin B6, L-Theanine, Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon Balm Leaf and Montmorency Cherry, these gummies promote sleep by increasing melatonin production, an important sleep-regulating hormone, key for sound, peaceful sleep. They also work to ease anxiety, stress and having natural calming effects.
The Jing Tea Flowering Set is perfect for the experienced tea drinker. This gift set is guaranteed to impress. It includes 4 bulbs of Jing’s floral showstoppers, which are made from spring-fresh green tea from Fujian, China, hand-tied with sweet jasmine blossoms and soft lily petals. Each bulb blooms into a vibrant display when added to hot water. The tea is paired with JING’s Two Cup Tea-iere and two Glass Cups and Saucers.
Thelma & Leah perfect for those who like to add a little sunshine to their winter wardrobe! This travel-inspired brand uses traditional block printing all hand finished in Rajasthan by collaborating with local artisans before being sent to Spain for production. Thelma & Leah continues to work and support independent artisans and is hoping to include charities and philanthropy into the brand’s ethos soon too.
Wellness is a word that has well, become something we say nearly every day. The demand for products that enhance our wellbeing is increasing and is re-vamping what we look for within beauty.
If you’re looking for luxurious, effective, and mindful products, then let us introduce you to Nubyén. A brand that focuses on clean cosmetics and activewear. Making women look and feel good
Made in England using only clean, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients, Nubyén manages to keep science at the core. Nubyén is created by Dr. Lola and a team of practicing Medical Drs alongside Clinical scientists and co-founding Veterinary Scientist, Hanna.
After a trip to Ubud, Bali with her husband, the importance of wellness was something Dr. Lola Rachel realised. That was when Nubyén was created. Since then, Nubyén has become a coveted brand with many cult products. A loyal following means the brand is currently available on FeelUnique, Revolve, Beauty Bay and launched with Net-a-Porter earlier this week.
Ever expanding, with now over 20 beauty products and an activewear range, Nubyen is set to reach new heights. #TeamCoco was lucky enough to have the chance to ask Dr. Lola a few questions about her routine and thoughts on wellness.
The pressure to look perfect is ever-increasing and ‘normal’ is less sought after. At what point did you realise you wanted to offer less invasive options?
That’s a very good question. I feel that we are under pressure consistently. We place our identity in our image. This is normal, however, this can breed insecurities especially with external pressures. I believe that we all have things that make us truly beautiful. Sometimes the things that we loathe another loves. I, therefore, love the notion of us celebrating the features that we have and accentuating them.
As a Dr. have you noticed an increasing interest in wellbeing?
At Nubyén we truly believe in the 360 approach to beauty that beauty, active and wellness go hand in hand. People are becoming highly educated in the products and ingredients that they use and consume. Another area I see is biohacking space where people try to optimise their performance. This can be done via eating habits, learning about hormones, gut health, using clean products and exercise.
The products on Nubyén act as alternatives to cosmetic procedures. At what point would you recommend a procedure?
Nubyén hopes to empower you. Whether you opt for surgical procedures or not. We do not judge and believe that everyone has freedom of choice. Our products also enable people to try without the full commitment of an invasive procedure. We also love that our products are reversible too!
What is your favourite product?
Personally, I love Nubyén Nude, Nubyén Lip Filler, Beautox & Elevated Mood Oil. (I couldn’t help but squeeze in four of my faves)
What is your current beauty routine?
I try to invest some time into my beauty routine, so try to set intentions for my day. First, I cleanse, with Nubyen Allantoin cleanser, then follow with a toner. Before moisturising with Nubyén Validate CBD Supercharged Glow facial moisturiser, which I add a drop of Nubyen elevated mood oil. Lastly, I do my brows but I have noticed I do not feel complete without a lip plumper; I love the feeling of the tingling.
Having great skin is the best investment you’re ever going to make this festive season. So, if you – your mum or bestie – are looking for new, high-performance skincare products to add to your Christmas wish-lists then we’ve got you covered. Because we’ve rounded up some of the best skincare finds that our editors swear by, so you can ‘glow, glow, glow,’ this Christmas.
The Dr Michael Prager Day Oil is based on a combination of Argan Oil, Shea and Macadamia, which for centuries have been used for skin repair and sun protection. Dr Prager’s most popular formula is stabilised by luxurious floating gold flakes which are rich in antioxidants to help to improve the circulation of the blood just beneath the skin, resulting in a brighter and healthier looking complexion – and we are super obsessed.
The Jack Black Power Peel is a fast-acting, one-step exfoliating peel that resurfaces, clarifies and helps to firm and brighten skin. Glycolic and salicylic acids combined with natural fruit acids work to reduce the appearance of pores and smooth fine lines, so it’s an ideal gift for those looking for a skin refresh.
SAKRID believes all good things come from making the right choices, saying no to questionable products and using the best ingredients and we’re all for it. SAKRID’s range of hair and body products contain absolutely no harmful or questionable ingredients, with zero compromise on performance. As a result, they are naturally vegan, halal, organic and always cruelty free. All SAKRID products are handmade in the UK using the best natural ingredients. It’s the perfect gift for all your vegan friends.
Newly launched Cultured (created by REN Co-Founder, Rob Calcraft) brings us the Biome One Cleansing Balm, and we’re already adding to cart. A beautiful lightweight balm formula, the Biome One Cleansing Balm cleanses the skin while respecting the skin barrier and, just as crucially, your microbiome. Perfect for daily cleansing and the removal of makeup and urban pollution, this will make the ideal gift for your busy, go-getting gal pals.
Treat someone that deserves some me-time to three nourishing handmade body oils, complete with a sumptuous GAIA gift box, to attend to the body and mind’s every need over the busy Christmas period. This is a wonderfully packaged gift that will surely delight even the most discerning skincare fanatic.
8. Delo Rx ‘Radiance & Rejuvenation’ Cleanser by Dr. Stefanie Williams Dermatologist available at https://delorx.com/
9. Flawless Future Skin Food Supplement, Skin Accumax and Skin Vitality Food Supplements by Advanced Nutrition Programme available at https://www.advancednutritionprogramme.com/
The Delo Cleanser is high-performing cleanser, perfect for those with sensitive skin, while the LIHA Idan Oil is a magic, cold-pressed oil that will cure all your winter skin woes. Use this for absolutely everything from a body oil to leave-in hair conditioner, or if you are feeling indulgent, slathering it head to toe before bed and rinsing off in the morning for truly silky fragranced skin
Advanced Nutrition offers skincare that goes beyond the skin. We especially love the ‘Flawless Future’ Set which was designed for problem-prone skin, this duo works to clarify complexion, whilst supporting overall skin, hair and nail health.
Environ’s Healthy Skin Set is the perfect gift for those who want beautiful healthy-looking skin. It offers a complete skincare routine of powerhouse formulations, designed with essential vitamins and antioxidants to boost your skin health.
We love Emma Hardie’s gifting collection, which offers super effective botanical products in fantastic festive packaging. Meanwhile, Ethosa’s Waterless Shower Set is kickstarting a waterless revolution and is a perfect gift for those looking to minimise their carbon footprint, while Face Halo’s Glow Kit removes your makeup and dead skin cells while also reducing land-fill (win-win!)
We also love the Bad Habit Daily Fix Lip Oil, which is packed full of juicy, lip-loving ingredients to save our winter-time lip woes. Because we’re all about conscious consumerism, we’re also huge fans of Nailberry’s nail polish range that delivers great colour payoff without any harmful nasties. Q+A is another all-natural, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly beauty brand we can’t stop raving about, because of its effective formulas that don’t break the bank.
Also, for those looking to rejuvenate their skin while sleeping, Sensory Retreat’s self-heating Eye Masks do wonders for those tired eyes and are also an absolute treat to use.
Worth over £400, Face The Future’s first limited-edition skincare box ‘All About You’ is the perfect all-out gift for skincare enthusiasts this Christmas. It includes an edit of 9 full size products for the ultimate self-care routine that puts you first. This limited-edition skincare box includes 9 full size products from OSKIA, Avant Skincare, Mesoestetic, Votary, Weleda, Unlike, Proto-col, Image Skincare, and Ultrasun.
Creature of Habit’s Anywhere, Everywhere Balm is a great multi-purpose product, as the name suggests this balm can be used quite literally anywhere… and everywhere! Soften rough, flake, sensitive skin, take flyaways, add a nourishing balm to lips or even as a lid gloss over eyeshadow. This multipurpose balm is free from essential oils making it a particularly effective way of treating irritated and sensitive areas of skin and is a perfect gift for beauty newbies.
19. LookLit LED light Face Mask by SwearBy Skin Swearbyskin.com
In line with the big CBD wave, Cannuka’s concentrated Skin Balm soothes all skin types with rich hydration and powerful yet indulgent ingredients to help calm and correct dry skin and is super effective. Cannuka’s unique combination of Manuka honey and other natural ingredients create a rich moisturizer that warms on contact to nourish and protect — from head-to-toe.
For those looking to take their at-home skincare regimens to the next level, SwearBy Skin’s LookLit LED Mask. LED light therapy is a painless treatment that triggers your skin’s natural healing abilities and can tackle many complexion issues like fine lines, breakouts and hyperpigmentation, and SwearBySkin’s Face mask means you can look cute while masking too.
Multi-maskers rejoice because The Faace has launched a new triple threat set of face masks which features all three of the cult collections for the ultimate skincare pamper pack which includes a full sized Period, Tired and Sweaty Faace mask.
It’s been a while, yet, if you’re still obsessing over Fashion Month, you’re not alone. From the Balmain festival village to the romanticism of Bibhu Mohaparte; there was a lot to take from a whirlwind four weeks.
One of the main trends seemed to be that of collaboration. However, forget Balenciaga and The Simpsons and even (dare we say it) Fendace. As the brand making waves through collaboration was in fact a skincare one. 111 Skin are cultivating a name for themselves when it comes to skincare in Fashion Month. The luxury skincare brand was behind the glowing complexions of Brandon Maxwell, Oscar de La Renta, and Jason Wu in NYFW.
The brand ended on a high at PFW for a partnership with Monot. Creating radiant skin for the models of the ready-to-wear SS22 collection. 111 Skin’s Global Head Aesthetician, Milena Naydenov, was behind the direction of the team to provide glowing skin for each model.
Monot unveiled the collection at the Ritz Paris for the brand’s fourth collection. Designer Eli Mizrahi decided to partner with 111 Skin due to the synergy of the brands; their joint passion for craftmanship and dedication to showcasing individual beauty.
111 Skin Co-Founder Eva Alexandrides said: ‘If we look at beauty as something that essentially comes from within. Then skin prep is the starting place for drawing that out. Then make-up becomes the embellishment’.
So, how do you get a glowing complexion with 111 Skin products? In 3 simple steps.
Step 1: Cleanse and apply a layer of 111 Skin Antioxidant Energising Essence.
It’s important to thoroughly cleanse skin with a product that suits your skin type. Applying product over skin that isn’t properly cleansed will cause buildup and in turn problematic skin. The Antioxidant Energising essence has a boost of antioxidants that help to balance the skin. It also provides hydration and over time it battles the signs of aging.
Step 2: Facial massage
If this isn’t something you do, we would advise it. There are plenty of ‘how-to’s on YouTube, that will help you revitalise skin and improve lymphatic drainage. Face massage can help promote blood circulation and gives the skin a healthy glow.
Step 3: Application of 111 Skin Face Mask
Depending on your skin, you can choose from an array of masks to target your concern. The Anti-blemish Bio-Cellulose Facial Mask was popular amongst the models. As the mask is beneficial to those with busy travel schedules and heavy make-up application. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and if possible, massage over the mask. Upon removal, massage the residue into the skin and voila!
Crabtree & Evelyn, purveyor of everyone’s favourite bath and body products, has just launched The Greece Collection, the second instalment of its Exploration Series. The series seeks to build cultural connections around the world.
The Greece Collection follows the successful launch of the Bali Collection in 2020 and was designed to evoke Greece’s rich culture, history and heritage. The wonderfully designed capsule was inspired by a sense of adventure comprises a curated range of lifestyle products and accessories.
From silk sea sponges, olive oils and ceramic herb planters, each product in the range was painstakingly hand-crafted by skilled Greek artisans and was inspired by the Greek way of living.
Crabtree & Evelyn’s own exploration begins at the island of Kefalonia, where the team met Stella who met local artisans, friends, jewellers and even olive farmers. The Greece Collection also features the work of Myrto, a ceramicist working in Athens, whose work supports local non-profit Pnoi Agapis ‘Breath of Love’ an organistaion that works with victims of life-limiting illnesses.
To give back to Myrto and local communities in Greece, Crabtree & Evelyn is donating 5% or profits across the collection and 100% of profits from the ceramic dish in ochre to Pnoi Agapis.
When you think of luxury lingerie, sleepwear, and swimwear, La Perla is a brand that comes to the forefront of your mind. When you think fragrance, cosmetics, and body care, it’s not one you tend to think of. Yet, it should be as the brand has stepped into the world of luxury and mindful beauty.
Earlier this year, the Italian brand launched La Perla Beauty. By doing so they created beauty products with a conscience that are still luxurious and perfect for any dressing table.
Fragrances
La Perla Haute Perfumerie Collection follows the ethos that fragrances are deeply personal due to the memories they evoke. The La Perla fragrance collection is full of unique fragrances that ignite the senses. Each is presented in opulent glass bottles that are refillable; luxurious, and ecofriendly in one.
The ‘My Day’ fragrance has become a #TeamCoco favourite. A citrus and pink pepper opening lead into a heart of jasmine, iris, and orris. Before drying down to a base of tonka bean. Creating a sophisticated and warm yet subtle fragrance that lasts hours on the skin.
Bodycare
Sensual moments call for soft and sensually scented skin. La Perla has created a collection of body products that are as indulgent as they are beneficial. The range of shower gels, moisturisers, and serums all have a subtle scent that provides the perfect base for fragrance. The products are enriched with prebiotics for a healthy skin microbiome. The shower gel is slightly scented and deeply cleanses whilst hydrating your skin. The moisturizer nourishes the skin and leaves a slight sheen to the skin. The serum helps to firm the skin and absorbs quickly; perfect if you’re in a rush in the morning. If you’re looking for more intense hydration, the balm is ideal.. If you’re wearing silk, then silky skin is the perfect pairing.
Makeup
If you need new cosmetics and are looking for luxury, fragrance-free, clean and recyclable then La Perla Make-Up is definitely worth considering. A branch into mindful beauty in the luxury industry, ranging from lip products to mascara, the products are the perfect addition to any makeup bag, especially for simple beauty on the go that can instantly enhance your look.
We love a story that starts with something not going to plan, but then ends up being the start of a new business. Monét Marshall-Smith is testament to this subject, read on to find out more.
Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand Skin X Monét…
The journey behind Skin X Monét has been tough but rewarding. It all started when my ‘go to’ cleanser was discontinued from a big name brand. From what I remember, there was no warning or heads up about it, just poof, GONE! I’d already been experimenting with natural ingredients and essential oils for remedies so I decided to go further and attempt recreating a cleanser/soap similar to that of what I was used to. Shortly after, Skin x Monét was born.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge so far has been staying motivated. It’s so hard trying to keep up with well established companies and social media trends just to keep the attention of my audience and provide them with relevant quality products. Every now and then I just turn off all of my notifications, turn on some chill beats music, meditate and write out my goals and affirmations for what success looks like for my business.
Skin X Monét
Rose Glow Toner, Monét, Soap Bars
If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?
“Healthy is Flawless” So many people strive for perfect and flawless skin but that shouldn’t have to come at the cost of its healthiness. Strive for healthy skin.
What advice would you offer anyone interested in venturing into the world of beauty and skincare?
Do your research. If you have a choice to know what ingredients your skin is absorbing, choose the best. Whatever that is for you.
Talk us through an average business day in your life…
On an average day, the first thing I do is meditate and speak my affirmations aloud and over my business. Next I check my emails and orders from the previous night, process and package them, then ship them out asap. I’ve just learned how to schedule social media posts so that’s not an average day task, but a task that comes up every few days as content planning takes a lot of time.
Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?
My husband is my biggest supporter when it comes to my business so I turn to him for most of my business advice. I can honestly say that a quick chat with him about whatever challenge I’m facing can usually spark a little motivation and it will turn things around from there. Kudos to him!
What is your go-to quote when lacking motivation?
“I am capable of anything I set my mind to.”
Monét
How much has social media played a role in the success of your brand?
As I’m still learning all the possible ways to reach the masses, I’m learning that social media has helped me reach more than I could have imagined reaching within barely a year of being in business. Social media has definitely put my brand in front of thousands already and it always blows my mind to think about that.
Skin X Monét
Whipped Body Butter and Soap Bar
How do you want people to feel when they first try your products?
When people first try my products, I want them to feel serene luxury. Everyone’s concept of luxury is different but when customers try Skin x Monét, the ultimate feeling for them is to feel good, calm and beautiful.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list, and which of your skincare products would you take with you on your travels?
Maldives!!!! That is my dream vacation spot and I’m trying to stay for like a month, HA! But I know my go to products will be my travel essentials combo which contains a small soap bar and body butter, hydrating Rosé Glow toner, and last but not least my newest product that will be launching soon, my dark spot fading serum.
What’s next for you and your brand?
My next goal for Skin x Monét is obviously growth but I have desires of seeing my brand in more magazines. Shoutout to House of CoCo for the start of new dreams for this small business owner.
Where can people find out more about Skin X Monet?
My social media handles are: @SkinxMonet for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Pinterest. You can Google Skin x Monét and that will take you to my Google business page which will also lead customers to my website, www.SkinxMonet.com.
