The traditional style inspired by Japanese culture combined with the warming comfort of modern Scandinavian design gives you ‘Japandi’. A well-balanced mix of design and taste focused on the common interest in minimalism of these two faraway cultures.
Source: Cultfurniture.com
When the home designs from Japan and Scandinavian countries meet, you have 'Japandi'. Coming from the very antipodes, this interior design is made of balance, harmony and a touch of welcoming warmth.
Based on simplicity and functionality, Japandi has both core elements of Japanese ‘Wabi-Sabi’ meaning– a world view centred on the acceptance of transience and imperfection – and the Scandinavian practice of ‘Hygge’ which is defined as a certain quality of cosiness.
Keep in mind the following elements; organic, clean lines, rattan, bamboo, light/dark woods and functional accessories. Get the idea? A good saying to stick to when creating this stylistic and comforting interior style is ‘Less is more’, keeping your space decluttered and airy is the way forward with Japandi.
Give your dining room a Japandi transformation starting with the basics. Have this colour palette with you – beige to a soft grey – then get ready to fill your baskets with the following: Heaven dining table and the Lund dining chair for all your fine dining needs. The Alma sideboard for storage and a few decorative elements such as Iguaze pendant light, Olbia vase, Marlborough stoneware vase and the Cango table lamp. Combine all these pieces together and your personal touch, then there you have it: your Japandi style dining room!
Source: Cultfurniture.com
Marlborough Stoneware Vase, Taupe £28
Source: Cultfurniture.com
Cango Table Lamp, Bamboo £79
Source: Cultfurniture.com
Iguazu Pendant Light, Jute £159
Alma Sideboard, Oak & Cane £499
Source: Cultfurniture.com
Heaven Rectangle 8 Seat Dining Table £799
Source: Cultfurniture.com
Lund Dining Chair, Dark Grey & Black £229
Source: Cultfurniture.com
Olbia Round Stoneware Vase, Green £42
At Cult Furniture you can choose from a wide range of modern and contemporary furniture, lighting, and artwork to create the perfect mood and ambience in this new 'Japandi' style.
This is your guide to finding the right eyeshadow for your eyes, plus other tips and tricks to explore with the help of an artistic tool.
Ph. Annie Spratt, Unsplash
The number one factor of identifying which shade of eyeshadow best suits you, is to look at a colour wheel. Which colours are directly opposite to your eye colour?
If you have blue eyes, warmer tones like oranges will be perfect for you. Green eyes are best contrasted with reds; while brown eyes will pop if partnered with greens or purples. Now that you have understood what shades are suitable for you, we will get on to the tricks!
Brown Eyes
Brown eyes are typically dark; therefore, the shades used need to brighten up your face, so that people will be attracted by your eyes. Bright purples are not only eye-catching themselves but, when paired with brown or hazel eyes, this abstract colour becomes more natural, while giving a sense of life to those dark eyes. Lime does the exact same: it will make your eyes look shiny and strengthen their brown hue.
Ph. Nora Hutton, Unsplash
These shades are obviously quite bold and can be frightening when first approaching them, but you can also use bright purples and lime in a discreet way. A tip is to use a light brown or nude in your crease and apply purple glitter all over your lid. You will still gain the effects of this contrasting colour but in a subtle way.
Links to products: Urban Decay Naked Ultra Violet Palette, Anastasia Beverly Hills Primrose Palette
Blue Eyes
Blue eyes are brighter and there are many different varieties, but the biggest tip is – again – to complement your eye colour with an opposing shade that will accentuate your natural blue.
Ph. Charlie Octavia, Unsplash
Orange and warm tones are the best due to eyes being a cool tone: they are the complete opposite. Typically, blue-eyed people tend to have round doll eyes or cat eyes. Therefore, when applying the eyeshadow for a cat-eye shape, apply eyeliner and make the edges sharp to elongate your eyes. However, if you have doll eyes rounded both sides, this will create a more circular shape, making your eyes appear bigger.
Links to products: Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette, NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Eyeshadow Palette
Green Eyes
Green and red make the perfect combo. Because green eyes are the most unique, the eyeshadow colour of your choice has to be bright and accommodate the green hue of your eyes.
Ph. Nora Hutton, Unsplash
Warm tones like reds or orange-reds should be your number one choice. They will highlight your crystalised eyes, making them the main feature of your face. Due to the red being a dominant colour, no eyeliner is typically needed, because of how bold and abstract both the colour of your eyes and your eyeshadow are.
Links to products: Afflano Red Apple Eyeshadow Palette - Amazon.co.uk: Beauty
Makeup is also a game of opposites and attraction!
The weather forecasts foresee a blast of cold, but we predict a heart-warming run-up to Valentine's day. To help you with the preparations, we have some gift suggestions for him and her.
Ph. cottonbro, Pexels
Love has no limit, sometimes our imagination has. Have a look at our Valentine's day gift ideas to make your him or her happy glowy like a star with your love.
Valentine's day, but also Galentine's, is a reminder of the important part of our life that deserves to be celebrated every day. Find in this hand-picked selection of gifts, something that will make an ordinary day special and talk of your care.
Glamoriser
Not chocolates and roses but something equally sweet. Glamoriser tinges of pink, the sweetest colour of the spectrum, its Volume Boost Multi-Waver & Curler. The newly-launched styling tool combines high-tech design and natural treatment in a ready-made gift with a reusable tin box and a 100% eco-felt pouch/heat mat. Hard not to fall in love with shiny, soft and bouncy hair! Your partner will love this gift of beauty and her hair will thank you too.
Glamoriser Volume Boost Multi-Waver & Curler is now on sale for £49.99! £30 discount especially for Valentine’s and available at Argos, FeelUnique and the brand's website.
Lola's Lashes
For your Valentine or gal, ask Lola and Liberty Poole. This special collaboration arrives in perfect timing for flirty and girly presents. Lola's Lashes X Liberty collection of hybrid magnetic lashes are not just innovative and easy to use but they come in 5 styles and a wide array of sets. In a wink, you just need to pick one and wrap it for a successful present.
The Liberty Collection by Lola's Lashes is available online in kits starting from £18.
Luna Skins
It would not be a gift list of ours without the extra meaning and human touch of handmade. For Valentine's 2022, we introduce you to Luna Skins. This UK vegan and handmade brand uses Arabica coffee in its skin and body products, for all skin types, for him and her. The company is a story of love and passion that started when the founder, Luna Seto, was just 14! The key is caffeine which will stimulate and renew the skin, giving glow and energy to your loved one. We would keep under the radar Luna Skins' beard oil, the beard balm, the coffee mask & scrub, and the whipped she butter 'Shea Glow' but we cannot guarantee you will really share this goodness.
Find Luna Skins online.
Freshly Cosmetics
From Spain to the UK, Freshly Cosmetics shares more love with freshly naturally-based formulations. The Rose Gold pack, featuring the Rose Quartz Facial Cleanser and the Golden Radiance Body Oil, is a sweet touch for a brighter face and smoother skin. Kind to the skin and the environment, the popularity of the brand is spreading fast, this gift set rides the tide and makes your valentine shine!
The Rose Gold pack is available on the brand's website at £39.
Barbour
Barbour presents a perfect couple this Valentine's: Barbour for Him and for Her, two fragrances celebrating the lands of Scotland and England. The brand signature's tartan patterns and love for the outdoor dress these bottles, a sophisticated present to give to each other. Barbour for Her is an eau de parfum that wants to pay homage to the British meadows with its jasmine and tuberous heart and a calming top notes of greens and citruses. Barbour for Him recalls Scotlands with its design and woody and spicy notes.
Available online at The Fragrance Shop in 50ml and 100ml versions.
Vesta London Beauty
To cover this day with kisses, Vesta London Beauty has a lip set for all skin tones. Vesta Boateng's Nude Lip Gloss Edition Bundle makes nude lips universal and healthy-looking. Vesta London Beauty formula is vegan and cruelty-free and with plenty of hydration, enriched with shea and cocoa butter with a sweet touch of vanilla.
This bundle is available online at £40.
We would give the stars to our partner if we only could, but love is the little gestures, small surprises and in the everyday. Accompany your gift with your love and extend it all year round.
In 2021, an estimated 980 thousand women in the UK used hair removal products once a day or more (statista) - that is a lot of razor heads and wax strips! Are you aware of the most common mistakes we make when shaving or waxing? An expert told us...
Courtesy of Sparkle PR
Our trusted waxing expert and founder of Sugar Coated, Rosie Khandwala, reveals the 10 biggest mistakes women are making when it comes to DIY hair removal.
Shaving Mistakes
Ph. KoolShooters, Pexels
1. Not Storing Your Razors Properly
"Storing razors in the shower leads to corroding and weaker blades. You should clean and dry razors after each use and store them outside of the bathroom to avoid moisture and extend their shelf-life."
2. Not Prepping Your Skin With A Hot Towel
"Prepping your skin with a hot towel before you shave will soften the hairs allowing for a closer shave. Never prep your skin with cold water since this can make it more difficult for the shaving cream to fully penetrate the skin and be effective."
3. Neglecting To Exfoliate
"Exfoliating your skin before you wax, or shave will enable you to achieve smoother results. Exfoliating on a regular basis can also help to prevent ingrown hairs."
4. Not Shaving In The Direction Of Hair Growth
"You should always shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the grain can cause irritation and increase the chances of razor bumps."
5. Shaving In The Morning
"When you sleep your legs can swell which makes shaving in the morning less than optimal. Shaving at night will allow you to get a closer shave."
Waxing Mistakes
Ph. flaviasaad, Pixabay
Rosie says "Waxing is having a real viral moment right now due to the aftermath of the lockdowns." You would be surprised but #Waxing has 9.6 Billion views on TikTok!
1. Waxing Right Before Or After Your Period
"If you’re extra sensitive to discomfort, avoid waxing right before, during or after your period. Hormonal fluctuations during these times can make waxing more painful. Instead, opt for a wax mid-cycle."
2. Exfoliating Right After You Wax
"You need to let the treated areas rest for at least 2 full days before it’s safe to exfoliate. Exfoliating prior to that can be very painful and result in redness and irritation."
Laser Hair Removal Mistakes
Source: Sugar Coated
1. Expecting Permanent Results
"Despite often being marketed as providing permanent results, laser hair removal simply offers significant hair reduction and won’t get rid of hair forever. Occasional touch-ups will be needed in order to keep you smooth."
2. Not Shaving Before Treatment
"Shaving before treatment ensures that the hair follicle will be destroyed. Any residual hairs will prevent the laser’s heat from fully penetrating the hair shaft. It can also cause the treatment to be more painful."
3. Neglecting After Care
"Your skin will be extra sensitive and more susceptible to skin damage afterwards. Wear sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation. Avoid hot showers and steam rooms for at least two full days to let your skin heal."
Rosie says "choosing the correct hair removal method is so personal to the consumer, a lot of thought goes into it such as time, money, results. When creating Sugar Coated I set to make something that gave salon-worthy results, without breaking the bank, or taking too long to master."
"Sugar Coated sugar wax is 100% natural and the only UK manufactured wax that is vegan and cruelty-free. This means our formula of just pure sugar syrup and water is gentler on the skin, and more effective for hair removal as it sticks directly onto hair and pulls them straight out from the root - giving you smooth results each time."
You can find Sugar Coated Sugar Wax Full Body Kit available at Feel Unique (£12.99 for 250g).
Are you making any of these mistakes? You are still in time to shave or wax correctly and get rid of unwanted body hair the right way and for longer.
Whether it has been a long day at work or a cosy day at home, you should always look after your skin. Having a favourite moisturiser or hair mask which becomes a staple in your bathroom, is going to make you feel better. So just relax, and debrief on your day as we go through some necessities.
Ph. Toa Hefitba, Unsplash
Our favourite items from The Body Shop are going to help your skin appear, smoother, younger and clearer. Pair them with our top tips to get the best out of your skin.
1. The Almond & Honey Body Butter
Ph. Toa Hefitba, Unsplash
A soothing and thick moisturiser that really does butter up your body as it gives the illusion of silky skin. The scent has nutty, creamy notes and it lingers on your body for days. What more could you want than a product which is going to help nourish your skin, as well as make you smell great for days on end? The same scent also defines other products like shower creams, exfoliators and soaps.
Links to products: Almond Milk & Honey Exfoliating Cream Scrub | Almond Milk & Honey Shower Cream - The Body Shop®
2. The Japanese Cherry Blossom Kiss EdT
Ph. Pratiksha Mohant, Unsplash
A beautiful spray edition for springtime. The fragrance is very light, which is perfect for warmer weather. It is a fruity scent infused with notes of strawberries, amber and peony. Smother your body in the matching shower gel or body lotion, and spray with the eau de toilette for a longer-lasting smell.
Links to products: Japanese Cherry Blossom Strawberry Kiss Eau De Toilette 50ML | Japanese Cherry Blossom Shower Gel - The Body Shop®
3. Hand Creams
Ph. Toa Hefitba, Unsplash
Especially during a time when you are washing and sanitising your hands more than ever, you need to remember to take care of them. Hand sanitisers are known for drying out your skin and they can also cause blisters in some cases. Therefore, The Body Shop hand creams are going to be a lifesaver, making a perfect balance with soaps, gels and sanitisers. These hand creams come in various scents, so you have many options, whether to match with your existing scent or to try something new.
Links to products: Palms & Pinkies Hand Cream Trio | Joy & Jasmine Hand Cream - The Body Shop®
4. The Tangle Taming, Nourishing Hair Mask
Source: The Body Shop UK
A thumbs up from us. The formula will really help to calm down your wild hair, whilst making your locks glossy and smooth. The mask also comes in a banana scent, really incredible.
Links to the product: Banana Hair Mask- The Body Shop®
All Body Shop products are vegan friendly and made out of all-natural ingredients. They have also started to become a sustainable company by bringing out new ecological packaging to help save the world.
The choices are endless when it comes to vegan and sustainable fashion. Whether you are looking for a cool slogan t-shirt, cruelty-free faux-leather shoes, or a stylish dress to leave everyone speechless at the next gala dinner there are plenty of fashion brands to choose from.
Ph. Ksenia Chernaya, Pexels
You can easily keep up with the latest fashion trends or find the one-of-a-kind garment made just for you thanks to all the sustainable and vegan fashion brands out there.
Nowadays sustainable fashion is not something new or rare, yet everyone seems to think it is very hard to find. The proof: here are some brands to have on your list for sustainable fashion.
Birdsong
Source: Birdsong
More than just an ethical and sustainable fashion brand, Birdsong is a social enterprise. A brand that wishes to revolutionise the way we produce and consume fashion. The slogan 'dress in protest' is meant to raise awareness of the fast pace of the fashion industry and the desire to follow trends. Birdsong designs clothes for remarkable women, but are also designed by remarkable women. The fabrics used are either ethical, sustainable or reclaimed alongside the use of eco dyes. It is all about finding that unique garment that makes you feel empowered. Their collection is unlike anything you will find on the high street: "it’s about thoughtful clothes in bright colours, edgy silhouettes and original prints made from natural fabrics."
Fanfare
Source: Fanfare
The brand is built on the foundation of ethics and sustainability. Their goal is to popularise circularity in the fashion industry and change the way people buy, wear and consume clothing. With upcycling at the heart of the label’s philosophy, the Fanfare team manages to transform vintage pieces into contemporary designs by repurposing existing materials through various textile cutting techniques. In addition to being entirely plastic-free, Fanfare is made from sustainable materials and is certified by OEKO-TEX and GOTS.
“Our hope for the future is that we can change the world around us and become a catalyst towards powerful social good and new models of consumption.”
Lucy & Yak
Source: Lucy & Yak
Lucy & Yak is an independent, ethical, and sustainably made brand, committed to preserving the environment and society. Every item, from boilersuits to colourful dungarees to cropped sweatshirts, is made with organic fabrics and manufactured in their factory in North India, where workers receive four times the minimum wage for the state. They use 100% recycled and biodegradable postage material and stationery to distribute their products. And if that was not enough to get you hooked on the brand let me tell you that they also have a Depop shop. To ensure all stock gets sold and demonstrate that sustainable clothing can be affordable, any flawed piece is advertised at a discounted price on Depop.
Indigo Luna
Source: Indigo Luna
A small family-run brand focused on producing good quality products created using eco-consciousness and sustainable manufacturing practices. A yoga and swimwear line, Indigo Luna is handmade in Bali by women-owned and operated factories. Using natural fabrics and natural dyeing techniques, the rich, earthy colours come from various plant materials such as indigo leaves, mango leaves, Indian almond leaves and Indian redwood bark. Be sure to keep yourself updated with the brands newest addition, because their collections are purposely created in small, sustainable runs so they can run out of stock and avoid wasting any materials.
Ninety Percent
Source: Ninety Percent
Can you guess where the name might come from? Ninety Percent is a London-based sustainable womenswear label that shares 90% of its profit between charitable causes. With the purchase of their products, the brand asks its customers to pick which charity they would like to support. The pioneering business model, Ninety Percent has created, strives to have a different approach to the fashion industry. Their collection includes a variety of luxury basics that elevate the everyday, such as well-cut organic cotton sweats, detailed jersey staples and comfortable tops made from soft TENCEL.
“We don’t believe in short-lived trends and hope that once you have finished with your Ninety Percent garment you’ll pass it on for somebody else to love, too”
Have you fallen in love with the world of sustainable fashion? There sure is a lot to fall in love with. From the colourful and bold garments to the minimalistic and sophisticated high street-like collections. They all share the same mission: to be good for you and good for the planet.
The new year wraps up in a new colour: 'Very Peri', Pantone's Colour Of The Year 2022. You too can add this shade of royal purple with independent brand OPV Beauty.
Courtesy of OPV Beauty
With UK Google searches for Very Peri up by 5,000%, here is how to incorporate it into your beauty looks all year round, with the help of OPV Beauty...
About "Very Peri"
Pantone announced their colour of 2022 as 'Very Peri' describing it as "displaying a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit, inquisitive and intriguing PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri helps us to embrace this altered landscape of possibilities, opening us up to a new vision as we rewrite our lives."
Just A Sprinkling Of 'Mild Peri'
If you have opted for a more natural makeup look after all the lockdowns, add just a sprinkling of Very Peri to your eyelids, and customise it to create your own style. Whether it is a brush along the crease, a stamp in the inner corner, or a smokey blend out from the outer corner, this shade makes an impact.
Use the Shift Loose Pigment by OPV Beauty (£8.50 on opvbeauty.com), a highly concentrated pigment that is easy to apply and create whatever look you are going for, as well as also being vegan and cruelty-free.
Graphic Liner But Make It Metallic
The Graphic Liner trend is going nowhere with #graphicliner having over 770 million TikTok video views!
Add to the colour of the year, the trend of the year with OPV Beauty's Metal & Glitter liner in shade 909 (£10). Long-lasting and smudge-free, this liner is perfect for adding a shimmer to your look or being your entire eyelid look. The precise applicator sweeps seamlessly for a smooth, professional finish.
Father, Son, And Purple Eyelids
Lady Gaga stunned at the House of Gucci UK premiere with a floaty purple dress, and glitter purple eyeshadow to match - almost like she knew it was going to be the colour of the year.
If you are heading "out out" this year, make your eyes more eye-catching with Pressed Glitter in shade Gold Lust by OPV Beauty (£8). Cruelty-free and waterproof, this pressed pigment stays super sparkly for hours.
The Queen's Lipstick
Deepen 'Very Peri' with a full-on vampy purple lip like Anya Taylor-Joy. Perfect for those winter nights or summer parties (fingers crossed!).
Be bold with the Mystery Liquid Lipstick from OPV Beauty (£8) that gives you an effortless application, and your lips a tender coverage that dries to a gorgeous matte finish.
Very Peri will give you confidence and a halo of mystery and we are sure including it in your palette will give you much fun with OPV Beauty.
New year does not always mean new fashion trends. We are entering a time in fashion where micro-trends are going as fast as they have arrived, but some have lasted well over the past year and are expected to continue into 2022.
Courtesy of The-Cøded
Matching Co-ords Are Here To Stay
Throughout the pandemic, co-ordinates have been a popular fashion choice. During the lockdowns, loungewear co-ords were the way to go to feel comfortable and somewhat put together for the endless Zoom meeting from the kitchen table.
When restrictions eased, we were not ready to leave the cute matching two-piece aesthetic at home. So we changed the hoodie and jogger outfits for a more dressed up look. From matching monochromatic tops and skirts to slick blazers and trousers looks have been the go-to look for many.
Both loungewear and party wear co-ords continue to be a favourite in 2022, while we have this hybrid of working from home and socialising with friends. co-ordinates are now a wardrobe staple for all events and will continue to be for quite some time.
2000s Fashion Resurgence Continues
What goes around comes around, and for 2021 it was y2k fashion. It is common for fashion trends to repeat themselves every 20 years, and the 2000s is no exception. Some 2000s trends have stayed in the past like frosted tips, but many have had a modern-day revival.
Some of the firm favourites include the halter tops, baby tees and chunky trainers. In 2022, it is predicted that some more 2000 trends will be at the forefront of fashion. Controversially, this includes low rise jeans, which have already grown in popularity thanks to supermodels Bella Hadid and is predicted to be a hot choice for upcoming fashion weeks.
Sustainable Fashion At The Forefront
Ph. Artem Beliaikin, Unsplash
For many of us, the pandemic made us think more about where our clothes were made – and who really made them. This has changed the way many of us now shop, leading us to more sustainable and ethical shopping brands.
Many of us have also started to create capsule wardrobes, buying high-quality staple items that can be worn again and again.
Companies like THE-CØDED are doing their bit by working directly with clothing manufacturers around the world, ensuring that they receive a fair share of the profits. They also like to highlight their manufacturers and their forward-thinking initiatives for a completely transparent approach to online shopping. Thanks to transparent brands like THE-CØDED, finding information about who made your clothes has never been easier.
Oversized Shirts - A Wardrobe Must Have
Oversized shirts have been a fashion trend for years, and they are not going away anytime soon. Oversized shirts are such a versatile wardrobe piece, with many celebrities, including the Kardashians and Hailey Bieber, opting for the oversized look regularly in their pap shots.
Oversized shirts are a wardrobe staple that works all year round, and similar to 2000s fashion they are predicted to be a large part of runway shows during the upcoming fashion weeks.
Bye-bye Gendered Clothing
Courtesy of The-Cøded
Genderless clothing has been a growing trend on social media, with people wearing what they want regardless of who the clothing is advertised to. Many fashion houses are on board with this, as many runway shows are thought to have both male and female models wearing the same clothing during spring fashion week.
This has already been seen on the high street, with many brands now selling the same clothing in both womenswear and menswear sections – both in stores and online. This includes knitted “grandad” vests, oversized blazers and structured coats.
Overall, 2022 is set to be an interesting year for fashion as consumers are moving away from the constant trend cycle and sticking to wardrobe staples that work for them. We will certainly be thinking more about sustainably made fashion and timeless pieces this year.
What trends will you be getting on board with?
We hope you are familiar with the concept of Veganuary, as it has been taking place since 2014. But if you do not know in detail what it actually is, in a nutshell, it is an annual event that promotes a vegan lifestyle and motivates non-vegans to try a vegan diet during the whole month of January.
Ph. kalhh, Pixabay
But why stop only with food consumption and not explore more of the vegan products out there? Here are some recommendations to try a vegan beauty regime.
The Story Of Veganuary
The British entrepreneur Matthew Glover and animal rights campaigner Jane Land started the challenge, but now there is also a non-profit organisation with the same name that officially runs the campaign. What most people like about the campaign is that it is not all about going vegan, it is more focused on educating others about the effect of food on the environment and raising awareness of animal suffering. The campaign started in 2014 and each year more and more people take part, with an estimated 1.3 million people committing to Veganuary in 20191.
Diving More Into A Vegan Lifestyle
One of the biggest challenges of the 21st century is climate change. It is believed by many that a plant-based diet can help fight global warming. If veganism offers so many benefits why not explore more of the beauty of leading a vegan lifestyle? Literary vegan beauty is taking over the industry, as more and more people decide to make more conscious decisions in terms of their everyday life and strive to minimise their carbon footprint.
UpCircle
It all started with a single cup of coffee from a small independent coffee shop. A sister passionate about skincare and a brother concerned with the waste produced from daily activities such as drinking a cup of coffee. The brother and sister duo launched the company in 2016 and they have been growing the brand ever since. A sustainable, ethical and high-performing skincare brand that is focused on incorporating circular economy to the skincare industry. UpCircle "products are unique in that not only are the sustainability credentials unparalleled, they genuinely deliver results for the skin", said Anna Brigthman, co-founder of the brand.
Irene Forte
The cosmetic brand of Irene Forte is just another reason to fall in love with Italy. The Verdura Resort in Sicily is home to the organic farm from which the key ingredients for their products are sourced. Each product is created with ingredients such as organic olive oil, floral hibiscus, fragrant lavender and herbal rosemary from the organic farm at Verdura Resort. Together with the icy fresh mineral water from Sicily’s mountainous Madonie Regional Natural Park they make the product we see today. The low allergenic potential of their products comes from the unique blend of fragrance and feel, along with delivering great results. On top of that, they are also with low allergenic potential. Along with that every stage from manufacturing to distribution is considered for their impact on the planet, the user and the Sicilian community from which our products originate.
Sakrid
A British brand dedicated to eliminating toxins and chemicals from our daily lives. To achieve their goal they use only high quality natural and organic ingredients for their products. That also makes them good for both you and the planet. The brand also strives to implement sustainable practices in sourcing ingredients, packaging and collaborating with suppliers who share the same philosophy. Following their motto “We make good products, using good ingredients, that are good for you and good for our planet”, all of their products are vegan, cruelty-free, organic and handmade in the UK.
Wild Science Lab
The London-based botanical haircare and skincare brand, founded by husband and wife Ali and Zoe, is worth checking out. Wild Science Lab has created innovative, award-winning hair and skin treatments that harness the natural power of the wild. They are driven by the desire to create high-performance, botanical, eco-friendly products that guarantee exceptional results while maintaining an environmental focus. Striving to achieve the highest possible percentage of naturally derived ingredients because they believe that nature offers power and simplicity that can work in harmony with our bodies to achieve effective transformations of skin and hair.
Gallinée
The world’s first skin and hair care line devoted to the health and wellbeing of “Planet You''. Do you know what a microbiome is? This is all the brand is about! A microbiome is the protective layer of your skin which is made up of 1000s of good bacteria. The unbalance and stripping away of the microbiome can result in inflamed and sensitive skin, from which a number of issues arise. Through a patented combination of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics, Gallinée protects and nurtures your very own microbiome to ensure even the most sensitive and stressed skin can thrive even under the most severe conditions.
The number of benefits from using vegan cosmetics is immense: it benefits your skin, the environment and the animals. Why not make your new year's resolution to be more considerate of the planet? With the growing number of brands that offer vegan products, you have plenty of options to find your new favourite products.
Source: 1
Pollution and climate change is the hefty bill planet Earth pays for our wardrobes. Thanks to the example of sustainable fashion brands like NA-KD, we know that a global action plan is possible.
Ph. hello i m nik, Unsplash
Multi-tasking and multi-targeting, this is the climate action plan set and run by NA-KD. The daunting mission has many green goals and it is still achievable.
Fashion And The Environment: The Facts
The changes experienced by the environment are tangible and, most of all, global. The public attention is all on the main actor in today's climate disruption: fashion – or better – fast fashion.
With the trends coming and going and the pressure to follow them, fast fashion has provided the mass with an endless variety of always fresh clothing at reasonable prices. The price tag might be low, but the consequences on the ecosystem proved not to be so light and for many different reasons.
From a consumer point of view, the fast-fashion temptation led to more purchases which indirectly lowers down the life span of our clothing and causes more textile waste. Numbers clarify the state of facts: in Europe1, for example, people buy 26Kg of new clothing and discard an impressive 11Kg every year. Sales have been increasing by 40% since 1996 but, on the other hand, the EU fashion industry has not been able to keep up with fabric refuses as just 1% of the textiles was recycled for clothing due to technological issues.
If we are guilty of overconsumption, many brands lack sustainability in their production. Indeed, every step in fashion manufacture can be deemed responsible for greenhouse emissions, water pollution and land degradation. To break down the process, these phases are sourcing new raw materials, processing and producing new clothing, packing and shipping goods. As we will see shortly, NA-KD focuses on each one in its ecological journey toward a climate-neutral production by 2025.
Ph. Crsten Vollrath, Pexels
Present on the shelves for 24%, cotton is a very common natural fibre in this industry, yet it is the least sustainable material. Its production involves considerable consumption of water for irrigation and land: alone, 1Kg of cotton needs between 10,000 and 30,000 litres of water depending on the geographical region2. 1 cotton t-shirt equals 2,500 litres of water!
Furthermore, the remaining water sources are polluted by pesticides and insecticides employed in cotton cultivation, dyes and chemicals from clothing and jeans processing, and microfibres. Although small, microparticles, in the long run, pollute water basins and oceans ending up putting marine fauna at severe risk. 0,5 million tonnes of plastic microfibres – that is 35% released in the environment – come from washing synthetic clothes. Again, one straightforward example taken from daily life will wake you up: 1 laundry of polyester clothing creates 700,000 microplastics3 going down the water pipes.
Microplastics found in Mirissa Harbour, Sri Lanka. Ph. Soren Funk, Unsplash
Even before we can put our hands on some brand-new clothing, more pollution comes along. Bringing fashion goods to distribution sites all over the globe translates to material waste and CO2 emissions through packing and shipping. In total, on the shoulder of the fashion industry, there is 10% of the global carbon emissions. The analysis run by McKinsey states that the amount reached 2.1 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2018, foreseen to jump to 2.7 billion metric tonnes by 2030 with no drastic changes are taken.
The NA-KD Green Example
NA-KD Reborn, a collection made of more sustainable materials
Switching to a greener production may seem an epic deed. Indeed, it is not easy and requires a multi-tasking approach. NA-KD carbon-neutral journey is an example we wish many companies will study and copy for the future. But what is so special about it?
The difficulties lie in the disparate production phases and the many actors involved from start to end: suppliers, brands, delivery companies, retailers and, finally, consumers. NA-KD's plan tackles every source of pollution and liaises with all the entities working in the industry and/or involved.
The brand, born in 2016, is now distributed in 50 different countries, no wonder NA-KD feels the urge to act for the better. The label launched its first sustainable line in 2019 and, by 20254, it aims to:
• halve CO2 emission per product,
• use 100% sustainable materials,
• climate-compensate shipping (by investing in wind power),
• stop any non-sustainable production by 2025,
• reuse or recycle 100% of packaging material by 2025,
• reach a completely transparent supply chain (for 80% of the production),
• fund sustainable initiatives
To reduce its footprint, NA-KD has switched to renewable energy and studied to reduce its carbon footprint caused by transport, while supporting its partner to change for renewable alternatives, have better use of water and more efficient treatment of chemicals. The brand's focus moves then to materials. The first goal was to use 100% more sustainable cotton for its denim by 2022 and have all products made in sustainable materials by 2025. To make this possible, NA-KD informed its purchasing department to make sensible choices; looked for organic and recycled cotton; implemented its certificates, and found new suppliers sharing the same eco-commitments. Having a transparent supply chain and clear communication with the public about sustainability and production are part of this green journey, as well as good practices for every business.
After tackling the problem connected with sourcing, manufacturing and distribution, NA-KD took care of the last but equally important piece in this puzzle: you, the consumer. Fashion consumers feel every day more conscious about the environment and the active role they play through their decisions. The brand's call to action emphasises the love for clothing: how to take care of them and so prolong their life and quality. The #SoMe campaign wants to accompany you through an educational journey, at the end of which you will adopt sustainable behaviours.
Loving your outfits, at some point, will bring you to pass this love onto someone else. NA-KD circular program supports the circularity models by rewarding you with a discount for every return piece of clothing. While you can give back, you can find new discoveries in the pre-loved marketplace section on the NA-KD website.
Although hard and ambitious, climate action is achievable in the fashion industry. The NA-KD plan shows this is a matter of organisation, time, strong commitments and collaboration. Only when all parties will weigh their actions and understand the right things to do, fashion will be finally greener and we hope soon.
Read more about NA-KD’s sustainability commitment and discover its sustainable and pre-love ranges online.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4.