Scandi Beauty Brands We Love
Kjaer Weis
The Concept: Created by Danish-born make-up artist Kjaer Weis in 2010, this brand was one of the first of its kind in the luxury organic sector. The entire range is gluten free, formulated using natural and organic ingredients, and entirely free from parabens, silicone and synthetic fragrances. Plus, its green credentials stretch even further – each product can be refilled, so you needn’t worry about single-use plastics. If you love creamy products packed with pigment, this is the one for you – keep an eye out for the Lip Tints, which come in 12 colours and are full of antioxidant oils to gently soothe the lips.
The Bestsellers: The brand’s collection of nude lipsticks is made using shea butter, jojoba seed oil and almond oil, so lips stay hydrated for longer. Kjaer Weis is also one of the few brands that offers a refillable mascara. Its bestselling Im-Possible Mascara, builds volume while helping to condition lashes with marula oil. We also love the refillable blushers, available in suits-all pinks and reds – Abundance is one of the most popular.
Available at NET-A-PORTER.com
Lumene
The Concept: One of Finland’s bestselling beauty brands, Lumene was Scandinavia's best-kept skincare secret until a string of make-up artists like Saffron Hughes recommended its gentle products. Most of its skincare is still made in the Finnish city of Espoo, and the formulas draw on natural ingredients found in the Nordic landscape, from Arctic spring water to cloudberries, birch sap to pine bark. The packaging is, of course, pleasingly minimalistic and the products won’t break the bank either. The quenching Nordic Hydra range makes light work of hydrating even the most parched of complexions, and the entire range has an impressive roster of Scandi influencers among its fans.
The Bestsellers: If you’re after a vitamin C serum that leaves skin hydrated and smooth, Lumene’s Nordic-C Glow Boost Essence is worth a try. Containing Arctic cloudberry and two types of hyaluronic acid, it helps skin look and feel plumper. For something richer, the Hydration Recharge Overnight Cream is ultra-hydrating, while the Hydra Gel Mask contains organic birch sap and lingonberry for a fresh 15-minute treatment.
Available at LOOKFANTASTIC.com
Sachajuan
The Concept: Founded in Stockholm in the 90s by esteemed stylists Sacha Mitic and Juan Rosenlind, Sachajuan has taken the hair world by storm. Known for its simple packaging (products tend to come in traditional brown glass medicine bottles) the secret behind the brand’s legendary formulas is sea algae extract, which promises to leave hair shiny, voluminous and stronger after just one wash. The Overnight Hair Repair is one of our favourite products for dry, stressed-out ends, while the cult Ocean Mist gives hair that covetable beachy, textured feel.
The Bestsellers: Sachajuan’s Repair Shampoo and Conditioner are both made for brittle and dehydrated hair. Featuring the brand’s patented ‘Ocean Silk’ formula (made from marine extracts) the silky creams penetrate the shaft, repairing damage caused from too much heat. To help get rid of product build up, try Sachajuan’s Salt Scrub, made to relive itchy and irritated scalps by getting right into the roots.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
Skandinavisk
The Concept: Created back in 2012, Skandinavisk celebrates the region’s unique nature. Products are made in Copenhagen and Stockholm, with a less-is-more approach – the products only contain a few key ingredients, and the packaging is on the minimal side. The range includes fragrances inspired by nature, home fragrance and candles, as well as luxurious body essentials to soothe and nourish skin, like body butter, hand cream and hand wash.
The Bestsellers: Skandinavisk’s most popular scent is Skog, named after the Norwegian and Swedish word for forest. It has notes of pine needles, fir cones, birch sap and lily of the valley – the Skog Scented Candle has a distinctive earthy scent that will bring a touch of hygge to any home. The Øy Scented Hand Cream gently relieves sore, dry hands, while the Rosenhave Diffuser fills a space with notes of elderflower, blackcurrant and geranium.
Available at JohnLewis.com & Selfridges.com
Verso
The Concept: With science at the forefront of everything it does, Verso creates its products at its HQ in Stockholm, where its lab extensively researches the benefits of active ingredients, particularly retinol. This is what inspired the brand’s bestselling Retinol 8 formula which claims to be eight times more effective than traditional retinols. Other products in the range promise to moisturise the skin and leave it feeling hydrated without overloading it with lots of ingredients – most only contain a few key ingredients to keep things simple and reduce the chance of irritation.
The Bestsellers: Ready to give Retinol 8 a go? Verso’s Daily Glow helps the skin retain moisture and boosts glow without irritation. It also contains niacinamide, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, and can be mixed with your normal day cream for extra hydration. The Super Facial Oil feels luxurious (even if you have sensitive skin), while the Super Eye Serum helps slow down the ageing process around the eyes.
Available at SpaceNK.com
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