Post spending-ban, I’ve remained quite good *pauses for pat on head* and have continued to try and use up what’s in my stash. However being a skincare junkie, there’s alway something new and innovative I’m lusting after. Clean, high-quality natural ingredients, no nasty irritants, innovative oils and swoon worthy packaging are what pique my interest. Below are the ‘new-to-me’ ranges that are top of my 2015 skincare lust list:
AFRICOLOGY www.africologyspa.com 
Africology is a South African spa brand with an extensive range made using organic ingredients and indigenous plants grown on their own farm. The spa treatments are inspired by traditional African healers’ knowledge and Reiki techniques. The company seems to have a strong commitment to fair-trade too which is always a good thing, not to mention the lovely apothecary-style packaging. The name is based on the study of Africa…..”ology”. I discovered the range through a pal who’d been on holiday to South Africa. Only downside is that Africology doesn’t seem to be retailed in the UK so it’s going to be a mission to get my hands on it.
AMALA www.amalabeauty.com
Amala skincare is a luxury German beauty brand that is all about harnessing the natural beauty power of organic plants for maximum therapeutic benefit. The company sources from fair trade farmers with a commitment to environmental and social initiatives. Amala means “most pure” in Sanskrit and “revered mother” in Tibetan. I get a very soothing vibe from just looking at the packaging. I particularly like the cork lids. There are a number of rather nosebleedingly expensive items in the range such as the rejuvenating advanced complex cream at £228. All the reviews I’ve read have been glowing but that is a hell of a lot of moola to drop on a cream. I have my eye on some of the masks.
BRAD BIOPHOTONIC www.bradskincare.com
BRAD Biophotonic is a Californian uber luxe skincare brand, originally developed for a private jet fleet. First things first, this is pure skincare packaging porn. God would you look at that miron glass, san serif font and teat pipettes. The range was created to combat the ravages of air travel, which makes good skin sense whether you are flying or not. Natural and organic ingredients meets biotechnology is a winning combination. All the BRAD products are made using biofermentation, which is said to concentrate the nutrient value and maximises the potency of ingredients. I’m aware of the benefits of fermentation with food, though I’ll have to investigate how this relates to skincare. BRAD is now available in the UK at A Beautiful World.
CODAGE www.codageparis.com
Codage is a French brand that is mainly about customised serums. The range includes 16 different serums to address different skin concerns as well as at different times of year. You can also tailor-make your own serum. I am very partial to a French skincare brand. From budget to luxe and whether “natural” or not there seems to be less fillers used and good quality ingredients. I also love a teat pipette and I think my Breaking Bad addiction has made me love any kind of periodic table 😉 Special offer six serum sets have just launched on QVC
DRUNKEN ELEPHANT www.drunkenelephant.com
Drunken Elephant is a California-based brand that looks so cheerful. I mean c’mon a drunk elephant! The range is made avoiding potential toxins and without any added fragrances, synthetic or natural including essential oils. The core ingredient is virgin marula oil, indigineous to Southern Africa and Madagascar and bursting with benefits, which is something I’m gagging to try. The name is linked to marula as elephants apparently eat the fruit and get drunk when fermentation happens inside their tummies! This is another range that I’m plotting how to get as it isn’t available in the UK.
LA BELLA FIGURA www.labellafigura.com 
La Bella Figura is an ecoluxe American brand making handcrafted skincare, fragrances and more recently makeup products. The company uses the highest quality, unrefined and unprocessed raw ingredients from organic and sustainable sources. The star ingredient of the range is Barbary fig (prickly pear) seed oil which has super high levels of Vitamin E making it highly effective for combatting the signs of ageing. It’s hard to find an exact translation of the Italian phrase “La bella figura” but it’s about showing your best face to the world. A capsule collection has just launched at Content I had the pleasure of meeting Victoria, one of the founders, just before the New Year so watch out for more on La Bella Figura.
ONE LOVE ORGANICS oneloveorganics.com 
One Love (try not to start singing Bob Marley) Organics is an American ecofriendly skincare brand. The plant-based products are hand-made using high quality, ethically sourced raw ingredients with 1 per cent of annual net profits given to charity. I keep reading about the pineapple scent (yum) of some of the products and I’m rather intrigued by their use of chia oil which I haven’t seen elsewhere.
SODASHI www.sodashi.com
Sodashi is an Australian, natural skin care brand that combines aromatherapy, biochemistry and Ayurveda. You know I’m a sucker for miron glass protecting all the goodness so the chic packaging is a winner with me. The company name is a Sanskrit word that translates to ‘wholeness, purity and radiance’, which seem to be guiding principals. No synthetic chemicals, preservatives or fragrances are used in the products or anywhere during the manufacturing process. This is unquestionably at the luxiest end of ecoluxe with one of the products coming in at an eyewatering £400. All very covetable.
THE LITTLE ALCHEMIST www.thelittlealchemist.com.au
The Little Alchemist is an Australian, natural skincare and perfume company. Organic and natural ingredients meets cosmeceuticals in artisanal batch production with no chemical parabens, added fillers, artificial colours/ fragrances/ preservatives. The products are designed to nourish and feed the skin with concentrated amounts of active ingredients. If you follow me on instagram then you’ll know I adore fruit and veg so find the names of the Little Alchemist products so mouthwatering. Papaya, rose, pineapple, cacao, apple, mint….serious Homer Simpson style drooling *pause to wipe drool off keyboard*. The Little Alchemist ship to the UK for $12 AUD
YÜLI www.yuliskincare.com
YÜLI is an American skincare brand that I’ve read nothing but raves about. The Cell Perfecto serum in particular seems to work wonders on scarring and hyperpigmentation. High-grade natural and organic ingredients are used in high-tech innovative formulations using knowledge of traditional Asian remedies. Products are hand made, fresh in small batches and do not contain synthetic fragrances, parabens, phenoxyethanol, PEG’s, aluminum, nylon, sulfates, artificial colors, mineral oil, silicones, petrochemicals, sulfates, triclosan, GMOs, urea, PABA, and phthalates, non-food grade alcohol, formaldehyde, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, DEA/TEA, propylene glycol. Minimalist design, dark glass and teat pipettes are ringing my bell.
I’ve just noticed that no British brands are featured in this list. I guess it’s because I have access to them so any desires can be quickly abated! What’s on your skincare lust list? Have you tried any of the ranges above?
Wonderlusting 