When it comes to skincare, the more natural the better and that is where Upcircle comes in. Upcircle is an all-natural skincare brand that uses leftover ingredients, bringing them back to life as beauty products.
Think used coffee grounds and fruit stones - ideal for skin.
The packaging is 100% recyclable, it's handmade in the UK, natural, vegan, cruelty-free and palm oil-free, it's just really bloody lovely skincare that helps the planet while helping your skin look fabulous.
I'm a HUGE fan.
Upcircle previously known as Optiat underwent a revamp in 2018 with a new name (which I love!), logo and packaging which also saw all tubed products switched to 100% aluminium. The rest of the products are packaged in glass bottles or cardboard boxes which also cuts down on plastic use and if you purchase the bundles they come in a Fairtrade cotton canvas bag or washbag which can be re-used.
The brand is very recycle, re-use and re-purpose which is exactly what we need in the current climate.
The best bit, of course, is the products because they really are fab and I'm already compiling my shopping list for more!
I've been using two of their skincare products for the last three months so as I try and get every last bit out of the glass jars I wanted to finally share my thoughts and I think you can already guess what I'm going to say.
I cannot resist a face mask, if something gives me the excuse to sit on my own for ten to fifteen minutes rather than being a human climbing frame for a toddler then I'm all for it.
The 100% vegan detoxifying mask is suitable for all skin types, helps fight blackheads, minimises pores and prevent breakouts. It's made from the finely ground powder of discarded olive stones which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as kaolin clay, coconut powder and baobab oil.
It feels really lovely on skin, you just need to dampen then apply the mask before leaving for ten minutes. I apply all over my face but use a little more on my t-zone which really seems to help any blackouts that like to try and surprise me. Wiping off with a warm muslin reveals much cleaner and refreshed skin that has seen me going back time and time again.
I can imagine this would feel so refreshing on the skin in the summer if left in the fridge before use.
When it comes to cleansing, I've really embraced balms in recent years as they seem to just remove so much more than ordinary cream cleansers and this one from Upcircle is brilliant. The balm is made with the finely ground powder of discarded apricot stones which is rich in antioxidant Vitamin E as well as blackcurrant seed, blue tansy and sea buckthorn oils. It smells incredible and it lingers making your skin feel suitably clean after use.
The balm helps break down the day's dirt and grime revealing cleaner, more hydrated skin that feels super soft. It's gentle, doesn't irritate eyes and it can be used alone or as a first cleansing step.
It has a really lovely consistency that just melts into skin, I can't stop reaching for it.
If you're looking to switch your skincare routine to something more natural and sustainable, Upcircle have everything you'll need. They even sell bundles which would save a few quid if you're looking to do a bigger order.
I have my eye on the Cacao Body Scrub, Citrus Face Scrub and the Face Moisturiser for my next order and I really can't wait to try more from the brand.
Natural skincare has never looked so good!
Contains press samples - see disclaimer.