Back in January of this year, I came across Upcircle for the first time - 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 the skin.
Upcircle previously known as Optiat underwent a revamp in 2018 with a new name, logo and packaging! This saw all tubed products switched to 100% aluminium, glass or cardboard packaging all of which are easier to recycle.
The brand is very recycle, re-use and re-purpose which is exactly what we need in the current climate.
You can read more about my first thoughts on Upcircle in my post, Introducing the All-Natural Skincare Brand Upcircle but for now, I want to show you three of their brand new products that I've been testing and using the last month.
It's made using the anti-inflammatory extract from leftover date seeds - a by-product of date farming as well as shea butter, linseed and olive oil. The formulation is intended to soothe dry or irritated skin as well as helping to reduce inflammation so skin is left soft and supple.
I'm a bit rubbish when it comes to moisturising my body, I don't do it as much as I should because I hate the feeling of being sticky or having to wait to get dressed until the cream has soaked in. I thought that would be the case with this one because it's quite a rich formula and super creamy but I am happy to announce I was able to use this and get dressed straight away - a miracle right?!
It does take a little while to work into the skin and you really don't need much. The first time I used this I went OTT and felt like I was rubbing it in for eternity but I reduced how much I used the following day and it was bang on.
After a few weeks, my skin felt great and I'm slapping myself on the wrist for not paying attention sooner. It's just a really great body cream and the citrus scent is beautiful.
Hands up if you thought toners were pointless and a waste of time? Oops
Guess who now absolutely adores toners and wouldn't be without them in her skincare routine? Yup, me - and I love this one from Upcircle!
The hydrating toner is made with the anti-inflammatory residual water of green mandarin fruit, a by-product of the juicing industry as well as hyaluronic acid, salicylic and glycerin to help plump and moisturise. There's also chamomile stem extract to soothe the skin a by-product of the tea industry!
Why use residual water? Water is usually the first ingredient in cosmetic products and plays an important role in the sustainability of the overall formulating process which makes it a great ingredient to replace with a more sustainable alternative to drinkable water. Plus - the minerals, vitamins and amino acids found in fruit waters have more benefits for the skin than mineral filtered water.
The toner has a beautifully fresh scent and unlike most toners, it doesn't sting or burn when using - my skin feels softer, I have a brighter complexion and the scent really awakens me in the mornings. I just spray on to skin then wipe with a reusable cotton pad - it's a brilliant product.
I'm really particular about making sure my eye area is well looked after, I always have been. It probably has something to do with living in Spain and the sun so something like an eye cream is a must for me. The Upcircle Eye Cream is gentle, helps to refresh the area and reduces the appearance of dark circles and fine lines.
Its formula is made with coffee oil extracted from repurposed grounds and anti-inflammatory maple bark extract, a by-product of the wood industry. Suitable for all skin types, it can be used morning and night to revive the area. It's lightweight, feels incredible on the skin and really does work - my eyes look more awake and less puffy which is exactly what I need with those 5am wakeups with an excited toddler ready for the day.
I'll be keeping this gem in my routine for the foreseeable.
Three great products from a really great brand - Upcircle are really shaking up the beauty industry!
