FaceWorkshops Club Forum: Green Skincare (March 2012)
Prior to reviewing the benefits of Forest Secrets, let’s look at the Green Skincare Market in general.
THE ORGANIC SKINCARE MARKET
The organic market has grown exponentially over the past decade. Global industry growth estimates are between 25 to 35 % and attributed to concerns over synthetic skincare. The eco-conscious consumers are more concerned about their own health, recycling, animal protection and also aware of the environmental impact of the industry. Skincare brands seek product certification and use sustainable practices with fair trade ethos.
SKINCARE INITIATIVES
Women’s Environmental Network runs Careful Beauty project highlighting the chemicals to avoid. Although I agree with promoting natural ingredients, I am yet to see whether their concerns are legitimate or myths.
INTERESTING BRANDS
- Live Nature uses only certified organic, vegan and wild harvested ingredients that are not exposed to temperatures above 47 C when formulating the products.
- Evolve
Other interesting brands include NUDE, Lavera, Organic Pharmacy, Dr Hauschka and REN. Most suppliers of organic skincare ingredients a part of Fair Trade cooperative.
Forest Secrets
- Unique liquid formulas of active ingredients that allow to be personalised, please read the comments of our FaceWorkshop Club Members below.
- Mixing a serum (water-based) and elixir (oil-based). Serum contains.
- ELIXIR. These are the key ingredients the Elixir contains: anti-ageing oils (milk thistle seed oil, argan oil, rose hip fruit oil), honeysuckle flower extract (antibacterial properties), lupin seed extract (promotes elasticity). Clinical data tba.
- SERUM. These are the key ingredients the Serum contains: Aloe leaf juice, glycerin, mimosa bark extract, kinetin (improvement of hyper pigmentation, lines and wrinkles), agnus castus extract, sodium hyaluronate, ascorbic tetraisopalmitate, lactate. Clinical data tba.
I liked the idea of trialing a new product for a few days. It was the first time I had mixed products together before applying to my skin. At first I enjoyed mixing my own formula but the novelty wore off mid-week when I thought it would be better to return to my usual ‘one pot’ moisturiser. I persevered but must say I prefer and quick and easy skin care routine and adding in the ‘extra step’ wouldn’t be something I would do long term.
I liked the texture of both the serum and elixir. I haven’t seen any short term benefits as such and a couple of blemishes have appeared on my face (although this may be linked to my cycle as well).
I loved the earthy, woodland smell of the Forest Secrets skincare. Also loved silky the texture on my skin which felt really smooth and plumped after each application. Just using 3 drops of each, it dried very quickly so I felt I needed a little of my regular moisturiser on top before applying make up. If I used a little more, I didn’t need it. After a week, I felt as though the lines across my forehead were smoother and less visible and my skin was plumped up, I have loads left though…..maybe I wasn’t using enough! Loved the fact that it was organic and natural. Would definitely use it again,
I found storing and using the Forest Secrets a bit inconvenient as I normally keep my skincare products on the dressing table ready for use. I kept this inside the boxes in an effort to keep it out of the sun and the light which meant having to take everything out of the boxes each time. I also had to remember to use my eye cream first as on the first day I had a lot of irritation in the eye area just from the Forest Secrets being too high on my cheeks. Non of this was a major problem just a bit annoying.
At first I found the product far too oily and so I reduced the elexir to 2 drops but continued using 3 drops of the serum. That suited my skin much better.
As to results…I don’t think I can really see a difference. Wrinkles are not of huge concern to me but the ones I have don’t seem reduced. My skin is moisturised but no more than it is with my usual skin care routine and I can’t see a difference in brightness. I don’t think I would be tempted to change from Caudalie as this product doesn’t seem to offer anything extra and I have to be too careful of it near my eyes.
I loved it! I loved the feel of it on my skin and my skin was more radiant.
I have a number of skin problems, open pores, pigmentation and wrinkles. My open pores do seem to have improved even after a week. Very generous samples that I am tempted to keep using for a while.
However, I thought the products were a bit fiddly, having to mix them, but I did get used to using it. The product took a while to sink into my skin, I had to wait quite a long time before I could apply foundation.
Really liked the Forest Secrets, the scent of the orange one reminded me of the old Ambre Solaire suntan oil, I used to call it the scent of summer.
It was a really easy routine and would be ideal for holidays just take two little bottles instead of day cream, night cream, eye serum etc.
I did not notice any difference in my skin it was as effective as my usual creams, three drops of each were enough for my face and I used an extra drop of each for my neck.
No SP though I presume, as it did not mention it so I still put some SP on if I was outside all day.
I would definitely use it again.
Helen Bletcher
I really enjoyed using the product, it has a lovely natural smell and feels really light and easily absorbed.Using the 3 drops of each was at the start not enough for face and neck but over the week it seemed to be. I felt a slight oily film at the start but either got used to it or my skin got used to it.
The effects seemed pretty instant, feeling soft and fine textured, it didn’t feel tight but had a firmness to touch. Overall it seems smoother, blemish free and luminous.
I enjoyed the product.
I forgot to mention that using the quantity suggested and sometimes 3 x per day I still only used half the product.