Does this Beauty Editor Favourite Live up to the Hype?
Main Image – Live That Glow
As a long-time natural beauty addict, I’m always excited to come across a line that brings both fun and effectiveness to the whole organic skincare game (because why not?).
Enter Living Libations, a Canadian-founded skincare company apparently a favourite of famed glowy faces Gwyneth Paltrow, Shailene Woodley, and Caroline Hirons (and who’s to argue with their skin?).
And having been using one of the brand’s cult products, their Best Skin Ever Seabuckthorn, for over a year now I thought I’d share my thoughts on this slightly new-age line.
This is new, up-to-date information. We updated this article in June 2023 to add our further thoughts on this oil, complete with updated prices.
The brand
Founded in Ontario Canada by author Nadine Artemis and her partner, yoga advisor Ron Obadia, Living Libations has its focus firmly set on holistic, natural beauty (with a leaning towards wild-harvested and organic ingredients).
Their line-up takes in a slightly unexpected range of products, covering everything from dental care to probiotics, intimate care and even chocolate; all with an emphasis on high-quality, natural ingredients.
Image – Living Libations
One for those who like their products all natural with a little bit of California hippy chic thrown in (think slightly psychedelic designs and language like ‘love notes’ in place of ‘reviews’), I’m actually quite the fan of a brand which so obviously puts a lot of soul into their line.
I’m an even bigger fan of the fact that sustainability is a pretty big priority of Living Libations, with products housed mostly in glass or cardboard, and even bottle tops made from wood (fairly labour-intensive, I would think).
On a slightly random note, the emails from their PR team come in alternating rainbow-coloured fonts which I have to say the four-year-old in me (so all of me) loves.
Living Libations Best Skin Ever Seabuckthorn
Filled with antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids (and lauded by the likes of Vogue and New York Magazine), Best Skin Ever Seabuckthorn is designed as an all-natural, multi-purpose cleanser/moisturiser.
Generally, what I use to clean when my skin is at its driest, it’s also an impressively nourishing face oil when the weather has done its annual trick of turning my skin into a sensitive mess for a week or so every autumn.
I love the near zero-plastic packaging (even the lid is wooden) and the relaxing smell of lavender and grapefruit.
On the downside though, those with melasma, rosacea, or any other type of chronic skin sensitivity may find the abundance of essential oils here a little tough to take.
How to use it
Designed for use as either a cleanser (by massaging over damp or dry skin before removing with a damp face cloth), or as a moisturiser (as you normally would, but I recommend more for nighttime use as this takes a little while to absorb), I also enjoy this mixed in with some liquid foundation for a natural dewy look.
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On the skin
While this doesn’t emulsify (turn milky with water) in quite the same way other cleansing oils do, I can still feel and see it get to work removing oil, dirt and makeup. This one does leave a slight residue, though, so for oilier skin types or those who like a squeaky-clean finish, try using a gel or gentle foaming cleanser afterwards.
Meanwhile, as a moisturiser this Best Skin Ever Seabuckthorn feels rich and nourishing, leaving my skin comfortable and glowing (although tread carefully if you know your skin is at all sensitive to essential oils).
The full list of ingredients
Seabuckthorn Oil, Jojoba Oil, Virgin Coconut Oil, Tamanu Oil, Lavender Oil, Vetiver Oil, Grapefruit Oil, Palmarosa
The takeaway
While this isn’t my all-time favourite cleanser (mostly because I have some rosacea and can’t use the essential oils here all that often), it is one I can honestly say I enjoy using. And I can see that any real natural skincare fans (who don’t mind some essential oils) will probably like this one too.
Eco-conscious types are also likely to be happy to support a brand so openly committed to sustainability.
Acne types may not enjoy the full-on oil feel to this cleanser though, perhaps preferring something that emulsifies a bit more like Ren’s Perfect Canvas Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser (another cruelty-free, sustainability-driven favourite).
Overall, possibly not one I’ll be re-buying (again, the rosacea issue), but absolutely one I’ll happily continue recommending to natural beauty pals.
Living Libations’ Best Ever Skin Seabuckthorn is from £27.95 for 30 ml, Raw Living, UK and from $31 for 30 ml, Living Libations, US
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