Feel Good Vegan Beauty Essentials For Winter

She found joy in the small things. A rare glimpse of sunshine on a mild winter’s day. Sitting cross-legged in morning dew, the grass tickling her legs. Promises of spring blooms on the horizon, caressing budding shoots. Nights spent cuddling her partner and cats on the sofa, a cartoon film in the background. The sound of the traffic outside like white noise, sending her to sleep. But it was her feel good vegan beauty routine that made her forget. Slathering a moisture rich cream into her skin. The scent of oranges blessing her scars. Silky satin on textured skin. Hours spent each day lost in the tranquility of cruelty free beauty. Where there was no concept of time or space. It could be hours, it could be minutes. But there was one thing that she knew for certain. Beauty wasn’t selfish. She was learning to take time out for herself. To do less and feel more. To stay grounded in the moment, without rushing ahead. It sounded strange saying that something as simple as skincare could keep her present. But the truth was it did. She let her mind wander freely. Let the worries drift over her head. The anxiety would spark at her mind, but she would breathe through it. Not something that came naturally to her, but something she was learning. Guiding herself through me-time. Showing that it was OK to be kind to herself. In fact it was more than OK. It was a neccessity.

Each day, without fail, she would treat self-care as a compassionate form of joy. Where even on the days where she didn’t want to brush her hair, she would find purpose. Setting her intentions with each dab, caress and stroke. It would take some time, but slowly she was rewiring her mindset. To know that despite the trauma, and mental health issues she struggled with, that one day it would all be OK. Sometimes, even her skincare routine would trigger her. As though her body was trying to fight against self-love. As though in some way it believed she was not worthy. But she was. She was more than worthy. She was a warrior. Who tried even when her mind and body tried to bring her down. Some would say there was nothing celebatory about a self-care routine. She disagreed. Knowing that some days she was plunged into the deepest and darkest of abysses. That, she had to push herself to get out of bed in the morning. That something as simple as brushing her hair would be difficult. She would take the wins no matter how small they were. For feel good vegan beauty was about listening to your body. Understanding that your health was a priority. That me time would help you stay grounded.

She would find the colourful vegan essentials that would bring her joy. That would bat away the stress, and revitalize her mind, body and soul. That was so much more than aesthetics. But holistic, freeing, a symbol of much needed self-care. Slowly but surely, she built up her list of dopamine classics. The Prebiotic Rich Hydration Cream that sank into her skin like twines of cotton. A lingering fragrance of raw shea butter that clung onto her with hunger. Dabbing cream into the contours of her skin. Tracing the permenant silver lines from scars long marked. Down every bump and lump, mapping out the constellations of her face. The exfoliant that was kind to her skin. Wary at first. Harsh memories of exfoliants that stripped her skin to raw redness. An outbreak of angry red pustules from chin to forehead. But this was different. Pumpkin to decongest pores the natural way. Rose Flower to boost her skin. A hint of Tulsi oil that would even out her skin tone, improving her hyperpigmentation. Bathing her tired winter skin in pure joy. Watching the dryness transform into smooth softness. The cracks in her skin fading, like the first hint of morning light. The tightness from clenching her jaw loosening.

The rare winter sun clung to the skies. In shades of pale dusky blue, not a cloud in sight. A rare serotonin boosting delight, a spritz of perfume. A scent that felt comforting, like coming home to summer. Fruity notes of peach and lemon, with a hint of spice. She sprayed the fragrance in the air, dancing under its heady splash. As it whispered tantalizing memories of serenity. Lost in its euphoric wake. There was something inviting about a fragrance. The way it made her feel simultaneously energized and comforted at the same time. A drop on the wrist, a dab on the throat. A room spray, a teasing prelude, a trail of allure. She continued on her happiness inducing journey. Discovering feel good vegan beauty products that would enchant her senses. Dull nails transformed in the richest winter hues. Burgundy, like deep red wine, swilling in a large claret glass. Memories from the past stirring up. A burgundy semi-matte lipstick painted on chapped lips. A flush of smoky eyeshadow, a hint of bordauex at the corners. Juicy plump cherries baked in a golden-crusted pie. Slathered with thick gloopy custard, the shade of sunshine yellow. Fuschia pink, like Barbie one would say. But she thought of Flamingoes instead. Beaks like brushes dipped in pink. One leg balanced, in serenity they would dwell.

For there was something innocent about beauty. The colours across a spectrum; a golden sand hued foundation blended into red skin. Concealer like art, in strokes of beige. Cosmetics inspired by the natural world, earth tones cascading. A sweep of 90’s blue eyeshadow peeping out from inky black lashes. A splash of highlighter, illuminating her face from space. A rosy red blush swirling on the apples of her cheeks. Playing with textures too. Her mind drifting back to her bedtime routine.Elongated, slipping into scalding hot water that lacerated her skin. Her hair fanned out like a burnished halo. Silver strands glistening. The minutes went by. Floating in a peppermint and ecalyptus infusion, that left her humming. Movements that weren’t her own. Smiling as she brushed out her curly hair. Caressing it in shampoo that made it sparkle and shine. Slipping out of the bath, a towel on her head. Flicking her hair like a dog in the rain. Watching the tendrils loosen into wavy curls. Then, when it was all over? Yawning with delight, as she headed upstairs. Dreaming of one more feel good vegan beauty tool to captivate her senses. A spritz on the pillow, that would fight against her need for control. Lavender like those fields she once walked in Hitchin. Deep purple hues, blue skies above. Lost in a dream world, where nothing else mattered but the here and now.

Vegan Face Care For Joy

Ringana Overnight Face Treatment

Dark shadows like charcoal smudges cradled her eyes. A haunted look, the memory of better-forgotten yesterday’s. She traced her skin with the precision of a perfectionist. Noticing the new wrinkles that wriggled across her forehead. The spirals that flicked out from her eyes like doodles. The laughter lines faint by her chapped lips. She had always looked young. Even now, aged thirty, her skin was youthful. She didn’t hate the fine lines that etched spiderwebs across her face. In one way, it fascinated her. The way her skin changed over the years. But in another, she was fearful. Of not noticing the moment that age would creep up on her. And so, she found a potion that would keep her in the moment. Ringana’s FRESH Overnight Face Treatment. Infused with Retinal and Vitamin A to reduce the depth of wrinkles the natural way. Organic almond oil slipped into organic mango butter, to keep her skin smooth and supple. But it was the surprise addition of Dulse that stole the show. Fighting against young cells that had been infected by messengers from older cells. Saying no to cells that aged faster. A drop of hyaluronic acid to deliver hydration made her skin happy. Niacinamide, a Vitamin B3 derivative, promoting collagen and elastin formation. Something that would even out age and pigment spots, when she had them. Her skin firmer, the texture smoother. Was it any wonder it had won silver in the Veggie Awards 2023? Or that it was rated Very Good in the ‘Cosmetics Analysis’ rating? When it came to feel good vegan beauty, Ringana had saved the day.

Ringana’s overnight face treatment is a feel good vegan beauty buy.

Price: £59.16

Lavera Glow By Nature Day Cream

She felt winter ravage its icy claws into her skin. Her lips bleeding, cracked with tight skin. Cheeks stretched with crimson blotches. A once-oily forehead, dry and itchy. Flaking slithers of white desperate for moisture. Fine lines around her eyes, puffy tired skin. She was a summer girl at heart. Remembering those glorious sun-soaked days where everything was magical and golden. Skin bathed in a natural sheen. Cheeks flushed with burgundy love. Younger, healthier looking skin. And yet Lavera’s Glow by Nature Day Cream was her morning go-to. Reviving tired skin, combating aging the natural way. Slathered on skin that begged for hydration. Like a spring flower, it bloomed. Melting into her skin, the scent of oranges uplifting her senses. Smooth like shea butter, a hint of tart lemon. She felt the radiance return to her skin. A natural glow alone, or worn under her makeup. Relieving the tightness of her face, smooth as silk. But the best part? How it was infused with natural coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C. Reducing free radicals, protecting her from oxidative stress. She ran her hands down her face, smiling at what looked back at her in the mirror. Someone who looked more confident. Lost in the magic of a radiant glow.

Price: £25.90

Samaya Vata Renewing Exfoliant

Splashing her skin with ice cold water felt like a wake up call. Shocking her into self-care that was needed. Lingering touches on her once coarse face. Peeling away the layers of her dead skin cells. Sloughing impurities like a snake shedding their skin. And yet, she found exfoliation harsh. Often skipping that step. Irritating her sensitive face, prone to breakouts and redness. But Samaya’s Vata Renewing Exfoliant was surprisingly gentle. Laced with superfoods that would be her love language. Pumpkin fruit ferment filtrate to decongest pores. Reducing her hyper-pigmentation, improving her skin’s texture. Breaking down the outer layers of her skin. Memories of exfoliants that stripped her skin, replaced with new ones. How it was drenched in Tulsi oil, an anti-bacterial wonderland. Evening her skin tone, while boosting its immune function. And then there was the unexpected. Frankincense oil, a love letter to the past. Reducing blemishes and encouraging the regeneration of healthy cells. Tumeric root oil to heal her sensitive skin’s barrier. She imagined the beauty God’s fashioning this esquisite creature. A spritz of Amla Fruit Pulp Oil, high in vitamin C. A scattering of Rose Geranium, to alleviate stress. Rose flower to boost her energy and mood. Aloe, one of her favourites, soothing and healing her tired skin. One more oil handed down by the God’s. Gotu Kola, an anti-inflammatory, repairing damage. Lost in the heady aroma of Samaya’s holistic trance.

Price: £69

Odylique Prebiotic Rich Hydration Cream

She knew some might find her love for feel good vegan beauty creams excessive. Wasn’t there another one already on the list? But this was her evening cream. A moisturising potion so rich, it fought back against the icy climes of winter. Odylique’s Prebiotic Rich Hydration Cream, the heavenly trio. Calming, smoothing, natural. Raw shea butter singing a ditty under its breath. Cocoa Butter enveloped in fuzzy warmth. Olive and Avocado oils that nourished the deepest skin layers. She closed her eyes, marvelling in its delicate blend of defence. The first scientifically proven prebiotic, extracted from restorative chicory roots. Preserving and protecting the skin by re-balancing its microbiota. Helping her skin form a natural defensive shield against the environment, reducing sensitivity, inflammation and irritation. She sat grounded in the moment. Finding it hard to believe that a cream could actually be as good as it felt. Enriched with plumping phytocollagen, with proven efficacy for skin hydration, barrier function and biomechanical skin improvement. A hint of regenerative pure frankincense oil infused with ylang ylang and clary sage. A little that went a long way, no greasy residue. She took a step back. Surveying the mirror with pleasure. Skin that would glow even when she slept. Colour brought back into her face, golden olive tones.

Price: £29

Feel Good Bath & Bedtime Treats

Mindful Extracts Deep Relief Trio

She slipped into the warmth of the waters embrace. Translucent liquid perfumed with CBD Eucalyptus and Peppermint. A bath bomb from Mindful Extracts swirling, engulfed by tendrils of steam. A book in one hand, a cup of tea in the other. Taking sanctuary in the bath tub, losing sense of time. Surrendering to the healing touch of CBD’s magic. As her mind drifted, lost in the sensationalism of her historical fiction novel. The bath bomb like poetry, fizzing until the remenants were no more. The bath water cooled, and she emerged like a mermaid onto land. Drying off the water, red splotches on her skin. A glug of Deep Relief CBD Massage Oil, rubbed into coarse hands. Kneading deep knots, hearing them burst. The comforting scent of Ginger dancing with Juniper. A splash of Copaiba Balsam twirling with Black Cumin Seed oil. She felt the tension leaving her body, sinking into the confines of sleep. Morning broke, she felt the stiffness before she woke. Joints scraping against each other. Pain from head to toe. Chronic health issues she had been suffering with for the longest time. She caressed her body with the CBD Muscle and Joint Balm. Begging for targeted relief where she needed it most. She felt the deep and penetrating comfort. Not a miracle cure, but a Godsend nevertheless. Brief respites from pain, muscles loosened. Feel good vegan beauty that made her body sing with compassion.

Price: £54.99-57.98

Olverum Restful Sleep Pillow Mist

She lay awake, as time stretched its elastic thread. Wandering aimlessly through the corners of her mind. Thoughts racing, heart palpatating. The moon casting its silvery glow through the bedroom window. The distant sound of the foxes shrilling outside. 3AM, the witching hour. 4AM, still wide awake. Hours spent battling the demons that ravaged her mind. Losing a battle against insomnia, her incessant sparring partner. But wait, what was this? Olverum Restful Sleep Pillow Mist, could it be? The scent of Lavender, delicate and sweet, shrouded in comfort. Memories of a friend lost in 2020, conjuring up a picture. Long straight blonde hair, sea blue eyes. Smiling, pale-skinned, happy in rows of Lavender. The fragrance was bitter-sweet, poignant. A reminder of a friend lost too soon. But lavender held happier memontoes too. A room fragrance she used to frequent. A hand lotion, she still had in her bathroom. She spritzed the mist into her pillow, letting the sweet citrus notes of bergamot wash over her. The rich woodiness of amyris cleansing her soul. Though it didn’t make a difference to her sleep cycle just yet, the fragrance alone was worth the buy. Fresh, vibrant, a scent that felt like home. Wrapped up in a voluminous duvet like a burrito. Even when she lay awake, unable to sleep, she felt something positive. A natural and meditative way to get her body to relax. Would it tame her mind in time too?

Price: £27.50

Dopamine Boosting Haircare

Josh Wood Colour Care Bundle

On days where dark moods took over, she found motivation lacking. Struggling to get out of bed. Walking like a zombie, sluggish movements. Unable to articulate herself, time standing still. She always said she had two sides. The high-functioning anxiety, where she was running on adrenaline. The sloth-like depression and fatigue that clouded her senses. Today? She was number two, finding even the simplest of things challenging. She needed time out. Stepping into the shower, her revered quiet place. Dunking her tresses under the showerhead. A trio from Josh Wood Colour caught her eye. The Miracle Care Set, for sulphate free cleansing. Washing her hair the healthy way. Minimal effort, zoning out, letting the water take over. Sinking her fingers through tangled knots, moisturising dry hair. Hair that felt smoother and softer. Vibrant and glossy colour that locked in. She ran the shampoo through her wild hair, imagining the Quinoa, and Green Walnut protecting her barnet. Leaving the high-shine conditioner to work its magic. Was it any wonder it was the Grazia Beauty Award Summer 2020 winner of the Clever Booster Award? A semi-permenant colour infusion without the commitment of permenant hair dye. The Miracle Mask just as effective. Detangling the knots that threatened to take over her hair. Her hair lusturous, less straw-like from the first use. Feel good vegan beauty that was exactly what it said on the label. A stark contrast to some cruelty free shampoos she had used in the past that were drying.

Price: £44 instead of £49

Monpure Clarifying Scalp Scrub

It would be her first time using a scalp scrub. Hoping it would gently exfoliate and buff away her scalp buildup. Saying bye to white flakes like snowflakes in her dark hair. Monpure’s Clarifying Scalp Scrub was the victim in question. Award-winning, would it live up to the hype? Biodegradable Jojoba Beads laced with shea butter. A hint of rich argan oil that would rejuvanate her scalp’s skin. Healthier hair growth, reducing dandruff. Rebalancing her scalp microbiome even in the heart of winter. She felt it moisturise her scalp in tender strokes. Healing red patches, with a gentle brush. Her hair dampened, a small amount across different sections of her scalp. Watching as a light lather formed. Like soap bubbles teasing her hair. Voted ‘Best For Scalp Health’ 2023 by Tatler, she could see why. Her scalp felt healthier, cleaner, more energized. Fighting against her hormonal imbalances. Warding off stress. A salve against the hard water that dripped out of her tap. A once a week treat. Not too often. Hair that was once dull, greasy and heavy transformed. Light, soft and silky from one use. Though it was early days, she couldn’t wait to see the results from long-term use. Would it change her life?

Price: £48

Happiness Loving Cosmetics

Benecos Nail Varnishes

She glanced at the blank canvas that were her nails. Dotted with splotches of white, bitten down to a quick. Wondering what colour she would paint them next. Happy colours or rich winter tones? A fusion of both, burgundy meets fuschia. Dusky pink, one of her favourite colours, a hue that felt vibrant and free. A dopamine rush injected into her veins. Bathed in happiness that made her smile and laugh. But who was responsible for this joy? Benecos, whose ‘My Secret Nail Polish’ brought her outfits to life. Pink nails with a pleated cobalt blue coord. An oversized pink beret, and pink welly boots. An electric blue and Barbie pink bag, littered with love hearts. With every brushstroke, letting the hue cloak her nails with elation. Enriched with caring and nourishing ingredients of French Apple Seed Oil and Biotin. Dipping a brush into a pool of liquid dreams. What would she get next? Vamp, a burgundy meets purple hue. Halfway between an aubergine, and her coveted red wine. Avocado to nourish her dy nails. A secret ingredient to strengthen brittle nails. The colour? Exquisite. Imaging her hands wrapped around a deep glass of red, staining her lips. A swathe of burgundy lipstick, a hint of purple eyeshadow. Stretched out in her fanciest nightwear. Purple satin, with dancing burgundy stars. A Peter-Pan collar, as though she could wear it outside. Fuschia on her hands. Burgundy on her toes. A mis-match that somehow worked. Pink to brighten gray winter days. Burgundy that was deep and mysterious. Toes that wriggled in the fluffiest of slippers.

Price: £5.75 per nail polish

et al Makeup Collection

She remembered the early years of her make up wearing days. The dubious dark eyeshadows that swallowed up her eyes. Lined with khol in shades of black and electric blue. Clumpy mascara, like too-big false lashes. Glitter on the apples of her cheek. Nothing on her lips or skin, no foundation or lipstick to be seen. And now? She had two makeup guises. The colourful shoot spectacular. Red and gold eyeshadow like a sunset framed by mascara. Warm-toned foundation that blended into her skin effortlessly. A deep reddish-pink blush on her cheeks. A dash of golden highlight on her cheekbones and nose. Red lipstick, the shade of double decker buses. The other? Illuminating day cream sinking into textured skin. A sweep of foundation, lip balm on her lips. Concealer to hide dark shadows that lurked like night. Natural brows with a hint of product. A smattering of mascara. This was the look she went for when she discovered et al’s face range. Intelligent Skin Cream Concealer in the shade 060w. Camoflaging, long lasting, and soothing. Light with warm undertones, packed with Hydrachrysum and Phytoserene to hydrate and soothe her skin. Dark circles shrouded, fine lines concealed. A natural finish that made her look and feel good. Was it any wonder that it won Silver in the Vegan Makeup category (Veggie Awards 2023). But it was et al Intelligent Skin Foundation that won her over. As close to her natural skin colour as she had ever found. Dewy, glowing, younger looking skin. A synergy of skincare actives including Blue Shield, floraglo lutein and hydrachrysum™ to help protect her skin against harmful rays such as UV, blue light, and infrared rays. Foundation that kept her hydrated, even under winter’s drying gaze. Infused with Vitamin C for brightness. Squalane that moisturised her skin.

Prices:

Concealer £29

Foundation £45

Emolyne Cosmetics The Complete Kit

Falling in love with makeup came easy to her. But there were two products that made her heart sing. Eyeshadows, creamy, pigmented and bold in colour. Lipsticks in shades of reds and pinks, that made her mouth smile. But if she could only choose one, it would be the lips. Coated in glossy red hues, semi-matte. A dash of gloss on top. Lined around the edges for the perfect pout. Worn alone or with a full face of makeup. Emolyne Cosmetics, her go to for feel good vegan beauty, entranced her once more. The Complete Kit, in the shade Libreville, deep red hues. Libreville’s Defining Lip Liner, rich and creamy for all day colour. Drawing around the edges of her lips, like an artist. A guideline for her Velvet Lip to grasp onto. Gliding on with intense colour, a shade that would last hours on end. Less likely to fray, a colour that made her olive skin pop. She glazed her lips with Vitamin E Infused High-Shine Colour Gloss. Nourishing, smooth, a silky finish in one sweep. Her lips reflecting the sheen off the mirror, like a disco ball. But there was one more feel good vegan goodie to tantalize her senses. Nail Lacquer in the matching shade. Long-wear and quick drying. A flawless high-shine manicure in just one coat. Marvelling at the pops of red, her favourite accent hues.

Price: £40.80 instead of £51 for The Complete Kit

Cruelty-Free Perfumes

Dolma Fragrances

Fruity notes of peach and lemon drifted into her senses. A white floral heart of carnation and ylan-ylang flirting, as though they were falling in love. She was. Lost in the scent of summer, where spicy notes mingled like a senseous dance. A comforting harmony of sandalwood and cypress to round out the fragrance. She paused in the moment, letting Dolma Fragrances Persian Goddess wash over her. Anahita, reminding her of a nickname she had growing up. Ananinha, with an emphasis on ‘ninha’. She smiled, the powerful scent engulfing her in a vibrant hug. After all, its namesake was the Goddess of fertility, water, healing and wisdom. Letting time slip through her fingers, as she spritzed and sprayed. A feel good vegan beauty purchase that made her look and smell good. Sometimes, she would use it as a room spray. Letting the room unfurl like blooms in spring. Washing away the damp from heavy rain. A stark contrast to the gray clouds swollen with thunder. The scent sank into her skin like poetry. Soft blurred edges, with a hint of fruit. The kind of vegan fragrance that she leaned towards. That made her feel like wearing it was a superpower. Her own self-care secret. A personal mood enhancer. For the right perfume was like good gold. Hard to find but worth the wait. She stopped for a minute. Letting the feel good vegan beauty buy embrace her with love. As the gray sank into the inky navy of night. The moon hidden behind mist and cloud.