WILD SOURCE APOTHECARY
RITUALS NOT ROUTINES
organic & Vegan SKINCARE
Your 7am alarm sent to snooze mode, a quick Insta scroll, a slurp of coffee at the kitchen sink and repeat. The endless rigmarole of 21st century life can make a 5-step skincare routine seem like an impossibility. Let’s be honest when life is in full throttle, indulgent beauty regimes are one of the first things we deign to neglect— those times when a swipe of micellar cleansing water feels taxing.
Enter Wild Source Apothecary, the natural skincare company who are fast changing the reputation of beauty regimes as stress-inducing. Their mantra ‘Rituals Not Routines’ dictates that skincare should be an antidote to the strains of everyday life, and not just another tick-box on your infinite to-do list. Every product is focused on the concept of mindful beauty— how we can transform our skincare routines into an opportunity for meditation, calm reflection and self-care whatever that means for you.
This principle formed the basis of Wild Source’s recently launched ‘Mindful of Beauty’ campaign which introduced customers to the simple but stress-busting rituals we can adopt when applying our skincare. In practice this involves traditional mindfulness techniques like intentional deep breathing—at least ten times in through your nose and out through your mouth—and paying attention to each stroke on your skin to increase the clarity of your present. Handily each product comes complete with its own ritual and instructions, so it’s incredibly easy for even the skincare novice.
Last week I had the pleasure of meeting the brand’s forward-thinking founder, Kate Roath, who explains that developing a more mindful approach to skincare can not only increase mental wellbeing, but also enhance the benefits of your products. “The ambition is for our customers to hold intentional skincare rituals in their every day. We invite everyone to make space for a sacred daily ritual to apply their skincare mindfully; to silence the chaos and be in that moment to transport you to a clearer, quieter, calmer state of mind.”
From a skin perspective, stress can play havoc with our skin calming oils. And Kate knows this feeling only too well. Having always struggled with finding something that really worked with her skin, she began by foraging Rosehips on the way to her job in a coffee shop to make her own facial oil. But when the business started to take off and moved from a passion to a full-time job, she found herself finding less time for beauty regimes. Quickly she learnt that taking five minutes out to do her skincare would pay dividends on both her complexion and state of calm.
“Skincare is not just skin deep, we want your skin to glow from inside out, to reflect your mental and physical wellbeing. Intentionally using mindfulness within your beauty rituals will instil calm and tranquillity into each day… Skincare is more than just a moment in time, we are aiming for longevity of the products’ benefits whilst bringing balance to your mind, body and soul.”
As a growing company, Wild Source has been ahead of the curve when it comes to organic and cruelty-free beauty. All the products are hand-crafted in small batches of no more than 50 at a time at their blending space in Bristol. Kate explains that when she first founded the company one of the biggest challenges was persuading people about the benefits of naturally derived beauty products, and how they could be just as effective as their man-made, chemical alternatives. But last year sustainable beauty moved into the mainstream, with statistics showing that vegan product launches saw a 175% rise in the past five years.
Sustainability has stopped being optional for businesses. All products produced by Wild Source are vegan friendly and made with recycled glass from the UK. The brand have also recently launched a refill service where customers can post their jars and bottles back to the company for free, and receive 10% off their next purchase.
MY REVIEW
Harmony Oil CBD Infused Facial Elixir with Marula, Blackcurrant and Watermelon Seed
Wild Source says: A light but deeply penetrating daily facial oil packed with moisturising botanicals to rejuvenate and balance your skin. The combination of marula, blackcurrant and watermelon seed oil work in synergy to protect your skin from environmental factors, such as sun and pollution, that can cause premature aging. It is also the most effective facial oil for acne prone, irritated and sensitive skin, thanks to its antimicrobial and nutrient-rich properties.
My review: For those who think putting any kind of oil based skincare on already oily or spot prone skin is quite frankly insane behaviour. I see you. I feel you. However, Kate assures me that this is one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to natural skincare— when skin turns greasy it’s likely down to the fact that the skin is essentially dry as a prune and kicking into overdrive to remedy this. So, in most cases, using a balancing facial oil will help keep this in check. With that said, I was excited to try one of the newest additions to the Wild Source clan. The scent is a lot subtler than I was expecting from the words Blackcurrant and Watermelon— think less Bacardi Breezer, more summertime countryside air with a top note of juicy blackcurrant. The oil is light and glides over the skin with ease, leaving it #glowing.
Cleansing Oil with Calendula & Baobab
Wild Source says: A hydrating, reviving oil that gently cleans your face and unblocks pores without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Calendula and sweet orange provide anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which are blended with baobab oil for its softening and rejuvenating effects. Kate recommends a single cleanse in the morning and a double cleanse with a muslin cloth in the evening.
My review: I took 1- 2 pumps of the lightweight golden oil and applied to dry skin. As per the bottle instructions, I dutifully massage it into the skin, whilst breathing in the uplifting essential oils. The scent isn’t overpowering—it’s a gorgeous botanical smell with a subtle hint of sweet orange. Many people are apprehensive about cleansers with an all natural formula— I, too, was initially sceptical that a 100% organic cleanser would have the same cleaning potential of a chemical-based one. Would the cleansing oil just form a greasy film over any dirt? No! I was pleasantly surprised. When you wash off the oil with warm water the skin is left feeling clean and refreshed. In comparison with a chemical-based cleanser where you skin can feel tight and stripped of all its god given natural oils, Wild Source’s cleansing oil ensures the skin is soft and moisturised. This is partly due to the addition of Jojoba oil which is identical to the natural sebum produced by our own skin, giving it the ability to penetrate deep into the skin.
Night Nectar Prickly Pear & Chia Overnight Facial Oil
Wild Source says: An overnight super food for your skin, this hydrating oil plumps the skin, stimulates collagen, and strengthens the skin’s layers which naturally weaken with age. Prickly pear has naturally high amounts of vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the skin’s cells, whilst its fatty acids calm down any inflammation.
My review: Night Nectar immediately reminds me of Herbivore’s cult facial oils, but the smell is even more stunning. The calming aromas of lavender and warm frankincense are ideal for your nighttime beauty regime— the ultimate slow down. Taking 2 – 3 drops in the dropper, I lightly press the oil into the skin using upwards circular motions. Kate advises applying the oil to dampened skin to maximise absorption which is a great tip for ensuring the skin drinks up all the oil quickly. After a week of using Night Nectar, I’m pleased to report the skin feels softer, smoother and super hydrated which is no mean feat in all this hot weather. Aside from these enviable results, I just love the ritual of applying the Night Nectar. Pure luxury and nectar indeed.
Radiance Mask Pink Clay & Elderberry
Wild Source says: A natural face mask that is a blend of pink clay, rosehip, geranium and organic fruit extracts—all aimed at skin detox and hydration. The Radiance Mask will gently buff away dead skin cells, revealing a plump, dewy and glowing complexion. (Absolute goals!) Pink clay can also help to reduce irritation and inflammation from skin concerns such as acne by soothing and improving the texture of skin.
My review: A pink face mask is like nirvana for the millennial gen, and when combined with the scent of a boutique spa you know you’re in for some serious pampering. While I’ve often used clay masks or sheet masks, I’ve never tried a DIY mix-it-yourself one. Kate explains that the thinking behind this is to allow customers to blend the formula according to their personal skincare needs— for example with water, herbal tea, witch hazel, rose water, or a preferred toner depending on skin type. I mix the clay blend with toner in a spoon and massage into the skin—I love the fact that the fine fruit extracts act as a gentle exfoliator as you rub. The mask quickly turns from pink to white as it dries, and it’s easily removed with warm water after 20 mins. Usually you’re left scrubbing your face red raw to get all the clay remnants off, the Radiance Mask is super quick to remove and leaves your skin feeling rejuvenated, radiant and zingy clean. It's immediately obvious why this is one of their most popular products.
