British furniture designer Christian Watson has been honing his trade for many years but it was only recently that he made the decision to launch his eponymous brand.
Christian spent two years studying under Marc Fish at Robinson House Studio in Sussex, there he learnt traditional furniture making with timber and veneer. Today, his carefully considered, stripped-back, contemporary style is dominated by the use of metal, its strength giving his pieces their simple elegance. I believe it’s his love of materials that has pushed him on and led him to create such contrasting pieces today. He still spends a lot of time researching, experimenting and playing with new materials. His current style is clearly defined but I can’t help but wonder what he will do in the future and whether it will have a direct connection to his style today or whether it will evolve once more.
Christian can draw a clear line between his work at Robinson House and his work today. Whilst at Robinson House Studio he “was taught that the relentless pursuit of perfection must be applied to the entire furniture-making process, from sourcing the highest-quality materials, to working with highly-skilled craftsmen. It is this holistic approach to design that defines the studio today”. He is meticulous in his research, almost to the point of obsession.
The Signature Collection combines powder-coated metal with sustainable Portuguese cork, vegetable tanned leather, British wool or glass. The pieces are handmade locally by talented craftsmen and women, everything is made in Britain (they are proud members of Made In Britain), keeping their company’s carbon footprint low and allowing each design to be made to order. The aim is that everything be made to last, developing its own patina with age that simply adds to its beauty. In those rare cases when an accident does occur, they will repair or replace the affected part.
The designs within the Signature Collection work beautifully together, with a cohesive design language. However, the strength of their individual designs allows them to comfortably sit independently or alongside furniture by other designers.
Alongside the Signature Collection is a tailored service which allows you to make alterations to the size, material and/or colour of a piece. This is done in a way that maintains the integrity of each design but allows you to fit them into your home seamlessly.
For those with an idea for a unique piece or a unique space, there’s a bespoke service. Christian is full of surprises and, in the short time that I’ve known him, I’ve found that our conversations are often unpredictable and inspiring. I can only imagine what a joy it is to work with him.
I appreciate that lots of you are interested in finding out about the latest skincare products and whether they might be good for your skin. I’m lucky to be in a position in which I regularly try lots of different products. I avoid skincare products with known nasties, looking instead for those that are ethically and sustainably made, predominantly made with organic and/or natural ingredients. My approach is to use each product for at least a month before I share my experience here or on Instagram. After that initial trial period there are some that I continue to use every day or when appropriate, and others I give to friends and family. So, with that in mind, I thought it might be interesting for you to read about the products that are so good I’ve used every last drop, my latest empties. Below are the products I’ve just finished. They are all products I confidently recommend to friends and family, and feel confident recommending to you.
Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream
Even when I’m using another eye cream, I will almost certainly have a bottle of Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream* in my bathroom cabinet. It’s the one I rely on when my skin is feeling particularly sensitive. It contains a super fine low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and chamomile; meaning it’s great for dryness, puffiness, fine lines and sensitive skin. It’s also said to reduce dark circles thanks to witch hazel but I can’t speak from experience. The texture is more serum than cream, it spreads easily and is absorbed quickly. It’s great value and widely available.
AMLY Radiance Boost Face Mist* didn’t last long in my bathroom, I found myself using it all the time – not just after cleansing but throughout the day to refresh my skin and give it a boost of moisture.
It is a light, refreshing mist that’s a bit of an all-rounder thanks to a great combination of ingredients. Among other things, it’s infused with the healing properties of silver, deeply moisturising hyaluronic acid and a probiotic lactobacillus ferment to feed the skin’s microbiome. I’m going to need a bigger bottle next time!
Since researching face oils and their benefits for a previous post, I’ve made them a consistent part of my regimen, both morning and night. Seed to Skin The Midnight Miracle Cell Recovery Night Oil* is one of the most visibly efficacious face oils I’ve used. When I woke after the first night I used it I could see that my skin appeared more even in tone, and it felt more supple and nourished.
It contains vitamins A and E which increase skin turnover and cell regeneration. 70% of the oil comes from three types of rose seed, which give support to the cells in all three layers of the skin; the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.
Volition Celery Green Cream* is more gel than cream. I first used it as a face cream, after applying my face oils but I quickly worked out that it was much more effective when used after my water-based serums and before face oils. It then became a bit of a game-changer, a serious moisture-booster.
The combination of celery seed extract and hyaluronic acid, along with cucumber and lavender extract makes for an incredibly refreshing, lightweight moisturiser; ideal for dry, sensitive skin.
Another unbelievably good product from Seed to Skin, The Biom’Sphere* has been created to nourish the skin’s microbiome. It can become imbalanced due to frequent washing, pollution, preservatives from cosmetic products and strong sun irradiation; potentially causing the skin to become red, acne-prone, dry, excessively oily or itchy.
The Biom’Sphere contains pre-, pro- and post-biotics, black bee honey, pseudoalteromonas exopolysaccharides, hyaluronic acids of two different molecular weights and an oxygen complex.
There’s always a bottle of Susanne Kaufmann Oil Bath For The Senses by my bath. It’s my favourite bath oil when I need to slow down and relax. The soothing scents of ylang-ylang, patchouli and lavender fill the air as you pour it into the water, creating just the right atmosphere. It doesn’t leave an oily residue on the skin but does leave it feeling soft and nourished. There’s also the added benefit of rosemary which promotes blood circulation and boosts the skin’s metabolism. Sugarcane bagasse and corncob hydrate the skin.
I plan to make ‘The Last Drop’ a regular feature on Style&Minimalism. Please let me know via email or an Instagram DM if you found this article useful or if you have any questions about the latest empties I’ve featured.
What we choose to wear can have a significant effect on the environment and I believe we all have a part to play in protecting the planet for future generations. By choosing your wardrobe carefully you can help make a difference.
1. Wear Your Clothes
Chances are you already own some amazing clothes. The most sustainable wardrobe is the one you already own as long as you wear it regularly. Challenge yourself to come up with new ways of wearing your clothes and accessories. I have a couple of sections on my ‘Style’ Pinterest board where I save photos of outfits for autumn/winter and spring/summer that are made up of items similar to the ones I own.
2. Choose Well
Only buy what you truly love and know you will want to wear frequently. If you choose well, you should be able to wear an item at least 30 times, if not more. Don’t buy something just because, at first glance, you think it looks nice or you saw it on someone else whose style you admire; don’t make a panic purchase. Give yourself time to consider how you’ll wear it with the things you own. If you can’t think of at least three ways you can style it, don’t buy it.
3. Buy Well Made
Look for natural fibres because they tend to wear and wash better than most synthetic materials; they also allow the skin to breathe. Good garment construction is also important, you want your clothes to last and if they’re badly made they won’t. If you’re unsure, check the quality of the seams and how well the buttons are sewn on (if there are any).
4. Only Buy What You Need
Most of the time we don’t need another coat, another pair of shoes, another pair of jeans, etc. If you choose well and buy well made then you are even less likely to need more.
5. Buy Timeless Designs
You’ll never regret it. These items never go out of fashion and often turn up in new trends anyway.
Plus, it’s worth it for the investment alone; if you do decide you no longer want an item, there’s likely to be a market for you to sell it on.
6. Clothes That Fit
How well an item fits will usually determines how many times an item is worn. If it feels uncomfortable, you’re probably not going to relax all day and, the next time you put that item on, feel reluctant to wear it again; another reason it’s important not to panic buy.
On the other hand, if you’re wearing something that fits you well, you’ll feel good about yourself and how others see you.
7. Take Care of Your Clothes
If you want to prolong the length of use of your clothes you need to treat them with care. Wash them according to their labels, you can always drop the temperature (but never raise it). Use a detergent that is eco-friendly and reduce unnecessary and damaging chemicals in our water systems. I use Ecover or Kinn, both are made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients and still leave my clothes clean and fresh.
Mend holes, damaged seams and hems. There are plenty of tutorials online if you’re not sure how. You could consider the Japanese practice of Sashiko, if you want to add character. If you’re not comfortable mending your things yourself, get in touch with an alterations and repairs agency.
8. Secondhand & Vintage
It goes without saying that there are a lot of unworn clothes in the world, some that have never been worn at all. Secondhand and vintage clothes are often more affordable than the newly made. Though often associated with bright, cheaply made, synthetic clothes from the 60s and 70s; I’ve bought a beautiful wool jumper from Margaret Howell via eBay and a classic Belstaff jacket from a secondhand store in London. You need to think about exactly what you want/need and not deviate.
TOAST have recently started a clothes-swapping initiative called TOAST Circle. Customers can bring in items from previous seasons and swap them for other worn pieces.
9. Buy Locally Made
Supporting local artisans that produce goods using local materials means they are made with a low carbon footprint. It gives the brand the option to make-to-order, reducing deadstock. It’s also beneficial to the local economy.
Look for organic or Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton. Less water is used in the farming process, the cotton seeds are not genetically modified and no chemicals or pesticides are used to grow them. This is better for the farm workers and pickers, better for the ground that the cotton is grown in, better for the local water supply and ecosystem and (I believe) better for your skin.
The OEKO-TEX registered trademark lets you know about fabrics that are made responsibly. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) lets you know about fabrics that have been made with a minimum of 70% organic fibres.
Make sure the brands you buy from ensure their wool is mulesing-free. It’s a painful practice that involves removing a strip of skin from the buttocks of the sheep to prevent a parasitic infection called flystrike. It’s especially common with Merino sheep.
Try to avoid polyester or nylon, unless it is recycled or vintage. Neither is biodegradable and both are thought to contribute to microplastics found in our oceans. Buy a Guppyfriend washing bag to reduce your impact.
Look for brands that are visibly working towards becoming more sustainable in their practices. They offer a lot of information on their websites about what they stand for, what they are doing and what they are working towards doing in the future.
This post was created in collaboration with Susanne Kaufmann.
Susanne Kaufmann is without question my favourite skincare brand, their natural products are gentle yet effective on my sensitive skin, whilst also sustainably made. Recently, I was invited to visit them at their Liberty London pop-up to experience their Bespoke Rejuvenating Facial. It’s a new treatment that incorporates a product they recently developed to coincide with their 15th anniversary, the Pollution Skin Defense System.
To help me relax Andrea (my skincare therapist) sprayed my pillow and the surrounding air with Pillow Spray Calming. It’s a lovely mist with a soothing scent containing lavender and orange oils. Lavender is well-known for its calming properties whilst orange oil supports the respiratory passages, ensuring you breath well throughout your treatment, important for deep relaxation.
The treatment started with a thorough double cleanse using their Cleansing Milk, the base of which is rose-hip seed oil, which is particularly good for dehydrated skin. It also contains a soothing herbal compound of chamomile, sage and St. John’s wort flowers. Andrea then applied Tonic Clarifying, a gentle tonic that contains the same herbal compound as the Cleansing Milk but with the addition of mallow. It doesn’t contain any alcohol so won’t strip the skin like some.
Once my face and décolletage were feeling lovely and clean, a double peel was applied. This consisted of their Enzyme Peel being applied all over the area, before being layered on top with their Facial Peel. The Enzyme Peel uses gentle fruit acids from apple, papaya and kiwi to remove dead skin cells without any abrasiveness (that can stress to the epidermis); it’s a chemical peel but the gentlest kind. It also contains ectoine, fenugreek and fermented white lupins, they help to regenerate skin cells, as well as having a revitalising and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. In addition to that, aloe vera cools and soothes the skin. The Facial Peel is a physical peel which uses soft plant granules alongside a herbal compound of mallow, yarrow and St. John’s wort flowers to gently remove dead skin cells and impurities. The soft plant granules dissolve in the peeling process so they don’t irritate or scratch the skin.
After Andrea had removed all the dead skin cells and impurities from my skin, she started to give it some much needed revitalisation. Initially, she used the first ampule from the Pollution Skin Defense System, vitamin C. The vitamin C ampoule contains a serum that improves the skin’s own ability to fight against free radicals and at the same time detoxify the cells.
This is when things started to get really interesting. The massage techniques that they use at Susanne Kaufmann are just as important as the products they create. Their products are fantastic and I would wholly recommend using them at home but you will struggle to replicate their massage techniques. For this reason I would suggest you go in and experience a facial with them. The first massage I received was a fascia massage. It’s not the most gentle but the effect is a complete release of tension in the face muscles. Andrea then moved on to a lymphatic drainage massage, to increase the flow of lymph from the face and help remove toxins from the skin. She followed this with the ultimate scalp massage to further release any tension. This is a brilliant treatment for anyone looking for a relaxing facial treatment, not all leave you feeling as refreshed and tension-free as this one.
Andrea then applied the second ampule from the Pollution Skin Defense System, ectoin which stimulates cell regeneration and strengthens cell protection. This was followed by their Lifting Mask Line A which was worked deep into the skin with another gentle face massage. It’s one of their most active anti-ageing products, containing more ectoin, fermented white lupin blossom extract to firm up the tissue, pure bioflavonoids to fight free radicals, and argan oil as its base which has a strong antioxidant effect. This all results in a strong, smoothing and lifting effect.
After about 10 minutes the mask was removed and the the third ampule from the Pollution Skin Defense System was applied, the powerful Q10 serum which stimulates collagen production. This was followed with Day Cream Line A and Eye Cream Line A, both of which also contain ectoin, fermented white lupin blossom extract and pure bioflavonoids. The Day Cream Line A also contains silk proteins which provide the skin with a great deal of moisture and form a protective film. Whilst the Eye Cream Line A contains, in addition, elderberry extract to reduce swollen eyes. Unusually it can be used all over the eyelid (many aren’t). To encourage the absorption of the products, jade rollers were used across my face, neck and décolletage.
The next time Susanne Kaufmann are at Liberty London make sure you book a treatment, just please leave me a slot! They take place every two months, the next ones will be from 25thNovember – 1st December. Alternatively, if you happen to be taking your next holiday at the beautiful São Lourenço do Barrocal in Portugal they offer Susanne Kaufmann treatments. And, if you’re planning a retreat for the new year I’d recommend Hotel Post Bezau in Austria (where the Susanne Kaufmann brand began); you can incorporate a Bespoke Rejuvenating Facial into your experience. I’m hoping I’ll get the chance to visit and write about both in the coming year.
I’m lucky that through my work, I get to meet talented and knowledgable people within the skincare industry. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Karen Ballou, founder of Immunocologie. Karen is fascinating to speak to, her breadth of knowledge of the skincare industry is astounding; having worked as a therapist, teacher and in product development before creating her own skincare brand. It was her battle with Hodgkin Lymphoma that led her to do so. The products have been developed with the aim of creating the cleanest and most effective skincare on the market. The oils and extracts used within the products are sourced from around the world sustainably and equitably.
Not only did I get the chance to speak to Karen one-to-one but she personally treated me to a facial, a wonderful experience that she talked me through as she went along. There’s little chance of me fully replicating the treatment at home (I just don’t have Karen’s skills), what I have done though is create an evening skincare ritual with Immunocologie products.
I start with Cleansing Lotion, working it thoroughly into my skin (as Karen showed me) before removing it with a damp cloth. It contains desert date seed oil which deeply nourishes the skin and grape seed extract, an antioxidant that defends against free-radicals whilst gently exfoliating and deeply nourishing the skin.
Once or twice a week I will follow this with Exfoliating Lotion, a gentle exfoliator containing lactic acid and glycolic acid. The lactic acid helps to combat breakouts while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and the glycolic acid is great for dull, pigmented and ageing skin, it also stimulates collagen production. The lactic acid helps combat the drying effect of the glycolic acid. It can feel warm and tingly but not unpleasant.
It’s then time to start layering the skin with moisture. A thorough spritz of Vital Ionic Mist kicks things off. It’s a hydrating, mineral-rich toning spray that helps balance the skin. It combines montmorillonite, kaolin and illite clays. Montmorillonite clay is one of the most mineral rich, detoxifiying clays in the world. Kaolin clay soothes the skin whilst removing impurities and cleansing pores. llite tightens pores and gently exfoliates, soaks up excess oil but also pulls blood towards the surface of the skin, boosting circulation.
When you layer moisturising products it’s important to start with the lightest products first, moving towards the thicker ones because the lighter the product the deeper it’s likely to travel into your skin. So first up is Hyaluronic Serum, a wonderful refreshing clear serum that contains two sizes of hyaluronic acid molecule, one helps pull moisture to the surface from within whilst the other helps draw moisture in from the surface (including from the other products I use on top). It’s great for calming inflammation and plumping the skin.
Next up, I use Face Serum, a light dry oil that’s super nourishing thanks to the desert date seed oil and shea seed extract that it contains. It also contains protium heptaphyllum resin extract which comes from an Amazonian tree, it is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
For the top layer of moisture I use Night Protection, a rich cream that my skin quickly absorbs. It also contains desert date seed oil and protium heptaphyllum resin extract, as well as moringa oleifera seed oil. It stimulates the production of natural hyaluronic acid to increase hydration within the skin as well as boosting the skin’s elasticity.
And lastly, I use Eye Contour Serum, a light creamy serum that tightens and lifts the skin around the eyes, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and boosting skin elasticity. It contains baobab seed oil, a rich source of omega acids which are incredibly nourishing whilst being anti-inflammatory. It also contains lannae microcarpa fruit extract which has a vasoconstrictor effect, meaning it reduces the size of capillaries, causing your eyes to appear less puffy and reducing dark circles.
When I found out I was pregnant it became more important to me to find good quality products to use on my body that were made with natural ingredients. I wanted to give myself the best chance of being able to spring back to shape (I know in reality it will never be quite the same) whilst also thinking about what my body would be absorbing and could potentially be entering my blood stream and my growing baby’s. Below are the products I have loved using and would absolutely recommend whether you’re pregnant, or not.
As I noticed my body really begin to change shape in my second trimester I decided to make dry body brushing a daily ritual. I’ve had my Elemis Dry Body Brush for years, and used it on and off, but over the last few months I’ve managed to make it a permanent part of my morning routine. Dry body brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, the system responsible for moving waste around the body. It’s also a brilliant way to boost your circulation in general, get rid of dead skin cells and encourage the production of new ones.
Cellulite and varicose veins are common side effects of pregnancy, dry body brushing is one way I’ve tried to help reduce the chances of getting either. Remember to always brush towards your heart, using long, firm strokes.
Susanne Kaufmann Stretch Mark Oil is a medium-weight oil that contains almond, wheat germ and jojoba oils, along with arnica flower extract. The almond oil smoothes the skin, whilst the wheat germ oil (which is high in vitamin E) and jojoba oil moisturise and help improve the elasticity of the skin. The arnica flower extract helps reduce water retention, another side effect of pregnancy.
I started using this oil pretty early on in my pregnancy, as I wanted to give myself the best chance of avoiding any new stretch marks. Genetics pay a huge part in whether or not we get them but I wasn’t taking any risks.
The Immunocologie Body Serum is a light-weight dry oil that comes in an easy-to-use spray. It’s made with sunflower seed, desert date seed and rosemary leaf oils. Sunflower seed oil contains omegas 3, 6 and 9 which help improve moisture levels in the skin as well as helping it to retain moisture which leads to improved elasticity. Desert date seed oil is deeply nourishing and penetrates the skin quickly so it’s not left feeling greasy. Rosemary leaf oil is rich in vitamins and minerals which lift and firm skin.
I’ve not just grown a bump over the last 9 months but gotten a little larger all over. Mainly this is due to the increased levels of estrogen in my body, so pretty unavoidable. Thankfully one of my friends warned me in advance and told me to regularly moisturise the whole of my body. This body serum was my favourite to use all over as it’s not heavy (great, given the heat this summer) and doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy.
Mango Committed Collection Linen-Blend Midi Dress | ME+EM 2-in-1 City Bag in Khaki* | COS Leather Strap Heels in Black (old) | Ace & Tate Suzy Sunglasses in Bio Black* | Mango Mixed Pieces Earrings | Merci Maman Personalised Flat Bangle in Gold* | Felice Dahl Första Ring in Gold* | Littionary 14k Tiny Yellow Gold Dot Stud Earrings | Hopscotch Small Gold Hoops
I very rarely feature fast fashion brands these days, as I know there’s a better way to do things. When I discovered Mango’s Committed Collection I wanted to show my support. Fast fashion brands are not going to be able to change their ways overnight but testing the waters with sustainable collections is a good start. And, if we support them by buying from these collections we encourage them to take bigger steps forward and change the industry for the better.
The Mango Committed Collection is manufactured in factories in Portugal, Turkey and Morocco. It’s been made with environmentally-friendly organic and recycled cotton, recycled polyester and Tencel. They’ve used environmentally-friendly inks to dye the fabrics.
“The sustainable fabrics used for this collection such as organic cotton and recycled polyester have international certificates, such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OCS (Organic Cotton Standard) or GRS (Global Recycled Standard) among others. Our Corporate Social Responsibility department has been working closely with the design team to ensure that the results meet the level of quality and sustainability planned for this collection.” Guillermo Corominas, Communications Director
COS recently released a very special collection to celebrate their tenth year – 10, a limited collection of ten pieces for women, men and children. The pattern-cutters and designers worked together to create each item with minimum waste, using the full width of the fabric, the pattern pieces of each garment have been cut so that they fit together like a puzzle. COS Creative Director Karin Gustafsson said of the collection:
“The design team took the opportunity to play and experiment in the pattern-cutting process, re-imagining the methods behind the design. The pattern-cutters and designers worked in parallel, referencing historical techniques that maximised the use of materials. As we look to the future we will continue to focus on the efficient use of fabrics and forward-thinking techniques.”
I think it’s wonderful that COS are focusing on creating minimum waste products, this has less of an impact on the environment but also helps to change the way the industry operates by showing that it is possible and encourages other brands to meet their standards. The more brands that commit to sustainable practices the better the industry will become and the less we (as consumers) will have to worry about the impact of our purchases on the people and world around us.
