I first heard about Votary through Caroline Hirons and have had the pleasure of trialling three products over the last month or so (I took these pics when I'd only tried them a few times, in case you're wondering). It's a very concise line incorporating a cleanser, toner and three facial oils to calm, smoothe or heal, depending on your skin's needs.
The art deco green glass bottles with rose gold labels and stylishly simple branding look quite ornamental in my bathroom. (If you're thinking of giving one as a gift, you might like to know that they come packaged in stunning white embossed boxes). Oh and yay for pump bottles, pipettes and precise droppers, all of which make the products both hygenic and efficient to use.
The stand out for me is the Rose Geranium & Apricot Cleansing Oil. Thinner and lighter in texture than other oils I've tried, this feels (and smells) exquisitely luxurious on my skin. I use it at night as my second cleanse (after makeup removal) and as someone who considers cleansing a bit of a chore, I actually look forward to using this. It doesn't emulsify and must be removed with a warm flannel (it comes with a lovely fluffy one).
Step two is Lemon & Neroli Toning Serum, combining flower water, natural glycolic and hyaluronic acids in a watery liquid. I press a few drops between my palms, then directly onto my face, avoiding eyes. It smells as refreshing as it feels and gives my skin a dose of hydration and radiance right where it's needed (mine needs all it can get!).
A few nights a week, I've been using the healing facial oil with Rose Maroc & Sandalwood, described by Arabella as 'overnight first-aid for my face'. Perfect for dull, dehydrated skin like mine, using this feels like having a mini spa treatment in my own home, resulting in soft, velvety skin. It feels very refined in texture and lingers long enough for me to massage it in well, something I'm trying to take more time over.
I love that Votary has started off with a compact range, keeping things simple and perfecting what they do best. I've really enjoyed using each of these products, but if I had to choose one, it would be the Cleansing Oil, which feels more like a treatment than 'just a cleanser'.
Votary skincare is available at Liberty and votary.co.uk
