Fresh, clean, glowing, plump, natural. Just a few of the words we strive for when it comes to carefully choosing a daily skincare regime. With so many products on offer, literally shelves and shelves luring us with promises of age defying, skin firming gorgeousness, how on earth do we choose? Over the next few months The Stylish Stuff sets out to ‘big up’ our skincare heroes. Products that tick the cruelty free and ‘naturally effective’ boxes. Products that we’ve tried, we’ve tested and 100% believe in. When I stumbled upon a moisturiser bottle bearing the tagline: “Skincare that doesn’t cost the earth” it stopped me in my tracks. I mean, don’t we all want affordable skincare that swerves negative impact on the environment? Skincare that boasts a plethora of oft’ mouth-watering ingredients with time-honoured, positive properties? I’d say so. I for one definitely do and when I was introduced to Sukin just over a year ago, so began a love affair. It started with a Cleansing Gel that was both effective and gentle. Perfect for someone like me, who loves easy to use, no-fuss products for sensitive skin. Next up came the Hydrating Mist Toner (always in my bag ESPECIALLY when flying) and well, then it just snowballed from there. There’s now a shelf full of the little green leaf logos jostling for daily use. Born in Australia back in 2007, Sukin is a family-founded business that started out life with a list of the stuff that simply SHOULDN’T be found in your skincare. We’re talking chemicals such as; sodium lauryl sulphate, synthetic fragrances, animal derivatives, harsh detergents, propylene glycol, artificial colours, mineral oils, parabens, triethanolamine – I’ll stop there, but the list goes on. By working with botanical extracts, essential oils and exclusively natural ingredients, Sukin have made their products ‘free from’ all of the above. The company tests the products themselves before they hit the market and have deservedly become the best selling natural skincare in Australia. The good news? Now available online at Boots.com and in all their nationwide branches, Sukin will be easier to track down and of course, reach a wider audience with that wonderful tagline.   For our shoot, make-up-artist Linda Johansson prepped Abi’s skin with the Sukin Hydrating Facial Masque whilst she was having her hair done. The excess was then wiped off and the skin freshened using the Micellar Cleansing Water followed by a spritz of the Hydrating Facial Mist. She then gently massaged the Restoring Argan Facial Oil into Abi’s skin for a couple of minutes and then let the skin rest before applying a minimal amount of skin make-up on blemishes allowing the natural glow to shine through.  Linda’s tip: “The Sukin micellar water is brilliant for dipping a tiny cotton bud in and removing any accidental mascara and eyeliner smudges. Make sure to just dampen the cotton bud – don’t soak it as it’ll remove too much make-up rather than tidying it up.” Camisole £48, from FreePeople.   MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER £7.95 FREE FROM: Parabens & sulphates. CONTAINS: aloe vera to gently remove make up and impurities whilst soothing the skin. Refreshing chamomile and cucumber to leave the complexion calmer and soft to the touch.   REVITALISING FACIAL SCRUB £7.95 FREE FROM: Sulphates & parabens. CONTAINS: Micro particles of bamboo powder and ground walnut shells to effectively remove dirt and impurities leaving the skin clean and soft. Aloe vera and chamomile work to soothe the skin whilst rosehip, jojoba and sesame replenish and protect the skin’s moisture barrier.   HYDRATING MIST TONER £7.95 FREE FROM: Alcohol & parabens  CONTAINS: Chamomile and rosewater to soothe, tone and cool, perfect for tired and stressed skin. This is great for dehydrated skin on hot days or when in prolonged air-conditioned environments.   Genetics TICK. Good nutrition TICK. Exercise TICK. Gorgeous Natural skincare TICK.    FACIAL MOISTURISER £7.95 FREE FROM: Paraben free. CONTAINS: Aloe vera, horsetail, nettle and burdock to soothe. Rosehip, wheatgerm, jojoba and avocado oil to promote healthy-looking skin. Fast absorbing and nourishing in a lightweight formula this is perfect for softening and soothing the skin.   RESTORING ARGAN FACIAL OIL £14.95 FREE FROM: Preservative free CONTAINS: Maracuja oil to brighten the appearance of the skin. Jojoba oil locks in moisture to keep skin supple and smooth. Rosehip oil and calendula extract to provide essential fatty acids and beta-carotin to restore an even-looking complexion.   Fresh Tick. Glowy Tick. Radiant Tick. Hydrated Tick.   ANTIOXIDANT EYE SERUM £14.95 FREE FROM: Paraben & fragrance free CONTAINS: soothing aloe vera, cucumber and burdock to rehydrate the delicate eye area. Rosehip, evening primrose and borage oils to help improve the elasticity of the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.   Fashion & Beauty Shelly Vella Model photography by Emma Sweeney Hair and Make up by Linda Johansson using Vapour cosmetics and Yarok haircare. Model Abi Fox at Models 1 Thank you to Chris Sweeney for the use of his beautiful home. Still life photography Shelly Vella    HURRAH! WE’VE BEEN SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSMOPOLITAN INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2016 / CONTENT OF THE YEAR