Over the past couple of years, I’ve moved away from high-street brands when it comes to my beauty products. Instead, I’ve been investing in green, natural skincare, like Tata Harper, Sunday Riley and more recently, Indie Lee. This eco-chic skincare brand from America is making waves this side of the Atlantic. I wanted to know more and try out a few products and give you a review.
The Brand
Indie Lee is the founder and owner, who’s story began when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Indie has since recovered {thankfully}. After discovering the harms that environmental toxins can cause to the body, she decided to create a range of “eco-chic” natural skincare products. These are sulfate, paraben and phthalate free, environmentally friendly, contain no artificial fragrances and are not tested on animals. The entire range, packaging, branding – everything – looks gorgeous! The rave reviews, ratings and love soared when products from this eco-chic brand were included in the monthly subscription Ipsy bags and put Indie Lee on the map! You can purchase Indie Lee on Cult Beauty, who has FREE shipping worldwide on all order over £40, and is one of my favourite places to shop online.
CoQ-10 Toner
Described as an antioxident-rich, alcohol-free, pH-balancing toner. Indie Lee’s CoQ-10 Toner comes in a gorgeous glass bottle with 120ml of product for £30 from Cult Beauty. Perfect for dry, dehydrated, sensitive, uncomfortably tight skin. I reach for this every morning and night after cleansing or applying acids. Especially after my skin had such a bad reaction to the FAB Skin Labs Resurfacing Liquid – read all about that palava here. I can imagine this toner would be a blessed relief for men who have sensitive, irritated skin after shaving. CoQ-10 is great for anti-ageing, fighting fine lines and wrinkles and promoting elastin and collagen production. It’s an anti-inflammatory, pore-minimising, shine-reducing, pH-balancing, complexion-clearing bright yellow elixir, and I’m in love!
What’s it like?
Although this contains hyaluronic acid, I don’t find it particularly hydrating. It is very soothing and feels gorgeous on the skin, thanks to the aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber and sage. Since I started using it, I’ve found it refreshes and soothes my skin after using acids. I either use it in place of acids, or just after applying them, as it re-balances and stabilises the skin’s pH levels. It’s suitable for all skin types, but great for sensitive skin like mine. I’ve noticed my skin isn’t as oily or shiny throughout the day since I introduced the CoQ-10 toner into my skincare routine. I will definitely be repurchasing when it runs out. As you can see from the pictures, I’ve used this Indie Lee product the most.
Squalane Facial Oil
Just one ingredient, 100% pure squalane oil. Derived from olives, rather than squalene, which is most commonly derived from {endangered} sharks. On the box it says it “promotes skin elasticity, diminishes ages spots and boosts cell regeneration and oxygenation. Leaving your skin feeling soft and nourished, but never greasy.” Our bodies’ natural sebum contains about 20% squalane, which diminishes with age. This is suitable for all skin types, particularly stressed, congested, imbalanced and/or dehydrated. It’s similar to hyaluronic acid as it helps skin retain moisture and results in smooth, supple, plump skin. This product from Indie Lee really intrigued me. It’s 30ml and £30 on Cult Beauty.
What’s it like?
It’s a very lightweight oil, but despite the claims, I do find it a little greasy on my skin. I usually layer my Sunday Riley C.E.O. Moisturiser {review here} on top to seal the oil in and get rid of the greasy feeling. Only two or three drops are needed as a little goes a long way. I’d actually quite like a fragrance in this to be honest, because the natural smell is almost plastic or industrial, if that makes sense. It’s been heralded as a “game-changer” and “holy grail” skincare product. I’m not sure it’s quite that. I haven’t seen a dramatic difference in my skin, even when I’ve used it twice a day for several days in a row. There are other products from other brands which have, and the Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil isn’t one of them. I’m only a tiny way through the bottle, so unless that changes as I continue to use it, I don’t think I’ll repurchase.
Clearing Mask
During the summer, my skin had a few break outs and I decided to try the Indie Lee Clearing Mask. On the box it simply says “purify, detoxify and nourish.” It’s as fuss-free as the ingredients list! Bentonite clay – the second ingredient – binds and eradicates bacteria and toxins, purifying and clarifying the skin. Salicylic and glycolic acid mildly exfoliates, gently dissolving dead skin cells, as well as decongesting and detoxifying impurities from pores. Camphor and chamomile help soothe redness and inflammation. Hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated and plant extracts nourish and protect.
What’s it like?
I had high hopes for this mask and really wanted to love it. Ideal as a weekly treatment or running up to events – like a wedding – I thought this would be the perfect mask! I’ve read in other reviews how easy it is to apply and spread. I haven’t found that to be the case at all, I find it quite thick. As a result, you have to use a lot of product each time, and the pot really is quite small – despite the large box it came in! There’s 48ml of product for £57.50 from Cult Beauty and it contains approximately 15-20 applications. Which to be honest, I wouldn’t mind so much if it lived up to expectations of the ingredients. I didn’t find it delivered the purifying, detoxifying and nourishment that the box claims, or simply what the product is called, a clearing mask.
Ren’s Clearcalm 3 Clarity Restoring Mask is almost half the price and a far superior product with a dramatic difference after each and every use. I’m disappointed with this mask, and won’t be repurchasing it. Instead, I’ve bought the Sand & Sky Brilliant Skin Purifying Pink Clay Mask which is all over social media at the moment and getting rave reviews! It just arrived in the post today, so I can’t wait to try it out, take photos and report back. Make sure you subscribe to my weekly newsletter so you don’t miss it.
I really wanted to love all of these products and buy into this brand. The eco-chic skincare ethos is something I want to align myself to, and Indie Lee’s story behind the creation of her products is inspiring. I really love the branding, packaging, colours and how lovely this little collection of products looks on my shelf. I like the CoQ-10 Toner, but was disappointed with the other products I purchased. Admittedly, my opinion of the Squalane Facial Oil could change as I work my way through the bottle. If it does, I’ll report back and update the post. Have you tried any of these products? Are you a massive Indie Lee fan? How have you got on with these, or any other Indie Lee products? Let me know in the comments below, as I’d love to hear your experiences and opinions.
Gabriella xoxo
*This post contains some affiliate links, which means I get paid {a very small} commission on products you purchase through my links. This in no way affects you, the price you pay or the way in which I write about products featured on this site. My content is not influenced by advertisers, affiliate partnerships, brands or PRs.
If you’ve got sensitive skin, check out this post on the FAB Skin Lab Resurfacing Liquid
I mentioned hyaluronic acid in this post a lot, read why it’s a skincare must-have here
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