When one of the UK's most-respected beauty bloggers and skin care authorities comes to us with a recommendation, we take note. Especially when the aforementioned 'authority' knows a great range when she discovers it...
January Labs is the brain-child of January Olds - an industry insider who spent years working for some of the world's most well-known beauty brands - educating and collaborating on new product launches, developing a thorough understanding of what makes great skin care. However, the constant pressure to bring 'new' launches to the market seemed bewildering, and January sought to streamline the regime without diluting efficacy... the 'essence' of what January Labs is all about.
"I also thought that skin care should be free from junk" says January, whose potent, rehabilitative formulations are all free from parabens, sulphates, artificial fragrances and other drying, damaging ingredients that compromise skin's health and happiness. Her cleansing formula, for example, is a foaming gel but so gentle that even sufferers of sensitivity or rosacea can use it without fear of stressing their complexions. "It's all about maintaining pH balance so that skin can thrive" - which is why the products work together synergistically to re-establish, and maintain, skin's equilibrium.
January had an idea of the types of ingredients she wanted to use - hyaluronic acid, peptides and lactic acid, to name a few - but her main concern was to keep things 'clean'. "The biggest mistake made by many skin care lines is to cram too many competing actives into one product - but different ingredients perform better at different pH levels." pH is so critical to overall wellbeing - most diseases thrive in acidic environments, which is why balance is the key to staying healthy.
"Our day cream is alkaline-based and the {Retexturising Night Cream} is acidic, meaning they do completely different things but complement each other wonderfully". Brimming with anti-ageing peptides to diminish lines and enhance elasticity, {Revitalising Day Cream} is an all-round skin-correcting powerhouse, while the night formula stars 9% lactic acid - just beneath prescription level - for effective (but gentle!) exfoliation.
"To me, transparency is key," says January, who recognises that consumers are increasingly concerned, and phenomenally well-informed about skin care ingredients. "I wanted people to be able to clearly identify what's in our products, and to feel their effect almost instantly". With so much ambiguity surrounding what's really contained within the products we're using, January wanted to be forthcoming. The {Power Peel} for example, is powered by cinnamon oil, which sits on skin's surface and stimulates blood-flow. This 'feeds' deprived skin cells and leaves skin plumped and 'plush'. It's perfect before a big event - just apply this for 10-15 minutes while you're getting ready and you'll see an instant improvement.
January collaborates with a chemist to create bespoke formulations - none of these are mass-produced, they're all painstakingly researched and rigorously tested. "I like to stick with very basic things that are proven to work" says January, "so I suggest some things and he'll advise me of some others, then we'll trial and refine repeatedly until I feel something's just right".
She also spent a lot of time developing her sleek and simple packaging. It's all eco-friendly and made using recyclable materials - in-keeping with the brand's all-natural ethos.
We're totally besotted with this range's fuss-free efficacy - particularly the {Restorative Tonic Mist} which is ideal for replenishing moisture post-cleansing, as well as for setting make up and refreshing your face through the day. With aloe, witch hazel and olive oil, a quick spritz relieves sensitivity and helps to battle blemish-causing nasties. It's a handbag must-have!
And Cult Beauty's Co-Founder Alexia swears by the {Glow and Go Power Peel Exfoliant}: "My favourite product from the range, this is a mask-peel hybrid that applies like honey. It warms up on application - increasing micro-circulation to restore skin's radiance - and dries after 10-15 minutes. Once removed, my pores are less visible, skin smoother and redness completely gone. It's a fail-safe skin care upgrade."
