Developed by British make up artist-turned-beauty editor, Arabella Preston, {Votary} celebrates oils in their purest (and most potent) form. Harnessing the cell-rejuvenating, healing and spot-battling properties of natural essential extracts, these hand-blended cocktails are made in small batches to guarantee maximum efficacy. Proof that sometimes ‘simple’ equals ‘best’, Arabella admits to a laissez-faire streak – “I’m the ultimate lazy girl. I’ve created a range for me,” – which is why these addictive elixirs are perfect for those who are baffled by seemingly endless skin-maintenance steps…
Known (and hailed) as ‘the natural oils brand’, we’re worshipping Votary’s exquisite offerings. This glorious line-up of cleansers, elixirs and treatments (not forgetting the beauty world’s fluffiest face cloths) has certainly earned its ‘cult’ status – amassing a legion of die-hard disciples who can’t get enough of these heavenly blends.
With ranges to tackle the spectrum of common concerns – from dryness to blackheads – the capsule collection is totally vegan, ideal for men and women and ridiculously good-looking. The cult cleanser – {Cleansing Oil – Rose Geranium & Apricot} – is the brand’s ‘hero’ (understandably); a soothing and balancing, make up-melting medley of the most uplifting and nourishing flower and seed oils. It’s incredible silky and perfect for ‘taking the day off’ (this makes mincemeat of mascara).
Other highlights include the {Intense Night Oil} – boasting an oil-soluble form of retinol that jolts your sluggish skin cells while you slumber – strengthening and smoothing as it brightens pigmentation. Infused with tomato, rosehip and avocado seed oils to help bolster complexion’s defences, this luscious indulgence cocoons and replenishes, keeping skin stronger for longer…
And if your face is all-too-easily offended, look no further than the (fragrance-free) {Super Seed Oil}. Calming and nourishing with a natural, herbal aroma (but zero added perfume), this balancing oil helps to soothe stressed-out, angry, reactive complexions and help to reduce sensitivity. Perfect for those whose skin errs towards cross, the {Super Seed} franchise is also ideal during pregnancy – swaddling skin while respecting its whims.
And, new to this decadent edit is the {Blemish Rescue Oil} – a fabulous, fast-acting on-the-spot treatment that works to combat ‘bad’ bacteria, without drying delicate skin. Massaged over problem-prone areas, this blend of naturally occurring, pore-purifying salicylic acid and tamanu oil, works to purge blackheads and stubborn, eruption-inducing impurities, as well as to minimise redness and speed up your pimples’ demise. Prevention and cure, applied at the earliest whisper of imminent crisis this potent elixir prevents a zit-storm.