Fast forward 5 years, a career change, a new outlook on life (and I’m pleased to say a completely new skincare regime) and I’ve come full circle back to MÁDARA – and this time I’m giving it the attention it deserves.
Who are MÁDARA?
MÁDARA was founded in 2006 by Latvian-born Lotte Tisenkopfa-Iltnere who was inspired by the Baltic flowers and herbs hiding in the forests and meadows surrounding her grandmother’s house. These plants boasted incredible properties having been exposed to some of mother nature’s harshest conditions in the Northern Hemisphere. Lotte’s passion for skincare along with her own skin allergies caused by synthetic ingredients, drove her to create her own organic skincare line.
(image: madaracosmetics.com)
What is organic skincare?
Lotte’s goal was to produce products that were safe enough to eat. And that’s essentially what ‘organic’ means – produced without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides and with respect for the surrounding environment and its inhabitants. It also ensures the products are super potent, as organic ingredients can boast up to 60% more antioxidants. It’s a win for us, and a win for the planet!
Why I love MÁDARA…
- In 2016 they were named the greenest and most sustainable business in Latvia
- They have been using recyclable packaging since 2006
- They have partnered with OWP (Ocean Waste Plastic) to produce packaging from recycled ocean plastic
- They offer a packaging return scheme in stores
- They are ECOCERT accredited
- 95% of the vegetable raw materials used in their certified natural cosmetics come from organic farms
- They control their own production facility – and they offer factory tours too
- They’re cruelty free and all but a few products are vegan-friendly
- They’ve published an ESG report annually since 2016 (stands for Environmental sustainability, Social responsibility, and corporate Governance)
- In 2019 they used 100% green electricity and launched their first product in plant-based packaging
…need I go on?
What products I’ve tried…
My ‘revisit’ to MÁDARA actually occurred when I was looking for a new shampoo and conditioner. My hair had become super greasy and I didn’t know if it was our water in France, the products I was using or my body’s own oils but I needed to try something new. I bought their Colour & Shine Shampoo which smells divine, lathers up amazingly and really left my hair feeling ‘clean’ with no greasy residue left behind. I also bought the accompanying Conditioner which I added just to my dry ends and not my roots, and it left my hair feeling soft and smooth.
I’m currently trying to use up products that I’ve either had for years, were left behind by my lovely grandma (she was a hoarder!) or are left behind from guests when they come to stay. Eventually I came to the end of my moisturisers and was super excited to try MÁDARA’s SMART Anti-Fatigue Urban Moisture Fluid. I’m nearly 30 (eek!) so I’m very aware that my skin is ageing – it’s naturally dry and gets dehydrated very easily. I’ve also lived in Toulouse city centre for 18 months now and I’m very conscious of the effects that the urban pollutants are having on my skin. This moisturiser is suited for ‘dry to very dry skin’ which was perfect for my skin type, it’s packed full of antioxidants from nutrient rich Baltic plants to battle those pesky free radicals that cause cell breakdown. I apply it every morning before my make-up, I feel like it’s giving my skin a good drink ready for the day. It doesn’t feel greasy and absorbs very quickly. The only thing I would love is if it had SPF too…
My most recent purchase was their new Skin Equal Soft Glow Foundation – that’s right they’re now doing make-up too! I got a free sample with my moisturiser (you can choose up to 10 free samples with each purchase!) and immediately fell in love. The colour Ivory was bang on colour match for my slightly rosy complexion. I’ve been using Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturiser for probably a year now, and it is my holy grail but I seem to get through a tube in about 2 months which is taking its toll on my purse and I’m conscious of all the packaging that’s being used. The Soft Glow Foundation comes in a glass bottle (win!) and is about €10 cheaper than Bare Minerals. I’m hoping it will last a whole lot longer too! I was also looking for something with a bit more coverage, which this foundation definitely delivers on! What’s more, it’s SPF15, vegan friendly and contains skin-boosting antioxidants from Blueberry and Peony Root.
There are lots of other products I’ve got my eye on, but at the moment I don’t NEED them. As and when my remaining skincare and make-up runs out, I’m sure I’ll be trying out more products. The wait also makes it much more rewarding!
Have you tried any products from MÁDARA?