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You know that scene in Shrek 2 where Shrek, Donkey and Puss in Boots are in the potion factory, with shelves and shelves of different colored, magical potions surrounding them? Well, that’s what my room looks like now that I’ve been blessed with the gorgeous body oils and perfumes by Kindred Black.
Founded in 2015 by Alice Kindred Wells and Jennifer Black Francis, Kindred Black is an environmentally focused brand, offering natural, plastic-free beauty and sexual wellness products, in addition to jewelry, home decor, and timeless basics for the wardrobe. As wide-ranging as their product line is, I was most excited to dive into their beauty oils, which are made with plant-derived, organic, cold-pressed squalane: a mild oil suitable for all skin types that is molecularly similar to oil naturally produced by the body. If the oil wasn't enough, each of them comes inside a bottle that's individually hand-blown by master glass artisans across the Americas. Each one is delicate, unique & dreamy in its own way — the perfect potion to help you become your own fairy godmother.
We like
- Every oil has a different purpose & there’s one for each part of your day. They're simultaneously versatile and specific.
- I love how dedicated Kindred Black is to revolutionizing the fashion and beauty industries. You can tell they truly strive to make a positive impact on the environment.
- Every piece of material had a backstory and their bold sense of transparency in terms of their mission is refreshing.
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- Unfortunately magical potions come with a price, so be prepared to drop bucks in order to treat yourself!
- Although little glass droppers are provided, they don’t actually hold the oil for you to pump or pour into your hand, resulting in an application process that's quite messy.
THE ALCHEMISTS
Co-founders Wells & Francis founded their business in hopes of changing the fashion industry for the better. Here’s what they intended to do: create a luxury fashion and wellness brand with beautiful, unusual finds that was also truly environmentally friendly from head to toe. They were willing to spend up to double the amount that other producers would in order to ensure that every bit of their packaging was in line with their mission. When it comes to their materials, everything is recyclable, plastic-free and as close to environmentally harmless as possible.
Kindred Black started as a place to connect shoppers with incredible artisans and makers of all kinds who are committed to eco-friendly, ethical, and low-impact manufacturing. To this day, they work with a network of jewelers, cleaners, seamstresses, and tailors to bring life and beauty back to antique, vintage, and handmade pieces that are special, one-of-kind, and best of all, already exist and don't require a single bit of waste to produce.
Wells & Francis believe fervently that there’s no greater expression of personal style than a piece you won't see anywhere else—and true to their mission, their plastic-free, glass-bottled skincare is unlike anything I've ever seen. For as long as I can remember, from perfumes and body oils to hair oils and lip balms, my skin seems to soak up oils like it does the sun. So I couldn’t wait to try out the various bottles of Kindred Black oils I was able to get my hands on.
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BEAUTY IS A BEAST
I began with A Woman Is Fire Mini Perfume Oil ($65), a rich, aphrodisiac perfume. It’s so petite, I picked it up with my fingers and let it dangle in my hand before smelling its velvety, voluptuous scent. An all-natural and clean perfume oil handmade from an array of precious and potent aphrodisiacs, this bewitching fragrance is made in small batches with pure Bulgarian rose, sandalwood, and jasmine, and finished with an undertone of vanilla to warm and soften the aroma. For something so small, its fragrance sure is potent. Even just a drop or two on the wrist, behind the ear, or on any pulse point, is enough to perfume me with the rich, lusty perfume oil. A fragrance in an oil — I'm never goin back.
Next I turned to the Hebe Night Oil ($225), which takes its name from a divine domestic Greek goddess, is a hydrating facial blend formulated to rejuvenate and refresh dull, aging skin. Clean and all-natural, the botanicals in this rich blend help to calm stressed skin. I’ve noticed it’s fantastic for overnight use, but also a reinvigorating day oil for those looking for a bolder moisturizer. A small amount goes a long way for this one, although you may want to lather it on thick due to its berry blend. With red raspberry seed oil for cell regeneration and enhancement of skin's elasticity, and blueberry seed oil for skin tone improvement, there are several active ingredients at work here that perform their task gently.
But in all honesty, I tend to use the Hebe as part of my night routine because I prefer the Dew Petite Facial Serum ($85) for light hydration during the day. A simple, effective formula made for all skin types, the Dew is made from cloudberry seed oil, a Norwegian super-fruit super-charged with vitamins and fatty acids that help to lock in hydration to plump and firm the skin. Lightweight and silky, this one is perfect for my freshly cleansed skin in the morning.
THE PRINCESS AND HER UNICORN
The perfect match for the facial night oil is the balsam- and lavender-infused Sleeping Beauty body night oil ($165), used to soothe the mind and soul in preparation for a restful night's sleep. I swear I get sleepy just smelling this blend, which focuses on simple herbs and botanicals that have been used effectively for centuries to combat stress, anxiety, and complex emotional exhaustion. As someone who suffers from insomnia, I must admit I’ve become slightly addicted to this scent as a sleep aid; it's become a staple in my evening self-care routine. At first I thought I wouldn’t be a fan of the scent because balsam and lavender remind me of the medicines I coat my throat in when I’m sick, but I realized it’s perfectly soothing for the winter. When I apply it to my temples, I can literally feel headaches I didn't even know I had, start to go away.
The Unicorn Multi Use Oil ($195) is by far my favorite as well as my most common go-to. It can be used as a potent oil for your face, body, and hair, and it’s made with fourteen powerful and naturally-healing botanicals to rejuvenate, brighten, and hydrate skin head to toe. The rainbow kaleidoscope bottles (my oh my!) are each unique and hand blown in Mexico by artisans that use recycled glass and renewable energy for their craft. Not only I could stare at this bottle forever, but I couldn't be more in love with its aroma of prickly pear, Sonoran jojoba, Moroccan argan, French plum, and Japanese white camellia seed oils. I’ve noticed it helps even out my skin tone despite discoloration on my arms and chest, which is likely due to its anti-inflammatory and cell regenerating properties. This healing oil will change your everyday, I promise.
Last but definitely not least is the Fire Dawn Lip and Cheek Flush ($85), an all -atural and vegan lip/cheek flush used to enhance the natural color of lips and cheeks with a dose of sun-kissed warmth. You can apply this gem with your fingers, a lip brush or Kindred Black’s very own Brindeau Silver Dabber ($75) to complete the ritual. Although you only need a light coat for subtle color enhancement, you can apply it in layers for more of a pop. It’s perfect for every day because it keeps your lips hydrated, but I’ve also worn it on a night out and gotten countless amounts of compliments. It’s perfectly lustrous without being overly glossy and smells subtly of sweet orange.
MY VERY OWN FAIRY TALE
I honestly can’t recommend Kindred Black’s products more. They’re tasteful, elegant and make me feel like a fairy princess. I love their versatility, the depth of thought that went into constructing their scents, the unique shape of their bottles, and the way the oils feel on my skin and hair. If you’re looking to give your self care routines (both morning and night) a facelift, this brand is the by far the most unique place to start.
Make your fairy tales come true with Kindred Black’s slow beauty potions.
