I’m actually a bit proud that one of the true pioneers of organic and cruelty-free cosmetics is a lady from Berlin.
You hear a lot about the founders of Dr Hauschka or Santé, their stories have been told over and over in even the international media (which is good).
But have you ever heard of Mrs Inge Stamm?
I+M NATURKOSMETIK
I bet you didn’t. Well, unless you have read my piece about i+m on LOCALSPOTTER last year -> click!
By the way, other than another year has passed, not much has changed. You still get a vanilla pod, a certified biodynamic one by Rapunzel, when ordering the vanilla line 😉
Today, the production facillities and the lab sit in Berlin’s surroundings in Brandenburg, the main office resides in Berlin, so you are really buying something local, not just cleverly labelled. The company’s main secret is in their efficient processing of cold-ground natural oils, besides from being cruelty-free, vegan, certified organic and plain awesome. Also fairtrade sourcing and cooperations with other organic heroes are high on the agenda.
SOIN BONNE MINE
God knows I’ve been dying to type those exact words! I just love French beauty copy!!!111 LOVE!!!!
Excuse me. *cough*
Well, the Teint Refresh Creme with extracts of carrots, papaya and with vitamin E is one of the newest products by i+m, and it might be the best answer to BB creams out there.
While it has no actual pigments or any coverage – makes the headline appear bolder than planned, huh? – the cream itself is pretty intensely orange UPDATE: in the second bottle I bought, the cream was white (updated recipe, methinks?); and the texture is quite thick. It spreads really well, and leaves the skin feeling soft and pampered.
It doesn’t clog the pores or leave a film on your skin though, and it also doesn’t give you a carrot glow, but just as with any tiny amount of natural pigment, something “sticks”. Like with May Lindstrom’s The Youth Dew, that just gives you a noticeable, but “can’t quite put the finger on it”-glow, you know? The skin feels very smooth and soft, and looks dewy fresh.
Teint Refresh has a fragrance in its formula – essential oils only – that reminded me, in a good way, of the good old times whem mum had that one heavy glass jar with one of those apricot-coloured, divinely scented, luxury face creams (and we didn’t know how toxic it was, neither, but that’s another story). In other words: it is a scented face care. The scent is a buddy, and likes to hang out with you, at least for some ten minutes. The fragrance is hard to decribe, but it’s rather spicy, with sweet notes of vanilla.
Since it doesn’t contain any of my pet peeve allergens (my aloe vera sensitivity seems to be gone), I am choosing to forget my no-moisturiser routine for a while and give this beauty a try. My guess is, since I have learned that I’m allergic to the otherwise gorgeous Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, that too many creams I’ve used in the past might have contained this exact ingredient. Will report 🙂
Looks good but I am concentrating on the oil on my skin routine at the moment. And I am searching my supermarkets for vegan wines. Made a good start by finding a vegetarian NZ wine at my closest supermarket but I won’t buy unless I fail on the vegan wine quest..
yes, and that’s wise. you have chosen a fab product (if it’s still the rose one?)! so why change? I must admit, I like the plesant texture, the oils I used became strangely “too dry” during winter days. weird, huh? 🙂
oh, and best of luck with the vegan wine quest! *crossing fingers*
Oh I am really looking forward to read your full review! I dodnt know this brand and will have a look at their website 🙂
x
they are really like a hidden treasure. I know they are distributed abroad, but mostly in northern europe.
ps. that could be a lovely revenue. like a private shopper for conscious beauty products. like a stylist! but about care products. i need that and would pay for that.
good, I will charge you an hourly rate when you’ll be here in feb 😛
(kidding; but I like the idea)
when i am in berlin in mid feb, i am going shopping with you and will be seeking some makeover in my vitamins, skincare and makeup. can’t wait. xo
I think we should have a telco in advance to discuss what exactly your needs are. there are so many options, we need to prepare it like a battle!
hee hee!
lovely piece.
any idea where one can purchase i+m in the USA? couldn’t find a trust-worthy outlet (apart from one in swedish after mr. google translated)
danke!
I’m afraid they aren’t distributed in the US of A yet. they chose to remain a small manufacture, they grow very slowly. not very modern but – maybe – the more sustainable?
actually a deeply sensible idea to stay small in manufacturing and keep jobs local.
and most Modern.
I think it is, yes.
am terribly curious to see the lab and the manufacture in 2014!
oooo! you’re doing a Tour? fabulous.
we adore a Tour.
yes, a mini tour. the lab is somewhere near berlin. maybe even worth a motorcycle ride, who knows?
marvellous!