Cult Swedish clothing retailer & Other Stories also does a fantastic line in cosmetics and makeup and very purse-friendly prices. The range covers pretty much everything a girl needs to prettify herself including moisturisers, cleansers, makeup, tools, and nail polished in a rainbow of colours. They even do scented candles to light as you pamper yourself. The quality is unrivalled and the minimal Scandinavian packaging only adds to the appeal. Race you
Verso is a new, minimalist skincare brand from Sweden (where else?). I use the word ‘minimalist’ to refer to the packaging, product formulations and company ethos.
Verso do few things and they do those few very well; the product range is curated to include just seven products. There’s a day cream, night cream, face wash, serum, oil, eye cream and blemish fix. All of these items are free from nasties, unnecessary chemicals and harsh perfumes and contain high levels of Retinol 8, which is a concentrated Vitamin A derivative. I’m not too sure on the undoubtedly serious science behind this molecule but I do know it’s great for reducing and preventing wrinkles.
Now on to how they actually perform, full disclosure I have only tried the night cream which I received a sample of . On first using I was struck by the herbally, slightly medicinal scent which was really lovely, especially in a night cream. I hop that this is achieved through natural botanicals and not sneakily added perfumes but I’m assured it’s perfume-free. The yellow-ish cream is thin in texture and melted instantly into my skin which felt immediately soothed and hydrated. As someone with highly irritable skin this is great. When I woke up I can honestly say there was a visible difference in my skin after one use. My face was evenly hydrated (I usually have patchy areas of dryness), and looked really dewy.
I love night creams because the idea of being proactive with skincare while I sleep appeals to the multi-tasker in me and this is one of the best I’ve ever tried. I’ve been using it a week and my skin has never looked better. I’ve stopped using any concealer because I don’t need it. I’ll definitely be repurchasing despite the hefty price tag because when you find a perfect fit for your skin, it’s worth the investment.
Oh, and I'll be adding the rest of the range to my wishlist too!
You may now be aware that I'm a huge fan of Swedish high street store & Other Stories, not just their excellent clothing, but their cosmetics range too.
The packaging of their hand creams is lovely, minimal design, made of metal with an industrial-style cap and they're the perfect size for a small handbag.
My favourite scent is the Moroccan Tea which has citrus tomes and a hint of mint, the fig fiction is richer and more wintery with fig fruit and a bit of a muskier fragrance.
Overall the quality is good but they're not ideal for super-dry hands - probably a summer product rather than winter. The price is very purse friendly though so they're worth trying.
Stockholm-based fragrance house Byredo are best known for their cult black wax candles and chic, minimal packaging but they also do the most divine perfumes and skincare with names so magical you'll want to display them pride of place on your dressing table.
I'm planning a Gypsy Water purchase soon, so stay tuned for a review.
The packaging of this candle rivals any designer one but for a fraction of the price. You can inject some of that cool Scandinavian aesthetic into your home so simply with one of these lovely-looking beauties (there are 6 to choose from).
I chose the 7:e Våningen named after & Other Stories Stockholm atelier - a fresh and clean scent that would make a welcome addition to any bedroom or bathroom - especially with it's matte white pot and natural label.
