PHB Ethical Beauty are a UK company that produce natural skincare and cosmetics that are organic, vegan and halal. They sent me over a few of their products to review. I choose products from their gentle/sensitive skin range - an exfoliator, moisturiser and face mask, with an eyeliner added in. I've been using them for just over a week now to really road test them before giving you guys my thoughts.
Quick rundown of the important stuff: All products are handmade in the UK using Fair Trade ingredients, high in organic content, no paragons, no harsh chemicals, etc. They are Vegan Society registered, halal certified and are members of PeTA so their range is not tested on animals nor does it contain animal products. Personally I prefer to use animal cruelty free makeup myself (less guilt), although I still do buy the other stuff.
You can read more about the company here and discover what their ingredient policy ishere.
You can read more about the company here and discover what their ingredient policy ishere.
The gentle moisturiser is by far my favourite product. It's sort of a mixture between a cream and a gel, is thick and really sinks into my skin. I've gone off liquid moisturisers because most of the time they tend to be greasier (maybe it's just the ones I used to buy?) and not set in my skin as well. Heavier creams (especially when used at night) do better justice to my skin. This one is thick but doesn't feel heavy on my skin - actually feels very light and soothing and sets into the skin so well that my foundation just glides on top.
It doesn't really have a smell as such which is good for sensitive skin. The packaging label says it relieves redness and irritation - I don't really have either of those two problems so I can't speak to that aspect. What I can say though is that I love it and it's probably one of the best moisturisers I have ever used. It reminds me a little of some old Lancome hydra-something-or-other gel moisturiser I used to love back in my early twenties, minus the lab formulated chemicals and exorbitant price tag.
The reason why I love it so much is because it is simple, doesn't make huge claims like "97% of women surveyed said it made them look 45 years younger in two days" or other ridiculous crap that other companies come out with and does what it is meant to - it hydrates. My skin does feel very hydrated, especially when I left it on all night. During the day I was waiting for the grease to pop on through my skin as it usually does when I moisturise but I'm happy to say it didn't happen.
Overall, if you are wanting to buy anything from their line I thoroughly suggest this moisturiser. It works so well for me just as a simple moisturiser and didn't break me out at all. No drawbacks to this one at all. 100% happy.
The poppy seed exfoliator with olive and argan oil was the one I was most excited about (I'm a bit nuts about scrubbing my skin - result of having large pores and a blackhead farm on my face since my early teens). It didn't quite live up to my standards for this reason alone: the poppy seeds are too big for small areas.
On larger surface areas like my cheeks or forehead it was fine but trying to navigate those poppy seeds around the areas of my face that really need the exfoliating attention (my nose, chin, etc) was difficult because they kept slipping out from under my finger tips. I used them on my décolletage and it was good (like I said - large surface area works better) but if you need a gold ole facial scrub and you are blackhead prone like me then finding something with smaller granules would be more up your alley.
The creamy liquid part of the exfoliator works well as a gentle cream cleanser. It cleaned well without making my skin feel tight or dry afterwards. I came out of the shower with comfortable, softer, clean skin. That's the beauty to these organic products - the lack of harsh chemicals means everything I tried ended up with comfortable, well looked after softer skin. I kinda feel like I have just left a spa minus the awesome facial massage.
The avocado and camellia face mask with kaolin clay was good. It says on the label to wear it for fifteen minutes before rinsing off but mine ended up staying on for a good hour as I tried to get the kids to bed.
Putting it on, I was expecting the clay to dry up and harden on my face like a lot of masks tend to do but this one went on and stayed on similar to a moisturiser, minus the rubbing in action obviously. After an hour the whiteness of the mask disappeared as it sunk into my skin (probably wouldn't happen if I had have followed the time recommendation). Rinsing it off I'm pleased to say my skin felt comfy, super soft and well nourished. It didn't dry out my face at all.
It is supposed to help with irritated skin and rosacea but once again I don't really have this problem so I can't speak to it.
Side note - I want to dip chips into that thing. How edible does it look?
Final thoughts on the skincare range - big fan. The gentleness of the products sat well with me. I love that they don't make magical claims of ridiculousness and do what they say and are supposed to do - look after your skin with gentle and natural ingredients.
With all of the products my skin felt comfortable afterwards and well looked after. I would definitely recommend them and can say they are well worth the price tag, even thought I obviously didn't pay for them myself.
I was also sent an organic eyeliner in black (used in the first pic). I suck at putting eyeliner on so don't expect any fancy makeup tips from me. The eyeliner didn't irritate my skin or eyes at all and came off easily in the shower (I hate when it doesn't budge). It contains almond oil and vitamin E.
It's one that would work well for smudgy/smoky looks but trying to get a defined sharp look is better left to liquid liners in my opinion. Regarding workability, the pencil slid over and around my waterline easily and was easy to work with. I'm not a massive fan of eyeliner on my bottom lashes (makes me look older/draws attention to wrinkles) so I tend just to use it on my upper waterline to thicken up my top lashes for a more awake illusion.
Discount Deal!
Simply use the code MISSHIJABI to recieve 25% discount plus free shipping with orders of £40 (approx $70) or more. That's a huge saving, especially considering the usual international shipping prices.Giveaway!
PHB Ethical Beauty are giving away a huge prize pack to one MissHijabi.com reader. The prize up for grabs will allow the winner to choose any eight items from their skincare, bath + body and haircare range up to £80 (approx $140).To enter please follow all of the following steps:
1. Like MissHijabi.com on Facebook
2. Like PHB Ethical Beauty on Facebook
3. Go to Facebook and comment on this image herewhat products you would include in your prize pack.
4. Share the image on your wall.
Winner will be chosen in two weeks time and announced via Facebook.