If you haven't been paying attention to what you're putting on your skin, now is the time to start.
Indie Lee is a brand that is currently leading the way in the clean beauty space. Why? Because the story behind the products is one which highlights exactly why we should strive to be more ingredient-conscious in all areas of our lives.
In 2008, Indie Lee was diagnosed with a brain tumour that doctors claimed was environmentally derived, and they gave her six months to live. While "environmentally-derived" can mean many things, it's a stark reminder that what we put both on and into our bodies can have serious health consequences.
After defying the odds and beating the tumour, Indie decided to create her eponymous line of eco-chic skincare products. Consulting and working alongside dermatologists, acupuncturists, doctors and chemists, Indie Lee has tried to minimise a beauty lover's exposure to harsh chemicals and other nasties by launching an entirely clean skincare line.
What is clean beauty?
Image: Getty
Clean is a word that has recently been thrust into the spotlight when it comes to skincare and makeup, but what does it actually mean? Unfortunately, for such a simple word, the answer is a little complicated.
Everyone seems to have a slightly different take on what defines clean beauty as there is currently no governing body in Australia enforcing strict standards on which products can fall under this category.
Typically, though, it refers to ingredient-conscious brands that make products free of controversial ingredients. Some of these ingredients include phthalates, parabens and preservatives, all of which have been linked to health issues such as cancer or reproductive harm.
As the meaning of clean beauty is still open to interpretation, it can also be used to represent brands which are vegan, eco-friendly or simply hypoallergenic, so it's always good to do some research before purchasing a brand that claims to be clean.
What makes Indie Lee a clean-beauty brand?
The Indie Lee skincare collection consists of all-natural, FDA-approved skincare products. This means that every Indie Lee product you purchase is free of chemicals, toxins and anything synthetic. Instead, the brand relies on ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, chamomile and other items grounded in nature to create its products.
Indie Lee is also cruelty free and uses glass bottles and FSG (Forest Stewardship Guild) certified paper for the packaging of its products, cementing its position as an eco-friendly brand.
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So, what are the products like?
All of this sounds great, but do organic products actually work? Well, I had the opportunity to test some of the products for myself, and I'm happy to say that the non-toxic, solution-based products are every bit as effective as those containing chemicals. In fact, I've already gone and reviewed the popular CoQ-10 Toner and named it our Beauty Product of the Week.
As for the other products I've tried, here's what I thought:
Radiance Renewal Peel
These gentle exfoliating pads were perfect for helping my dull, tired skin regain its glow. I find a lot of exfoliating products too harsh for my face as I have extremely sensitive skin, but I had no issue with these.
The pads are soaked in a mixture of AHAs, banana extract and vitamin C-rich java plum along with a handful of other ingredients that work to create a brighter, more even-toned complexion. After using them three times a week for two weeks, the pads helped my skin look less flaky and less dull and did so without irritating my skin, so that's a big thumbs up from me.
Banish Stick
I've never been a huge fan of blemish sticks as I've found the ones I've used previously to do little more than dry the skin surrounding my breakouts to the point where it's flaking off. Gross.
The Banish Stick, though, wasn't too harsh on my skin and made a pretty big impact on my breakouts. While it was never going to make them disappear overnight, I did feel a significant difference in the size and severity of the blemish from the time I applied it to the time I woke up in the morning.
How much are the products and where can you shop them?
Australians can shop the Indie Lee range at both Sephora and Cult Beauty. Full-size products typically range in price from $33 for lip ointments up to $199 for more specialised products like Stem Cell Serum.
Shop Indie Lee
INDIE LEE - Discovery kit
Sephora
INDIE LEE - CoQ-10 toner
Sephora
INDIE LEE - Coconut citrus scrub
Cult Beauty
INDIE LEE - Clearing mask
Sephora
INDIE LEE - I-waken eye serum
Sephora
INDIE LEE - Gentle daily peel
Cult Beauty
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Images: Instagram user indie_lee
