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Brand story: Antipodes

What is it?

Antipodes hails from New Zealand and is an organic skin care brand that calls itself 'hip, not hippy'.

What's the deal?

Elizabeth Barbalich, a mother of three who has a background in science and naturopathy, created the brand from her hometown of Wellington, a green-swathed city from which she says she draws creative inspiration.

'New Zealand is a fresh, wild country full of extreme natural beauty - elemental to both the style and substance of Antipodes products,' the company says. 'The spirituality of the land and the majesty of nature were first recognised here by the Maori people, whose cosmological and mythological beliefs include living within its rhythms.'

Antipodes says it is devoted to creating formulations that achieve high environmental standards. Key to its green beauty ethos is that its manufacturers and supply partners must have organic certification, food safety standards and environmental practices and/or have met good manufacturing practices and/or global product testing standards.

What about the products?

The Hallelujah Lime and Patchouli cleanser (HK$350/200ml, below) is a simple, exotically fragrant cleanser with a base of avocado oil to gently remove makeup and impurities and carrot seed oil to give skin a glow. They use high quality essential oils of lime and patchouli to freshen and uplift. Avocado oil is rich in omega 3 and omega 9 to assist in keeping skin strong and hydrated. The Resurrect facial toner (HK$350/100ml) gives immediate moisture to stressed skin. This daily spritzer aims to provide balance to the skin using lavender water, chamomile and sweet sage water to create an anti-inflammatory action. It's said to be an ideal preparation before applying hydrating face oils. It can be applied several times a day by misting across your face, neck and decolletage.

What else?

The company does not test on animals nor believe in the use of genetically modified ingredients, synthetic fillers, artificial colours or fragrances, sodium lauryl sulfates, mineral oils, petrochemicals, animal ingredients (except honey and beeswax from living bees) and parabens. Barbalich says ingredients are kept close to their natural form to reduce energy-expending modifications or refinements. 'Plus we are committed to full traceability of an ingredient's origin, checking for purity and sustainability,' she says. 'We also use recyclable packaging and use only ingredients from sustainable, cultivated plants.'

Where can I get it?

At Sephora, Hollywood Plaza, Sai Yeung Choi St South, Mong Kok.

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