An Afternoon with Antipodes | Mineral Powder Launch
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| Photograph taken by the lovely Josie from Fashion Mumblr |
Back in April I had the absolute pleasure of being invited to an intimate afternoon tea with Elizabeth Barbalich, Founder & Creator of international green beauty brand, Antipodes.
Just so you know, it is pronounced ANT-IP-OH-DEES, not AUNTIE PODES. You may continue reading.
Location: Sketch
Sketch, a restaurant & bar, had such a cool yet quirky vibe. As I walked in I was most impressed, the chatter alone about the powder room spoke volumes. “You must see the toilets.” You know you are in for a treat when you get your customers talking about your toilets.
If you haven’t seen said toilets, simply go just for this purpose. They are egg-like chambers, pods even, an unforgettable experience.
Let’s move on.
The setting for this meet was perfect, surrounded by woodland illustrated walls, bamboo seats and vintage lamps, we were whisked out of London and into the heart of a meadow. I half expected to see a large, oak wardrobe with an opening into Narnia…
Sat around the table were the friendly faces of Megan from Wonderful You, Josie from Fashion Mumblr ( who took the fabulous photograph at the beginning of this post), Lucy from Bonjour Luce, and Suzie from Hello October. I was definitely in awesome company.
As we sipped green tea and nibbled on delightful cakes and bite sized sandwiches, Elizabeth, spoke such inspiring words, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her stories. She told us all about the birth of Antipodes, its truly 100% organic and sustainable roots, being a firm believer in scientifically validating her products, and how looking out of her bedroom window inspired the design on her packaging. The forest surrounding her home in Wellington became the brand’s muse.
It was incredibly heart-warming to hear just how passionate Elizabeth is about Antipodes. Coming from a scientific background herself, it was really important to her to create products that delivered great results. Antipodes invest in their scientific research to develop and deliver high performance products. At this point I was dying to try out the products for myself!
On another note, I particularly loved to hear how Elizabeth chooses to work with locally sourced companies in New Zealand, and one of her favourite things about the growth of Antipodes, is to see business around her home grow alongside it.
At this point, I would like to mention just how yummy the macaroons and scones were at Sketch. I mean, they were real good. I must go back there and soon.
The purpose of this event however, was not just to sit around and fill our faces – I promise! Elizabeth was launching the brand’s very first make-up product, Antipodes Mineral Powder Foundation. Up until this point, the brand had just been made up of skincare so this was a new area for them. I must admit, I was very nervous about this product. I am not a fan of mineral powders, never have been, never will – so I initally thought.
Elizabeth demonstrated how to use the foundation, and I actually loved the finish. The coverage was very natural, very “your skin but better“. She used a cute little kabuki brush and completed the look by swirling it around in a translucent setting powder, also available from Antipodes. Megan whispered in my ear, “You are just going to love this, I swear.” She had been trialling this leading up to the event, and even had it on at the time. I was intrigued to say the least.
A few cocktails later, a catch up with Rose from Mixed Gems and a slight fan-girl moment hugging Caroline of Burkatron goodbye, the afternoon had indeed flown by and it was in fact early evening. I had totally forgotten we were at an event, and I felt like I was just relaxing with friends I had known forever. To top the day off we were generously given a box full of Antipodes treats. In my mind, “I will need to photograph these as soon as I get home so I can use them straight away”. It has become deeply engrained in me now, a ritual of taking beauty photographs before even having the pleasure of playing with the products. I digress.
So what did I think of the mineral powder? Truthfully, I hated it at first. I text Megan to say I was hugely disappointed, to which she insisted I needed to give it a chance. I am so glad I listened to her.
I persisted with it and now I am a complete convert. I have not touched my liquid foundation for two weeks now.
The reason I did not like it straight away, was simply because it was out of my comfort zone to use anything other than a liquid foundation. I was so used to buffing in my MAC ProLongwear that it was just a shock to the system to use anything else.
Having used this for a while, I actually believe I have found my perfect base. My day to day make-up begins with this mineral foundation and for when I need a little more somethin’ somethin’ I will apply a little of Perricone MD No-Foundation Foundation underneath. My skin gives off that special glow when wearing this, the one you see on other girls and get extremely jealous of, well I have that now. *Smug Face*
I have blemishes and I am prone to having an oily t-zone, yet this works wonders on my skin. I rarely need to use concealer either now, my skin just keeps getting better and better. My skin can finally breathe.
Suitable for all skin types, with an SPF 15, and full of natural goodness I would recommend that everyone try this.
The skincare, took me to a whole new level of love. Let’s just talk about the Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream for a moment, I actually believe fairies have sprinkled magic dust into this formula. It is, bar none, my new favourite, EVER, moisturiser. I try so many moisturisers, but this is like no other I have ever come across. I am a huge sucker for sweet smelling treats, and this one just oooozes loveliness. Sweet Almond and Vanilla – hello, why have I never smelt this combination before?
The Hydrating Day Cream is also lovely, as is the Skin Plumping Serum. The Divine Face Oil could even compete against my beloved Nude Progenius Treatment Oil, and it would be a tough decision between the two. Oh, gosh, I just want it all, the entire skincare range. It is all bloody wonderful and my skin has never looked better.
If skin could dance, mine would moon walk to New Zealand and back again. Organic is the future.
Antipodes, thank you, thank you!