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Love them or hate them, you most probably owned a pair of Birkenstock sandals at some point during the noughties.
Like most trends, the comfy cork sandal fell under the radar for a while. That is, until ex-Celine Creative Director, Phoebe Philo, sent them walking down the runway in 2013.
Suddenly, the shoe that fashion editors dubbed 'ugly' was absolutely everywhere again, and it seems they're about to take centre stage in 2018, too, as the brand has just branched out into beauty - say hello to Birkenstock Natural Skincare.
We know what you're thinking: a footwear brand launching skincare? How does that work, exactly? But hear us out.
The debut face and body range boasts everything from cleansers and moisturisers, to serums, oils and exfoliators, and they're all developed with a very special active ingredient: suberin.
Sure, it's not as buzzy as hyaluronic acid or retinol, but it's just as brilliant. The most interesting thing about it? Suberin is actually found within oak cork and used on the sole of all of the brand's footwear.
Yep, that's right. It isn't just responsible for comfy feet, but great skin, too.
While Birkenstock have been working with cork for years, scientists only recently discovered the complexion-perfecting effects of the cork extract, so it was a total no brainer for the brand to expand - and we're totally sold.
5 Things You Need To Know About Birkenstock Natural Skincare
1) Most Of The Products Are Vegan
If you've made changes to your diet and want to extend them to your beauty routine, this is a great place to start. According to Birkenstock, most of the products in the line boast vegan status and no animal-based ingredients are used - YAS.
2) The Products Are Cruelty Free
Always amazing to hear, right?
'Animal testing may not be carried out or commissioned either in the development or testing phase of products,' says the brand.
3) There's A Huge Focus On Sustainability
According to Euromonitor, eco-friendly packaging is more important to us than ever before, which is why Birkenstock use renewable raw materials such as natural cork and recyclable tubes and bottles.
4) The Brand Is Certified Natural
The clue is in the name, but Birkenstock comply to the BDIH COSMOS NATURAL standard, and all ingredients used, including suberin, moringa, argan and prickly pear seed oil, are of natural origin. Products are also free from parabens, paraffin, silicone, PEGs, synthetic scents and colourants - phew.
5) There Are 5 Skincare Categories To Choose From
Whether your skin is crying our for moisture or you're big on cleansing, you can take your pick from 5 different categories, including: Natural Moisture ('freshness and elasticity') Natural Shapes ('deep cleansing and intensive care'), Natural Age Control ('smooth and lift'), Natural Freshness and Natural Man.
5 Birkenstock Natural Skincare Products You Need To Have On Your Radar
- Moisturising Hand And Nail Cream, £18
After a winter of parched knuckles and ragged cuticles, this hand cream is just what we need. It absorbs in seconds, so won't leave greasy finger prints all over your phone screen, and it makes rough skin insanely smooth. The best part? It smells like sherbet.
- Fresh Cleansing Gel, available in spring
If you like the texture of Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser, you'll love this. Witch Hazel cuts through excess oil while the addition of white tea provides antioxidant protection. Take that, pollution.
- Foot Beauty Moisturising Balm, £18
Cracked heels aren't cute - fact - but ultra-nourishing jojoba and elderberry oil in this balm provide a reparative and protective (totally not greasy or slippery) barrier on the skin, making dry, tired feet soft and supple.
- Gentle Exfoliating Cream, available in Spring
No skincare routine is complete without an exfoliator. Instead of acids, this harnesses papain, a natural enzyme from the papaya fruit, to slough off dull skin cells and sebum. Hello, glow.
- Intensive Moisturising Day Cream, available in spring
Developed with dermatologists, this is proven to keep moisture under lock and key in the skin for up to 24 hours. Avocado oil makes skin feel plump and soft and aloe vera soothes.
