The Rise Of Green Beauty

Featured in some of the world’s most highly regarded hotels, the plant powered brand has spent sixteen years harmoniously blending natural skincare with proven science.

Pioneering the entire Scientific Green Beauty category, VANITY GROUP took five with Elizabeth Barbalich, the woman behind the 100% natural skincare global sensation.

Why did you create Antipodes?

It started with a need. I was scouring the world for a natural moisturiser that was as hydrating for my dry skin as the conventional brands I was using. When I couldn’t find any, that’s when Antipodes was born. I have a background in science, nature, and innovation, so it was a natural step for me to create a Scientific Green Beauty brand that was not just all-natural, but proven to work.

The brand beautifully marries nature with science. What’s the process behind striking the perfect combination?

A product must tick the boxes of natural, clean, effective, and certified either organic, vegan, or vegetarian – no compromises. Each product will take up to 18 months of research and development to fulfil these criteria. Fortunately, we have the most incredible base of pure, natural ingredients to work with here in New Zealand: luscious kiwi seed oil, rich in Vitamin C; nutrient-rich avocado oil, from organic grown avocadoes; world-famous manuka honey, revered for its antibacterial and moisturising qualities; and the wide array of native botanicals that help to cultivate healthy looking skin. When we harness these ingredients and combine them with innovative formulations, we get powerful results.

Antipodes is adored by celebrities from Sam Smith to Georgia May Jagger, how does it make you feel knowing the world’s biggest stars are advocates of the brand?

We love all our devotees, so it’s always thrilling to learn of new advocates for the brand! Celebrities have access to the world’s very best skincare and premium beauty brands, so when they share their love of Antipodes, it's incredibly validating. Antipodes skincare is natural, effective, and luxurious – what more could you want in skincare?

Antipodes has a massive global footprint. In what countries and retailers can we find you?

You can find us in over 40 countries worldwide, in pharmacies, high street stores and online. The best place to purchase Antipodes is through our online store at www.antipodesnature.com. You can also find a full list of stockists on our website.

Fig & Feijoa are our hotel partner’s most loved fragrance profile. What was the inspiration behind the fragrance?

Thank you! Our fragrances are inspired by the beauty of lush nature. All Antipodes fragrances are pure plant powered, which means we use only natural fragrances that are ECOCERT certified, at low levels to keep the skin happy. From superfruit scents of blackcurrant, kiwifruit and feijoa, warm botanical aromas of jasmine and ylang ylang, to sweet scents of vanilla and honey – we envelop our devotees’ senses so that every application becomes a home spa treatment.

How do you want a traveller to feel when they spot the Antipodes Hotel Collection in their bathroom?

Wherever you are in the world, lift the lid of an Antipodes jar and connect with our clean beauty in New Zealand. Travelling can be tough on the body, but Antipodes skincare re-nourishes and replenishes skin thanks to natural, premium ingredients that are full of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and skin soothing properties.

What’s your carry-on skincare essential?

I’m never without Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream. Its compact size makes it super travel-friendly, and it’s a great way to re-hydrate my skin, especially on long-haul flights when I wake up and my eyes are dry and puffy. I dab three to four dots of product around my under-eye area and gently pat into the skin without rubbing. It’s beautifully cooling and soothing. We call this our “little pot of perfection” and our devotees agree – one is sold somewhere in the world, every sixty seconds!

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