I have been wanting to try VOTARY London for ages. I finally decided to splurge for Christmas. Created by British makeup artist and former beauty editor Arabella Preston VOTARY London is a luxury natural skincare line with a focus on oils. I grabbed four items to start and if you notice this was titled Part 1 that's because yes there was a second haul and there will be a Part 2.
I started with two cleansing oils, there are more than two in the line. The Clarifying Cleansing Oil is fairly new and it's geared towards people prone to breakouts, blemishes and clogged pores. Details per Votary:
Votary Clarifying Cleansing Oil – Rosemary and Oat. Clear your blemish and break-out prone skin with Votary’s Clarifying Cleansing Oil routine. This cleansing oil has been specifically blended to lift impurities, hydrate and calm your skin whilst improving recovery time for blemishes.
If your skin is blemish-prone, or you are suffering a break-out, the best thing you can do for your skin is to keep it really clean but resist the temptation to ‘dry it out’. An oil-cleanse is best, your skin won’t be tempted to produce more oil to compensate and the recovery time for your existing blemishes will improve.
Votary Clarifying Cleansing Oil contains healing oils of Peach, Oat and Jojoba, and is delicately scented with Rosemary and Bergamot for a really purifying and restorative cleanse.
The Ritual Put 4 to 5 pumps of oil into the palm of your hand. Place your other hand on top and quickly spread the oil over your palms and fingers. Now begin to rub the oil into your face. Start with your cheeks, then around your nose, mouth and jawline, and finally the area around your eyes. Splash your face with warm water and then continue to massage the oil into your face and eyelashes. Now here’s the absolutely crucial part. Take a clean face cloth. Soak it in hand-hot water, then wring it out. Immediately apply the face cloth to your whole face. Breathe in, and allow the steam to penetrate your pores. Then begin to gently rub your oil and make-up away. Repeat this once or twice as necessary. Finally, splash your face with warm water and pat it dry with a clean towel (that only you use).
Ingredients
helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, simmondsia chinensis, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, oryza sativa (rice) bran oil, prunus persica (peach) kernel oil, avena sativa (oat) kernel oil, tocopherol, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil, limonene+, linalool+, linalyl acetate+, pinenes+, camphor+
+Naturally occurs in essential oils
This comes packaged in a luxe green glass bottle with pump. I love all of the VOTARY packaging it's luxe and minimalist. The boxes do have fun designs on them, it got a nice aesthetic appeal overall. I wasn't into facial oils that much until August. I had used them in the past but didn't really get into them until recently. I have noticed such a difference in my skin since using a facial oil twice a day as well as using an oil cleanser for first cleanse at night. Read more about my facial oil journey in this post.
The Clarifying Cleansing Oil is a lighter oil. The peach kernel oil in this is a heavier oil but the rest are all pretty light textured oils-sunflower & grape seed, rice brand & oat kernel. This smells like the rosemary oil with a hint of bergamot. It's faint and not overpowering. I love it. Rice brand and oat kernel oils are soothing to the skin. Rosemary oil has antioxidant, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, it balances oil production & can help stimulate cell renewal. That makes it perfect for a clarifying line along with calming oat kernel oil.
This oil is light in texture and clarifies while calming and soothing the skin. It doesn't emulsify so you need a flannel or cloth to remove fully. The cleanser comes with one flannel. I will discuss the VOTARY flannel in a future comparison post I have planned. It's quite good I agree with Caroline Hirons. I don't need the full 4 to 5 pumps as directed. I use about 2 to 3 and that's plenty for me. It is pricey at $72 for 3.4 oz but there's nothing that beats a well done high quality oil. Some things are worth splurging on because you get what you pay for.
The Super Seed Cleansing Oil is a richer cleansing oil for nourishing and anti-aging. Details per Votary:
Anti-irritation, deeply nourishing and anti-ageing. Super Seed Cleansing Oil is the perfect natural cleanser to bring unhealthy skin back to life.
You’re careful about what you eat. It’s a good idea to be careful about what you put on your skin. Votary Super Seed Cleansing Oil is a powerful blend of 21 Super Seed oils scented with purifying parsley seed essential oil. It is soothing, balancing and deeply hydrating. And, of course, 100% natural. Use it every day in the morning and evening.
The products in the Votary Super Seed Range are specifically blended for skin which is sensitive, hormonal or showing signs of ageing. The rich blends harness the goodness of 21 Super Seed plant oils from broccoli to chia and strawberry.
The Ritual Lightly wet your hands. Put 4 to 5 pumps of oil into the palm of your hand. Place your other hand on top and quickly spread the oil over your palms and fingers. Now, begin to rub the oil into your face. Start with your cheeks, then around your nose, mouth and jawline, and finally the area around your eyes. Now here’s the absolutely crucial part: Take a clean face cloth. Soak it in hand-hot water, then wring it out. Immediately apply the face cloth to your whole face. Breathe in, and allow the steam to penetrate your pores. Then begin to gently rub your oil and make-up away. Repeat this once or twice as necessary. Finally, splash your face with warm water and pat it dry with a clean towel (that you keep just for you).
Ingredients
vitis vinifera (grapeseed) oil, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, curcubita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil, vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed oil, limanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, salvia hispanica (chia) seed oil, camellia oleifera (camellia) seed oil, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, fragaria ananassa (strawberry) seed oil, nigella sativa (black seed) oil, papaver somniferum (poppy) seed oil, linum usitatissimum (linseed) oil, punica granatum (pomegranate) seed oil, vaccinium corymbosum (blueberry) seed oil, tocopherol borago officinalis (borage) seed oil, brassica oleracea italica (brocoli) seed oil, citrullus lanatus (melon) seed Oil, prunus cerasus (cherry) seed oil, rosa canina (rosehip) fruit oil, rubus idaeus (raspberry) seed oil, carum petroselinum (parsley) seed oil, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) herb oil, calendula officinalis (calendula) flower extract, daucus carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Limonene+, Linalool+
+Naturally occurs in Essential Oils
This is a heavier textured cleansing oil as it's more nourishing & hydrating. This one is also packaged in a green glass pump bottle, comes with a flannel and needs to be completely removed with a cloth. I love cleansing oils because the oil dissolves oily makeup better than regular gel based cleansers. I always use some kind of an oil based cleanser or balm then follow with a gentle second cleanser to removes the rest of the day after the makeup is gone. Using a flannel really does make a difference at removing makeup fully and is essential to using a cleansing oil.
This oil uses 21 seed oils so it's a little richer. Beyond the apricot kernel oil the rest are fairly light so this isn't really heavy. It's nourishing and I use it on days when I want to really love my skin. This has become a quick favorite of mine and I would probably even call it a new hero product. This is scented with parsley essential oils and while that's not one I was familiar with I'll say it smells green, earthy, warm and nutty overall. It's nothing overpowering but definitely not fragrance free if you're sensitive to essential oils. The scent is stronger in this cleansing oil versus the Clarifying Cleansing Oil which is a bit lighter. This one is $78 for 3.4 oz but very worth it. I also only need 2 to 3 pumps for this one as well.
The Super Seed Facial Oil has become a quick favorite. It's calming and nourishing. Details per Votary:
Anti-irritation, calming, deeply nourishing and anti-ageing. Super Seed Facial oil is a bespoke blend for skin that is sensitive, hormonal or showing signs of ageing.
When your skin feels unhealthy and lifeless, try the power of Super Seeds. Seeds aren’t just for healthy eating. They’re for healthy skin, too. This natural Facial Oil nourishes dry, sensitive skin with a fragrance-free blend of 21 different Super Seed oils.
As you age, you might experience a whole host of new skin issues such as dryness, redness, loss of elasticity and plumpness. It’s so normal to just feel like your skin has lost its glow. Super Seed addresses all of these issues as naturally and gently as possible whilst packing a punch for your skin’s nourishment and long-term recovery.
The Ritual Put 4 to 5 drops of Facial Oil onto your palms. Hold your palms up in front of your face. Now massage the oil into your face and neckline using gentle upwards motions. Use your fingertips to gently pat the oil into the area around your eyes. Massaging your skin with Votary oils will lower your stress levels and give you beautiful skin. You can spend a few seconds or several minutes on your facial massage, depending on how much time you have. Like all Votary’s natural facial oils Super Seed will be absorbed into your skin as you massage leaving your skin deeply hydrated but not oily. It’s the perfect way to prep skin for makeup or sunscreen.
Ingredients
vitis vinifera (grapeseed) oil, curcubita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil, vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed oil, salvia hispanica (chia) seed oil, limanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, nigella sativa (black seed) oil, camellia oleifera (camellia) seed oil, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, fragaria ananassa (strawberry) seed oil, papaver somniferum (poppy) seed oil, punica granatum (pomegranate) seed oil, vaccinium corymbosum (blueberry) seed oil, linum usitatissimum (linseed) oil, tocopherol rosa canina (rosehip) fruit Oil, borago officinalis (borage) seed oil, brassica oleracea italica (broccoli) seed oil, prunus cerasus (cherry) seed oil, citrullus lanatus (melon) seed oil, rubus idaeus (raspberry) seed oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, calendula officinalis (calendula) flower extract, daucus carota sativa (carrot) seed oil
This facial oil is calming, nourishing and hydrating. This is the anti-aging blend designed for sensitive & hormonal skin. This is perfect for dry to normal skin, anyone concerned about ageing and can be used on combo skin depending on the season and what else you use it with. This uses 21 seed oils and while it's really nourishing it's not a heavy oil. It's a medium weight facial oil that deeply hydrates while not leaving my skin greasy or covered in break outs. This oil is actually fragrance free, so no essential oils like the cleansing oils. It has some scent from the oils but nothing that would irritate anyone. I love the green glass bottle. It does have a dropper dispenser.
The oils in this are actually mostly light in texture oils. Only a few heavy ones. Grapeseed oil is one of my favorites texture wise because it's so light. Grapeseed, pomegranate, cranberry, camellia, rosehip, borage & calendula oils are all high in tannins and have astringent properties. Chia, cranberry, hemp, strawberry and blueberry oils are all high in a-linolenic acid and rich in omega 3 fatty acids. They are great for inflammation. Carrot, cherry seed and camelia oils are richer in texture and great for dry skin. They are high in oleic acid and omega 9 fatty acids. They're both at the end of the inci list so they won't make this heavy in texture.
Pumpkin is also one of my favorite oils. Pumpkin, hemp, grapeseed, melon, raspberry, black seed (black cumin) and sunflower oils which are all rich in linolenic acid and omega 6 fatty acids. They're great for combo, oily and blemished skins. Meadowfoam oil is similar to jojoba but cheaper and it has antioxidant and skin softening properties. It also can help slow TEWL (Trans Epidermal Water Loss).
Broccoli seed oil is interesting. It contains an abundant amount of fatty acids. It's high in erucic acid an omega 9 fatty acid that has a unique ability like silicone to make a smooth finish on the skin. Quite interesting & it's called the silicone oil on some websites. It also contains antioxidants like vitamin C, E & vitamin A so it's a natural retinol.
I'm absolutely head over heels for this VOTARY Super Seed Oil. It's amazing and earned a spot in my hero products. It's a powerhouse of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory & antibacterial seed oils and it helps stimulate cell renewal. It's very nourishing without being heavy. It is pricey at $110 for 50 ml but it's well worth it. I use 3 drops on my face, 3 on my neck. I use this a lot and feel like I've barely made a dent in it.
The Blemish Rescue Oil was something I just had to try. I'm not acne or blemish prone anymore but I love finding new ways to keep those occasional ones at bay. Details per Votary:
Votary Blemish Rescue Oil – Tamanu and Salicylic. Target existing blemishes with Votary’s natural concentrate of 2% salicylic acid and soothing tamanu oil. Specifically developed to dissolve dead skin cells and improve blemish recovery time, leaving your skin healed and healthy.
Some blemishes need special care. When you are experiencing a breakout or recovering from one, apply this Blemish Rescue Oil, with 2% Salicylic Acid, to the area. Salicylic Acid penetrates pores, dissolves dead skin cells and exfoliates the top layer of skin, thereby preventing further congestion.
The blend of natural, soothing plant oils including Rice, Oat and Tamanu Oil is boosted by purifying Rosemary essential oil to speed up recovery and restore balance to compromised skin.
The Ritual Place 1 drop of oil on a fingertip and apply in a gentle circular motion to the area affected. Do this twice a day, after cleansing, until your skin has recovered.
Ingredients
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Prunus Persica (Peach) Kernel Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel oil, Salicylic Acid, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot Orange) Fruit Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Oil, Limonene +, Linalool +, Linalyl Acetate +, Pinene +, Camphor +, Geraniol+
I never would have thought to use an oil as a spot treatment. It sounded very interesting and I do always hate how most spot treatments dry me out then they seem to scar more. This contains 2% salicylic acid or betahydroxy acid. This is the gold standard for spot treatments. This also has rice brand and oat kernel oil for soothing and calming. The rosemary oil has antibacterial & antiseptic properties. I love the scent of clary sage oil. It's also a mild astringent, anti-inflammatory & helps control sebum production.
Tamanu oil is a new one I never paid attention to before. I seem to notice it is in products everywhere now. It has antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains antioxidants and accelerates wound healing. Makes perfect sense it would be in a spot treatment oil.
This is packaged in a green glass bottle with a dropper. The bottle is 15 ml for $56. You barely need a drop. For one blemish you need less than a drop so this will last quite a long time. I don't get blemishes that often but so far this has really worked wonders & I quite like it. I found it reduced the blemish like other treatments but without that pesky drying my skin into a flaky mess. Bonus. The 2% BHA is safe for pregnancy but the clary sage essential oil should be avoided. It's said to potentially stimulate contractions which no one wants early. Though did slather myself in it during my last week of pregnancy with hopes of inducing myself into labor early with no success.
I loved the clarifying and soothing combination in this oil. You can use it multiple times in a day and you won't end up with a flaky dried out mess. This has that green earthy smell I would expect from rosemary and sage oil.
I loved my first VOTARY order so much I grabbed a few more items. I found quite a few new staple products for me. The line is very well done & high quality. I love the minimalist and luxe glass packaging and if you love oils at all they are worth looking into & splurging on.
