Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream

Perfect – I'm on my second pot of this, which means I really really like it because it's expensive. It smells divine, absorbs fast and soothes my sensitive combination skin. I know it says hydrating but it's not particularly rich - I think it's good for partly oily skins too. You do get a generous amount in a pot. I'd prefer a tube or pump because it's more hygienic, but it's fine because my hands are always clean from washing my face when I use it. I will continue to buy it. The ingredients list is impressive!

Wonderful day cream from a true Green Beauty Brand – I only have a little sample tube of this, received in a Priceline promotional gift bag. I love it and would definitely purchase the full size! Antipodes is an exceptional (and true) green beauty brand. I have several of their products and use them regularly in my skincare regime. Pros Certified organic. Ingredients, formula and entire production process of all Antipodes products are certified organic, including this beautiful day cream.

Performance. In the past, I haven’t worn moisturiser during the day because I find most brands too greasy and heavy, leaving an awful sheen at day end. This Antipodes day cream leaves a matte, light finish - perfect around the house, or under sunscreen or make up if going out. Terrific for my post-natal hormonal skin that’s prone to bouts of extreme dryness. Daresay it would be good for all skin types.

Fragrance. Mild and pleasant, similar to their excellent Aura Manuka Honey Mask.

Price. Reasonably priced at $58, but you can snap it up at a bargain when Priceline has its skincare sales.

Packaging: aluminium tube (sample) and glass jars (full size) are recyclable.

NZ business, certified organic and sustainable with scientifically proven products that work.

Cons

This is being really picky for a superb product, but those aspiring to zero waste may not like the plastic cap. Also, cardboard packaging, while recyclable, could be made from post- consumer waste. Antipodes also feature Manuka honey in almost all their products, which wouldn’t suit vegans (their products are vegetarian).

I keep going back to it – This is not super-expensive, but it's more expensive than any other item in my regular skin routine. I have older skin that is really sensitive and can (still) be prone to hormonal breakouts and bouts of desert-like dryness. I keep trying to abandon this moisturiser for cheaper alternatives, but I keep getting lured back because it does the job, it smells nice (but doesn't have an overpowering perfume, which I can't stand in a moisturiser), it makes my skin look luminous and it is brilliant under makeup. Also, it doesn't make me break out. It's good stuff.