Today I'm pairing everything back and taking a look at Meadow Skincare, a brand that has perfected a full collection with just four pieces!

Tired of not knowing what products to pick up to treat your skin?
Confused about which order to apply your huge lineup of goodies?
Wanting to become a bit more minimalist when it comes to beauty products?
Hoping to reduce your impact as a consumer?
Looking for a vegan skincare range that is nontoxic and offers high performance?

Well, Meadow Skincare has you all covered, and you can try it all out at a discount too!

A few months ago I received yet another wonderful edit from The Natural Beauty Box, and among the seven green goodies inside there were two samples from Meadow Skincare, a brand I had discovered right at the start of the new year.  This vegan brand handcrafts their range with sustainability in mind, meaning that all of their products come with minimal plastic packaging (even their samples!) and 100% natural ingredients.  I really enjoyed my trial, so when the lovely Wendy approached me to see if I was interested in reviewing the whole collection I was thrilled!

You may remember me mentioning the concept of a capsule collection a while back when I reviewed the fab Lime & Lilac range - the aim of a capsule collection is to offer a selection of products that work both day and night and caters for a wide spectrum of skin types.  The idea is that a consumer doesn't need dozens of products to achieve results, and Meadow Skincare state that their toolbox of products "target modern day worries including pollution, pigmentation, sun damage, toxins, ageing and dehydration" and offer the perfect remedy all in just four formulations.



Transparency Key:
† This post contains gifted products

No matter how I have received a product, whether it has been purchased with my own money, gifted by a brand, been subsidized by a brand, won, gifted by friends/family, or purchased with a gift voucher, my approach is always the same -- honesty, integrity, and highlighting both the good and the bad.  You can find more information on Disclosures and Privacy here.


The collection includes a cleanser, facial oil, face balm, and face mask, plus a wooden spoon for application and a super soft cotton face cloth, all formulated without synthetics, harsh ingredients, water, or animal products.  And while you may be thinking 'oh, they're oil based? these won't work for me!' trust me, oil based products can be fab for all skin types, even acne prone and oily ones!

How?  Well, oil based products (at least ones without harsh additives!) can actually help balance your skin out and protect the natural barrier.  Certain kinds of oils can even help treat conditions like eczema and sort out sensitivities!  And the thing about Meadow Skincare is that you can tailor the formulas to your needs by adjusting how much you use - no need for another product, just apply more or less depending on if you need more or less moisture!

Which brings us to each of the products -- let's take a look at each, shall we?

Snapshot for ADHD-ers and on the go readers:
Packaging - glass jar, plastic lid (miron glass jars which block harmful rays + prolong shelf-life)
Ingredients - cruelty free, natural, vegan / many certified organic
Essential Oils? - yes
Price - ££
Shelf Life - 12 months once opened
Skin Type - all

Gently Nourishing Cleansing Balm:

Meadow Skincare's handcrafted cleansing balm has an oil and butter formulation that offers an ultra-nourishing experience ideal for morning or night.  Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals like omega 3, 6, and 9, and vitamin  B6, C, E and K, this product provides not just a moisture punch, but also a glow boost and a dewy finish.

The Gentle Nourishing Cleansing Balm is ideal for removing makeup, dirt and debris that has built up over the course of the day, and environmental toxins, and is ideal for most skin types.  The product contains a variety of butters and oils that work to nourish, decongest skin, bring renewed radiance, and add a healthy shine to the face.  Plus, it offers anti-inflammatory properties, meaning this cleansing balm brings some serious benefits!


This product is really interesting when you dig into it, as Meadow has managed to create a balm that has a soft and velvety texture yet is incredibly rich and buttery.  This consistency makes it super easy  to apply, and the Gentle Nourishing Cleansing Balm glides across the skin, meaning you don't end up using much since a little goes a long way.

Tim has been testing several of these products alongside me, including the cleansing balm, as I was curious how different skin types faired with each.  Well, I have found that if you have dry or mature skin (as he does), you will love how slick it feels and how your skin drinks this up.  You end up with a refreshed and healthy looking complexion after rinsing, and the gentle AHAs really help improve skin tone and offer the first step that starts to smooth away any fine lines or sleepy looking eyes.  He could use a full scoop of the wooden spoon (provided), massage in, then wash away with the help of a muslin.  The process was quick and easy, and he definitely had great results!

If you have congestion prone/semi-sensitive skin like I do, definitely play around with how much balm you are using.  I personally found the less I used the better, as otherwise it was a bit tricky to rinse it all off (which if you have fussy skin it is super important to remove fully to avoid unwanted blemishes!).  I noticed that my skin responded best after I used any detoxifying treatments or on colder/dryer days, as that is when my skin needed the extra nourishment.  My skin would feel soothed, less tight, and look so full and plump!  This cleansing balm will be perfect for winter and spring, but as we move into summer it may be a bit too heavy for my own skin - but I could see this working as a first cleanse to wipe off the grime/sweat/makeup/sunscreen of the day, so I will definitely give it a go come warmer weather!

One of my favourite things about this balm?  It smells incredible and the whole cleansing experience turns into an uplifting aromatherapy moment as the grapefruit and lavender essential oils work to melt all your worries away.  I actually love to use this to cleanse in the shower, as then the steam elevates the fragrance and really carries me away on a cloud of pure relaxation.  It's lush, juicy, soft, and just such a nice way to start and end the day - like sunshine in a jar!

Ingredients: butyrospermum parkii (east shea nilotica), mangifera indica (mango), cocos nucifera (coconut), cucurbita pepo (pumpkin), carthamus tinctorius (safflower), camellia sinensis leaf oil (camellia), vitis vinifera (grapeseed), euphorbia cerifera (candelilla), lavendula angustafolia (lavender), citrus grandis (grapefruit), tocopherol (vitamin e). citral*, geraniol*, linalool,* limonene*, citroneliol* (*naturally occuring in essential oils)

Hydration Boost Moisturising Face Balm:

You all know I have struggled with face balms in the past.  I have not once come across one that suited my fussy skin, and found most broke me out pretty much immediately.  I figured Meadow Skincare's Hydration Boost Moisturising Face Balm would be the same old story, and that my first try would prove my concerns.  So imagine my surprise when I applied as I would a day cream/moisturizer and my skin was glowing, smooth, and not irritated in the least!

While the Meadow Skincare face balm is definitely rich and super nourishing, it's not overly heavy and it isn't pore clogging.  It is also free from coconut oil (replaced with babassu!) which many of the balms I have tried in the past have contained, and as I've mentioned many times coconut oil hates me.  I am so excited to find that balms don't have to be a "banned" product for me, and that my skin can handle them in small quantities.  This is a game changer!

"Hydration Boost Moisturising Balm balances oil production and imparts relief to dehydrated and ultra sensitive skin. Rich in sea buckthorn seed oil which has 30 times more vitamin C content than an orange, the plant seed oil blend is excellent at firming and hydrating skin, reduce pigmentation whilst protecting against environmental aggressors."


I found taking the tiniest amount (just skimming across the top really), melting it in between my fingertips, then applying as I would a facial oil worked best for me, and guaranteed I didn't overload my congestion prone face.  The golden balm is thick to start with, but when warmed it is a magical mix of lightweight while also feeling like an effective protective barrier.  I loved how this formula gave me an instant lift, making me look bright and glowy even when I was feeling super tired and meh.  It didn't leave any shininess or make me look greasy at all, but just helped smooth everything out.

The balm has a gorgeous uplifting aroma, a mix of calming lavender and soft but uplifting zesty notes, and it creates a moment of 'me time' as you apply.  I always like to breathe in the excess product on my hands, closing my eyes and just letting the scent wash over me.  Anyone else adore green goodies that double as aromatherapy treatments??

This is the one product in the capsule collection that never gave me any issues, starting from day one.  There wasn't much trial and error here, and my fussy face embraced this balm fully.  I've also found it is a great multi-tasker, making it perfect for travel or on the go.  I can pop a teeny bit in my hair to combat frizz, use as a cuticle treatment, tackle dry spots that need TLC, or use as a lip balm in a pinch!  Meadow Skincare also says it works great as a makeup primer, but since I don't really wear foundation I haven't tested that out quite yet - would love to hear if you have and what you thought!

Ingredients: mangifera indica (mango) seed butter, butyrospermum parkii (east shea nilotica) butter, argania spinosa (argan) kernel oil, olive squalane, orbignya oleifera (babassu) seed oil, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, rosa canina (rosehip) fruit oil, hippophae rhamnoides (sea buckthorn) fruit oil, euphorbia cerifera cera (candelilla wax), tocopherol (vitamin e), pelargonium graveolens (geranium) flower oil, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil (petitgrain), cymopogon martini (palmarosa) oil, citral*, geraniol*, neral*, linalool,* limonene*, citroneliol*, famesol*, (*naturally occuring in essential oils)

Overnight Replenishing Oil:

The Overnight Replenishing Oil, like the other products in the capsule collection, is again suitable for most skin types as it is gentle and full of healing ingredients like watermelon and tomato seed oil, prickly pear oil, and rosehip oil.  The scent is incredible, with light jasmine hitting the nose first followed by a hint of more grounding frankincense and calming lavender -- perfect for nightly use as it really works to reduce anxiety and stress!  I love how the aroma grows, first sharp, then sensual and sweet, then a little earthy.  Definitely a delight for the senses, and one that has really grown on me.

"A natural youth elixir blend of 13 seed oils, Replenishing Overnight Oil gets to work while you rest.  Awaken with skin hydrated, toned and smoothed. The carefully blended concentrated antioxidant formula promotes a natural, rosy glow and helps to prevent free radical damage to fight signs of ageing  The jasmine and lavender blend also help aid a restful nights sleep."


The goldenrod yellow oil is smooth as silk and sinks in quickly and does fully absorb.  It's not greasy, but does leave a bit of shine which is another part of why this is best for nighttime use.  You apply, massage into the skin, breathe in the beautiful scent, and then while you sleep the formula works to regenerate the skin cells, tone and tighten, improve elasticity, and intensely moisturize -- all without any extra work!

This is another one of the items that Tim has helped me test, as when I originally tried this out back in January I struggled to use it daily as it seemed a bit too rich for my congestion prone skin.  Dry/mature skin seems to drink this up though, making the description of a natural 'youth elixir' so true.  Tim's complexion has been much more radiant and his skin far less dry since using Meadow's overnight oil.  I can't help but feel a little envious as I love this oil and wish I could use it more often!

For me, I found this ideal for those nights where my skin clearly needed some extra TLC -- it seems the ideal time to use the Overnight Replenishing Oil in my skincare routine is after a detox mask or a day out in the windy and wet air, as that's when I seem to reap the most benefits and feel the most difference, but with a little playing around I have found that I *can* use this every night.  I just have to use less than I would other facial oils as it is a tad too heavy for my semi sensitive and congestion prone skin.  The card recommended to use between six and eight drops, and for Tim that worked great.  However for me, most evenings I only use two drops and that is enough to nourish and calm my whole face and neck.  The oil still helps repair my skin overnight, and I love waking up smooth and soft and fully rested!

This is a trend with Meadow Skincare though - if at first something doesn't seem to work, reduce (or increase) the amount of product you are using, and see how it goes.  Things I first found too heavy and I thought broke me out then worked perfectly when I adjusted application.  That's the beauty of this capsule range, as it truly is suited for all.
Ingredients: carthamus tinctorius seed Oil (safflower), camellia sinensis seed Oil (camellia), olive squalane, solanum lycopersicum seed (tomato), rosa canina fruit oil (rosehip), punica granatum seed oil (pomegranate), opuntia ficus-indica seed oil (prickly pear), citrullus lanatus seed oil (watermelon), citrus grandis peel oil (grapefruit), lavandula angustifolia oil (lavender), cedrus atlantica wood oil (cedarwood), jasminum officinale  flower oil (jasmine), boswellia carterii gum oil (frankincense), pogostemon cablin leaf oil (patchouli), tocopherol (vitamin e), * citral, *linalool, *geraniol, *limonene, *citronello, (*naturally occuring in essential oils)


Calm & Soothe Face Mask:

Remember a while back when I reviewed a face mask that I described as a body butter but for your face?  Well, Meadow Skincare's Calm & Soothe Face Mask gives me those kind of vibes, but more refined and aware of the richness of the formula.

This isn't your average face mask - far from it in fact.  A pale, almost pea green, thick and concentrated, super rich, and earthy, this is a unique product that really stands out from the crowd.  I'm always a bit nervous when it comes to heavier formulas, as my face is just *so* fussy and breaks out easily, but the Calm & Soothe Face Mask is actually made to address all skin types.


"Calm and Soothe Face Mask intensely hydrates and moisturises, reduces fine lines and redness. It soothes sun damaged skin and tight skin. Jam-packed with free-radical fighting vitamins the oils and clay decongest, combat inflammation and to improve skin smoothness, firmness and elasticity."

I love that there is an all-in-one face mask included in an all-in-four style capsule range, as it is just so fitting.  The mask offers moisture for those needing nourishment, calming for those needing redness or irritation addressed, acne fighting powers for those concerned about blemishes, and intense firming for those stressing about elasticity.  And guess what - it actually delivers it all!

One thing I really appreciate about this is that you can use it twice a week as you would other face masks, or you can choose to use it as an overnight spot treatment.  This might actually have been my preferred way to use the Calm & Soothe Face Mask, as it proved to be so effective in sorting out angry blemishes.  I could be snoozing while the toxins were drawn out and the problem area was sorted out and the inflammation calmed.  Then, when I woke up the spot would be reduced, less red and irritated, and on its way to disappearing!

This might be one of the fastest acting spot treatments I have tried that is also gentle on the skin.  There are some I have used that shrink and heal super quick but leave your face dried out and peeling, and I love that with Meadow Skincare I don't have to worry about that.  They've thought it all through, and have crafted a product that truly delivers on all aspects.

Ingredients: kaolin, orbignya oleifera seed oil (babassu),  cucumis sativus oil (cucumber), brassica oleracea italica oil (broccoli), hemp oil (cannabis sativa) , sambucus nigra oil, (elderberry), maranta arundinacea root (arrowroot), euphorebia cerifera wax (candelilla), tocopherol (vitamin e), Achillea Millefolium Oil (blue yarrow), lavandula augustifolia oil (lavender) citrus aurantrum, bergamia oil (bergamot) *citral, *linalool, *geraniol, *limonene, *citronello, (*naturally occuring in essential oils)




I really enjoyed using the capsule range from Meadow Skincare, and found it so interesting pairing everything back for a month and only using their products.  I admit I still incorporated other products at the weekend, as I just love a pamper session to regroup and enjoy paring up different products to target specific needs, but otherwise I stuck with these four green goodies (and a floral water as they help my ADHD) and I found they really did work perfectly in tandem to offer nourishment, skin soothing benefits, and a sense of calm.  I didn't feel like I was missing anything, and I'll continue to use each of these beauties until they're gone.

My favourite probably has to be the Hydration Boost Moisturising Face Balm, and I will be tempted to pick up another one once this mini is gone, as it works so well for my fussy face.  I also loved the Calm & Soothe Face Mask as an overnight spot treatment, and once I adjusted the amount of oil I also really found the Overnight Replenishing Oil an incredible addition to my routine.  I've been enjoying the Gently Nourishing Cleansing Balm as it just smells so good, and I will have to see how my skin responds to it as the sunny days continue and the weather warms up.

Overall my experience was great, and I have been impressed by how versatile this capsule collection really is.  It's not often you find a skincare range that claims to be suitable for all skin types that actually delivers on that promise, but Meadow Skincare most definitely does.

So if you are wanting a simple but super powered routine, are worried about how many products you are consuming, or are just looking for a new range to try out, Meadow Skincare is definitely one to explore.  You can pick up their full collection or pick and choose from each of the items depending on your needs.  And soon their family of four will actually be expanding to include one additional item, a Gently Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant which I am guessing will be perfect for those looking to rejuvenate dull or dry skin.  Be sure to follow Meadow Skincare on their socials to keep up with their latest news and release information!

Curious to try any of these beauties out for yourself, or desperate to get your hands on the whole collection?  Well, thanks to Meadow Skincare you can get 10% off using discount code SKYE - just pop in the voucher code at checkout and you will see the savings!

And in the meantime, I would love to hear from you -- have you tried Meadow Skincare??  What do you think of the idea of a capsule collection?  Do you think you could benefit from pairing your routine back to include only the super effective cornerstones??  Share your thoughts below! xx