It's been a hot minute since I talked about makeup here on The ecoLogical, mainly because I'm not one who regularly does a 'full face' or who is super skilled at applying complex looks.  But that doesn't mean I don't use mascara on the daily!

In fact, if I'm leaving the house I tend to opt for mascara, a bit of neutral eyeshadow to make my eyes pop, sometimes a touch of eyeliner, and if I remember and have time then lippy to complete my routine and just a smidge of highlighter.  And if I'm being super fancy then I might even brave lip liner or a cat eye!

I like my makeup routine to be simple, but that doesn't mean I want 'cheap' products.  The total opposite actually!  Since I am relatively minimal with what I use (with many days me not applying anything at all!) I need it all to be high performing, comfortable, easy to use, and pretty long wear.  I won't do touch ups throughout the day, so it has to be the BEST possible.

And PHB wins in my book every single time.

Not only are their products affordable (with frequent sales making them even more budget friendly!), they are also brilliant in terms of formula!  I mean, there is a reason why PHB have been a part of my makeup collection year on year -- the shade selection is lovely, the items are functional even for someone with limited makeup knowledge like me, and everything works so well!

But what about their new range??

About PHB:

I have to admit, when I heard things were changing for PHB I was initially worried.  I had found my holy grail mascara and eyeliner, and I didn't want those to disappear!  Would the new options be just as high performing?  Would they be worth the extra cost??  And what else would be arriving into the brand lineup?  I'm not always great with changes, can you tell??

Well, when PHB offered the chance to test out a selection of their new range, I jumped at the chance -- this was my opportunity to answer all my questions and more!

Like the updated skincare range, the latest arrivals to the PHB cosmetics family are pretty stellar.  Some have been reformulated, like the All in One Natural Mascara, and some are totally new launches, like the BB Cream.  And like the skincare, all has been redesigned to represent the new and improved line.

What's the new look?  Well, for starters you can wave goodbye to all the plastic pots that were used before for items like foundation and concealer!  Instead, PHB have opted to introduce more eco-friendly packaging -- the majority is now housed in beautiful frosted glass bottles, while the rest are within BPA free recyclable tubes.  Not only do these containers look far more luxe, they are better for the planet, so I applaud the brand for these updates.

While some customers may be worried that their line of choice is no longer available, I can assure everyone that PHB's range change is actually full of products that are even more targeted than before.  Not only are their formulas available for all skin types (meaning I can opt for a tinted moisturizer without worrying about my pores becoming clogged!), there is a greater variety available, ranging from cream complexion coverage to a lash serum!

So today I'm excited to share my step by step everyday PHB makeup routine, explain what I love about each product, do some swatches, and compare some of the old versions to the new updates!



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* This post contains affiliate links and three 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.

PHB Makeup Review:

Lash & Brow Growth Serum:

In the evening before I go to bed, the final step in my routine lately has been to apply PHB's Lash & Brow Growth Serum, as that way it can work its magic while I sleep.  And since this is not gloopy or slick at all, I don't have to worry about the serum staining my pillow or being squished onto my face when I lie down -- but the benefits just keep on coming with this one!

I've tried a few lash serums before, and while I enjoyed them and found they worked over time, they were always a bit of a faff to use.  They came in dropper bottles and had to be manually applied with my fingers, and they were super oily.  PHB has perfected this product though, and have made it simple to apply as well as effective!


The Lash & Brow Growth Serum comes inside of a long tube, and you just swipe the formula through your lashes (or brows) as you would your mascara with the handy little wand.  It goes on evenly, with no clumping, and is like a light coating on your hairs that isn't even noticeable -- nothing is weighed down, nothing is left feeling slimy -- it's just packed full of biotin, caffeine oil, baobab, quiona extract, and castor oil, making it a protein rich formula that offers a deep conditioning, repairing, and strengthening treatment that should have your delicate hairs looking more lush and healthier in no time!

This lash-tastic creation "enhances natural hair growth & strength for fuller looking lashes and brows" plus is PH balanced making it suitable for very sensitive eyes.  And better yet, it takes just a few seconds to put on! Perfect because come night time I just want to go to bed, not faff with my beauty routine.

I've been using PHB's Lash & Brow Growth Serum since it arrived on the first of November, and I have definitely noticed an improvement in the appearance of my lashes already.  Obviously it will take a while longer to see if this helps my lashes grow any fuller, but at the moment I feel they are shedding less and look so pretty even without mascara.  Usually, as my hair is so fine, my lashes are hardly noticeable (at least to me), a fact made worse by how flat my lashes lie.  They just sit funny, making them hard to see without any product.  But since introducing PHB's serum, my lashes have definitely been more prominent even without added mascara!  I can't see how this fairs even longer term.

Ingredients: *Aloe Barbadensis (Leaf) Juice, Phospholipids, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Caffeine, *Quinoa Ferment Extract Filtrate, *Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Oil, *Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Pullulan, *Glycerin, Tocopherol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus, *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Sorbic Acid. *Certified Organic.

Natural & Organic Eye Liner:

After doing my full skincare ritual when I wake up, the first bit of makeup I apply is eyeliner.  This gives time for my serum/moisturizer to fully absorb so my skin is totally prepped for later steps, plus gives me a bit of extra time to decide on what sort of style I want for the day.

I tend to go for the Black eyeliner most days, as it gives great definition in my lower outer corners.  While I find the pencil quite sharp to start with, it quickly softens after a few applications and becomes super easy to work with.  Once it has been 'broken in' it applies cleanly and with very little effort.  No pressure is really needed, and the liner is super pigmented so you only need to go over the area once -- no touch ups necessary.


I love that this can be sharpened when the tip becomes to blunt or it's just time to refresh the product.  PHB's eyeliner is already affordable, but this makes it last so long that I find myself hardly ever needing to repurchase.  I have been buying from this brand since 2016, and I'm only now coming to the end of my second pencil!

Best part of this?  It's suitable for my sensitive eyes.  I stopped wearing most eye products for a while as I found my eyes were always irritated and itchy, but ever since finding PHB I've been able to start using cosmetics like eyeliner again.  And despite how gentle it is, I find it lasts all day without really budging at all.  Can't get better than that!

Ingredients: Octydodecyl Srearoyl Stearate,C10-18 Triglycerides, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) oil, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Olus Oil, Candelilla Cera, Mica, Sesamum Indicum Oil, Polyglycceryl-3 Diisostearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbic Acid, C.I. 77499, C.I. 77891. 

Eye Shadow:

When it comes to eyeshadow, I love neutral shades and am happy to have a little bit of sparkle to add a subtle glow to my face.  And PHB delivers on all counts for me!

First off, I have to say how much I love the design.  While many single pan eyeshadows come in plastic pots or have excessive packaging, PHB's are housed inside a cardboard case.  There is a little mirror inside which I find super useful when travelling, but I also think this makes for an easy transition into offering refills.  I'm crossing my fingers, that's for sure!

The pressed powder is smooth, almost buttery, and so gentle despite how long it lasts.  In terms of colour payoff, PHB delivers on this as well -- these shadows are pigmented, and you can get a super intense look by packing on with your finger tip or layering, or you can get a softer creation by tapping off excess from your brush and blending out the powder.  And these blend *so* well.

There are twenty shades to choose from, meaning the designs available to you are only limited by your creativity -- there is just so much to draw inspiration from, I think it's incredible!


My go to shades?  Almond and Rose Quartz!

Both are subtle, light, and go so beautifully together.  Don't you think so??

Ingredients: Mica, Iron Oxides, Calcium Carbonate, Caprylic Triglyceride, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba), Ultramarines, Titanium Dioxide.

Mascara:

I already mentioned my love for PHB's mascara, but I want to explain why this was my HG for so long.

The original PHB mascara was the perfect black and helped add definition and length to my otherwise pretty meh lashes.  It was long-lasting, water resistant (at least in my experience), and didn't clump or flake at all which was exactly what I wanted.  Plus, it was super affordable, especially when I picked it up during sales!

So of course I was nervous when I heard that there would be some updates coming...

While I have not tried the tried and true All-In-One formula yet, the new release, Mesmerise Mascara, is just as wonderful as my old favourite, but with some amazing new benefits...


Not only does it contain even more gorgeous ingredients that help strengthen your lashes and stimulate growth, like Quinoa Ferment Extract Filtrate and Biotin, but it is also free from phenoxyethonal!  While the previous mascara luckily didn't irritate my eyes at all, I like to steer clear as much as possible from this ingredient.  Now I can, and I get even more beautiful lashes thanks to PHB's innovation!

I've been absolutely blown away by how good this mascara is.  Sure, it adds definition just like its predecessor, but it also provides added volume, length, and dimension!  It's like wearing falsies, but better since it's truly your own hair!

I find this lasts even longer than the previous formula as well, plus is even gentler on the eyes.  I am totally hooked, and may just have found a new HG makeup product thanks to PHB!

Left side no mascara, Right side PHB Mesmerise Mascara

Lips:

Once eyes are totally finished, it's time for some lip action if I still have time.  I always seem to be running against the clock, so sometimes I have to just dash to be honest, and in those cases I just pop on a bit of PHB lipgloss (my favourite at the moment is Apricot which is a stunning semi-sheer shade that is not at all sticky -- it's brilliant!) and power walk to work.  But when I still have a few minutes, I go for a bit more pigment that I know will last through my morning coffee...

PHB lipsticks are so interesting, as they are nourishing without feeling wet or heavy on the lips, opaque in pretty much one swipe, and have a medium shimmer to them that I find absolutely darling.  The texture is lightweight and glides on so smoothly that you will be shocked that it has good staying power.  But it does!  It passes my coffee test, and while it doesn't last all day, it serves me well for my short teaching days.


There are 14 colours to choose from, ranging from light corals and pretty pinks to deep cocoas and beautiful nudes.  One of my go to shades right now is Tea Rose, a gorgeous dusty pink with warm bronze undertones and a frosty pearlescent finish.  It adds the perfect pop of colour to my lips, and a lovely glow that is youthful and fun without being distracting.  I don't love over the top makeup generally, but PHB adds a dash of personality without crossing the line over to *extra* making it a great everyday lipstick AND ideal for a night out!

And when paired with one of the lip pencils, the lipstick is elevated even further.  Lining with one of the three shades adds definition, depth, and additional saturation, making for a perfect look.  Plus, I find adding in this extra step makes the lipstick last longer too!

Ingredients: *Ricinus Communis (Organic Castorbean Oil), *Rosa Canina (Organic Rosehip Oil), *Simmondsia Chinensis (Organic Jojoba Oil), *Butyrospermum Parkii (Organic Shea Butter), *Limnanthes Alba (Organic Meadow Foam), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla Wax), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba Wax), Mica, Iron Oxides, Tocopherol, *Citrus Tangerina (Organic Tangerine Oil). *Organic Ingredients. Occurs naturally: Limonene, Linalool.

Complexion:

Like I said, I don't usually opt for anything like foundation.  I find it far too heavy and hate the feel of it on my skin, plus most foundations I've tried (both liquid and powder) have led to breakouts for me personally.  So when I was offered the chance to try out PHB's new Tinted Moisturiser, I was cautious but super curious.

But guess what...

THIS DOES NOT BREAK ME OUT.


I was shocked.  The Tinted Moisturiser is so lightweight despite the pure minerals within the cream (while still feeling like it is providing my face with much needed nourishment), and it glides across the skin so nicely.  It's silky, with an even application that isn't patchy at all, and it feels lovely.  It's even lighter than the Gentle Moisturizer (which if you haven't tried, is fab!), and smells so nice that I find myself enjoying this even more as part of my skincare/makeup routine!  PHB's Tinted Moisturiser has a juicy aroma to it, with soft neroli and ylang ylang bringing uplifting notes that just seep positivity.  It's just what I want in the morning!

I've been using the lightest shade, Porcelain, and it is proving a great match for my skin tone.  It starts off a little peachy and pale (like the ghost I am), but it blends in well so ends up looking really natural -- a total "no makeup makeup" look.  I find myself reaching for this more and more, even on days where I don't need to cover redness or the odd spot, as it brings renewed freshness to my skin and helps even everything out thanks to the nutrient rich botanicals.

There are six shades available, and as this is a light coverage product it is definitely worth checking out if you are someone who isn't super keen on normal "complexion" cosmetics as it is super natural and like second skin.  Definitely a welcome surprise, and something I will be using from now on!

Ingredients: Aqua & *Citrus aurantium (Neroli Floral Water), *Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, *Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Ricinus communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, *Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, *Argania spinosa (Argan) Seed Oil, Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, *Vitis vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, *Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, *Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract (Acai) , *Lactobacillus/Ace- rola Cherry Ferment (Acerola), *Spirulina platensis (Algae), *Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea), *Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract (Lycii Berry), *Mangifera Indica (Mango), *Punica granatum Seed Oil (Pomegranate), *Rosa canina Fruit Oil (Rosehip), *Rubus idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Pullulan, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), *Glycerin, *Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract (Vanilla), *Litsea Cubeba (May Chang), *Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, +/- CI 77019 (Mica), CI 77891(Titanium Dioxide), CI 77492 (Yellow Iron Oxide), CI 77491 (Red Iron Oxide), CI 77499 (Black Iron Oxide). *Certified Organic Ingredients. No nano particles or bulking agents.

Wearing Mesmerise Mascara, Almond + Rose Quartz Pressed Eye Shadow, Black Pencil Eye Liner, Tiger Lily Lip Liner, Tea Rose Lipstick, Porcelain Tinted Moisturiser

And that's pretty much it for my everyday makeup!  It's a simple, natural style, one that I find suits all occasions and that I feel really comfortable wearing.  I don't find it heavy on my face, and I like how it accentuates my features without covering anything up or "remaking" my looks.  And I adore how all the ingredients do more than just paint -- they provide a mini moisture boost that helps keep my skin nourished and healthy, working in tandem with my skincare routine!

I'll definitely be sharing more about PHB over on Instagram and Twitter over the coming weeks, as I feel each of their new products deserves its own spotlight.  Do let me know what you would like to hear more about and if there are any particular reviews or swatches you would like to see -- I'm happy to help!

Until then, I would *love* to hear your thoughts on PHB.  Is this a brand you have tried yourself before?  Have you experimented with their makeup much??  Let me know in the comments!

As for me, I most definitely rate PHB as some of the best natural makeup on the market in terms of affordability, quality, and variety.  I'm always reaching for their products, and have continued to repurchase over the years -- and now I have even more goodies to play with thanks to their updates!


What are you most wanting to try from the new PHB Ethical Beauty range?  Any suggestions on what I should pick up next?? Let me know!

You can buy all of these beauties direct from PHB, and remember you can grab a discount for World Vegan Month if you're quick using code VMLIP (for BOGOF lipsticks) or a solid 15% off bundles (no code needed!).  Or, sign up to their newsletter for all the flash deals and offers -- they've always got a great one on the go!

Or, if you have a bunch of green goodies on your list to pick up and need to do a bulk shop, you can always shop at the fabulous Love Lula.  There are always Gift with Purchase offers going on, so I'm sure you can pick up some awesome extras without much effort!

Either way, PHB is definitely a brand to pick up! xx