By Helene Ravlich
If you know me well then you know I love a great multitasking product, and a firm believer in less is more when it comes to a skincare regime. I’m a huge fan of the work of MV Skintherapy too, an Australian brand created 21 years ago by celebrity facialist Sharon McGlinchey. Her extensive research lead her to the realisation that the only way to achieve the results she believed were possible for skin was to turn her back on the mainstream and challenge the status quo. Creating her own unique manufacturing process and insisting on fewer ingredients in higher concentration to guarantee efficacy gained her the respect of aestheticians, naturopaths and nutritionists and attracted the attention of some of the world’s top make-up artists. Now her award-winning products are available all around the world, and her signature facials at The Tonic Room are one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon.
Much more than just skincare products, MV Skintherapy is a powerfully healing range of therapeutic and concentrated plant-based skin remedies that build on the heritage and expertise of the MV brand. “Long before ‘wellbeing’ became a beauty buzzword, I was championing a gentle, more holistic approach to skincare, and promoting to my clients and to the beauty industry – often in the face of cynicism– my belief that skincare equals self-care,” says Sharon. “After 21 years of rebelling against the damaging, profit-driven ‘more is more’ approach of the mainstream beauty industry, the values I hold dear – purity, integrity, efficacy and simplicity – remain unchanged. It’s about continuing to shift the narrative around beauty and skincare, and showing the world at a glance the purpose of MV – which is to nurture, heal and empower people, and help them love and respect the skin they’re in.” Like the sound of that? I love it, and that attitude coupled with some killer products is why I’m so passionate about the brand.
Which brings me to Sharon’s latest creation, MV Skintherapy multiBALM, a sunshine-y hued little pot of wonder that proved indispensable on my recent trip to Central Otago. When the snow fell and the humidity dropped my skin definitely felt it, and that included my lips and cuticles too. This is where the multi-use salve and ‘one pot wonder’ came in thanks to the fact that it’s a true ‘go everywhere’ treatment that delivers targeted intensive repair for skin in crisis.
Lovingly hand crafted in small batches, and brimming with anti-inflammatory omegas, antioxidants, and healing phytonutrients, the golden, buttery balm is enriched with powerful plant compounds to soothe, soften, and nourish any areas in need of therapeutic care, making it an essential in every bathroom cabinet. Its key ingredients are:
Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil: a rich source of vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 to promote hydration, elasticity, cell regeneration, wound healing and collagen synthesis. With a vibrant golden pigment, these powerful anti-inflammatory compounds benefit a host of skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.
Calendula Oil: a magically soothing plant extract with antimicrobial, anti- inflammatory and wound healing properties – providing valuable relief for eczema, acne, rashes, insect bites, sunburn and nursing mums with cracked nipples.
Camellia Oil: a natural humectant that replenishes devitalised skin, promotes elasticity, and has powerful regenerative capabilities for damaged skin– especially from UV and environmental exposure.
Vitamin E: the famed, super powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger that can nourish, protect and increase cellular restoration from sun damage and other environmental aggressors.
To use, smooth generous amounts of the golden balm onto any area of skin requiring tender-loving-care – be it due to a mosquito bite, windburn, sunburn, a wound or more. I personally cannot stop lathering this beauty on, especially as we head further into winter and skin needs plenty of extra love after battling changes in temperature, wind, artificial heat and more. Beautifully formulated, gorgeous to use and as gentle on the planet as it gets – this wonder comes highly recommended.
To find out more, head to the brand’s very informative and fun website here.