I enjoy making things by hand: jam, crocheted clothing and accessories, bread, jewelry, crafts. And I appreciate and love to use things that are handmade by others. That’s why I even have a category on my blog called Artisan Spotlight. Over the years, I have discovered several artisans whose handmade skincare products I return to over and over again.
Now I’d like to introduce you to a handmade skincare brand that’s new to me: Holiskin. Holiskin, a brand name that comes from Holistic Natural Skincare, makes face, body care and aromatherapy products for women and men. The majority of the products are oils or toners. They are all handmade in New York. In addition, they are:
- cruelty-free
- preservatives-free
- free of synthetics.
Also, no Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl or Laureth Sulfate, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, Mineral Oil, Petroleum, or Alcohol.
Because they’re handmade with fresh ingredients and no preservatives, you’re using a fresh batch when you buy Holiskin. They have an expiration date on them so you know you’re using the good stuff.
The majority of the products are gender neutral and can be used by men or women. They come in pretty blue glass bottles. There are face products:
- toners made with rose, chamomile, neroli and/or apple cider
- cleansing facial oil
- eye serum
- facial oils for different skin types – normal/dry, oily-acne
- and an intensive oil to treat acne scars.
Body products include citrus passion body oil for women and men or CONFIDENCE oil for men. Also for men, there are shaving oils and beard conditioners.
I went sent three products to try:
- Organic Rose Facial Toner
- Renewal Face Oil Serum
- Citrus Passion Body Oil
and they arrived in a pretty silvery, silky cloth pouch.
Organic Rose Facial Toner
I’m a big fan of rose water, so I was thrilled to receive this one. I love that it’s made with organic ingredients. Rose water is good for all skin types. It controls sebum, has antibacterial properties than can help prevent acne, and it’s good for anti-aging as well. Plus it has the added benefit of being calming so it’s great for stress reduction. Yay!
I read on the website here that’s it is made from rose hydrosol rather than rose essential water or synthetically fragranced water. Hydrosol is the water that remains after essential oil is steam-distilled from the original plant. Rather than being super-strong, the scent is a mild rose scent. So if you’re not a big rose fan like I am, you could still use this toner because the scent is not overwhelming.
The toner is pure and very gentle. It comes in a 2 oz glass spray bottle for $15.
Ingredients: Rosa damascena (Rose) Distillate*. *ORGANIC
Renewal Face Oil Serum
I love, love, love the Renewal Face Oil Serum for Normal/Dry Skin. It comes in a 10 ml glass bottle and instead of having a traditional apothecary dropper, it has a rollerball applicator. The rollerball is such a great way to apply serum. My hands don’t get sticky and I can apply it just where I want it.
The Renewal Face Oil is jam-packed with wonderful natural/organic oils that have been shown to be effective at reviving dry skin: omega 3 6 & 9 oils, evening primrose oil, camellia oil, pumpkin seed oil, lavender oil, myrrh, and ylang ylang. Renewal Oil helps strengthen or repair skin’s lipid barrier and increase the proliferation of new skin cells. I can sure use that! Read more of the details here.
Renewal Face Oil has a fabulous herbal scent from the lavender, myrrh, patchouli and probably other oils that comprise it. I like the scent a lot, and it disappears within moments of application for those of you who aren’t herbal scent fans.
The 10 ml bottle is priced at $16.00.
Ingredients: Plukenetia volubilis (Sacha Inchi) seed oil*, Camellia sinensis seed oil*, Oenothera biennis (Evening Primrose) oil*, Camelina sativa seed oil, Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) seed oil, Tocopherol (Non-GMO Vitamin E), Cymbopogon martinii (Palmarosa) oil*, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) oil, Helichrysum italicum (Immortelle) oil*, Commiphora myrrha (Myrrh) oil*, Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli) oil*, Cananga odorata (Ylang Ylang) flower oil*.
*ORGANIC or WILDCRAFTED
Citrus Passion Body Oil
I find myself reaching for the Citrus Passion Body Oil all the time after I get out of the shower. I love the energizing citrus scent. This winter, oils have been the first step for hydrating my dry skin. This one sinks in easily and doesn’t feel greasy. It contains jojoba oil, ricebran oil, grape seed oil, apricot kernel oil that are rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids to nourish and moisturize. You can read more about the benefits of each of these oils here.
It comes in a 2 oz. spray bottle and is priced at $20.00.
Ingredients: Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil*, Oryza sativa (Rice bran) oil*, Vitis vinifera (Grape) seed oil, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) kernel oil*, Tocopherol (Non-GMO Vitamin E), Citrus bergamia (Bergamot) oil, Citrus aurantifolia (Lime) oil*, Litsea cubeba fruit oil*, Rosemary Officinalis Extract*. *ORGANIC
Holiskin products are sold on their website that also is a fount of information on the products and their natural and organic ingredients and their benefits. You can also buy them at their etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Holiskin. You can check them out on their Facebook fan page, Holiskin and follow them on twitter at @Holiskin. I encourage you to visit the site and get to know this high-quality, affordable, bespoke brand!
I love Holiskin! I haven’t tried the Holiskin Renewal Serum, but I’m liking the ingredients in it. Thanks for the info!
Amber recently posted…Best of the Blogosphere Link Up #10
I’m glad that you’ve tried Holiskin, too, Amber! I love the very herbal Renewal Serum & the rollerball applicator is just so smart! Which products have you used?
I’m always on the look-out for chemical and cruelty free skincaare products and these sounds divine! It’s really important that we don’t overload our skin with nasty chemicals, and I agree – having a date on it always is a plus!
Stephanie Hartley recently posted…Simple Make-Up Remover Set
I agree with you, Stephanie! These Beesseential skincare products are fabulous!
These products sound nice. And the prices are pretty reasonable too which only makes me more interested in trying this line.
Yes, they were a nice surprise, Laura. I like herbal scents so the Renewal Serum in the rollerball is so handy. The citrus body oil smells great as does the very mild rose water. I’m enjoying them all!
I love me a mild rose scent! Def checking out the toner!
Brooke @ Blushing Noir recently posted…Physicians Formula Eye Booster Instant Lash Extension Kit // Tutorial
It’s a nice one, Brooke!
I love body oils, especially ones with citrus fragrance! OMG why don’t more serums come in rollerball format, actually? That’s so convenient and prevents over-applying.
Renu recently posted…New face care routine and challenge with MEG 21 products
Really! I think the rollerball applicator for the serum is genius, too, Renu!
I’ve never tried nor heard of Holiskin. I like that it is handmade and organic. I need to check it out. I’m always on the lookout for good skincare products.
It was new to me, too, Kim. And it’s made in New York!
Thank you for such a lovely review, as always! These three products sound perfect for me! I love oils, as you know, and Rose Water makes me deliriously happy! This line sounds like a real winner!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Rodan+Fields REDEFINE Skincare Line | Review
Thank you, Helen 🙂 It is a wonderful natural and/or organic product line, and affordable too! Love it.
I’ve never heard of this brand before but so glad you reviewed them! I’m always looking for more products with fresh ingredients and the renewal serum sounds like a must have!
Priyanka recently posted…LuxePineapple Ciate Mystery Boxes of…
The rollerball applicator alone on the Renewal Serum is a must have, and I love the serum. Just used the citrus passion body oil this morning after my shower, and the scent is divine!
These products sound wonderful and I love shopping on Etsy so I’ll check them out asap! Thanks for introducing me to a new brand.
Leigh recently posted…Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Treatment + Cloth Review
You’re welcome, Leigh! I love them. Just got out of the shower and used the citrus passion oil, and the scent is amazing!
I love finding out about companies like this! Plus, I’m always on the look out for new skincare products to try. These sound fantastic AND I love Rose products!!
Christine recently posted…Lavandula Revive Foot Scrub
Check out their website, Christine! The herbal Renewal Serum with the rollerball applicator is da bomb!
Sign me up for one of each! These sound like great products. I love finding smaller companies as you can get such amazing products and better ingredients.
Bailey recently posted…Essie Top Coat Comparison
I agree, Bailey! I love small, artisanal, entrepreneurial businesses. These are worth checking out!
These products sound so luxurious, and I love that they are handmade without any nasty ingredients. The rose facial toner sounds heavenly!
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The rosewater is lovely, and I’m really impressed that it is a hydrosol, the best form of rosewater.
The face serum sounds great!
Phyrra recently posted…Luxe List
I like it a lot, but it has lavender oil in it so it may not be for you. 🙂
Never heard of this brand before so great to find out about it. I wonder if the citrus body oil would be good for keeping mosquitos at bay! Might be a good one to holiday. xxx
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Laura, that’s an interesting question but I have no idea. The scent of the Citrus Passion Body Oil is wonderful while it’s being applied, but it goes away once it’s on so it doesn’t interfere with other scents I might choose to wear.
I am a big fan of natural scents, so I would probably love these. The ingredient lists looks so natural and pure…that is rare! Also, I love that the body oil comes in a spray form.
Kristina Vieweg recently posted…YSL Volume Effect Mascara
It’s a terrific brand, and the scents are wonderful. It’s interesting that they specialize in oils and toners!
Allison, these sound really nice. I especially like that one of them is with a roller ball… that is definitely a different type of packaging from what I’m used to. Very interesting and I love that deep blue packaging.
Honeygirlk recently posted…My #1 Show Stopping Red Lipstick – Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope Black Tie
The rollerball applicator is genius, Honey. I don’t know why other serums don’t do it!!
This brand sounds so familiar to me. I really enjoy and like natural products because they are so much better. Thank you for sharing:)
Valerie Bustamante recently posted…March 2015 Birchbox Unboxed
You’re welcome, Valerie. Are you from the New York area? That’s where the brand is crafted, and I would imagine that they may have gotten their start at craft fairs or farmer’s markets, but that’s a guess. At any rate, they are wonderful handcrafted, natural and/or organic oils and toners and shaving products. Rather unique, IMHO 🙂
Thank you for reviewing this brand, I’m glad to know about it! I love the idea of a rollerball for the serum!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Ulta 21 Days of Beauty 2015!
I don’t know why all serums don’t have rollerballs after trying this!!
I love the idea of this brand but I’d worry about the fragrance. The oil serum would be my first choice since I’m serum addicted!!
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The fragrance of the rosewater is very, very mild. The Citrus Passion Body Oil is a wonderful orangey, energizing scent that goes away within seconds. The Renewal Serum does have a strong, but to me, pleasant herbal scent that also disappears upon contact. I like the scents a lot, and they do not last after application. However, the products are formulated with natural and organic plants and herbs and their extracts so I would say if you prefer fragrance-free, I’d pass on these. 🙂
That rose toner grabbed my attention! I love rose-based products and scents!
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…#FITANDFAB :: My Fitness Routine (Video)
It’s a wonderful product because it’s a hydrosol rather than scented water, but because of that, it is a mild rose scent. I love it!
I’ve never tried this brand before but I should look into them!
Natalye recently posted…Smashbox: On the Rocks Photo Op Eye Shadow Palette Review and Swatches
It’s definitely worth checking out!
I’ve not heard of this brand before, but I’m liking the sound of that citrus passion oil! yum!
Nidia recently posted…Navy and Pearls
It’s a nice brand, Nidia, and I like all 3 of the products I got. Very natural scents that don’t linger.
Holiskin is a new brand to me. Thanks for introducing me to it!
It was new to me too, but a great source for natural/organic oils and toners that smell great!
I haven’t tried anything from this brand but my skin loves rosewater!
Stephanie Louise (@StephLouiseATB) recently posted…The Best It Cosmetics Face Brushes from the ULTA Collections
Then, it might love this one, Stephanie. I love that it’s a hydrosol rather than scented water. 🙂
I love that these can be used on both men and women. Also- your pictures look fabulous.
Kendra recently posted…Drugstore and Designer Makeup Look
Thanks so much, Kendra! I’m trying to take better pix 😉 Definitely cool that the products are gender-neutral.
These products sound lovely. And I appreciate YOUR appreciation for handmade things and smaller brands!
Jamie recently posted…Throwback Thursday: A Bob and Blazer Made Me Look Like a Grownup, Right?
Thank you, Jamie!
It’s true, this winter was brutal so I reached to coconut oil to lock in moisture, the Citrus body Oil sounds great! I’m also digging the packaging and its made where I’m made from NY lol
Kara recently posted…ApHogee 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor
My skin is so dry from this darn winter, Kara, that I’m using the delightful citrus scented oil as a first step out of the shower and then putting body butter with shea on top of it! I can hardly wait till spring weather arrives. I’ve still got many feet of snow left on my lawn 🙁
I’ve never heard of them, but by your description the products looks interesting, will have to take a look of what else they have 😉
xoxo, Nyx
Holiskin specializes in oils and toners made with natural and organic ingredients 🙂
I’ve never heard of this brand before but I love anything organic or home made! I’d love to try the Organic Rose Facial Toner I suffer from breakouts quite often and I’ve heard good thins about rose water. I will definatley be getting this! Thanks for sharing!
Jackie | Beauty Bundle Blog.
The Rosewater Toner is wonderful It’s organic, and it’s made from rose hydrosol, the distillate from roses themselves. But the scent is mild, not strong like scented water can be.
I always look forward to your reviews, Allison! I’m always on a hunt for great skincare and I am very fascinated with this brand. I’ll definitely look into this brand when it’s time for me to make another skincare purchase. Thanks for sharing <3
Brigette Ramos recently posted…Rodan + Fields REDEFINE Regimen and Acute Care Skincare for Expression Lines Review, Photos & Swatches
Thank you so much, Brigette <3 Holiskin is a wonderful brand for natural/organic, cruelty-free oils and toners. Worth remembering for when you need those things!
I absolutely need to get my hands on some rose water, and this rose toner sounds like it’d do just the thing for my acne-prone skin. I’ve heard so many people fave on, and with a brand that’s cruelty and preservative-free…what’s not to love?? Thank you for introducing us to Holiskin!
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I love rosewater, and I love that this one is organic too plus it’s made from hydrosol, the distillate from rose plants themselves, rather than rose scent added to water. It’s very nice, Erica 🙂