July 30, 2007
Fabulous Finds: "Soleful" PurposeOrganic Skincare Goes Designer
by Teresa Thyne
It was only a matter of time before a well known designer would create a premium natural cosmetics brand. Who better to lead the charge than fashion designer Stella McCartney? I have been a big fan of Stella’s hip clothes (all free of fur or leather) ever since her days at Chloe. So, I was excited to try CARE, Stella’s new line of organic skincare, that’s as high end as her clothes.
I have to admit, I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to skincare. Sure, I use Maybelline mascara and Cetaphil cleanser, but I often splurge on the expensive moisturizers that have been harvested from the depths of the ocean and come with a triple digit price tag. I first spotted CARE in Barney’s and was immediately drawn to its ultra modern all white packaging. I was sold when I learned Stella is the brainchild of the line.
I would have been a bit skeptical if Donatella Versace suddenly decided to branch out and create a natural skincare line to go with her artificial tan. But
Stella practices what she preaches. She has been a major environmental activist, strict vegetarian and she created the CARE line of organic skincare because she wanted to avoid chemical-packed products during her own pregnancy.
CARE by Stella McCartney is formulated with 100 percent organic active ingredients, without silicone or any synthetic preservatives. This stuff is as natural as it gets and is officially eco-certified as organic and ecological. It is even packaged in airless white containers, so there are absolutely no chemical preservatives.
The gentle Cleansing Milk with organic lemon balm and apricot, packed with vitamins, was ideal for my sensitive skin and it smelled yummy. Even the 
fragrance in all of the products is made from 100% organic essential oils. One of my favorites is the Nourishing Elixir. It contains a complex of nutrients for the skin, like soybean, phytoserols and even omega 3 and essential fatty acids in a light musk rose scent.
The line is unisex and the simple aesthetics and organic ingredients are certain to appeal to eco- and designer-savvy women and men everywhere. I’m convinced that in the not too distant future, someone will stop me on the street and ask what I’m “wearing” and it won’t be about my clothes. It will be because my skin looks so great and I’ll be able to answer, “Stella McCartney CARE, of course!”
