This week, a parade of editors, stylists, and models will pull out the sartorial stops in Stockholm, where Fashion Week
is currently underway. But before turning a blind eye to anything but
the clothes, take a moment to consider that the Scandinavian city is
already well-established on the proverbial beauty map.
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Following in the footsteps of recent industry success stories like Byredo, with its glossy black-capped scents, and minimalist haircare line Sachajuan,
a school of lesser-known labels are also helping to establish Sweden as
a purveyor of pure, high quality ingredients and crisp, cool packaging
design. Just look to Verso, whose retinol-based Super Facial Serum
is already beloved by in-the-know Americans, or Estelle & Thild, an
organic skin-care line currently sold on Net-a-Porter. From a
stimulating seaweed bath treatment to a salt scrub containing flowers
plucked from a garden in northern Sweden, here is a look at six Swedish
beauty lines to buy now.
L:A Bruket
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Born
in the rugged seaside town of Varberg, where the wind whips and the
waves lash, L:A Bruket’s line of all-natural spa and body products are
formulated to counteract even the harshest of elements. Take the
jumbo-sized lip balm made of beeswax, almond, and coconut oils, or the
wild rose hand cream that’s as moisturizing as it is intoxicating. Also
not to be missed is the dried seaweed bath treatment. Fished by hand off
the western coast of Sweden, it stimulates blood circulation, relieves
overworked muscles, and alleviates sunburnt skin.
Verso
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Swedes
like Elin Kling flock to Verso, a Stockholm-based skin-care label known
for its use of the potent Retinol 8 complex. While the healing and
strengthening Super Facial Serum is a fan favorite, the new Lip Serum,
which softens and simultaneously plumps, will surely soon fill the bags
of the fashion set the world around.
Björk & Berries
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What began as a small project deep in the forests of northern Sweden has become one of the country’s most beloved beauty offerings. With a commitment to sustainability, Björk & Berries uses handpicked, natural ingredients for its skin care, body, bath, hair, hand, and perfume ranges. Local picks include the Botanical Firming Cream (also known as “botanical botox”) and the From the Garden Bath Salt, which, true to its name, contains detoxifying birch leaves and soothing lavender and chamomile flowers plucked straight from the label’s plot.
Estelle & Thild
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When
Pernilla Rönnberg discovered the shockingly high number of chemicals in
her face products, she sought to create a skin-care range free from
pesticides and toxic residue, and thus, Estelle & Thild (named after
her two young daughters) was born. Lasy May, the 10-year-old,
Ecocert-approved organic label expanded its range to include makeup,
such as a sheer foundation packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E,
and a weightless Sun Powder that will deliver a healthy, believable glow
year-round.
Maria Akerberg
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With
more than 400 products (and 1400 variations)—all made from organic
vegetable oils—Maria Akerberg’s line is like the Holy Grail of skin care
for Swedes. While a collection that extensive (there’s everything from
strengthening eyebrow oil and deodorant salt to a softening scalp spray)
makes it hard to pick favorites, there is something special for
everyone.
Emma S.
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Before
the days of retouching, good genes weren't the only criteria for a
model—good skin was too. "I was sent home from shoots because of a
pimple," remembers '90s Swedish super Emma Wiklund, who posed alongside
the likes of Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista. Which is why, in
2009, she decided to put her breakouts behind her once and for all and
launch her own skin-care series, Emma S. Today, her 30-plus products
range from a reparative overnight mask to a fragrance inspired by the
streets of Paris.
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