You started UpCircle with your brother back in 2016, at just 22. How did the brand came about?

“We noticed how many coffee grounds were being thrown away by cafés every day and began wondering whether that ‘waste’ could actually have value. Coffee is packed with antioxidants and is fantastic for exfoliating skin, so we started experimenting with turning used coffee grounds into a natural face scrub. This quickly grew into something much bigger as we started collecting coffee grounds from cafés and creating our first product. Our goal was always to prove that sustainability and high performance skincare could go hand in hand. That mindset still drives everything we do today.”

Do you think the beauty industry is finally waking up to their responsibility to be sustainable?

“To a degree. When we started the idea of upcycled beauty ingredients was still very niche. At the time we were explaining the concept constantly, because most people had never heard of by-products being used in skincare. We’re proud to now be upcycling more than 60 by-product ingredients into our range. Now the conversation has shifted significantly. Consumers are far more conscious about waste, sourcing, and environmental impact. That means the beauty industry is starting to respond. But there is still a long way to go. True sustainability requires brands to rethink supply chains, packaging and production. It needs to go deeper than surface level claims.”

How do you source your repurposed ingredients? 

“We look at industries that generate natural by-products and ask whether they might have beneficial properties for skin or hair. For example, we work next door to florists, and noticed their bins filling with unsold roses – so we now upcycle rose petals into our bath salts. We work with countless suppliers in this way, identifying ingredients that would otherwise be discarded. We design for performance first – because sustainability that underperforms will not scale. For example, our Shampoo Crème is made with upcycled pink berry extract from the fragrance industry and delivers three times the washes of a standard liquid shampoo while using 50% less water.”

UpCircle achieved a £18m valuation during a successful crowdfunding campaign – how did that feel?

“It was an incredible experience for us. Seeing people believe in what we were building enough to invest was hugely emotional. We closed the round overfunded in less than 48 hours!”

You also received investment from Dragons’ Den’s Touker Suleyman and Tej Lalvani. Why do you think you succeeded where so many fail?

“We actually never accepted their investment! Yes, we shook hands on air, but after meeting with the Dragons following the show we decided not to proceed. Upcycling was not just a marketing message for us. It was the foundation of the business and something we genuinely believed in.”

With the business thriving, are there any luxuries you allow yourself which you couldn’t before?

“One of the biggest luxuries is simply having a brilliant team around us. In the early days my brother and I were doing everything ourselves, from packing orders to attending trade shows. Now we have an amazing team who bring expertise across different areas of the business. That allows us to focus more on the bigger picture.”

Affordability is also very much part of your brand’s ethos. Why is this so important to UpCircle?

“Sustainable choices should not be reserved for a small group of people. If we want sustainability to become the norm, it has to be accessible. That is why we work hard to keep our products competitively priced while maintaining high quality ingredients and responsible sourcing. We want customers to feel that choosing a more sustainable option is easy rather than a luxury.”

What are your top sellers?

“Our absolute top sellers include our Eye Cream, Face Moisturiser and Peptide Serum. The Peptide Serum is made with upcycled custard apple and blood orange water, and is clinically-proven to improve skin elasticity by 29% in just 14 days, which is HUGE! Customers often come for the sustainability story, but stay because the products genuinely work.”

And finally, what has been your most rewarding moment?

“It’s so hard to choose! Being commissioned to write a book filled with my DIY skincare recipes, being listed in Forbes 30 Under 30, winning £250,000 for my idea for UpCircle’s first ever TV advert – these are all things that I can’t actually believe happened! Seeing how the brand has grown from a small idea into a global business is something I feel very proud of.”

The post Interview: Anna Brightman: Co-Founder of Sustainable Skincare Brand UpCircle appeared first on Best of Living.

111SKIN

Exosome Face Lift Treatment, £655 www.harrods.com

This science-driven four-week treatment brings clinic-backed results to your beauty cabinet. Inspired by cutting-edge results from the 111 Harley Street Clinic, it combines a Shot Serum and Overnight Mask, delivering professional-grade rejuvenation that visibly lifts and tightens the skin. The result? A fast-acting solution that addresses sagging, tired and dull skin.

Dermalogica

Photo Nature Lifting Eye Cream, £115 www.dermalogica.co.uk

Research from Dermalogica states you’ll ‘see an immediate lift and reduced signs of ageing overtime.’ Quinoa Seed Extract helps to visibly reduce eyelid folds and refine skin’s texture, while a duo of powerful peptides visibly firms, boosts skin’s resilience, and defends against free radicals, with Cassava extract also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Elemis

Ultra Smart Pro Collagen Night Genius, £220 www.uk.elemis.com

This cutting-edge nighttime moisturiser provides 24-hour hydration and antioxidants to reveal a strengthened and youthful-looking complexion by morning. Clinically-proven, the formula works while you sleep to support the skin’s natural fight against oxidative stresses caused by daily environmental aggressors, that can dramatically age the appearance of the skin.

Shiseido

Bio-Performance Micro-Click Concentrate, £195 www.shiseido.co.uk

This targeted treatment is inspired by aesthetic procedures and crafted from materials used in the surgical field. Designed with 18 ‘micropoints’ that gently create microscopic perforations, it allows the niacinamide-based formula to be delivered by an orifice right next to each micropoint to penetrate more deeply into the upper layers of the epidermis.

U Beauty

The SMOOTH Dynamic Wrinkle Defense Serum, £143 www.cultbeauty.co.uk

A cutting-edge treatment that addresses wrinkles at every stage, Peptide Complex helps optimise the skin’s natural collagen matrix, visibly smoothing fine lines, while Copper Peptides accelerates repair and strengthens the barrier for a more lifted appearance. It can also detect early wrinkle formation by targeting the visible effects of free radicals before lines fully surface.

Disclaimer: No brand or manufacturer has paid for inclusion. Prices, product details and availability were correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.

The post Luxury Skincare Creams You’ll Want To Treat Yourself To appeared first on Best of Living.

Why do you think people often get their skincare routine wrong?

“There’s many different reasons for this, starting with a lack of proper knowledge. Mismatching products, too, can be detrimental, as well as using products that are not suited to your skin type or concerns, such as heavy creams on oily skin which are more suitable for dry. Many of us are guilty of overcomplicating routines: step after step after step may look appealing, but too many products can disrupt your skin’s barrier. There’s also inconsistent use to factor in, as jumping from product to product often backfires; and you shouldn’t ignore ingredients, either: strong actives like retinol and acids together can lead to irritation or damage.”

What are the most common skincare mistakes we do without realising?

“Over-exfoliation, as using scrubs too often damages the skin barrier. Skipping sunscreen is a huge no-no, as UV damage is a major cause of aging and hyperpigmentation. Not moisturising oily skin is also a mistake – people who have this skin type think they don’t need moisturisers, but dehydration can actually cause more oil production.”

What products could actually be damaging your skin?

“Harsh physical exfoliants, as these can cause microtears and skin irritation. Again, the overuse of strong actives such as retinoids, acids, and benzoyl peroxide, which can damage the skin barrier and lead to peeling or redness. High-foaming or alcohol-heavy cleansers can strip the skin’s natural oils, while fragrance-heavy products – especially for sensitive skin– can trigger irritation. And don’t forget about keeping products that have expired: while you may well think there’s nothing wrong with them, they can actually harbour bacteria or lose efficacy.”

Why should we cut a skincare product out?

“If there’s immediate signs of irritation: think redness, stinging, burning, peeling, or breakouts after introducing a product. A prolonged lack of improvement also indicates it’s time to stop: if it hasn’t helped after six to eight weeks it’s likely it won’t be working – unless it’s a slow-acting product like retinoids. If your skin type changes; for example due to weather, pregnancy or medications; then your products may no longer be suitable; and if there’s a bad smell or texture change it could indicate it’s expired or become contaminated.”

How can we ensure we’re using the best skincare products?

“Know your type: dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or acne-prone – this is the foundation when choosing. For oily skin look for non-comedogenic, gel-based, or mattifying products, whereas dry skin should be cream-based and hydrating. Skin on the sensitive side? Opt for fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient formulas. Just be sure to listen to your skin, as if something causes dryness, tightness, or breakouts it may not be right – even if it’s a popular brand.”

What else should do so we know we’re not using the wrong products?

“Consult a doctor: they’re trained to recommend medical grade skincare products to treat skin conditions such as acne, pigmentation, eczema or rosacea.”

The post How To Tell if You’re Using the Wrong Products for Your Skin appeared first on Best of Living.