the 2017 ELLE GREEN AWARDS

We tested hundreds of new eco-minded products to select the top performers. Meet the winners that prove going green doesn’t mean sacrificing results

the cult ANTI-AGER TLC Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, $132, Drunk Elephant, mecca.com.au

By the time this US brand landed on our shores last October, there was so much buzz it sold out within its first week on shelves. But it’s no surprise – it marries highly effective ingredients with, well, that’s it. Drunk Elephant’s ingredient blacklist is long and includes parabens, sulphates, phthalates and fragrance among others. So you better believe the actives in this nightly exfoliating treatment (glycolic, lactic and citric acid) not only pack a punch, but also serve a very specific purpose – there’s no filler in sight. Apply nightly to smooth fine lines, refine texture, balance oil and fade pigmentation.

the GLOW-GETTER Amazonian Acai Energising Radiance Mask, $39.95, The Body Shop, thebodyshop.com.au

Talk about paying it forward. Not only does this exfoliating mask polish a lacklustre complexion into super-smooth radiance (sans parabens, silicone, mineral oil and paraffin), but each jar contains babassu oil sourced from a co-op in Brazil, which The Body Shop acquires at a specific price to ensure the women can afford to send their children to secondary school. How amazing is that?

the natural FACELIFT Cryō Facelift Ice Cube Treatment, $180 for eight, Vanessa Megan, vanessamegan.com

The clever formula combines all the benefits of the totally sci-fi cryotherapy (skinplumping and lifting) with an on-the-couch DIY facial. Expect calm, soothed and less-red skin plus that elusive radiant glow. It also happens to just feel really very nice, which is a trait not to be underestimated in this day and age, because if you feel good, you look even better.

the luxe BODY treat Sacred Nature Bio-certified Oil, $44, Comfort Zone, (02) 9430 2200

For a lavish way to treat your largest organ, this heavenly scented body oil, made with only natural and certified organic oils, is the perfect antidote to a long, hot (read: drying, damaging) summer. The combo of jojoba and buriti oils nourishes skin (and combats stretch marks) while the brand is committed to using only renewable energy to power production.

the OILY-SKIN saviour Aknedoron Cleansing Lotion, $25.95, Weleda, 1300 551 454

Finally, an effective, all-natural acne product is no longer an oxymoron. This olive oil-based cleanser contains organic chamomile and biodynamic calendula to soothe red, inflamed skin, while a yummy blend of orange, grapefruit and lavender essential oils fends off bacteria. And because it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, you won’t have to trade spots for equally frustrating flakes.

the lovely LIPPIE Lipstick in (clockwise from top) Lily Lake, Brimming Berry and Sunset Cruise, $19.95 each, Burt’s Bees, burtsbees.com.au

We suggest you think long and hard about which of these pretty shades you want to try, because if you think it’s just going to rub off regardless, think again. Despite being 100 per cent natural, these hydrating lipsticks give legit pigment payoff (we’re talking the kind usually reserved for formulas three times as expensive), while also moisturising with moringa oil, raspberry seed oil and vitamin E. And since the packaging is recyclable and made from post-consumer recycled material, there’s no need to feel bad about having one in every bag if you just can’t make up your mind.

the essential for BUBS (and you) Baby Gentle Body Wash, $9.95, Sukin, 1300 858 898

This body wash is incredibly boring – which is why it’s great. No fancy fragrance, no harsh detergents, no sulphates or parabens; it’s completely void of anything that could disagree with even the most sensitive skin types (and sweet, tiny humans only a few days old). It’s still packed with good stuff – aloe vera, avocado and chamomile – but made 100 per cent carbon-neutral, so really, it couldn’t be more perfectly low-key if it tried.

the ON-THE-GO hero_ Purity Made Simple One-step Facial Cleansing Cloths, $18, Philosophy, 1800 812 663

These ultra-soft cloths won’t leave you stinging (literally) for a proper face wash after you use them – they’re free from alcohol, synthetic fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals and many of the other irritants that make face wipes too harsh for daily use. And since they’re an extension of Philosophy’s beloved Purity Made Simple cleansing line, they’re gentle enough to use on the eyes, making them the easiest way to take the day off.

the POLISH to the power of two 6-Free Formula Nail Polish in (from left) Beloved and Sublime, $22 each, RMS, mecca.com.au

Makeup artist (and green-beauty pioneer) Rose-marie Swift already has a cult range of makeup that we worship. A couple of years back, she added polish to the collection, based on the bestselling shades of her creamy cosmetics. The polishes adhere to the brand ethos of being cruelty- and petrochemical-free, and are made without those pesky parabens, DBP, toluene, camphor, xylene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and any animal products – yet they’re positively packed with (all-pretty) pigment. Which means you can change shades every other day and not feel guilty about it.

the TRIPLE THREAT Natural Defence BB Cream SPF 30, $24.99, Swisse, swisse.com

Perfectly natural, glowy tint? Check. Powered-up sun protection without even a hint of ghostly white on the skin? Got it. Petrolatum- and paraben-free? You bet. Don’t let the simple packaging or the fact that it’s not a makeup brand fool you – this sun protection-packed BB cream is one of the best tinted moisturisers we’ve found. Use it all weekend for even, radiant skin that doesn’t feel like you’re wearing anything, or apply it instead of foundation for your nine-to-five.

the clever COMBO Tulasāra Facial Dry Brush, $54, Tulasāra Radiant Oleation Oil, $59, both Aveda, aveda.com.au

Inspired by the well-documented benefits of dry-body brushing (boosted circulation, detoxed system and smoother skin), this innovative brush-and-oil pair is a perfect example of how you sometimes need to look back to go forward. Put down the smart phone and take two minutes every morning, then reap the benefits of better skin. The first minute should be spent brushing the skin in circular motions. The second is for massaging in the beautiful blend, which is created for all skin types including acne-prone, and contains six plant oils to boost skin radiance. The brand also manufactures using 100 per cent certified wind power. Now exhale...

the better BRUSH Buffing Brush, $29.95, Nude By Nature, nudebynature.com.au

Not all brushes are created equal. By using high-quality synthetic fibres, this brush is not only cruelty-free and hypo-allergenic, but perfect for applying foundation and concealer for a pretty, natural finish.

the DEO that works Australian Wildflower Deodorant, $16, Rohr Remedy, rohrremedy.com

This Australian brand employs the benefits of ancient Indigenous remedies and native plants in its all-natural products. That means this compact roll-on isn’t just free of aluminium, parabens and petrochemicals, it’s also packed with soothing, antiseptic oils that nix your regular whiff and help to calm the skin. Unlike many natural deodorants that often rely on citrus scents, this one has a delightful earthy, herbal vibe that won’t clash with your perfume.

the FRIZZ-FIGHTER Lavender Smooth Balm, $40, Less Is More, lessismoreorganic.com.au

Anyone with unruly hair knows that smoothing products are a dime a dozen, but one that actually works is hard to come by – and one that works that’s also made from as many organic ingredients as possible is basically a unicorn. Created by a chemist and aromatherapist, this product uses lavender, rose geranium, apricot, coconut and other natural ingredients to protect against heat and UV, while softening dry, thick, frizzy hair and making it manageable without a silicone or synthetic polymer in sight.

the all-natural BUFFER Exfoliating Body Balm, $35.95, Trilogy, trilogyproducts.com

Packed with rosehip (an anti-inflammatory) and sweet almond oils (a beautiful hydrator), this body buffer gently exfoliates with finely ground rosehip seeds, making it totally biodegradable (and free of bad-rap microbeads). It rinses clean – no oily residue – so it’s the perfect pre-tan prep or post-beach scrub to smooth away SPF and salt water.