When Nailberry founder, Sonia Hully, established our brand in 2012, she did so with a firm commitment to respecting nature and our environment. Though it wasn’t until 2013 that the EU extended a ban to include the sale of cosmetics that may have been tested on animals outside of the EU, Sonia made it clear that no Nailberry ingredient will ever be derived from animal by-products or result in the demise of an animal.
“I’m a big champion of healthy, sustainable and environmentally conscious living, so always look for brands who embody these values too – through philanthropy, as well as responsible, premium quality packaging and natural, cruelty-free, vegan-friendly products.” Sonia Hully, Founder
Here, we take a look at how Sonia - and the Nailberry team’s - vegan values extend from nailcare, affecting the other beauty and lifestyle choices we make.
Favourite skincare
We admire The Organic Pharmacy for many reasons – not the least that their range is good quality and on the more affordable side of luxury. Importantly, however, we love their contemporary homeopathic and organic philosophy, their respect for fair trade and our environment, and commitment to absolutely no animal testing. Though not all their products are vegan (a few items include beeswax, propolis, honey or milk powder), the majority are - which we can take our pick from.
We’re big fans of Neal’s Yard Remedies also. Not only have they always pioneered organic beauty and ethical sourcing, but also use sustainable packaging and are certified Cruelty-Free International. All their products are suitable for vegetarians and – like The Organic Pharmacy – most are vegan-friendly also.
Favourite bodycare
Though not entirely organic, we love how everything Aesop offer is both cruelty-free and vegan-friendly and are especially big fans of their body and hand creams.
We’re also delighted that The Body Shop have recently decided to no longer retail in China. As a brand, they have long campaigned against animal testing, though changes in their ownership meant the products were retailed in mainland China for a little while. Now they have confirmed they are entirely cruelty-free and no animal testing occurs at any point in the production of their ingredients and products, they’re certainly one of our prime bodycare choices.
Favourite makeup
Open our beauty bag and you’ll most likely find it filled with Chantecaille makeup. Not only do their products perform, but they are certified cruelty-free brand and most of their line are vegan-friendly - with their dedicated Vegan Beauty page making it nice and easy for us to browse and buy.
Favourite haircare
Nailberry recently decided to collaborate with a new premium haircare brand called Chāmpo. Not only have we been very impressed by their beautiful packaging, sustainable approach and natural, Ayurvedic-inspired formulas, but they are also entirely cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.
Sonia, in particular, is also a big fan of Rahua, who she came across when travels took her to California...
“Admittedly, their products are a little expensive, but I love both the results on my hair and their philosophy. They’re a very ethical brand – their products are 100% natural, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, plus they also carry out wonderful philanthropic projects to help preserve the Amazon rainforest (where their ingredients are harnessed), support indigenous tribes and sustain the rainforest's eco-system.”
Sonia on Rahua
Favourite restaurants
In the last few years, there’s been a huge improvement in the quality and choice of vegan food outlets in London – which has made our lunch and dinner dates far more appealing and enjoyable.
Our firm favourite is, however, Farmacy - a fantastic eatery close to our office. We love how everything on their menu is plant-based and free from dairy, refined sugars, additives and chemicals. In addition, they either grow their own ingredients on their own farm or source from local, sustainable and environmentally conscious suppliers. Most admirable!
