For some of us, toners can feel like another unnecessary step in an already jam-packed skincare routine. Not anymore! The Pixi Glow Tonic changed that; filled with science-savvy, essential ingredients that will truly make your skin glow, discover what has made this such an iconic product and why it's just been crowned winner of the Best Liquid Exfoliator in the Glamour Beauty Power List Awards 2021!
Where Pixi Began
Originating in Soho, London, the forward-thinking brand, PIXI launched its first ever flagship boutique in 1999. It was founded by Swedish Makeup Artist Petra Strand, whose motivation for the brand came from her displeasure with dull, single-function cosmetics; at just 26-years-old, her ethos was to “simply bring out the natural beauty in all women”.
Starting her career as a model, Petra was exposed to make-up from an early age. A self-confessed make-up junky who was “obsessed with what the makeup artists were doing on shoots”, her career took a turn, and her decision to study make-up artistry was the first step in establishing this innovative brand.
Passionate about skincare, Pixi quickly gained a cult following for its innovative formulations and pure, awakening & skin-loving products. A mother of four, her real-world experience as a busy, working woman helped Petra to form the very foundations of her brand.
Talking of Pixi, she described the range as “truly about multitasking, flaw-fixing, youth-enhancing products for women on-the-go with no time to spare”.
This ethos has continued to influence Pixi to this day, from their revolutionary Glow Tonic to their ultimate beauty kits and multi-purpose products. Today, Pixi stands alone as one of the only brands committed to creating “a flawless look in a few fuss-free minutes”.
My aim is to achieve flawless, lustrous makeup to bring out the best in you. Women need a treat, so makeup should be skin beneficial, as natural as possible & multipurpose. If you look better, you feel better – it’s as simple as that. - Petra Strand
Figureheads for the brand are still leading the way for this colour cosmetics brand; such as global ambassador and renowned make-up artist Amanda Bell, whose work has graced the covers of celebrated fashion magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, and trained anaesthetist and skincare and beauty expert Caroline Hirons.
Creation of the Glow Tonic
Exposed to beauty from an early age by her grandmother, Petra quickly took an interest in external transformations and the idea of how looking good can make you feel better.
Taking her inspiration for the Glow Tonic from her upbringing in Sweden, the product is a result of her interest in the folklore of fairies and her admiration of the lights, freshness and naturalness of the forest. It was first blended and filled by hand in the basement of their flagship store, with regular clients obsessed with its results.
When Caroline Hirons, a renowned skincare blogger and facialist, talked about the brand in 2012, it sold out instantaneously. Since then, it has been repacked and production has increased no end but the brand still struggle to keep up with demand to this day; people cannot get enough of the Glow!
What Makes Glow Tonic so Special?
Firstly, the name. Forming the very core of the brand, Petra’s ethos that “everyone looks better with a little glow” is one that is echoed in this product. Created to catch the eye, the simple yet effective name is synonymous with its effects – it does exactly what it says on the tin!
Secondly, the colour. Boasting a bright golden hue, the Pixi Glow Tonic is the perfect embodiment of itself. Epitomising the luxuriousness of the product, this vibrant colour provides a glimpse into what you can expect from your skin.
The gift that keeps on giving – Amanda Bell
Formulated with only three key ingredients, each one plays an integral part in the success of the product.
Firstly, Glycolic Acid - the marmite of the make-up world. Love it or hate it, it works on improving the overall texture of skin, resulting in a smoother base for makeup application.
Secondly, Aloe Vera. Helping to cushion the effects of Glycolic, this essential ingredient works to hydrate skin and rejuvenate complexions.
Lastly, Red Ginseng. Providing The Glow Tonic with its unique colour this essential ingredient is packed full of anti-oxidants, working to protect skin from environmental aggressors and free radicals.
All together these 3 ingredients have produced the magic formula; hoards of women have become obsessed with the results from their Glow Tonic.
What’s Next for Glow Tonic?
Boasting a celebrity cult following including Ellie Goulding and Jordan Dunn, the Pixi Glow Tonic is iconic. Beginning its life in the basement of a Covent Garden store, this cult product continues to sell out quicker than it can be produced.
However, for this product the best is yet to come. Continuing to win adoration from women worldwide, the Pixi Glow Tonic has been dubbed ‘a miracle in a bottle' and its magical powers are being incorporated into more new products.
What more proof could you need that this has truly become a skincare icon?
Rebecca is a skincare expert on the BeautyExpert.com team. She is guest posting about her favourite beauty brands on the Lookfantastic blog.
