AESOP

‘As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.’ Carl Jung 

'You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.' Mae West

Some how I feel safe in the hands of those quoting from the likes of Mae West and Carl Jung, the poetic philosophical approach to beauty definitely agrees with my constitution.

 

Skin Aesop, Lip Mac Odyssey, Scarf Ted Baker, Coat Urban Outfitters

Australian founded line "AESOP" named after an ancient Greek story teller mostly famous for his moralistic fables, is a botanical based skin care line that for me ticks all the boxes....beautifully packaged, completely free of any nastiest including perfumes and silicone each product is an absolute smell-sensation....

It was the perfect Sunday, the sun was shinning, the air smelt of bonfire-welling up sentimental thoughts of mittens and sparklers and lets be honest I was a happy girl as now my November RayBand purchase was completely justified in my mind....but just as I thought my day couldn't get any better as the sun was setting on Notting Hill, I had just finished a 3 month intense shoot and I had spent a constructive afternoon gossiping with my sister over cappuccinos at electric house, I stumbled into Aesop possibly the cutest shop on Westbourne Grove filled to the brim with old world apothecary charm.....the rows of brown glass bottles are enough to satisfy any hipster's bathroom cabinet...or mantelpiece as I personally can't get enough of their packaging!

The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable-we discussed what would be the best products for my skin, which is combination and can clog easily....after what seem like hours of deliberating I opted for:

Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream, (60ml £23.00)a daily moisturizing cream for normal to oily and combination skin types, I am very happy with this product- it is matt and fresh, the Mandarin Orange feels like sunshine in a jar...the hazel base to this product combined with the citrus gives the cream an antibacterial quality that feels non greasy and is easily absorbed...

With the harsh winter chill in the air and central heating blasting I decided my skin needed a double whammy and as advised I doubled up my hydration by firstly applying  Oil Free Facial Hydrating Serum (100ml £33.00) which for very oily skin is perfect for wearing alone as the the clear aloe vera based hydrating gel is completely oil free and clean feeling....this product for me is a winner not only because of the to-die-for smell of ylang ylang, which takes me right back to a trip I took to Thailand visiting every spa possible, but the non sticky serum package full of anti-oxidants left my skin plump with hydration.

The Aesop Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque (120ml£25.00)

"This clarifying masque should be used weekly, or more often on oily skins, and is an excellent refresher for clogged or abused skin. The superb base of French Clay and concentrated Vitamin E is enhanced with softening and anti- oxidant plant actives and is wonderfully balancing on patchy skin. Follow with three drops of Damascan Rose Facial Treatment." Aesop.

Probably my favorite product, it was my first product in this line and it was given to me by a fellow actress who said it was an absolute life saver, as you can imagine an actresses skin is constantly subjected to hot lights, make-up, long hours and on Bedlam seriously dusty grimy sets!...this masque has been my loyal companion over the last 3 months and  have used it up to 3 times a week to absorb away the days grime...

The lovely lady in the Aesop shop gave me a bunch of samples to try and I will definitely be going back for more.. the B triple C Balancing Gel a little pricey at £58.00..but this powerful gel is a potent cocktail of vitamins C and B and anit-oxidants that hydrates and balances skin tone and calms inflammation. Their Parsley seed anti-oxidant eye serum infused with lavender stem and blue chamomile is de-puffing and be-bagging like a dream....

I can hear the words of our Ancient Greek story teller Aesop echoing in my ears...

"Once upon a time there was a girl, in search of perfect skin, she searched high and low through valley and fold until one day, like a sailor staring at the cloudy night sky, a star broke through and showed her the way...."

...Aesop shine on and lead the way....