MUNICH: The newly opened Aesop store looks like my next bathroom. Actually I will copycat some ideas of this extremely well done architectural piece which has been designed by the architectural firm einzu33 and fits perfectly into the 1970 refurbished building of the Luitpoldblock in the centre of Munich. The place invites you into an extremely calming atmosphere to rethink your skincare routine and Doreen Ooi, Aesop’s Retail Training & Performance Coordinator from the headquarters in Melbourne, has some suggestions for me to really get vibrant, glowing skin this autumn.
Her advice is a combination of two products, the Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste and the Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque.
IRMA: When I use the Purifying Paste and the Parsley Seed Masque together, in which order would you suggest to do so?
DOREEN OOI: Use a pea-sized amount of the Purifying Exfoliant Paste first and massage it into the skin. Rinse the Purifying Exfoliant off with warm water and dry the skin gently. Follow with the Parsley Seed Masque, covering the face and neck with a thin layer of the product. Attend to relaxing tasks for 15-20 minutes or until the masque is dry. Once the masque has dried, gently rinse off with warm water and follow accordingly with a toner to complete the cleansing process and remove any excess dirt from the face and your preferred hydrating product.
IRMA: Why is parsley seed so good for you?
DOREEN OOI: Parsley seed contains a very high level of anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants help protect the skin against free radicals, the unstable stable ions (found in UVA + UVB rays, pollution) which damage healthy skin skills and cause the skin to ‘age’. At Aesop we have developed a complete range of parsley seed face care products to suit different skin types and provide a protective skin routine for people who live in polluted and congested environments.
IRMA: What benefits do I get from fine quartz?
DOREEN OOI: Fine quartz is an efficient and gentle way to exfoliate the skin. The quartz is found in the riverbed and because of the stones are constantly moving in the flowing water, the water removes all the sharp edges from the stone, making it an effective and nonetheless gentle exfoliant for the skin. To assist the mechanical exfoliant action of the fine quartz, the Purifying Exfoliant Paste also contains lactic acid, which is a chemical exfoliant derived from sugar, to ensure a thorough but gentle exfoliating process.
IRMA: And why are these two products such a perfect match?
DOREEN OOI: The PS AO Masque and Purifying Exfoliant Paste match very well firstly from consistency – they are both clay based and blend very nicely. Secondly, the products mixed together is a perfect way to gently deepen the cleanse on both a superficial level from the exfoliating process from the Purifying Exfoliant Paste and also on a deeper level, which comes from the effect of the clay absorbing all the impurities underneath the skin. Finally, the blend of the lavender from the Purifying Exfoliant Paste and rose-hip oil in the PS AO Masque has hydrating properties, supporting the skin with hydrating during the deep cleansing process.
IRMA: Can you add another product into this mix to create an even richer masque?
DOREEN OOI: If one is looking for a deeper cleanse, we recommend to use the Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque as an alternative. The Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque is a product ideal for normal, combination and oily skin types. It contains Geranium Oil which has anti-bacterial properties and ensures the skin will be effectively cleansed. For a richer dose of hydration, we suggest to follow the deep cleansing process with either an Aesop treatment (Damascene Rose Facial Treatment) or the new Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque. For the ultimate hydrating experience, we recommend that one blends two drops of the Damascene Rose Facial Treatment with three pumps of the Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque. Massage the potent mixture into the skin and leave it in to absorb overnight for optimal effect.