I get asked: What's a good skin care product? a lot. It's a kind of insane question, as everyone's skin is different and has different needs, but I have found myself, for the sake of simplicity, advising Aesop B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel lately, which smells and feels a little, uh, strange, but which my skin is very very much enjoying. (Of course, you need sunscreen on top or in your tinted moisturiser afterwards.)
Aesop, a Melbourne based brand, has been around for over 20 years, and I've always loved their body products, (Qualia in Hamilton Island and The Prince Hotel in Melbourne both feature their hair/face/body products. Yes, they were pinched.) But it wasn't til recently I gave their face stuff a nudge. My sister, who lives in the UK, still only uses Aesop after being there four years (it is a hugely successful brand overseas) and she's got, like, all of London's best organic/biodynamic skin care on offer.
I should warn you that if you love creams, thick, luxurious creams, this probably is not going to be sitting on your sink anytime soon.
Why i feel comfortable recommending this product:
As well as being great for 'normal' skin, it's excellent for oily, combination or sensitive skin. Pretty much anyone can use it without fear of irritation or congestion. Being oil free it's a great tool against breakouts and is excellent at keeping the skin matte/shine at bay. It's particularly awesome if you live in Thailand or the Daintree, where the humidity makes you want to throw large items at people's heads.
Being a gel, and being so lightweight (it sinks into your skin freakishly fast) it's great for boys, because in my experience, boys tend to prefer products that don't feel like they're wearing any, are not greasy or girly smelling at all and thus they can continue to maintain the illusion of being a Real Man who eats his steaks raw and chops wood with his bare fists.
It's got one part Vitamin B to three parts vitamin C (hence the name) which means you're getting
your required antioxidant hit, vitamins and plenty of moisturisation, too. Phew!
It
kind of sounds like you're rapping if you say the name quick. And who
doesn't like to feel like a gangsta when they discuss skin care? (Hint:
No one.)
Aesop products are the only ones I've been able to use without my face being covered in red spots. Fantastic stuff. The Fabulous Face Wash is divine!
Posted by: Danielle | May 27, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Yeah I agree with Jo, natural is the only way to go, as long as it actually does the job. I also like Jurlique, Lily loves Pearl and Wileda. They are the only ones without artificial fragrance and they give the best results.
Posted by: Marlene J lennox | May 12, 2008 at 01:01 PM
I like Aesop, but have had a few probs with eczema on the face and some of the essential oils are a bit strong for me...
Try Lily Loves Pearl - organic, beautiful smelling and simple. Their rosehip oil is gorgeous.
Posted by: Chrissie | May 11, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Hello, I linked to you, am a big fan. Link back if you would like...
Posted by: BeautyPopStar | April 06, 2008 at 07:56 PM
I use thier fabuloous face wash and thier oil-free gel moisture-thing and I have to say, they are am-a-zing. Not only do they smell divine, but my skin looks and feels like the skin of a peach. A nice, fresh, blemish-free peach that is!
Posted by: Bea | April 03, 2008 at 04:15 PM
speaking of wonderful skincare, i have recently swapped to the brand new Napoleon Auto Pilot 1-2-3 range from Payot. While Napoleon's make up may be fantastic, I am not so keen on his skin care. I have been using it for about a month now, and I do not feel like my skin is getting the moisture that it needs. If your interest is in a flawless base before you apply your make up, use this product, as it definitly delivers that. But if you have a deeper, vested interest in the long term health of your skin I would not recommend this programme. Long live Payot!
Posted by: Jo | April 03, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Aesop, Weleda, Jurlique and Dr Haushcka are the only skin care I use, I prefer my skin to be filled with organics not chemicals.
Posted by: Bee | April 03, 2008 at 11:04 AM
110 dollars is a lot of money! It would want to be pretty good for that. I could buy ten dove creams for that!
Posted by: Cassy | April 02, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Their chamomile mask is pretty great, too, and their store design is always stunning. I am a touch peeved, though, that they don't offer any sunscreen products. They could offer a titanium-based sunscreen and still be all organic. It's just *so* necessary.
Anyway, gripe aside, Aesop is the business.
Posted by: rach | April 02, 2008 at 12:07 PM
I used to be an Aesop devotee and you're correct in saying that its a really good product. However, I tried the Cosmedix range and it's the best skincare range I have ever used for my problematic skin.
The products are Chirally Correct and available at all good beauty therapists. (No, I'm not their sales rep, it's just improved my skin so much that I no longer need to use make-up on a daily basis)
Posted by: Terrene | April 02, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Ohmygod! I JUST bought this on weekend! They have the most beautiful store on Oxford st. Fruity we are clearly on same wavelength!
It's 110 dollars from memory and I agree that the texture is different to my usual clinique, but i love how it sinks right in and i can apply makeup straight on top.
Jx
Posted by: Jane | April 02, 2008 at 11:12 AM