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Saturday 31 May 2014

The Aesop Facial

Happy weekend, everyone! A few couple weeks ago I shared with you my Mr. Taxman Haul , where I got a bit spendy with my tax return. But no regrets- I picked up some lovely items! Among the lot were two goodies from Aesop, which I've found pair wonderfully for a pampering, effective at-home facial that smells and feels incredible. Here are the products that go into the ritual!

 
After all of my makeup is thoroughly removed (thanks to the amazing Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil and REN Clear Calm 3 Clay Cleanser), I start with the exfoliating step of the facial.
 
Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste is a product that my skin should really hate. But it doesn't. And for that, I am grateful! My skin usually reacts poorly to manual exfoliants, and this product is quite scrubby indeed. It includes granules of quartz for some thorough abrasion, but also (brilliantly) offers lactic acid for some simultaneous chemical exfoliant action. These potent ingredients are set in a creamy base, which actually makes this a relatively gentle, soothing scrub to use. It never irritates and it leaves my complexion so ultra smooth!
 
The product comes in a sleek metal tube, like the majority of Aesop's cream-based products. I really love the minimalist aesthetic.


The tube includes a description of the product, as well as instructions and a full ingredient listing. All the information you could need! It suggests that this scrub is mild and purifying and should be used twice weekly on clean, wet skin. It stresses that you should use a gentle touch with this scrub and I would agree with that sentiment, especially if your skin is delicate or easily irritated.



Aside from the quartz and lactic acid, this scrub is also full of lovely essential oils, like evening primrose and lavender, which give it a beautiful herbal, fresh aroma and some hydrating and balancing properties.



As mentioned, the scrub comes in a thick creamy base, that squeezes effortlessly from the tube but is far from runny. It looks like a rich paste from a distance, but up close the quartz granules are easily visible.

Although the directions don't suggest this (yes, I'm a rebel), I like to leave the product on my skin for an extra minute or so after gently spreading it over my face. I feel like this gives the lactic acid some extra time to work its magic! There is no burning or irritation that comes along with doing this (it feels quite fresh and cooling on the skin), so it actually feels like a luxurious treat to do so.

Here's a shot of the Purifying Exfoliant Paste on my skin:


After letting it sit for a minute or so, I rinse the product off, rubbing in very light, gentle circular motions for a final bit of exfoliation. Now onto the deep cleanse!

Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Mask offers a serious, but soothing deep-clean and I find that it works especially well on freshly scrubbed skin. It has the clay base typical of deep cleansing masks, but also includes elements such as chamomile, tea tree, and evening primrose to soothe, calm, and rebalance skin whilst sopping up excess oils and impurities. It can also be used as an overnight spot treatment on pesky breakouts, but I like to use it as an all-over treat.

The product comes in a sturdy glass jar that also has the sleek, minimalist Aesop style and a clear description, directions, and ingredient listing.



The product itself is a creamy pink clay that feels smooth and fairly lightweight on the skin. Here's what it looks like in the jar, then on the back of my hand:



Upon applying to the face, this has an instant cooling, soothing effect. There is no sort of tingle or warming sensation; instead, it feels extremely comfortable and calming. The fragrance is also very earthy and herbal, which I find adds to the relaxing experience.

Here it is on my face. As you can see, it's a pale pinky grey colour. Almost looks as though I've selected a foundation that's not the best colour match and really spackled it on! :)



But like a  majority of clay masks, though, this does dry down to a hard, tight-feeling finish. You can see that it dries rather unevenly (check out that crazy demonstration above!) and that I can't quite get a full smile in because things have really tightened up. Despite this, the mask rinses away easily and cleanly and does not leave my face feeling dry or tight. Don't get me wrong, this leaves the complexion feeling incredibly cleansed and purified. Like all the bad stuff has been exorcised! But the beauty in this is that it also leaves my face feeling balanced, calm, and comfortable. Truly the best of both worlds and a pure treat for my oily, sensitive skin!

Overall, I am so happy with both of these Aesop products. Not only are the textures and fragrances a pleasure to work with, the formulas are incredibly effective and potent without any hint of irritation or aggravation. After using them both, my complexion feels incredibly fresh, balanced, and cared for. I will be making sure to institute this Aesop at-home facial as a weekly occurrence!

Have you tried any products from Aesop? What is your favourite at-home facial lineup?

Thanks for stopping by! :)

28 comments:

  1. I'm yet to try anything from Aesop, but I really want to! I love the minimalistic packaging as well. Both of these products sound divine. I like a scrub that comes with a creamy base, I feel like that offsets the granules - in a good way! That mask sounds really amazing for decongesting as well!

    Tasha // shiwashiful.

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    Replies
    1. They're both super fantastic- so worth trying out! And yes, the packaging is so appealing!

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  2. I haven't tried anything from this brand, but now I want to :) Did you find that you broke out at all after the clay mask? I find that always happens to me :(

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    Replies
    1. No major breakouts that I noticed, which is a huge plus!

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  3. it seems like a really nice product.
    xxxx
    http://loadsof-joy.blogspot.com

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  4. I believe Aesop is Aussie and cruelty free? Love face masks, so this is something I might have to check out!

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    Replies
    1. As far as I know, yes! Their face masks really are fab :)

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  5. Hey Jennifer, I think I've tried that mask in a sample sachet, but I don't like how it dries down to that tightening feeling! The only clay mask I've loved is the Omorovicza one, although suffice to say the price point isn't all that adorable. For an ultimate pampering session, I use Omorovicza cleansing balm, deep cleansing mask or copper peel, and then Aesop Parsley Anti-Oxidant Facial Treatment! My skin wakes up super smooth!

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    Replies
    1. Sounds like a wonderful facial! I've been craving the Omorovicza deep cleansing mask for ages :)

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  6. The anti blemish mask looks like something I'd live to try! Especially if it's cooling xx

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    Replies
    1. It really is! Cooling and refreshing :)

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  7. hi beautiful! I just wanted to stop by and tell you that my blog has a brand new design! I would love for you to stop by and get some feedback!! much love :)
    francesca
    FrankVinyl

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  8. Sounds really good ;-)
    Greetings Vanessa

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  9. These products look amazing.
    I have yet to try anything from this line
    ...although I am think about getting there hand soap it looks adorable.
    My go to would have to be the Avene Soothing Moisture Mask.
    Lovely post :)
    TarteTanya

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    Replies
    1. Ooh, will have to give the Avene a go during the wintertime when my skin needs some extra soothing :)

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  10. I need this! Haven't tried anything from Aesop yet!

    xx
    http://gita-oddsandends.blogspot.com/

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  11. The Chamomile mask really helped my skin-I am definitely repurchasing it in London! xx

    Stacey Expat Make-Up Addict xx

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  12. WHOAH NELLY I've been wanting to try the Chamomile mask for a while now (I'm a sucker for the glass jar packaging), but the exfoliating paste is a new one on my radar. The texture sounds interesting--quartz???? In a skincare product???? I seriously need to go to Yorkdale and hoard up some samples ;-;

    Vanessa | Citron and Guavaberry ʘ‿ʘ

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    Replies
    1. Yes! I find both formulas to be super unique and effective. Definitely worth a Yorkdale trip!

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All of your lovely comments make my day! Thanks for taking the time to share your musings, ideas, and opinions. Feel free to leave a link to your blog- I'd be happy to check it out :)