Aesop skincare: Beauty’s Best Kept Secret

Here's why we love it...

You know those times when you think you know someone and then they do something so out of character that it makes you question everything? Well this is like that, sort of. Aesop skincare...it's a thing.

I love Aesop, I really do. Like most, my first dalliance with Aesop was a meeting in a restroom at an upscale restaurant - the hand wash and hand cream to be precise. The geranium and herbal infused products, lathered, cleansed, moisturizer and fragranced in a way quite that sadly many other products had tried and failed. And, ever since then I was hooked.

If you come over to my house, you’ll find said hand wash and hand cream in my bathroom, but to be totally honest, they're only there because you are there – their usual hiding place is a cupboard (rationing and all that). And, I often wax lyrical about their fragrances – did you know they did fragrance? There’s Tacit (my favourite) the crisp and green one with a delicate hit of spice, inspired by a classic cologne; Hwyl the smoky and earthy one, inspired by a Japanese forest; Marrakesh the woody and spicy one, inspired by characteristics of it’s namesake city, and they’re all pretty great. But that’s as far as my knowledge of the brand went and thinking that I had everything I needed plodded happily along.

But on a recent trip to the Shoreditch store (44 Redchurch St, London E2 7DP) instead of just picking up top ups for my cupboard supply (it’s almost barbecue season so we usually have lots of visitors), I ventured into the second room in the store.

I should probably point out that the store has had a recent makeover: the London-grey-hue du jour that covered the walls is no longer there. Instead the most interesting of colours, (Dulux, Delhi Bazaar 2 - should you care) a mustard, yellow ochre, sludgey, swamp like hue now adorns the walls. It’s a bloody good colour and now I’d quite like it to be on my walls at home. Such is the power of a well put-together brand; it’s a lifestyle that you want in on.

Most customers never make it past the first room as the hand wash and hand cream are placed here for ease, but they really ought to. The second room in the store is dedicated to an extensive skincare range and there is a product to suit pretty much every skin woe. Aesop skincare, it's definitely a thing.

Their approach to customer care is a big priority for them and they want to hear all your needs. Spend 15 minutes chatting to one of the super helpful (and knowledgeable) skin care specialists to discuss your skins particular needs so that you can really tailor the products to get the perfect skincare regime.

These are the best Aesop skincare products

Parsley Seed Facial cleanser

The smallest amount goes a long way so all you need is a teaspoon. Use twice daily and blend the mixture with a few drops of water to form a milky emulsion, which should then be massaged over your damp dace and rinsed off thoroughly.

Shop now: Aesop, Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser, £27 for 100ml

Aesop, Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste

I used this once a week for a deep clean feel. The fine Quartz and Lactic acid exfoliates therefore leaving skin soft and polished by getting rid of tired cells, while Rosemary and Lavender oil leave the most delicate scent.

Shop now: Aesop, Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste, £35 for 75ml

Aesop, Fabulous Face Oil

Best for combination skin that needs some tlc. Jam packed with hydrating and purifying botanicals (there’s Juniper berry and Jasmine Petal) the Fabulous Face Oil boosts up hydration levels but with that all-important non-greasy finish.

Shop now: Aesop, Fabulous Face Oil, £39 for 25ml

Aesop, Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Eye Serum

The eye area is one of the most sensitive parts of skin on your body therefore gentle products are generally best. Vitamin C, Blue Chamomile and Aloe Vera gently hydrate, nourish and protect your skin from the elements. Just a two or three drops does the trick.

Shop now: Aesop, Parsley Seen Anti-Oxidant Eye Serum, £57 for 15ml

Aesop, Parsley Seen Anti-Oxidant Hydrator

Finally, the Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator. My skin loves to soak up moisturizer and this light but easily absorbed fluid leaves skin nourished. Great during winter and air-conditioned offices.

Shop now: Aesop, Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator, £43 for 60ml

I like to give it at least 4 weeks when testing out products before making a call on whether it’s working for me or not – unless during week one I encounter an adverse reaction. Hideous breakout avoided and hitting a full stride which this new regime, I can confirm that my skin is hydrated and healthy.

Next time I head into store, I’ll be there mainly for my Aesop skincare top-ups - oh, and not to forget, a bottle of hand cream and hand wash, because it’s just so good.