September 19, 2011

Beauty Talk- Aesop Nolita

Courtesy of Aesop 
"Simplicity, good taste and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing and these do not cost money." Christian Dior 

Happy Monday! What better way to start the week than with a little beauty talk? I had the pleasure of attending the Aesop (click link) Nolita Press Preview and the opening celebration for their first standalone New York store. Those who know me will attest that I'm not someone who needs to be present at every fete, but this is a brand whose sensibilities appeal to my own. This brand, just gets it. 

To me, the epitome of chic is being impeccably well groomed, which begins with skin care. The majority of beauty products I rely on, were introduced to me by my mother- a repository for beauty information. I've adored a few Aesop products for some time, however it's nice to be able to experience the products in a standalone store at home. In addition to style/fashion, literature and fine art, I enjoy health and wellness. The use of plant-based ingredients and anti- oxidants is what initially drew me to this line. These products are meant to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise and treating your body well. 

Courtesy of Aesop
Courtesy of Aesop
The Nolita store reflects the sense of calmness that is intrinsic to Aesop. At first glance, I loved how familiar the store felt from my travels, yet it's unique. Each Aesop store is designed to acknowledge the history of its' city. It's only fitting that the walls of Aesop Nolita are made from reclaimed copies of The New York Times. A brilliant nod to the brand's love of intellectual curiosity and writing. The lovely General Manager of Marketing, Pascale Thouzery took me around the store. We started with the products that I'm loyal to- the body balms, Fabulous Face and Primrose Facial Oils. I have very few skin care concerns, however I tend to rely on products for sensitive skin. I find myself constantly looking for products that deliver hydration. 

Pascale led me to the Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream. I was very keen to trying this product, because it contains Chamomile. Chamomile is a key ingredient I look for in beauty products (along with shea butter)because it's incredibly soothing. I like that the cream can be combined with the oils to provide added hydration. Combining the hydrating cream and oils is something I would use a few times a week during the warmer months, or at night during the winter. Being able to combine products is a hallmark of Aesop's products. I have been using the Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream all week, and in addition to my skin feeling really nourished; the aroma is quite relaxing. The store is pint-sized so you get the attention you need. The employees want you to take your time and try the products before committing to purchasing.

My Personal Photo
My Personal Photo
Later that evening, I enjoyed appetizers and Australian wine. It was just the perfect low key way to celebrate such a highly anticipated opening. The store looks immaculate and it was so nice to see so many people floating in and out; on a perfect late summer night. The generous team at Aesop was incredibly kind and gifted me with their New York Travel Kit. We all know how sought after their travel kits are. I'm enjoying my familiar products and trying a few new ones. I highly recommend popping into this gem, if you're in the area. 

23 comments:

  1. Thats so cool you got to go to the preview! I love Aesop, I think as a brand they have a lot of integrity. I really wish I could use their facial products, but unfortunately my skin just can't take all the plant extracts/oils they use, and I end up all red and blotchy. Their hair products on the other hand are amazing, and I would really recommend them if you haven't already tired them.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lucky girl! Love the aroma of Aesop products though I worry that their products might be too greasy for my super-oily skin.

    ReplyDelete
  3. How fun! I really like their body balms and hydrating products. I have been meaning to email you or post a comment. I saw you at Fashion Week and I knew it was you. Not many young women can pull off Lanvin so well... And your skin looked pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous- Yes, it was a great experience. Much different from shopping the line at Barneys. Not that I don't love my department stores, but sometimes the cosmetics department can be so hectic.

    I agree- I love that the brand has so much integrity. I want natural products without dyes, chemicals and parabens. I find that I react most to dyes and articial fragrance. I'm sorry that you can't use the facial products.

    I rely on my hair stylist's blends for shampoo and conditioner, but the products I have in my kit to try look lovely. I'm excited to try them.

    Ammu- Yes! The aroma is nice. I like that it disipates quickly and isn't meant to be the focal point of the products.

    You wouldn't need the face oils. I tend to use a lot of products that can be used on children (Cetaphil, Embryolisse).I find that the creams work well. They moisturize, but aren't greasy and absorb well.

    Mia- Yes it was fun! I do like the body butters a lot. You should have said hi- I like meeting new people. Thank you for your warm compliments-now I feel shy:)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have never heard of this brand befrore - what an beautiful store! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love Aesop packaging and branding, and their products always smell so good, but the only thing that's worked for me so far is their Fabulous Face Cleanser - I switch cleansers regularly and this is one always part of my rotation. Hope you enjoy using the travel kit - bet that makes any hotel feel 5-star!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Maja Piraja- The store is really beautiful. I'm very sensitive to my environment when I shop. It's in one of my favorite areas of the city.

    lin- They do have great packaging and branding. I'm not someone who feels like I have to be loyal to one brand. There are a few companies where everything for my skin type works(Mario Badescu is one), but generally I'll find a product here or there.

    It's good to switch products. I don't switch cleansers, but I do switch moisterizers. It's necessary here because of the seasonal changes.

    The travel kit is fun. I'm slightly obsessed with travel sized products.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ah, skin care! I'm terrible at keeping up with any sort of good regimen (especially the healthy diet/exercise bit), despite all efforts. I usually try to get different brands once I run out of an item, from drugstore stuff and most recently Kiehl's, so maybe I should look into Aesop next. How fun that you were able to attend a preview! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love Aesop things! They did a collaboration with A.P.C. this winter! I was in love with it :)
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. And they are Australian. I took Aesop for granted until I moved here!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow beautiful store - I love Aesop and am so glad they are finally in the states!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I really need to try Aesop, I've heard so many good things about their products. I'm in my French phase at the moment (Bioderma, Nuxe, Guinot, L'Occitane), but I'm always looking for something new. So, maybe I'll go Australian next! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the fact that they put an emphasis on maintaining a healthy life style in conjunction with their skincare products. Its so different from other companies that market their products in a completely unrealistic,
    this-cream-will-change-your-life way.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I've never used this brand, but have been curious.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Rachel- I find that the healthy diet, exercise, wellness bit does more than any product will. I think we all struggle with finding a regimen that sticks, My biggest challenge is getting enough beauty rest;) I just pray it doesn't catch up to me.

    There's nothing wrong with drugstores. I love how everyone is adding natural lines. There are some Kiehls products, which I love. I highly recommend trying an Aesop product next. It was fun to attend a preview:)

    Camille S.- I would love to hear more about your favorite products:) I saw their collection for A.P.C. I'm always weary of collaborations, but that one made so much sense. It just seemed organic.

    Alice Olive- Yes!!! I love how we all take certain things for granted until we no longer have them at our fingertips. Not being able to get my hands on all of my favorite beauty products is one of the things I disliked when I moved.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Katherine- Such a beautiful store. I love how calm and soothing the store feels. I would love to hear more about your favorite products.

    Ginta- You should try Aesop. I love the brands you're currently using. I feel the same way- I'm always open to trying something new.

    Anonymous- I like that too. The emphasis on a healthy lifestyle seems much more realistic. I like that the brand has an authenticity and integrity in how the products are made.

    Jocy- It's worth trying.

    ReplyDelete
  17. More "Beauty Talk" posts please! I originally started using the products you were familiar with along with the Parsley Seed line. I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  18. hi,
    You seem to really know what works for you in terms of skincare, so I was wondering if you think it is better to invest in things like masques/treatments and then spend less on something like a moisturiser/cleanser?

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have never used their products, but have been curious to try! It's nice to hear from you that the store is worth the visit!

    It really is important to take care of your skin and body! It's not like you can go to Barney's and get new skin!

    Can't wait to visit!

    ReplyDelete
  20. The store is beautiful, first time I heard about them, I guess because they are australian...I love travel sizes, makes my live much easier anytime I go somewhere.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Lulu- Yes, there will be more "Beauty Talk" posts! I'm passionate about my beauty products. I'm glad to hear that you love your products. It feel good when you find products that work?

    Anonymous- Hmm... Everyone's skincare needs are different, so it's hard to generalize. I'm no expert, but I do think it's worth it to invest in a good dermatologist. A good dermatologist can evaluate your skincare needs and look at the products you are using. They can also recommend products that might be best for your needs and administer treatments.

    I don't use masques, but I think treatments are a great way to pamper your skin.

    I tend to spend on moisturizers because moisture/hydration is my greatest skincare concern. For someone else it might be hyper pigmentation or acne. Everyone has their own concerns. I'm very into looking at the ingredients in my products.

    the line sheet- You must visit!

    You're so right, it really is important to take care of yourself properly.

    lunaday- It is a gorgeous store! Travel sizes have so many uses- perfect for the gym and for house guests too.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I've been using the Parsley Seed Antioxidant oil for a while now and really like it. I like the sense that there's nothing scary in their products. They have a great vitamin C gel too which I've tried in sample. Their aesthetic is in general very appealing.

    ReplyDelete
  23. unironed- It's interesting to hear that you've been using the Parsley seed oil for a while and have continued to be impressed. That’s the mark of an excellent product to me. The vitamin C gel sounds interesting. I haven’t used any gels-now you’ve piqued my curiosity (smile). I agree with you about the ingredients and the aesthetic.

    ReplyDelete