AĒSOP found its roots in Melbourne, a fertile ground for creative endeavours. Established in 1987 by founder Dennis Paphitis, AESOP has bloomed into a global phenomenon, offering not just skincare products but an experience steeped in authenticity, design, and meticulous craftsmanship.
At the heart of AĒSOP's philosophy lies a commitment to quality that borders on obsession. Their formulations, carefully concocted with plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients, are a testament to this obsession. Each product is a symphony of efficacy and sensory pleasure, a harmonious blend that resonates with the soul.
But AĒSOP is more than just skincare; it's a narrative woven into the fabric of place and people. Their journey began in a humble hair salon, Emeis, where Paphitis poured his passion into every detail, from the flush-mount mirror to the original trolley that still echoes the brand's early ethos.
The brand's evolution mirrors Melbourne's own metamorphosis, from underground nooks in St Kilda to architectural marvels in Taipei. Each AĒSOP store is a charm on a gold bracelet, unique yet harmonious, designed not just to sell products but to create an experience.
Step into an AĒSOP store – any AĒSOP store on this earthround - and you'll enter a world where design is not just a concept but a way of life. The utilitarian containers, crafted with utmost care, reflect AĒSOP's respect for function and setting. It's not about opulence; it's about intelligent design that improves lives.
AĒSOP's stores exude a museum-like quality that invites customers to take in the brand and products on display – a realm that allows you to pause, take it all in, breathe it in. It is there for you. It is not there for you to run in, grab your face wash and run out. It is designed as an experience.
Indeed, AĒSOP's design philosophy goes beyond aesthetics; it's about architectural restraint, modesty, and a deep respect for materials. The stores emanate a contemporary domestic quality, where every element, from the sink to the lighting, is a symbol of welcome and warmth.
AESOP’s skin care range
AĒSOP's heart beats with the rhythm of skin care, where the canvas of your body dances to the tunes of environment, lifestyle, and diet. The curated symphony of products orchestrates a harmonious melody, embracing the unique needs and desires of every skin type, geared at guiding you towards the crescendo of optimal skin health.
Take for example AĒSOP’s hydrating Lucent Facial Concentrate, which essentially is a love letter to your skin, i.e. a radiant elixir that weaves a spellbinding tale of hydration and luminosity.
This lightweight serum, infused with the potent magic of Vitamin C, unveils a world of replenished, balanced, and hydrated skin. Its enchanting blend of moisturizing wonders and skin-nurturing ingredients creates a symphony of hydration, leaving your skin as dew-kissed as a spring morning.
As you apply this potion, it transforms into a gentle embrace, sinking effortlessly into your skin like a whispered secret. The complex blend of ingredients works in harmony, nourishing your skin with a delicate dance of hydration and conditioning so it can become canvas of beauty and resilience.
A Harmonious Balance: B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel
The B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel is a harmonious symphony of skincare goodness, orchestrating a delicate balance for your skin with its blend of Vitamins B and C. As a skincare enthusiast, you are bound to be intrigued by the promise of replenishment and softening, along with the prospect of achieving a more even skin tone.
Upon first application, the gel's texture is light and refreshing, sinking effortlessly into the skin without any greasy residue. This makes it ideal for both morning and evening use, seamlessly fitting into any skincare routine.
The generous doses of Vitamins B and C work synergistically to nourish and revitalize the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and supple.
One of the standout features of this gel is its ability to visibly improve skin tone. With continued use, there appears to be a noticeable evening out of my complexion, resulting in a more radiant and uniform appearance. This effect was particularly impressive as it contributed to a natural glow that enhances one’s overall skincare results.
Another commendable aspect of the B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel is its compatibility with various skin types. Whether you have dry, combination, or sensitive skin, this gel adapts beautifully, providing the right amount of hydration without causing any irritation or heaviness. It's a versatile solution that caters to diverse skincare needs.
Furthermore, the packaging deserves a mention for its practicality and aesthetic appeal. AĒSOP's trademark sleek and functional design not only looks elegant as on your skincare shelf but also ensures the product remains fresh and potent with each use.
Sun-Kissed Protection
AĒSOP’s Sun Care Protective Facial Lotion SPF50 is your shield against the sun's relentless gaze, a guardian that stands between your skin and the harmful embrace of UVA and UVB rays. This medium-weight armour not only protects but also nourishes, hydrates, and pampers your skin with its potent blend of sun-defying ingredients.
As you glide this lotion onto your skin, it creates a veil of protection, cocooning you in a fortress of SPF50 strength. While its initial application may reveal a delicate white cast, fear not, for this ethereal sheen is but a temporary reminder of its powerful defence.
Depending on your skin's unique melody, this cast will fade into the background as the lotion dries or is gently massaged into your skin, leaving behind only the whispers of its protective embrace.
Discover the Uncharted: AĒSOP's Fragrances
AĒSOP's foray into fragrances invite you into a world where every scent is a journey waiting to unfold. As they delicately blend artistry with nature, AĒSOP's creations are not just perfumes but stories captured in a bottle. Each fragrance falls into one of the four enchanting fragrance families: floral, fresh, woody, and opulent.
However, occasionally, a fragrance transcends boundaries, straddling two realms to create something truly exceptional.
Among AĒSOP's captivating fragrance portfolio, our current obsession is the Miraceti expression. This olfactory masterpiece transports you to the realm of perilous seafaring adventures, where ocean-worn ships carry tales of bravery and discovery.
The scent opens with a burst of spice that dances on your senses, evoking visions of exotic markets and distant lands. As the fragrance settles, warm balsamic notes envelop you like a comforting embrace, reminiscent of cosy evenings by the fireplace.
What sets Miraceti apart is its subtle yet captivating blend of wood and the faint must of a whisky-filled cellar. This intriguing combination adds depth and character, leaving a lingering impression that is both timeless and irresistible. With every spritz, Miraceti tells a new story, inviting you to explore its layers and uncover hidden treasures in moments of luxury and escapism.
A Journey Through Time and Nature: Ptolemy Aromatique Candle
Named after the ancient Greek-Egyptian astronomer whose work shaped medieval astronomy, this candle is more than just a fragrance—it's a tribute to the depth of history and the richness of the natural world.
The aroma that greets is reminiscent of stepping into an ancient forest, dense with the wisdom of centuries. Cedar and cypress notes intertwined elegantly, creating a resinous and earthy base that grounded the scent in a primal allure.
However, it was the subtle hint of vetiver that added a mysterious depth, like secrets whispered among ancient trees.
One of the more striking features of the Ptolemy candle is its ability to transport one to a specific place, i.e. old-growth Japanese forests. One can almost envision the towering trees, their canopies creating a twilight canopy as the sun gently faded into dusk. It's a nocturne in scent form, capturing the magic of nature when the world slows down and whispers its secrets.
Aside from its captivating fragrance, the candle's formulation with vegan-friendly ingredients adds to its appeal.
As William Morris once said, "Simplicity of life, even the barest, is not a misery, but the very foundation of refinement."
AĒSOP epitomizes sophistication, presenting not just cosmetics but a captivating dimension that adds richness to your daily rituals.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of AĒSOP.