Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant range

Constant travelling and the seemingly omnipresent layer of makeup on our face means that a good facial care regime is at the top of our priority list. With the fear of flaky skin, zits and clogged pores, we decided in a nanosecond to give Aesop’s Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Kit a go.

The packaging is right up our street. It’s minimalistic in both the design and labeling – almost like what the doctor ordered (it literally looks like medicinal pharmacy bottles and tubes from a time long ago). Apparently the brown glass has a function and is not all aesthetic! It protects from harsh UV rays which means less preservatives are required in the actual products.

The range (obviously) contains parsley seed extract along with other vitamins, actives and oils to assist in hydrating.

But how did it fare?

The Facial Cleanser (right – approx. USD34.4 for 100ml) was smooth and refreshing with a thick lather. As you are cleansing the hint of the scent of the licorice root and blackcurrent seed is pleasant. Overall, the clarifying gel felt quite mild yet thorough. It took two washes to completely remove the thin film of the product on my face.

The Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner (approx. USD36.2 for 100ml) wasn’t harsh and didn’t leave me with a tingling feeling. Maybe that’s because it is alcohol-free unlike many other toner alternatives out there. In one sense the toner doesn’t feel like it’s stripping my skin, but in the same breath the lack of sensation left me questioning whether it did actually refine my pores! Regardless, it felt quite balanced and did leave my skin soft.

The Anti-Oxidant Hydrator (approx. USD58.4 for 60ml) was immediately sucked into my skin, leaving it supple and nourished, with a slight gummy finish. The ingredients are largely derived from oils which completely explains the semi-sticky texture left on my face. In short, I felt this product would be perfect before bed rather than prior to makeup application to avoid a shiny look.

The Cleansing Masque (left – approx. USD36.2 for 60ml)  was tightening – which makes me feel like it’s doing it’s job of eliminating those impurities with it’s botanical anti-oxidant properties. I applied the clay mask in a thin coat and a bit more densely on spots, left for 15 minutes and rinsed with cold water. This mask really was like a detox for the skin as it really noticeably repairs your complexion. I would say it’s ideal to use once a week.

I have particularly sensitive skin prone to hives, irritations and the occasional blemish so I’m very choosy when it comes to the products I use. While I didn’t see any detrimental reactions from Aesop’s Parsley Seed Kit, as the ingredients are largely made up of oils, my assessment is that the Toner and Masque are more for me, rather than the Hydrator and Cleanser.

What about you? Is this a good range for those on the more oily side of the facial spectrum? No, I wouldn’t recommend it as it’s a very dense and rich product. However, for those you who are struggling with dry, dull skin and are looking for a plump up and love a herb-esque scent, give Aesop a whirl!

Aesop Parsley Seed range is available at Aesop stores worldwide as well as on their online shop.

Yvette King