Expert recommendations: consultants on blending
In our stores, consultants have often sung the virtues of blending two formulations together—for textural variation, added nourishment, or the compound benefits offered to skin by ingredients that work synergistically. Vitamins C and E, for example, complement one another to deliver compound anti-oxidant support. Where Vitamin C is celebrated for its ability to balance and enliven skin, Vitamin E offers softening and skin-nurturing properties. Some of our formulations contain both ingredients; others can be used in tandem to confer greater benefits.
Some of these pairings have been passed between staff and customers for years; others the result of curiosity and experimentation. We asked consultants from stores across the world to share their favourite blends—whether widely beloved or entirely of their own creation.
We also asked Chief Customer Officer Suzanne Santos about the origins of the practice of blending, which turned out to be an act of improvisation in prosaic circumstances.
The origins of blending
‘It began with a moment in a London hotel room—I had a short period of time to effect skin transformation before meeting the then-Beauty Director of a venerated department store. The chance to change the manner in which she understood our potential was a great responsibility. Rushing to the shower, and without time to apply a masque, I grabbed Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque, Purifying Facial Cream Cleanser and Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste and blended the three in the palm of my hand. ‘The resulting brew was a thick, luxurious paste that, with the aid of wet hands, moved across my skin, transforming my complexion and confidence. I left it on as I washed, and only removed the masque before I stepped out of the shower, and then used cold water before toner. The outcome when I smoothed the blend of Camellia Nut [Facial Hydrating Cream] and Fabulous Face Oil was sensational. Thus we blend.’
Expert recommendations
Some people have a comfort movie, a comfort food or a comfort book. I do have all of these things (Pride & Prejudice, the 2005 version; any kind of pasta with cheese; and l’Amant by Marguerite Duras); but I also have a comfort skin care routine. It’s something that I do when my skin needs a little bit more love and attention than usual. I like to blend a teaspoon of B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel with a couple of pumps of Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque and a few drops of Damascan Rose Facial Treatment. This creates a unique texture that my skin just loves and which brings me replenishment and a well-needed vitamin boost. Mathilde Fandre Retail Consultant, Aesop Galeries Lafayette, Paris Being a college student and film writer and director, I often spend lengthy nights straining my eyes and mind over the computer. I usually use Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Eye Cream combat these tired eyes, but I’ve found that layering the cream under Sublime Replenishing Night Masque makes for the ultimate lifejacket to rescue my skin from these nights drowned in work. For daily care complementary to this weekly treatment, a blend of your favourite Facial Oil with Perfect Facial Hydrating Cream does just the trick. Gabriel Cavounis Retail Consultant, Aesop Roosevelt Field, New Jersey
For the face, Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque mixed with B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel, followed by a generous dosage of Fabulous Face Oil. You will be all the better for it! Akash Sharma Online Retail Coordinator, London
For dull, stressed skin
On days where my skin looks dull and stressed, I will blend Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque with Lucent Facial Concentrate to give a boost of vitamins and hydration. I also blend Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque with Fabulous Face Oil to clarify during the time of the month when my face tends to become congested. Melanie Chew Store Manager, Aesop Westgate, Singapore My favourite blending technique is Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Treatment with Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque. This formula became my rescue remedy when my skin is feeling dull and dehydrated. It offers instant hydration, and left overnight, my skin is smooth and supple the next morning. Cheryl Sam Retail Consultant, Aesop Bandar Utama, Kuala Lumpur
Evening rituals
On evenings where the cold presents its worst cruelty (a common occurrence during the dead of an Atlantic winter), I need something exceptionally nourishing. After a gentle-yet-potent cleanse using Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser and Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque, I apply Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Toner , and then seal in moisture with a mixture of cult classic B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel mixed with a small drop of Damascan Rose Facial Treatment and spread across the face and neck. The gel’s Aloe and generous Panthenol and the treatment’s rich Vitamin E provides my skin with some much-needed solace after a day in harsh winds and indoor heating. Sha’tina Dockery Store Manager, University Place and Chelsea, New York My favourite blend is simple—Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum, mixed with its partner, Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Treatment, leaves my skin soft and even, with a comfortable embracing film. Perfect for the evening. Josh Warner Retail Operations Coordinator, Melbourne
In a heatwave
In July 2019, I went to France on vacation. During this period, a heat wave passed across Europe, with temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F) in parts of southern France. I was worried about rough, dull skin due to the different tap water, food and climate, as well as jet lag, so I brought B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel as a talisman. While the mercury soared, I chilled the gel in the fridge and blended it with a drop of Damascan Rose Facial Treatment every night. It was cool and comforting, and absorbed rapidly to replenish moisture despite the sweltering conditions. Recently, I’ve been using Sublime Replenishing Night Masque once a week. Before applying it, I soften the skin with Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Facial Treatment, giving it more lustre and giving it a smoother texture. Akemi Yoshida Consultante, Aesop Takashimaya Gate Tower Mall, Nagoya
For tender, reactive skin
As Melbourne autumn sets in, the long, warm days are punctuated by dry, cool nights. The skin can become aggravated in these transitional seasons, so I opt for a comforting and restorative blend: two parts B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel, one part Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator, and then several drops of Fabulous Face Oil. Maybe it isn’t a nightly affair, but rather a twice-weekly remedy for the skin after months in the summer sun. Nic Trifiletti Retail Consultant, Aesop Fitzroy, Melbourne I’ve recently discovered a new blend that I adore, mixing Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator and B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel. A lovely blend, scent-wise, and it is nourishing and balancing for the skin. I sometimes layer it as well, starting with B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel and then Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator on top. Ole-Marius Walbaekken Store Manager, Aesop Prinsensgate, Oslo One of my favourite products is: B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel I have seborrheic dermatitis, but this formulation leaves my skin even and smooth. During the summertime, after a relaxing day at the sea, I applied Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque, and after five minutes I layered a small amount of the gel on top. Many customers are surprised by the unusual texture, but after some testers, they are fascinated. Gloria Grossi Store Manager, Aesop San Lorenzo in Lucina, Rome Editor’s note: Conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis can vary in both character and severity from person to person. Customers with specific skin concerns and conditions should seek the guidance of a healthcare professional before commencing a new skin care regimen or trying any new product.