Aesop Futurist Intensity Gift Set

Futurism was easily the oddest thing I ever encountered during my Art History studies (and that's saying something).

I remember thinking the whole thing would be all Back To The Future-ish and therefore intrinsically fun. Au contraire! In fact (and much to my disappointment) Marty McFly, time travel and a DeLorean DMC-12 did not factor at all. Instead extreme confusion, disorder and exceptionally odd 'poems' featuring loud jolting noises did. Rather appropriately the movement that promised to modernize 20th century Italian culture through rebelliousness, inventiveness and unabashed eccentricity left me (and much of Italy) confused. Very confused. That is until now.

Yes friends, Aesop has saved the day again. How? The art-minded skincare brand has created six gift kits that pay homage to the ground-breaking (i.e. WTF-inducing) Futurist language, art and typography. While each kit targets different concerns (academically and cosmetically) I was drawn to the 'Intensity' set. Inspired by the vibrant paintings of the movement (personal favorites include works by Umberto Boccioni and Giacomo Balla) and crafted specifically for the active man, the Intensity kit offers a trio of formulations that are ideal for post-workout purification (which, let's face it, we all absolutely need). Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion soothes, nourishes and offers excellent moisture while any unwanted odors are neutralized by Aesop's signature spray Déodorant (featuring Vetiver notes - ahhhh!). And finally there's the low-foaming, incredibly invigorating Coriander Seed Body Cleanser which, if you must know, leaves skin conditioned and refreshed. Sounds good? It is.

- Image courtesy of Aesop. Watch Aesop's interpretation of the Futurist Manifesto and shop the products mentioned, below.

Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream

Aesop is a repeat offender, and I mean that whole-heartedly, in the best possible way imaginable. So let's chat fall skin.

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp your skin will be in dire need of moisture. Take note! Feed it. Also, a sound skincare routine is ever-evolving. It's seasonal. You wouldn't wear shorts in winter would you? Well, perhaps you would (especially if you're a New Zealander) - but that's not what my point. Back to your skin!

For summer you might recall I was all about Aesop's Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator. And for good cause. Its lightweight texture meant moisture was absorbed and instantly locked-in. (The whole thing was easy and to-the-point, just the way I like it.) But now, with all that dry air thrashing your face it's time to transition to something richer, more powerful and long-lasting. Enter Aesop's Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream. The anti-oxidants and botanicals derived from mandarin, lemon and tangerine rinds deliver exceptional hydration and overall replenishment. Used following the Parsley Seed Facial Toner, skin is left nourished, supple and refreshed. The hazel base means absorption is prompt and moisture is long-lasting. The dominant citrus notes not only smell great, they ensure that fresh feeling (which we all undoubtedly love). Sounds good? It is. 

Browse and shop Aesop's product line here.

- Photos by Alexander Atkins

The Giveaway: Aesop and The Paris Review

My generous friends at Aesop not only satisfy every skincare need imaginable, they're also offering you an exclusive gift.
That's right,  it's giveaway time - and get this: there's enough custom-designed packages for twenty winners! Essentially it's a no-brainer, but just to make it even clearer here's some very simple logic: we all love free stuff ergo get involved. Now onto the details...

As you already know, Aesop is all about the experience. That is to say their products induce instant bliss and reap real results (have you tried the Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator?). What's more the means by which these benefits are delivered truly embody perfection (and are all part of the aforementioned experience). A marriage of incredibly streamlined packaging covered with some of the finest examples of the written word (from the likes of Osler, Twain and Emerson) means your top shelf retains an effortlessly and intellectually curated look (something any bathroom snooper would most definitely admire - and let's be honest, there's always a bathroom snoop). 

Up for grabs:

In a unique partnership with The Paris Review, Aesop is now offering Mr Essentialist readers complimentary copies of the current Summer Issue (which includes works by Ben Lerner, Patrizia Cavalli and Lydia Davis). Founded in 1953, The Paris Review is much lauded for intelligent fiction, poetry, essays and art, not to mention an expansive collection of longform interviews with noted writers – many of whom were first published in its pages. In the words of one critic, it is ‘one of the single most persistent acts of cultural conservation in the history of the world.’ You'll also receive a carefully chosen selection of samples (including Parsley Seed Cleansing Oil, the Cleansing Masque and a travel-sized Body Cleansing Slab). 

How to enter:

It's simple. 'Like' Mr Essentialist on Facebook and shoot me an email. The first twenty emails will receive a response with a unique promotional code and instructions on applying it at check-out. Remember codes are limited and provided on a first come first serve basis. 

*Click the arrows above to browse and shop a few of my favorite Aesop products.

Travel Essentials: Aesop London Kit & Carry-On Case

Aesop really is the best friend anyone could ask for. Good-looking, trustworthy, useful - did I mention good-looking?

There’s not much to argue about. But it gets better. Aesop now curates perfectly compact travel kits for those unexpected on-the-go situations. And because we all hate the inevitable scramble (not least disastrous results) of rushed packing (unless we’re receiving instruction from Louis Vuitton), nothing could be more practical than a pre-packed toilet bag. Can you tell I’m into it?   

Besides convenience (ahem, always a major point) there’s nothing like guinea pig-ing yourself out to a whole bunch of travel-sized miniatures. I mean, they all need to be tested. It’s only fair. The whole thing can be very liberating - you might find yourself deciding: “fuck it. I will try that face mask and listen to Gilles Peterson in Brazil while starfishing on my bed.”  Yo-to-the-Lo. What’s the worse that could happen? You might go crazy and commit to a full-sized product? Ok, I hear you. You’re probably going: “what about my 3 steps? I’m ALL ABOUT my 3 steps.” Yes, you’re right. A solid skincare regimen is great and all, but sometimes the best part about the routine is breaking it. I’m human. You’re human. Switch-it up, no one likes a bore. Now let’s discuss the details.

I was drawn to Aesop’s ‘London’ travel kit immediately, simply because I lived there (probably not the best justification, but whatever - this isn't physics class). Then I discovered it included a few of my favorite products (now staples) from the Parsley Seed range. 

WHAT'S INSIDE  You'll be getting all the necessities including the Classic Shampoo and Conditioner, Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser, Rind Concentrate Body Balm, Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser, Toner and Hydrator, and of course the Bain de Bouche. Basically the only thing left to worry about is your toothbrush.

I’d recommend keeping your Aesop travel pack fully stocked and ready for grabbing at any given moment. Life is about spontaneity - not bad grooming practices.

CUSTOMIZE IT  Aesop's brand new Carry-On Travel Case means you can now choose to pack your own in-flight grooming essentials. Designed to conform to international travel restrictions and requirements, each signature amber bottle (100ml) and pot (15ml) can be filled with any of your favorite Aesop products, time and time-again. Because Aesop is all about being thoughtful, blank labels have been included to avoid any mid-air confusion.

Alongside the 'London' Kit, Aesop also makes a 'Boston' and 'Jet Set' Kit. Click here for more details and to shop.

High Five: Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash

Are you one of those germaphobe types? See, I know you. And you'll love Aesop's Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash.

I'm not even going to try to hide my confidence (even if that was quite a statement). Because it's simple. This is the best hand wash I have ever used, and definitely the best you've ever used too. I mean, does your regular drugstore variety exfoliate and moisturize? I thought not. Besides, clean well-groomed hands equate to: 'I care'. And trust me, you want to care. So yes, this is important - let's get into the details.

Aesop is all about the experience. Aside from great results, Aesop's products are about being consumed by an overwhelming sense of relaxation - even if the whole process lasts just fifteen fleeting seconds (ahem). Also the packaging means your bathroom get's an instant face-lift, and I'm all for a good cosmetic procedure. While Petitgrain and Bergamot Rind ensure cleanliness, milled Pumice serves as a natural and gentle exfoliant. An infusion of Vetiver Root means your hands are left smelling sublime. And there's more...

The whole process should end with Aesop's Reverence Aromatique Hand Balm, a rich treatment that soothes and moisturizes. An injection of Potassium Lactate and Lactic Acid mean hands remain hydrated, without the usual onslaught of annoying or sticky residue. Basically the point here is hands are important. Take care of them. Oh, and Happy Friday.

*Aesop's Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash will be available for purchase on Monday. Visit their online store for details.

Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator

There's been a re-shuffle on my bathroom shelf, and Aesop's Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator has emerged as king.

While this may come as a surprise (especially considering my past declarations of moisturizer-loyalty), people (and their skin) change. And change is good. Besides, a new season is upon us, so really there isn't a better time than the present to mix it-up (you know, carpe diem and all). Even if we're just talking moisturizers.

I recently discovered Aesop (via their newly launched mouthwash) and have been captivated ever since. For me it was all about their streamlined packaging, quirky quotes and recommended reading tips - all of which undoubtedly add a cool factor to my bathroom shelf. And while we all know never to judge a book by its cover, beneath Aesop's packaging lies a wealth of promise. That being said, let's get down to business.

Essentially Aesop's Parsley Seed range is nothing short of botanical bliss. The Anti-Oxidant Hydrator is the latest release in a string of Parsley Seed-centric products (which also includes a fantastic toner, fyi). Packed with a whole bunch of botanicals, essential oils and vitamins (including Provitamin B), the lightweight moisturizer leaves skin feeling supple, dewy and refreshed. Besides the signature extract, the hydrator features an array of core ingredients like white tea and willowherb - both of which serve to sooth and comfort (and we all need a little soothing and comforting from time-to-time, non?). 

And in semi-related news Henry David Thoreau once said, "it is only when we forget all our learning that we begin to know". Perhaps there's a subliminal mix-up-your-grooming-routine message in there somewhere.

Happy almost-Friday.

*The Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator is available online and in key stores on March 18th, and will retail for $65.