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.

Old Spice Bar Soap

Let's talk about an American icon for just a second. Old Spice is the quintessential American man's go-to grooming brand.
And for good cause. With over 75 years of experience as an American grooming authority, Old Spice provides all types of American men with an expansive product portfolio that includes antiperspirants, sprays, after-shaves and colognes. But it's so much more than that you guys. Let's face it, everyone has some type of Old Spice memory. Whether it was your father's post-shave scent, awkwardly buying your first deodorant, or even having to endure this guy on Super Bowl Sunday - we all have some type of affinity with the brand.  

So let's chat soap. Hopefully I'm not reaching for the stars in assuming we all use some type of body wash, yes? Well put your liquid bubbles aside, dear reader. We're becoming O.G. in the blogosphere today. Essentially there's nothing quite like soap. OK, so you've probably used some sad, measly little bar of soap that you found in a destitute bathroom at some point. STOP. Reclaim what's rightfully yours. Thankfully the people at Old Spice have developed a range of bar soaps that work well and smell great. Available in three signature scents (Fiji, Pure Sport and Swagger), Old Spice is all about getting your smell on. My favorite is Fiji - not just for its balmy tropical scent, or for the island's proximity to New Zealand. I'm into it for its ability to inspire island living. It's all about escapism (something I've chatted about before) - even if just for a few minutes. The point is I'll take what I can get, and so should you.

Spice up your life, and welcome to Monday.

All three Old Spice bar soaps are widely available in 6-packs for purchase. The post is kindly sponsored by Old Spice.