Hands up if you love aromatherapy, skincare, or all natural pampering... Well, that's just what Micheline Arcier brings with their range of soothing bath, body, face, and fragrance goodies!
With roots in an age old tradition, this clean beauty brand offers a selection of products that offer benefits for both skin and senses. Not only that, but there is a really interesting history to this small business:
"Modern or true aromatherapy - the use of essential oils for the promotion of holistic well-being - was pioneered in the 1950s by Marguerite Maury, an Austrian biochemist. Madame Maury felt that their external application could be especially beneficial, and she therefore developed the early massage techniques from which today's aromatherapy derives. Her treatments were initially designed for skin rejuvenation but her clients reported many additional benefits such as better sleep, pain relief and general well-being. [...] Such results inspired Madame Maury to pass down her 'hands-on' knowledge and Micheline Arcier was one of the very few people to be trained personally by Marguerite Maury."
Her formulas were tested through six decades, and while the namesake is no longer around, Micheline Arcier is now run by a duo dedicated to the original philosophy and who have been personally trained by Madame Arcier: Germaine Rich and Catherine Milne. Their goal is to maintain the highest standards of aromatherapy and ensure the legacy of these beautiful creations lives on.
And what a legacy it is. The range itself is pretty expansive, covering salts, creams, masks, oils, diffusing blends, and more, and all have a loyal fan base. The products contain only pure essential oils that have been sourced from trustworthy suppliers, are cruelty free, and excess packaging is always kept to a minimum. There is a lot to love!
I myself have been lucky enough to try a selection of the green goodies in the collection, and have been very much impressed by what I have experienced. So today I'm excited to share my thoughts on five formulas, all of which were recognized as winners in 2020's Beauty Shortlist Awards! So kick back and get ready for a look into the much loved creations of Micheline Arcier.
Beaute Aromatherapie Face Cream:
I've mentioned so many times that I find face creams and moisturizers really tricky when it comes to my own personal routine, as most leave me with severe breakouts, cystic acne, or irritation. However I have been very lucky recently to stumble across several winning formulas, and Micheline Arcier's is one of them!The Beaute Aromatherapie Face Cream is a luxurious treatment that has been designed to nourish and protect the skin with its combination of plant based oils and waxes. While the ingredient list may look simple, the end product is anything but... Micheline Arcier's formula is closer to a balm in texture and feel than a cream, and very unique in its glossyness. With liquid jojoba wax, organic beeswax, and a blend of soothing essential oils, this golden hued formula is rich and buttery yet incredibly gentle. And despite the thickness of the product and the intensive moisturizing properties it brings, the face cream does not actually feel too heavy on the skin nor does it clog pores. It's truly a mystery to me how this was achieved!
I have to say I also love the sweetly creamy scent - it's uplifting, calming, and just as healing for the mind as it is the skin. The blend of patchouli, rose, geranium, and neroli is great, and it is softly elegant, peaceful, and with just a touch of sweetness that transports you to happier times. I find the face cream is gentle in all the right ways, from aroma to consistency, and that's what led it to pick up an Editor's Choice Award in this year's awards.
Because the Beaute Aromatherapie Face Cream feels like second skin when applied, and is like satin - my skin is immediately softened and feels soothed, plumped, and nourished. I find this gives my complexion new life, and I'm left with a lovely glow all day long. I can't fault this, and find it truly stunning. This is a favourite of mine for sure, and a product I have been impressed with since the very first application.
Ingredients: Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Liquid wax, Cera Alba (Beeswax) Organic, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Flower Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Flower Oil, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, *Citral, *Eugenol, *Geraniol, *Farnesol, *Linalool, *Citronellol, *Limonene, * Naturally found in essential oils
Masque Purifiant Aromatherapie Face Mask:
The purifying treatment from Micheline Arcier is a type of flash mask that can be used morning or night, and has been created to cleanse, exfoliate, and renew the complexion. The blend of vegan friendly ingredients brings together the power of AHAs with elasticity boosting extracts, and together form a product that helps shed dead skin cells, smooth the skin's surface, and generate a radiant glow.
Combining Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) from natural botanical sources (bilberry, sugar maple, sugar cane, orange, lemon) with clay, essential oils, plant extracts and organic vegetable oils provides a masque that exfoliates and stimulates cell renewal with minimum irritation.
The formula also results in a super smooth, rich texture that applies easily - it spreads evenly across the skin and feels suprisingly nourishing despite having a base of kaolin clay. I really do love the feel and the consistency, as well as the aroma which is subtle and soothing. Notes of light lavender pair with citrus to create a calming sensation that envelops your senses. It's fab, and perfect to start the day off with or to ease into the evening.
While I do find this brings a nice radiance to my complexion at first, I sadly struggled with it overall and unfortunately it just wasn't to be. Coconut oil and I don't get on well, and I found my skin starting to break out, plus I am highly sensitive to phenoxyethonal which causes irritation and inflammation pretty quickly for me personally. Because of this, I did have to discontinue my use after several tries. However, if these ingredients are not triggers for your skin, the Masque Purifiant Aromatherapie Face Mask could be a great way to introduce a fast and effective all purpose mask into your weekly routine.
Ingredients: Aqua, Kaolin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sorbitan Stearate, Maltodextrin, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Cetearyl Glucoside, Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Acer Saccharum Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja Oil. Limonene*, Linalool*, Geraniol*, Coumarin* *Naturally found in essential oils
Ambiance Jour et Nuit Therapeutic Diffusions:
Beautiful in every way - that just about covers this dynamic duo! The Jour et Nuit diffusing oil set is a great introduction to the Micheline Arcier essential oil blends, as the pair captures the skill and knowledge perfectly.The gift comes inside a cute cardboard gift box which is handy for storing the bottles away when not in use, and when you take out the day and night oils you are met with high end luxurious looking matte brown glass bottles. These have the standard plastic orifice reducer applicator which I find are ideal for a controlled application. Rather than a fast pour, each drop comes out slowly so you can count how much you are using in your diffuser - ideal for ensuring a consistent amount! Plus, these bottles are really generously sized for an essential oil bend, and so potent that only a few drops are needed in the diffuser.
Joie is smooth but so uplifting, bright, romantic (ylang ylang, lemongrass, geranium) - it's an absolute delight for the senses, and I find it fills the room and brings positivity and warmth to the day. There is definitely a hint of spice to this which smooths out the aroma and provides depth and complexity, and I find the scent works to ground me as well as bring tranquility to my daily tasks.
Serenete is a great parallel, with woodier and richer tones to the aroma that really comfort you and help ease your mind and body before bed. It has a pungent lavender scent at the forefront, making this ideal as a sleep aid, yet there is a heady floral quality and light citrus lurking beneath which also bring happiness. This is an oil that really works to bring "sweet" dreams, and is one I have been loving ever since I first added it to my diffuser.
Together the Ambiance Jour et Nuit Terapeutic Diffusions set is a fab duo that compliments one another in every way, so the Editor's Choice recognition in the Wellbeing Awards is 100% deserved. Both blends bring a sense of peace and super soothing vibes, and each considers the approach to wellbeing and the mind that is required at different times of day. If you are looking for a thoughtful gift for a loved one or want a pick me up for yourself, this is it!
Harmonie Aromatherapie Bath Oil:
Harmony indeed! This bath oil is sensational, and I am so thankful I had the chance to try it (especially during such stressful times as these!).The oil comes housed in a beautiful frosted glass bottle with a twist top that serves as a measuring cap, and the pure simplicity of the design speaks volumes. This is not a formula that needs flashy packaging or eye catching colours, as the blend is more than enough to keep customers coming back for more. Plus, I find the minimalist approach elevates Harmonie and gives it an incredibly luxurious look that reminds me of traditional perfumery.
As soon as you unscrew the lid you are enveloped by a peaceful notes of chamomile, petitgrain, ylang ylang, sage, and linaloe wood. It's fresh, delicate yet present, slightly sweet, with a hint of soft herbals and heady florals. This is perfectly balanced, and instantly soothes your mind while also bringing a dose of positivity - it's a real show stopper that is for sure!
The aroma fills the whole room, carried by the steam so you can breathe in the gorgeous essential oils throughout your bathtime. It's the perfect way to relax in the evening or after a stressful time, plus I find it helps ease the mind and get you ready for a deep sleep which is great for those needing a full reset. Plus, the oil itself isn't super slick so you don't have to worry about feeling coated with a greasy film after your treatment. Instead, it gently moisturizes your skin without creating a heavy layer on the water or your body - it's my kind of bath oil!
And it's no wonder Fiona says this was a highlight for her out of all the BSL Awards entries in 2016 - "It's a heaven-s(c)ent stress melter that leaves the bathroom spa scented for hours. I absolutely adore this range so if it's new to you, have a look - you'll probably kick yourself for not discovering it earlier (as I did!)." That's such a massive compliment, and one I wholeheartedly agree with. Clearly judges continue to see the beauty in this bath oil, as it once again took home an award in 2020's category for Best Aromatherapy Product for bath goodies in the Wellbeing Awards!
Honestly, if you are going to try just one treatment from Micheline Arcier (though I think you'll be tempted to test out more!), pick up Harmonie. It's just too magical to miss out on.
Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Alcohol Denat, Bursera Fagaroides (Linaloewood) Oil, Citrus Aurantium (Petitgrain) Oil, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Camomile) Flower oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil *Isoeugenol, *Benzyl Alcohol, *Citral, *Eugenol, *Benzyl Salicylate, *Geraniol, *Farnesol, *Linalool, *Benzyl Benzoate, *Citronellol, *Limonene, * Naturally found in essential oils
Overall, I have enjoyed exploring the Micheline Arcier range, and I have most definitely found several superstars that I will continue to love in the future. You can curate an entire spa ritual from this natural beauty brand, and you'll be feeling the benefits of the expertly crafted blends in no time at all.
Have you tried Micheline Arcier yet?? Which treatments catch your eye or are at the top of your wishlist? I'm curious to hear, so let me know in the comments or pop over to Instagram to share your top picks! xx
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This rand sounds right up my street - I would love to try the face mask!
ReplyDeleteI love the sound of the Bath oil, I am always the first to try bath oils when they come as part of a selection, so relaxing x
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