A Little Spanish Alchemy For Skin

Spain is one of my favourite countries to visit, and not just because I have family living there. Besides the wine, the cuisine, and the beaches, it is a country with a fascinating history, as well as diversity of culture. So when some info came across my desk about a Spanish alchemy and skin care range my curiosity was naturally piqued. Sonia Orts Botanical Alchemy draws on some ancient Spanish philosophy, with Spaniards believing that the world was composed of four basic elements - earth, fire, water and air - critical energy forces that manifested and sustained physical life in the universe. Alchemists also believed the same of the human body; that it was governed by these elements on a physical, mental, spiritual and emotional level. Embracing this philosophy is the Alchemic Facial Protocol: a four-step skincare regiment carefully crafted to support, activate and improve the body’s natural rhythm, while refining the condition of skin and balancing the mind using elemental energies.This range of four products marries natural and organic ingredients with ancient tools, precious stones and phases of the moon, the unusual facial protocol including the exfoliating Powdered Floral Cleanser (earth), re-texturising Purifying Powdered Radiance Mask (fire), antioxidant-rich Aqua Serum Elixir (water), and the deeply moisturising Whipped Hydrating Cream (air). 

The Floral Cleanser is a daily use product, a golden powder which you mix with water to form either a thick paste, or a creamy emulsion, which deeply cleanses your skin. You need to mix it using a wooden or glass spoon, and keep the mixture moist on your skin when using it. Remove using water. Next in the lineup is the Whipped Cream, which should be used daily in the morning. It has a rich yellow colour as well as texture, a sweet aroma, with a range of key ingredients including Abyssinian Seed Oil from the Mediterranean, sweet almond, and aloe vera, all of which moisturise and nourish the skin. The Aqua-Serum Elixir should be used daily also, but in the evening, although it can also be used in the mornings mixed with the Whipped Cream to intensify the morning routine. It smells divine and feels gorgeous on the skin, with some of the key ingredients including fragrant organic rose hydrosol and extracts, aloe vera and essential oils. Finally, there is the Radiance Mask, which can be used twice a week, or once on sensitive skin. It’s a beautiful pink powder packed with minerals including Zeolite and Australian clay, which should be mixed with water to form a past, before being applied to the skin in a thick layer and left for five-to-10 minutes. Wash off with plenty of warm water. These unusual products by Sonia Orts are not only good for your skin but they also come in recyclable packaging, and are formulated with locally sourced ingredients that are kind to both the environment and the body. They are also designed to adapt to different skin types and conditions, making it ideal for young and mature complexions alike, including anyone with sensitive skin. Each product in the range is available on its own, ranging from rrp $56–$87, in a full size pack for rrp $279, or in a trial/travel pack for rrp $79 via the online store at www.soniaorts.net.