Aesop is an Australian botanical skin and hair care company that has gotten quite a few mentions in the press over the last several years. As with most skin care lines with products that are $30 and up each, I was skeptical. How much better would these products be than something seemingly similar for less money? And, Aesop is yet another line touting botanical ingredients - would it really be unique and different? For the most part, the answer is a refreshing "yes".

One of the most refreshing notions about Aesop that really stood out to me is that they do not advocate using 50 different potions for every centimeter of your face. They believe in simple, straightforward skin and hair care that comes from natural sources and doesn't involve hurting the environment or animals. Sounds good to me! I decided to try some of their most popular skin care, Amazing Face Cleanser and Mandarin Face Cream.

Amazing Face Cleanser
This cleanser has gentle cleansing agents and plant extracts of ylang ylang, tangerine, and lavender, and is best for oily, normal-to-oily or combination skin. It lathers nicely without stripping, leaving that "squeaky clean" feeling that's perfect for summer - and you don't need a toner. It also does a good job of removing makeup - just take care near sensitive eyes as the essential oils can be potentially irritating. I liked this cleanser and was bummed when I finished the 30ml travel container, which lasted an amazing 2 weeks with daily use.

Mandarin Face Cream
This ultralight cream with hazelnut oil, rosehip oil, sesame oil, carrot oil, wheatgerm, vitamin E, and mandarin, lemon and lemon verbana extracts has become an indispensable part of my evening skincare routine. I have been using erythromycin gel and Differin to control hormonal acne for the last 6 months or so, and this is one of the few creams I've used over my medicine that doesn't interfere with it. Just a pea-sized amount gives my skin the moisture it needs without feeling oily or greasy, but it's also not a matte finish, which doesn't work for me. I needed something in the middle that would hydrate my normal to dry skin but not trigger my acne. This is it and I would seriously consider buying the full size jar when this traveler is empty.

To learn more about Aesop skin care, check out their site at www.aesop.net.au.

Rosehip Seed Lip Treatment
Australian brand Aesop puts out some great products (Amazing Face Cleanser, Mandarin Face Cream), so I was excited to try this new lip treatment. Unlike a waxy balm like Chapstick, this vegan-friendly, non-greasy stick is totally botanical (no beeswax) and absorbs instantly to treat lips rather than just coat them. The thinner texture takes a little getting used to, but if you hate goopy lipbalms, you'll love this one.

Find out more at http://www.aesop.net.au.