Aesop Archives - Style&Minimalism

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her 2017

So I’ve been a bit sneaky this year, instead of creating a women’s gift guide and a wish list like I usually do, I’ve combined them. I always want everything that’s on the women’s gift guide anyway so it made sense. The result is a bumper list of amazing products which I highly recommend. Each of the brands I’ve featured create the most amazing products and even if you don’t see something suitable here, please click through to their websites using the product links below, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

1. Toast Lotus Print Flannel Gown | 2. Otiumberg Gold Graduated Hoops | 3. Print Club London ‘Swimmers’ by Nadia Taylor | 4. Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash | 5. Sarah & Sebastian Small Disc Ring in Gold | 6. PB 0110 AB 52 Shoulder Bag in Black | 7. ‘House of Plants – Living with Succulents, Air Plants and Cacti’ Book | 8. Immunocologie The Luminous Kit | 9. Sort of Coal Bincho Water Purifier | 10. ARKET Recycled Cashmere Jumper in Grey | 11. Merci Maman Personalised Pastille Chain Bracelet | 12. Comme des Garçons Medium Classic Leather Wallet in Black | 13. An Organised Life 2018 Daily Planner | 14. Murmur Mura Wash Bag in Warm White & Indigo | 15. Geo Fleur Cacti Selection Box | 16. Rathbornes Bitter Orange, Birch Tar & Balsam Classic Candle | 17. Laboratory Perfumes Amber Eau de Toilette | 18. SEP Jordan Koutubia Embroidered Cushion Cover | 19. ‘Bowls of Goodness’ Cookery Book by Nina Olsson | 20. Another Country Mug | 21. True Grace Candle Wick Trimmer | 22. Everlane The Twill Weekender in Black

I’ve included all sorts in my gift guide, some obvious gifts like earrings, beauty products and candles as well as something a little more unusual like this beautiful print by Nadia Taylor at Print Club London and a box of cacti from the cool plant people at Geo Fleur. The gorgeous hoop earrings are from Otiumberg, a brand whose website I find myself returning to over and over again because I just can’t decide which pair of earrings I want most. Women will always tell you they need another handbag but they might not feel that way if they own one of PB 0110’s timeless designs. As long as it fits the world in (well a nice make-up bag and a few other bits) and is versatile enough to go with almost everything, it’ll be a big hit. Immunocologie’s The Luminous Set is perfect for anyone struggling with their skin in this cold weather, oil based products will keep them protected. And if they’re feeling really cold and just want to cosy up at home, a beautiful dressing gown should do the trick, I’ve not seen one more beautiful than this one from Toast. SEP Jordan’s geometric cushion covers are designed and made in Jordan by female refugees. The brand has given these women a chance to make their own money so they no longer have to beg for even the most basic things. I hope you find something wonderful for the important women in your life. Happy shopping.

Christmas Gift Guide: For Him 2016

There’s a lot more focus on quality within the male retail sector, at least here in the UK anyway. I think this comes down to the fact that men don’t (on the whole) enjoy going out shopping as much as women, so the market is a lot more specific. Men will go shopping when they need to replace an item and tend to search for something that will last, so that they don’t have to repeat the process too soon.

1. J.Crew Wallace & Barnes Wool MA-1 Bomber Jacket in Navy | 2. Uniform Wares M37 Leather Strap Watch in Black/Grey | 3. Taschen Treehouses by Philip Jodidio | 4. The White Company Men’s Suede Mule Slippers in Dark Grey | 5. LSA Ono Glass Wine Decanter | 6. Aesop London Grooming Kit | 7. Tumi Larkin Erin Brief Bag | 8. Moleskine Ruled Notebook | 9. Leica C Compact Camera | 10. Converse Jack Purcell Signature Canvas Sneakers

I often hear men complaining about the fact that women have more variety but I think that’s just down to the fact that there’s a lot more fast fashion for women – cheaper products that are trend-led, tend to be made in sweatshops and don’t last very long.

There’s less noise to distract men and more quality essentials. I think that’s why I find it much easier to find good gifts for men come Christmas. I wish the J.Crew wool bomber came in my size, would never say no to some Aesop goodies and could spend hours looking at tree houses and dreaming of an escape to the Treehotel in Sweden.

I’ve put together a new Pinterest board for men’s gifts. No excuse for buying the men in your life a pair of socks this Christmas.

Aesop Daily Essentials

I test out a lot of amazing skincare products, these two are my Aesop daily essentials and have remained a constant in my skincare arsenal for about six months, taking me seamlessly from winter into summer.

My skin is normal to dry and both these products are perfect for it. The Fabulous Face Cleanser is a gentle foaming cleanser that cleans the skin without stripping away every natural oil it produces; it also removes my eye make-up. The Camellia Nut Hydrating Facial Cream is quite rich but not heavy and is quickly absorbed by my skin; when it’s feeling a bit dehydrated I top it up with another layer 10-15 minutes later.

The little black glass candle was a gift from the lovely people at Sandro. Even when it’s not lit it gives off a wonderful scent. I’ll get a waft every now and then, look round to see who’s walked in the room that smells so good, and then realise that there’s no one there.

Aesop Fabulous Face Cleanser | Aesop Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream | Sandro Candle