Divine Intervention

Posted by Gina
Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Fresh Creme Ancienne 1 oz


Well, it’s a new season and after careful inspection, it is definitely time for a new face cream. Honestly, I have always been pragmatic about my skincare regime. This seems odd as I have such a different perspective when it comes to my fashion accessories.

But, a story in Departures magazine about Fresh’s Crème Ancienne caught my attention. I decided to research a little further and found only glowing reviews from countless devoted followers. This face cream is based on an ancient recipe first developed around 160 A.D., which combines 14 simple ingredients including rosewater, beeswax, chamomile wax, and meadow foam-seed oil. It is actually hand blended by monks in a monastery in the Czech Republic. The exact location is shrouded in secrecy to help preserve their quiet lifestyle. The resident monks have all taken vows of silence and personal poverty. Donations supplemented with the money generated by the monk’s own labor helps to finance the maintenance and restoration of their 18th century Baroque farmhouse on 100 acres.

The cream making process takes two days to complete and includes the heating of the waxes and the mixing of the water and oils. Everything must be done with exact precision for the concoction to go from liquid to emulsion. After cooling overnight, the jars are filled by hand.

The monks manufacture 10,000 units a year and the cream comes in jars of two sizes, one ounce ($135) and 3.5 ounces ($250).

Crème Ancienne is claimed to have many uses: as a day or nighttime moisturizer, for post surgical scars, stretch marks; as a healing agent; and to protect against the elements.

Okay, admittedly, it is pricey.  But, I am sold on the history and the romance of it all. And, if anything is going to help me prevent wrinkles, it might as well be by the hand of holy men in silent prayer. I need all the help I can get.


Comments

Wow, thanks for sharing! I have never heard of this cream before...love the story behind it as well. It doesn’t hurt to try it once - may be amazing! I would love to know how it goes!

By Sarah Klassen/Haute Design on 2009 04 23

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