By Phillip D. Johnson
A Range of Natural Skincare, Fragrance, and Bath and Body Formulas inspired by Centuries-Old Therapeutic Recipes
400 years ago, a convent was built in the village of Mane in the South of France to shelter the botanist monks of the Minims, who used their considerable knowledge of plants to tend a garden of curative herbs and flowers. Centuries later, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary continued the original convention of cultivating beneficial ingredients to help strengthen and restore those in need through food recipes. The sisters used the power of plants to nourish and heal their community, restoring well-being in a spirit of generosity. This emphasis on nourishing care through nature inspired Le Couvent des Minimes’ own simple yet powerful natural fragrance and skincare recipes, the basis of a collection of efficacious formulas that draw on the heritage and traditions of the convent of Mane.
Every recipe combines proven natural ingredients and is inspired by ancestral traditions to deliver modern benefits. From skincare to bath and body to fragrance, each formula is crafted using age-old phytotherapy and aromatherapy practices honed over centuries, blending effective and pleasurable ingredients to nourish and replenish. Le Couvent des Minimes recipes combine ingredients like floral waters and nutrient-rich plant extracts that have an inherent affinity with the skin for naturally efficacious products.
Here are some of Le Couvent Des Minimes’ products:
Beneficial Rose Skincare Complete Moisturizing Cream (1.7oz, $33): Thanks to its Original Recipe with active extracts of four beneficial Roses enriched in anti-dryness Grapeseed oil, Complete Moisturizing Cream hydrates and reveals radiant, younger-looking skin;
Hiker’s Foot Healer (2.6oz, $19), formulated with nine plants carefully selected for their known beneficial properties, intensely nourishes dry feet, softens the skin of damaged feet and soothes hot and tired feet;
Gardener’s Hand Healer (2.6oz., $19; 0.8oz., $8) combines 20% Shea butter with seven beneficial plants in a rich and emollient cream to nourishes and repairs dry and damaged hands and protects against cracks and chapped skin like an invisible glove;
Smile Lip Balm in Honey Aroma (.05oz, $13.50) softens, nourishes and protects your lips. This highly restorative lip balm also comes in Pear Aroma and Mint Aroma.
Eau Des Minimes Cologne (8.4oz, $49) combines three refreshing Citrus fruits and seven plants selected for their beneficial properties to tones, refresh and revitalize the skin, Leaves a naturally fresh citrus scent that provides a feeling of well-being.
Le Couvent des Minimes Skin Softening Body Cream, Orange Blossom (8.8 oz, $32.00, also in Honey & Shea Butter): From the 14th century, many convents in the South of France began the distillation of the orange blossom, collecting precious floral water. Used as a balm or a potion, it effectively soothed, healed and softened skin. A tribute to this tradition, the Skin-Softening Body Cream combines Mediterranean orange blossom extract with emollient grape seed oil into a creamy texture that leaves your skin velvet-smooth and deliciously scented.
Relais & Châteaux Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel & Spa was born of a shared passion for the convent and for the beautiful region of Provence. Also, in the spirit of generosity that has defined the convent through the ages, Le Couvent des Minimes donates 1% of total sales to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary association to support health and childhood projects. The full collection is available at www.usa.lecouventdesminimes.com and select items will be available at ULTA Beauty in August 2013.