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In the world of a mega-multimillion dollar cosmetics industry, it's wonderful to find a product that not only meets the criteria of fine quality, but which you can also identify with philosophically.

For about 6 years I have been exploring the range of aromatherapy, skin, body and hair care products by Jurlique, and find myself thoroughly pampered every time.

Whether its the exotic and uplifting qualities of frankincense or the soothing and calming effect of lavender in my oil burner. Simply blissing out during a massage with the Romance Blend Massage Oil. Or the refreshing compresses of the Aromatic Hydrating Concentrates and delicate moisturising of the Day Care Face Cream – all of Jurlique's products are a sheer indulgence and of outstanding quality.

Jurlique was established in 1985 by Dr Jurgen (chemist and naturopath) and Ulrike (botanist, horticulturist and teacher) Klein and is devoted to providing us with "the purest skin care products on earth".

Tremendous effort has gone into ensuring this quality. After their search for the "cleanest, most unpolluted environment" for growing herbs and flowers (spanning Ireland, France, New Zealand, America and Australia) the Kleins chose their base in South Australia's Adelaide Hills region. This area is also renowned for its exceptional wines.

The Jurlique herb farm (a popular tourist attraction) spans 50 acres, plus they maintain an additional 6,000 sq metre herb garden containing around 40 herbs. Organic soils and the biodynamic growing of herbs are essential to the operation and planting, weeding and picking is all done by hand. Around 85 % of the plants required for the Jurlique product range are grown at the farm, including lavender, calendula, echinacea, chamomile, rosemary, pansy, sage. Plants that cannot be grown in Australia such as ginseng, witchhazel and arnica are imported from organic growers overseas.

I have extremely sensitive skin, which reacts to strong, synthetic, chemical or harsh products. I also steer clear of cosmetics that use animals for testing or contain animal content (unfortunately far more common than you would ever imagine). Jurlique satisfies all the above. Their products are made from completely natural ingredients, contain no chemicals, artificial preservatives, colours or fragrances. They are rich in natural anti-oxidants to ward off those evil free radicals and are pH balanced. I find them gentle, yet effective.

The Jurlique philosophy goes way beyond mere skin care. With a background of study in both western and eastern philosophies, religions, alternative educational systems and ways of life, the Kleins have devoted themselves to our empowerment – to re-educate us about our inner reality, health and beauty.

Jurlique Logo used with permission from Jurlique International Pty Ltd

Their philosophy comes together in their 3-symbol logo, and reflects a series of 3s in their ideology. The rounded triangle represents their vision of "Purity, Integrity and Care" – the overcoming of polarities in our daily lives (you know, good and bad, black and white, etc, etc) and the combining of 3 ancient skills in the production of their products: separating, purifying and re-uniting – called 'spagyric'. Purity: represents the non-chemical, unpolluted, organically and biodynamically grown plants. Care: for oneself, others, the environment, the land, the planet. And Integrity: ethical, honest, sincere and direct communication with us the consumers.

The Klein's aim is to bring the experience of "3 profound joys" to our lives. First: the inner awakening of our real self – mind and spirit merge allowing inner sight to develop. Second: enjoying what we are – body, skin and health – and being true to ourselves; balance through diet, exercise, and relaxation to heal our body and soul. And Third: to see, experience and enjoy our environment, taking from Nature and giving back – harmony. In turn the "3 joys" will benefit our "3 skins". First: our physical self. Second: what separates our inner body from the outside environment, mirroring our health – body and soul. And Third: our environment and Nature herself. Lack of harmony between the 3 skins, results in lack of balance or joy in our lives.

Jurlique has developed the "Bio-Intrinsic" extraction method for preparation of plant ingredients. This process, developed by Jurgen a student of alchemy, utilises an ancient spagyric method of herbal extraction where plants are separated, purified and then reunited. This enhances the life force of the plants, and results in products of exceptional purity and potency.

Whatever the technical basis, on a practical level I believe Jurlique produces the most pure, intense and balanced essential oils of any I have purchased (read heaps!).

Another enticing feature of the Jurlique range is its very reasonable price tag. We don't have to pay through the nose for ridiculous fancy bottles and packaging. As per the old Bauhaus expression "Form follows Function" all is kept very simple – like their skin care regime.

From its humble beginnings in Australia, Jurlique is now available in 18 countries around the world, encompassing Asia, Australasia, Europe, Middle East, and USA. In the States it is available in around 300 resort spas and thousands of day spas (formerly beauty salons), plus department stores, pharmacies and health food stores. They also run lifestyle seminars, which could be quite informative. If you are interested in locating your nearest retailer you can contact Jurlique freecall: 1 800 854 1110.

Robyn

Link to Jurlique Australia | Link to Jurlique USA

 

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