Q
Can you tell us a little about the history of Anne Semonin?
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Anne Semonin was created in France over 30 years ago by leading Parisian facialist, Anne Semonin. The brand is dedicated to providing exceptional made-to-measure skincare and body care, capturing the powerful benefits of trace elements which are blended with the highest quality natural essential oils. The brand is now driven by our president, Aline Marcadet, who has been at the helm of Anne Semonin for the last 12 years.
Q
What is the key beauty ethos behind Anne Semonin?
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Q
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At Anne Semonin, we believe that a woman’s beauty needs are unique. One size does not fit all, which is why at the heart of our philosophy is the mission to ‘prescribe’ tailor-made product combinations and treatments to perfectly complement each woman’s individual beauty needs. Aline has a passion for sourcing new, effective ingredients and innovative techniques to enhance and boost all women’s unique natural beauty.
Q
Can you explain exactly what made-to-measure skincare is?
A
We are the leading pioneer of “made-to-measure” skincare which allows us to prescribe a selection of customisable products to suit each individual’s requirements. Our extensive collection of “skin solution” driven skincare and body care delivers exceptional results, and can be tailored using our unique Intensive Complexes to give you exactly what your skin needs, whether that be Firming, Balancing or Soothing, three of the most common skin concerns. Anne Semonin formulas have been developed to allow customisation of our masks and moisturisers using essential oils and trace elements contained in the Intensive Complexes.
Q
Many of your products are used in Spas across the world. How can someone recreate the Spa experience at home using Anne Semonin?
A
It is simple to create an at-home spa experience with our range of high-quality, luxurious products which use the exact same formulas as those used in the Spa. Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere created by our scented Memoires D’Eté Candle, enjoy a relaxing bath using our Exotic Verbena Bath and Shower Gel, then indulge in an at-home facial treatment using our Resurfacing Peel Mask. The Resurfacing Peel Mask is the ultimate skin renewal solution for use at home, combining the benefits of a chemical peel, mechanical peel and biological peel in one single product without irritation; perfect for an at-home treatment in-between visits to one of our spas. Alternatively you can apply any of our other face masks on a daily basis to restore and replenish your skin: Mineral Mask for deep cleansing, Gel Mask for radiance, Cream Mask for intense rehydration and Exfoliating Mask for gentle removal of dead skin cells.
Q
The Express Radiance Eye Cubes are such a unique product. Where did the idea come from to create it?
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A forerunner in cosmetology, the Anne Semonin brand invented the Spa concept in the ‘80s, well before the creation of spas around the world. In these exceptional venues, dedicated to beauty and well-being, new techniques were developed and implemented: draining, hydrotherapy, body wraps, acupressure and cryotherapy. At Anne Semonin we are big believers in cryotherapy, as it accelerates the penetration of active ingredients, drains the toxins, soothes the skin and achieves a glowing complexion with unbelievable freshness. In 2004, we launched the Express Radiance Ice Cubes, a revolution in skincare allowing users to extend the benefits of spa cryotherapy treatments at-home. Free of standard water (Aqua) which is the base of most cosmetic formulas, this unique and innovative product combines marine spring water rich in minerals and trace elements and neurocosmetic ingredients, offering exceptional results on firming and radiance. In 2009, the Express Radiance Eye Ice Cube, specially formulated for the delicate eye area, was launched, providing a complete solution to puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles.
Q
How exactly does ‘Cryotherapy’ work on the skin?
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Cryotherapy treatments use ultra-cooling methods to naturally shock the body into action, reducing the temperature of the body and increase blood circulation. Cryotherapy accelerates the draining of toxins and damaged cells from the skin. It also promotes the constriction of blood vessels thus helping the minimisation of pores and favours heat transfer on the skin’s surface due to the two diametrically opposite temperatures (body temperature of +36° and ultra-cold temperature). Finally it allows skincare products to penetrate more effectively and generates a forced microcirculation inside the skin tissues for a more rapid and complete absorption, which helps to smooth and refresh the skin as well as reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Q
What are some of your other most popular products?
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The Precious Serum, our little bottle of gold, is rich in essential oils which help restore skin radiance overnight as well as regular hormonal imbalance. The 100% Active Serum, our little bottle of Botox, contains a natural resin which plumps up fine lines and wrinkles. The Tissue serum, our little bottle of water, is oil free and provides gentle rehydration suitable for all age groups as well as men. The Dheanne Cream, is our top of the range anti-ageing moisturiser using Mexican Wild Yam, an amazing botanical ingredient that mimics oestrogen production and assists collagen production. Our newest serum, the Precious Pearl Youth Radiance Elixir exclusively developed for Harrods, combines a unique pearl encapsulation technology, an advanced dispensing pump, two weights of hyaluronic acid together with a host of other botanical ingredients extracted from the heart of the plant cells using a biotechnology process.
Q
There is an element of elegance to your products. Is that something that’s quite important for you to have?
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Style and elegance are central to the Anne Semonin brand. Aline is a talented interior designer and has been responsible for designing our retail packaging as well as many of the spectacular Anne Semonin spas around the globe, creating luxurious sanctuaries of beauty and wellbeing for our customers.
Q
What role do you feel wellbeing has to play in beauty?
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Wellbeing is an extremely important part of achieving inner and outer beauty. We believe that beauty comes from within so it is important to take care of one’s self, leading a healthy lifestyle with special attention to diet and exercise regime. We frequently post healthy, inspirational recipes and beauty tips on our @AnneSemoninUK social media channels.
Q
What is Anne Semonin’s ultimate mission?
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Our ultimate goal is to help women (and men) feel happy in their skin and regain skin radiance and a youthful glow. Anne Semonin products and treatments harness the power of natural ingredients combined with the latest advances in cosmetology to ensure one gets the best out of their skin without the need for invasive procedures.
