Have you heard of The Green Fairy? Well, today we're talking absinthe, healing, and MOA.
You might remember my very first Brand Spotlight featured a favourite of mine, MOA, and if you have been around since the beginning of The ecoLogical you'll know that this brand is a staple in my beauty cupboard. Magic Organic Apothecary (MOA) is a London based skincare company that believes in using herbal folklore to create products for the modern user. They have a wide range of skincare goodies all focused on using natural ingredients to boost wellbeing, improve skin radiance, and teach daily skincare routines. And while their magic ingredients, yarrow, features in every formula they create, today I wanted to focus on one of their latest innovations -- absinthe.
You heard me right -- absinthe! MOA's latest launch, The Green Fairy, is a hand and lip balm whose star ingredient is that green substance that seems to elicit hallucinations in films like Moulin Rouge and Eurotrip and causes hilarity in shows such as New Girl. But why incorporate such a notorious ingredient into beauty?
Absinthe has actually received an undeservedly bad reputation over the years, and while it can be a deceptively smooth drink that leads to some puzzling decisions, it does carry a lot of benefits that have been overlooked until recently.
"ABSINTHE EXTRACT referred in historical literature as "la fée verte" (the green fairy), this anise-flavoured botanical spirit is derived from the flowers and leaves of wormwood, anise and fennel. It rose to popularity as an alcoholic drink in late 19th and early 20th century France, particularly among Parisian artists and writers. Absinthe has often been portrayed as a psychoactive hallucinogen, but the truth of this remains a mystery. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is highly antibacterial and anti-fungal and shows antioxidant properties too."
"ABSINTHE EXTRACT referred in historical literature as "la fée verte" (the green fairy), this anise-flavoured botanical spirit is derived from the flowers and leaves of wormwood, anise and fennel. It rose to popularity as an alcoholic drink in late 19th and early 20th century France, particularly among Parisian artists and writers. Absinthe has often been portrayed as a psychoactive hallucinogen, but the truth of this remains a mystery. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is highly antibacterial and anti-fungal and shows antioxidant properties too."
Wormwood itself is considered a 'super herb' by many, as it has a long medicinal history that dates back to the Romans' use of the plant to aid with digestion, healing, menstrual pains, rheumatism, and stomach related ailments. So when paired with other potent plant extracts like fennel, yarrow, and peppermint, you are bound to be left with a powerful product!
But unlike the unadulterated spirit, MOA's The Green Fairy will not have you slurring your words and stumbling around the city at night (or seeing Kylie Minogue done up as a naughty cabaret fairy). The absinthe extract does still retain those transformative powers though, as it will work to repair and soothe any damage such as cuts, scrapes, rough patches, and insect bites!
MOA's hand and lip balm is so special, with a unique scent and a formula that prompts speedy recovery for chapped or dry skin. It works great for cuticles, elbows, lips, knees, and more -- it's like the ultimate plastic free multi-tasker! Plus, you'll discover a lightly sweet taste if you happen to lick your lips after applying, a quality that I find an absolute must for something that might be put on or around the mouth.
The Green Fairy actually reminds me of a more condensed and minty version of MOA's other multi-tasker, The Green Balm. Both products are brilliant at sorting out multiple issues, and both have extraordinary healing powers thanks to the herbs involved. But while The Green Balm offers a traditional balm consistency that is rich, spreadable, and very much oil based, The Green Fairy is dense and waxy on first contact, then slowly melts down into a very smooth texture that offers the perfect barrier against the elements. Definitely a product I'm loving this winter!
Overall, I am really impressed by MOA's latest formula and find it lasts on my lips for hours and that my skin feels properly protected when I have put on The Green Fairy. It does not feel like your average hand cream, nor does it act like the usual lip balm -- it is a magical creation all of its own and I appreciate that.
And like I mentioned before, this balm is totally free from plastic! MOA has created a lovely cardboard wrap that contains all the important details (like ingredients, instructions, website information, and storage tips), and then the product itself is contained in a gorgeous tin that is embossed with an image of the green fairy. This packaging is so beautiful that I have already decided to reuse it once it is empty -- it is too lovely to dispose of!
If you're looking for an all-in-one skin nourishing balm that is 100% natural, free from plastic, and vegan, or just want something that is a little bit different from everything else on the market, then The Green Fairy hand and lip balm from MOA is a great pick. While it does feel a little waxy at first, it gives such great protection from the wind, indoor heating, and cold air that this actually works in its favour. Plus, the scent is just so interesting I can't stop using it!
How about you?? Have you tried this hand and lip balm from MOA yet? I would love to hear how you use The Green Fairy and if you have any ways I haven't thought of yet. Or, if you have tried both this and The Green Balm, I would love to see how you think they compare.
If you are wanting to try this for yourself, you can pick it up from MOA's own website or from Blomma Beauty. Remember to make use of any first order discounts if you haven't shopped with either before! For Blomma Beauty, you can use code ecological15 to grab 15% off. And let me know if you give it a go -- it would be fab to hear how you get on with the balm! xx
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Fantastic! I want to try it. I see how it's different from The Green Balm now.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm definitely intrigued by this! I might have to give it a try
ReplyDeleteAs I started reading this, I thought Absinthe? But it looks like a great product that I would love to try.
ReplyDeleteLike the comment above I was like Absinthe? But, I actually think it sounds great. Definitely something I want to try x
ReplyDeletewhoa what an idiot you are charlie. way to copy someone else's comment. TRY being original some time, just TRY!
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