“The End Of False Hope™”
Text by J. Ecochard
Oct 16th 2007-NYC
We’re always intrigued by start-up skincare lines…that tend to garner cult followings amongst professionals, before they hit the big time. Kiehl’s for example.
And so, we were delighted with our group tête à tête with the flawlessly peau-ed Leila Bell and Sharon Brown McEntee, co-founders of the five years in the making (!) Intelligent Aesthetics™ ... a “TruthBased Skincare™ scientifically sound, natural treatment line. Highlights of our hour-long meeting included sampling and sniffing the collection of cleanly packaged products smartly aimed at major visage conditions like oily or dry (or both), aging skin concerns, rosacea, acne etc.
What separates Intelligent Aesthetics from other brands is that the entire line blends “medical grade ingredients with personality, quality and efficacy…” according to Leila Bell. “The scents are not artificial…and all ingredients have a purpose.”
Indeed, good-for-you goodies like willow bark and tea tree oil (anti-inflammatory/anti-bacteria) and oatmeal, chamomile, algae, lavender (soothing) are prominently featured in heavenly scented cleansers, scrubs, toners/primers and treatment mask products-all grouped in categories appropriately labeled Enlighten, Clear, Quench, Nourish, Balance and Soothe.
Naturally we tested a cleanser as soon as we got home because our skin was feeling a bit clogged from a long day of exposure to less than fresh, NY air. We fell in love with the Refreshing Pore Cleanser-that left our face fresh clean, not stripped dry...and noted that much touted Green Tea Extract (as well as gloriously smelling Lemon and Grapefruit) are key ingredients. We almost felt like drinking it!
Luckily, an interactive, user friendly web site will help consumers figure out exactly which products will work on their skin. And unlike ridiculously priced, slickly packaged beauty treatments, Intelligent Aesthetics is really, really reasonably priced, given the purity of the ingredients.
Photos courtesy of Intelligent Aesthetics™