Sign up to our newsletter at topsante.co.uk TOPSANTÉ 79WORDS: NATALIE MILLMAN. PHOTOGRAPHS: SHUTTERSTOCK AND GETTY IMAGES.
Ducks – a natural, vegan, cruelty-free
skincare brand whose products,
including Shea and Jasmine Body
Lotion and a Coffee Scrub, are all
made in Egypt; there’s also
Cairo-based Osvaldo’s, which
harnesses the power of natural oils in
its Magical Hair Oil Mix and Nail and
Cuticle Care; Bubblzz is a range of
bath and body care products
containing organic oils, from Herbal
Moisture Lock Shampoo to handmade
soaps containing coconut oil, glycerin
and castor oil. Also check out Areej
Aromatherapy (areejaromatherapy.
com) – a family-run company aiming
to restore Egypt’s essential oils
industry back to its heyday.The ancie nt Egyptian god of perfume and
beau ty, Nefertum, wa s depicted as a lotus
fl ower and wa s also the god of healing.
Top treatments
‘The majority of Egyptian women are interested in professional-grade
treatments such as micro-needling to enhance collagen production,’ says
Lydia. ‘Facial massages are starting to become popular in Egypt, too, and
there is a large movement in DIY beauty.’ You can make like Egyptian
royalty with a skin-softening milk bath. Simply add a cupful of milk powder
to your tub then a few drops of geranium essential oils and dried rose
petals for an authentic vibe. Or, pour in The Body Shop Spa of the World
Egyptian Milk & Honey Bath (£15, thebodyshop.com).
Dermaplaning is another popular treatment, said to be favoured by
Cleopatra. It’s where a blade is used to remove the top layer of skin for a
thorough exfoliation. Find it at Dr David Jack (£150, drdavidjack.com) who
also offers an Egyptian Facial (£250), which is a more thorough treatment
combining dermaplaning, a fruit acid peel and hydrating mask.