Aesop Beauty Understatement on Fasanenstraße

A Greek fabulist is Australian natural cosmetics label Aesop's namesake. Ever since 600 BC, his stories tell of plants, animals and gods while mainly addressing human weaknesses. Balancing and harmonizing the human skin's weaknesses is Aesop's mission.

I have been a follower of these natural products for years, impressed time and again by their idealistic approach and their overwhelmingly beautiful packaging design. Every one of their shops is different and unspeakably beautiful, just like their brand new one on Charlottenburg's Fasanenstraße. The store design was conceived by Norwegian architectural practice Snøhetta, who have also designed the Oslo Opera.

Warm oak wood is the dominating element in this second signature store in Berlin. In the form of wide floorboards, on the walls or as ceiling-high columns that function as nightly storage cabinets for all of the products laid out through the day. The store comes across much like a stylized forest thanks to the soft lighting combined with natural fragrances and a soft mist that is vaporized through little hidden nozzles in the counter every now and then.

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I almost forget why I came. But my 'consultation', which is what a trial appointment at Aesop is called, quickly reminds me. For many years now, I have been using Aesop's shower gel, body lotion and hand cream, but I have never had the opportunity to really get in touch with their facial care products. Tailored to my specific needs, they choose a cleansing lotion, toner and a moisturiser to demonstrate.

Over a long, built-in sink, the soap gets rinsed off neatly, the skin gets toned and finished off with the moisturiser. Each product sets free yet another intriguing natural scent which is almost enough to make me buy all of the products right away. The texture and the immediate effect on my skin, however, convince me to take the cleanser home with me. The other products will be reasons for me to come back to this gorgeous place again, and again.

Fasanenstraße is finally regaining its old charm and becoming a place for extraordinarily beautiful stores again. More please!

Constanze Hallensleben

Founder Creme Guides