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Beauty /SHARE
Natural Magic
On a trip to Perth I discovered Franc Essential, a brand that looks to nature for its ingredients. Franc Essential was founded by Chantal Vanderhaeghen and we ask her a few questions about Australian skin and the inception of the brand.
What is your background? Have you always worked in beauty?
I originally followed the more conventional career path and completed a Bachelor of Arts despite knowing deep down inside my calling was more in the holistic-beauty world. I then studied aromatherapy and opened my own business in holistic massage and became a facial practitioner. This was the beginning of what has been the most amazing journey. It provided me with the opportunity to intimately study a complete range of skin types and their response to a wide range of products on the market at the time. My clients became my inspiration and my teachers at the same time.
How did Franc Essential start?
I wanted to create an anti-aging skincare range containing natural and organic ingredients to replenish, nourish and hydrate your skin at a deeper level. The fact that so many of these products fell short of their promise and often caused reactions to sensitive skin ignited a fire in me. I soon found myself on an impassioned quest to find natural skincare solutions suited, initially, to Australia’s unique climate – a climate that encourages outdoor enjoyment, but frequently results in dry, dehydrated-looking skin, accentuated wrinkles and lines, reduced oil gland activity and loss of elasticity.
Tell us about your brand in five words ...
From nature - replenishing, nourishing, hydrating.
How does living in Perth translate to your brand? Is there a different way of life there?
No matter where you live in Australia, it’s fair to say our weather is extreme. In Perth, we live to be outdoors. There’s lots of sun and water sports to compliment the great weather. But as Murphy’s Law would have it – there’s always a downside and that’s dry, aged skin. For most the weekdays we live in air-conditioning which is very drying on the skin and it needs to be hydrated at all times. Now, if you live over east that would translate in winter where it is cold and equally harsh on your skin. Our world is changing and our skincare should reflect this.
What has been your favourite moment of Franc Essential so far?
One of my clients was lucky enough to survive the Bali bombings however, he didn’t escape third degree burns to most of his body. Nothing compares to the feeling I get when he tells me how Franc Essential alleviates his pain and makes him feel human.
What product couldn’t you live without?
Oh, that is a difficult one: the Serum, the Vital and the Melt. Oops, that’s more than one, can I cheat on this question?
Who are you beauty icons?
Sarah Murdoch and Sophia Loren. They confidently embrace(d) their inner and outer natural beauty.
What ingredients do you use?
There are about a dozen key ingredients used across the Franc Essential range including: aloe vera, avocado oil, carrot oil, Vitamin E, apricot kernel oil and rosehip. Each ingredient has its own beneficial quality. For example, rose oil aids wound/scar healing, soothes irritated, inflamed, sensitive skin, hydrates and calms. While carrot oil is bursting with vitamins B, C, D, E, essential omega 3s (fatty acids essential for keeping you healthy and hydrated internally) and antioxidant properties. It’s also effective for treating itchy or irritated skin. In so many things in our lives today we look to technology for answers. We do that for beauty remedies like buying creams with lab created ingredients. Well Franc Essential looks back for answers and uses ingredients which have existed for millions of years and proven to work.
Where are they sourced from?
We source our ingredients from all around the world to make sure we get the highest quality. I always say, I’d never cook with a wine I wouldn’t drink.
What is your beauty advice?
Keep your skincare system simple - that way you’ll always feel like doing it and you get results.
How can we prepare for summer with your products?
I believe summer gives everyone an excuse to show off their more natural side. Shirts and skirts can get shorter which means more skin is on show! I encourage you to wear less makeup, let the sun bounce off your glowing skin.
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