Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
With the help of Bahrain Apparel Group, tree-huggers can rejoice because Italian cosmetic retailer, Bottega Verde, has now opened in Seef Mall Muharraq, promising to provide more than 100 natural beauty products.
It is with no surprise that when given the choice people prefer to buy natural products over the synthetic chemical alternatives.
Mother Nature is very capable of providing us with all that we need to ‘heal and help’ but many have no idea how to use it. We have strayed away from running to the ‘medicine man’ in the forest to visiting some random dude with a bad haircut at the pharmacy, or some neurotic lady wearing a ‘make-up mask’ at a local department store who wants to hook you on expensive creams you don’t need.
This brand uses 300 active natural ingredients in everyday usable products which work with your body and appear to ignite all the human senses.
I had not previously heard about this brand and ventured out to get a first-hand look last weekend. On arrival it felt like walking in into the Tuscan countryside with all its charming accents, colours and scents that set the stage for a stimulating sensory overload.
If you are anything like me, then you need to be careful what you put on your skin to avoid sensitive breakouts and rashes. Fortunately, for some time I have not had one of those major ‘panic’ experiences that left me unrecognisable and in lock-down for a few days. I try to avoid products with silicone and colour additives.
It is wise when visiting a new store to ask where the popular ‘go-to’ items are because you know what are ‘tried and true’. The sales lady pointed to the ‘Argan Oil’ products which she revealed were the best sellers. Argan oil or Moroccan ‘liquid gold’ has been coveted for centuries due to its multiple healing properties. I tried the ‘Argan Oil’ hand cream which felt silky and smelled wonderful.
The brand also has a ‘BV Specialty’ line that uses common recognisable ingredients like aloe vera (used to sooth and heal skin), shea butter (nourishing, soothing and protective) and honey (replenishing and moisturising).
Not surprisingly due to the region, dead sea salt with its high percentage of minerals and olive oil, used for centuries to help combat ageing, are also on the specialty list.
However, red grape and Venere rice were two ingredients that had never entered my beauty regime. The red grape extract is noted for gently cleansing the skin and for its progressive repairing properties. Venere rice is the only product of its type in the world, and the variety is grown in the provinces of Vercelli and Novara. Recognisable by its dark colour, it is especially rich in proteins and minerals, and has a valuable antioxidant effect. To exploit the benefits as much as possible, the brand has created a dedicated product range for women who trust in the power of this rice.
The international brand originated as a herbalist’s shop in 1972 in Pienza, in the heart of the Italian region of Tuscany. In 1992 it became the property of the Lavino family who made the brand the success it is today.
The company products are currently distributed in more than 25 countries in four continents and have an objective to become the top range of natural Italian cosmetics products worldwide.
The brand’s headquarters is located in Palazzo Massaini, a splendid castle dating as far back as the 1500s, nestled in the countryside near Siena amidst hills, vineyards and wheat fields where olive oil and wine are produced. A magical place, where history and nature interact in perfect harmony and this is the setting that apparently provides the inspiration for the main ingredients contained in the cosmetic range.
In my opinion, you will not be disappointed by the product choice which ranges from candles to fragrances to a whole full cosmetic and body-line for men, woman and children.
Products start at BD1.5 and the store is offering an impressive introductory ‘25 to 40 per cent off sale’ on all items until the end of the month. Ciao Bella!
