Smell is one of the most powerful senses, linking to memories and creating emotional experiences. For centuries apothecaries and perfume masters have blended scents as a science as much as an art form. Julie Elliott is a modern day apothecary who uses scent and specific formulas to create wonderful products.
Her company, In Fiore, draws inspiration from both France and Japan. She uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create perfumes, body care, and skin care products.
The History Of In Fiore
Julie Elliot created In Fiore in 1999. She was inspired by Old World apothecaries and alchemists. When she was a little girl she would browse through her mother’s French cosmetic notebooks filled with formulas and scent combinations. Scents became an obsession that she had a natural talent for blending.
She also draws on the ancient skin care treatments of Japan and ancient bathing rituals. Many ancient civilizations, such as the Romans, had large bath houses. A critical part of the cleansing processes was using essential oils and herbal infused waters. Julie’s products mirror this tradition.
The idea was to keep with these ancient traditions and stimulate the senses while also creating curative and hydrating effects. Juliet believes that when caring in this careful way for the body, it leads to nourishing the spirit and mind as well. When In Fiore debuted in 1999, it claimed to be the first luxury beauty care line that was blended with the purest floral absolutes and pure oils. In Fiore remains intent on promoting the old wisdom of the health benefits of raw florals and herbs.
Introducing The 4-2-4 Method
Julie recently went to Japan and became completely inspired by their skin care. Almost all the women had flawless skin, and their methods were incredibly simple. The practice was to wash the face with warm water and a washcloth, without anything else. Then, to splash the face several times with cold water. Last, the women would massage a light ‘lotion’ or ‘balm’ into the skin to soften it.
This is where Julie drew her inspiration from for her 4-2-4 method. Her cleansing method starts with a four-minute face massage with Lusta Illuminating Cleansing Essence oil. This is followed by a two-minute cleansing massage with her Treat Gentle Cleansing Emulsion oil. Last is a complete rinse with splashes of warm and then finally cold water.
About The Ingredients
In Fiore is a luxury beauty line, and therefore uses ingredients of the highest quality. The herbs, essential oils, and floral waters are certified organic or wild-crafted. The raw floral materials are sourced from the regions they are best known for the long term cultivation of them. Some examples are Rose from Bulgaria, Neroli from France, Jasmine from India, etc. The oils are cold-pressed, which leaves them more intact since heat can damage many of the healing properties.
By using raw materials, they are richer in minerals, vitamins, proteins, enzymes and energy. These feed the skin to make it more healthy and vibrant. The antioxidant properties in ingredients like buckthorn, turmeric, and avocado oil help to repair damaged skin. All of the ingredients in the skin care line are also certified as Non-GMO (genetically modified organism) which is absolutely important for the health of both the skin and the body.
Side Effects Of In Fiore
In Fiore products tend to have a very long list of ingredients. While they are all organic, they have a wide variety of botanical extracts that could cause an allergic reaction. Echinacea is one example, it is a common allergen and skin irritant. Additionally, many of the extracts are exotic in nature and since the likelihood of being exposed to them naturally is low there is more risk for a reaction.
A wise precaution would be to put the product on a small area of skin first to test for sensitivity. With severely sensitive skin, there is always the option of discussing the ingredients with a dermatologist.
Luxury Items Can Be Expensive
While these products are high quality, they also come with a high price tag. The Crème De Fleur Rejuvene cream is $150 for 1.7 ounces. They also have a calendula-based mixed oil that is $175 for 4.2 ounces. One of the less expensive items is the Décolleté Luxury Treatment Balm which runs $70 for 1.67 ounces.
In both blog posts and customer reviews, people have said the high price is worth it, but the price range is beyond what the average customer can spend.
In Fiore can be bought off of the official website. Available on the site are balms, perfume solids, body treatments, and a variety of skin care products. In San Francisco, Julie has a store front with all her products to experience and try first hand. She also has exclusive blends that are only carried in the store and cannot be bought online.
Good To Know
In Fiore does not use any artificial preservatives or additives. Instead, the preserving properties of rosemary are utilized to keep them fresh.
When left unopened, the products have a shelf life of one year. They should be stored in a dark, cool place away from direct sunlight and heat. Oils and balms should be used within six months once opened for optimum potency. This can be extended up to nine months if stored properly. The creams, toners, and serums are water-based emulsions. It is best to use them within three months ideally. If stored properly, they may be able to extend their use up to 6 months.
A rare opportunity to try the products is given to customers via travel size options. Such an example is the Pur Face Oil Concentré. The standard 30ml bottle goes for $85, and the travel size is $45 for 15ml. With a lower price to pay a customer can test out compatibility with a particular skin type before spending more on the bigger size.
In Fiore Review Summary
While this skin care line is on the higher end of the price spectrum, the quality is boasted to be at the highest level. Julie Elliot has many years of experience and practice in the apothecary arts. Sacrificing nothing to get to optimum quality, she uses the purest oils that are cold-pressed. She uses fresh botanicals and herbs to maximize the healing benefits of each ingredient. All of the ingredients are certified organic as well as certified non-GMO. If the price is right will have to be something each customer decides for themselves.
