Blog and News
Celebrate the Otsukimi Festival with ALBION Flora Drip: Skincare Inspired by Nature
As the seasons shift from summer to autumn, we celebrate Otsukimi, the harvest moon-viewing festival, the rhythms of nature and the bounty of botanical ingredients from our Shirakami farm in Japan. Here, we cultivate five essential herbs that are key ingredients in our Flora Drip essence. Its delicate herbal scent instantly transports us to Japan, reminding us of moonlit nights filled with the fragrance of herbs and flowers. Learn more about Flora Drip, its botanical ingredients, and join in Otsukimi celebrations with our special “Blessings of Shirakami” promotion. What is the Otsukimi Festival in Japan? Otsukimi, also known as the harvest moon-viewing festival, is a cherished Japanese tradition rooted in the Heian period (794-1185). Held during the mid-autumn season, it celebrates the beauty of the full moon and expresses gratitude for a bountiful harvest. Today, Japanese people continue to honor this tradition by gathering to enjoy the moon while consuming special seasonal foods like tsukimi-dango (round rice dumplings) and offering seasonal produce like sweet potatoes and chestnuts to the moon as a form of prayer for future prosperity. One of the most significant symbols of Otsukimi is susuki, or pampas grass, which is traditionally used in festival decorations. It is thought to represent a bountiful harvest and to protect against evil spirits. Pampas grass is one of the seven herbs of autumn in Japan (based on the 8th century poem by the Japanese poet Yamanoue no Okura). The autumn herbs symbolize the transient beauty of nature as the seasons shift from summer to autumn. Celebrating the Harvest at ALBION’s Shirakami Farm In honor of the Otsukimi tradition, ALBION celebrates the harvest at our Shirakami farm, an organic field and research laboratory situated at the base of Shirakami-Sanchi mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Japan. Here, we meticulously grow many of the plants used in ALBION skincare products. Our research focuses on cultivating plants with high-performing, skin-enhancing properties that we use in crafting our products. Our manufacturing process starts with hand-harvesting these carefully grown ingredients, followed by applying cutting-edge technology to extract the best skincare benefits from each plant. The Five Key Herbs in ALBION’s MYURAT™ Complex Did you know that five of the key herbs used in our Flora Drip essence are grown at our Shirakami farm? Flora Drip essence is enriched with MYURAT™, a proprietary complex of active ingredients created through a fermentation process using five organically grown medicinal herbs, combined with Shirakami koji (white koji fungus). The targeted fermentation technology, unique to ALBION, enhances the effectiveness of plant extracts for superior skin benefits. The five key herbs in MYURAT™ are: Cornflower (Cyanus Segetum): Known for its antioxidant benefits and ability to support the skin barrier. Capillary Wormwood (Artemisia Capillaris): Provides antioxidant protection and stress-reducing properties. Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis): Known for its calming properties and potential for alleviating stress and anxiety. Wild Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum): Offers antibacterial, antiseptic, and astringent benefits. Mountain Wormwood (Artemisia Montana): Conditions and nourishes the skin. Imagine standing in a field on an early autumn night, basking in the soft glow of the full moon while breathing in the scent of these herbs. This delicate botanical infusion lends a soothing herbal aroma to Flora Drip, ALBION’s fermented skincare bestseller, evoking the serenity of Japanese nature and rich harvest at our Shirakami farm. The Essence of ALBION Flora Drip Flora Drip by ALBION is a rejuvenating essence infused with our exclusive MYURAT™ complex. Botanical-infused essences have been a popular part of skincare rituals in Japan for centuries. In Japanese beauty, an essence (not to be confused with a toner, see toner vs essence) is a lightweight hydrating product that provides an extra layer of moisture, delivers nutrients, and enhances the skin's overall health. A cult favorite in Japan and Asia, Flora Drip is praised for its efficacy, unique formulation, and visible results. American customers share glowing reviews (pun intended), noting improvements in skin hydration, radiance, and a dewy glow. As one editor from Who What Wear stated: This milky essence from the Japanese skincare brand Albion is a skincare lover's dream. It instantly plumps my skin with moisture and makes it look and feel alive and youthful. Packed with flavonoids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, Flora Drip is formulated to give you deeply hydrated, visibly uplifted, and radiant skin. In a two-week consumer study conducted in the U.S.*, participants reported these benefits: 100% felt their skin was instantly hydrated. 100% agreed their skin felt smoother and more balanced. 100% said their skin appeared brighter with a healthy glow. 96% noticed increased skin tautness and resilience. 92% saw a reduction in the visibility of fine lines. * Based on a 2-week consumer study of 25 individuals. How to Use ALBION Flora Drip Incorporating Flora Drip into your skincare routine is easy. Suitable for normal to dry skin types, it pairs well with other products, including those containing active ingredients like retinoids. Whenever you need a boost of hydration and radiance, apply Flora Drip after cleansing or as the third step of the ALBION 4-Step Skincare Ritual. Saturate a facial cotton pad with Flora Drip essence or use clean hands and gently press the formula into your skin. Lightly massage with your fingertips to enhance absorption, and enjoy the calming herbal scent as you transport yourself to Shirakami’s fields on a harvest moon night. ALBION’s “Blessings of Shirakami” Promotion From September 9 to 17, 2024, make a purchase of $70 or more on our website to receive two 24 ml Flora Drip Deluxe samples ($42 value). Celebrate the Otsukimi harvest moon festival with ALBION, and experience the blessings of Shirakami in your skincare routine.
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Back to School: How to Achieve Glass Skin with Japanese Beauty Secrets and ALBION
The arrival of the back-to-school season marks a transition in both the weather and daily routines. It’s the perfect opportunity for parents to refocus on self-care, particularly in addressing any post-summer skin concerns. This season, why not elevate your self-care and skincare routine by aiming for the coveted “glass skin”—a concept rooted in Japanese beauty traditions that promises flawless, luminous skin? Let’s explore what glass skin is in J-beauty and the rituals and products that can help you achieve this look. What is Glass Skin in J-Beauty? Glass skin refers to a complexion that is smooth, flawless, clear, and virtually poreless, with a radiant, almost translucent glow—reminiscent of a pane of glass. The skin appears luminous and glossy, with a reflective finish that signifies its healthiest state. In J-beauty, the focus is on achieving this natural radiance through consistent care, multi-layered hydration, and high-quality ingredients. The goal is to have skin that looks so healthy and hydrated it shines with a subtle, dewy glow—achieved by addressing the skin’s needs from deep within. How to Get Glass Skin: The Japanese Beauty Approach Achieving the glass skin look is a holistic process that combines a balanced lifestyle with a dedicated skincare routine. There are several J-Beauty secrets to achieving the glass skin look: A Balanced Lifestyle: The foundation of glass skin is a healthy lifestyle. This means nourishing your body from the inside out with a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and hydration. Maintaining a good sleep routine and finding effective stress management techniques are as important. Finally, maintaining a consistent skincare regimen is key. Sun Protection: Daily sunscreen use is non-negotiable, whatever the weather. It protects against UV rays that can cause premature aging and dullness. Layered Hydration: Hydration is the secret to achieving the dewy, glass-like finish. Japanese layer lightweight products, such as essences, infused with natural, antioxidant-rich ingredients. Application How-to: Application techniques are as important as the products themselves. Gently massaging or pressing the skincare products into the skin helps the product absorption and prevents skin tugging which may lead to wrinkles. Overall, Japanese skincare is renowned for its gentle, effective formulations that avoid harsh chemicals and embrace natural ingredients. How to Get Glass Skin with ALBION Skincare Achieving glass skin is all about embracing a skincare routine that nourishes, hydrates, and refines the skin to reveal a smooth, luminous complexion. The Japanese approach to skincare emphasizes simplicity, high-quality ingredients, and consistent care. Here’s how you can incorporate these principles into your skincare routine using ALBION products. Step 1. Remove and Cleanse. The Japanese dedicate time to thorough cleansing, specifically double cleansing the skin. Start with an oil-based cleanser like INFINESSE Face Release Cleansing Cream, followed by a lighter, water-based cleanser. This thorough cleansing routine disintegrates dull, dead skin cells while preserving the skin’s moisture. Step 2. Balance and Prepare. ALBION pioneered the use of balancing milks, a unique skincare product that rebalances skin moisture after cleansing. For example, INFINESSE Derma Pump Milk S is antioxidant-rich and infused with hyaluronic acid, collagen, and peptides to promote a visibly hydrated and radiant complexion. Step 3. Stimulate and Hydrate. Hydrating essences are key to achieving well-hydrated skin in J-Beauty. Skin Conditioner Essential N, iconic in Japan, is a toner-like skin conditioner that nourishes, clears, and calms the skin, promoting a healthy, dewy glow. Another cult-status product is Flora Drip, a rejuvenating essence infused with the exclusive MYURAT™ complex and formulated to promote visibly uplifted, well-hydrated, and radiant skin. Step 4. Activate and Retain. Multi-layered hydration requires sealing in the moisture. Moisturizing is critical to achieving and maintaining glass skin. A good moisturizer, like INFINESSE Expansion Cream, locks in the benefits of the previous steps, ensuring that your skin remains hydrated and plump throughout the day. Extra Hydration To truly infuse your skin with moisture, use one of our Special Care products, such as Herbal Oil Trinity Fusion. Rich in antioxidants and botanical oils, this luxurious, lightweight face oil soothes and hydrates for ultra-soft, richly-moisturized skin. To use it, after cleansing and applying ALBION balancing milk, take a teaspoonful of Herbal Oil Trinity Fusion. Evenly apply it over your face. Spend about 3 minutes massaging the oil into your skin, starting from the center of your face and moving outwards. Use once or twice a week. Embrace the Back-to-School Routine for Your Skin As your family settles back into the school routine, take this opportunity to reset your skincare ritual. Achieving glass skin isn’t just about the products you use—it’s about consistency and care. By following the ALBION 4-Step Skincare Ritual, you can nurture your skin back to its healthiest, most radiant state. Glass skin does not happen overnight, it is a result of ongoing dedication to your skin’s health. As the seasons change, commit to a routine that makes you feel as beautiful as you deserve. With ALBION’s Japanese beauty secrets, that flawless, glass-like complexion is well within reach.
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ALBION Skin Conditioner: A Must-Have J-Beauty Essence
Discover why ALBION Skin Conditioner is the must-have essence in your J-Beauty arsenal. Learn about its unique benefits, how to use it, and why it stands out in Japanese skincare.
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Discover the Magic of Job’s Tears: The Key Ingredient in ALBION Skin Conditioner
Discover the transformative benefits of ALBION Skin Conditioner Essential N, featuring Job’s tears, a traditional Japanese skincare ingredient.
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Celebrate 50 Years of Iconic ALBION Skin Conditioner Essential N
Join us in celebrating 50 years of ALBION's iconic Skin Conditioner Essential N, a skincare product from Japan known for its conditioning properties.
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ALBION Eclafutur Serum Review: Discover the Benefits of Yumesaika Peony
Peonies have been used in traditional Japanese medicine for centuries. Now, you can harness their natural power with Eclafutur serum by ALBION.
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