When you think about visiting Austin, Texas, the experience is what makes you rich in the city (after all, it’s one of the best Tex-Mex and barbecue places). Or, maybe its green parks and beaches are the best – and who can forget it’s home to a variety of music venues, among other gems that the city is known for.
But after going to the Verbena Spa at the Austin Proper Hotel – a five-star hotel that T + L called one of the best hotels in Austin – such a travel editor can think of complete relaxation and fun when he arrives in Austin. This is where I was introduced to the nourishing magic that is Monastery Skincare, founded by San Francisco-based dermatologist Athena Hewett, who created the line herself using inspiration from her Greek grandmother’s skin care recipes.
Now, natural skin color has become an important part of Verbena Spa as it creates a list of each facial treatment, which is administered by Hewett-trained massage therapists to bring the signature Monastery Facial from California to Texas. In front of Hewett himself, I experienced the healing power of Attar Floral Repair Concentrate, a game-changing moisturizer that has consumers looking like royalty after using it.
A monastery
A premium moisturizer designed to restore moisture to dry and aging skin, locking in hydration with its balm-like texture. At the heart of Attar Floral Repair Concentrate is a rose leaf, which is used to envelop the skin in a nourishing blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids to create strong and healthy skin. It is also the one that makes the oil smell so good that it takes you to the garden of flowers and every job. This ingredient also soothes the skin and is non-irritating, making it ideal for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Another ingredient is rosehip oil, which contains the retinoid vitamin A. Like retinol, it’s great for stimulating collagen production (which also translates to firmer skin and less fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots). Jasmine wax gives Attar Floral Repair Concentrate its rich fragrance while lending its antioxidant properties to help reduce and prevent skin damage caused by UV rays and other environmental stressors. It also contains benzoic acid, which has anti-bacterial benefits on the skin. And, for added antioxidant protection and hydration, there is hazelnut oil; contains vitamin E and works to keep the skin moist, strong, and healthy.
Before my facial, I had never used an oil based moisturizer, especially as someone with very sensitive skin who is always worried about clogging pores. But, I was immediately surprised by how light and non-greasy the formula was – and how long it stayed on my skin. It’s instantly soft and smooth and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving you with a dewy glow and a lovely floral scent.
A monastery
Its balm-like texture and beautiful jar design also make it easy to travel with. You can use it as a skin treatment to soothe other body parts (think: dry lips, chapped cuticles, elbows). And, I find myself using it as a perfume on my hands and behind my ears so I can take in the sweet scent of flowers when I’m on the go. Likewise, fans of the genre share the same sentiments. One reviewer wrote, “I feel like I’m living in Cleopatra’s time when I use this product. The subtle touch of real flowers makes using this a dream.”
One customer said, “To me, this is the definition of a healing oil. It melts into the skin and does its magic. The breakouts appear, the scars fade, and it leaves my skin soft and smooth…it has done wonders for my skin.” Chiming in, a third Monastery customer added, “Everyone tells me my skin looks younger[er] also, if they catch me wearing it, everyone comments on how amazing I smell. ”
In fact, one customer reported that it “exfoliates and leaves my skin feeling hydrated,” and another reviewer noted, “It’s multi-tasking, healing, nourishing, nourishing, and makes makeup look so fresh and bright. I can’t live without it.” without this perfume. It’s worth every penny!
A good conditioner is hard to come by, especially one made with as much care and attention as Attar Floral Repair Concentrate. All-in-one oils take every skin care regimen of every skin type to the highest standards, giving your skin exactly what it’s been missing so you can enjoy radiant, smooth, radiant, hydrated, younger-looking skin.
If you’re in Austin, be sure to book a facial at Verbena Spa so you can experience the magic of the Monastery. You can also make an appointment with Hewett at Monastery Spa in San Francisco, which is on my bucket list. Keep scrolling to see some of our reviewer-favorite products from the brand that will make your skin look firmer and brighter.
Monastery Rose Cleansing Oil
A monastery
Monastery Aloe Hyaluronic Moisture Boost
A monastery
Monastery REI Gentle Retinol Cream
A monastery
Monks Gold Botanical Oil Serum
A monastery
At press time, the price started at $168.
Love it so much? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our travel favorites every week.
