There aren’t many products that deserve cult status. Astral Original is one of them, earning a hotly contested spot on our wall of beauty fame.
It first hit shelves in 1950, when small tins of Astral were launched as a “multipurpose beauty nurse for moisturising, sun-bathing, babies bottoms and husbands' razor-chapped faces etc…” It soon became a household favourite as well as a staple on Hollywood sets, where make-up artists famously used it to remove heavy screen make-up without irritating actresses’ skin. Astral's Original formula has never been tweaked, which can only be testament to the success of this simple lanolin and glycerine-rich cream.
Today, this multi-tasking genius remains a firm GLOSSYBOX favourite, and if you haven’t tried it yet you’re missing a trick. Whether you prefer the Astral Original or Soft, which is enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E, here's how to get the most out of this throughly modern do-it-all:
It doubles as a nourishing mask Massage a thick layer onto skin. Leave it on for ten or twenty minutes then tissue off any residue for a deeply hydrating facial treatment.
… and makes a marvelous moisturiser Apply in place of your usual moisturiser day and night - and it’s just as effective as a body moisturiser too.
Use it as a cold cream cleanser Massage it into skin for two to three minutes before wiping off with a cotton pad socked in warm water to remove make-up and the day's grime.
Or a soothing balm Place in the fridge for ten minutes and then gently pat onto sensitive or ‘hot’ skin to calm and reduce redness.
