Officine Universelle Buly: The 19th-Century French Beauty Apothecary
This past Christmas, I received what was likely the best gift that anyone has ever given me: a box of products from Officine Universelle Buly. Buly offers an eclectic selection of French beauty and wellness products, ranging from water-based perfumes, to facial stones, to teeth-whitening chewing gum from ancient Greece, to powderized hyaluronic acid. As a self-proclaimed skincare enthusiast, finding out about this brand from a person who almost definitely would not describe himself that way was a humbling experience.
While the actual selection and variety of Buly products are special on their own merits, I think what sets the brand apart for me is the concept behind it– both in a visual and historical sense. Buly seems to blend a variety of niches in the beauty world, invoking the more traditional and sometimes spiritual self-care practices of gua-sha and other ancient remedies, but also the more pharmaceutical, strictly ingredient-based approach to skincare (i.e. brands like the Ordinary).
Even the descriptions of their products merge these two approaches; each always includes some sort of story or myth about the historical precedent for the product as well as a description of each ingredient from a somewhat scientific perspective. Because of this, it feels like they have something for everyone (and I can attest to the fact that their products make great gifts).
Perhaps Buly’s greatest appeal is actually their aesthetic, which I can only try to describe as classic French elegance with an art historical flare. Almost every bottle, jar, or box bears an image of or reference to an artwork from history. Even the packaging inside the boxes is luxurious; the comb and the rose quartz stone I received both came in suede pouches with gold lettering and detail. It’s certainly not the minimalist aesthetic that seems to be sweeping social media at the moment, but it’s no less (and in my opinion, significantly more) photogenic. Although I highly recommend going on their website to experience the full scope of their offerings, here are a few things that I think are standout products:
Scented Stickers for Masks
It’s unclear how much longer we will need to be wearing masks, but these stickers are infused with essential oil aromas to keep the air inside of your face mask smelling fresh.
Eau Superfine –Soothing Floral Face Toner
This facial toner is soothing and purifying, and can also be used as after-shave. Even if it didn’t have the positive reviews that it does, the packaging alone might be enough to justify a place on the vanity.
Amla Powder
When mixed with water and oils, this powder doubles as both a facial and a hair mask, which is designed to discourage gray hair and treat scalp irritation.
Eau Triple English Honey
Buly was the creator of the first water-based perfume, a formula that was made to last longer on the skin. It is also alcohol-free, so it’s safe to apply to the skin and hair without dehydrating them. This honey and cedar scent is very warm and comforting, and I can confirm that it is both long-lasting and like no other scent I’ve worn.
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