the architecture of beauty

Bringing body care and spa products into the comfort of your own home

by Nickky Faustine De Guzman
December 3, 2013

The hype about Korean beauty is not likely to wane, but for a change, here’s a Thai brand brought by beauty and wellness expert Paul Harn (left). At right, the packaging of Harn’s products are inspired by his architecture and aesthetic philosophy.

“Oh well, you are not unique,” Thai architect and beauty and wellness expert Paul Harn (Vuthichai Harnpanit) said with a seemingly faint trace of indignation. He was referring to the Filipino penchant for beauty products that promise fairer, smoother, and softer complexion. He said this fondness also applies across Asia.

But the bigger problem lies on what products to use. It is perhaps a common fact that the Korean cosmetics are among the best selling items today. But are they specifically designed to match our own morena skin?

“Among Asians, Thai skin is one of the closest skin types to Filipinos because we also share and experience the same tropical climate and weather,” Harn explained.

This being said, Harn opens up the Harnn concept store in Glorietta 5. Harnn is a leading Asian brand of body care and home spa products that sets a new standard for luxurious lifestyle. Harnn products come in the form of hand creams, skin revitalizing lotions, body polish oil gels, bath and massage oils, and hair conditioners.

“Each formulation is inspired from holistic approach by utilizing the finest natural ingredients to help restore and refresh the body and mind. All the active ingredients are natural,” Harn said.

Many formulations come from the traditional herbal medicines from plant extracts and essential oils such as the following:

Rice bran oil

The rice bran oil acts as a natural skin moisturizer, anti-oxidant in the form of vitamin E, and sunscreen. The Natural Rice Bran Oil Soap Collection is infused with lemongrass, lavender, rosemary, black rice, mangosteen, and red rice among others.

Jasmine

The Jasmine flower, or Sampaguita in the local terminology, offers aromatherapy and can also clean and purify the hair and skin.  Jasmine is also a good defense against heat. Jasmine oils are infused with other active ingredients such as pomegrenate, aloe vera, and wheat and rice oils.

Cymbopogon

The Cymbopogon or Lemongrass has natural antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial and anti-inflammation properties, thus good for sensitive and irritated skin. The Cymbopogon collection is synthesized with lavender, a sweet and therapeutic scent that also acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Rose

The Oriental Rose Collection enhances the natural skin tone. Rose extracts are also good for dry hair. The key active ingredients utilize high technology in processing extracts from red seaweed and greed seaweed to stimulate collage and elastin production.

Water Lily

Water lilies contain minerals that boost the skin’s collagen production thus preventing wrinkles and other skin problems like dark spots, freckles, and enlarged pores.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood comes from the same botanical family as the European mistletoe, which is known to brighten skin. The Tropical Wood Collection uses the pure essential oils of Sandalwood and Orange Blossom to create a calming and restful scent. Also, the Nano White Technology reduces dark spots and skin discoloration.