When I think of beauty collaborations, two categories come to mind: those meant to happen and those I didn’t see coming. The surprises are always fun, especially when an idea is quite a reach. So, when Susanne Kaufmann and BYREDO paired up, I just may have squealed with joy.
Susanne Kaufmann is known for making eco-luxe self-care effortlessly chic. BYREDO is the master stylist who creates unique and innovative fragrance wardrobes. Both industry geniuses consistently formulate mindful and effective products, each with an eye-pleasing aesthetic. So, adding a bottle of the Bregenzerwald Body Oil to my Space NK cart required precisely zero overthinking. Days into enjoying this treasure, I’m here to twist your arm. Because you need it.
(Little known fact: both brands were at one point part-owned by Manzanita Capital, a London-based investment company. BYREDO has since been sold to Puig. Manzanita Capital also owns majority stakes in Diptyque, Malin + Goetz, and Space NK in addition to Susanne Kaufmann. In the past, their portfolio included Eve Lom and Kevyn Aucoin as well.)
What is Bregenzerwald?
Bregenzerwald is a mountainous region in Austria and home to Susanne Kaufmann where she runs her namesake wellness mecca. Having spent a few days at Hotel Post in Bezau in 2019, I can assure you, the local charm is cozy yet posh. I loved that snowy week. In spite of the gray slush in the streets, I found myself breathing deeply. The air felt so clean, pure, and energizing. I didn’t even need to step foot in the forest to experience nature’s restorative magic. A few treatments at the hotel spa didn’t hurt, either! With every whiff of this limited edition body oil, I’m transported back.
What makes this body oil special?
The new Bregenzerwald Body Oil blends the world of body care and personal fragrance like no other product I have tried of the many that have attempted. First, it is a decadent body moisturizer that leaves my skin feeling nourished and looking glowy. But then, it takes you on an hours-long sensory journey that goes way beyond the basics of aromatherapy. Can I add that I rarely look forward to applying body oil? It’s usually only out of necessity when my skin gets dry and itchy. Now, it’s a task I look forward to daily.
Ingredients and fragrance notes
Susanne Kaufmann has perfected bath oils. Her Bath Oil For The Senses is among the best I have tried. This is coming from someone who takes a lot of baths. The new Bregenzerwald Body Oil is a leave-on formula that epitomizes luxury in a bottle. It’s a robust blend of nourishing, anti-inflammatory plant oils such as Jojoba, Sea Buckthorn, Meadowfoam, and Apricot Kernel to name a few.
BYREDO’s participation results in a limited edition launch that may best be described as a high-end fragrance with skin care benefits. Uplifting yet calming, the intriguing combination of jasmine, pine, and fig is simply outstanding. After a bright woodsy opening, the scent gets slightly floral for a bit only to dry down with a clean, earthy accord. It’s not at all fruity because the fig is sharp, leafy, and green. I love everything about it.
How to apply the Bregenzerwald body oil.
Here’s the secret to successful application of an oil: after a bath or shower, pour a few drops into the palm of your hand, and massage it into still damp skin. Then, gently pat yourself dry with a towel. Or, just prance around naked for a minute because that’s exactly how quickly it will absorb.
I’ll admit there was a bit of a learning curve here, but I’ve noticed that this method prevents the greasy slip of a finish that can be all too common in body oils. And since oils are great carriers of fragrance, I’m assured of beautifully scented, moisturized skin without having my clothes sticking to me. Unsurprisingly thrilled with this limited edition, I hope it becomes a permanent addition to either Susanne Kaufmann’s or BYREDO’s collection. Or both.
Memories from my visit back in January 2019…
