Soap Opera – Fresh, L’OCCITANE, Dr. Dennis Gross, Avène & Erno Laszlo

In the beginning there was a bar of soap. Today, however, the traditional soap bar gets a bad rep as a drying and archaic cleansing agent. With countless offers ranging from simple fragrance free to the most sophisticated and elegant formulas, many of today’s bars are anything but traditional. Read about my face and body favorites from Fresh, L’OCCITANE, Dr. Dennis Gross, Avène and Erno Laszlo. Stigmas are so passé. #LifeBehindBars

It only makes sense that we begin with the bar that started it all. My very first post was a shout out to the Umbrian Clay Treatment Bar by Fresh. This purifying clay bar from Umbria is truly unique. Using it is not always the easiest and may involve a bit of cleaning up but aren’t you worth it? On days on which your skin is over everything and needs a deep cleanse, wash your face with the paste the bar creates after adding a bit of water. On Skin Detox Days, I leave the paste on for 30 minutes as a mask to unclog the pores and smooth out the imperfections. With no scent and only 1 ingredient in its deck, this soap shaped bar is a mind-blowing solution for oilier skin types in need of mattifying. #OneOfAKind

When it comes to the be-all and end-all body soap that is a year round must have, L’Occitane wins hands down. Their Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap comes in three scents: milk, verbena and lavender. Verbena with its soft citrus zing makes for the most universal pick. With a 100% vegetable base infused with African Shea Butter, this bar of soap balances your skin’s hydration whether it’s affected by air conditioning in the summer or indoor heat in the winter. Dense in texture with a lingering scent, it lathers beautifully and lasts weeks. This supreme body soap comes in two sizes but go big with the almost 9oz bar – just don’t drop it.  #TheClassic

Dr. Dennis Gross offers a Botanical Cleansing Bar that is safe for all skin types and it is both face and body friendly. With hydrating aloe vera and antibacterial Tea Tree oil, the freshly scented lather detoxifies the skin without stripping the moisture barrier. The sophisticated formula contains anti-aging Vitamin C for antioxidant protection, nourishing Shea Butter and Papaya Extract to gently exfoliate. Luckily, this treatment doesn’t require a prescription. This luxurious bar is completely vegan and free of parabens and sulfates. Soothing and refreshing, the Dr. Dennis Gross Botanical Cleansing Bar is a must in every guy’s shower. #Unisexy

Avène makes a Cold Cream Ultra-Rich Cleansing Bar that is a perfect option for those with dry or sensitive skin types. Soap and lanolin free, the Cold Cream formula removes dirt, oil and make up while leaving the skin soft and nourished. With a touch of Avène’s signature Thermal Spring Water blended into its cleansing base, this nourishing bar is ideal for the upcoming cooler weather. Lightly scented, the soft foam hydrates and seals in moisture. Compact in size, this cleansing bar is your best bet to travel with for avoiding liquids in your carry-on. #MySoapIsFromFrance

Erno Laszlo makes the most iconic facial soap in the world. The Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar has been used by Old Hollywood stars (as in Garbo and Monroe) as well as… Kourtney Kardashian. This dark and rich bar is infused with dead sea mud and charcoal to lift off dirt and make up without drying the skin. While I am the first to admit that I use this bar in the shower with fewer than the suggested 30 splashes to rinse, the effectiveness is on point regardless. The Sea Mud bar lasts forever and is worth the splurge. With a few acquisitions over the last decade, it’s great to see Erno Laszlo launching breakthrough formulas to accompany his timeless favorites. If you’re in New York City, check out the absolutely stunning Erno Laszlo Institute in Soho at 382 West Broadway. #TheLaszloGlow

Buying  Guide:

Fresh Umbrian Clay Treatment Bar $39 (7.1oz) available at fresh.com, sephora.com, neimanmarcus.com & nordstrom.com.

L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Extra Gentle Sopa $12 (8.8oz) and $7 (3.5oz) available at loccitane.com, sephora.com, nordstrom.com.

Dr. Dennis Gross Botanical Cleansing Bar $24 (200g) available at dgskincare.com, nordstrom.com, skinstore.com,  bigelowchemists.com.

Avène Cold Cream Ultra-Rich Cleansing Bar $9 (100g) available at , dermstore.com. Check out avenueusa.com for brick & mortar stores in your area.

Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar $45 (5oz) available at ernolaszlo.com, nordstrom.com (Nordstrom also offers a 3oz bar for $25), beauty.com, skinstore.com, dermstore.com.