Spanish Cosmetic brands may not be the first thing that springs to mind when shopping in Spain. Shoes and Handbags are probably the first things you think of. The Spanish Leather industry is one of the most important exports together with Spanish High street fashion and Bridalwear.

However Spanish Cosmetics have some interesting products worth tracking down on your next trip to Spain.

After living in Spain since 1998 I´m sharing some of the Spanish cosmetics that I use regularly. Hopefully you might like them too.

Spanish Cosmetic Brands

Pharmamel

This relatively new company Pharmamel produces active cosmetics in Southern Spain. Their range of MEL13 skincare has been created by Scientists investigating medical applications of melatonin.

Melatonin is the main active ingredient in MEL13. As we age our Melatonin levels in the skin decrease. Melatonin helps the skin to regenerate damaged skin cells. It also has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Stress, artifical light and lack of sleep can affect our natural melatonin which in turn can alter the skin.

The body produces between 5 and 25 mcg of melatonin each night

Source: Book Melatonin by Russel J. Reiter + Jo Robinson

After 25 years of scientific investigation in melatonin and skin cell ageing. These scientist also have 200 publications in this field. Germain Escames and Dario Acuña Castroviejo created MEL13. Combining these active ingredients into a product. The launch was 4 years ago in 2014.

In the past few months they have added two new products to their range and are now stocking MEL13 in Portugal too.

The range of cosmetics includes

• MEL13 Serum Increases radiance and luminosity in the skin. Boosts MEL13 treatment
• MEL13 Eyes Reduces fine lines around the eyes and hydrates.
• MEL13 Plus Regeneration of damaged skin cells & mature skins.
• MEL13 For all skin types. Mixed and combination skin.

With a Worldwide patent this cream actually penetrates the skin, increasing oxygen, blood circulation and nutrients. In a clinical trial, it was tested on volunteers aged between 40 and 70 years old. Applied to one side of the face for 28 days. The results showed increased hydration, less wrinkles and some repair of damaged skin cells.

I have been using this for several months now and despite having sensitive skin have had no problems at all. Despite all the science behind this product the cost isnt as high as you may think.

Being distributed in Phamacies and Drugstores across Spain and Portugal you can find a local point of sale on the website. Andalusia Barcelona and Madrid have many locations so it will be easy to find.

Paquita Ors

A Pharmacist called Paquita Ors, created this company which now has 700 products. Made in Spain since 1987 this company has grown over the years and now has shops in 8 Spanish cities:

• Zaragoza
• Madrid
• Barcelona
• Jerez de la Frontera
• Fuengirola
• Gran Canaria
• Salou
• Valencia.

With cutesy vintage style packaging, the range of treatments and products is huge. From perfumes, to make-up, skincare and sun creams.

Not only do they have a womens range they also have a specific line for men and for children too.

This Spanish Cosmetic producer has its lab in Zaragoza. The person leading the operation is Paquita´s son, Jerónimo Ors. Now over 80 years old the female founder still insists that her products are only sold in her stores. Each customer gets a free skin consultation before buying the products to ensure that the correct cosmetics are used for each skin type.

More information: Cosmeticos Ors

Natura Bissé

Probably the most well known outside of Spain. Natura Bissé is Spanish Cosmetic company with International reach. Known for ´Spa Results at home´

These high end creams are Made in Barcelona. Used by many famous clients over the years you often see it in Luxury Spa´s or High End Beauty Salons. I have used the Diamond collection at home and also enjoyed a Spa Treatment with their products in a few different locations.

The Health Club at One Aldwych has Natura Bissé at their Spa. Favourites such as Invigorating Vitamin C Body Scrub or the Radiance Booster facial maximise the Natura Bissé products at this Covent Garden location.

The Stablising Cleansing Mask and Rosa Mosqueta Oil are two of the brands bestsellers.

Find Natura Bissé outside Spain in Neimann Marcus, Barneys in New York and at Bergdorf Goodman. In the UK Harrods and Fenwick stock Nature Bissé. Even find their range in far flung locations such as Saks and Faces in Qatar. Harvey Nichols in Saudi Arabia or Lane Crawford in Hong Kong.

Space NK also distributes their products.

Loewe

Travelling around Spain I am always looking out for brands in the Hotel Amenities. When I stayed at Melia Sky Barcelona I noticed their Loewe amenities. Loewe is one of the most well known Spanish fashion brands, especially for designer handbags. With a Madrid Headquarters this brand has been around since 1846 and continues to innovate in Spanish design.

Part of the LMVH group and currently headed up by British Creative Director Johnathan Anderson the range of Loewe´s products increases.

Its fragrance range is a great way to have an easily affordable Loewe item in your travel kit. Fresh and crisp, since my stay at Melia in Barcelona & Madrid I have been using the Shower Gel, Body Cream and Fragrance Agua de Loewe in my a daily routine. It is Unisex and has Bergamot and Yuzu notes.

Perfect in Spring Summer months or in warmer climates the fragrance is clean and refreshing rather than too heavy.

Look out for in in any good perfume store or duty free section across Spain.

Alquimia

This Girona based company has a range of products that are free from Parabens, not tested on Animals and no synthetic fragrances. A luxury organic brand, this catalan company have been in business for since 1984.

With a philosophy of uniting mind body and soul. Alqvima has an holistic approach to beauty.

One of my favourite purchases is this Alqvimia Travel Kit. (it is limited edition) with Anti-Stress Body Oil, Gel & Elixir in 30ml bottles. Basically anything travel size or mini gets me everytime!

They have a spa/store on Rambla Cataluña in Barcelona which I where I first came across Alqvima many years ago.  Another popular store is on Lagasca, in Madrid.

You can find Spa treatments in different locations in Spain which use Alqvimia products. An example is In Cabo de Gata, Almeria, at the spa at Cala Grande Hotel. You can also purcharse online.

Zara perfume

You will all be familiar with High street giant Zara.

But may not know about its Zara Rose perfume. A steal at 9.99 euros (8.75 gbp 12.40 usd)

This everyday fragrance is difficult to find due to its popularity. It smells similar to J´adore by Christian Dior.

The individual bottle is sold but also you can find it in a double pack with White or Black perfumes. (this seems easier to find)

They also have 30ml vial formats, perfect for handbag size or travel.

Flor del Eden

Having sensitive skin finding products that actually work can be a minefield. I use this soap in winter when skin is dry and irritated, but mostly in summertime. When temperatures get too hot to bear prickly heat and sunburn make my skin suffer. This Donkey Milk soap calms down the irritatio. It´s the only shower product I use on the hottest days of the year.

If Donkey Milk baths were good enough for Cleopatra in Eygpt…

Made with Donkey Milk and 100% natural ingredients, its a basalm for all skin types. Also containing Royal Jelly it helps to repair the skin. Coconut oil has antiinflamatory properties and gives it a very light fragrance.

The soap by Flor del Eden is made in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Andalusian donkey is under threat of extinction yet this donkey milk soap helps to maintain the donkeys in Andalusia.

I buy this on street markets when I see it in Granada and some local pharmacies stock it too. It costs 7 euros but the soap lasts for a really long time. Its called in Spanish Jabon de Leche de Burra.

They do have an online store Flor del Eden  where information about other Spanish cosmetic products.

Neusc Skin Repair Bar

Neusc-P-Rosa is an amazing product for extremely dry skin or broken skin. A lifesaver in cold weather to repair sore hands. Sold in pharmacies across Spain, it looks like a soap bar and smells like talcum powder or roses. It costs 4.35 euros you can also get it in stick format too.

You can use it to soften cuticles and apply as a lip balm too.  Made with Lanolin as the main ingredient, this Barcelona based laboratory have 25 years experience in creating dermatological solutions.

Perfumeria Gal

Talking about Lip balm, the most well known Spanish one is by Gal. A Madrid based company the packaging of this is stunning. Small vintage style tins with beautiful art nouveau designs. You will actually want to buy one of each.

This is the best selling Spanish cosmetic of all time. The company began in 1899 created by  Salvador Echeandía Gal who also founded Heno de Pravia.

Used on chapped lips and also to condition eyelashes, this is a true favourite across Spain.

Although this company began in Calle Arenal in Madrid, the factory was moved to Alcala de Henares in 1960  Now owned by Puig the products are sold across Spain still today. Find them in different pharmacies or in El Corte Inglés. Priced from 2 euros they are perfect to pop in your handbag or travel kit.

With many other Spanish Cosmetic products coming out the and all the latest innovations I am sure there are some I have missed.

Do let me know which Spanish Cosmetic products you look out for?

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