“Edelweiss”, which was the last song Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote together, was written for the 1959 “The Sound of Music” stage musical and became the theme song of the 1965 film in which Captain George von Trapp sings of Austrian patriotism.
The iconic Alpine flower is protected in Austria. It is illegal to pick it. In France, it is harvested and used for its cosmetic virtues and its beautifying properties are praised.
Says Jocelyne Sibuet, the founder of Pure Altitude skincare: “Three key fields guide me in the development of our formulations – rarity of natural active ingredients, planted-based dermo-cosmetics, and pleasure.”
Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) thrives in the European high Alps. At 2000 meters, it survives intense cold and high UV. The Edelweiss plant contains active bio-active ingredients that have been found to also protect the human skin’s DNA against its own environmental aggressors.
“Planting an alpine garden with a botanist inspired me to develop a line dedicated to skin regeneration and nutrition, based on the example of how nature thrives in harsh places We started three aromatherapy bath soaks and trialed on our hotel spa lodge guests!”
The Spa des Fermes de Marie in Megeve, then called La Ferme de Beauté, opened in 1990. In 2009, it launched Pure Altitude Snow Crystal Scrub, Cereal Flakes Scrub, and Frost Flowers mask.
Other natural Alpine assets include gentian, buddleia, imperatpria, snow algae, milk thistle, arnica, blueberry, and re-mineralizing glacier water from the Mont-Blanc massif, combined with hydraporin: a synergy of natural ingredients allowing cells to regain their optimal level of hydration.
Antarctica is a molecule derived from microorganisms living in the ice of Antarctica that combines scientifically proven moisturizing, protective, anti-wrinkle, and firming properties. Edelweiss is combined with over fifty mountain plant extracts with multiple virtues reinforcing its own antioxidant, soothing, and nourishing properties. Also used is Melissa (lemon balm), Finnish bitch sap and maca root, or Peruvian ginseng which stimulates cellular metabolism and restores radiance to the complexion.
“Edelweiss remains our flagship asset,” adds Sibuet.
Pure Altitudes Fundamentals range includes the flagship Crème Edelweiis No 1, Flocons de Cereales Scrub, Masque Fleurs de Givre, and Nutriaples Cream.
The Seve du Vie (Sap of Life) range ( targeted at 35-45-year-olds employs an exclusive combination of four rare active, ultra-regenerating ingredients originating from pure geographical areas protected from all pollution. Products include Micellar Flowers Foam, Hydra Antarctica Serum, and Eye Contour Treatment.
LiftAlpes products, such as Cereal Flakes Scrub, Himalayan Elixir, and Lift 481090 Concentrated Serum with lingonberry cry-extracts, contain eyeseryl, a molecule draining, decongestant and anti-edema properties, the elasticity-boosting matrixyl molecule and hyaluronic acid.
Also available are Edelweiss Elixir, Rosalpina Youth Mas, Snow Flowers Body and Hair Wash Del. Sunscreen, lip balm, and Fleurs de Neige reed diffusers.
Jocelyne is a successful hotelier with the six property Maisons & Hotels Sibuet portfolio. Three are in Megeve – Fermes de Marie, Hôtel Mont-Blanc, and Lodge Park, Bastide de Marie is in Menerbes and Villa Marie in Saint-Tropez, and the Gyp Sea Hotel & Beach Houses in Saint Barth. With her ex-husband Jean Louis Sibuet, Jocelyne refurbished a hamlet of nine chalets at Fermes de Marie with building materials from the Savoie and Haute-Savoie region.
“In each hotel we seek to connect with the original spirit of the destination, to share its roots, to find harmony in the setting, and to cultivate authentic luxury. Our hotels are not showy, not ostentatious, not bling-bling – rather we seek beauty in simplicity.”
Jocelyne is foremost an interior designer. She authored “A French Country Home: Style and Entertaining”. Once you have found the guiding principle, a décor is telling a story.
The Hotel Mont-Blanc in Megève has a vintage spirit, an old artists’ hangout. It is based on Cocteau’s very artistic style. Successful interiors have a real personality. They are warm and comfortable. I like basic tones associated with strong shades, such as deep mauve with green. I’m into the 18th century, and the 40’s or 60’s. But definitely not the 30’s. I love The Carlyle Hotel in New York. It has a soul. It is an extremely elegant, mythical hotel with a history and a personality. Paris’s Maisons & Objets fair and the Milan Furniture Fair are great for ideas. As well as the big professional markets in Avignon and Montpelier in the south of France.
“Our Pure Altitude cosmetics line was a natural next step bringing the beauty, strength, and power of mountain plants to our clients. We were the first to bring the idea of spa and wellness to the mountain hotel industry in France”.
“The intelligence of nature is at the heart of everything we make.”
| All photos courtesy of Pure Altitude brand
