Wear your finest jewels around your neck, on your fingers, ears, wrists, and...face? You read that correctly. Gem stones have been used in skincare products throughout history, and now, we are seeing luxe stones like diamonds and pearls in creams, serums, face masks and more--truly giving new meaning to luxury skincare. Brands like Lionesse have introduced full lines of gem-specific products, for when you suggest your clients: "treat yo-self". 

We asked Natalie Zinder, research and development at Lionesse, why, quite literally, shining bright like a diamond can make a big impact in services you offer and products you sell to your clients.

MODERN SALON: How have gems historically been used in skincare products?

Natalie Zinder: In Indian Mythology, gemstones were used to ward off evil and promote healing. Gemstones are known for their natural energy and ability to radiate glow. The gemstones promote a healthy circulation and help support our skin with its renewable process. The new Lionesse Gem Collection infuses the gems' precious qualities with a combination of healthy vitamins and minerals to a variety of products which help create a youthful glowing look.

MS: Why are we seeing a resurgence in this trend now?

NZ: Throughout history precious and semi-precious stones have been valued for not only their beauty but also for the mystical powers they were believed to hold. Historians uncovered cuneiform tablets which contained information about the meaning of gemstones and how they could be utilized for medicinal purposes—much of these purposes included skincare. With the beauty and scarcity of gemstones, these are typically reserved for the highest rank of society. Now, depending on your skin type, each collection stone gives treatments that are fit for a royal.

MS: What are different benefits for different gemstones?

NZ: 

• Pearl: Aside from the value of the decorative gemstone, Pearls have been known for their ability to condition and perfect the skin. With this benefit, the nutrient-rich powder from ground pearls has been used for facial treatments in Egypt, China and Japan.

• Amber: The Amber gemstone is known for its healing abilities since ancient times and act as a detoxifier and help to protect the skin.

• Diamonds: Diamonds are considered excellent exfoliators. The delicate particles are so tiny, they're practically dust which makes them extremely gentle. Even though they're small, hard and smooth, diamonds act as a strong agent for polishing skin.

• Black Onyx: The gemstone became extremely popular in the modern world, during the time of Queen Victoria’s death and its popularity has not diminished since then due to the protective and powerful energy it provided. Today, this unique gemstone is still in great demand in the international circuit, both in terms of fashion and skin care.

• Golden Sapphire: A true yellow/golden Sapphire Gem is one of the hardest known minerals can only be scraped by a diamond. Golden Sapphire is also known to have exfoliating and calming benefits which restore the balance of skin imperfections.            

MS: How can salons or spas hone in on this and use it in their services? How can they sell the products to clients?

NZ: Clients with a love for jewelry and glamorous beauty products would love Lionesse. Lionesse Gem offers great products to suit all skin types and give amazing results to the skin. Using the Lionesse Gem Diamond Collection with a diamond tip microdermabrasion facial is an example of how luxury spas and salons can incorporate Lionesse Gem into their services. Additionally, spas utilizing special energy stones (or healing gems) can find a direct connection due to the unique benefits.