Two branches of the Church of Scientology’s operations and a few of its French leaders have been fined according to BBC News. A case against the organization came to French court after two women filed complaints. One woman alleges she was sold expensive life-improvement courses, vitamins and other products after taking a personality test. Another said her Scientologist boss fired her after she refused to undergo testing and sign up for courses. The organization denies that any manipulation took place.

A Paris judge ordered the Church’s Celebrity Center and a bookshop to pay a 600,000-euro fine.  The group’s head in France, Alain Rosenberg, received a two-year suspended jail sentence and was fined 30,000 euros. Three other leading members of the group were also fined.

France considers the Church of Scientology a sect, not a religion. Prosecutors requested that French operations of the group be banned and fined more heavily, but a loophole prevented a ban. Tommy Davis, spokesman for the Church of Scientology International, said the court had acted “in total violation of the European Convention on Human Rights and French constitutional guarantees on freedom.”

Click here for the complete report from the BBC

Inspired by the treasured beauty rituals of royalty in decades past, French brand Mon Soin Du Visage also taps many of the ingredients commonly used by Japanese women, to treat common skincare issues, often impacted by one’s emotional state. The company use ingredients such as sake (also in SK-II), rice vinegar and bran, seaweed, citrus fruit yuzu, soybean and the multi-tasking camellia oil.

While we respect the tradition and research involved in developing their products, we must admit we fell in love with the design. The packaging is very French BoHo siren meets downtown Manhattanite. But, what makes the company garner our respect is their complete approach to a healthy lifestyle. They favor the tried and true macrobiotic diet and practice yoga regularly. Plus, the company understands what a big impact plastic packaging has on our environment, which is why these use glass containers, which they recommend for reuse. They are also working on a refill program.

The company uses raw materials that are 95-100% organic, and does not use any artificial ingredients, or man-made chemicals or fragrances. Furthermore, the bottles come in boxes printed with vegetable dye.

The company tapped popular anti-aging ingredients such as sake, which contains kojic acid, which is often used to help treat marks and discoloration influenced by melanin imbalances. However, the unexpected ingredient, wasabi, is employed because of its said regenerative power, and its ability to aid circulation and fight free radicals.

The collection includes four lines: Les Trois Roses, Shiso, Les Trois Bois and Yuzu. L’Essence Botanique product can be used for a detoxifying bath, regular cleansing or for aromatherapy. Instructions recommend putting drops of the L’Essence Botanique in hot water, and then soaking a cotton cloth in the solution, and finally, wiping the face about five times, to remove impurities and encourage circulation. The face lotion mist is also a multi-tasking product, which can be used as a lotion or a deodorant.

Of the four varieties, the rose option has regenerative and lifting effects, yuzu helps circulation and skin balance, making it fit for oily skin, Les Trios Bois has regenerating, purifying and soothing properties, making it suitable for men and woman, and finally our choice, Shiso, has anti-inflammatory properties. It is for this reason we’d opt for Shiso, which is geared at those with sensitive skin, in need of rebalancing, especially after stress and immune changes.

In addition to solutions and lotions, they also make 100% vegetable-base soaps, standard wash-and-rinse cleansers, powerful serums, and creams that double as masks, with the moisturizing and sun-protecting camellia oil. We think anyone ready for a new regimen and a lifestyle change should give this brand a shot. The organic nature of the ingredients means it is also a great option for expecting moms and mothers still nursing.

Where:
These products are a serious investment, so be ready to toss the other ones in your cabinet aside to get your money’s worth. To learn more about products or buy items, visit the Mon Soin Du Visage website.