Green Goop, also known as Savon Noir Beldi

Green Goop, also known as Savon Noir Beldi

Imagine, if you will, that you're watching an infomercial on television. I'm wrapped in a fluffy towel and covered with a slimy substance. As the camera zooms in for a close up, I whisper in a sultry voice, "Green Goop. It's what I use to keep my skin baby soft!" Admittedly, there are a few rough edges that need to be worked out, but I think we've got a winner on our hands.

Even though green goop, also known as Savon Noir Beldi, has been around for 3,000 years, I only recently encountered it when I took a quick peek in the Moroccan bath house (hammam) at the Paris Mosque with Denise in January. Reputed to be an excellent moisturizing and exfoliating cleanser that's rich in Vitamin E, I was anxious to try it and was pleased when I spied some in an Indian store in Passage Brady on Wednesday. In spite of being teased by some of the other women on the Market Walk that I would end up looking like the Grinch, a bright green character, I threw caution to the wind and used it during a special spa treatment at home this morning. I'm happy to report that it works. My skin is so soft and silky that I even tried to take a photo of my forearm as evidence. It was one of my more bizarre moments as a blogger!


Instructions: Apply Savon Noir to damp skin. Rub lightly in circular motions and rinse after 10 minutes. Savon Noir foams into a gentle lather and softens, exfoliates and cleanses all at once. The price of one jar is 4.90 euros.


While we're on the subject of traditional beauty treatments, I may as well mention that many French and Swiss people swear by l'Argile, a green clay that is used externally as a facial mask and internally as a cleanser. Rich in minerals, it has been used for thousands of years to purify and regenerate. Plus, it's always fun to see Stephane's startled reaction when I come out of the bathroom with it on my face.

On the recommendation of a Canadian woman, I bought a bottle of Argan oil when we were in MGC, one of the many stores selling professional hair care products at reduced prices on Passage de l'Industrie in the 10th arrondissement. Having read lots of intriguing reports about this miraculous Morrocan oil, I'll let you know if it lives up to its reputation of having age defying and restorative effects.

Green Goop, Savon Noir Beldi, is available in one of the Indian Stores in the Passage Brady in the 10th arrondissement.




Comments

  1. Soft and silky skin just after one application for 4.90 euros? I want it! Do they export it?

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    1. I googled "Savon Noir Beldi" and saw that there are quite a few places selling it online. Otherwise, it's a good excuse for a trip to the 10th arrondissement!

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    2. There is a website on the back of the bottle.
      Please what is the website?

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  2. Wow, that is a steal! Good to know.

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    1. I was amazed by the price of many items in the 10th arrondissement. We figured that most things (meat, fruit, veggies, etc) were about 30% less than in other parts of Paris.

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  3. Hope for the Argan oil post you include more of your wonderful snaps of Passage Brady (the one above is so strong and colourful). Also, whenever you're next in the 'hood the run-down Passage du Prado has a wonderful roof, especially the side running from Fbg St Denis which is shorter.

    As for your post, you've inspired me to go dig out my argile and mix up a batch to let dry on my leathery face. Danke!

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    1. Thanks for the info! We saw the Passage Prado - I even took a couple photos of the roof! Our guide, who lives off the Fbg St Denis, said that they used to have ballroom dances in the passage. She also said that the Mauritian restaurant, "Ile aux Cerfs" is very good. Have you tried it?

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    2. Oh that's hilarious -- would love to see ball room dances in that passage. And yes, I liked the Ile aux Cerfs food (but have only been once). My face is silky -- thank you!

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  4. Oh I must get some of the Savon noir. I viisit the Hamman when I go to Paris. But it would be good to have some at home. It really makes your skin soft and lasts for ages.

    Let us kn ow how the oil for the face goes.

    I need all the help I can get!

    Love Senise from Bolton

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    1. Did you ever write a blog post about your visit to the Hammam? I wanted to include a link for it but only found the report that you had written for TA.

      So far, I'm pleased with the Argan oil. I've been using it on my face and hair (before I wash it). I'll let you know how it goes. As for your skin needing help - you've been blessed with the lovely English variety that always looks beautiful!

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  5. I went back to the Hammam in April. It is amazing what you get for 43€! (the price recently went up). The first time, we didn't quite know what to do, but I've got the routine down pat, now, including the tangible lunch at the mosque restaurant après Hammam!

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    1. That's "tangine", not tangible! :)

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    2. Denise and you are so adventurous! I'm not sure that I'm ready for the Hammam yet but the "Tangible Tangine" sounds great.

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  6. Wait, L'Argile is used internally as well? You mean you can drink it? Geophagy? I'm confused.

    And about the Green Goop--I think I have to go to Clark and Devon and see if I can find it there--my Mom would love it. And me too.

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    1. People in France, Switzerland and probably other parts of Europe have used green clay as an internal cleanser for centuries. People do seasonal cures that include drinking clay water. But it's not as bad as it sounds.

      I found this website with more info in English:

      Internal uses for clay:
      Detoxification
      Heartburn, stomachache, gastritis, stomach ulcer, flatulence, colitis, functional colopathy, food poisoning, abdominal bloating, diarrhea.
      Gingivitis, bad breath, stomatitis, dental abscess, mouth ulcer.
      Colds, rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, bronchitis.
      Acidosis, hepatic dysfunction, intoxication, parasitosis.
      Clay like Illite is ultra rich in minerals and trace elements and can be used as a mineral supplement in combination with plants extracts or herbal teas. Minerals present in clay include: aluminum, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, germanium, magnesium, manganese, phosphor, potassium, sulfur, selenium, silica, silicon and zinc.

      Clark and Devon - I remember going there with my daughter when she lived in Chicago!

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    2. very interesting.

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  7. Oh, this stuff looks good! I'm always on the lookout for new skincare products! I recently purchased a chocolate strawberry mask at the pharmacy out here in Montauk. It smells like those chocolate scratch and sniff stickers us children from the 80s loved.

    This green goop looks like the real deal! I can't wait to look for it when I'm back in P-town! With that price, how can I resist?

    Thanks for the info, MK!

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  8. I love learning about new skin care products, but usually get turned off by the hefty prices, however these beauties sound like a steal!

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  9. Yes Mary Kay I did blog about the Hamman in February.here is the link.

    http://denisefrombolton.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/wednesday-15th-february-hamman-at.html

    I have been back since on subsequent trips, both on my own and with a friend. I must say it is a social activity, much better with a friend to chat to and laugh, and VERY bonding and liberating!

    Go, throw your inhibitions to the wind and give it a try!
    Don't fancy drinking the green clay though!

    Love Denise from Bolton.

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  10. I saw savon noir in a shop for the first time recently. Weird stuff, but if it's good for girls then I shall have to try some. I'll put it on my birthday list!

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  11. I just bought some savon noir back from Morocco and was wondering how to use it! The instructions are all in french, which unfortunately i don't speak... So thank you, I'm looking forward to trying it out xx

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