Before I sat down to review the oil of choice – Nuxe Body Contouring Oil ($37) – I wondered about my own contours on the rump & hump. Would I…could I commit a 30-day challenge to test out the effects of oil on the ruffled dimplings of my derriere?
“Well, the readers won’t want to see the day-to-day snapshots of your bare booty. I can promise you that.” K said.
Point taken. And, you’re welcome. So, I turned to a professional. Audra James, a 20-year veteran of massage and aromatherapy, who shared her…pardon the pun…hands-on experience with cellulite:
“When you use a natural body oil that contains essential oils (such as juniper, cypress, lemon, grapefruit) with daily dry body brushing and lymphatic hand massages over those rebellious regions on legs and hips, the oil will help improve circulation so you can help disperse trapped fluids or fatty deposits. But, remember lifestyle changes are always helpful - drinking lots of water will help prevent the accumulation of cellulite, keeping you firm & tone all year around.”
Thank goodness she put to rest those rumours about running rolling pins over my stomach. Next, I turned to science. No…not to scour the med journals for data on buttock elasticity. But, to see what science says about the lards of your inner beauty.
The Blubbery Basics
Cellulite is one of the harder types of fats to dissolve in the body. And, there are 2 aggravating types to deal with:
- Embedded cellulite: which is generally localized excess of fat not linked to circulatory problems. It’s visible when you pinch the skin.
- Infiltrated cellulite: which is linked to water retention and mainly situated on legs, hips, abdomen, ankles, & tends to swell. It’s often accompanied by sensations of tired, “heavy” legs.
The Treatment
Nuxe Body Contouring Oil (99% of natural origin) is a juicy cocktail of clump busting oils to help with reducing the appearance of lumpy, bumpy skin. A closely knit blend of Sesame Seed, Macadamia and Hazel oils offer a vivid structure; the invigorating additions of Cedar, Cedrol, Grapefruit, Spearmint and Everlasting Flower distilled essential oils lend a tangy scent to the sprightliness of this oil. Of the lot, Cedar oil has been used for thousands of years to de-stress muscles and improve circulatory congestion. The oil is so airy in texture, it almost qualifies as a dry oil. It dries super fast, so be quick about the rubdown.
A fun tip – mix in the Fondant Body Scrub to create a thick soft paste that will allow for a smoother & deeper glide across your body. Start off with vigorous circular motions, switch up to long kneading strides, and end with deep sweeps onto skin to promote the release and elimination of fats.
Proof Positive
To spare our readers of my Photoshop-free experiment, I went straight to the source for evidentiary support. And, Nuxe gladly obliged with their scientific studies. In a clinical evaluation (conducted under strict dermatological supervision) of 31 women over 56 days (where they pledged to apply the oil twice a day), 33% of the ladies saw a reduction of 0.6 inches (-1.5 cm). In a similar test with 39 other women, 100% of these participants saw an increase in smoother skin. Contour me, happy!
The Word
Clearly the idea behind breaking down cellulite is smart, worthwhile and rational. Whatever your cottage-cheesy affliction, the war against cellulite shouldn’t stop at summer’s eve. Religious use of the Nuxe Contouring Oil throughout the hibernating fall and wintery seasons will ensure the overdose of fatty foods won’t stick to your stomach & hips and keep you primed in time for spring. The bottom line - there is no cure for preventing it. But, daily time dedicated to this regime is truly the long-term solution to reducing its unsightly appearance. The body oil is also a great value for when a quick fix-me-up spa trip is out of the question likely due to the frugal times we enjoy today.
When is an oil not just an oil? When it's a beauty breakout product backed by real results for real women. Girls, get your rub-a-dub dub on...
An hour’s drive into the heart of Los Angeles, within the heart of the trendy West Hollywood, is where one of the most lyrically sound oils takes it form. Here sits the brainchild ex-Londoner Bali James, a decorative artist known for her artistic agility in the worlds of art & beauty – two graceful aesthetics not so very different from each other. If floral escapism could be captured, scented, and bottled, Maiko Body Oil ($36) is where you’d find such mystical bliss.
Fascinated by the healing properties of oils & essences, Bali creates a line of lesser-known, but highly coveted body oils with a studious slant. And, because of this, her niche brand has become an object of intense cult adoration among a select few. What does Bali do right? She understands beauty as a form of utility. “I like to think that the application of the oil is not hurried and is an essential part of a woman’s ritual at the beginning or end of her day. A quiet moment, much anticipated.” The Maiko Body Oil does this well with a relentless swirl of fragrance and oil in poetic harmony. I secretly confess, I’m in awe of this mesmeric oil.
A charmed, aromatic twist to the usual suspects put me on edge. Even before you slather it, you’re taken aback by cotton candied accords, which shine through the full-bodied oil leaving a sultry texture to the touch. A solidly structured oil with lashings of Safflower, Sesame, Sweet Almond, Grapeseed, and Avocado oils stroke your skin multi-layered moisture. Of these, the lively Sesame oil penetrates skin easiest, taking along vital antioxidants to treat you up. It’s a voluptuously smooth oil with a charismatic prelude of gloriously sweet notes that engage your entire sensory experience and envelopes skin in an addictive, quasi-gourmand finish.
I promise you this – you won’t be able to put the bottle down. You’ll become near fanatical over trying to figure out what’s the score behind this playful mélange of blooms – vanilla? Bergamot? Lilies? If so, which ones? I remain convinced that whatever it may be, this collective of essences – certainly from some far flung countryside – is an example of organic modernism; it’s a product of nature, not of the machinery of mass production. And, Geisha’s infatuated fans agree. Like Japanese women, they don't want you to uncover this hidden jewel of an oil. Bali shares,
“People say they cannot run out of this oil. It never ceases to make me feel humble. Once I overheard two girls talking about the line. ‘Do you use Geisha?’ one whispered to the other as though they were a part of some secret society.”
That’s the thing about Japanese art and culture – both recognize the value of elemental combinations than a single flux of energy. As expected with the artful convergence of old and new dictated by breaking the norms — tight creativity, scintillating quality, wonderfully imaginative — Maiko Body Oil brings it all. It’s intoxicating, mysterious, willowy much like its namesake.
Call it a singular sensation. This oil is free from everything. No, we really mean everything. No sulfates, no parabens, no fragrance, no synthetics, no essences, no absolutes, no nothing. It’s an oil for you, purists, who seek a sole aesthetic devoid of any fluff or folly. It’s so ungodly pure, as here again, it's graced with USDA stamp of approval granted to those select few products containing 100% organic ingredients. Ingredients? Allow me to correct the plurality here, as VMV Hypoallergenics Know It Oil ($26) doesn’t have anything other than USDA-certified organic virgin coconut oil. Yes, that’s the sole ingredient. Classically, viable coconut.
And, not your suntan-ish, bargain bin basket drugstore variety. We’re talking about a clinically tested, scientific grade sueded coconut oil, so sumptuous, so velvety, so pure that it’s actually good enough to eat…should you want to. The all-encompassing oil doesn’t have to prove any creative independence among the exotic counterparts. Coconut oil has long been described as a miracle cure among oils. Science says extra virgin coconut oil brings a trio of flush fatty acids (Lauric, Caprylic, & Capric) that not only nourishes the skin’s surface and sub dermis layers, but also has antiseptic qualities that helps the skin heal itself. And, you can appreciate the longest shelf life of any natural oil.
The first thing you notice is how the pent up semi-milky oil opens with an unbridled ray of sultry sweetness. It’s almost as if the exotic coconuts were cracked open right before your shipment. It's that fresh. And, the texture will surprise you. The delicate viscosity doesn’t hinge upon your expectation of blending down a dense oil. It’s a lighter bodied oil gentle enough to use over hair, but deft enough to slather for deeper moisture.
The oil is innovative without being gimmicky. And, it’s a treatment not just for someone who has already foreseen and experienced every conceivable combination of essentials & botanicals, but for an experimenter, who is restlessly working her way through all the possibilities of traditional body oils and wants that irreversible break from traditional absolutes. Know It Oil is in itself an essence of simplicity, elegance, and mystery. Call it the great white hope of oils.
The chaos of late night action. The wine-filled nights. Those soul bearing gazes. The lingering lips at the door. What do they bring? Those glaring 'panda bear' dreadful dark circles if you've done it right. Most women confess they’d rather spend their bucks on a treatment than cakey concealers, which only accentuate your embarrassing bout with beauty. We've all been there - within minutes, you hate seeing the crepy concealer seep into your skin making you look old, tired and even unhealthy.La Bella Figura’s Découverte Under Eye Repair Serum ($115) is an overnight fix-it-all. The founders, Karen & Victoria, drew inspiration from hard-edged, industrially luxe European organic oils, which usually usher in American copycats about a year later. For devotees of Argan, the all mighty oil is nestled tightly with Barbary Fig Seed Oil, which surprisingly has a higher content of Vitamin E than Argan itself. The Europeans are seeing a surge of interest in Barbary Fig Seed oil, which contains an endless stream of over 80% unsaturated fatty acids and sterols to help firm up saggy skin from those not-so-pretty puffiness and dark circles. “Some folks in France have describe it as 'nature's botox in a bottle' for its ability to smooth our skin and fight wrinkles,” says Victoria Fantauzzi.
There is, of course, the elusive Blue Tansy oil blended in rather mutely. It’s an unconventional absolute, highly touted for suppressing the puff (read: antihistamine action) while adding a warm, balsamic sweetness. The scent? Soft, seasoned, and almost nostalgic. It’s unfailingly elegant serum that mirrors your natural sebum and wraps around the eye area protectively. Are organic fiend's tastes evolving, moving away from mass produced treatments? I'd say so. La Bella Figura is quckly becoming synonymous with handcrafted organic beauty. This serum proves once again how the brand’s credo – authentic values and craftsmanship – can, indeed, be found in one bottle. A guilty necessity for those late night guilty pleasures.
Any eco-happy fan cohabiting with an occasionally luxurious, seemingly high maintenance face or body oil will be sooner or later intrigued in seeing what else is out there in the world of organics. Caught short, there’s usually some equally organic lip balm that will serve your chappy lips and do the deed rght. But, if you truly want to up the ante, you’ll want to seek out those rare beauty finds that carry the USDA certified organic stamp of approval; a hallmark of kitschy cool signaling a legit roster of agriculturally sourced ingredients good enough to eat. I swear some of these products are arguably artisanal in quality and creed.The latest age-defying force for your lips? From Intelligent Nutrients is the highly anticipated Lip Delivery Antioxidant Lip Gloss ($24 - available August 2011) - a part gloss/part treatment and fully free from toxic mineral pigments, synthetic colours & fragrance, metals/oxides, parabens, gluten, & silicones. Packaged with a nifty applicator, the gloss puts a high polish on lips. Intelligent Nutrients has a proprietary blend of oils (Intellimune Seed Oil Complex) which brings over 90% of fatty acid content to ward off those nasty free radicals. This bounty of antioxidants comes from Black Cumin, Pumpkin, Red Grape, Red Raspberry, and Cranberry - a lively lot of supercharged oils to treat wispy fine lines that creep up without notice. The gloss is also awash with Cranberry, Purple Corn, Blueberry, natural extracts to colour without chemicals. Beeswax & Carnauba wax round off the delicious chaos of purely sourced ingredients, while ribbons of coconut cream and vanilla run deep, leaving lips lickably light.
Perhaps, nothing speaks better than these abundance of moisturizing agents than the range of shades. The muted jewel-toned shades (Purple Haze, the soft plum seen above, is an absolute stunner) will look fierce against the smoky eyed palettes of fall. It's a nice change to see some dense pigmentation in a gloss, so use a light hand for sheer shine. Non-sticky in feel, non-guilty in vanity, this is a freewheeling, grown-up gloss ready to attack those grown-up signs of aging.
I’ve always endeared Patyka since I discovered the brand during a speedy 4-day jaunt through the trendy Marais quarters of Paris. The rogue independent has demonstrated time & time again how to re-imagine and re-think organic luxury with a precision for selecting the finest essences and absolutes (fair trade coops from Iran to Madagascar). The Absolis Precious Woods Body Oil ($65) is a testament to this time-honoured French pedigree.
Yes, it's true this oil is much more renowned for great ingredients than for its scarcity. You’re smitten immediately by the origami-like packaging, as you actually unfold the box to get to the amber elixir. The oil’s demure, minimalist style is in part from 59% of the ingredients sourced from organic agriculture – Sesame Seed, Sunflower, Olive Fruit and Ylang Ylang Flower oils. This is a full and very juicy oil with loads of toasty tonka bean and intense vetiver. The result is unquestionably a formidable pungent, woody character. Behind its brilliant gleam is a cocktail of 100% additional all-natural ingredients, which work synergistically to help with skin turnover. This is driven by the forceful Ylang Ylang absolute, which is also known for its stimulating effect on the scalp to help promote more luxurious hair growth.
Along with balance, scent is important. The complicity between the tender vetiver and vanillic tonka bean leaves a lingering desire for more. It’s not heavy. This waft is sheer. Green, maybe. It’s here you see Patyka’s craftsmanship combine elements of power and elegance, achieving a level rarely seen in an oil.
Luxury insiders, huile enthusiasts in particular, have already discovered Patyka’s re-entry onto the beauty scene. Have you seen the revamped site? I could spend hours watching the delicate folds of the interconnected flash-based leaves float by as I recall the sunny bliss from my terrace in the Fifth Arrondissement from once upon a time. It’s this sense of magical serenity that Patyka brings to your senses both online and off.
When it comes to Asian beauty, most brands are known and even appreciated for their drama and artistry, but, on an everyday level, little luxuries from the Far East can cost upwards half a paycheck. But, oils? This oil has that undeniable charisma, that minimalist fabulosity, that ethereal level of cosmology. This oil asserts itself by adding notes of jasmine, roses and a feathery texture to the core of jojoba, sesame, avocado, sweet almond and olive oils. Despite such filling roster of ingredients, it has a stripped down feel. This oil may seem generic with popularly seen ingredients, but it matches that hype of Asian-inspired, fitfully brilliant conceptualism.
Applying Golden Path Alchemy Oneness Body Oil ($20) is like immersing yourself in a guilty pair of satin pajamas – spilling over with sensuality but met, unexpectedly, by an exhilaratingly gust of coolness. It calms. It relaxes. It breathes. The oil is blended in painstakingly small batches to ensure the high-grade absolutes don’t lose their tenacity – handmade in Los Angeles, using the freshest, local, organic raw materials. In a city spilling over with so many pop-up clinics dishing out conventional Chinese treatments, the brand ups the ante with creations derived from the holistic practices of acupuncture (a form of Chinese medicine that stimulates points on the body that are associated with the flow of energy, also known as chi). Given the long history of holistic therapies, it’s no surprise the founders of Golden Path Alchemy – Ashley Beckman and Minka Robinson – combine healing Asian energies with nutrient rich oils to relieve tension, stress and anxiety. Both ladies are certified in aromatherapy and flower essence therapy and aim to help people achieve their physical and mental equilibrium through honest, energy stimulating treatments.
And, that it does. The synthetic, parabens, glycol, name-any-other-preservative free formula is a charming tangle of essences yields an energizing blend to give you some much-needed yin and yang harmony. The pronounced rose reigns over the jasmine accords resulting in a transparent wash of both florals. After two glides onto legs and arms, skin was definitely left plumper as it’s a light-bodied oil, absorbing upon contact but leaving skin with a velvety slip. An hour later, I couldn't even see where on my arm I had applied it.
I used to think French oils were bastion of the high and mighty. But, since LA seems to be centered around new age-y anything, it makes sense these holistic oils have caught on here. And, for good reason. I’ll surely be going back for more...
You no longer have to settle for bland uniformity in your oil to get your fetish satisfied, but it might help to know some cooler, more kitschy oils can be found just outside your fave apothecary. Essie Spa has a way of making such an oil that is just a little more than a pedicure accessory; it’s that moisture fix some of you shameless neroli purists should consider. You know and trust Essie for bringing you a kaleidoscope of swanky colours for your tips. But, from Essie's spa line comes a hidden gem - Ylang Ylang Leg & Foot Massage Oil ($32) is just the antidote to bored body oils which sometimes seem to have overdosed on the norms of lavender and rose. Like the name suggests, it’s purely scented with the tropical sweetness of Ylang Ylang. Unlike the rest of the name, it’s not meant solely for your…ahem, soles. I’m asking….no, urging to expand your poetic canon of experience and slather your legs with the ticklish charms of this floral.
But, before the fine dusting of pure, white scentamentality, the oils. I’m fascinated by the collapse of structure here. Rather uncompromisingly stern but deeply concentrated, Rice Bran oil plays off shrewdly with Coconut, Sandalwood and Jojoba Seed oils. While the Sandalwood is endearing for its warming, balsamic accords, it’s also appreciated for soothing sensitive skins. This is what makes the oil a fixative for post-shave anything. Yes, legs, pits, and any other hairless nooks n’ crannies you’d rather not disclose. Because the oil is so feathery to the touch, it won’t clog pores, let along your hair follicles. Oh, heck, you might even get softer tresses sprouting in those secluded spots where the sun don’t shine.
With Vitamin E to add onto the anti-inflammatory action and Retinol derivatives to treat the most finest of crepiness, the skin is braced by a gentle oil, which diffuses completely. The Ylang Ylang scent, weaved in from its pure absolute, is poised, vibrant and snappy. It adds a gleeful flourish to the cushy oil as if it’s been harvested from a single, springtime field and cued up to blossom from its opening. Sniff it and you’ll smile.
It’s a challenge to tinker with the highly aromatic nuances of a monothematic oil. But, Essie does purity well. Trust me, the pulse points after your pedi will thank you.
The Lip Butter Glaze ($14) from Korres, the hip, all-natural skin care line from Greece, poses a question: can you use both an emollient and exfoliate? And, would you want to? A friend of mine says natural beauty in itself is an oxymoron. "Mineral this and organic that. They all still cake! A product can be such a two-faced hussy." No time for name calling here. Yes, you can get both benefits because lips get dry and peel off in layers. And, you can get them from one glassy lip balm.
While predominantly made from organic beeswax and sunflower seed wax for a double dose of emollient protection, nestled within the body of the balm are a two obscure ingredients: pomegranate sterols and sugar cane extracts. Both add a non-sticky shiny slip; the former increases hydration, enhances barrier function, and provides exceptional moisturization, while the latter serves as a mild hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate. In 5 versatile shades, the glaze will smarten up an otherwise frivolous wardrobe of bland balms. The shades are moderately dense, adding a flush of colour to bare lips or bringing a prismatic depth when used over liner. The Quince is the pick for a playful vibe. Not a blush. Not a pink. Somewhere in between.
It’s a lip treatment buoyed with string of healthy essentials to give you a silky mouthfeel. Even though this is a little nifty treat, I can't help but yearn for a body oil from Korres some day...that's the kind of two-timing hussy I am.
“Ummm, which one?”
“Skin & Bones! I love the oil for its heady scent and ability to coddle and nourish everything from the face to hair. It doesn't feel lightweight, even in humid climates, but also offers the right amount of comfort on long-haul flights to drier or colder climates.”
“Say what? Gotta go…” And, so I shamelessly ducked out.
And, so I finally found it. The rockstar of organic oils. The Face, Body, Hair Oil ($50) is one-man show in which Jojoba oil takes center stage. In succession, 9 characters – all of which provoke immediate, visceral reactions and culminate in hitting the high note of scent – each inhabiting its own righteous spot in a darkly protective bottle. To give you some smooth moves are Frankincense, Myrrh, Ylang Ylang, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Cedarwood, Lemon, Rosewood and Sandalwood, all of which manage to lure you into a highly evocative state of floral trance. The an unwavering attention to detail in this treatment is marked with the thrilling levels of pure, therapeutic grade absolutes. The highest concetrations of essences seen thus far, proving yet again that these precious commodities can be anything but dull.
It has been shown that Jojoba oil increases the skin's suppleness by 45% and after 8 hours the effect was still present. Not for the fainthearted, the warmth of Myrrh has great drive and a poetic cut. It’s not the easiest essence to play with, but here, Myrrh displays an impressive purity, texture, and depth when set against the generous additions of Jasmine and Grapefruit. And, the scent does persist - not quite powdery, not yet full on flowery. In other words, it's truly the first unisex oil we found. Founder, Heidi Jenkins explains:
"Because the essential oils change with the person it can lean either feminine or masculine - more than that, we really did focus on a scent that both men and women would love (children love it, too). We wanted a lot of depth and and balance so people can really draw out what they love from the scent."
The medium-bodied oil has a mystical moving quality. Tested against its peers, this has a higher level of intensity and focus as the jojoba oil melds with skin without effort. Myrrh oil interacts with mature skin cells to ward off those nasty free radicals treating saggy, wrinkled skin from head to toe. When used in the hair, the oil washes out with a single rinse, though it’s hard to resist as I reached back for more when the lights went out. A delicate trace over my chapped hands sent me off to a deep slumber followed by a morning of rejuvenated skin.
“Hey Alli, this is some pretty accomplished mixmastery in this bottle. It's a discreet yet potent sexuality captured within an oil.”
“Yes, and a tough act to follow…”
Even if you’re not an organic fiend and your vegetarian phase is a thing of the past, you’ll probably still get that giddy feeling upon first whiff of a dry oil. The allure of a fresh new oil and its delicate citrusy composition has us almost forgetting about our obsession with ubiquitous white flowers. Votre Vu Amour D’ Ore Multi-Vitamin Oil for Face, Body and Hair ($49) is this big shouldered, thoroughly seductive oil in a sleek, innocuous bottle.
It's French
When have the French ever done anything wrong? From the start, it’s the first oil that wouldn’t even register a viscosity, as the elixir has a kind of vivacious energy that extends the cornucopia of its textures. While not billed as a dry oil, Amour D’ Ore opens as an ultrafine mist – perfect for those who prefer fluid oils without the weight chemical fillers in body lotions. The beauty of the French is their ability to bring that gossamer touch to just about any beauty product. It's almot like their fetish. And, here, too, they succeed.
Its Roster
The first rush of the fleeting citrus notes scatter onto skin and absorb within seconds if you help them along nicely. And, then there’s the chaotic blend of Corn, Grapeseed, Apricot, Sweet Almond, Carrot, Jojoba, Wheat Germ, and Olive Fruit oils – all of which bring a pure, unadulterated dose of vitamins to sink in fast and leave skin smoother, brighter and firmer. Spray the oil to split ends to vibrancy and shine to your hair. The finish comes from the Grapeseed oil, brimming with linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid vital for the skin and the cell membranes. It has regenerative and restructuring qualities, but when coupled with the remaining moisturizers, Grapeseed brings out the intellect of play. In support, Wheat Germ oil has a high vitamin E content, which helps promote the formation of new cells and help repair sun damage. And, the oil is not done yet. Nestled deep within the melange of oils are two regarded ingredients: Beta-Carotene and Retinyl Palmitate – both which work synergistically to provide maximum protection from free radicals and increase skin turnover for those of you wanting to erase every sun-induced fault in sight. Or, at least try to...
It Matters
The treatment is one that eschews the conventions of aromatherapy with its French finesse and dazzling purity. Votre Vu brings a snapshot of France - chic yet with a lyrical modernity, attuned to the texture of an essence, not just its blossom.
You know about them. Everyone wants them. But, who can define them? Oh, heck you can once we give you the lowdown on the fight against some creepy critters.Like, most women, you probably haven’t changed your morning routine or skin care regime. Unplug the panty wedgie, click refresh on the Crackberry, and slowly come out of the night’s slumber to face the world. And, what a game face you’ve got. Whatever face treatment (oil, cream, gel) you slather on, chances are it’s been enhanced with antioxidants - the generic term for an ingredient which combats free-radical damage to the skin. Too early to get science-y? Fret not…
Here’s the 411 on the basics:
Oxygen molecules are reliably stable when they’re paired with an equal number of buzzing electrons, which encircle nature’s marvel. Kind of like a date – two people matched up perfectly for the night. But, the minute some hussy…or another molecule comes by to troll, the oxygen can become unstable and get sucked into a threesome, or an odd pairing of electrons. Now, you’ve got an unstable little freak of nature, which is highly reactive. We’ll call this sucker the 'free radical.' Now, the two-timing punk gets all out of whack and starts up some unwanted chemical reactions – ripping through your skin cells, proteins, collagen, elastin, and/or even reaching as far down south as your DNA. This maniacal molecule is on a rampage to tear apart your skin and thus, you’ll see those dreadful signs of aging – crow’s lines, age spot, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and any other telltale sign of your true age, not the one you’ve been pretending to live by.
The body’s reaction? Let’s slow down the frenzy of these mad molecules with Vitamins A, E, C or with transformers like beta carotene or Coenzyme Q10, all of which slow down those free radicals or ‘oxidation’ by breaking their chemical chain reactions and stopping them from stealing off electrons from other poor, unsuspecting oxy molecules.
Sad to say this sister, but your body does not produce or ingest enough antioxidants to ward off these free radicals. Over time, you start to accumulate damage to your body from naturally occurring internal reactions and external environmental aggressors. Think smoking, drinking, sun damage, and any other ravages you endure; all of these can & will accelerate the free radical damage to your skin at any given time.
Your perfect-skin-obsessed reaction? Ok, serioiusly, not to beat a dead horse here, but to maintain healthy, nourished skin, antioxidant rich lotions n’ potions are the way to go. No... it’s not a gimmick ridiculed accordingly by derms. Dr Daniel Maes, Senior Vice President, Global Research and Development, Estee Lauder, says, “The direct effect of antioxidants is to protect the cells from the oxidative damages induced by free radicals.”
One of the incredible aspects of essential oils is their hugely curative ways to ward off free radical damage. To date, it's unknown how many antioxidants (or how high of their concentrations) are necessary to stop your free-radical damage. Research also hasn't pinpointed how long antioxidants are effective before being used up. However, based on current studies, antioxidants do provide excellent prevention against aging, and should be included within your treatment of choice. Whether it be an oil for the face or body, remember most are prone to deteriorate with exposure to air and light because of their high content of antioxidants & natural potency. Opaque bottles and pumps ensure longevity, though fabulously glorious flacons can just as easily be concealed.
No face is complete without a dose of daily antioxidants. Ever.
As the nights start to take on a distinct summer coolness and leaving the house without smoothed legs & arms has become an unthinkable crime against your arsenal of beauty, many trendsetters are trying to make their lean limbs feel like the silkened skin of their fantasies. The Linden Blossom Dry Body Oil($42) is the accessory to make just that happen.
As a certified aromatherapist and botanical perfumer, the Los Angeles based Persephenie comes out swinging with a line of discreet oils and the such. Recrafting some of nature’s basics from her neatly tucked away studio – both on trend and on commission – she’s an artist adept at applying new techniques to the ancient art of curative essential oil therapy. The Linden Blossom dry oil is a hidden gem, one which quietly captures Persephenie's collection of handmade floral whims.
So what's the big appeal of this sulfate-free, vegan-friendly dry oil? Jojoba is coupled with some fractionated coconut oil to make a moisturizing base. Because jojoba oil is so similar to human skin oil, it can "trick" the skin into thinking it has produced enough oil and thus balance oil production. Jojoba oil is actually composed of liquid wax esters rather than oil. The body’s natural sebum is also created from wax esters, which act as a sort of natural moisturizer and environmental barrier for the skin. However, wax ester production gradually decreases with age, causing the skin to appear dull and emphasizing wrinkles. And, using the fractionated counterpart will make your oil less likely to go rancid.
But there's something more about Persephenie that the ladies love. She’s got good instincts with raw aromatic essences and creates products with an illustrational bent. This makes scant sense until you try the dry oil. A discreet touch of the honeyed Linden Blossom sprouts from the opening with riper aromas of orchids reflected by the slightly richer, yet graceful oil. The Linden Blossom is such a rarely used essence – a honeyed, playful absolute with its spontaneous hint of grassy underpinnings. In folklore medicine, its heart-shaped leaves were dedicated to Venus, the goddess of love, and was said to cure all diseases classified under the goddess.
Perhaps, the finest touch is also the simplest. Light enough to spritz on the hair to tame flyaways, but creamy enough to use over the rest of the body. You see a tremendous fluidity with this oil, which absorbs upon contact. Persephenie’s meticulous blends are perhaps most apparent in this treatment – a charming oil evoking a sweet pleasure with a connoisseur's mark. It's an huile for fans who aren't simply slaves to a label.
Postscript: When you order online, do request a sample of her forthcoming fragrance, Datura. It exhibits narcotic datura, rose, lily, and jasmine notes intermixed with a delightful balance of sandalwood and caramel. It's this poetic repertoire that I'd dare dream to see in a body oil some day...
You know that Genghis Khan always looked great. Ummm...say what? Ok, so, you didn't care to know that. How about the Tibetans? Their age-honoured mantra allows for a gentle appreciation and approval of all things natural. And, so they became devotees of the ‘Holy fruit of the Himalayas’ the sea buckthorn. From the plumpy berry, sea buckthorn has been thoroughly researched in over 130 modern scientific studies, which have found the essence contains more than 190 biologically active compounds, all of which nourish the body's cells to protect the skin from free radicals and the natural aging process. Still not impressed? Ok, what if Dr. Oz touted the oil as his choice of supplement?
Ah, now you get its sudden surge of popularity. If you’re seeking to conquer the occasional outbreaks of acne, opt for the pure, unadulterated Swell Oil of Sea Buckthorn ($22). The oil is an exercise in simplicity – no parabens nor fragrance added to mask the heady scent. It’s a lightweight, amber oil loaded with vitamins C, A, B-1, B-2, E folic acid and B12. Little known fact: sea buckthorn berry is second only to rose hip and acerola in vitamin C content. But, along with the holy Omega triumvirate (3, 6, 9), the elusive Omega 7 (packed with palmitoleic acid which strengthens skin) is also found in generous amounts to enhance the improvements in skin pigmentation conditions, freckles and acne. Because of this unique attribute, many prefer sea buckthorn oil over Vitamin C as the choice spot treatment for those pesky age spots. Acneic skins will adore the oil, since sea buckthorn is anti-microbial by nature. It kills off the culprits behind burgeoning zits bacteria.
Olfactory sensitivities, bewarned. The wafting scent is one you’ll adore or ponder upon application. What is it? Mango? Lemon? Neroli? Hard to pin, but the light-bodied oil does open with a bouquet of spicy orange & citrus tea notes and quiets within seconds. And, it absorbs with a snappy, dry finish. No grease here. Use the oil as a preventative measure to keep telltale signs of acne and freckling in check. A sublimely sophisticated, cult oil deserving of a gong for doing what’s right for skin.
Not enough Nuxe? We feel ya...Well, it simply isn’t summer without shimmer. For those steamy, strappy nights, consider Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or ($55) – a racier version of the classic body oil without the gaudiness of 80s glitter. It's so delicately colored, intensely moisturizing, and richly sweet that it is bound to command attention. So, how does it differ?The quality rivals its predecessor, as it, too, contains savory plant oils. Six to be exact. The heart of the huile is Macadamia Seed oil, preferred for its distinctive feature of resembling skin’s own sebum. This replication of the natural oils for the body & scalp makes the oil an ideal enriching, replenishing & fast absorbing agent. Yes, you can slick this oil onto tailored ponytails, bringing a wispy iridescence to tresses when flicked. The combination of Sweet Almond, Hazel, Olive Fruit, Camellia and Sunflower oils marry their vibrant mineralities and sheer textures to make for an accented treatment. Yet, interlaced within the oil are two complementary extracts: Rosemary Leaf extract, a natural antioxidant that strengthens skin elasticity and slows the aging process; Tomato Leaf extract, a vital essence which balances the pH of your skin. And like the original, that very same bewitching but elusive scent (possibly a dewy white floral) still tickles the fancy.
The charming eye of the bronze color comes from the finest spliced mica you’ll find in any beauty product. No chunks of mismatched glint here. The oils spreads easily and highlights the decollete, arms and even cheeks leaving a satine luster. For decades, French women have been layering this glossy oil onto their legs to elongate their willowy figures. Tanner skins will adore skin’s golden depth as the glimmer dims slowly, allowing you to skip the stockings.
Colour me happy with this prodigious oil!