Most oils are classified as carrier or not. These non-carrier types are then categorized as essential or botanical. But, Marula Oil is one I cannot place on either side. Among Africa’s prodigious ingredients, the Marula tree gives us oleic-rich oil, which has been used religiously by long-forgotten, wanderlust tribes of the continent. Another nut, another oil, but what type is it?

Guess this is irrelevant when all we care about is it’s unsurpassed stability & free radical fighting action. Marula oil contains a similar fatty acid composition to Olive oil however it is 10 times more resistant to oxidation. For the purest form, Shea Terra Organics Marula Oil ($18) is arguably the progenitor of the nutty lot.

An oil with a conscience, the Marula Oil is nothing more than 100% virginal oil. No preservatives, no essences, no fragrance. Just a bottle of dark, lush mystery to balance moisture and prevent fine lines from stealing your grace. With it’s medium-bodied viscosity & smooth subtlety, the oil blends nicely over nighttime treatments and leaves no trace of scent behind. You have to sniff deep to make out the faint hearted nutty aroma, which fragrance fans will sneer at.

No contradictions, no fluff, no worries.

Coming across a Kiehl’s oil, the result of spectacular sourcing and mixmastering, is always an arresting pleasure. Much like entering an apothecary and getting an oil that was specially custom blended just for you. How they manage to make ordinary treatments so personal is something unique in itself. Keeping in this fashion, the Midnight Recovery Concentrate ($43) is a sinuous and delicate serum that proves its mettle against chemically laden alternatives

Kiehl’s selects botanicals that are both mysterious & friendly. While Coconut Oil is the soft edged carrier, the rest of the roster is comprised of essences to treat premature signs of aging – Rose Fruit, Evening Primrose, Lavender, Rosemary Leaf, Geranium and even Jasmine oils. Cucumber Fruit extracts make a special appearance for its excellent ability to revitalize dull skin by tightening and sloughing it. Second up top is Squalene. It’s rare to see this in face oils, but very much needed. (Rumour had it, the lipid was sourced from shark livers, but Kiehl's says they get theirs from Olive Oil, overflowing with the molecule). Squalene is a major lipid in human skin but declines from about 15% of fat in the skin to 5% by age 55. And, plumping action is what’s desired to keep the wrinkling at bay, particularly under the eye area.

No need to further gush on about Kiehl’s quality of aroma-chemicals, as an apothecary mistress is sure to have coveted some secret steals from them. But, what makes this treatment wholly different is the overtures of Lavender. Kiehl’s rarely imbues their face products with synthetic anything. Here the Lavender has a dizzying relaxative effect, but see if you can spot out the bursts of Rose as you massage in the oil. It's a multifaceted gem of sparking absolutes, as all come together in unison with their drenching effulgences of vitamins to treat skin handsomely. Medium-bodied in texture, which is why they likely suggest to use at night, so do blend well.

An extraordinarily well-crafted interpretation of nature’s finest essences with a bonus -  a medicinal dropper to keep the serum pristine.

A good full body scrub will exfoliate deeply. A better scrub will do the same but temptingly tickle that sweet tooth of yours and get you craving for some swirled, sprinkled, dipped or glazed fancifully decorated treat you know better to skip. That’s what Lalicious Sugar Souffle Scrubs do. Get you wanting what you can’t have.

Don’t get me wrong, super smooth skin you’ll get. But, if suffering at the hands of those salt-tinged scrubs ain’t your thing, you’ll be gladly confected with Lalicious, which uses 100% natural Sugar Cane (100% Arabica Coffee Grounds if you Coffee Bean Souffle feeds your addiction) to slough off dry skin & keep those in-growns away by buffing sensitive spots. But, shopping at Lalicious is like shopping at one of ersatz penny-candy emporiums from back in the day. With a kaleidoscope of scents to choose from, you’ll go bonkers over picking just one. So, why stop there?

Naturally coarse exfoliants are saturated deep within the gooey composition of Coconut, Sweet Almond, and Soybean oils, but this mixture also contains a whopping dollop of Honey. All work so wondrously to liven prevent dehydration and brighten your skin. Honey softens the sting and prevents the scrubs from being overly abrasive. If you didn’t know, honey is considered a natural humectant, which means it has an ability to attract moisture and hold it. And, under the gushes of warm water, the sugary crystals dissolve, leaving behind no grease.

Of all life’s little pleasures, Vanilla is arguably the most universally fun & cheery essence. Thus, my choice to scrub with is Brown Sugar & Vanilla, seeing as how I’d rather wistfully sniff the stuff than eat it in cupcake form, which is what I really want to do. The gourmand Vanilla feels rounded, comfortable and welcoming with its creamy translucence, giving off an easy-going edible vibe. The Vanilla is innocuous without being childish.

If you can’t get enough of the scent, there’s always the body oil.

For the most part, algae is one of Mother Nature’s sludgy gifts that frightens me. We’ve all come to appreciate is unassuming form & gift for all their wonderful vital oligo-elements – often found in body wraps, face masks, and skin tightening creams serums – all of which increase superficial hydration. But, despite it’s murky looks & slimy texture, marine life’s ancient & innate wisdom is being touted as the next wonder ingredient, with sci-fi beauty brands packaging up precious weeds for sale at Sephora.

And so, an oil for face & body must not be far off? Well, Osea Malibu caught onto this emerging trend before it hit the massed and create the Undaria Algae Oil ($36). Here the star source, Undaria Algae, isn’t extracted from a fashionable part of the ocean or chemically secretive lab. The 100% certified organic weed is hand-harvested off the coast of Patagonia, and is macerated in wine barrels for 3 months with Undaria Algae Oil at the company’s namesake seaweed farm on the southernmost tip of Argentina. Undaria Algae is a richly brimming with sea minerals, A, B, C, E vitamins, powerful omega fatty acids, all designed to work in synergy to combat environmental aggressors and premature signs of freckling and lining.

It’s a curiously deep, unpretentious, mysterious oil. While nourishing Sunflower Seed oil coddles the healing Undaria Algae extract, the perky Lime, Grapefruit, and Cypress absolutes charge up the huile to bring a visceral zest to the treatment. If an oil could be juicy and quenching, this would be it. Very light-body in viscosity, Undaria Algae Oil is uncharacteristically bright, transparent in texture and flourishes with a slapdash warmth of Passionfruit, so you’re not left with a grassy zing. The rapturous cloud of citrus is very irresistible, even if you’re somewhat shy of citrus- based oils.

Osea does a marvelous job with this well-edited & diligently curated oil. Seemingly simple in composition, it’s a lush & vibrant oil that is juxtaposed carefully with lesser seen oils such as Rice Bran, Flax, and Babbasu Seed, a fabulous trimumvirate of fastly penetrating oils.

Finally, time to forgo my fear of the unknown and make friends with some pond scum…the good kind.

A brand like Kneipp, whose philosophy is founded on scientifically proven efficacy of naturopathic ingredients, may just have broken the monothematic collective of unscented African oils. We’ve seen many incarnations of the mainstay populars – Jojoboa, Sunflower, Macadamia – and their floral flourishes. But, to date, not one singular Argan oil has been known to inspire an olfactory spark, unlike the deep & lush oil from Molton Brown or sparking & effervescent one from Marina Featherstone.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I discovered Kneipp Jasmine & Argan Body Oil ($18.50) tucked away in an unchartered corner of the world wide web. A scented Argan finally to appease your fragrance whims? I often flit between my finely tuned penchant for white florals & rarely seen Datura & Mimosa cravings. But, Argan is usually the preferred choice of huile for its Vitamin E enormity and silken glide. The oil never sits atop skin obnoxiously as if to protest against any other star power essences present. No, it goes in to works its magic on spot.

An oil is always about the way you feel and the way you live life. Kneipp’s Argan incarnate is indicative of just that choice. Though not wholly Argan (Sunflower, Jojoba, and Sweet Almond emollients are in higher concentrations), the treatment does boast an equal measure of Jasminum Grandiflorum alongside the nutty extract. While Bergamot, Vanilla, and Cedrus essences simultaneously add a sweetened slant to the Jasmine, almost masking its floral burst, a slight flash of pepper peeks through. It’s this newcomer that led my suspicion - Gurjum Balsam Oil. The oil has been constructed nicely as the sensual Jasmine warms up gorgeously on the skin, maintaining the comforting character of Argan.

This is an appealing feel-good oil as diehard Argan addicts will surely embrace a touchable scent for a bit of the unexpected to enliven the usually even-keeled Argan.

Ylang Ylang is the flower of flowers, the one, highly popular, sexy essence you reach for when you tire of lavender. Ironically, with a carefree lewdness, its aphrodisiac qualities can turn you on or off mentally and/or physically depending on your need. Oilier skins will want this two-faced temperament for those over productive glands.

For oily or even combo skin types, the best thing you can do is to add a little oil to your routine. Within a day or so, your body won’t be compelled to produce the extra oil to keep itself protected. Any aggressive type of exfoliation may encourage oil production. And, Decleor gives oily skins special attention by creating just for them the Aromessence Ylang Ylang Purifying Serum ($68) serum to help regulate sebum production and rid your pores of icky impurities.

In an era of brazen scrubbing, peeling, Clarisonic-ing skin, it’s no wonder oily skins tend to shy away from face oils for fear of breaking out yet again. We’ve said it over n’ over again – oils will help! – but they say the definition of insanity is to repeating the same mistakes expecting different results.

Decleor helps you break through this vicious skin cycle. The serum’s pure, limpid beauty is just another example of brand’s mythos and tasteful aromatherapy. The Aromessence Ylang Ylang is a complex composition that still remains to true to scent like nothing else. Warm, enveloping, and trademark Decleor. Hazel Seed oil gives the heart its organic absolutism, as it the slows loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface. Though it’s the Ylang Ylang that shoots arrows from it. Piercing through flurries of 100% natural Geranium, Rosemary Leaf, Bay Leaf oils, the Ylang Ylang lends an airy, luminous touch to skin and becomes even more pronounced when blended into the touch points. Extremely light-bodied, you can wear the serum underneath moisturizer and see no shine. Do click on Decleor’s video to learn how to best apply the oil to the facial touch points, which we often rush over in the morning.

The oil reminds you why you should never stock up on your favourite elixir. Your regret? You won’t be able to try loftier oils, which may need to be changed up to deal with those finicky seasonal changes your skin will see. This is one such treatment to cheat with...

I haven’t used soap since the 90s. No, seriously. I usually don’t shy away from gel cleansers, but have gotten so obsessed with acquiring a buttery smooth shave on the legs, pits & nooks n’ crannies in between, that I actually dropped the slip n’ slide loofah in favour of the good ole fashioned kitchen scrubbing pads. No, seriously. The body oils sink in faster, the legs feel cleaner, & the credit card gets a break from Hilga the Hot Wax Lady. Yes, the heart’s happier and the mojo’s crazier.

As fun as shower gels can be for their spontaneous burst of fruity wafts, I started wondering about using oils to shave? Shaving creams are such a mess & full of more air than product. By the time I squeeze out some foam, it seems to wither away in the hot shower. And, I can’t tell you how many times I seen stubble on the knees, when I swear I gently used the blade over the knobby joints. So, I reached for the Skin & Bones Luxurious Face & Body Liquid Cleanser ($40) to give it a pre-date test run.

Leg hair is more fitful, prone to irritation as is the skin underneath. It’s thanks to cheap razors or poor technique. But, I dropped soap back in my teens because skin kept getting dry with scaly patches after a quick glide. Since shower gels don’t offer up much of a lubricated surface, surely an oil-based cleanser could?

Yes, indeed it does. The upside of using an oil-based cleanser is the surface gets a slick to help the razor slide across with ease. Skin & Bones cleanser is a bright, fizzy cleanser, which uses the carrier, Jojoba, as the main juice. But, the remaining pure essences – Ylang Ylang, Rosewood, Lemon Peel, Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Jasmine, & Cedarwood – create such a nuzzle of citrusy warmth, you’ll use just as easily on the face. Conflicting sensory beats will fight over the top note seat. Lemon & Myrrh imbue the oil very much with an uplifting quality, both of which ripen with the sexy Sandalwood. A little oil goes so very far, here.

Moisturize is on point here. Nary a patch left behind nor a nick seen in sight. For sensitive skins, no need to worry about in-grown hairs, as those pesky blunders are caused by lack of exfoliation. Hence, my choice of skin stripping with those green scouring pads. Exfoliating stops the razor from getting clogged with dead skin and blunting it, leading to fewer cuts. No time? The oil has itsy, bitsy Jojoba wax beads to get your scrub-a-dub dub on.

Using Skin & Bones Liquid Cleanser is not too far out of your comfort zone, if you’re a shower gel stock up kinda chick. Skin is left behind seamless & smoother without any errant strands above or below. No, seriously.

Literally speaking, the oil is from 15 rue Tronchet. But, it was back in Paris of 1968 when this address, home to Leonor Grenyl, translated her spangles of organic oils into what became a truly bonafide all-natural line of beaute long before it was hip to be stylishly socially conscious. Let’s just say, she was socially precocious for knowing how vegetal oils and plant extracts can soothe temperamental skin without added chemicals or fillers.

The Huile de Magnolia ($49) is an austere mix of Jojoba, Sunflower and Carrot Oils set against the florid backdrop of the grand Magnolia flower. The scent is dynamic yet predictable, but the treatment is also tailored to waxed up skins. Being a lover of all things French, I went fishing for proprietary secrets, though my motivations are more obvious than commercial.

See, there was a time when women weren’t so follicularly challenged and simply plucked away their unsightly strays. Whatever today’s varieties - tweezing, waxing, Nair-ing, threading, electrolyzing, bleaching, or even sugaring - treating up top on the brows or down below in your nether regions will almost guarantee to leave behind some redness, soreness, and/or ugliness post-treatment.

Sensitive skin needs the gentlest of care. When chemical ingredients prove too irritating for those with sensitive skins…or for those looking to ramp up their hair removal…or even for those left with minor nicks & cuts, Huile de Magnolia is a rescue remedy for all of the above. It’s billed as a body oil, but after using it on a set of post-threaded brows, skin instantly feels calmer, and lacks the usual itchiness that follows.

Massive waves of sweetened Magnolia give a welcomed dimension to carriers. The dominance of sweetness that comprises the whole scent brings a certain Parisian refinement to a classic face oil. For those of you who longing to sop up a tantalizing white floral, you’ll come to enjoy the part lemony/part vanilla accords that blossom upon opening. Magnolia is beautiful not for it's girly presence, but for its voluptuous silkiness warmed by your skin. But, I wanted to know more. What’s in this particular blend that eased the glowing red lashes around my brows, which were usually covered with specks of baby powder? Are there other nutritionally surreptitious ingredients hidden within that worked their magic here?

Turns out, the answer is yes. And, that’s all you’ll get…because straight from France’s headquarters, that’s all I got. Leonor Greyl said the treatment does include a proprietary blend of additional essences, which explains why skin was consoled with a few droplets of this golden goodness. But more impressively, guarding the blend makes it possible to protect the product’s pedigree and dissuade cheap drugstore knock-offs. The reticent response just adds to the mystique of the brand, which means I like it even more so.

Leonor Greyl’s transformation of straight-laced oils, embodying the can-do spirit of the age reminds us again, why it matters what oils you wear.

The story of Lavender largely makes up the therapeutic fabric of aromatherapy. It’s often characterized as an essence with an agreeable temperament but prone to exaggeration. The herbaceous marvel blends well with mostly everything, and is used more often in body than face treatments. But, it's a rare right to see the eye opening Lavender blended with winks of Calendula, Geranium, and Roman Chamomile, you’ll spiral through a whole new sensory journey much like a gentle oceanic breeze. Thank Osea Malibu for such an inventive elixir – the Essential Hydrating Oil ($28) with its certified 100% organic oils.

The delicate oil is a full force of lavender, but what makes the experience different is the rollerball bottle. It’s the first time we’ve seen an oil packaged as such, but now appreciate the functionality we never thought we needed in the first place. Easy enough to stroke under the eyes or over lips, the oil boasts an fully saturated Lavender lending the treatment a sense of stillness that calls to the soul a wondrous cooling effect. Only the purest of brisk oils (30% in concentration include Tea Tree & Rosemary) complete the arrangement with Jojoba & Macadamia Seed carriers.

Roman Chamomile is preferred to subdue sun-induced inflammations and takes away spotty patches of dry skin. Calendula consists of flavonoids, nutritious plant-based antioxidants that protect body against those pesky free radicals. Under the eyes, the oil sinks in instantly allowing you to apply concealer without fear of any dreading creasing. With its faint marine green tinge, the Hydrating Oil is very much about serenity. See, Osea’s secret lies in a single-noted wisps of Lavender, likely harvested by hand from some moon-dust-covered garden tucked away under the boo’s starry nights.

It’s this vivacious burst that imparts a palpable diaphanous veil of silk, which even brings a slight shine should you wish to wear it as a gloss. Very light-bodied in texture, the scent does resist fading. I’d almost think it’s actually plumping the lips from some frenetic stimulation, unless my cynical imagination is running amok. Again.

The composition is stirring because of its intensity, which easily awakens skin from any lull it’s experiencing from summertime weathering. A discreet treatment seemingly from some other era.

To be overcome by the fragrance of flowers is a delectable form of defeat. So, it has been said. At first glance, The Organic Pharmacy’s line of body oils seem like a radical departure from their trademark luxe-with-an-apothecary feel. The essences are rich, the oils are deft, and the packaging is high minimalism. This oil could arguably be an example a radical disparity between creative nature that blossoms and the grueling organic sourcing it took to get there. As such, the Rose & Jasmine Body Oil ($57.95) is precisely emblematic of the finest luxury can buy. And, that’s because no other bonafide brand makes such a combination. Isn’t that what true luxury is – having what no one else has?

It took more than a quick email to reserve a bottle of this rarity. So atypical is this find, it might as well be labeled as ‘limited edition.’ In fact, by emphasizing simplicity while avoiding puffery, The Organic Pharmacy has been true to their fundamental organic principles and produced a treatment for hair, face, and body that harmonizes successfully with just about any beauty wares you use.

Here the pendulum swings between the classical and the romantic. The eternally playful Rose and budding blooms of Jasmine are so perfectly balanced in this oil, you could spend hours debating the merits of which floral steals the spotlight. Neither one does as the entwinement of these essences is smooth, sophisticated, and ethereal. Because The Organic Pharmacy doesn’t employ any synthetic fragrances, the two absolutes - fully natural in their character - yield such a rich, enjoyable persistence the you'll actually wonder why the scent isn't bottled as a fragrance on its own.

The Rose & Jasmine dovetail neatly with Marigold, and Carrot extracts, both of which condition dry skin. The scent speaks to you, but it’s the oil that treats skin with respect. Rosehip – high in its Retinoic Acid content to help with revitalizing dull skin – is reconstituted in Sunflower Seed & Jojoba oils. Upon application, you’ll immediately revivify the senses and bring about an ineffable sense of well being.

Rose enthusiasts or Jasmine ones no longer have to choose either as one oil can indeed feed the soul of two fancies. I’ve often pondered what it’d be like to create my own namesake oil someday (hint, hint huile houses)...and, since luxury rarely comes knocking at your door, I'll take this is an oil, since it's pretty close to what I’d envision.

Is that a banana in your pocket, or are you just excited to see another review? The humblest of fruits, causing the silliest of parodies, bananas are to eat, to mush, to fry and even to smoke. Well, in the 60s at least when the hippies bypassed the peace pipe and tried smoke banana skins to get high.

An oil it’s not…technically. But, the Shea Terra Bananas & Baobass Whipped Shea Butter Cream ($18) had us in fits of giggles since we opened the delectable jar of 99.7% wholesome ingredient goodness. So, why does this baby deserve your attention?

For starters, it’s not a fruity oil. And, by that I mean, it’s not your typically sweetened glaze of some exotic floral. No, ma’am, it’s a non-doctored, non-cooked cheerfully effervescent body soufflé that’s actually buttered up with 30% organic Shea Butter & African Baobab oil (brimming with Omega fatty acids and vitamins A, D E & F). The oil is used for diminishing blemishes, scars and even softening wrinkles. But, it's the fragile, tropical fruit that is transformed into delightful banana-jammy scent, which will surely make you wanna dig your nose deeper n’ deeper into the jar like a crazed Zoolander chimp abandoning any & all sense of self-consciousness.

Your pants are no place for this unapologetically sweet treat meant for the skin all over. It’s a protective sleeve for sensitive skins & addresses extremely dry patches, psoriasis and even baby’s bum rashes. From the jar, a delectable scent emerges – the cream so fresh, the texture not so firm, but, oh, so delicious.

Just try to leave this touchy-feely cuddly cream aside as you have mounds of fun just smooshing the cream…ahem, all over.

Katherine L'Heureux’s oils are something to be treasured. If not for Kahina Beauty’s stunning bottles engraved with namesake doodles of newly-literate signatures from the underprivileged Moroccan women who handpress these very handpicked Argan nuts for bottling, then for Katherine’s compassion for the ancient art of craftsmanship, deserving of the industry’s enthusiastic reviews her brand has received thus far. If you haven't followed the brazen thievery over our misbegotten bottle, a certain shall-be-unnamed GI specialist/best guy friend of ours actually stole our bottle to maintain his longer locks. We simply stole it right back, albeit weeks later.

What more can be said about Kahina Beauty Argan Oil ($82). Not much. Except that every huile aficionado should have made her way through a bottle by now. The grand dame of the Argan movement, Kahina Beauty has singlehandedly spearheaded the desire for all things Argan, reminding organo-fans and cosmopolitan beauty hunters what fine oils are truly about. And, what a spectacular rise of Argan it has been.

The oil crackles with exoticism. It’s created from 100% Argan oil and nothing more. But, what Kahina does right is to leave the oil is its purest form without compromising the unique and timeless charm of the elixir. Fragrance naysayers will appreciate the lack of scent added, though at close whiff, seasoned noses will recognize the oil’s distinct nutty flavour, which brings an earthy flair to the treatment It’s a light-bodied oil, which works well as an intense replenisher for split ends. But, full enough to use overnight with night creams, in lieu of serums, as it sinks in nicely and helps alleviate dehydrated patches and lines. Aside from the sleek black bottle, Ms. L'Heureux also generously offered additional tips on preserving your Argan oil:


With an exorbitant amount of essential fatty acids & Vitamin E (3x times as much as Olive oil), Kahina’s Argan Oil proves once again how innovation and intelligence proudly triumph over the norms. Sometimes, the dreariest of dusty medinas can surprise you with their rustic glam. And, for those of you left wondering how could you deepen your oil’s effort? Kahina's rose-based toning mist helps your beauty oils work even better. Too refined to ignore and too beautiful to abide analysis, the Argan Oil seeds envy at the heart of many skin care mavens.

Shea Butter. Great in principle as the choice for soothing in balms. It’s even got its own research institute for determining grade levels & effficacy. Can you think of any other oil that has so proudly come of age? Somewhat ironic as Shea seems to have fallen out of vogue with the rise of newly cracked kernels such as Argan & Kendi.

It’s a rare face oil that considers the robust Shea Nut Butter as its main ingredient with brilliantly gratuitous amounts of Vitamins A, E, and F. To bring lackluster skin back to life, Bali James (the high priestess of huilery) decants Sunflower Seed oil to complement the Shea in its oil form to formulate a fanciful elixir - Facial Treatment Oil ($70). It’s the first of its kind.

Understanding the fine nuances of a superb a face oil has been on my long to-do list for quite some time. But, this transparent, beguiling bottleful of ethereal essences may just close out that project. The oil is a dance of absolutes in constant flux. Pomegranate & Rosehip Seed extracts are uplifted by the Schisandra fruit extracts, which work in unison to regenerate skin by increasing cell turnover and revealing a freshness from beneath. And, to satiate the senses, an opulent array of Neroli, Rose, and Roman Chamomile Flower Oils soften the piquant Sandalwood to create an appealing composition of scent. It’s the riveting Chamomile that strikes a chord, which contains nearly 80% esters, an amount rarely found in essential oils. According to Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt in Advanced Aromatherapy, "Even in very small concentrations, whether alone or in combinations with other oils, Roman Chamomile has a soothing effect.”

The wax-free oil (it's more like an organic serum) sinks in with an extraordinary finesse. Even when used against freshly waxed skin, a sublime slip of the medium-bodied oil protects the treated patches of skin and encourages them to heal overnight. An extravagant cornucopia of florals, which sensitive skins or even balanced ones shouldn’t shy away from. When I’m in a balmy mood, desperate to drown out skin’s emerging crow’s feet on my actual feet, Shea is it for me.

But, this Shea incarnation offers fresh proof that Bali is an artisan with intuitive talent & is able to coax a worldful of spirituous therapy out of a simple nut.

Does any woman ever tire of roses? Red for her holidays, pink for fragrances, white for her occasional bout of moroseness...

Connoisseurs in pursuit of authentic Damascena Rose are rediscovering its timeless appeal, whether in a mist or oil, and making the old new again. The rose is the easiest essence to source, but the hardest to masterfully infuse with complementary absolutes. Among the rose-tinged oils, most remain unequalled in depth when compared. Some oils even may cringe at the very thought of being labeled ‘old lady’ by the dreadfully fickle blogosphere. Marla Steur, founder & CEO of Duchess Marden, doesn’t have to worry about either problem. See, her Damascena Body Serum ($68) is an idyllic treatment for the body & beyond with worthies of Mimosa, Frangipani, and Linder Flower oils to make for one heady elixir.

The lush oil unfurls with a passionate heart, much like a thorny bouquet on St. Valentine’s eve. Two types of rose absolutes define its therapeutic force - Rosa Bourboniana & Rosa Damascena, though the aromatic effect is not blatantly rosy. Notes of Frangipani and Mimosa balance out the Rose accords, giving the dense oil an overt powdery finish.. And, quite a lovingly one, actually. Seasoned huile-istas will be able to make out the raspy Bergamot edges tucked from within. This is not your mother’s rose oil. The unconventional inclusions imparts a clean, fresh, with a powdery twist to the usual flushness of rose. Here, the essences are intended for their tonic & forming properties, not to scent the oil with an pretentious depth. It is lyrically tricky to balance such esoteric notes into a compelling composition, but the Duchess does it well.

Beyond this, the oil’s reverence isn’t unusual. The nurturing faves are at home – Apricot Kernel, Jojoba, Sunflower and Shea Nut Butter oils – but Kendi Seed Oil is what plays up to the skin. The Indonesian oil repairs & maintains the skin and even hair’s lipid layer, and protects both from future damage by infusing it with multiple essential fatty acids. The oil is notable as seems to give the Body Serum an unusually brilliant non-greasy slip from its medium bodied texture. Yes, no shine left behind, as it's almost a dry feel left behind.

Time and time again, you wonder what’s missing from a linearly constructed rose oil, as it’s usually the first to go noticeably rancid. But, after using the Body Serum you’ll wrinkle your nose at those mall street creations and wonder why haven’t we rebuffed the norm and court such interesting anachronisms with the mainstay rose.

But, then again, a rose by any other name is still always an arresting pleasure for any of those 365 days of the year.

The ancient art of the recipe gets a decidedly modern twist. Carol’s Daughter – a favourite brand of former gab queen Oprah – has more variations of organic beauty than even the Body Shop, it seems. It’s no surprise to see the company venture into oils, since…well, we’ll say it, oils are the new lotion.

Now, you combine an undying intrigue for oils with an enduring penchant for Mimosa, and you have one happy-over-the-moon blogger. There is an immediate comfort when reaching for this branded name. Something so home-y about the seemingly sunkissed bottle gives you an innate sense that the oil - Orange Ambrosia Dry Mist Oil ($21) - has dispensed away any of the usual chemical offenders – silicones, parabens, petrolatum or even articial colouring. And, it has. But, fragrance? Well, that’s what makes this a sultry, stirring dry oil.

To do so, Carol’s Daughter, Lisa Price (her mother really is...Carol), starts with the popular Coconut Oil to create the oil's heart. But, to achieve the airy lightness with glimmering facets of citrusy notes, she adds Moro Blood Orange Peel, Mandarin, Grapefruit, and Key Lime Peel essential oils. Sweet Almond and Soybean oils round off the mélange of moisturizing bases. Sweet Almond oil aids the skin in keeping the proper balance of moisture in the skin, which is critical when treating dry, scaly patches. The nice inclusion of Açai Berry Extract packs quite a punch, since it's a supercharged antioxidant to protect your skin from environmental aggressors.

There’s a spirited radical feeling to the dry oil. It’s not a true Mimosa as purists will swoop in to claim. But, rather it opens sharply with a smirk of crisp Grapefruit, which makes way for the generous Mandarin accords, imparting a subtle orange haze. The citruses and soft and clean, remaining largely on the fringes as each refuses to topple the other. But they are artfully weaved in to awaken and stimulate the senses. There are fleeting moments where the Blood Red Orange slinks in without warning and desirably so. It’s a pleasant surprise to see a citrus oil reworked with a vampish orange in lieu of the vibrant, bubbly Neroli, which lends a sense of versatility here. With a texture that is extremely lightweight, the near woodsy ambrosia avoids conceit and succeeds in being adorable only because the oil plays out the essences so plainly and effortlessly. Perfectly packaged in a 4 oz bottle for quick weekend jaunts.

After so much rhythm in the past few weeks, it’s nice to spritz an unflustered joy of radiance.

The body oils from Pure Fiji ($35.95) are seriously the amuses-bouches of the vanity world. Each fragranced bottled of wholesome goodness is, of course, distinctive in its smaller sized 3 oz. bottle, but big in nutritious value. At first glance, you’ll think it’s another brand rendition of Bath & Body Work stylings, which will undoubtedly go on sale like clockwork: 3 for $15 anyone? Not so. Straight from Suva's fragrant frangipani trees comes a collection of body oils boasting with a rare forms of indulgence – two fatty rich oils – to swathe your skin with.

Fiji is appreciated for its floral, fauna, and comfort. So there’s something transfixing about finding out your body oil was wild-harvested (nuts are extracted from their primeval habitat) about once a year and turned into an intoxicating treatment for hair, nails, and the body. Inbued deep within the usual suspects Virgin Coconut & Macadamia Nut oils are the exclusively native Sikeci & Dilo oils. The former is a proven protective barrier for oil, locking in moisture for easily dehydrated skins; the latter is native to Fiji & contains a unique essential fatty acid (Calophyllic acid), which stimulates skin to heal and reduces the visibility of scars. When combined with the Macadamia Nut oil (which has the highest amount of Palmitoleic acid than any other plant oil), you’ve got one supercharged oil to moisturize. And, Fijians would know a thing or two about parched skin from the robust sun above the lush speck of an island.

Keeping in tradition with Fiji's crossroads of cultural strands, the candyland of confectionary scented, gorgeously velvety oils will keep you coming back for more. We expect the horrid howls over suggesting “Coconut oil from an island?!” Alas, to stay original...our choice is the Starfruit oil, an uncomplicated medley of shimmering tropical notes and sweet apple to uplift. It’s a tantalizing posy of flowers, unrelenting in lushness, and not all all plastick-y like those mall cart versions you may be tempted to throw a couple bucks at. Immersed within a medium bodied viscous base, be sure to blend down deep.

Rum drinks shouldn't be the only thing draped in flowers. Pure Fiji brings us an enchanting cornucopia of oils to play with because they’re simply so much fun. Whatever your floral whim of the week, your choice of huile is sure to communicate a sense of near island tranquility & calmness for those deliberately out-of-the-way memories left afar...

There is a longstanding trend in the organics world that has seen many the launch of many lavish brands for the well-heeled. From obscurity to originality, the inspiration for these niche artists usually begins with a slew of ‘passed-down’ remedies, which now take form through some modern alchemy using strictly fringe botanicals to preserve these time-honoured skincare secrets. The genesis is usually credited to some granny figure, who was really 80, but looked 60, but enjoyed the skin of someone who was 40. How they did it was always beyond the explanation of Pond’s Cream.

Keeping with tradition, Erica Marie Wigley took such lessons from Grandma Pepita’s obsessive blending of essentials, added her own 15 years of pharma understanding, and founded Plush Skin to pay homage to the very organic city, which serves as her inspiration – New York. Soho Chic Body Oil Elixir ($42) is an infectious body oil so giddy with allure, you’ll wonder if the 100% natural, peridot coloured oil isn't fragranced from within. It's not.

Lavender and Rosewood absolutes make up the exceptionally crafted oil - something unusually seen, but hypnotizing as Erica fashions these essences into a deep core of Olive, Grapeseed, Avocado, Argan, Fractionated Coconut and Meadowfoam oils. What a doozy of vitamins from the collective – A, B, C, D, E, E, and even more E. Of the roster, Meadowfoam oil forms a moisture barrier and will assist the skin with preventing moisture loss. Brimming with an inordinately high amount of fatty acids, the oil is surprisingly lightweight and absorbs without any wait.

The eclectic scent seems to have a personality all of its own. Much like it's namesake, the scent is unpretentious, mysterious, but somewhat fragile and susceptible to being misconstrued. You're welcomed with voluptuous blend of citrus notes largely dominated by the fascinating accord of Rosewood, known to stimulate new cell growth and regenerate tissues. Sniff deeper and you’ll make out the meditative lavender. The result is an aromatic freshness, which expressively persists for quite some time. It’s always a wondrous treat to see the simplicity of lavender reinvented time n’ time again by the genius of composition. Perfect for those who want love the comforts of the herby wonder, but wish to add an indescribable dash of spectacularness to their favourite oil. The Body Oil Elixir will help you dare to bare without risking it all…

Fredéric Malle has done it right. Not with his usual gamut of truly fascinating fragrances. But, with the Lys Mediterranee Bath and Body Oil ($115). It's an oil that seems to be amused with irony.

This is no garish set of essential oils, rather, they are as graceful and timeless as the city of Mallorca itself. With Macadamia Nut oil's high concentration of palmitic acid to help maintain good epidermal moisture levels, 3 eclectic essences ramp up the oil to a whole new level of decadence:

• Warm, woodsy Ginger Lily, known for its tranquilizing effect
• Sweetened Angelica Root widely appreciated to improve dull & congested skin
• Crystalline Water Lily for adding a majestic freshness to skin

I’ve also been on the fence with products that label themselves as bath AND body oils, as it should truly be one or the other. I'm unapologetically obsessive when I say anything used in the rush of a shower cannot provide any fruitful benefit. So, I used Lys Mediterranee strictly as a body oil. There is a bright intensity to this oil, mildly effervescent perhaps, that makes it extremely pleasurable with a touch of lily on the skin that fulfills a vibrant expression of its floral being. Velvety fine in texture, the medium bodied texture melds seamlessly into the body leaving behind an unremittingly crisp veil of a white flowers. Yes, the scent is fleeting, but probably meant to be layered with its namesake fragrance. Word at Barneys is the oil may be on its way out, which means good things for eCommerce bargain bin hunters as prices will drop soon enough.

It's high fashion as a huile; deliciously pure and extreme for when you want something distinctively original in form. The sheer perfection of absolutes make this a marvel.

“If it’s organic, it should be all natural and unadulterated. Which means cheaper! Well, supposedly…”

“Isn’t luxury defined by having what no one else?”

Organic? Luxury? Can they both co-exist? There is much nashing of teeth in the blogosphere about whether a product can truly be qualified as both.

And, so leads the clever labeling by brands – big & small – to qualify the multitude of your beauty vices. But, one such brand makes no blatant claims to entice one shopper or the other. The Organic Pharmacy refuses to get in your face with overhyped, glitzy promises. But, quietly the brand fills the paradox of desiring a rare but modern alchemy and helps feed the incessant demand for something new. Organically new.

The Organic Pharmacy is a global powerhouse everywhere but here in the US. It wants to change that. And, it’s going to. See, today it stands at the shanky crossroads of where purely organic does indeed meet affordable luxury. But, you just didn’t know it 'til now. So, start with the Neroli Body Oil ($57.95), as it’s one such product all about comfort and all about allure. Fine luxury brands are, by definition, leaders of the masses. Let’s note how plenty of celebs are enthralled with a vanguard of Organic Pharmacy's homeopathic treatments  – Demi, Madonna, Reese are just a few organic fans that have driven the surge in the brand’s popularity. And, the oil is one for the fashionably inspired set.

Neroli Body Oil is almost like an enthusiastic chronicle of what it’d be like to jettison to some obscure French jardin, handpick your favourite flowers, extract those precious essences, and entangle nature’s anti-agers into the moisturizing core of Jojoba oil. No animal testing, no artificial colours, no articial fragrances, nothing fake about it. The Neroli Body Oil injects some much-needed romance into the tired banalities of body treatments. The burst of orange blossom greets you happily upon opening, but also promises to help treat pesky lines & stretch marks.

A trio of 100% natural absolutes is what set this Neroli Body Oil apart – St. John’s Wort, Rosehip and Marigold essential oils are delicately blended to treat dry skin immediately. Marigold is the never seen before newbie. It’s appreciated for regenerating skin cells. Together, it’s a spirited composition – both chaste and seductive in one breath -- where Neroli hits the high notes. Scentwise, it’s akin to dressing monochromatically. What a titillating Neroli this is! Much like a faceted gemstone, the Neroli brings a radiant sense of aromatic brightness. Orange blossom lovers will rejoice as sneak peeks of green become apparently vivid when the light bodied oil is used unapologetically. Not a citrus-y burst, mind you, but more of a spiced up summery Neroli balanced well in the Jojoba oil.

The oil is nearly perfect. Very much like that particular type of luxury for when you want…what no one else has. Short-list this high-end staple now.

If there was an unreputed mistress of unconventional essences, Persephenie would make our top ten list. It’s almost as though the word 'restriction' doesn’t enter her expansive annals of essences. Her line of body care basics is an unpredictable, fantasyland of aromatherapeutic art that aims to amp up the simplest of oils with her witty trompe-l'oeil imagery. The Organic Body Balm ($34) is just another example of the vivid clash between Camellia oil and Pomegranate Seed extracts.

Unfettered creaminess is the first, and quite frankly, the only thing that comes to mind. The undeniably beautiful creation uses Jojoba Oil as the main source of moisture, while Camellia oil brings nature’s high concentration of oleic acid (a plump fatty acid). And, not only do you get intense moisturization, but also mild exfoliating action. Pomegranate Seed extracts will promote skin regeneration, stimulate self-repair mechanisms, improve skin elasticity, and reduce wrinkles with regular use.

Persephenie’s secret, I’d say, lies in her clever juxtaposition of muted lime and smooth Madagascar vanilla. It’s a tasteful understatement of absolutes for those of you tired of the rose and lavender laced balms. Hers flourishes impressively with an earthy warmth brought on by lacings of ginger and Indian mimosa.

Charming in its simplicity.

Perhaps more than any other organic name, L’Occitane captivates us with their countless forms of oils and similarly based products. Though shea butter had its moment as it was the brand's hero ingredient, many have come to appreciate the newer specialized treatments that go beyond this classic buttery skin softener. Unforgettably cheeky florals from Mediterranean farms are found in many of L’Occitane’s treatments, which help amp up skin care results. For example, the Immortelle flower (from plantations in Corsica) has the extraordinary power to never fade, even when picked. The florals are picked in the morning and distilled on site that evening to extract all pure constituents. It’s this type of intricate complexity that gives the Immortelle Very Precious Eye Serum ($52) its cult status.

It's easy to see why fans are so obsessive. Suffused within a vegetable, omega-3 rich oil mix (Gold of Pleasure, Cameline, Borage, Evening Primrose) is the soft floral, Immortelle essential oil. It’s most widely preferred for an innate ability to stimulate the production of new skin cells. This makes it popular in skincare for acne scars, dry and weathered skin. For those who hate gloppy eye creams or struggle with hard-to-remove milia, this is an extremely light serum designed to help reduce your telltale signs of aging. With a feathery form sealed within an air tight package to preserve its essences, the serum sinks right away, which helps with your make-up mornings. As with all eye creams, remember to pat with your ring finger, which produces the least amount of pressure.

As with those atypical flowers we covet and adore, this is a serum is impressably appealing.