22.12.11

Beauty: Slicker Than Your Average



It would be no exaggeration to say that I'm obsessed with oil products. Obsessed. As I'm currently on a make up purchasing embargo - more on that tomorrow - I'm seeking solace in all things skin and hair care. And when it comes to these glistening amber potions, who am I to refuse?

Since introducing an oil to my facial skincare routine, blemishes have become a thing of the past. Yep, even at *that* time of the month. It seems natural to conclude that skin prone to the occasional breakout is oily, and that adding more oil to the mix would be the last thing needed. I can't tell you how many times I'd see an article on facial oils that I'd read, re-read, read again, only to question a friend on it's efficacy with as many high-pitched 'really? Really?' moments as they'd tolerate. Not many, I can tell you. My long term favourite has been Liz Earle's Superskin Concentrate, but I recently scooped up The Sanctuary's Therapist's Secret Facial Oil during a 3 for 2 assault at Boots. So far, so impressive. I'm in love with the heady herbal scent of the Liz Earle version, but The Sanctuary's offering is a bargain at half the price of the full size LE oil (note: the LE oil in the pic is the travel size which is great for those wanting to try without committing).

Hair oil has become ubiquitous this year, almost to the point that I don't know how we functioned before it. I had long been dedicated to my Sunday hair ritual of coating it in olive oil, wrapping it in cling film and hoping that nobody popped over for an unscheduled visit, but the thought of using an oil pre-heat styling had me terrified that my hair would end up dry and fried rather than sleek and silky. In a not-unexpected revelation, hair oil wins my can't-live-without award as it's totally transformed my tresses. I'm a big fan of Shu Uemura, but when this bottle runs out, I have a few products with my name on them. The bottle second from left on the image above is my most beloved oil - Phytonectar - which was sadly discontinued this year. On learning this, I promptly ran to the local chemist and bought their entire stock, begging them to call their supplier to see if they had more (they didn't: sob). Phyto, if you're reading this, bring it back, please!

As for body, I alternate between Neutrogena Body Oil which is a beautifully rich, unfragranced sesame oil, and The Sanctuary's Massage and Body Oil, which is the usual concoction of potent ginger and spices, so perfect for winter. Both are incredibly reasonable, so there's no excuse for dry skin.

Now, I know what you're thinking: that's a lot of oil (and I haven't even mentioned the Rituals and Jo Malone bath ones!) You might be thinking it's enough to keep me greased up for a lifetime, especially now you know about my Phyto stockpile. Predictably, it's not enough, and I have my eye on some beauties to purchase in the new year:

1. Kerastase Elixir Ultime - Featured in The Bazaar Hot 100 Beauty List and that bottle is just what's missing from my dressing table

2. Moroccan Oil - Everyone who's tried this raves about it. It's this or the Kerastase. Or both...

3. REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil and Ultra Moisture Body Oil - It smells utterly divine and will be perfect for balmy holiday evenings

Do you use oil products in your beauty routine, and most importantly, what our your recommendations so I can add them to my shopping list :)

4 comments:

  1. You make it sound amazing, and since I have very dry skin, I'm sure this could work for me too. EXCITING!!!

    -Elodie
    http://www.elle-yeah.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Let me know if you try one. If your skin is very dry, try a layer of oil first and then top with a cream moisturiser. It softens skin instantly!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have a sample I've been trying of the Kerastase Elixir...it's brilliant. Another one to try for hair is L'Oreal's 'mythic oil'.
    I agree about oils in general: am using Shu Uemura cleansing oil religiously at the moment!x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Perfect: you've added two more oils to my list! I'm still addicted to Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish, but could be very tempted by a cleansing oil! Thanks for the recommendations :) x

    ReplyDelete


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