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My Top 3 ‘No Foundation’ Foundations!

September 3, 2015

Hi everyone!

I’m constantly asked on a regular basis what foundations are the best at not looking like you’re wearing foundation. Having tested multiple brands and formulations over the years, here are my top picks that give me a ‘my skin but better” look.

*Note: A good skincare routine is paramount to achieving the best results but that will be for another post.

Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Makeup

The first Make Up For Ever foundation that I tried and immediately fell in love with. This one has a very watery consistency (thank goodness they have since incorporated a pump) and you don’t need much to cover your face. It feels very light-weight and isn’t too glowy or matte and can be used to cover up body imperfections. True story: My grandmother loved how this looked on me that she had me go buy her one and she has been an avid user ever since.

Unfortunately, I think this had an ingredient my skin might have not agreed with because over time my nose would start to itch so I stopped using it. Despite this, I highly recommend it.

Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum

I picked this up when Sephora had their Fall VIB sale last year and after using up a sample. As the name implies, this has a serum-like consistency and gives a nice satin finish. I prefer to apply this using my fingers to pat and roll it in the skin but you can also use a brush and achieve results. Super light-weight as I forget sometimes I have it on and hold up nicely throughout the day. My only complaint is that the shade range is very limited.

Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm

While I know this isn’t a foundation, I do think tinted moisturizers, BB creams and CC creams are some of the best products to use for achieving a natural look. They tend to cover up redness and even out skin tone and work best if you don’t have major imperfections. Since it has the texture of a moisturizer it’s really impossible for it to give a cakey appearance. My favorite way to apply these is with a sponge and stippling it into the skin. Favorites include Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm, Laura Mercier and Marcelle BB Cream.

What are your favorite foundations to use for a natural look?

Stephanie

Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow Stick vs NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil!

August 27, 2015

Happy Thursday everyone!

I was excited when I saw Sephora had a mini Bobbi Brown Shadow Stick as part of their rewards system and with my new found appreciation for shadow sticks, I had to pick one up.

Eyeshadow sticks are a convenient item to have as they are quick and easy to apply, streamlining your makeup routine when you’re in a hurry. You just glide the product on your eyelid and underneath your bottom lash line, with minimal to no blending required. There’s no worry about powdery fallout and you can store these in your purse for on the go.

As you already know, NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil was included in my Summer Must Have On the Go Beauty and with great reviews, I wanted to see how it compared to the Bobbi Brown ones. So, let’s get started.

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Shadow, $29 (smokey blue grey)

Described as “a long-lasting, waterproof eye shadow that glides on easy like a stroke of genius.” It’s a smokey blue grey color that has a matte texture (i.e. no shimmer)

Pros

Long lasting and won’t crease with a primer

Glides on the eyelid easily

Rich pigmentation

Good variety of shades

Twist up container so you don’t need a sharpener

Cons

Splurge item at $29 each (I have a sample so the actual product is bigger)

It takes a little bit of effort to blend in

Heat mushes up the texture which can affect the application process

Wide rounded tip makes it difficult to apply on the waterline

Overall: I do like this product but I don’t love it. Although the pigmentation is amazing and it doesn’t crease, I found blending out this product was difficult to do, perhaps because of the matte texture. You are required to blend this out since it’s a darker color and if you don’t want harsh lines to show. One thing worth mentioning is that since the weather has been hot, somehow the heat really softened it up and caused a mushy like consistency. While it still retained its shape, when I applied it, it kind of broke off a little.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Iced Mocha

Described as “a radiant eye liner that also doubles as an eye shadow.” It’s a bronzey, gold color that has a little bit of shimmer.

Pros

Budget friendly $4.50

Easy application + formula glides on easy

A wide range of colors

Pencil like tip makes it easy to line the waterline

Cons

Requires a larger sharpener

Does tend to crease after a while even with primer

Takes a few passes to build up the color

Overall: I love everything about the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil except the wear time. I get about 5 hours of wear before it starts to crease, about 3 if it is really hot an humid outside. I then find myself needing to reapply or at least blend in the product so that the crease marks don’t show. Applying a similar shadow underneath does help with this product staying on longer but it adds an extra step. However, this blends easily and I had no problem using it as a liner, thanks to the pencil like tip- perfect for creating a quick smokey eye look.

Have you tried shadow sticks? Which ones are your favorite?

Stephanie

Lip Products Under $10!

March 24, 2015

Hello readers and good morning! Well, at least on my side of the world it’s morning. 🙂 Hope all of you are doing well! I’ve been sick off and on for the past month or so and I feel like this year, it’s been brutal. I think I’m battling allergies now and I just cannot wait until this is over with. Anyone else feel the same way?

Any who, on to the task at hand. Today’s review is all about lip products under $10. Now, as much as I love my higher end lip products- Bite Beauty and Tom Ford, I’m looking at you- there are some pretty amazing ones at a much more affordable cost. And let’s face it, when you have great products that don’t cost a lot, you can buy multiple colors and save that money for, ahem, other makeup items. Charlotte Tilbury anyone? 🙂

Below are my reviews.

NYX Butter Gloss BLG05 Creme Brulee

Described by NYX as “buttery soft and silky smooth, our scrumptious new Butter Lip Gloss tastes as sweet as a sugar cookie—and makes your lips look downright luscious. Swipe it on alone or over your favorite lipstick for creamy sheer to medium coverage that melts onto your lips and is never sticky.”

Pros

Smell nice

Not sticky

Great color selection

Affordable price range

Cons

Not long-lasting (wears off quickly when drinking or eating

Bottom Line: I love these glosses alone or layered underneath lipstick. The scent isn’t over powering and in my opinion very comparable to some of MAC’s Cremesheen lipglosses at about half the cost.

NYX High Voltage Lipstick HVLS 18 Free Spirit

Described by NYX as amping “up your look with our High Voltage lipstick! Each of the 22 dramatic shades is infused with vibrant color with a super-rich finish!

Pros

Highly pigmented

Affordable cost

Slightly moisturizing

Cons

Can be a bit drying as time goes on

Has a tendency to accentuate fine lines/dry lips

Bottom Line: A great item from NYX if you’re looking for excellent color payoff. Color begins to fade a bit while eating or drinking but leaves behind a good stain. Exfoliating lips prior to use is a must though to avoid it clinging to any dry patches.

Milani Color Statement Moisture Matte Innocence

Described by Milani as “the matte that not only feels great (yes, you read that right – it’s actually comfy) but also lasts for hours and has “a-mazing Instagram selfie” written all over it. Infused with grape seed extract imported from Italy, this smear-proof lip soother delivers mega color that won’t budge, even after a close encounter with a cappuccino cup.”

Pros

Affordable

Feels creamy upon application

Lasts a decent amount of time

Great color selection

Cons

This shade is pretty light so I need multiple layers to get coverage

Accentuates fine lines/dry lips

Bottom Line: This shade looks best when paired with a lipgloss. It lasts better than most lipsticks through drinking but I wouldn’t classify this is long-lasting. The texture is very unique and very similar (if not identical) to Maybelline Mattes. Feels creamy upon application instead of the usual dry texture most mattes have but not exactly moisturizing. Exfoliating lips is a must prior to use.

NYX Matte Lipstick MLS 05 Indie Flick

Described by NYX as “highly pigmented, richly formulated and long-wearing. The formula glides on smoothly and stays put with a non-drying matte finish.”

Pros

Highly pigmented

Excellent staying power

Affordable price

Cons

Drying

Accentuates fine lines, dry lips

Bottom Line: I bought this lipstick after seeing it on Janet from Jan and Jot and I am so glad I did. Not only is a gorgeous shade-perfect for spring and summer-but it is immensely pigmented and very long lasting. I do find this more on the drying side though, so sometimes I’ll sheer it out with lip balm underneath and make sure to exfoliate lips beforehand.

Rimmel London Kate Moss

Described by Rimmel as “Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Matte Collection Lipstick gives the gorgeous color richness and comfort of Kate’s lipstick, now in a velvety, matte finish. Ruby powder-enriched formula intensifies the color while keeping a matte finish all day long.”

Pros

Highly pigmented

Very affordable

Leaves behind a stain

Long-lasting

Cons

Feels drying after a while

Settles into fine lines/accentuates dry lips

Prominent scent that lingers

Bottom Line: Another product I bought after I saw it on Chanelle Hayley from Chanelle Hayleyyy . The color is beautiful and sophisticated and I love the staying power. I do not mind the scent at all, sort of floral mixed with berries, but it is strong and you can definitely smell it while you’re wearing it; it does fade after a while though.

Maybelline Color Sensational Summer Sunset

Described by Maybelline as “crisper color from pure pigments; creamier feel from nourishing honey nectar; lipcolor so rich, so stunning…it’s sensational.”

Pros

Highly pigmented

Long-lasting

Affordable

Extensive shade selection

Cons

Feels a little bit waxy

Not as hydrating as it claims

Can feel a bit drying at times

Clings to dry patches

Bottom Line: I do like these but I will be honest and say I am not fond of the texture. It feels a bit too waxy to me as opposed to creamy but using a lip balm underneath helps. Worn alone it has great staying power and there are so many shades to choose from.

Below are the colors swatched and make sure to follow me on Instagram to see more pictures and looks using these colors. 🙂

L to R: Creme Brulee, Free Spirit, Matte Innocence, Indie Flick, KM 107, Summer Sunset

Thank you for reading and let me know what your favorite under $10 lipsticks/lipglosses are!

Stephanie

Simple Makeup Routine!

January 29, 2015

How are you enjoying this Thursday readers?

I wanted to share a quick post about my simple makeup routine. As much as I love applying makeup, sometimes I get a bit lazy or don’t have enough time in the morning. So for those days when I prefer to get a little extra sleep, here’s my fast and simple way to look put-together.

*Note: This doesn’t include my skincare routine which will be in a different post.

Products I Use

Foundation: One of my favorite foundations is Smashbox Liquid Halo HD Foundation SPF 15. It feels light, provides full coverage without looking cakey and is a perfect match for my skin.

Concealer: I use Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla to cover up any under-eye discolorations and it provides a little bit of a brightening effect since it’s a light color; it’s also great at concealing redness. It’s not as hydrating as it claims but that’s nothing an eye cream can’t fix.

Blush: If you follow my Instagram, you’ll see I purchased the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion and I can’t say enough about it. It’s a subdued coral color that applies and blends effortlessly, provides a nice glow and looks natural.

Mascara: I purchased Blinc Mascara awhile ago and I like it to achieve a natural look. This mascara forms little tubes around lashes that lengthen and unlike other mascaras, I don’t have little black flakes underneath my eye at the end of the day. One thing this doesn’t do though is provide volume.

Lips: I recently found this lipstick-it was forgotten for a bit in one of my purses-and it’s so natural looking on me. The best part is how moisturizing the formula is which is nice in this cooler weather. Tarte Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Angelic Nude.

Here’s my finished look. 🙂

What are your simple makeup must-haves? Share below!

Stephanie

Oribe Gold Lust Collection Review!

January 15, 2015

$55; birchbox.com

A few weeks back, I did a post on my current hair care products and because I really loved the Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray, I treated myself to a couple of other Oribe goodies. I have been hearing rave reviews about Oribe’s Gold Lust Nourishing Oil and thought it would be a perfect item to try for my curly, color treated hair. After scrolling through multiple sites that retail Oribe products, I purchased the Gold Lust Collection from Birchbox since carried a set with 1.7 oz of this oil along with travel sizes of the Gold Lust Shampoo and Gold Lust Conditioner that when used in conjunction, “strengthens and rejuvenates hair to its natural brilliance.”

Gold Lust Shampoo

The Gold Lust Shampoo is described as a rejuvenating cleanser that, “combines centuries old healing oils and extracts-cypress, argan and maracuja-” with a “revolutionary bio-restorative complex to balance the scalp and reinforce the inner strength of each strand.”

Both bottles of shampoo and conditioner are virtually identical so embossed on the top of the bottle is the letter ‘S’ signifying ‘shampoo’. This scent to this shampoo, like most of Oribe’s hair care products is laced with Calabrian bergamot, white butterfly jasmine and sandalwood. Personally, I love it. For a shampoo that’s formulated without sulfates, it lathers nicely and the best part, it rinses clean without stripping hair. As much as I like this shampoo, unfortunately there is an ingredient or ingredients that made my skin itch, so I will be sending this back. (Side note: I have very weird skin so sometimes it’s more difficult for me to find something that works amazing and that won’t cause a reaction.)

Gold Lust Conditioner

Using the same oils and extracts as the shampoo, this “ultra-hydrating conditioner softens and revitalizes, smoothing each cuticle to undo the damage of time (and style).”

Again, Oribe’s signature scent is present in this conditioner and the letter ‘C’ is written on top of the bottle for easy identification. The consistency is pretty thin for a conditioner as I am more accustomed to using thicker, masque type consistencies. Sadly, I didn’t find this conditioner hydrating and in fact, it seemed to tangle my hair even more. For a conditioner that boasts healing oils, I expected my hair to feel smoother which sadly ended up feeling and looking frizzy on the ends of my hair.

Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil

This oil is said to “deeply condition, strengthen and smooth-imparting intense nourishment and incredible shine. Works wonders on dry, damaged and color-treated hair.”

I agree with all the reviews out there on this product that state this oil doesn’t weigh hair down. It’s incredibly light-weight and absorbs quickly into hair. My ends are pretty dry and when I applied this oil on them, it helped their appearance slightly but not by much. Perhaps this would work better on my hair if it was straight, but I’ve been leaving it curly and I’ve found other products that work just as well, if not better, than this one.

Note: These products are formulated without parabens, sulfates (SLS or SLES) or sodium chloride. They are also color and keratin treatment safe, offer UV protection for hair, vegan and cruelty and gluten free.

Bottom Line: I wasn’t impressed with this line. Had I not reacted the way I did to the shampoo, I wouldn’t mind buying the shampoo as it’s hard to find a shampoo for curly hair that cleanses well without stripping it. Some shampoos clean too well while others I feel don’t clean at all, leaving a greasy appearance to hair. This shampoo manages to strike the perfect balance but alas, it wasn’t meant for me. 🙁 The conditioner and oil are items I would skip out on though.

Have a favorite hair care product you love? Share your favorites below!

Stephanie

Tom Ford Lips And Boys Omar Review!

December 29, 2014

Hi readers! I know my posting schedule has been a bit off due to the holidays but should be back to normal starting next week-at least that is the plan. 🙂

Back in November, for Black Friday I went ahead and purchased my very first Tom Ford lipstick. I’ve read so many great things about them but always winced at the steep $50 price tag. That is, of course, until Tom Ford decided to release a pretty extensive limited edition collection of lipsticks (50 to be exact) entitled Lips and Boys. Granted these lippies are smaller than the normal ones (0.07 oz vs 0.10 oz) , but $32 seemed a bit more manageable than $50.

Tom Ford lipsticks come in a dark brown/black (depending on how the light reflects off of it) case accented with gold trim and the signature TF logo etched into them. The TF logo dissipates after a few swipes though.

The Lips and Boys collection is grouped into color categories: nudes to browns; silvers to blacks; metallics; light pinks to mauves; pop pinks to roses; fuchsia to magentas; corals to oranges; reds; violets to orchards; and plums. I settled on the shade (boy?) Omar which pertains to the metallics family as it looked perfect for the holiday season with flecks of gold.

The color was a bit hard to capture in pictures but this is pretty close. To me this shade is kind of copper with red and orange undertones and flecks of gold that give it a metallic finish. It has a slight vanilla scent, reminiscent of M.A.C. lipsticks. While the formula is hydrating and applies pretty smoothly, I didn’t find it to be groundbreaking but perhaps it could be because the finish is metallic? Whatever the case, I absolutely love the color! It stayed on for about 3 hours and didn’t leave a stain behind, only gold shimmer. Below is a picture of how the color looks applied.

Overall: I love the color as it’s unique and unlike any color I own. However, it wasn’t as long lasting as some of the Tom Ford lipsticks are made out to be. Again, perhaps it might be because the finish is metallic. I would recommend these as a way to try out the Tom Ford line though at a more wallet friendlier option.

They are available now online and through the following retailers: Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks.

*Note: These are limited edition so don’t wait too long if you want to try them out. 🙂

Have you tried any Tom Ford lipsticks? What is your opinion on them?

Have a great Monday,

Stephanie

Makeup 411: Don't Let Powder Age You!

December 3, 2014

Powder helps in setting make up but it can sometimes accentuate fine lines. Apply powder on your forehead, nose and chin, leaving the under eye area and cheeks alone since powder in these areas tends to settle into fine lines.

*Note: If you have dry/very dry skin, skip this step altogether.

Featured here and my go-to favorite: Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder (mini).

Do you use powder? Which one is your favorite?

Warm Regards,

Stephanie

A Beauty-Full Day!

September 9, 2014

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Mine was pretty eventful as I attended The International Congress of Esthetics and Spa in Long Beach! It’s an event held for professionals in the skin care, beauty and wellness industry where you can attend workshops, advanced education seminars and purchase products. Translation: heaven for a beauty junkie like me! Here’s a small recap of my day.

The badge we receive for the day of the event- very nice.

First purchase was at the Skin Script booth. I got the Pomegranate Antioxidant Cleanser, 15% Vitamin C/Green Tea Serum, and the Ageless Skin Moisturizer, with Aloe and Co-Q10.

Another Skin Script purchase. This one is their holiday special Spiced Cider Facial which includes the Apple Orchard Enzyme and Autumn Spice Hydrating Mask. Unlike the Skin Script items above though, you need a license to purchase these.

I stopped by the Ilike booth which has an ‘organic’ line of products. After speaking to one of the representatives, I bought the Sour Cherry Gel Mask for my combination skin. *Note: I put organic in quotes because there isn’t a universal standard on what is deemed organic.

The Eminence booth was crowded all the time and filled with on-going demonstrations but I managed to squeeze in to scope out their ‘organic’ line. I ended up getting the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant (an exfoliator that seems similar to Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant) and Strawberry Rhubarb Masque with Hyaluronic Acid, again a mask for my combination skin.

Though I received a ton of informational pamphlets and brochures from other exhibitors there, I’m highly interested in checking out these products in the future: (h2t) for their pumpkin peel (it smells AMAZING and will hopefully be ordering it soon), Circadia by Dr. Pugliese, Dermapen, Rhonda Allison and Image Skincare.

Always great to receive free trade industry magazines!

By the end of the day I was exhausted! It’s a bit overwhelming to be surrounded by soo many different products, demonstrations, information, devices, samples (not pictured here) and people. I concluded my day with a seminar on the Hydrafacial- a modified version of microdermabrasion- and a facial with an (h2t) 30% pumpkin peel. Pure bliss.

I will post reviews on the products once I have an opportunity to try them out! What conventions do you look forward to? IMATS? The Makeup Show? Other? I’d love to know!

The Beauty in Sleep!

September 2, 2014

What’s one thing college students, new parents, teenagers and more than half of the American population have in common?

Sleep deprivation.

As important as it is to get enough sleep, a study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation in 2002 concluded that “74% of American adults experience a sleeping problem a few nights a week or more and 39% get less than seven hours of sleep each weeknight.” Recently, The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement suggesting an 8:30 a.m. or later school start time for middle and high school students and with good reason.

Research has shown that young people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to suffer depression, be involved in car accidents and have lower test scores. Lack of sleep is also a risk factor for weight gain and can disrupt the body’s regulation of blood sugar. An increase in stress-hormone levels contribute to an elevated rise in blood pressure and promote inflammatory changes associated with chronic disease, including heart disease and diabetes.

Much More Than Just A Phrase

We’ve all heard about needing our ‘beauty sleep’ but it turns out this phrase isn’t just superficial-it can accelerate the aging process! On a visual level, not receiving the crucial shut-eye results in a dull complexion because when you are tired, blood doesn’t flow efficiently; fine lines also appear more prominent. On a deeper level, your skin, as well as your whole body, transitions into repair mode when you sleep. New skin cells grow and replace older cells. An increase in inflammatory cells in the body lead to a breakdown in collagen and hyaluronic acid, both of which assist in giving skin it’s glow, bounce and translucency.

A Look at ‘Beauty Sleep’ by the Hour

Perhaps Charles Perrault’s tale The Sleeping Beauty in the Woods was inadvertently on to something, except let’s replace the 100 years with the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night. (Yet another example of how I love to tie beauty and literature together!)

Hours 1-3: The deepest sleep of the night, your body produces the most human growth hormone- critical to skin and hair repair.

Hours 4-5: Deep sleep shortens and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep begins. There’s also an increase in melatonin, a hormone with potent antioxidant properties to combat oxidative stress.

Hours 6-8: This is when you get the most REM sleep. Your skin’s temperature reaches its lowest point, enabling muscles to relax and allowing skin its deepest recovery.

Solutions to Promote Better Sleep

Sometimes sleep doesn’t come easily so if you have trouble sleeping, try these suggestions.

Schedule your bedtime and your wake-up time according to the number of hours of sleep you need.
About an hour or more before bedtime, stop phone calls and watching television and read or listen to music instead.
Try aromatherapy (my favorite!). Lavender, neroli and sandalwood essential oils can relax and promote a restful sleep. Fill half of a mini spray bottle with water, mix in your relaxing essential oil of choice and lightly spritz onto your sheets and/or pillow.
Learning to manage your stress or keep it under control will in turn yield to a more restful sleep. Breathing techniques, exercise, a spa visit and regular massages can keep stress in check.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend. What helps you catch more Zzzzz’s?

Disclaimer: The contents on this website, and any related links, are provided for general informational purposes and should NOT be considered medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Please consult a healthcare provider if you have any questions about a particular health condition.

Beauty And The Oils

August 19, 2014

Oils have been around since…well, forever but recently the beauty industry has seen their resurgence. It almost seems like there is a new ‘beauty’ oil discovered every week, each superseding the one before. From kitchen pantry and health food stores to the beauty aisle, the following oils are lauded as the ultimate ingredient for your face, body, hair and/or nails.

Argan (Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil)

Pressed from nuts found in argan trees-exclusive only in Morroco- argan oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic acid, omega-6, which helps in maintaining the lipid barrier in skin and natural tocopherols (vitamin E). It nourishes, regenerates and protects the skin.

In hair, it adds moisture to dry hair, calms frizzy ends and can help with a dry scalp.

Coconut (Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil)

A staple in tropical regions of the world, coconut oil moisturizes, strengthens connective tissues, provides antibacterial properties through lauric acid, nourishes and heals. I think it’s important to note that although coconut oil has anti-bacterial properties and some people claim it’s a great treatment for acne, use caution. Those who suffer from acne may find it feels too heavy, clogging pores and potentially leading to more breakouts.

In regards to hair, coconut oil can penetrate better than other oils and therefore is commonly used as a deep conditioner (or found in conditioning products).

Grapeseed (Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil)

Extracted from the seeds of grapes, this is rich in linoleic acid and acts as an emollient and antioxidant (high in vitamin E). Linoleic acid is an unsaturated EFA that is found in skin lipids like ceramides and cholesterol which protects the skin barrier function, prevents the drying of skin and soothes. It’s ideal for massage oil since it glides well on skin.

Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil)

From the jojoba plant and known for resembling sebum (oil found on your face), jojoba oil moisturizes, reconditions the skin and provides barrier potection. Interestingly, jojoba oil is thought to balance oil production which could be great news for people with oily skin. The tocopherol content provides excellent antioxidant activity. *Note: Sometimes only small amounts are needed to reap the benefits so tread lightly if you apply the oil straight to your face. It might be best for those with oily skin to look for skincare products formulated with this ingredient instead.

Olive (Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil)

Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants which help repair and renew skin from oxidative stress, soothes inflammation, smoothes the skin and helps maintain skin elasticity.

In hair, olive oil doubles both as a deep conditioner and dandruff controller, and when rubbed on nails, it helps cuticles stay plump and hydrated while producing a natural shine.

Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil)

Produced from sunflower seeds, sunflower oil replenishes and restores the skin with nourishing fatty and amino acids. Amino acids supply nutrients to nourish the skin, which in turn strengthens connective tissue and keeps the skin smooth. Sunflower oil also increases moisture retention (great for dry skin!) and provides natural barrier protection.

Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil)

This oil contains high levels of oleic acid and unsaturated triglycerides provide moisture to skin that is easily absorbed into the skin. Oleic acid, found naturally in vegetable and animal oils, is high in unsaturated omega-9 fatty acids, providing emolliency and a soothing factor to skin.

In hair, it adds shine and purportedly controls hair fall.

Bottom Line: Although the benefits of these oils are superb, it may not work the same for everyone. You may find that some oils dry out your hair instead of smoothing them or they work wonders for your body but can wreck havoc on your face. ‘Natural’ can be great but isn’t exempt from producing adverse reactions so use with caution.

Have you tried any of these oils? What was your experience like?