8 MIRACULOUS OILS YOU NEED NOW

Posted by Roni 12.21.11

Hanukkah celebrates a miracle; a small amount of oil that only should have lasted for one day illuminated the rededicated temple for eight. That’s why fried latkes figure so prominently into the festivities. But as cosmetics aficionados, we will take our oil in our beauty products instead of on our plates, thank you very much. Some of the best solutions for skin and hair make use of natural oils. Here are eight of our favorite miracle oils and some of the best products showcasing them.

Olive Oil – It’s a wonder in the kitchen, but olive oil is equally amazing for the hair and face. Apply it directly to parched hair and skin, or use it to remove eye makeup. Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil ($39) works double-time, cleansing with olive and jojoba oils as it moisturizes. Jurlique Love Balm ($6.50) delivers the incredible hydrating power of olive oil in an affordable, user-friendly, portable solid balm. Use it anywhere and everywhere.

Jojoba Oil – The miracle of jojoba is its uncanny resemblance to human sebum, which is awesome for maintaining a healthy scalp and youthful skin. It garners top billing in Phyto’s Phytojoba Shampooing ($24) and Phytojoba Masque ($38). Jojoba is formed into microbeads for simultaneous deep cleansing and hydration in REN Jojoba Microbead Purifying Facial Polish ($35).

Tea Tree Oil – Ever since its antimicrobial qualities were discovered in the 1930s, tea tree oil has been a top choice for keeping things clean without resorting to chemicals. Kiehl’s Tea Tree Oil Shampoo ($18) restores balance to an oily scalp without drying the hair. Dermalogica Special Clearing Booster ($44) applies a cocktail of tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide to banish bacteria and clear breakouts.

Lavender Oil – Lavender oil is a natural antiseptic. Its calming effect is valued in aromatherapy, and it even works as a natural insect repellent. Mai Couture Rejuvenate Oil Blotting Papier ($13) is infused with lavender oil and can be used to blot excess oil without messing up makeup. L’Occitane Lavender Organic Hand Purifying Gel ($7) keeps cooties at bay without breaking the bank or smelling like a hospital.

Almond Oil – Almond oil is incredibly emollient and boosts the hydrating power of everything it touches. Bliss Vanilla + Bergamot Body Buff with Shea Butter + Sweet Almond Oil ($36) smells good enough to eat and does amazing things for skin in need of a good scrub. Korres Quercetin and Oak Day Cream SPF 4 ($48) is a hydrating, anti-aging formula that includes sweet almond oil in the natural mix.

Coconut Oil – Coconut oil works wonders for skin and hair. The Body Shop Coconut Oil Hairshine ($10) is an affordable old standby that adds shine and definition. Coconut oil has been getting lots of love from the beauty world in the form of monoi oil, a Tahitian variation on the theme that’s achieved when gardenia leaves are soaked in coconut oil. The result smells and feels incredible, and it gets star billing in Nars Monoi Body Glow II ($59).

Argan Oil – Argan oil is the “it” oil of the moment. Also known as Moroccan oil, it’s in loads of hair and skincare products. It is the cornerstone of Josie Maran Cosmetics’ Argan Beauty line, which includes Argan Cleansing Oil ($32), a three in one cleanser, makeup remover and anti-aging treatment. With Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Super Argan Serum ($15), the shag queen delivers major moisture and defrizzing to drugstore shelves.

Rose Oil – Aromatic yet healing, rose oil hydrates and adds moisture to normal and dry skin types. Darphin Organic Rose Aromatic Care softens, smoothes, detoxifies and protects skin against free radical damage. Origins A Perfect World Antioxidant Moisturizer with White Tea is an anti-aging moisturizer that protects while it fights signs of age, stress and the impact of environmental factors. Rose fruit oil contributes to creating a virtual protective bubble.

There are so many great choices out there, we’ll be pampering ourselves with rich products for way longer than a mere eight nights. Happy holidays!

Keratin Contest – Coppola vs. Brazilian Blowout

Posted by Roni 09.14.11

Salon straightening treatments have been a real game changer for frizz-fighting, with a few short hours in a stylist’s chair shaving cumulative hours off of clients’ daily beauty regimens.  Concerns over formaldehyde content prompted a Cosmetic Industry Review, which should conclude this fall.  In the meantime, we wanted to give a run-down of our experiences with Brazilian Blowout and Coppola Keratin Complex, two of the biggest names in the arena.  We also have some tips for choosing a salon and a stylist when booking a straightening service.

… read more »

SLICK SPHERE – EOS LIP BALM

Posted by Roni 08.29.11

EOS Lip Balm comes in great flavors with brightly colored packaging to match.  Pick from summer fruit, lemon drop SPF 15, strawberry sorbet, honeysuckle honeydew, medicated tangerine (boosted with zinc and vitamins) and sweet mint.  EOS is easy to find at the bottom of a bag and easy to apply.

… read more »