Luxury Oils & Balms

My love, admiration and respect for oils and lush balms is known to every shred of living organism on planet earth. Generally the variety and choices of these lush treatments vary between high, mid and low end. Below are my chosen indulgences and absolute treats for my skin. The price points are insane, however the one off feeling they provide is irreplaceable with instant gratification.

May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon would come as no surprise to absolutely any skincare lover. Before trying this product, I heard umpteen number of rave reviews but always held slight skpeticism. Eventually I folded and indulged and much to my surprise (and secret high expctations) all claims, rave reviews, gushes, & hypes stood true.

The balm is a treat for the skin. It smell insanely divine and melts away all the stresses. It helps calm my skin down from any inflammation, irritation, redness, or dryness ($160 50ml – $3.2 per ml).

Mahalo The Rare Indigo Balm is my joy ride. As soon as I open the jar I find myself sniffing the pot like K9 unit at the airport. I take forver doing my routine with this bad boy, because I spend more time sticking my snout in the pot than actual application on skin. Very easily carried away, but a little goes a long way. The texture and consistency of this balm is what make it sooooo unique and delectable ($110 30ml – $3.67 per ml).

Darphin 8 Flower Nectar is a walk in a garden. Slightly different texture to regular oils but good heavens this oil is Flowery Dreaminess… Glorified! Darphin also have individual flower facial elixirs like Chamomile, Rose, Jasmine, Niaouli, Tangerine, and Orange Blossom. Now imagine a congregation of all these lovely florals coming together for an orgasmic union. I reserve this oil for when I truly need a pick me up, when I feel world is crashing down on me (yes hormones I’m referring to you) or when my skin has behaved so darn well it deserves an incredibly euphoric treat ($150 15ml – $10 per ml).

Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Oil was a complete surprise in a 12ml bottle. Picked up with zero expectations and it surpassed everything else. Ingredient wise, possibly the most unique on this list (refer to my review, you’ll know what I mean) and has a certain richness about it. This brand came at my forefront because of this oil and I can unbashedly admit it was “the discovery” of 2015 for me (INR 1,890 Rs157.50 per ml, USD $53 12ml – $4.4 per ml).

MV Organic Skincare Rose Plus Booster Oil is an oldie but always a Goodie!! I’m an old lady at heart and soul and I’m obsessed with anything Rose. But we know rose scents are so awfully plagarised in the market and we’ve all come across hideous, synthetic, nauseating, vile versions of rose. All that….until you come across this unsuspecting bottle of rose heaven. Blended with Camellia, Jojoba, Rosehip, Rose Damascena Oil, Geranium, Rosemary, basically a pinnacle of perfection. Top marks for its versatility in use with a cleanser, mask, oils and creams. Skin is calm, stable and “sensible” the following morning (USD$120 $3.42 per ml, AUD$99 $2.8 per ml, GBP £72.00 35ml -£2.05 per ml).

Hope you’ve enjoyed this read, tell me what are fave oil indulgences? I would love to expand this palette.

HHW.com

xx

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Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial

The Overnight Facial has been the talk of the town for a while now, and been raved and gushed about a zillion times already. I’m about to add my two cents to the blogosphere .

Sarah Chapman claims: The essence of a Skinesis facial in a bottle, this famed multi-award winning skin transforming power potion combines concentrated cosmeceutical actives and exotic essential oils to leave skin plump, dewy and rejuvenated. This night-time elixir recreates the lifting, firming, skin perfecting benefits of a Skinesis facial. Awaken to plump, smooth, rejuvenated skin with a signature Skinesis glow. The facial elixir also claims to firms, boost collagen production, enhance radiance and prolong cell life while you sleep.

Unlike many oils on the market, this formulation not only has a blend of oils but also includes Antioxidants (Coenzyme Q10), Vitamins (A, C, and E), Renovage™, Lipobrite®HCA-4, and Dermaxyl™ Oligopeptide. Hence it would be more appropriate to call this a “Serum Oil”.

OK, now you ask what are these Renovage™, Lipobrite®HCA-4, and Dermaxyl™????

Here’s what I’ve found:

Renovage™ is the brand name for trepenone, developed by the French skin care company Sederma. Trepenone is a drug that has been used in Japan to help protect tissues against damage and stress, but there are no published studies regarding its use or efficacy when it comes to skin.

Lipobrite®HCA-4 is a skin brightening system, consisting of hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA) in PEG-4 which ensure its bioavailability to the skin. HCA is a potent anti-oxidant and it was shown to exhibit protective effect on cells and biological tissues. Helps with reducing age spots and hyper pigmentation, enhance skin penetration through carrier and improves texture and tone.

Dermaxyl™ Oligopeptide a patented oligopeptide and ceramide blend, inspires older cells to communicate like younger cells. When cells communicate more fully, repair cells can focus on areas of skin damage caused by aging processes. The result is enhanced firmness, better moisture retention, and visible easing of deep wrinkles. Clinical studies testing 24 female subjects aged 42 to 66 with a once daily application of 2% Dermaxyl™ for 56 days showed up to 36% reduction in visible wrinkle volume while wrinkle depth lessened up to 27%.” Dermaxyl™ for 56 days showed up to 36% reduction in visible wrinkle volume while wrinkle depth lessened up to 27%.

The Carrier oil blend includes Jojoba, Abyssinian, Meadowfoam, Hemp, Melon, Baobab and Hemp seed oils which are all rich in anti-inflammatory omegas and essential fatty acids.

Exotic blend of Essential oils include Jasmine, Frangipani, Rose and Tuberose.

If you want to know difference and understand Carrier and Essential Oils, click here.

Packaging is impeccable. The oil with no pipette….breath of fresh air. Packaged in an air tight bottle with a pump, basically like a serum! This truly wins my heart in terms of packaging.

Texture & Consistency is what you’d expect from an oil. Pale yellow coloured oil, slightly denser than an average oil but absorbs very nicely in skin.

Scent wise I absolutely adore this product. I can instantly get a hit of jasmine on application and it immediately relaxes me. If you aren’t into florals, steer clear. I absolutely dig this oil for its scent. Unapologetically, the scent makes this my repurchase factor.

In terms of Application it’s a no brainer. One pump and press over all over face and neck. The pump dispenses exact amount needed for face and neck. It instantly absorbs in skin (caveat: prior layers of skincare have settled well in skin). Some days, I follow this straight after an acid tone or an exfoliating tone and I can see my skin just laps this up in matter of seconds.

I think absolutely any skin type would love this. Dry, mature, acne prone, congested, oily, combination, dull, lack lustre, dehydrated, and the blessed normal skins.

Skinesis says the RESULTS to be expected:
– Repairs and neutralises daily environmental damage – I don’t know how to assess that effect on skin!
– Lifts, firms and plumps – certainly plumps and firms my skin. Thankfully I’m not at a stage where I need a lift (yet*).
– Boosts collagen production – again not at a stage where I’ve noticed loss of collagen therefore needing a boost.
– Smoothes lines and uneven texture – certainly has helped my skin with uneven texture. Not so much with stubborn (genetic or race originated) pigmentation (which obvs needs proper serums).
– Rejuvenates the skin leaving it radiant, brighter and with a more even skin tone – Yes,  Yes and Yes.
– Refines the look of the skin – Yes, indeed it does.
– Calms stressed, irritated skin – I think most oils (good blend, properly sourced, quality oils) would calm irritated skin, but what makes this missy unique is blend of antioxidants, vitamins and peptides.

Considering it’s a British brand and available from limited sources in USA, I’ve included price sources for both currencies GBP £46.00 or USD $66 (from FeelUnique.com – ships worldwide) or USD $90 (Space NK).

HHW.com

xx

Darphin 8-Flower Nectar Elixir

Rejuvenating elixir, in the pure tradition of aromatherapy, blends rare and radiance boosting aromatic essences from 8 precious flowers. Opulent formula with anti-oxidants, nourishes and helps smooth the look of lines and wrinkles, firm skin and renew skin suppleness, resilience and youthful radiance, key evidence of truly, younger-looking skin. With an exquisitely feminine, sensual fragrance that could double as a perfume, it is the quintessential holistic beauty care that creates a feeling of overall beauty and well-being while rejuvenating skin’s appearance.

Ingredients: Jojoba Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Avocado Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hexyldecanol, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Jasmine Flower Extract, Iris Pallida Root Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Phytosterols, Date Seed Extract, Cranberry Seed Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Patchouli Oil, Helichrysum Angustifolium Flower Oil, Lavender Oil, Orange Flower Oil, Beta-Carotene, Rose Flower Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Rosewood Oil, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Tocopherol, Sorbitan Oleate, Benzyl Acetate, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, Farnesol, Linalool, Geraniol, Citronellol

What are the 8 Flowers you ask?

Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Iris, Patchouli, Immortelle, Orange Flower, Rose, Lavender

• Carrier Oils: Jojoba, Sunflower, Avocado, Apricot Kernel, Macadamia, Vegetable Oil
• Other Essential Oils: Vanilla, Date Seed, Cranberry Seed, Olive fruit, Rosewood

Packaged in a tiny 15ml glass bottle with twist open top. The bottle opening is very narrow, for a darn good reason.

Use: I place my finger, on the opening of the bottle and tip the product on my finger. Repeat this process with 4 fingers and then proceed to face. Needless to mention, I take a deep breath cupping my palms. There is nothing more relaxing than that.

Texture & Consistency: Gorgeous oil appears dense but absorbs instantly in the skin. It Smells like no other oil I’ve ever tried. Beautiful intoxicating floral that transcends you in a gorgeous garden in Grasse France.

If you don’t like essentials oils, or have an issue with heavily scented products, this is NOT for you. If you hate strong scents in your products, don’t consider any facial oil from Darphin. An absolute treat for my skin, and skin appears calm and plump next morning.

At $10 per ml, it is exorbitantly expensive, and wise to wait for some sale or discounts unless of course you just have an itch to splurge away, go for it. Reserved as complete treat for the skin.

 *Product gifted by brand.

15ml – $150

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xx

Kama Ayurveda – Kumkumadi Facial Elixir

Ayurveda is the science of life and well-being. The oldest documented body of holistic medical knowledge, it is a system of plant oils and herbs originating in India over 6,000 years ago. After centuries of testing, Ayurvedic science has proven effective, alleviating concerns about side effects.

Kama Ayurveda, a skincare brand from India, established on virtues of a holistic life through ancient Ayurvedic Medicine and Science. One of the first products I tried from their extensive range was KumKumadi Beauty Fluid.

Claims: A unique 100% Ayurvedic anti-ageing serum that hydrates cleans and illuminates the skin. Miraculous Beauty Fluid is a unique blend of oils and herbs formulated to help skin look young and healthy. In Ayurveda, rare pure saffron is known to help illuminate skin color; extracts of Indian madder and the Banyan tree help smooth fine lines; Vetiver, sandalwood and lotus cool and cleanse while helping to clear blemishes; and liqorice acts as an antiseptic, protects the skin from bacterial and fungal infections and improve skin texture.

Ingredients on Package: Sesasum Indicum Oil, Caprae Lac, Caesalpinia Sappan, Crocus Sativus, Ficus Benghalensis, Glycyrrhiza Glabra, Monochoria Vaginalis, Nelumbo Nucifera, Rubia Cordifolia, Vetiveria Zizanoides, Laciferra Lacca

Ingredients in Plain English: Sesame oil (carrier oil), Goat Milk, Sappan Wood, Saffron Cocus, Indian Banyan Tree, Liquorice, Pickerel Weed, Indian Lotus (Sacred Lotus), Indian Madder, Vetiver, Resin secreted from female Lac Bug on trees

There is certain richness about this oil which can be attributed straight to its unique ingredient list. These ingredients are not seen everyday in a growing market of facial oils. However, if you’ve used Ayurveda oils before this lineup wouldn’t come as a surprise. The lush oil is packaged in a 12ml dark brown glass bottle with a pipette. Admittedly, slightly on the pricier side however in my opinion, it is worth it as a little goes a long way.

 

The aroma may not please everyone, but personally I’m in Love. It has a decent hit of botanical scent, with subtle woody notes wonderfully blended and balanced with the sweetness of saffron. The rich deep yellow shade would be attributed to the saffron as well. The texture is not heavy which allows it to blend seamlessly in the skin and ‘yellowness’ disappears completely. I use about 2-3 drops and push it in my skin and noticed the skin immediately absorbs it (scent lingers for few minutes). The following morning, my skin is noticeably plump, no visible redness, calm and brighter. It also claims to help with fine lines however I’m not a suitable candidate to assess that at this stage, but I still think it’s wonderful as a preventative measure.

Layered under my favourite serum Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II, the results following morning are nothing short of WOW. On occasions, I wear my Mixologist hat, and mix this oil with Goodness Labs Chia Seed oil or The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil (proportion 2:2 drops). It feels like ‘Pampered Skin from a 12ml Bottle’. I have many facial oils, but this one is reserved as my Treat or Royalty Facial oil.

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xx

DIY Aromatherapy Facial

We’ve been to spa’s or heard of various Aromatherapy treatments. One of which is the aromatherapy facial, which got my attention. These facials are known to soothe the skin and relax your mind. With the use of essentials oils based on your skin type, the scents from these lush oils induce relaxation to a stressed mind. Different essential oils are suited to different types of skin such as:

• Dry Skin- cedarwood, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, myrrh, patchouli, roman chamomile, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, ylang ylang
• Oily Skin- bergamot, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, geranium, helichrsum, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, orange, patchouli, peppermint, roman chamomile, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, ylang ylang
• Normal skin/Combination skin- geranium, chamomile, lavender, orange, ylang ylang petitgrain, palmarosa.
• Sensitive Skin- geranium, jasmine, lavender, chamomile, neroli
• Mature Skin- clary sage, cypress, frankincense, geranium, helichyrsum, lavender, lemon, myrrh, orange, patchouli, rosemary, sandalwood, ylang ylang.

While the above list is commercial, I was once advised that take a deep breath and have a good sniff at these oils. Based on that, listen to what your body signals. Your body and mind will react to the scent either in a pleasant way (wanting more) or simply gross you out. This exercise will determine what your skin/body needs. I haven’t looked back since and truly believe in this method. At home aromatherapy facials have shaped up as follows:

Cleansing – Makeup Removal – Rodial Dragon’s Blood Cleansing Water to remove my eye makeup and whatever is left on cotton pad I swipe across my lips and rest of face. Then follow with Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm and gently massage all over my face. Once the balm is all over my palms, I cup them and inhale deep breath. Wipe with warm wash cloth.

Cleansing – Skin Nourishment – Followed with Rodial Stem Cell Super Food Cleanser and again massage away to glory. Dip my hands in ice cold water and shock my skin with varying temperatures. Now I don’t know if this would be recommended however I know I thoroughly enjoy it.

Steaming – Next step of temperature shock is boil a pot of hot water, add a few drops of essential oil, hold a towel over my head and let my skin steam away. In an ideal spa environment, this stage will be followed by extractions but I’m a chicken when I do it over myself.

Exfoliating – Instead of extractions, I use grated almond shell (nourishes and gently exfoliates) with orange rind (vitamin c) mixed with whole cream milk (lactic acid) and gently massage all over my face. Wash it off with regular tap water.

Alternatively I use PMD after steaming. Will post a separate review on that.

Mask – Back to wonderful smells and injecting hydration in skin I smear Una Brennan Rose Hydrating Mask all over and let it sit for 15-25minutes. If I fall asleep I guess I stop there if not…here’s how I continue

Toner – Spritz Pixi Glow Tonic, very refreshing and smells wonderful

Moisturizer – Followed with Dr Scheller Lavender Night Moisturizer, since it has water content skin will absorb immediately and then follow with

Facial Oil – Estelle & Thild Oil – Rose scented goodness!

Understandably,  to some this could be sensory overload or a simple assault on senses but to me this is perfection!

xx

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