Speaking about self-care, there are numerous essential oils that promise so many benefits for a multitude of purposes and problems. Some reduce stress and help elevate your mood, others treat fungal infections, relieve headaches and help you sleep. For the face, I wanted to narrow down to a concentration of what I refer to as the delightful dozen. These essential oils will help to keep your skin barrier smooth and nourished. I discovered that a certain cult favourite contains 22 essential oils which was the exact amount in my former product. I don’t want to compare, but in my opinion that’s a few too many. However having said that, the main thing overall, is the quality of the ingredients. Quality over Quantity – always!
In a nutshell (incidentally, some oils are extracted from nuts):
These Essential Oils are known to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing properties for a variety of skin care concerns. They’re basically plant extracts, made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant from flowers, trees, leaves or fruit. It takes the processing of many plants to create one bottle of essential oil. All are highly concentrated and as such, too strong to use on their own as they can cause skin irritation. That’s why we add them to a carrier oil such as coconut among other oils so that they dilute the essential oils to be able to carry them to your skin. Most carrier oils are unscented or lightly scented and don’t interfere with an essential oil’s therapeutic properties. How to choose from the multitude out there?
Below are the 8 essential beauty oils I chose for their nourishing, protecting and effectiveness properties. And of course they’ve been tested on various skin types.
Baobab (pronounced Bow-Bob)
Baobab OIl
I encountered my first Baobab tree in Masai Mara, Africa. It was the most unusual looking tree.It’s known as the bottle tree, or the tree of life, for its ability to store up to 1,200 gallons of water in its trunk. I, along with many others wasn’t aware of the benefits used as an essential healing oil.
Baobab Trees
The properties of Baobab oil prevent water loss, keep the skin moist, and provide protection against dryness. It’s nutrient rich, loaded with vitamin E, A, and antioxidants, as well as fatty acids – high in linoleic acid, a kind of omega-3 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, baobab oil may help reduce skin redness and irritation. Lightweight and non-greasy, it is perfect for sensitive skin types.
Baobab oil is derived from the fruit seeds by a process which starts with the seeds being air dried in the sun. The seeds are then stored for months before they are cold pressed to give the oil.
CarrotSeedOil
Carrot Seed Oil
I first tried using carrot seed oil when making homemade eye cream. It’s known to have antibacterial, antifungal & anti-inflammatory properties. It’s extracted via steam distillation from the carrot seeds of the Daucus carota plant – a flowering plant, found in North America and Europe, known for its white blossoms and carrot-scented roots. Combining skin-mending vitamin A, collagen-boosting vitamin C and moisturizing vitamin E, this essential oil helps smooth lines, helps repair sun damage, scars and any other skin trauma.
EveningPrimroseOil
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose oil has emollient properties, meaning it helps soften and smooth the skin, improving the skin’s overall texture and elasticity. It also helps lock in moisture to minimize water loss. With anti-inflammatory properties, it can help soothe irritated, inflamed skin. Additionally, this oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and A.
The oil from evening primrose seeds contains omega-6 fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). It comes from a plant with yellow flowers native to North and South America that also grows throughout Europe and parts of Asia. The flowers open at sunset and close during the day. This oil, although not as common as let’s say jojoba, can also be used as a carrier oil to dilute other essential oils.
Frankincense Oil
A bottle of frankincense essential oil with frankincense resin and a candle in the background
Story as old as time; Frankincense Oil is an effective natural remedy to calm the complexion as it strengthens, tightens and improves skin tone. So it’s good for irritated or damaged skin. If you were to go back in time to Ancient Israel or Asia, many people would consider Frankincense to be more precious than gold. Today, Frankincense essential oil is still worth its weight in gold in a number of applications. Frankincense oil is prepared from aromatic hardened gum resins obtained by tapping Boswellia trees originating from Africa, India and the Middle East.
Ginseng Essential Oil
Extract of ginseng root and ginkgo biloba leaves
The ginseng extract (or oil) is a powerful herbal ingredient but its use as a beauty remedy is fairly new in North America. I only recently discovered its benefits as the #1 ingredient in a skin repair serum I bought from a top spa. Though ginseng may be making its way into more and more beauty products in the Western hemisphere, it’s been a staple in Eastern Asian beauty for centuries and a primary ingredient in traditional Korean beauty philosophy. Legend has it that ginseng was the biggest skin-care secret of Hwang Jini, a historical figure known as the most beautiful woman of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). Worth giving it a go; no?
Ginseng’s roots in beauty are based on legends, but modern research backs up some of the claims. These include: reducing wrinkles, promoting elasticity and collagen production, reducing puffiness and brightening skin. It’s known to have firming properties and boosts hydration. The oil is prepared by extracting oil from the seeds of ginseng fruit. The originating area of ginseng is known to be in Shangdang, China. It is also native to the Far East, including China, Korea, and far-eastern Siberia.
Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine Essential Oil
I had to include Jasmine because of that heavenly scent but I’m happy that the oil also acts as an effective natural antibacterial, soothing dry skin and eczema. The botanical extracts of jasmine increase skin’s elasticity and help balance moisture in the skin to naturally reduce dryness.
The essential oil is derived from the white flowers of the common jasmine plant, also known as Jasminun officinale. The flower is believed to originate from Iran, but can now also be found in tropical climates. It’s a very expensive oil for a number of reasons. The flowers are extremely delicate and are only hand-picked at night to preserve their fragile scent. An experienced picker can harvest more than 10,000 blossoms in one night!
The jasmine trade provides Egypt with 6.5 million U.S. dollars annually and contributes to the income of some 50,000 people, according to the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades (IFEAT), which says 95 percent of the world’s jasmine extract for perfumes comes from Egypt and India.
RosehipSeed Oil
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip seed oil has great benefits for several skin conditions. It helps to brighten and exfoliate. Due to the high content of vitamin C, rosehip seed oil can brighten and even out the skin. Plus, it is packed with vitamins A, E, and K. Also, it is one of the best oils for treating fine lines and wrinkles.
The oil is derived from the rosa canina rose bush, which is grown mostly in Chile. Unlike rose oil, which is extracted from rose petals, rosehip oil is pressed from the fruit and seeds of the rose plant. Rosehip bushes grow wild and thrive in the inhospitable, mountainous landscapes. This is not considered a true essential oil, as it is extracted by cold pressing. It is often described as a carrier oil as it can be used by itself and also be used to dilute concentrated essential oils in order to balance the essential oil and allow it to be applied to the skin. Rich in Vitamin A, which is known to help fight against age spots and wrinkles, rosehip seed oil is great because it’s packed with molecules that are small enough to penetrate deep layers of the skin, improving moisture and collagen levels, while reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
SeaBuckthorn Oil
Sea Buckthorn Oil
Sea Buckthorn oil is excellent for reducing acne breakouts, because it signals the oil glands to stop creating excess amounts of sebum. Also helps to reduce inflammation in the skin.
Sea buckthorn oil has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for various ailments. It is extracted from the berries, leaves, and seeds of the sea buckthorn plant (Hippophae rhamnoides), which is a small shrub that grows at high altitudes in the northwest Himalayan region. Sometimes referred to as the holy fruit of the Himalayas, it’s a popular remedy in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicines.
The berries from which the oil is made are especially rich in vitamins A, C, K, and E. They also contain considerable amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and zinc. Among the benefits, Sea buckthorn oil is also rich in palmitoleic acid, which is a type of fat naturally found in human skin that can be used to treat burns and promote wound healing. It’s commonly added to various pro-aging or wrinkle-reducing products and a common ingredient in products intended to treat dry, irritated, flaky or itchy skin.
So there you have it. The protective essentials that go along with the nourishing benefits of *coconut, *argan, *jojoba and *sweet almond that make up the base of my skincare product. This combination contributes to a most luxurious and effective product for day and/or evening – to use on its own or a few drops added to your regular moisturizer.
*if you missed reading about the benefits of these particular carrier oils please refer to the “beauty” category on my website and you’ll find the information you need.
My expertise in this particular area comes mostly from general interest. It includes holding a diploma from George Brown College – School of Makeup and Esthetics in Toronto. Other than that and from taking some evening courses, I’ve learned through trial and error how to formulate many skincare products myself. I’ve made creams, body lotions, bath salts and soaps from scratch. My work in progress is awaiting license and may take some time. I’ll be sure to let you know when it’s ready and on my website for sale.
Every person should learn to be their own skincare expert – Bobbi Brown – makeup artist.
Getting back to basics I want to talk about Argan Oil. This oil is one of the fab four ingredients that make up the base for my new face oil and a long standing natural remedy in Morocco. The oil is produced from the Argan tree which is actually one of the oldest trees on our planet.
The Berber tribe of Morocco refer to the Argan tree as the Tree of Life. They’re very familiar with the benefits as the Berber women have been using the oil in folk medicine for centuries to treat skin conditions, rheumatism and heart disease.
These days, the demand for Argan oil which is often referred to as the “liquid gold of Morocco” is very high. Ever since the word about the wonderful benefits that the oil gives to the skin, hair and nails reached the West, the cosmetic world clamoured for this oil.
Argan Oil is native to southwest Morocco and the seeds are cold-pressed from the deciduous argan tree fruit (Argania spinosa). Photo below.
The fruit is peeled away and the seeds are dried, roasted, and pressed to extract the oil. The final result is a smooth, delicious oil that’s become popular around the world for its flavour and health benefits. It’s also known as one of the rarest culinary oils in the world. Wild plants are used across the world in a variety of beneficial ways, present in the food we eat, medicines we take and cosmetic products.
For cosmetic purposes, the Argan oil I use is 100% pure with a nice amber colour.
Here are some of the benefits for applying to the face:
Argan oil is rich in natural vitamins, essential fats and antioxidants that help moisturize skin.
The oil provides a major boost of hydration to the skin, thanks to its high quantities of vitamin E which helps strengthen the skin’s barrier so it’s able to retain more hydration. It has also been found to improve skin elasticity and brighten your skintone. It has anti-sebum effects, which can effectively regulate amounts of sebum on the skin. This can help to treat several different types of acne and promote a smoother, calmer complexion.
You can always add a few drops to your regular moisturizer too.
Sidenote: It’s all good except for the part about the possibility of the tree now being considered an endangered species. After the first sales in the US of the cosmetic product in 2003 (not that long ago), demand soared and production increased. In 2012 the Moroccan government planned for increased production, then around 2,500 tonnes, to 4,000 tonnes by 2020.
When I run out of the big bottle that was brought back for me from Morocco (certified organic by ecocert and stored in a cool, dark place) I may not be able to buy more.
The Coconut tree is called the “Tree of Life” because all the parts of the entire tree–from top to bottom–are used to sustain human life.Inside the shell lies the meat and coconut water, so it must be the most useful tree in the world. It’s definitely the most resilient. Coconut trees are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world where even in conditions with very little nourishment they flourish, growing taller than most of the plants around it. Which brings me to…
Oil around the world, women for centuries have incorporated natural oils such as coconut into their skincare routine. While it won’t make you grow taller it will make your skin feel wonderful, which at least will help elevate your mood. And that’s a tall order in itself.
After having tested numerous beauty products myself, I decided to go back to making and selling a few of my own. Even in a competitive market. Four of these oils make up the base to my deluxe facial oil (to which I then add other essential oils). Since essential oils are highly concentrated, a carrier oil (I refer to it as a base) is needed for dilution, efficacy and ease of application.
For full disclusure, I’m going to give a bit of background on each of what I put in there starting with Coconut Oil in its fractionated form.
Photo taken from artnaturals
Coconut Oil for Face:
Fractionated coconut oil (or virgin coconut oil) in this form is distilled down to its fattiest acids. The distilling process makes fractionated coconut the perfect addition to your beauty routine. Coconut oil in all its forms is excellent for skin but when mixing with other oils (including essential oils) the fractionated form is best.
Fractionated coconut oil is tasteless, odorless, and usually more expensive than regular coconut oil. It is produced through hydrolysis and steam distillation. It’s important to note that no added products or chemicals are incorporated into the mixture during this time, so fractionated coconut oil remains a natural product. Significantly, it includes medium-chain triglycerides. Therefore, it has a protracted shelf existence.
Coconut oil itself is chemically composed of two types of fatty acids: long-chain fatty acids and medium-chain fatty acids. With fractionated coconut oil, the two key fatty acids are separated, leaving you mostly with the medium-chain fatty acids.
Regular coconut oil only becomes liquid under high temperatures (78 degrees F) and has a greasy feel. Because of this unique difference, fractionated coconut oil is best used for therapeutic purposes. Regular coconut oil, on the other hand, is solid at cool or room temperature, but liquid when heated. Because it has such a high concentration of saturated fat, fractionated coconut oil is much more stable than regular coconut oil.
What does it do? It helps smooth skin and works as an antioxidant. It also binds other ingredients together, and can work as a preservative of sorts to make the active ingredients in skincare last longer as a more natural alternative to other synthetic chemicals found in many topical skin products.
In case you’re wondering about my background in all of this…
I don’t have one. Kidding. I’ve always taken an interest in skincare and over time have sampled many, many products. Other than through sheer trial and error, as a side interest I trained and graduated from George Brown College – School of Makeup and Esthetics when I lived in Toronto. Even though I’ve never worked as an esthetician I have (had in some cases) gained some knowledge. I made beautiful face and body products from scratch. I’ve never had fillers or botox or anything other than regular facials. That’s not to say I could not use some work (ha!) it’s just that I’ve not done so. At least so far. Never say never.
I’ll continue to go through my list of ingredients with some background about them..because if you’re interested in purchasing something you should know what’s in them beforehand.
“Remember it’s better to create something and be criticized than to create nothing and criticize others.” – Ricky Gervais
An update of six products I’ve tested over six months or longer
For cleansing the face:
Micellar Water
Micellar Water: is a highly effective one-step all around gentle cleanser for removing makeup and to help clear out pores while removing impurities and toning the skin. Perfect for those nights when you want to quickly clean up before bedtime. Plus, it’s free of alcohol and may help promote skin hydration. It can be used on any skin type but may be especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin, as it can help reduce skin inflammation and irritation. There are many kinds out there. I bought Sephora brand shown in photo.
evanhealy Rose Cleansing Milk:This soft and creamy cleansing milk can be followed up after micellar water or can be used on its own. It’s very gentle with a lovely light rose scent. This brand helps to balance skin and prepare for nightly moisturizer. Made with plant oils and floral waters, It helps draw impurities out of pores. I bought it at Whole Foods.
Grown Alchemist: I love this cream for morning before applying *sunscreen. I keep it in the fridge not to preserve it but because it feels cooling on my skin. It not only has the nicest fresh scent, it’s super hydrating in a non greasy way. I first tried it as part of the Curateur Box of Style and loved it from the get go. The clean ingredients really helps to nourish the skin. It’s a keeper.
Nonie of Beverly Hills: I decided to list the ingredients first on this one.
This lightweight but effective night cream has 10% Alphy Hydroxy Acids from extracts of Bilberry, Sugar Cane, Maple Cane, Orange & Lemon Oils. It has Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Citrus Mix of Lemon, Grapefruit, Orange, Bergamot & Neroli Oils; Coconut Emulsifier, Orchid Oil, Grapefruit Seed Extract & Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.
With vitamins A, B, C, this is touted (according to the website and several reviews) as the best anti-wrinkle, anti-aging exfoliator, and renewer around. It was created from real plant ingredients in the kitchens of Hungary. It helps to stimulate cell renewal and is considered a natural exfoliator for the skin. You can use it around your eyes too. I found it at Clark’s in Palm Desert but I’m sure you can find it at other natural health food stores as well as here:
Cult King: this balm is the bomb. Sometimes we need a little extra help with hydration. This I believe was developed first as a hair product. My hairdresser turned me onto this balm which you can use for a multitude of reasons. The website says it’s the go-to botanical godsend for hair, skin, shaving, the works. Loaded with organic ingredients, I put a tiny bit on dry areas of my skin and under the eyes. For me the efficacy & scent is what cements the purchase.
Suzanne Somers Organics Acai Scrub: this delightful natural fruit acid complex has to be my favourite exfoliating body scrub (and sometimes used for face). Good for anywhere you develop rough dry patches.
In the summer especially we should all be applying sunscreen.
Included in the summer box of style was a full-size bottle of glo skin beauty’s lightweight, hydrating SPF 40 face lotion. What I really like about it is exactly what it boasts…light, moisturizing and broad-spectrum protection. What more do you need? You can wear it alone as a moisturizer, not necessarily over your moisturizer, which means one less step.
Each season the box includes one skin-care and one makeup product that’s outstanding. You get to try something different with products that actually work. I love that.
Here’s what I also found out taken from their website:
Glo Skin Beauty vows never to test products on animals, allow others to test on animals on their behalf, use raw ingredients tested on animals or enter into business markets like China that require animal testing by joining *PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies Program and becoming a PETA approved brand.
China requires international brands that sell cosmetics in their market to test products on animals, regardless of where the cosmetics were manufactured. Cosmetics manufactured in China sold in the United States are not subject to the same requirements. In the United States, these types of tests are not required by law.
*as opposed to “People for Eating Tasty Animals” – Mary Steenburgen’s line in the movie comedy “Did You Hear About the Morgans?” Sorry but I couldn’t resist.
Goop: Launched in the fall of 2008 out of Gwyneth Paltrow’s kitchen as a homespun weekly newsletter, GP wanted a place to organize her unbiased travel recommendations, health-centric recipes, and shopping discoveries for friends, and she also wanted to get her own questions—about health, fitness, and the psyche—answered. Now, goop has become a fully formed lifestyle site, offering a tight curation of products and content. It is a place for GP to introduce some of the incredible experts who have mentored her throughout her life to a wider audience, and a place where readers can find suggestions about where to shop, eat, and stay from a trusted friend—not from an anonymous, crowd-sourced recommendation engine.
A NOTE FROM GP
We have always been outspoken here at goop about concerns over the toxic ingredients used in personal care products—an industry that operates without regulation. 13 months ago, we were given an opportunity to partner with Juice Beauty, a California company that has been making non-toxic products for more than a decade. We built on their foundation in safety to create something that didn’t exist that I had always been looking for: A line of truly luxurious and effective skincare—products that take organic to the next level. Our line delivers clinically proven, age-defying results that mirror exactly what you would find from the big guys with huge R&D budgets and no ingredient restrictions—but instead of plastics, and toxins, which you would be surprised to know are found in so many expensive face creams, they are loaded with organic, naturally-occurring ingredients that are actually good for you. Aloe, apple, lemon, and grape juices deliver glow, peptides and linseed extract help to firm skin, hyaluronic acid plumps and smoothes fine lines, vitamin C works to clean up the age spots, and meristem plant cells minimize wrinkles and brighten skin tone. We literally did not rest until we had a set of six products that are, quite simply, perfect. Safe enough for our daughters, and powerful enough for those of us who have maybe spent too much time in the sun. I hope you love them as much as I do.
love, gpI am sampling a few of the products like the eye cream & exfoliating instant facial which they swear gp uses daily. I left with a nice shopping bag & an authentic Japanese bamboo tea ceremony whisk for my matcha green tea lattes. I have the bkr water bottle which I love.
Two key words that jump out to grab our attention in the packaging of many skincare lines. After all, we all strive to be youthful and ageless for as long as we can.
If we’re being true to ourselves we should know that we cannot rely on one miracle topical product to turn back the clock. But we keep hoping. I think even with *good genes the key ingredients to staying youthful is remaining curious, being active, refrain from stress (as much as humanly possible), eating and sleeping well, hydration and the bioactive externals like good clean skincare. Basically looking after yourself as well as you can because you’re all you’ve got! Keeping this in mind, and aside from my own products, I’m always open to checking out new and improved skincare regimes. I also love the ritual of applying them morning and night.
After having met and listened to Suzanne Somers promote her Suzanne Organics skincare line which is exclusively at Clark’s Nutrition in Rancho Mirage, Ca., I felt obliged to try a few products. If only because Suzanne is her own best testament to the products and philosophy behind them.
Makeup + Skincare by Suzanne Organics
I’ve been using her ageless serum which is loaded with sea algae followed by her Bioactive Moisturizer which among other active natural ingredients is loaded with CoQ10, Argan (last year my sis brought Argan oil back from the Atlas mountains of Morocco for me) oil and sea buckthorn berry which acts as a superfood for your skin. Of course you have to eat whole food for your skin to look its very best but let’s just agree that the ingredient listing is excellent. It feels great on my face too. The whole collection is Toxic Free. The coco-mango body butter is my absolute favourite. Find out more at: link below
*Having good genes doesn’t mean you’ll live longer, it just means you’ll look better doing it.
Beech Tree Bud Extract supports the skin cells. This organic extract moisturizes the skin and assists in the look of wrinkle reduction by supporting the skin
Argan Oil is one of the rarest oils in the world, this desert plant restores moisture so skin can survive dry climates, such as air-conditioning or heating
Just as this plant protects itself from the desert heat, the oil from the tree’s fruit helps our skin to be protected from the elements.
Sea Buckthorn Berry is a rare plant that contains essential fatty acids, Omega 3,6,7 and 9! Our skin loves these essential fatty acids and to find all of these essential fatty acids in one plant is remarkable
AND MORE…
If you’ve been fortunate enough to try her line I’d like your comments.
Because if you live toxic free you will feel better naturally.
I was thinking about starting a series about women who inspire me and who better to start off with than Suzanne Somers.Suzanne said people magazine once described her as the dumbest woman in America. Which means she did a great job of playing the blond bombshell bimbo Chrissy Snow in the long running sitcom(edy) “Three’s Company.”
But she had the last laugh because the idiot who wrote that didn’t realize her full potential. A cancer survivor, she is a well respected health and wellness advocate, a *best selling author having written 25 books (her latest is called Tox-Sick – From Toxic to Not Sick), singer, dancer, Vegas nightclub performer (who was once named Female Entertainer of the Year, the same year Frank Sinatra was named Male Entertainer of the Year, ) and savvy business woman with her suzanne organics skincare & cosmetics line. It’s a pretty impressive resume. There’s so much to her, but for now we’ll focus on her pure organic skincare line because I was waiting for something beauty-wise to inspire me for a beauty post – this is it! And it’s never just about looking good (although we love that); it’s about feeling good from the inside out. Which by the way, always makes one look better on the outside.
“It’s as if we are all on a big, chemical drunk, and the hangover is a killer.” – Suzanne Somers, in TOX-SICK
So I was thrilled to meet her alongside her handsome hubby Alan Hamel (I do remember well his successful TV talk show in Canada) when she launched her Radiance Facial Kit at Clark’s Nutrition – a fantastic family run natural foods market in Rancho Mirage. Wait; it’s not just the facial kit she has – it’s a complete line of body care, skincare, sunless tanning, haircare and now cosmetics. It’s a great line because it’s more than natural and organic…it’s certified ToxicFree. What that means is a lot of NO’s! No Pegs, Parabens, chemical emulsifiers, artificial colors, fragrance and of course NO animal testing. She doesn’t kid around. She walks/eats/looks the talk! She even grows her own food. It’s exhausting to even think about. She really does live toxic-free. She discussed this along with her belief about a new way to age. On close inspection I decided if she uses her own stuff (which she completely does) and looks that good I better buy me some.
As you may know I make my own little line of pure products so I’m very picky about what I choose to put on my face + body but I went for the coco mango body butter (a friend of mine swears by it – “it f….ing works!” Also the ageless serum (because it’s loaded with sea algae extract and African Birch) and a lipstick in caramelized peach (because it sounded yummy & looked pretty). Just so you know. All made in California.
Suzanne says she’s always loved the idea of pure organic skincare but had never experienced any anti-aging benefits so would end up reverting back to chemically-based products. Now she has the best of both worlds. She works closely with the formulators to use the power of nature to find the most effective anti-aging actives for clean, beautiful products to feed, nurture and hydrate precious skin. It is like superfood for your skin.
OMG I never realized just how much we have in common! I never even told her that I met her “Three’s Company” co-star John Ritter in Tokyo years ago on a TV series and how nicely he treated me. But maybe she knows that now.
*On one of her many books about health and nutrition “Breakthrough: Eight Steps to Wellness,”: She scored a big coup with “Sex and the City 2.” Her book is heavily featured in the movie. Kim Cattrall‘s Samantha–who announces that she’s “fifty-f-ing-two” and going through menopause–declares that she lives by it. She hands it to everyone in the movie. By the end of the movie, women are exchanging copies of “Breakthrough,” with the cover very prominent. A book publisher’s dream.
And if all that isn’t enough, she’s nice too! An inspiration to all women!
Photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, Vogue, November 2014
While red is the flower of love I prefer a bouquet of white roses. And I’m the girl who couldn’t resist the crushed rose de rose petal blush from by Terry sold exclusively at Barneys. It’s divine.
Why mess with a sure thing?
All things Rose. The seductive, beautiful aroma of Rose, considered the Queen of Oils, has been used for beautification purposes since the beginning of time.
The usage of rosewater dates back to early Egypt, when Cleopatra (yes, that Cleopatra) used the natural product in her skincare regime. Why not follow in the footsteps of the world’s most legendary beauty queen? And the girl who would be King!
Not to mention it has found a place in almost every Indian household. The girls who do my brows are Indian and when they finish threading they massage a tiny amount of rose gel from Bombay on my browbone to help soothe the area. The scent is so heavenly I ended up buying a jar from them.
Pure rose oil is an ingredient in my Divine Oil from *Skin so Divine. Also I use rose water in the Divine Facial Mist.
Pure rose water is the distilled water of roses. When purchasing rose water buy only the 100 percent pure form. Often what is available in pharmacies and even some natural food stores is synthetic rose oil and water with preservatives added.
Rose has one of the most lasting effects on the body compared to most other essential oils. The frequency of rose essential oil is over 300hertz. This is due to the enormous amount of roses it takes to make Rose essential oil. Imagine the positive energetic frequency of that plant power when used on the skin? Its simply amazing. There is no substitute for rose in aromatherapy, its divine therapeutic benefits are unsurpassed.
This From Vogue Magazine:
Bottles of the old-school elixir have pride of place on many a makeup table—Romy Soleimani’s included. “I’m half-Persian, so I grew up with rosewater. My aunts drink it; they put it on their face,” explains the makeup artist, who stocks Jurlique’s rose mist in her kit. On set and in the real world, rosewater does double duty, Soleimani explains: “You can use it as a hydrating toner, or spray it afterwards to reawaken your foundation, pressing it in with a sponge.” As for the reaction from those in her chair, basking in the garden-scented cloud? “It’s usually ‘Ahhh!’” she says with a laugh.
That sense of universal calm is fueling a growing passion for rosewater. Elsewhere in the beauty world, it’s turning up everywhere from bold-face skin care (Le Weekend de Chanel) to small-batch start-ups . Of course, hydration doesn’t stop at the skin. New York–based Juice Press recently released its bottled Water + Rose, tinged with the venerable Bulgarian rose, and Juice Served Here, in Los Angeles, launched a smartly packaged version in February, touted for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects. JSH just wrapped a six-week partnership with the water-filter company Soma, in which a portion of the Rose Water proceeds benefitted clean-water projects in Flint, Michigan; a new charitable collaboration is on deck. What’s not to love?
Rose Water Beauty Tips:
Use rose water to prevent or reduce eye puffiness.
Just place a bottle of rose water into the fridge for half an hour and then, apply some of it on a cotton pad and gently place it on your eyes. It will help sooth the tender skin around your eyes and prevent or reduce eye puffiness.
Freshen your face throughout the day by spraying rose water mist on your skin.
Especially, in the summer time, rose water can become your faithful friend, caring for your skin like nothing else; just spray rose water mist on your face (or you can also apply it using a cotton pad), it will instantly freshen your skin, naturally hydrate and nourish it, adding a wonderful radiance and glow.
Add 2 cups of rose water into your bath for a divine and unforgettable experience. Rose water will soften and add freshness to your skin, and add a beautiful scent.
Skin.Hair.Nails.Bath.Candles...these are some areas of the body, places and objects used to put essential oils. Scent is powerful and important. I’ve made no secret about my love for essential oils and for mixing them up to create some outstanding allover skincare products. It helps to know what works for what area but by trial and error you can always experiment yourself.
If you haven’t already been introduced to aromatherapy, think of it as a cross between your new favorite candle and a cure to all your most annoying ailments along with the best scents nature has to offer. One of my favourite mixes to add to a diffuser is Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Orange sweet & Vanilla – it’s called “Hawaiian Escape” and it really smells like an exotic vacation. Essential Oils will trick your senses to help you escape for a little while.
Here are 5 EASY WAYS to incorporate essential oils in your daily routine.Warning: Once you start experimenting with them, you won’t be able to stop.
Jasmine: The Happy Scent
Put a few drops of jasmine, ylang ylang or rose in your hand and rub into your scalp. This awakens the senses and increases feelings of optimism and joy. I use jasmine in my facial spray.
Mint: The Pain Reliever
Add Peppermint essential oil to your lotion and rub on your feet at the end of a long day. Enjoy increased circulation and the natural analgesic. Fresh and Stimulating. Great for headaches too so if you feel one coming on rub a bit onto your temples.
Lemongrass: The Pick-Me-Up
Add lemon or lemongrass essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water and mist the carpet before you vacuum. Citrus is uplifting and invigorating. On another note it helps to relieve stomach aches if you use it as a tea. I learned this while living in Brazil. – just pour hot water over fresh cut lemongrass. Works like a charm.
Lavender: The Sleep-Time Scent
Add a few drops of Lavender essential oil to your bath to unwind, or spritz on your pillow for a restful sleep. I use lavender bath salts for a relaxing before-bedtime bath. There is nothing to do but crawl into bed as I can hardly keep my eyes open after that.
Basil: The Feel-Better Blend
Combine rose geranium, basil and sandalwood and diffuse into the air when you are grieving, stressed out or overwhelmed. Diffuse or apply topically to promote clear breathing (warning; it will make you hungry for caprese).
On a heavier note – a bitch of a spray:
A perfect blend for when you’re irritated, annoyed, tired, peeved, frustrated, enraged, or have an overall bad attitude! Spray near co-workers, friends, and relatives as needed. Try to use sparingly!
Each season the box includes one skin-care and one makeup product that’s outstanding. You get to try something different with products that actually work. I love that.
I am sampling a few of the products like the eye cream & exfoliating instant facial which they swear gp uses daily. I left with a nice shopping bag & an authentic Japanese bamboo tea ceremony whisk for my matcha green tea lattes. I have the bkr water bottle which I love.
Suzanne said people magazine once described her as the dumbest woman in America. Which means she did a great job of playing the blond bombshell bimbo Chrissy Snow in the long running sitcom(edy) “Three’s Company.”
So I was thrilled to meet her alongside her handsome hubby Alan Hamel (I do remember well his successful TV talk show in Canada) when she launched her Radiance Facial Kit at Clark’s Nutrition – a fantastic family run natural foods market in Rancho Mirage. Wait; it’s not just the facial kit she has – it’s a complete line of body care, skincare, sunless tanning, haircare and now cosmetics. It’s a great line because it’s more than natural and organic…it’s certified ToxicFree. What that means is a lot of NO’s! No Pegs, Parabens, chemical emulsifiers, artificial colors, fragrance and of course NO animal testing. She doesn’t kid around. She walks/eats/looks the talk! She even grows her own food. It’s exhausting to even think about. She really does live toxic-free. She discussed this along with her belief about a new way to age. On close inspection I decided if she uses her own stuff (which she completely does) and looks that good I better buy me some.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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