How to Perfect the Afternoon Touch-Up

I don't know about you, but my makeup certainly does not look as fresh at 4:00PM as it does at 10:00AM.  During the day, simple tasks like walking around, eating, blinking...movement of your face in general can take a toll on your makeup.  In addition, your skin will replenish oil during the day as time progresses after washing it as well as lose moisture.  All of these factors can cause our makeup to cake, smudge, and fade.  Thus, many women refresh their makeup throughout the day.  Check out these tips for your mid-day touch up:

1.  Clean up around your eye area
The most noticeable area that smear and fades is generally the eye area.  Always keep some Q-tips with you to clean up around the eye area.  Tackle more stubborn mascara and eyeliner smudges with Almay Oil Free Makeup Eraser Sticks ($6 at Ulta).  They're basically Q-tips with a makeup remover formula in the middle of the wand.  When you break it in half, the solution dispenses to one side of the Q-tip.  And it doesn't leave an oil or residue behind.  Even though I typically wear gel eyeliner, I keep a creamy pencil liner in my purse for any easier liner touch up.  
After all that, sometimes my eyes still don't look as awake as they did in the morning.  If I'm going out to dinner or something after school or work, I'll line the inner corners of my eyes with a shimmery, white eyeshadow (using a brush, wand, Q-tip, or white eyeliner pencil) and dust a light cost of the shadow under my bottom lash line to make my eyes pop and my eye makeup look sharper.  It really helps counteract any darkness around the eyes (from makeup smudging or fatigue) and acts as a light-reflecting luminizer to brighten.

2.  Mattify oil
When you wash your face in the morning, you rid your pores of excess oil.  However, during

the day, your skill will slowly replenish that supply.  By mid-day, your face may appear shinier than it was in the morning.  Excess oil may also cause some foundations and powders to cake.  So, keep some Palladio Oil Absorbing Rice Paper Tissues with Rice Powder ($4 at Ulta) in your purse.  You don't need to invest in expensive blotting tissues because drug store ones can do the job.  I really like the Palladio ones because they absorb oil really well without smearing makeup like other blotters do (make sure to pat not wipe oil from your face).  Just don't overdo it...you shouldn't be blotting more than three times per day because constantly removing oil will send a signal your skin to produce more oil.  Eventually, this can cause your skin to overproduce oil. 

3.  Wake up your complexion
To top it off, dust your face with a sheer pressed powder like the Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder ($34 at Sephora).  The powder will help also help absorb any excess oil.  I prefer a pressed powder because they are generally a more light-weight, and they're more mess-proof for easy storage in your purse and reapplication.  In addition, I prefer a powder with a sheer coverage (rather than a transparent one or one with fuller coverage) and radiant finish because a slight touch of color and luminosity won't interfere too much with the makeup on your face.  In fact, it can even your skin tone and give your

complexion a little lift.  
For days when your complexion is looking particularly dull, gently pat a small amount of Mally Perfect Poreless Primer ($35 at Ulta) over your face before you apply the powder.  I save it for certain occasions only because I don't like the fact that it contains bismuth oxychloride.  But I must say that it's the only primer that I have stumbled across so far that looks okay over makeup.  As a primer, it helps seal in moisture, smooth, and brighten.  Mally herself claims that this is a good way to rid your face "mid-day crusties" and keep your complexion glowing.

4.  Reapply
With eating, it's pretty hard to keep your lip color on all day, so don't forget to reapply it throughout the day to keep your face looking fresh.  Adding an additional coat of mascara can also spruce up your look.  Lastly, you may need to retouch any blemishes or dark spots that you spot cover with concealer.  Slim concealer pens like the Shiseido The Makeup Corrector Pencil ($18 at Sephora) are perfect for the job.  It's compact for carrying around, while the stick formula glides on easily and allows for a precise application.

5.  Rehydrate

Throughout the day, your skin will lose moisture as time passes after applying your morning moisturizer.  Also, many foundations work by pulling moisture from your skin, which can be dehydrating.  To set your reapplied makeup and replenish your moisture supply, spritz with some Avene Thermal Spring Water ($9 on drugstore.com) over your makeup.  Not only will your skin look refreshed, but it will feel refreshed too. 

If you find that you have to reapply your makeup multiple times a day, you can probably take better measures to keep your makeup on.  For example, try using a setting spray like the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Spray ($29 at Sephora) to set makeup in place better than a setting powder or long-lasting foundation alone.  You can also use primers to keep your mascara, eyeshadow, foundation, and lip color in place.  Some really effective healthy options include:

• Tarte MultiplEYE Clinically-Proven Natural Lash Enhancing Primer ($22 at Sephora)
• Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer ($20 at Sephora)
• Alison Raffaele Face Forward Primer SPF 15 ($46 on dermstore.com)
• BITE Beauty Line & Define Lip Primer ($22 at Sephora)

Hopefully, these tips will help you freshen up so that you can put your best face forward every time of the day :)

Beauty Brands That Are Saving the Earth

Did you know that Americans generate around 250 million tons of landfill waste every year?  That's a lot!!  Luckily, many beauty brands are working to recycle and reuse to help save our precious planet.  In honor of Earth Day, I wanted to give a shout-out to some healthy beauty brands that are not only doing your beauty routine good, but also doing our planet good.

Aveda, known mostly for its skin and hair care, fully embraces the idea of sustainability from their partnerships with non-profits like the Earth Fund Grantmaking Program to the use of sustainable furniture in their corporate office to their use of wind power in manufacturing.  As the first privately held company to sign the CERES Principles (Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies), Aveda incorporates plant-derived plastics and recycled packing into all of its products.

Tarte Cosmetics is a vegan cosmetics brand that makes a variety of skincare and cosmetic products and engages in initiates to save the rainforests of the Amazon.  The company is constantly researching formulas and biodegradable plastics to make their products more sustainable and even offers tips on creative ways to reuse packaging.  They also sell replacement powders for their reusable compacts...saving you money and saving the earth! 

As the name implies, EcoTools makes a variety of affordable eco-friendly beauty tools.  All of the packaging is recyclable and uses post-consumer recycled paper.  Makeup brushes also feature recycled aluminum ferrules...the bristles are so soft that you wouldn't believe that they're synthetic and 100% cruelty-free.  Plus, all products feature natural materials like cotton and bamboo.

Throughout the product lifestyle, Vapour Organic Beauty is committed to sustainability with all of its cosmetics.  First, the company sources ingredients from organic farms that help reduce pollution and toxic water waste.  Anhydrous filling system are then used during manufacturing to reduce landfill waste, while wind power powers the plants.  In addition, the company has offices that are wind and solar powered and prides itself on engaging in green practices like re-using shipping materials.  Product packaging is developed from recycled material, uses soy ink, and is both biodegradable and non-toxic.

Manufactured in Vermont, Tata Harper uses renewable energy (recycled methane gas) in their facilities to manufacture its skincare products and remains energy efficient by keeping all activity in one place.  The brand utilizes recycled paper and glass bottles in their packaging and engages in sustainable farming practices to source ingredients.

Weleda has taken on initiatives to allow for a greener planet.  Using, Fair Trade and BioDynamic agricultural practices, the brand harvests its powerful natural ingredients for its skin and body care products, while simultaneously preserving the earth.  Along the way, Weleda funds research and development to reduce waste in their production processes.  And of course, the packaging is eco-friendly too!

From production to consumption, Burts Bees is an innovator skin and body care as well as in sustainability with local partners like NC Green Power and Renewable Choice Energy.  It works to reduce different types of waste.  A reverse osmosis system allows 700,000 gallons of water to be reused during manufacturing.  Facilities are designed using energy-efficient lighting, resource management software, and efficient production equipment to reduce waste.  Any leftover facility waste that cannot be recycled or composted is transformed into biomass-based fuel or electricity.  Every year, Burts Bees sets goals to further reduce waste.

Not only is Alison Raffaele one of my favorite facial cosmetic brands, but it is also very eco-friendly.  All of the brushes are super soft and are made with wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and cruelty-free, Takelon bristles.  All products feature non-toxic, skin-safe ingredients as well as recyclable packaging.
 


All of these brands are natural or organic.  Natural/organic does not necessarily imply that a brand is sustainable.  But luckily, most natural and organic brands are very eco-friendly...a great way to help both your body and the environment.  This Earth Day, don't forget to do your part in saving the planet one lipstick tube at a time ;)

All About Mascara

What's the one makeup product women can't seem to live without?  Surveys show that it is mascara.  I tend to agree because a little mascara can make a huge difference.  It only takes 2 minutes to apply and can really open and highlight your eyes more naturally than eyeliner or eyeshadow can.

But the market is so saturated with mascara products these days.  How do you narrow down your options?  First, I like to start by focusing on paraben and sulfate-free products (like the product recommendations below).  In general, try to look for smudge-proof formulas.  Save water-proof formulas for the beach because they often peel or clump easily.  Many mascara formulas are similar, so it's really all about the brush.  Different brushes serve different functions.  Most women with normal lashes are looking to boost lash definition.  Fine toothed comb brushes like the Juice Beauty Lash Defining Mascara ($19 at Ulta) can help sweep lashes upwards, while depositing clump-free color onto lashes that won't transfer to skin or stick lashes together.  Volumized lashes can offer a slightly more dramatic look.  I absolutely love the Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! ($19 at Sephora), and it is definitely a fan favorite.  It is "clinically proven to increase the appearance of lash volume by 424%," and the natural formula is very gentle on lashes.  Overall, I like the mascara's light, soft feel and natural look.  


For those of you with sensitive eyes...try Almay's mascaras, which are hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist recommended for contact lens wearers.  I especially like the Almay One Coat Triple Effect Mascara ($8 in drugstores).  Almay is an affordable and effective brand with products for people with sensitive skin and eyes, and their mascara is no exception.  They make specific lengthening, thickening, volumizing, etc. mascaras, but the One Coat Triple Effect is a very general mascara product.  It builds, extends, and sculpts lashes in one simple sweep.

For those of you who prefer waterproof products...try the bareMinerals Flawless Definition Waterproof Mascara ($18 at Ulta).  The formula is waterproof, but it is not as sticky or flaky as many other waterproof products, while the fine bristles help brush lashes upwards and allow you to easily reach all of your lashes.  With beautiful shades like Ripe Plum and Espresso, you had definitely a color that goes with any look.

For those of you with sparse lashes...try a thickening formula like the Jane Iredale Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara ($33 on dermstore.com).  The large brush adds a lot of color with each sweep (you only need 2 coats) while separating lashes.  Like all Jane Iredale products, this mascara is good for your lashes too.  A good tar-free mascara is hard to find, but this is one of them.  Also, it contains seaweed to condition and fortify lashes. 
For those of you with short lashes...try a lengthening formula like the Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara ($8 at Ulta).  I didn't think that the fatter brush on this mascara was going to work well for lengthening, but it's actually really nice!  Since my eyelashes are pretty short, this is usually my go-to mascara.  The formula glides on really smoothly, and the brush makes for a neat and full application.  This product comes in multiple shades, but my personal fave is the Black Shimmer.  The "shimmer" is very subtle, but really adds a sparkle to the eyes.

And don't forget about your lower lashes to complete the look.  Since they're smaller, they can be harder to reach.  If coating the lower lashes is tough for you, invest in the Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara ($10 at Sephora).  The short brush is designed for reaching all of those lower lashes, and the formula removes easily when exposed to warm water. 

Make sure you curl your lashes BEFORE you put on your mascara.  Curling them with mascara on can make your lashes brittle and cause them to stick to the curler.  My personal favorite curlers are the Shiseido Eyelash Curler ($18 at Sephora) and the Laura Mercier Eyelash Curler ($16 at department stores), which has a cushy pad that prevents pinching and unique compact shape for travel.  Also, heating your curler with a blow dryer helps your curler curl (just be careful not to burn yourself because the metal will get hot).  You can even buy heated curlers like the Sephora Heated Eyelash Curler ($17 at Sephora).  If you have lashes like mine that don't curl very easily, you can use a brush with a curved wand like the Buxom Sculpted Lash Mascara ($19 at Sephora) in addition to curling your lashes.  As the name implies, the S-shaped wand will help sculpt and shape lashes more effectively than a straight brush.  Many drugstore brands make a product with a curved wand, but I like the Buxom one because of the ultra fine brush bristles and the vitamin-rich formula.

Another way to improve your mascara wear is by applying a primer first.  This will hold the mascara onto your lashes for a longer period of time and prevent smudging, flaking, and fading.  Like your hair, your lashes can get brittle after being coated with mascara day after day.  Primers can also protect your lashes from mascara.  The Tarte MultiplEYE Clinically Proven Natural Lash Enhancing Primer ($22 at Sephora) is a natural option that nourishes and conditions lashes with HydroPlant peptide to help them naturally appear longer and fuller.

The nice thing about mascara is that there are many great options for wallet-friendly prices.  So, picking up your favorite mascara from the nearest drugstore can be a guilt-free treat.  After all, there's nothing more elegant than luscious lashes! 

 What is your favorite mascara?

What Does My Beauty Routine Look Like?

My birthday is right around the corner.  Like a true beauty addict, I can't help but think about my beauty routine as a 21-year-old, as I reflect back through the past year.  I figured I would share my daily beauty routine and the products that I use with you.

[Disclaimer:  don't be alarmed by how many products I use on a daily basis]


Morning Skincare:

• AHAVA Purifying Mud Soap ($10 at Ulta) as a gentle face cleanser.
• Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminee Anti-Wrinkle Serum ($62 at Sephora)
  to fight wrinkles and provide an antioxidant protection shield against free radicals and pollutants as I go through the day.
• Ole Henriksen Total Truth Vitamin C Eye Creme SPF 15 ($45 at Sephora) It's one of the very few natural eye creams that I can find with SPF, and it happens to feel really nice :)
• Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer SPF 15 Sensitive Skin ($9 at Ulta)

Makeup

• Smashbox Primer Photo Finish Lid Primer ($20 at Sephora)

• Almay Intense I-Color Smoky-I Kit for Brown Eyes ($7 at Ulta)
• Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Liner in Chocolate Shimmer ($23 at department stores)
• Eylure Naturalites Voluminous Eyelashes 020 ($6 in drugstores)
• Too Faced Liquif-Eye Eyeliner ($18 on toofaced.com) as an extra clear seal over eyeliner to ensure that it doesn't budge all day long.
• Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes ($19 at Sephora) on the bottom lashes (the falsies go on the top)
• Bobbi Brown Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($44 in department stores)
• Alison Raffaele Face Forward Primer SPF 15 - Acne Response ($46 on dermstore.com)
• Almay Smart Shade Mousse Makeup ($14 at Ulta)
• Alison Raffaele Incandescent Luminizer in Yellow ($28 on beauty.com) as an under eye concealer. The lighter color helps mask dark circles and highlight eye makeup.
• Alison Raffaele True Concealer ($25 on dermstore.com)

• Bobbi Brown Blush in Sand Pink ($26 in department stores)
• Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in Warm Natural ($37 in department stores)
• Alison Raffaele Transparent Finish Powder ($28 on beauty.com)
• Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Rose Petal ($25 in department store) lipsticks often look more natural than lip glosses for everyday wear since they aren't as shiny.
• Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray ($29 at Sephora) to solidify your makeup on your face for the rest of the day.

Shower

• Jason Pure Natural Body Wash in Invigorating Rosewater ($12 on drugstore.com)
• Lily of the Desert Aloe Gelly ($10 at Whole Body)  is more natural and light-weight than a regular lotion and keeps skin soft and supple enough.  Afterwards, I also like to nourish skin by spritzing with:
• Solar Recover Save Your Skin Spray ($12 at Whole Body)
• Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($9 at drugstores) on my hands and feet right before I sleep followed by covering my feet with:
• Yu-Be Heel & Elbow Moisturizing Socks ($13 on beauty.com) when I sleep.

Evening Skincare

• Bertolli Classic Olive Oil ($10 at grocery stores) as a makeup remover because it's more natural and better for your skin than baby oil
• JUARA Rice Facial Scrub ($29 on skinstore.com)
• JUARA Tamarind Tea Hydrating Toner ($29 on dermstore.com)
• Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Eye Cream ($44 at Sephora)
• Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum ($79 at Sephora)
• Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil ($46 at Ulta) as a brightening vitamin C moisturizer in the fall/winter or Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil ($48 at Sephora) as a vitamin E moisturizer to help fight against sun damage in the spring/summer.  The have vitamins that are more potent than those found in creams.
• EOS Organic Lip Balm Sphere in Sweet Mint ($3 at Target)
• JUARA Rose & Willowbark Blemish Free Mask ($35 on skinstore.com) as a spot treatment for zits, white heads, and black heads (it works just as well as toothpaste doesn't leave skin red and over-dried)

Weekly Rituals 

• On Sunday nights, I give myself a face some extra attention to brighten up for the week ahead.  I wash my face with my Clarisonic Mia in Pink ($125 at Ulta) and use a JUARA Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Mask ($35 on skinstore.com) before applying my serums and moisturizers.  I also give the rest of my body some extra attention by swapping my aloe and essential oil spray for something more intensively hydrating, the Tree Hut Shea Body Butter in Coconut Lime ($7.50 at Ulta).  

Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas

'Tis the season!  The holidays are here, and many of us are on the look-out for the perfect gifts for our friends and family members.  Cosmetics a huge driver of holiday sales, and most beauty brands have their holiday gift sets ready to go! 

Here are a few of my favorite healthy holiday items that make for great gifts this season:

1.  Lush Snow Fairy Sparkle Massage Bar ($8 at Lush)

Lush stores are a really fun place.  They have tons of soaps and bath bombs that are sweet smelling, colorful, and fun...making them loveable gifts.  My only complaint about Lush is that many of their products do contain parabens and/or sulfates.  But, their massage bars are free of both and can be really unique and enjoyable gifts.  You simply rub the bar over your skin in the shower as, it works a moisturizer to soften your skin.  Perfect for this dry winter weather!  It's available in different shapes and scents, but the Snow Fairy Sparkle one is definitely the most festive. 

2.  Hollywood Fashion Secrets Emergency Kit ($15 at Ulta)

Every girl should keep one of these kits in her purse.  It is a very small, compact cosmetics case that contains anything you would need in a fashion emergency...Hollywood fashion tape, a deodorant-removing sponge, lint-removing sheets, a sewing kit, a stain wipe, an earring back, an instant button, a hair band, a nail file, a blister pad, and a shoe-shine sponge.  It's one of those items that you would never think of buying, but will appreciate once you do!

3.  L'Occitane Hand Indulgence Set ($28 at Sephora)

Not to be totally unoriginal, but I really do love the L'Occitane hand creams.  As with every holiday season, you will see gift sets of them available everywhere.  Everyone can use some hand cream.  The L'Occitane ones are infused with shea butter to lock in moisture.  I like them because they absorb nicely and have a light, floral scent.  This set is a classic beauty gift that women of all ages can enjoy.

4.  Origins Ginger Treats Set ($40 at Sephora)

Origins makes some of my favorite skincare products.  This holiday season, they're offering a festive ginger scented trio that includes a Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream, Incredible Spreadable Smoothing Ginger Body Scrub, and Ginger Float Cream.  You will definitely feel calm and refreshed as these products work to soften and nourish your skin.

5.  DIY Spa Kit

What's cuter and more creative than making your spa kit?  Gifts that encourage people to pamper themselves are the best kinds of gifts.  Here are some ideas for this DIY kit:

Bellaboo Sweet Sin Chocolate Face Mask ($10 at Ulta) 
This delicious mask is the perfect mask for relaxation time.  By cleansing and hydrating, the chocolate will leave your face smooth to the touch.  And don't forget that it will help provide antioxidant protection and nourishment to keep your complexion looking youthful and healthy.
          
Earth Therapeutics Recover-E Cucumber Eye Pads ($7 at Ulta) 
While you have your mask on your face, put these pads over your eyes.  The cucumber, green tea, aloe, chamomile, and vitamin E will help soothe the eye area.  Your eyes will appear fresh and awake.  These pads are also useful for those mornings when you wake up with puffy or red eyes.

 
Earth Therapeutics Aloe Socks ($8 at Ulta)
And don't forget to throw in some comfy socks to top off the experience.  These socks are not only super soft, but are also infused with natural aloe to moisturize your feet as you wear them.

In general, people can be picky about their skincare products, so stay away from kits with serums, eye creams, etc.  For gifts for those you don't know as well or those who don't use cosmetics, opt for general personal care products (like the ones mentioned above) that all women can use.     

...but for those makeup wearers, try these fun and fashionable products:

6.  Sephora Collection 5 Shade Tinted Balm Wand ($12 at Sephora)

This stackable wand contains tinted lip balms in five core shades (beiges, pinks, reds).  To change shades, you simply remove the shade at the top, move it to the bottom, and push it up.  A super cute stocking stuffer!  

  

7.  Sephora Party Starter Brush Set ($16 at Sephora)

This travel brush set contains a flat powder brush, concealer brush, shadow brush, and angled liner brush...everything you need for a touch-up on a night out or to apply your makeup on vacation.  Plus, the brushes are a pretty sparkly pink color and come in a stylish, sparkly case that fits conveniently in your purse.

8.  Bobbi Brown Everyday Lip & Eye Palette ($30 at department stores)

Bobbi Brown always makes gorgeous palettes around the holiday season.  As the name implies, this palette has colors that everyday women can wear every day.  It has neutral taupe, white, and black eye shadow shades and neutral pink lip shades.  All of these shades come in a small compact so you can throw it in your purse for touch-ups during the day.

9.  Tarte Stop & Stare Eyeliner & Lash Set ($39 at Ulta) 

The Tarte pencil liners are pretty efficacious.  They have a nice creamy formula that allows you to move and blend the color really easily.  After a few seconds, it dries so that it stays in place all day long.  This particular set comes with beautiful onyx, purple garnet, azurite green, new taupe, and rose gold shades.  And don't forget that it comes with their signature Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement mascara that uses a precise brush to sweep color onto lashes and boost volume.

10.  DIY Nail Set

Bring the nail salon to your girlfriends!  They make for fun and original gifts.  Putting a kit together yourself can allow you to incorporate all of your favorite products and shades that you know your friends will love.  
 

Sephora Collection Instant Nail Polish Remover ($10 at Sephora)
My cousin got this for me last Christmas, and I absolutely love it.  Inside of the bottle is a foam ring filled with remover.  You stick your finger in the middle of the ring as the solution dissolves your nail polish instantly.  No cotton ball necessary and no work for you!

Sephora Collection Set of 5 Color Hit Nail Set ($12 at Sephora)
This collection from Sephora is a set of mini nail polishes.  Sometimes, it's hard to say which shades different people will like, but this kit contains neutral shades like reds, pinks, and beiges, which everyone can use at some point.   

Sephora Collection Colorful Nail File ($3 at Sephora)
To top it off, add a fun nail file to shape your nails before you paint them.

This holiday season, if you're looking for gift ideas, check the beauty aisle.  After all, you can't go wrong with products that make you look and feel great.  Even if your friends and family members aren't beauty fanatics, there are some great products in stores right now that they will really enjoy.

Happy Holidays everyone :)

Battle of the Oils

One of the latest trends in beauty products has been pure oils.  If you haven't tried them yet, you're definitely missing out!  I'm not talking about the serum oils, cleansing oils, or moisturizing oil treatments (like the Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil) that have been around for a while...I'm referring to plain, old pure oils. 

There are many great benefits to using a light layer of oil underneath or instead of your moisturizer.  Why?

• Since these oils are derived from natural substances, you know they're healthy.  
• They're gentle, soothing, and great for even the most sensitive skin types.
• They're more potent than moisturizers, which means that your skin gets a stronger dose of beneficial ingredients.  Moisturizers that "contain vitamin C" for example also contain a lot of fillers that dilute the ingredient.
• They offer benefits to all skin types.
• Save time and money.  These 2-in-1 products are treatment + moisturizers.
• Believe it or not, they often feel less greasy (they absorb pretty fast) than traditional moisturizers.  And they smell pretty nice too :)
• You can use them anywhere on your body - try them as a hair treatment, makeup remover, or cuticle moisturizer too.

A lot people are hesitant to use oils though because some myths have given them a bad rep.  


Myth #1:  Oil = sun sensitivity   
Many of us have probably heard of people using baby oil to tan because it draws sunlight to react with your skin.  The truth is that certain oils, primarily citrus-based oils, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.  Many pure oils, however, will not.  Just be sure to check the packaging of an oil to make sure that it won't make your skin sensitive to sunlight.  In fact, you can use products like the Josie Maran argan oil and the Boscia tsubaki oil both day and night.

Myth: Oil = acne
Some oils such as mineral oil (baby oil) can aggravate acne.  First of all, there are often scents and fillers in baby oil that can make you break out.  Secondly, these lubricating oils are heavy, aggressive, and sit on the top of the skin (rather than penetrate it), which can clog your pores.  Pure oils are much lighter, more delicate, and get absorbed by the skin, so all skin types - even those with acne - can use them.

That being said...here are the four most popular and commercialized pure oils on the market today:

1.  Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil ($48 at Sephora)
Winner:  Repairing/Replenishing 
You've probably heard about argan oil by now, since it's been one of the hottest new beauty products in the past few years for everything from skin to hair to cuticles to even stretch marks.  Argan oil comes from Moroccan Argan trees and is rich in both vitamin E and fatty acids.  Thus, it offers some really great skin benefits including repairing, nourishing, and conditioning and is really great for all skin types including acne-prone skin. Josie Maran is the queen of argan oil, which is featured in all of her products.  She even makes a "light" argan oil for those of you, who want an extra light-weight product.   

2.  Marula Pure Marula Face Oil ($78 at Sephora)

Winner:  Soothing/Softening
Marula oil comes from marula nuts in East Africa.  Why is it a super skin-saver?  In addition to its protecting, and rejuventating properties, marula oil is loaded with omega acids that smooth and firm skin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Antioxidants also work to slow aging and fight free radical damage.  Overall, the oil offers great soothing and softening qualities for all skin types and is especially useful for people with skin conditions, dry skin, or sensitive skin.  Plus you can even add it to other facial products to increase efficacy.

3.  Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil ($46 at Sephora)

Winner:  Brightening/Radiance
Extracted from superfruits of the Amazon, maracuja oil is a great natural brightener.  Rich in vitamin C, which helps your skin cells with the natural turnover process, this product will rejuvenate your skin and leave your complexion with a radiant glow.  It also contains essential fatty acids that you're skin can't produce naturally, but help keep your skin supple and hydrated.  For those of you with dull skin or dark spots, this is the oil for you.  And don't forget that maracuja is a great anti-inflammatory too!  Just one thing to keep in mind is that this product may make your skin photo-sensitive, so limit your usage to night-time skincare.

4.  Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil ($46 at Sephora)

Winner:  Anti-Aging
The Japanese have always been pioneers in skincare.  Boscia's Tsubaki Beauty Oil features Japanese ingredients that will keep your skin flawless for years.  First, tsubaki or camellia oil (from camellia plants in Japan) is a great source of fatty and omega 3 acids to fight signs of aging and protect against free radical damage.  This product also includes wakame, or Japanese sea kelp, to replenish protein and assist in collagen product as well as rice bran oil to boost radiance and increase microcirculation.  Great for all skin types and ideal for mature skin!

Personally, I am a huge fan of pure oils because they feel great, and I generally see results faster than I do when I use other moisturizers or treatments.  I have tried all four of these products and absolutely can't say a bad thing about any of them.  However, since I have oily skin with blemishes and acne scars, I use argan oil in the spring and summer (vitamin E helps repair sun damage too) to treat the former and then switch the maracuja oil in the fall and winter to treat the latter.  Different oils offer differ benefits, so you have to look for the one that's best for you.  Usually, I put it under my moisturizer at night and sometimes, I use it in the morning too as extra hydration to lock in moisture on extra cold days when the air is dry or to keep my makeup in tact if I have a long day ahead of me.

You may see other cheaper brands of these oils in stores like Whole Foods.  Just make sure that they're pure, meaning that no stabilizers, scents, preservatives have been added, and that they're cold pressed, which minimizes the loss of nutrients during the oil extraction process. 

In addition to these more commercialized oil products, there are also some other oils that are great for your skin.  Some may be slightly less potent than the pure oils I just discussed.  But, they're still nourishing ingredients for your skin and only a fraction of the cost.  In particular, there are a few types of oil that can be power products for your complexion:

• Coconut oil provides deep hydration by gently removing rough and dry excess skin cells and locking in moisture.  It's also great for hydrated, shiny hair.  Plus, it provides antioxidant protection.
• Avocado oil is not only rich in free-radical fighting antioxidants, but it is also rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and omega-3 oil.  You get skin that is moisturized, soothed, protected, nourished, and more supple.
• Grape seed oil comes from grapes and offers anti-inflammatory properties to fight acne, an astringent to tighten pores, antioxidant protection, and fatty acids to help stimulate cell regeneration.
• Jojoba oil from seeds of the jojoba plant is actually a liquid wax.  Interestingly, it can be great in treating a variety of skin conditions.  In particular, it helps dissolve oil that can clog your pores, which controls blemishes, even out your complexion, and soften fine lines and wrinkles.  As an antibacterial anti-inflammatory, it helps soothe skin irritation related to conditions like eczema and sunburn.
• Sweet almond oil is a great skin softener (rather than moisturizer) to keep your skin feeling supple and elastic...and not to mention that it is packed with soothing, turnover promoting, and anti-aging vitamins A, D, and E.
• Rosehip oil has been growing in popularity, especially amongst celebs like Miranda Kerr and Victoria Beckham.  Why?  It contains the big three - vitamin A to fight wrinkles, vitamin C to fight dark spots, and vitamin E to fight damage - along with antioxidants and inflammation fighters. 

All of these oils are 100% healthy and can be conveniently found at Whole Foods and other grocery stores.  Like pure oils, you can simply use a few drops under or in lieu of your moisturizer at night. 

Now what about essential oils?  Essentials oils are highly concentrated oils that are derived from plants.  Many of them are good for your skin.  For instance, lavender oil offer soothing and antiseptic properties.  Since essential oils are so concentrated and can be quite fragrant, try to use them more cautiously and sparingly if you incorporate them into your skincare regiment.  In other words, rather than using a few drops of them each night as a moisturizer, mix a few drops into your jar of moisturizer.  This will dilute the oil a bit and keep it from irritating your skin.  And keep them away from your eyes!  I personally prefer to save essential oils for my baths. 

Overall, oils can be a rewarding addition to your beauty routine.  Just make sure that you are using the right types of oil and oils that will suit your specific skincare needs.

What types of oil do you use?