As winter at last sets in I can’t recommend enough, slipping a facial oil into your skincare routine. You could go for simple almond oils, which you can pick up at any health food store but I urge you to splash out on a specific facial oils. They contain a blend of oils such as borage, evening primrose, apricot kernel, and essential oils, which give each subtly different benefits and the most fabulous scent.
A facial oil also makes a terrific Christmas present.
Massage two or three drops between your palms and press each against your skin to transfer the oil. Sweep palms all round your face and neck and then massage in using your fingertips. Evenings after a hot bath and a good cleanse, is the best time. The heat helps the oil absorb, it also pulls out the aroma. You know, I have a very simple rule in terms of which to choose – go by smell. Inhaling a wonderful smell will soothe your spirits and help melt away tension lines.
Try this routine before a party too – your skin will look marvellously plumped up and make up will go on more easily.
Here are a few I recommend – if you like the sound of one click on the price to buy:
Aromatherapy Associates Revitalizing Face Oil (£37), with rose and frankincense has an uplifting, de-stressing aroma in a good oil. Nude Replenishing Night Oil (£47), is rich, great for really dry skin. It has a lovely scent (not as aromatherapy-y) and is acclaimed by testers from The Beauty Bible (big tick). Anne Semonin Toning Apricot Kernel Oil (£92), seems expensive, but you get double the amount. It’s made from virgin apricot kernel oil with essential oils of sandalwood, lemon, rosewood and rosemary, which is why it smells so remarkably good. Slightly medicinal, but with the rich luxuriousness of sandalwood.
Darphin Tangerine Aromatic Care (£40) was one of the first ever face oils I tried. If you like the scent of tangerine it’s the one for you. Twist the capsule tip of a Weleda Rose Smoothing Facial Oil Capsule (£16.95 for 30) and squeeze the sweet almond, jojoba seed, and peach kernel oil into your palms. A great inexpensive face oil – you can slip a few into your Christmas sponge bag. If you’re a moisturiser girl, do as the experts do and apply a little night cream over the top to seal in the oils.
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