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2014: The Year of Oils

I have always been quite fond of beauty oils, but they have never really formed a big part of my beauty regimen. Last year changed that. 2014 saw amazing skin and hair oil launches and I also had the opportunity to try products that have been around for a while. I have fallen in love with so many oils that it is quite difficult to choose a clear favourite in each category so I decided to give you a round up of products that I highly recommend you give a try.

Essential-Oils

 

FACE

In the past I have been weary of facial oils as I was always worried that they would cause more oiliness and congestion, but I quickly learnt that it is not the case. Facial oils work wonders for my skin especially during the winter months as my skin can become very dull and even flaky. Change of season is particularly harsh on my skin and oils have proved to be lifesavers. Winners include Lipidol Overnight Face Oil, L’Oreal’s Age Perfect Extraordinary Oil and Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse (and yes… this oil is as good as they say). An oil that deserves a very special mention is Naturals Beauty’s Sweet Orange Wrinkle Banisher. This oil takes top spot on days that my skin is very sensitive. It is amazing and I will be making sure that I have enough of this beaut in my stash when winter comes a knockin’. This is most definitely one of my best beauty buys of 2014.

I also tried a couple oil cleansers and two really stood out: Dermalogica’s PreCleanse and Lipidol’s Cleansing Face Oil. You will note in my review of the Lipidol Cleansing Face Oil that I liked it as a pre-cleanser, but I don’t use it just for removing make-up anymore. It has proven to be a perfect morning cleanser and it works beautifully as a second cleanse. It has been a godsend on sensitive skin days and this product will be repurchased again and again.

BODY

My skin is very dry and body oils work the best to combat scaly, dull skin. Favourites of 2014 include Lipidol’s After Shower Oil and the REN Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil. I have recently discovered Nivea’s Firming Body Oil and I adore it! It is light, absorbs very well and does not aggravate my eczema-prone skin. It is true love, people. Well worth a go. Yet another Lipidol product that deserves 5 stars is the Lipidol Sunscreen Oil. It feels like the After Shower Oil but with an added SPF… need I say more? One of my best beauty discoveries of all time is the TanOrganic Self Tanning Oil. I am allergic to the chemicals in self-tanning products, but this organic self-tanner gives my a gorgeous tan with no negative reaction. Read my full review HERE.

HAIR

I don’t think a day has gone by that I have not used a hair oil since discovering what a major difference it has made to the condition, look and feel of my dry, chemically treated hair. To treat my hair I love to use Africa Organics Hair Treatment Oil (I love their hair care products) or good old organic coconut oil. To treat and style, INOAR Extreme Premium Oil and Moroccanoil can’t be beat. My full Moroccanoil review is on it’s way. I now understand why the brand has such a cult following. Great budget-friendly options include Dark and Lovely Amla Legend Oil and OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco (available at Foschini).

xoxo

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INOAR Extreme Premium Oil Review

I’ve been using INOAR’s new hair oil, Extreme Premium Oil, for a couple of weeks and I am really enjoying it.

INOAR Exttreme Premium OIlIt’s lightweight, non-greasy and smells amazing. It is silicone based and contains an array of oils that calms frizz, nourishes dry and damaged hair, treats split ends and gives brilliant shine. The oils include argan, macadamia and rose imperial oil. What makes this oil extra special is that it contains Myrrh. Myrrh is known for its healing powers and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and astringent benefits.

As I’ve mentioned, it’s very lightweight so it is perfect for all hair types and it does not weigh your hair down. A drop of this oil will be enough to calm the frizzies and the smooth dry ends. I use a bit more as my hair is very dry (highlights and natural curls will do that). I apply two pumps to damp hair before I apply any styling products. The result is defined, smooth and shiny curls. It also works like a charm when I need extra help to control frizz on dry hair. The results on Cara’s curls are fantastic. Her hair isn’t as dry as mine so I only use a drop on hers. My little girl’s locks form perfectly and the shine of her naturally blonde hair is out of this world. I wish I could get my highlights to look like that. Mom is very envious!

I really like this luxuriously packaged oil and I highly recommend it.

Suggested Retail price: R545.00 (50ml). INOAR Extreme Premium Oil is available exclusively at fine salons and spas nationwide. You can visit INOAR’s website HERE.

On a side note… I have been using INOAR’s BB Cream shampoo and conditioner over the past couple of weeks as well. LOVE! I reviewed samples of this range before. See review HERE. The shampoo is particularly awesome. Really. And when I wash Cara’s hair with it, the gorgeous scent lasts for days.

xoxo

*Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for review purposes. I have not received compensation for this post and the opinions on the product are my own.