The Beauty Of Naturally Enhanced Body Oils - Hydration At Its Best!

If you have dry skin or sensitivity that comes along with that blessing then you already know the upcoming cold weather is something we need to arm ourselves for.
The weapons of choice are luxurious, nourishing, soothing and ultra-protective moisturizing potions, capable of kicking ass even through the extremes of Canadian winters. Up here in the great white north we not only have to deal with ridiculously low temperatures but the accompanying arctic cold winds as well. Since my home is right on the Bay of Fundy the sharp, freezing winds can do a number on my already delicate dry skin! Luckily I am a weather veteran now so my arsenal is well stocked with some awesome defensive moisture bombs. 

There are a lot of rich, hydration driven formulations out there that do a great job of protecting my skin but my secret weapon that elevates the whole experience to the highest level possible are naturally inspired body oils. Adding just a few golden drops can transform a simple moisturizing lotion into a ultra-nourishing body treatment. 

If you are worried about the greasy after effects (rightfully so!) you'll be happy to hear that body oil formulas have evolved so much in the past decade, making them very user-friendly and definitely trial-worthy. 

I wanted to share a few body oils that have been rocking my world and ones I would recommend to anyone year-round! 

Mother Nature brings it big time!

Caudalie Divine Oil ($52.00 for 3.4 oz)

I have already expressed my love and deep admiration for this French wonder (review here!) so including this was a no-brainer. The luxurious fragrance celebrates the essence of Moroccan and Bulgarian roses, pure Vanilla notes and traces of Cedar and White Musk. The olfactory sensationalism combined with skin loving natural oils creates a formula that not only moisturizes your parched skin but also makes you happy about using it. As usual the Caudalie signature grape seed oil along with Sesame Seed, Argan and Hibiscus oils creates a velvety, silky canvas that sinks in quickly, leaving no grease but only radiant fragrance behind. The charming amber-tinted, vintage glass bottle, topped with a "wood-like" cap only adds to its appeal and the starry blogosphere raves only reinforce its classic Parisian feel. Tres chic - if you ask me!

Cowshed Bath & Body Oils ($31.00 for 3.38 oz)

The British share the same moisture dilemma as Canadians so its no surprise that the niche UK  Cowshed brand really knows how to make a product that effectively meets our hydration needs. This adorable beauty brand battles the freeze and dryness that accompanies it with fairly traded plant extracts, organic ingredients and proven therapeutic botanicals, all blended together into one hard working body oil. The potent formula includes cranberries, grape-seeds, sesame and sweet almond oils, all which penetrate deep beyond the skin surface to hydrate and restore body's own natural moisture balance. The addition of essential fragrance oils is there to highlight their aromatherapy potential and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest olfactory experts! My ultimate favorite is the Moody Cow Balancing Bath & Body Oil where linden blossom and rose geranium freshness kicks into high gear and lulls me into relaxation mode regardless of how bad of a day I might have had. The fact that my skin is left soft, silky and comfortably smooth is obviously a major bonus!
If you value products free from nasty parabens, preservatives, sulfates, artificial fragrances and unnecessary colors then Cowshed is the safely the way to go!

Yon-Ka Huile Corps Body Oil ($62.00 for 3.38 oz)

I am not even surprised that yet another one of my favorites is indeed a French product. Yon-Ka is a Parisian brand whose catch phrase "Quintessence of the phyto-aromatic care" could not be more spot on with their products. Everything they make has that aromatherapy touch that is as lovely to use as its beneficial for our essential well-being - let me tell you, health has never smelled so good! 

The Yon-Ka Huile Corps is a fresh and sensual body oil that beautifully marries the herbal note of Sage with a soak in Lavender. Normally grassy-scents like this would not be appealing to a gourmand-lover girly girl such as myself but this combination has a very distinct crisp sweet undertone that provides the aura of absolute serenity to even my judgmental senses. The oily goodness pampers my dry skin by restoring suppleness, smoothing out any flaky, irritated patches and providing a protective barrier on the surface that prevents further moisture loss. It might be my imagination or wishful thinking but whenever i use this my skin feels warm and comfortably cozy, which is a huge bonus during the winter months. The sophisticated golden wonder is presented in a frosted glass bottle which only drives the French exclusivity and just makes you feel that you are using something very special!

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil ($65.00 for 100 ml)

My love for REN has been well established on this blog and a major portion of my bathroom is dedicated to their skincare essentials. It took me a little longer to sample their body care products but once I did, unsurprisingly their goodness had me hooked almost immediately. Seeing how my love of all things REN was combined with rose essence in their Moroccan Rose Body Care Collection I just knew it was only a matter of time before these became my new must-haves.
The Rose scent in the Moroccan Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil is as natural as it gets and completely intoxicating! This is the kind of product that you open up during the day just to give your olfactory senses a little treat. Using the complimentary REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil ($48.00 for 110 ml) prior slathering the body oil all over is one of the most relaxing, sensual and luxurious experience I have ever had in my own little bathroom.
Essentially if you love roses and clean ingredient beauty then give REN a try - no disappointment or regret at all!

Josie Maran Moroccan Argan Body Oil in Balance ($35.00 for 1.7 oz)

My love for all things roses continues with this Josie Maran powerhouse. The universally loved Rose Damascena is the star of this simplistic one-dimensional scented Argan Oil based body moisturizer so its no surprise that the scent just explodes once it hits your skin. It remains uncluttered in the blend of Argan, Apricot, Sweet Almond, Safflower, Sesame, Avocado, and Olive Fruit oils, meaning that it will dominate no matter how you choose to use this emollient rich moisturizer. The formula also contains the discrete essence of the Vitamin C rich Pomelo Grapefruit oil whose benefits include treating muscle fatigue, hair growth, skin tone improvement and even acne treatment. The beautiful rose however dilutes this almost completely so had I not done my research I would have never detected it on my own.
Despite the fact that Josie Maran markets this as a body oil treatment the little beauty rebel in me has used this as a hair mask, cuticle treatment, subtle rose perfume and a very sensual and effective massage oil.
I am more than a little impressed!

J.R. Watkins Coconut Milk & Honey Body Oil Mist ($8.99 for 6 oz)

As a self-confessed gourmand lover the J.R.Watkins Coconut Milk & Honey Body Oil Mist delivers a dollop of sweetness coupled with deep hydration at a price we can all live with!
J.R. Watkins is an apothecary budget brand that once again proof that we don't have to sacrifice good-for-you ingredients and high delivery formula when choosing a drugstore brand. Their products are made without any no mineral oil, petrolatum, glycols, silicone's, synthetic dyes or any of the other traditional chemical nasties.
The basis of this vitamin enriched body oil mist are the carrier Almond and Apricot Kernel oils which are easily absorbed into the skin and are especially recommended for dehydrated, delicate, distressed, mature and sensitive skin. The rich fatty acids help soothe any inflammation, revitalize the skin and even fight fine lines in aging mature skin. The candied scent from 100% natural Coconut Milk & Honey fragrances leave a scrumptiously fruity veil of moisture, which penetrates immediately with its sheer viscosity and leaves no greasy or tacky residue.
Its essentially good enough to eat!

Mama Mio OMega Wonder-Full Rescue Balm ($30.25 for 30 ml)

To be fair this little wonder is not a body oil in the traditional sense but it does serve a similar purpose and its texture melts into an oil form when applied to the skin. I felt that it deserved a mention because of its ultra-targeted moisture properties and the practical fact that since it comes in airtight, plastic, pump functioning bottle its also very TSA air travel friendly. That fact alone makes it an amazing find and its "nasties-free" ingredient promise is just like the icing on the cake. The results are pretty impressive too!
Its formula features Meadowfoam, Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Carott Seed Oil and the trendy Manuka Oil, all of which create a balm worthy of your driest patches. The Mama Mio OMega Wonder-Full Rescue Balm scent is very nostalgic for me and reminds me of my teenage favorite Loves Baby Soft perfume with its subtle rose powdery softness. Once again aromatherapy at its finest!
The matching Mama Mio OMega Body Oil ($35.00 for 5 oz) with its Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Argan and Safflower oils can be layered over the balm for irresistibly comfortable, deeply hydrated skin for a truly baby soft scent experience.

Just a few years ago if someone would have told me that I would be using oils on my face and body I never would have believed it! My aversion of feeling greasy and slippery stopped me from giving these moisturizing innovations a try for a long time. Today things are obviously very different :-)

Do you have a favorite Body or Face Oil?

Thank you for reading

XOXO

ANJA

Completing the Collection - Caudalie Divine Scrub

I am not even sure how this scrub happened to me? The only product I was to allow myself was the Caudalie Divine Oil since that was somewhat practical for the summer months but the other two, Divine Legs & Divine Scrub, were to be left behind until I used at least some of the overwhelming bottles littering my homey-beauty place.
Obviously that didn't work out very good because here I am with a smug grin on my face, staring at the entire Caudalie Divine collection, nestled beautifully in the small beauty cabinet next to my vanity table. I will admit that I do feel a little bit guilty and I am sure my conscience will bother me significantly after a few weeks but for now I am giddy with excitement, with a dreamy-glazed look plastered on my face and a brain buzzing with possibilities, daydreaming of a possible "tanned" beach bunny inspired vision. 
I think its safe to say that I have a problem! 

The Caudalie Divine collection is one of the latest summer-inspired body care releases by the wonderful French brand, whose philosophy and formulation relies directly on the patented vinotherapie concept, which utilizes the anti-oxidant properties of grapes to care and protect your skin. The Divine line-up is no exception to this rule so its no surprise that all parts of the collection are chock-full of skin-loving ingredients that beautify and protect at the same time.

Today I want to introduce you to the last piece of the Caudalie Divine set which is the Divine Body Scrub and if you would like to see my reviews of the Divine Legs & Oil first just click here and here

Description;

A softening scrub with brown sugar and four natural plant oils, featuring a signature Divine fragrance. 

Divine Scrub gently exfoliates dead skin cells for luxuriously soft, delicately fragranced skin. It features four natural plant oils—grape, argan, hibiscus, and sesame—and the signature Divine fragrance of grapefruit, rose, pink pepper, vanilla, cedar, and white musk.

Ingredients;

Sucrose*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Glyceryl Stearate*, Glyceryl Distearate*, Polyglyceryl-5 Dioleate*, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Parfum (Fragrance), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil*, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract*, Tocopherol* Hibiscus Sabdariffa Seed Oil*, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil*, Benzyl Salicylate*, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional

As a girly-girl that truly enjoys pampering and everything that comes with it, my experience with body scrubs is quite extensive and I definitively have certain preferences that i stick to. 
For me an ideal body scrub needs to be "scrubby" enough to gently polish the skin without being too abrasive and harsh, but not so light that it melts away before the job is done. Even though I enjoy both sugar and salt based exfoliants, my preferred choice will always be the formula spiked with essential oils that manage to hydrate my skin in the shower without being too greasy and without leaving a slippery residue that feels heavy after rinsing. A body scrub formula that combines naturally sourced ingredients and leaves the "nasties" in the chemistry lab, will always get bonus points from me as well.

The Caudalie Divine Scrub fulfills and even exceeds every single one of those requirements (amazing!). The texture is very dense and as such easy to scoop out of the jar, without worrying too much about spillage and waste. The application and feel on my skin is reminiscent of a micro-derm abrasion treatment that continually transforms into a creamier substance, losing its "grit" gradually and eventually melting away in a milky, silkening emulsion.

The "buffing" ingredient in this scrub is brown sugar which is further enhanced by the addition of four naturally hydrating exotic plant oils - grape, hibiscus, sesame and argan. This combination moisturizes, softens and lusciously nourishes the skin before you even step out of the shower.
The alluring Divine scent only further enhances this pampering routine by the same combination of
zesty grapefruit, fiery pink pepper, and calming vanilla, found in the Caudalie Divine Legs & Oil. 

After all is said and done, I admit that I am actually very happy I broke down and got the final two Divine products. Every single piece of the collection preforms beautifully on its own but when all three combine, the Divine feeling is obviously magnified significantly and its something I recommend everyone try at least once.

Since the Caudalie Divine Scrub is a little bit on the pricy side ($38.00 for 5.3 fl.oz.) and there are so many other body scrubs I want to try at some point, I cant say that this will be my primary exfoliant. However I would definitively repurchase this and use it with the other Divine products, especially when I need some extra TLC and some "bronzy" goodness!

For more information and to purchase the Caudalie Divine Collection just visit their direct website, our trusty Sephora and Amazon.

I hope this was helpful

Have you tried the Caudalie Divine Collection? Do you have a favorite body scrub?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Favourites - L'Occitane Cleansing and Softening Almond Shower Oil

After reviewing one of my favorite things - the L'Occitane Amande Concentre de Lait, I realized that I should talk about  my other favorite thing that i almost always use with the first. These two favorites are amazing individually of course BUT when they get together in my shower, their awesome powers combine and make me feel at least ten times as fabulous. 

Some of you already guessed what superhero I am talking about (plus the title kind of gives it away, duh!) but a proper introduction is still in order! 

Enter the amazing L'Occitane Cleansing and Soothing Almond Shower Oil!

Description;

This customer favorite, with its divine texture, helps to hydrate and tone the skin. It foams up when in contact with water, creating a luxurious lather. It will leave a satin-like softness all over your body, and a delicious sugary scent. A great product for men & women.

Key Ingredients;

Rosemary

Grape Vine

Almond Tree

First of all the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil has got to be one of the most indulgent and decadent body cleansers I have ever come across. In fact before I   tried this I didn't really have any kind of a strong opinion when it came down to body washes. Sure, I had tried a fair number of them but never really noticed any kind of a big difference when it came down to performance or how my skin felt afterwards. 

Well the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil changed all that with a single use! Isn't instant gratification great, you guys?

As the name implies this really is an oil-based body cleanser that is to be used just as a regular body wash in your shower. With the Almond Shower Oil I prefer to only use my hands but that's only because I feel that using a loofah or my salux causes me to use more than normal. Since this cleanser is definitively a little spendier than some of my other choices, I tend to ration it and use it only a couple of times a week, usually when I feel I need a bit more pampering. 

The texture of the L'Occitane Almond is definitively lighter and runnier than the average body wash but don't underestimate the hydration kick this "liquid gold" gives. The first time i used it I was a bit concerned because of that feature but what really annoyed me was the "light foaming" action. 

I kind of have a slight bubble addiction happening - for the longest time I just couldn't get past the notion that I could be clean without the "bubbling action". Fortunately my now-extensive use of cleansing balms changed my mind about the "foam crack" so when the shower oil only foamed a bit, I decided to give it a chance and keep an open mind for once. The bottle is designed well, its very easy to hold on to and the pump is amazing as well so no need to freak if I drop this during one of my many "clumsy" moments. 

The scent of the Almond Shower Oil is very similar to the Amande Concentre de Lait but maybe a touch less sweet, with some added "freshness" to it. Nonetheless the fragrance is still comforting to me, invoking nostalgic memories and a sense of calm each time I am wrapped in its goodness...

L'Occitane indicates that the shower oil can also be used for shaving and I have read a lot of reviews confirming that fact however I love this so much that for me that would feel too wasteful! 
It's just too good to be used for secondary things like that :-)

My favorite pampering formula has got to be: dry-skin body brushing, then warm shower with my Almond Shower Oil followed by the Amande Concentre de Lait. This combination makes my skin soft, silky, smooth, hydrated, comforted and ready for my favorite pj's, a soft bed, fluffy pillows, ice tea and a good book. In fact I think I will be engaging in just that kind of activity this evening! 

The L'Occitane Amande Concentre de Lait and the Almond Shower Oil can be found on the L'Occitane website, our trusty Sephora  and Amazon. 

**Just a quick hint, if you love this and want to save some money, so your pampering sessions can become more frequent consider getting the refill 500 ml size, which is only $34.00 The other sizes are - a mini 75 ml for $10 and a bigger 250 ml for $24.00. My math skills are not stellar but the refill sized 500 ml is definitively your best choice and its available only on the L'Occitane website. 

I hope this was a helpful review! 

Have you tried the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil? What is your favorite pampering combination? 

XOXO

ANJA  

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Caudalie Divine Oil is Divine Indeed

Couple of years ago I absolutely hated any kind of oil treatments, regardless of what their purpose or function was. I was convinced that using them anywhere on my body would leave me greasy, uncomfortable, dirty or even worse acne-prone. 

Fast forward to the present and my shelves are practically overflowing with various oil products meant to moisturize, heal or even enhance every part of my body. Everything I used to think about oils has now been proven wrong. 

I have noticed that my favorite oils have a few things in common with each other and there are several guidelines I tend to follow when I make my selection. 

The properties I look are moisturization, absorption speed, longevity, short ingredient list and fragrance. While I can appreciate fragrance-free formulas if an oil has a fragrance I love then that's the one that holds preference. 

One of my favorite dry oils comes from Caudalie, a brand I am very familiar with and whose products are used regularly in our household. Caudalie Divine Oil is one of their most recent releases and it very well be my favorite Caudalie product to date. 

Official Description;

Discover the benefits of this versatile oil from head to toe, using it to nourish hair, nails, skin, or enhance baths and massages. The unique alchemy of four natural oils—grape oil, extra-virgin argan oil, extra-virgin hibiscus oil, and sesame oil—engage closely with the skin to ensure that the benefits are truly complete. 
The subtle fragrance will make you swoon as it caresses your skin. Lush with rose, a burst of grapefruit, and spicy pink pepper, this fresh fragrance rounds and warms with cedar, vanilla, and white musk. The composition is modern and infinitely desirable.

Ingredients;

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Isoamyl Cocoate, Coco-Caprylate, Fragrance, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone), Tocopherol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate), Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Citric Acid, Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone.

Caudalie products are all formulated and created based on their own patented Vinotherapie discovery, which showcases  the power of grape seed antioxidants better known as Polyphenols.

The Caudalie Divine Oil features a unique combination of nourishing grape oil, extra virgin Argan oil, sesame oil and the all-important polyphenols. The formula is said to rejuvenate, nourish, soften, moisturize, protect against free radicals and in time restore skin's own lipid balance. It all sounds very impressive and even though I can't vouch for all of their scientific claims, I can tell you that it makes my skin and feel amazing. 

I believe that the majority of consumers use body oils like this one more during the summer months. That makes a lot of sense when you consider that the oil sheen makes tanned skin look amazing and summers are no time to be using heavy body butters that take forever to dry. Personally I now use oils year-round and during the winter months I have beer known to spike my usual lotion with oil for some extra hydration. 

Caudalie Divine Oil comes with a spray pump which makes application and distribution even more goof-proof. Since this is actually a dry oil it sinks in very fast and leaves no grease behind, making it usable (sparingly) for hair as well. The fragrance of the Divine Oil is very summery and beach-like, reminding me a lot to a similar product made by another French skincare company, Nuxe. 

I use and love both almost equally!

My final verdict on this product is obviously very positive and I can see myself using and repurchasing the Divine Oil for a long time. Caudalie prices can be a little high and this product is no exception ($48 for 100ml) but if you are in a pampering mood or need more moisture then this oil is an excellent choice!

Caudalie Divine Oil and the rest of their products can be found directly on their website  or Sephora (instore/online)

Have you tried the Divine Oil? Do you have a favorite dry oil? 

XOXO

ANJA

Body Care Gems - Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil

This product is not currently available for purchase in North America (why Garnier, why?) Its not primarily a hair styling product but a multitasking skin oil that can be used on both body and hair.

This light weight oil is said to be 5 times more concentrated in nutrients than any of Garnier's body lotions and enriched with 4 precious oils - Argan, Macadamia, Almond and Rose. The scent is pretty subtle and lingers only slightly on the skin. It claims to hydrate, illuminate and perfect skin tone.
As a big fan of "oils" in general once I heard about this I knew I would have to find a way to get it. Mine comes from feelunique but this can easily found in almost all UK drugstores, like Boots. The comparison to Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse comes to mind however the Nuxe is a dry-oil whereas Garnier doesn't fall completely into that category.

I prefer the Nuxe dry-oil because I love the fragrance a lot more but this Beauty Oil definitively delivers when it comes to moisture and lets face it its a lot cheaper as well. The pump spray is actually perfect and distributes the oil quite well, absorbs very quickly and leaves a slight sheen on the skin surface. I can see this looking amazing in the summer on slightly tanned-bronzed skin!

Ingredients;
Argan, Macadamia, Almond and Rose Precious Oils

Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil ($11.22 for 150ml) is not available in North America (yet?) but can be purchased at FeelUnique here.
*They have free International Shipping on all orders, regardless on what your total is! Now, how amazing is that?


Speaking of Summer - I cant wait! Any amazing Summer plans (beauty or otherwise)?


XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Body Care Gems - Nuxe - Huile Prodigieuse Multipurpose Dry Oil

This product wowed me so-so much! It surpassed all of my expectations and lived up to all of its claims - we all know how rare that is!!! It moisturizes deeply, absorbs really quickly without a greasy film on the surface, leaves a glowy sheen on the skin and smells amazing. I don't have to worry about staining my clothing and/or standing around for 10 minutes waiting for it to sink in - who has that kind of time every day?

The scent is pure summer in a bottle and for me doubles as a fragrance that lingers hours after application...reminding me of all things tropical, warm and dare i say "sexy"!

I am a skincare junkie always on the lookout for the new thing i need to try, meaning that i rarely re-purchase the same product BUT this is one of the few staples that i hoard and always have on hand. I have used the "gold-bronze-shimmer" version of this and loved it as well but the original is the multi-purpose star to be used year-round, while the bronzy oil looks best in the summer (especially in the evenings!). If you are new to skincare oils this is a sure thing and worth investing in - look for it in the trial sets if you are still on the fence (but you shouldn't be!)

Ingredients;
Borage, St Johnswort, Sweet Almond, Camellia, Hazelnut, Macadamia Plant Oils

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil ($29.17 for 50ml) and other Nuxe products can be purchased here


Do you use body oils? Which is your favorite?


XOXO

ANJA