Face Oils Revealed

The history of the face oil trend comes from the French spa lines, which have always used specific targeted oil blends to treat skin concerns. For example, Darphin's Niaouli Aromatic Care has been around for over 10 years and is used to treat oily and acneic skin with a blend of lemon, rosemary, eucalyptus and lavender. The recent acceleration of the face oil trend comes from a few forces blending together:

1. Globalization of Skincare Knowledge. Due to social media and worldwide networks, global skincare products and trends can quickly become local. Facial oils started in France, moved to London and, in my opinion, because London is the current global financial hub of Europe (check the real estate prices in Belgravia), have moved rapidly to the US.

2. The "Clean Skincare" Trend. To make a skincare cream, you start with oils and treatment and then add fillers (waxes, waters and often silicone or dimethicone) to whip it up into a desirable luxurious cream. With a face oil, the ingredients lists are short and easily understood - no fillers. Those who adore green products from brands like M-61 & REN can be confident and comfortable that the ingredients are pure. The other night, my 10 year old daughter came to me with cracked, dry hands. I dug in the cabinets for a pure face oil and ended up rubbing her hands with Fresh Elixir Anciene. Many celebrities are using face oils because of their inclination towards "clean" diets.

3. A Need to Escape. Great estheticians will spend time during a facial massaging the skin with oil to stimulate the facial muscles and boost hydration. Applying additional facial oil at home gives clients a quick, 1 minute spa pick-me-up and a break from the daily grind!

 4. Simple Science. The top layer of the skin is held together by lipids, which form a protective barrier against the environment. As we age, this lipid barrier deteriorates. Essential fatty acids in face oils help maintain this barrier protecting skin from environmental damage while also reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

We are seeing a proliferation of amazing products at all price points targeting specific skincare concerns. From Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate to Darphin's 8 Flower Nectar to Fresh's Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil (coming soon!). If you're vegan, vegetarian, live an active lifestyle, or are interested in paraben- and synthetic-free products, this trend might be just the perfect fit for you!

Current Addiction: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour

My Laura sticks clearly get a lot of use!

I must admit, I have a strange relationship with eyeshadow. I get stuck in a rut with the same color. Let’s face it, eyeshadow is hard to apply, takes a lot of time and sometimes is messy. For a busy mom, eyeshadow can be daunting.

Leave it to Laura Mercier to solve this problem. I am completely addicted to these handy dandy eye shadow sticks. Swipe on one lid, swipe on the other lid, and out the door.

There are a ton of colors, but here are my go to choices:

1. Neutral weekend day: Rosegold (gold/pink) all over lid, black eyeliner, mascara and done.

2. Festive work day (yes, I am feeling that way this December!): Sandglow (light bronze) all over lid, black eyeliner, mascara and done.

3. Creative day: Amethyst (browny/purple) all over lid, then sandglow all over lid, black eyeliner, mascara and done.

4. Party: Sandglow all over lid, popped up with Cocoa (topaz brown) in crease and outside corners, black eyeliner mascara and done.

Four handy sticks, a couple of swipes, many looks. We all need simplicity sometimes!

Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks come in 19 colors, are $26 each and are available in store and online.

The Teenage Acne Cure

A call I receive a lot from friends is the call for help with their teenager's acne issues.

I have a simple, straightforward cocktail that I always recommend. My friend stopped me the other day and said it cleared up her daughter’s skin right away—and nothing else had worked!

1.  Wash your face with M-61 Power Cleanse at night.

2.  Spread Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Overnight Treatment over problem areas before bed.
3.  If you need to wash your face again in the morning, use a gentle gel cleanser, like M-61 Perfect Cleanse.
4.  Do not pick at or touch your face at all, ever.  No exceptions.

Simple, straightforward and it works!