Olie Biologique Huile Moderne 004 Hydrating Oil -- Holy Grail Facial Oil?

Oile Biologique's Huile Moderne 004 Hydrating Oil might just be the one. This is a very bold statement to make, but I'm going there. Screw moisturizing creams,  y'all can go kick rocks! I'm a complete facial oil convert (see this previous post for my initial dabblings). 24/7, 365.. me + facial oils - creams. In the previously mentioned post, I discussed my usage of  Dr. Hauschka's Normalizing Day Oil and Josie Maran's 100% Pure Argan Oil. These are by no means bad oils, but I just wanted something with less ingredients than Dr. H's and something with more types of oils than Josie Maran's single oil formula -- plus my volcanic chin reacts best to Olie Biologique's 004 blend. So, that's a deal maker. Signing on the dotted line. In this for the long haul. I do. You may now kiss the bride.

Like any new relationship, I assume you will ask "So, how did you two meet?" to which I will answer in the same manner I would answer for any of my relationships... "Through an online service!" Just kidding.. sort of? I discovered this oil through a past Birchbox, hence why I still stay subscribed -- I have truly found many beloved products through them. I must admit, when I first got this sample, I stupidly used half of the tube on my hair and didn't touch it again for months. A true waste, because this stuff is liquid gold to me. The Olie Biologique website describes this oil blend as

Hydrating, healing, wrinkle smoothing and mood lifting. A light, subtly scented blend of powerful organic and essential oils that is excellent for skin [...] Fast-absorbing [and] packed with anti-aging goodness and hydrating properties. Protects against environmental exposure...

The 004 blend is made from 100% natural and pure ingredients -- the only things you'll find in it are 100% USDA Certified Organic Argan and Rosehip Oils, Natural Vitamin E, and Bergamot, Neroli, and Frankincense Oils (check out their product page if you're curious about the individual benefits of each ingredient). It's got a very "natural" smell, which I love and find to be incredibly soothing and relaxing. Mind you, I love the smells of oils. They evoke rich, luxurious, and ornate vibes for me... like I'm some Egyptian princess getting my oil on on the banks of the Nile, chillin' with tons of papyrus and all my scribes (historically accurate information brought to you by my 6th grade history class and an unhealthy addiction to the video game Pharaoh). A hidden camera in my bathroom would catch me frequently opening the bottle throughout the day just to take whiffs of it.. but would also record me going to the bathroom. Which I would never want captured on a hidden camera. Hidden cameras in bathrooms are a terrible image to summon up and an awful way to make a point, my apologies. *shudder* Basically, I like the smell. A lot.

Most importantly, my skin loves this. After soaking in, my skin feels plump and remarkably smooth. I don't want to use tons of harsh chemicals on my skin, even when problematic, so I'm really trying to stay as natural as possible. This oil, combined with a cleansing routine featuring Emma Hardie's glorious cleansing balm, has really improved my skin. It's still not perfect by any means, but it's improved a great deal since integrating those two products into my regimen. I'm jinxing myself right now, but I have no active breakouts at the moment! To boot, this interacts well (I really wanted to write "swimmingly" here to add a little pizazz, but I restrained myself) with any foundation I've worn atop it, even when applied freshly after the 004 and before it had fully soaked in to my skin.

For the low, low price of $56, a 30 ml bottle and some facial happiness can be yours (also for sale at Birchbox)

(can you tell I've been watching JewelTV lately -- guilty pleasure, those salespeople crack me up with their antics)

Skin Care: Facial Oils

How have I basically lived 23 years before discovering the benefits of oils in my hair and on my skin?

Well, oily and frizzy.. that's how.

The grouping of the word "oil" with skin or hair generally carries a negative connotation (think: greasy), but I've been experimenting with all sorts of hair oils in the past year with amazing results. After success with taming my lion's mane, I began dabbling into the world of facial oils during a period of volcanic skin and have been pleasantly surprised with the results as well. My skin has been rather tumultuous in the recent months, for reasons unknown but often speculated. Perhaps it's a detoxification due to my improved diet and daily green juice? Perhaps my hormones are a whack? Perhaps I touch my skin too much? Or maybe all my makeup testing is pissing my chin off? Who knows.

I've always thought the last thing my oily skin needed was MORE oil, but alas... not the case. OIL. ME. UP... but not in that two girls in a bikini and kiddie pool ready to wrestle while creepy frat-ish guys film it it on their iPhones kind of way. Natural oils (NOT mineral oil!) actually nourish skin and can help curb oil production. And while the jury is still out in the long run, adding facial oils to my morning and evening skin care routine may just be my saving grace? I can't say they are saving my chin situation just yet (I honestly think that needs to be credited to the Candida Cleanse I've been doing for the past few weeks -- more to come on that later), but the rest of my skin is looking more radiant and feels amazing!

I've started using the tiniest bit (just a drop or two) of Dr. Hauschka's Normalizing Day Oil ($42.95 for 1 fl oz) before my morning moisturizer and I really love the feeling of it has on my skin. It leaves my face feeling plump and baby soft after soaking in, something I was definitely lacking before -- perhaps my skin is oily AND dehydrated?? I caution you against over application because I found it does take a hot minute to sink in (par for the course with any oil, really). According to their site, the Normalizing Day Oil contains "Plant extracts [which] blend with plant oils to balance excessive oiliness, diminish the appearance of pores and visibly reduce blemishes. Provides protective, fortifying benefits to mature skin." It has a lot of negative reviews on MakeupAlley, which surprised me, so do your research before you explore this oil (go get a sample at Whole Foods!). Jury is still out whether this is my permanent day oil.

Since I use the Dr. Hauschka during the day, I use my Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil ($14.00 for .5 fl oz) during my evening skin care routine. According to their site, "this legendary, lightweight oil, grown organically in Morocco, is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Use it as a fast absorbing daily moisturizer, or to heal and condition everything from cuticles to split ends." It's not a night oil specifically, I just use it then -- feel free to use it anytime (and anywhere on your body!). My words ain't scripture, y'all. I don't use it every single night, as there are nights when I do different AHA or BHA treatments to my skin, but I really, really love this oil. Pretty much a ditto on everything I said about the Dr. H oil -- this leaves my face feeling soft, plump, and hydrated. Without a doubt, this is the best 100-point perk I've received from Sephora!

Are you a recent disciple to the Church of Oil? Tell me your favorites in the comments!