SUMMER BEAUTY: NOURISH SKIN WITH BODY OILS

Want soft, supple skin? A great way to get concentrated, healthy nutrients right into your skin is with the use of a body oil. 

Most people tend to shy away from body oils because they think they’ll suffer from breakouts. But within the past year, body oils have made a huge comeback in beauty for their ability to make skin feel softer and healthier. Contrary to popular belief, most oil-based moisturizers dry quickly once applied to the skin. They also have other beneficial factors that creams simply cannot deliver including healing skin imperfections, diminishing stretch marks and loss of elasticity.

These products not only dry quickly once applied, but they’re also multifunctional and can be used on nails and hair. With so many on the market, we chose the top oils that include three powerful ingredients: Monoi, Argan and Almond.

Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil, $42. Argan oil is gaining popularity as a “miracle ingredient.” It has extremely high levels of Vitamin E and 80% fatty acids, which make it perfect hair, nails and skin. Its effects also help nourish the skin against premature aging symptoms like wrinkles and helps to diminish skin imperfections like scars. The test: This is the fastest absorbing oil, and my favourite. It has a barely-there fragrance and keeps skin feeling moisturized for days. It’s great for on-the-go gals who don’t have minutes to waste between shower and dress.

L’Occitane En Provence Almond Supple Skin Oil, $52.   Almond oil is loaded with vitamins and minerals that are good for your body’s surface as well as internally. Vitamin E is the most prevalent vitamin found in almond oil, and it also contains rich amounts of calcium and magnesium. It also works to protect the skin’s support tissue and fight against loss of elasticity. Almond oil can also smooth the cuticle of your hair, which will give it a healthy shine and prevent breaking, frizziness, and flyaways.  The test: light, subtle almond fragrance that seeps into skin within minutes. Glides on easily without feeling greasy. Skin feels soft and smooth.

The Body Shop Spa Wisdom Polynesia Monoi Miracle Oil, $20. This product contains certified Monoi oil from Polynesia. Monoi de Tahiti oil has been scientifically tested and proven to moisturize, protect and condition the skin. True Tahitian monoi oil are also made with gardenia flowers and coconut oil. Monoi oil can be used as a pre-shampoo hair treatment to deep condition and protect hair from environmental factors. The test: Upon application, oil soaks right into the skin and dries quickly. The gardenia scent is very strong, but it does not linger.

Kibio Velvet Skin Nourishing Body Oil, $38. A precious cocktail of organics oils and key plant extracts, including Tournesol, Jojoba, Cacao and avocado and coconut oils. Organic sunflower and jojoba oils are rich in essential fatty acids. They nourish the skin deep down and help revitalize tissues. Organic avocado and coconut oils help restore the skin’s lipidbased barrier. Organic sweet almond oil soothes and softens; it is a natural ally of dry, delicate skin. This oil not only delivers nutrients to the skin, but also helps promote elasticity therefore firming up the skin. The test: Goes on smooth, but it takes a few minutes to dry. It does have a floral-plant scent that does not linger for long. Hours later, skin remains hydrated and soft.

Nuxe Paris Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Use Dry Oil, $45. Ninety-eight per cent of the ingredients in this Dry Oil are of natural origin, and nourish, repair and soften your face, body and hair. Including six precious oils (Borage, St. John’s Wort, Sweet Almond, Camellia, Hazelnet Hazelnut and Macadamia) and Vitamin E, this skin will be soft and silky while your hair will be left with amazing softness and shine. The test: Goes on easy with a spray form bottle making it easy to distribute the oil. Although skin feels soft, this oil does take a while to absorb. If you put on a light spritz on the body, and rub in gently, wait a few minutes, the wait period will be worth it. Skin is nourished all-day long.

—Toni-Marie Ippolito