There’s plenty of beauty myths surrounding the use of oils on the skin that have often made people cautious of trying some of the body and facial oils cropping up in the beauty market recently. At Glasshouse, we’re long-standing advocates of beauty oils – favouring their gentle, hypoallergenic qualities and utilising them as an alternative to traditional cleansers and moisturisers.
For many, the idea of applying oil to already oily skin is one that often can deter. However we believe that the right oil can respond to your skin’s individual needs, and luckily there’s lots to choose from.
Their uniqueness lies in the fact that beauty oils don’t contain any water. This means bacteria can’t grow in the solution and so the need for preservatives (which are contained in most skincare products) is completely eradicated. Instead, these oils are packed full of super skin food ingredients ranging from soothing rosehip to exotic buriti oil.
Our latest skincare saviour comes in the form of cold centre pressed coconut oil which features a lot in RMA products. Extracted from raw, virgin coconuts without the use of heat, the rich nutrients of coconut oil are preserved, maintaining their incredible healing qualities. This forms the base of many of the products in the RMS Beauty range, a line of natural-based make-up and skincare which you may have heard us rave about before.
One of our hero products is the RMS Raw Coconut Cream which when used as an antibacterial cleanser removes dirt and oil from the skin without irritation or harsh chemicals. Simply use with warm water and a cotton or bamboo cloth for gentle exfoliation and a great end-of-the-day solution to deeply combating daily build-up and city pollution on the skin.
At Glasshouse, we have three particular oils that we can’t recommend more – each offering a whole host of natural ingredients and a tailored solution to your skin type.
First up…
Golden Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Mosqueta (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Herbs Infused in Golden Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil: Hypericum Perforatum (St. John’s Wort), Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail), Calendula Officinalis (Marigold), Hemidesmus Indicus (Country Sarsaparilla), Curcuma Longa (Turmeric), Withania Somnifara (Ashwagandha),Glycyrrhiza Glabia (Licorice), Olea Europaea (Olive Leaf), Buriti (Mauritia Flexuosa) Oil, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (non-GMO), Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) Extract.
A cult make-up bag staple containing jojoba seed oil and turmeric which are jam-packed with natural antioxidants and enzymes. Anti-microbial and anti-fungal, this oil is a good choice for acne-prone skin. However, the rosehip oil contained in the product is high in fatty-acids, which has proven to help aid eczema and dermatitis – as well as being anti-ageing. It also features buriti oil which has been found to filter and absorb UV rays.
This super light, golden-coloured blend contains no essential oils (which can dehydrate skin in the long-term) and instead has a completely natural, vanilla-y scent. It sinks easily into the skin, banishing any pre-conceptions of beauty oils being heavy and sitting on the skin.
And second is . . .
Sans (ceuticals) Activator 7 Body + Hair + Face Oil 250ml, £34.95
Olea Europea (Olive) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Limanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitat (Baobab) Seed Oil, Parfum, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol Acetate.
If you’re looking for a multi-use product that can be used from head-to-toe, then this may do the trick. This solution couldn’t be higher in vitamin A, which is great for boosting skin thickness and stimulating cell repair. The vitamin E in it is ideal for anyone with sun-damaged skin, scarring or stretch marks. Plus we adore it’s compelling nutty scent and sleek, minimalist packaging.
Along with lots of vitamins, the exotic baobab oil nourishes the skin and gives it a glow. For dry hair, try massaging a couple of drops through the ends after washing for a smooth hair serum.
Finally our most recent discovery . . .
Guy Morgan Apothecary’s Black Thorn Oil 30ml, £30
Organic Wild Rosehip Oil (Rosa Moschata), Organic Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis), Organic Blackthorn Extract (Prunus Spinosa), Organic Raspberry Seed Oil (Rubus Idaeus), Organic Wild Carrot Seed Oil (Daucus Carota L.)
Meticulously made in small batches up the road from us in Clapton, Guy’s cleverly crafted oil is perfect for eliminating dullness and treating fine lines. It contains a powerful blend of blackthorn extract, red raspberry seed oil, rosehip oil, jojoba seed oil and organic wild carrot seed oil.
Red raspberry seed oil has recently been found to have natural UV protection qualities, so this formula is an ideal choice for anyone looking for sun protection. The beautifully simple packaging and handmade box is neutral enough to appeal to both genders and still look extra-special on the bathroom shelf!
As you can tell, here at Glasshouse we can’t recommend beauty oils enough – it’s all about choosing the right one to suit your skin. They’re packed full of naturally beneficial ingredients that encourage long-term skin health – and who can argue with that?
All these oils are available to buy in the salon or on our online shop, where you can find out more details about each product and how to use them. We hope you’re as converted as we are!
