For those seeking a lighter, less-slick solution, mist June Jacobs’s formula of orchid extracts, peach and apricot oils, and vitamin E onto skin. The hydrating dry oil massages in quickly, leaving skin velvety smooth.
Available at junejacobs.com, $45.
Before you even think about kissing, hydrate your parched pucker. Josie Maran’s argan oil formula prevents chapping and gives lips a glossy finish.
Available at josiemarancosmetics.com, $16.
Market director Danielle Bufalini has nothing but glowing praise for Nude’s ProGenius, as she saw nothing but glowing results. “Full of omega oils (3, 6, 7, and 9), it left my skin instantly satiated and provided a smooth base for makeup application.”
Available at nudeskincare.com, $78.
You can never predict when someone’s going to want to hug it out. Make sure they don’t get a face full of funk with a light spritz or three of floral-scented oil. Unlike most dry shampoos, it gives strands a moisture boost to go with the refresh, plus the pearls are fun to shake and mix.
Available at shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com, $68.
Nourishing camellia and rice bran oils in Tatcha’s cleansing formula wash away dirt and makeup on sensitive faces without irritating or stripping skin.
Available at tatcha.com, $48.
Lackluster winter skin gets a summery pick-me-up from the potent but light formula that smells like fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Available at timetospa.com, $63.50.
Delicate situations call for delicate measures. NYC-based herbalist and aesthetician Vered Back’s oil gently rolls onto the sensitive under-eye area, treating wrinkles and dryness without harsh chemicals.
Available at veredbotanicals.com, $68.
The smell of the chia oil reminded associate editor Emily Warman of summers spent making hemp bracelets. It also works: Just two to three drops covers your entire face, absorbs quickly, and protects against winter wind.
Available at oneloveorganics.com, $49.
Before we lose you, please read: Adding this oil to your hair does not make for oily hair. Smooth Hair Dresser’s Invisible Oil onto dry hair or work it into damp hair and blow-dry — or don’t. Either way, you’ll be spared frizz and the weighted down look that similar products cause.
Available at bumbleandbumble.com, $38.
AmorePacific’s multitasking oil faces off against dry skin — and wins. Two to three drops of the concentrated — but pricey — green tea seed treatment renewed our wintry complexion and smoothed fine lines, leaving skin soft and moisturized.
Available at us.amorepacific.com, $195.
“All the soft-smelling (and magically bug-repelling) goodness I remember from childhood minus the greasy residue,” Everywhere editor Tiffany Davis says.
Available at shop.avon.com, $4.
Oil newbie marula doesn’t just hydrate in a major way (though it does that, too, thanks to a high level of antioxidants and omega acids), it also protects against aging, reduces redness, heals scars, and improves elasticity.
Available at shop.marula.com, $78.
“I have dark skin and am prone to shiny keloids (not pretty). Add the fact that I am clumsy, and I’m a recipe for disaster,” editor Stephanie Almazan says. “After just a week of applying the oil to my scarred knuckles, I saw marks softening and fading. Plus, it’s moisturizing, smells great, and is nongreasy.”
Available at drugstore.com, $17.
What better way to take wintry skin to a better place than with a hydrating Hawaiian nut-based oil. We like to rub it in after showering and later catch a whiff of the cucumber lily scent when the cold wind blows.
Available at ricabody.com, $32.
A splurge? Yes. But that’s the price you pay for an ancient recipe blended by monks that smooths lines and plumps skin as soon as you start using it. Plus, just two drops serves the entire targeted area.
Available at fresh.com, $260.
“I usually steer clear of oily makeup removers, since they’re guaranteed to make my eyes burn,” production coordinator Jillian says. “But this gel-like oil took off liquid eyeliner and waterproof mascara in one sweep and left my skin feeling softer.”
Available at vapourbeauty.com, $32.
Minor cut or annoying zit? Turn to nature’s medicine chest and dab antiseptic tea tree oil on it. According to Web editor Steven Casale, “This pure oil is powerful stuff. I always dilute it with three parts jojoba or argan oil before application.”
Available at jason-natural.com, $10.
Just one pump on the ends of hair saves strands from daily blow-drying while adding a nongreasy sheen and prolonging the time between cuts by at least a couple of weeks.
Available at woodleyandbunny.com, $45.
The rich oil combination (açai, argan, grape-seed, and lavender, to name a few) was just what the doctor ordered. A few drops added to our regular moisturizer revitalized our dehydrated winter skin.
Available at bergdorfgoodman.com, $175.
Nothing is worse than a pimple brewing right in the center of your forehead. This tiny bottle of strong yet soothing essential oils quickly gets a crisis under control — and it smells lovely, too.
Available at osmiaorganics.com, $20.
We try to stay away from things that prick our lips (like collagen). But the Big Red-flavored gloss warmed, plumped, and tinted our pout without being a pain.
Available at sephora.com, $22.
“There’s just enough shimmer to draw attention to sexy spots without making you look like a 13-year-old experimenting at a beauty counter,” advertising and commerce editor Larkin Clark says. Plus, the camellia-infused scent screams Lady Mary. I’d bathe in it if I could.”
Available at us.nuxe.com, $58.
Web editor Jennifer Jackson hates to go 24 hours without washing her fine, grease-prone hair. So she was surprised that adding a low-foam oil to her routine helped her skip the suds at least once a week.
Available at barneys.com, $28.
Senior editor Lauren Lumsden was skeptical about using a face oil (thinking it’d make her shiny), but now she’s a believer. “It smells great, absorbs quickly, and feels awesome when I mix it with my moisturizer,” she says. “And I’ve used up half the bottle in two weeks.”
Available at aromatherapyassociates.com, $75.
The miraculous cuticle oil is deeply moisturizing yet doesn’t leave behind an oily residue. It even discouraged regular cuticle picker and Web intern Kathryn Shofer from her bad habit.
For salon locations, go to cnd.com. Cost is $11.
A single drop of the lightweight serum adds a glossy finish to superfine strands, without the risk of channeling Danny Zuko. Bonus points for the sweet floral scent.
Available at kerastase-usa.com, $54.
The oil’s blend of basil, rosemary, marjoram, ylang-ylang, and citrus is a kick in the olfactory pants. Slather it on after your morning shower to wake up your senses and clear your head. It gives you a buzz, so skip it before bed.
Available at elementalherbologyus.com, $30.
“Grease on grease is gross,” copy editor DeAnna Janes says. “But this mist sinks right in, adds a shimmer, and isn’t oily at all. Plus, it smells fantastic. I found it worked best on my neck, chest, and legs.”
Available at carolsdaughter.com, $21.
Production assistant Hanna Lee smoothed a dollop of berry-based dry oil on her hair before blow-drying and couldn’t stop touching her silky, straight strands for the rest of the day.
For salon locations, go to brazilianblowout.com. Cost is $26.
“The avocado, grape-seed, and sesame oils absorbed surprisingly fast, and the subtle clove scent perked up my dreary winter morning shower routine,” Everywhere editor Tiffany Davis says.
Available at swbasicsofbk.com, $12-$36.
Lemon, pepper, cypress, and angelica essential oils provide an aromatherapy punch that combats muscle soreness and the general sense that maybe two yoga classes in one day wasn’t such a great idea.
Available at decleorusa.com, $70.
Crusty nubs? Rub in a few spritzes of the lemon-scented oil toe to heel, pull on some socks (don’t worry about residue; there isn’t any), and let the magic happen. With just one use, you’ll feel a difference.
Available at us.spacenk.com, $33.
Comments