Wednesday, October 23, 2013

African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil: A Deliriously Happy Review!

Press Sample (Affiliated Link)
African Botanics is my very favorite new company, and one that I am excited to introduce you to. This Los Angeles based company was founded in 2012 by Craig and Julia Noik, but their "South African roots and passion for the land" inspired them to create a wellness line of beauty products that  captures "the exceptional beauty and pure floral wealth of Southern Africa."

Southern Africa is filled with exceptional treasures of numerous powerful botanicals and minerals. African Botanics uses a variety of sustainable, indigenous plants and natural resources in their unique range. Formulated with an exclusive combination of entirely organic, cold pressed - Wild Grown African Marula Oil, as well as African Green Rooibos Tea Extract, Grape Seed Oil, Pure African Muti Mud, Baobab Oil, Cape Camomile, Shea Butter, Helichrysum and some others, found mostly in the Western Cape’s Fynbos [Fine Bush] region, the smallest and most ecologically diverse plant kingdom in the world. All specially selected for their high antioxidant content, powerful healing attributes and skin regenerating abilities. The therapeutic and nourishing qualities of these fascinating plants have led to Fynbos being used for generations in native tribal beauty rituals. The entire range is based on natural ingredients.

Not only does African Botanics create products of the very highest quality, but they also focus on sustainably sourced plant extracts and essential oils.

Our wild-harvested plant extracts and essential oils are sustainably sourced from remote, untouched regions, blended to create products that care holistically for your body and mind. We support the responsible harvesting and production of all our raw materials from the most reputable suppliers, working with projects that regenerate the environment and local communities in South Africa.
All products are made in South Africa with a distinct focus on craftsmanship, luxury and quality.

Neroli Infused Marula Oil is a lovely fast absorbing and deeply nourishing lightweight oil that smells divine, and imparts an unbelievable healthy glow (you really do have to experience it to believe the results).

According to African Botanics,

Neroli infused Marula Oil is a natural, cold pressed, light textured facial oil blend that is easily absorbed into skin. Rich in vitamins C + E & natural antioxidants that help cells renew & resist damage. High in essential fatty acids (Omega 9 oleic & Omega 6 linoleic) that deeply hydrate skin & reduce redness while protecting against the elements. This impeccable facial anti-aging oil infused with essence of Neroli, penetrates deeply for soft, supple & radiant skin. pH balanced & non-comedogenic.

Unique Properties: "Perfect as a daily moisturizer on all skin types including combination to oily skin. Rejuvenating & nourishing treatment for re-conditioning your skin after snow, wind or sun exposure. Ideal for dry, dehydrated, sensitive, sun damaged skin, eczema, stretchmarks & scars. Great when traveling because it sweeps away the signs of jet lag. Preservative + chemical free."
Marula fruit and seeds
Skin Benefits of Marula Oil: "Marula Oil is extremely rich in important naturally occurring anti-oxidants including, Vitamin C, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Tocotrienol, phenolic compounds, essential amino acids and flavonoids that help cells renew and resist damaging effects of the environment. With regular use, Marula Oil delivers advanced protection against premature skin aging – neutralizing free radicals, helping build collagen, and providing antioxidant protection." 
The Marula Belt in the North East part of South Africa. Very close to Kruger National Park.
Marula Oil has been shown to:
-Intensely boosts skin's ability to repair, accelerating recovery.
-Neutralizes free radicals that cause signs of aging.
-Protects skin from harmful environmental agents & provides powerful anti-oxidant protection.
-Restores skin elasticity, firmness & improves skin tone.
-Ideal treatment following facials, provides pre-and-post support for chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
-Excellent moisturizer that can help plump up the skin to reduce & minimize fine lines.
-Rejuvenates and recovers skin’s luminosity, radiance and suppleness.
-Soothes irritation.
-Anti-pollution, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging benefits.
-Marula Oil is rich in essential fatty acids Omega 9 – oleic at 60-70% concentrations and Omega 6 – linoleic that deeply hydrate and reduce redness while nourishing, healing, moisturizing and improving skin elasticity.
-Marula Oil is pH balanced, non-comedogenic and has anti-microbial properties which can help heal acne blemishes and scarring. It is appropriate for all skin types.
-Completely free of parabens, artificial fragrance, silicone, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances or any other chemical ingredient.
Benefits of Neroli Oil: "The deeply floral essence of Neroli Oil is steam distilled from freshly hand-picked organic orange blossoms. Produced by small growing co-ops in Tunisia, North Africa. Stimulates cell growth & produces noticeable rejuvenating results on all skin types. Assists in cellular repair, smoothing out wrinkles & promoting a luminous & radiant complexion. The effects of Neroli oil on emotional well-being can be compared to the nourishing, soothing, and revitalizing effects of Mediterranean sunshine. Carefully infused to aide in relaxation, stimulation, promote endorphins, clarity and self-healing."

Essential oil of Neroli has been shown to:
-Regenerates skin cells. Improves suppleness.
-Protects against free radicals & environmental stresses.
-Powerful antioxidants that fill cells with water & nourishment, prolonging their life & vitality.
-Strengthens the skins flora.
-High in Vitamin C – essential for the production of Collagen.
-Stimulates circulation, clears blemishes. Assists in the release of toxins.

This gorgeous oil-based serum addresses the following skin concerns and conditions:
-Dull, dry, dehydrated aging skin, under-nourished skin, and skin stressed by frequent traveling.
-Damaged, stressed skin after UV exposure (and other environmental assaults such as: exposure to snow and wind) as well as aging, acne scars, pollution, lifestyle.
-Lack of elasticity and firmness
-Loss of youthful glow
-Lines and wrinkles and uneven texture
-Deeply nourishes and dehydration
-Sensitive skin
-Scars and stretchmarks

My experience: My beloved friends Sheri and Tanya from SpaceNK first introduced me to African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula oil when I was visiting them one afternoon. They both are well aware of my deep and abiding love of luxury face oils, and both told me that this was categorically one of the very very best oils on the market. This was no sales pitch, but instead two beauty insiders telling their oil-obsessed friend about one of the very best oils that they had discovered. When two people who I know, adore and respect tell me that I have to try something-- I know that I have to try it. With their glowing and effusive endorsements of not only the face oil, but of the company and founders-- I knew that I was going to love not only the Marula oil, but the whole line. The moment that I tried the Neroli Infused Marula on the back of my hand, I knew that they had, if anything, understated just how amazing the oil truly is. Once I had been using it for a while and told Sheri and Tanya that I was blown away by this luxury oil, and they both said "we told you it was amazing!" They weren't kidding, I mean they really weren't kidding!

There is something magical about Neroli Infused Marula Oil from the feather light texture to the sweet and understated smell of the Neroli. It is a thin potent oil that immediately sinks in and gets right to work. When I told Julia Noik that I was shocked by the efficacy of her Neroli Infused Marula oil, and that it was one of the most amazing oils that I had tried- she said,  "Marula Oil is lightweight and quick-absorbing, but at the time is very nourishing, thanks to the Omega 9 content of the oil (70% - 80%). It is the fastest way to deliver essential nutrients and vitamins to the skin."

As with all luxury oils, I apply African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil to warm and damp freshly cleansed skin. The added slip from the water facilitates quick absorption followed my an immediate radiance and glow. Every single time that I apply this lovely oil (which is quite often) I note that my skin reveals a newfound clarity and evenness of tone. There is an unmistakable luminosity that is so obvious and pronounced that I have been receiving so many comments about how beautiful, clear and glowing my skin is- followed by "what are you using, and did you get a peel or something- your skin is gorgeous!" I must clarify that these comments preceded my recent Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Peel (read about it here). The post-peel comments about my skin were even more effusive! Following my peel, I only used this oil, and it really worked wonders!

After using African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil exclusively day and night for about a month, and without hesitation I can tell you that it is one of my all-time favorite oils. It has kept my skin perfectly balanced, deeply nourished and moisturized, and with an unbelievable luminosity and clarity. It is so nourishing and moisturizing, in fact, that I have been able to forgo an added moisturizing cream at night. I have even used this as my sole moisturizer during the day and my skin looked and felt amazing. I have even been adding a few drops to my foundations and tinted moisturizers and it most definitely enhances their effects.

I have even tried this in lieu of an eye cream and it does an amazing job! However I just discovered that African Botanics makes an eye serum called Marula Botanical Eye Serum that I really must try. Eye oils are a nearly untapped market, and if anyone can do it right- it will be African Botanics!

Bottom line: This is an amazing luxury face oil!

Directions: "Apply to clean, moist skin where needed: face, neck and décolleté. Gently massage in upward circular motions. Stimulating these areas will increase circulation and allow deep penetration of active ingredients. Recommended: 1-2 pumps for combo to oily skin, 2-4 pumps for dry to mature skin."

Some Extra Tips: "Great under make-up for a fresh look at any time, or as a nourishing overnight treatment. A few drops of Neroli Infused Marula Oil mixed with sunscreen, foundation or tinted moisturizer will illuminate the skin.Rejuvenating & nourishing treatment for re-conditioning your skin after snow, wind, sun exposure and following laser / cosmetic treatments.Can be used under your regular night cream/serum and eye cream as it will provide optimum hydration.Use it on hair to restore shine and relieve frizz.Use on hands to treat everyday dryness."

Full List of Ingredients: Sclerocarya birrea (Marula Essential Oil), Citrus aurantium (Neroli Essential Oil). That's it!
Overall assessment: Truly the nectar of the gods. I am so transfixed by this luxury oil that I can hardly wait to further investigate more of their products! Furthermore, the price is amazing-- particularly since most luxury oils only provide a single ounce of product and are often far more expensive. This is a must-have for the luxury oil enthusiast! Expect to hear much more about this company and their products from me-- this is just the tip of the iceberg! I am in love, and I suspect that you will be too!

63 ml / 2.14 fl oz for $85.00 from African Botanicals and SpaceNK. (Affiliate link)
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. All photographs taken by me except those provided to me by African Botanics.

Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

46 comments:

  1. I do not usually use oil on my face because I have acne prone skin and I am scared it will make me break out -_-

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    1. Hi Ebony! This beautiful is formulated for all skin types-- you might see if you can get a little sample from SpaceNK if you have a store nearby. You could patch test in in a small area to see whether you break out. If you don't, then you will be amazed by the benefits from this amazing oil!! :-)

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  2. I concur! I love Marula oil. It is just pure good oiliness. My skin feels so much better, almost healed, after using this luxurious oil. Right now, due to life's vicissitudes, my skin is a mess and Marula is doing a great job in restoring the lost glow (if I ever had one).
    xxxxxxxxxx

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    1. It really is san amazing oil- so nourishing, healing, comforting and luxurious! I'm glad that it is helping get your skin get back on track-- stress and change have a way of making the skin hyper-reactive, dull, blemished etc. I hope that you can carve out some time each day to pamper yourself-- it will go a long way to restoring some happy in the midst of life's often unavoidable vicissitudes! xoxox

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  3. This oil sounds very interesting! I wonder if it is possible to order a sample from SpaceNK (I don't live in a country where this oil is sold)? I'd like to try it out before ordering. Have you tried also the Pure Marula Oil? Cheers Linda

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    1. Hi Linda! I have no idea whether or not SpaceNK ever sends out samples. I know that you can request samples in-store, but I don't know whether they extend samples via mail orders. If you live in Europe, they do stock the item on the UK SpaceNK website-- and you could always call their customer service number to see if this is possible.

      http://uk.spacenk.com/neroli-infused-marula-oil/MUK200009723.html?prefn1=brand&start=2&cgid=BRANDS&prefv1=AFRICAN%20BOTANICS

      I have a sample of their Pure Marula Oil, but have only used it on my face once so far. It is quite lovely, and I plan to try it soon. I am just so smitten with the Neroli Infused Marula Oil that I am having a hard time getting myself to use anything else right now! Keep me posted on what you end up doing! :-)

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  4. I love the packaging, and it sounds so awesome. I need to try this out!

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    1. Hi Sandy! I love the packaging as well-- but it's what's inside this gorgeous bottle thatwon my heart! LEt me know what you think of it if you end up trying it!

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  5. Hi Lola,

    How would you compare this to Sunday Riley Juno or other oils that you have reviewed before?

    Thanks!

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    1. Hi Den!! I hope that you have been well- it has been a while since we have "spoken." This is a truly remarkable oil-- it is so feather-light and simultaneously unbelievably nourishing. It sinks in so fast and imparts an immediate luminous glow. It is so much lighter than Juno and sinks in so much faster. I also find that it leaves my skin more deeply moisturizes and with a deeper glow. I prefer the texture of the Neroli Infused Marula Oil. It also has an amazing scent from the Neroli, but it's not distracting. It is among my lightest oils- yet it is a very powerful and potent contender. I have been reaching for it every day (at least once a day) since I started using it. Let me know if you have more questions, and I would love to know your thoughts if you end up trying it. :-)

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    2. Thanks, Lola! As you know, I value your opinion on all things skin related. I will have to try it...it sounds amazing. Also, at this price point, it's a no brainer and since I have just run out of Juno, its perfect timing to pick up this oil.

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    3. My pleasure, Den!! Not only is the price a no-brainer, but you get more than double the amount than most beauty oils. Perfect time to run out of Juno! I think that you will be delighted by just how lovely this oil is!! If you go into one of our local SpaceNK stores- take a look at their other products to get a feel for the company-- I think that you will be as excited and smitten as I am!! Let me know what you think of it if you end up getting it! :-)

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  6. HI.. Recently, I heard about African botanics marula oil.. I wonder what's the difference between infused marula oil and pure marula oil. My skin type is combination skin with some troubles.. Actually I've heard about Pure oil.. but you recommend infused oil.. which one is the better? I'm in forties, and I want to buy this for softening wrinkles and skin elasticity

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    1. Hi Gina, I also have combination skin. What do you mean by "some troubles"- are you acne prone? The difference between the two oils is literally just a single ingredient. The Pure Marula Oil is just Marula Oil- and the Neroli Infused Marula has just those two ingredients. Refer to the African Botanics website:

      Pure Marula Oil Ingredients:
      http://www.africanbotanics.com/pure-marula-oil-1/#ingredients

      Neroli Infused Marula Oil:

      http://www.africanbotanics.com/neroli-infused-marula-oil/#ingredients

      The primary ingredient in the Neroli Infused Marula Oil is Marula Oil with an infusion of Neroli Oil. If you refer back to my post above I have listed all of the benefits associated with each of the two oils- so the Pure Marula Oil lacks the benefits associated with Neroli Oil.

      I have a full bottle of the Neroli Infused Marula, and a dedluxe sample of the Pure Marula Oil. I have only used the Pure Marula once- and plan to start using it soon to really see how it differs. It is just premature for me to review it since I haven't begun to use it. I can only speak about their Neroli Infused version because I have been using it religiously, and love it madly! Therefore I can't say which is better. I suspect that after I have used the Pure Marula that it won't be an issue of which one is better, but more an issue of how they may differ. The Neroli infused definitely has made my skin unbelievably soft and supple!

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  7. HI.. Recently, I heard about African botanics marula oil.. I wonder what's the difference between infused marula oil and pure marula oil. My skin type is combination skin with some troubles.. Actually I've heard about Pure oil.. but you recommend infused oil.. which one is the better? I'm in forties, and I want to buy this for softening wrinkles and skin elasticity

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    1. Hi again, Gina- If you live anywhere near a SpaceNK- you might ask if they have samples of both so that you can see which one that you prefer. :-)

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  8. HI.. Recently, I heard about African botanics marula oil.. I wonder what's the difference between infused marula oil and pure marula oil. My skin type is combination skin with some troubles.. Actually I've heard about Pure oil.. but you recommend infused oil.. which one is the better? I'm in forties, and I want to buy this for softening wrinkles and skin elasticity

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    1. This oil will definitely soften the skin and in so doing will definitely diminish the appearance of lines. I think that you will be quite impressed by this lovely oil!

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  9. Hi Helen,
    Wow, you've got me excited about this! I would love to try this out as well as some of their products for the body sound divine! I almost was going to buy the marula oil on Sephora, but glad I didn't- this sounds way better! Thanks for your review :)
    x Naomi

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    1. Hi Naomi!! This is an AMAZING new company, and this oil is truly spectacular!! I'm so glad that you didn't purchase another Marula Oil before trying this one-- I am pretty sure that you will really love this one!!!! Please keep me posted-- I would love to hear what you think about it! I am thoroughly smitten! xoxo

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  10. Oh, my, now I want to try it too! I have to stop reading your blog! LOL. How do you compare this to Organic Pharmacy and Ladi? I now have both (thanks to your recommendation :D) I am almost done with the Ladi so should I replace it with this? It sounds so good.
    Veronica

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    1. Hi Veronica! This is well worth trying-- especially since you are almost out of your Ladi. First I have to say that I remain in love with both The Organic Pharmacy and Ladi oils, and I have no intention of giving them up. That said, after using the African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula I can tell you that I plan to always have a bottle of this in my core collection. It is lighter than the other two oils-- so it sinks in effortlessly and very quickly. Like The Organic Pharmacy serum, it also gives an amazingly immediate glow and clarity to the skin- more so than with our beloved Ladi. If it is your objective to have 2 oils in rotation- then I would try this one before replacing Ladi-- then decide which one you prefer. If you don't mind having several oils going at the same time-- then this will be an amazing addition to your collection. It is a really really really lovely oil!! I am thoroughly smitten with this beautiful treasure! Please let me know if you have more questions! :-)

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    2. Thanks Helen!
      I actually have 4 oils in my collection right now - The Organic Pharmacy, Ladi, Juno and Lasso Oilo. I have been mainly using the Organic Pharmacy in the morning and the Ladi at night. I carry a small bottle of the other 2 oils with me to reapply during the day if I feel the need. I want to finish them because I like the other two oils better but don't want to waste these oils either.

      Veronica

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    3. Absolutely my pleasure, Veronica! A nice selection, indeed! I often use The Organic Pharmacy in the day and Ladi at night as well. I do switch it up quite a bit though since I have so many oils in my collection at this point. I don't blame you for wanting to finish up the other two before getting more. I always use mine up to the last drop as well! THey are far too expensive to waste! :-)

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  11. Does this smell like Rehydrating Neroli Water by Kerstin Florian? I am madly in love with that!

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    1. I don't have the Rehydrating Neroli Water by Kerstin Florian in my stash-- I remember it smelling lovely when I smelled it some time ago, but since I don't have it to compare I can't say. That said, The African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil is intoxicatingly lovely!!! I am MADLY MADLY MADLY in love with it! Have a lovely weekend! :-)

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  12. i love this brand. I picked up their intensive repair balm on the recommendation of two stellar SA's at Space NK, and it has seriously helped my scars and their texture. I have the marula oil to try but i love the scent of the neroli and it is totally on my list!

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    1. Me too, Joyce. I want that intensive repair balm as well. In fact, I want to try everything that they make!!!!!!!! I am so impressed that it has made such a difference in the texture of your scars! The Neroli Infused Marula Oil is simply amazing-- my skin feels and looks beautifully luminous when I use it-- it is definitely a Holy Grail oil for me! :-)

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  13. You must try the Intense Skin Repair body balm..amazing..clears irritations up so quickly..

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    1. Hi CJB!! Thanks for the recommendation- you and Joyce have convinced me that I have to try this!! I can hardly wait to try it! :-)

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  14. Hi Lola. I purchased this oil based on your review and I have to say, it's wonderful. It has done all kinds of amazing things for my skin, including minimizing the appearance of my pores. For me, that alone was worth the price. I have large pores and a lot of them on my nose. It is a daily battle to keep them clear and don't even get me started on applying makeup! After a week of using this, I looked in my lighted magnification makeup mirror and was stunned at how much less visible my pores are. This has become my nightly product. No matter what else I'm using, I finish up with this. The only area I have to disagree with you is on the "smells amazing" comment. I hate the smell of this. To me it smells like gardenias and it literally makes me gag every time I use it. And the smell is strong. The only good thing is it goes away quickly. What a dilemma; I love the effects of the product and I dread putting it on. I've just decided to buck up and deal with it. I mention this because if anybody else out there is considering it, and you hate the smell of gardenia as I do, be prepared!

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    1. Hi Deb,

      I am so thrilled to hear that you love the effects from this magical oil, but I am so sorry to hear that you can't stand the smell! I love the smell so much that I often reapply it just to smell it! I agree that it does go away quickly. I have a sample of their regular Marula Oil, and it seems to have a less pronounced scent (at least to my nose)-- I wonder if that one might smell better to you. Of course the problem with that is that you won't get the benefits associated with the Neroli Oil. I am not in the least bit surprised that it is working so well for you though-- this is definitely one of my very very favorite oils! You raise a good point, however, those who do not like (or cannot handle) the fragrance may have an experience similar to yours. Have a lovely weekend! :-)

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  15. lola! i still love, love, love my sponge ladi avokanto oil that you helped me think through. but as summer heat and humidity start to build up here in st. louis, i am on the hunt for a face oil that i can use during the day that is a little lighter and absorbs that much faster. i am thinking that african botanicals marula-neroli oil might be the one. thoughts?

    are there any others that come right to mind that i should also consider?

    thanks!!!

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    1. Hi Erin! I still love my Ladi Avokanto as well, but yes-- I definitely think that you will find the African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil to be lighter for the warmer weather. It is truly an obsession worthy oil, and one that I am hopelessly in love with. The other two that are on the lighter side that I also love are the By Terry Huile de Rose and the Colbert MD Illumino Oil. I reviewed both here:

      http://www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com/2014/05/by-terry-huile-de-rose-nutri.html

      http://www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com/2014/01/colbert-md-illumino-face-oil.html

      I love all of these oils! That said, African Botanics long ago stole my heart, and their Neroli Infused Marula Oil is one of my all time favorites-- plus you get more than twice the amount of product for a great price compared to the other oils.

      I guess my real question to you would be what do you want out of the new oil that you want to buy beyond a lighter texture for the warmer months?

      <3

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    2. well, for the moment, i am thinking that i will continue to use my ladi for night, but switch to a lighter oil for day. since it is daytime (though i DO use sunscreen everyday) i thought that with the retinols that the colbert md illlumino oil has, perhaps it would be better suited to nighttime usage. as the summer progresses, i might find that i want to use a lighter oil at night as well, and i might try that one at that time.

      i do not need much in the way of lifting/firming at this time in my life (37 years old). when i look for a targeted treatment, i tend to look more for brightening, or preventing/addressing fine lines. of course, the delicious moisture that the face oils provide are essential as well.

      does that bring any other products to mind? i so appreciate your feedback!

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    3. That seems like a sensible approach, Erin. I load up on sunscreen as well, and have used the Colbert MD Illumino both day and night, but do tend to use it most often at night for the very reason that you mention. Illumino is so lightweight and fast absorbing that it frankly acts more like water than an oil, but the results are just amazing as far as I'm concerned.
      It definitely helps with brightening and preventing, and is quite hydrating.

      I also think that you might really like The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Face Firming Serum-- it is a delightful orange scented oil that works miracles on the skin.

      http://www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com/2013/06/the-organic-pharmacy-antioxidant-face.html

      I also remain faithful to the intoxicating Rodin Olio Lusso-- and if you love Jasmine this one will make your heart sing!

      http://www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com/2012/10/rodin-olio-lusso-luxury-face-oil-golden.html

      Another favorite is the Aftelier Rose Face Elixir:

      http://www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com/2013/08/aftelier-perfumes-rose-face-elixir-with.html

      I could go on and an all day about the various oils that I love. I do think that you would be very happy with the African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil as well! There are just so many luscious oils to love!

      Enjoy the rest of your weekend! :-)

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    4. aw! thanks lola! i will add these to my list of future wishes:) slowly i am refining my skin care products. as with most people, my budget is not limitless, so i am trying to be very selective about what i add, with the hopes that i will fully satisfied with each new product. your reviews are so very helpful.

      and actually, that reminds me of a question i have had. i notice that your reviews are overwhelmingly positive. but they also come across as quite genuine and specific (not just the same raves about everything). do you prefer to only post about products that you are really impressed with? i notice that you still try new brands, so it isn't as though you are just sticking with the tried and true lines that you already know and love.

      just curious :)

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    5. My pleasure, Erin! My budget isn't limitless either-- and I definitely think that one doesn't need to waste money on unnecessary purchases. I would only add more products into your routine as needed, and whenever possibly try to get samples (and enough of them) to make reasonably certain that a product actually works for you. I'm so glad that my reviews are helpful to you!! :-)

      My reviews do tend to be largely positive for a number of reasons. When it comes to the products that I purchase I try samples whenever possible to make sure that I like the product enough to buy it, and that it works for my skin (particularly in the case of skincare). I have wasted enough money on ill-suited products, and prefer not to waste my time or money on them. This is another reason you often see so many used samples in my Empties posts, and ore often than not I don't bother to purchase the full sized products. Therefore what I buy generally tends to reflect products that I really love. While I receive a good number of press samples for review, more often than not I am pretty pleased with the products that I try-- largely because I screen them pretty heavily before agreeing to review them. In the cases that I agree to review things that may not be a perfect fit for me, but that I know will benefit my readers-- then I make sure to state that while not intended for my skin type this is a product that will likely work well for the following.... I always do my best to treat each product fairly and as objectively as possible on the one hand, and then discuss how it worked for my skin specifically. I also try to include all of the important claims, data, and ingredients so that the readers can come to their final conclusion as to whether or not it is of any interest to them. I also really love the tactile effects of high quality products-- so I do tend to spend a good deal of time discussing textures, scents, fine milling etc. I don't tend to review too many duds because if I really don't like something I'm generally not willing to use it long enough to be able to give it a thorough enough review. Most of the products that didn't work for me have been those that I purchased myself-- most recently the Armani Maestro Foundation Compact (which was an epic fail for me) and the NARS Creamy Concealer (another total fail for me)-- when it is a fail for me I always am careful not to demonize the product since many others often feel differently than I, but I have to be honest about how it worked (or didn't) for me. I also always state that it could be my particular skin chemistry reacting to a product, or that I may even have an allergy to an ingredient or two.

      I also tend not to review things that I really don't like because I don't want to use things that I don't like. I would rather enjoy and love what I am using than force myself to use something that I can't stand! I simply enjoy the routine of using lovely products too much to spend too much time using things that aren't pleasant to use or aren't effective.

      While I do definitely have a list of brands that I am obsessed with, I love trying new things-- so will always feature new or new-to-me brands. Plus as technologies continue to advance and products become more modern and cutting edge-- it is important to see how these changes change the quality of the products that are available to us.

      I hope that this makes some sense :-) Thanks for reaching out and asking! <3

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  16. I am new to your blog and enjoy it immensely. I do wish there was a search function. I learned of the current Space NK event through your blog and purchased this oil as a qualifier after reading your glowing review. I mentioned to the SA that I'd learned of the event through your blog and she was familiar with it.

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    1. Thank you for finding my blog, cpl100! I am thrilled that you are enjoying it immensely! I actually do have a search function in two places, but clearly I need to move the one that can be moved to make it more visible since it seems to have become lost in the right side bar. I will move it right now toward the top of the right hand column. The fixed search box is at the very top left corner above the header. Let me know if this makes it easier for you! :-) I'm so glad that you decided to try this lovely Neroli Infused Marula Oil. It is a truly remarkable oil! I'm not surprised that your SA had heard of Lola's Secret Beauty Blog-- I love Space NK and feature them frequently! I look forward to getting to know you better! Thank you for taking the time to leave such lovely comments! :-)

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  17. I see them both now. Honestly, never saw that top one though I am sure it must have been there. I don't usually feel like a dummy; but, even seeing it now, it does not seem self-evident that the purpose is to search this site. Thanks!

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    1. You are so very welcome! Thank you for alerting me to the fact that the one in the side bar bad become lost in all of the other stuff! It didn't even occur to me that it was no longer easy to find! The stock one that is part of the blogger template isn't as obvious as it should be because I suspect that nobody really looks at the space above the header! :-)

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  18. I've been using the Neroli infused Marula oil by African Botanics on my 40-something year old oily combination skin for a couple of years now, every morning and night and it has been/is so good to my skin. I love it - pure, natural and luxurious.

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    1. Hi Leslie, I am so thrilled to hear that you love this remarkable luxury beauty oil! African Botanics is one of my very favorite lines of all time!

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  19. I've been using this Neroli infused Marula oil by African Botanics on my 40-something year old oily combination skin for a couple of years now - it is so good to my skin. Pure, natural and luxurious. I love that the ingredient list is short and simple, with no chemicals.

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    1. Yes, I agree with you completely about the short list of healthy ingredients!

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I love reading all of your comments and interacting with you- so please do not hesitate to share your thoughts, and to ask questions. Remember that what you have to say is of interest to all of us! Always feel free to email me directly as well. SPAM and advertising links will not be published.

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