PRODUCT REVIEW | Olie Biologique Rejuvenating Oil

I’ll be the first to admit that I put a lot of crap onto my face.  A lot.  I mean, umm, have you seen me at 5 in the morning pre-make-up routine?!  Yes, exactly. ;) 

I’ve been very lucky that I’ve been blessed with good skin.  I have really good genes to thank for that, because my heavy-handed habits definitely put those genetic gifts to the test.  I mean I used to be that girl who slept with her make-up on.  Ask my university friends.  Yeah, that’s #obsessed.  Now with age, my skin simply doesn’t recover like it used to nor does it look like it used to.  Zits that I, yes, still pick (yet another confession), don’t heal as fast as they once did and leave more noticeable marks.  My skin on most days looks lacklustre…and like I drink too much caffeine and never enough water (which is likely truth, but I’m trying to be better about that ratio).  And then the sunspots.  Let’s not even start about how I can now play a wicked game of connect the dots on my face.  All those years of my Mom telling me to stay out of the sun are rearing its ugly, spotty heads.  Oh the folly of youth!  But hindsight is 20/20 right?

I’m trying to wear less make-up now and improve my overall skin care routine.  Recently, I’ve turned towards organic skincare after months of being intrigued by all the beauty industry buzz on the power of oils…and then like an act of fate, being introduced to it by Mariesette (aka Mars), a friend who I hadn’t seen in 10 years and who still has skin like butter!  Mars is a Naturopathic Doctor Graduate, which essentially means she’s one exam away from being a full-fledged Naturopathic Doctor (go Mars!).  She has the knowledge to back up that good skin and honestly hasn’t aged in those years since I saw her last.  Jealous much?!  Yeah me too.

(The future Dr.) Mars gave me the lowdown on why natural oils work, helping to demystify why natural oils are good for the skin AND explain the science-y part of it all (not exactly my usual forte, as I’m better with the cosmetic side of things but we all know good make-up starts with a good base – which means a good skincare regime is a prerequisite for any make-up routine).  Here’s what Mars had to say:

Since our skin cells are constantly regenerating, oils can help to boost the sebum production in our skin to help protect and retain moisture. By applying natural oils to the face, the essential nutrients are quickly absorbed into the cells below the skin’s surface. They mimic the skin’s natural oil (sebum), thereby balancing out dry/oily skin, and boosting the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin).

Olie Biologique is formulated without any synthetic ingredients, chemical fillers or preservatives – all oils are in their purest form!  They are cold, machine-pressed oils (no added water either, which typically decreases purity and shelf life).

The oils are lightweight and quickly absorbed, which means they do not clog pores nor cause congestion.  Oils are for all skin types, and yes this includes oily skin too!

Ok so that may take a minute to wrap your head around.  Yes, oils.   Seems counter-intuitive right?  To put oils on your face when you want to rid yourself of usually oily skin, etc.  Well turns out your skin needs good oils to combat and balance the bad oils…and all those ‘oil-free’ products we subject our skin to actually do it a disservice.  Oil-free products are typicallly drying and can be harsh on our skin, causing it to overproduce more of the bad oil (sebum) that leads to clogged pores and can cause acne, etc., etc.!

I’ve been using Olie’s Biologique’s Rejuvenating Oil for about two months now and the improvement was noticeable after only a couple of weeks.  The combination of naturally derived oils definitely plumps up my skin, brings back a glow…AND I’ve noticed less acne this month, even around THAT time of the month (knock on wood!), when my chin usually goes into hormonal acne overdrive.

Despite being ‘oil’, the product absorbs well into the skin with a non-greasy finish.  I use about 2-3 drops to cover the entire face, right after washing my face and while my face is damp (the bottle suggests 4 to 5 drops, but I find 2 to 3 are sufficient).  Olie also suggests to use this product 2x a day.  I’ve been using it once a day only – in the morning before make-up – and I’ve noticed the results on my skin already.  It takes about 15 minutes to absorb into skin, so I usually start my coffee and my eye make-up to let it absorb before I apply any foundation / skin make-up products.  I noticed immediate results – my skin looked more supple and bright and after a couple of weeks, friends started noticing an improvement too, resulting in many “what you have been using?!” inquiries.

Olie Biologique’s Rejuvenating Oil is comprised of many ‘good’ oils that are all fast absorbing.  Here are just some of the benefits of its ingredients:

[You’ll notice an underlying theme of three “R”‘s – restore, repair and rejuvenation (more details of ingredients and benefits can be found at Olie Biologique‘s site]

Blackcurrant Seed Oil rich in fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties

Rose hip oil has Vitamin C and fatty acids, which is good for boosting cell turnover and diminishing the look of scars and pigmentation.  Last year, rose hip oil saw a quick rise in popularity when supermodel Miranda Kerr attributed her glowing skin to the oil’s benefits.

Camellia Oil – amazing skin moisturizer, penetrates deep into the skin and is fast absorbing.  regular usage as protection against age spots and other skin pigmentation

Evening Primrose Oil and Rose Geranium Oil help with bettering skin conditions like eczema and rosacea.  Rose Bulgar Oil has rejuvenating properties and also gives the product a light, calming scent, which also makes this perfect to add to the beauty routine before bedtime!

Now before you try anything new for your skin, it’s important to say that what worked for me may not work for you.  Whenever you are incorporating something new into your routine, it doesn’t hurt to do a ‘patch test’ on the inside of your arm and wait 24 hours to see how your body has reacted to it.  Also, when in doubt, consult your dermatologist.

Here in good old Canada, Olie Biologique is available exclusively at the Detox Market in downtown Toronto.  It’s worth a visit there – their friendly and knowledgeable staff will help answer your questions and your skin will inevitably thank you.

So a couple of years late, but I’ve finally jumped the oil bandwagon.  Now, if only I’d stop picking my face…