https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:37:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-519357 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:10:04 +0000 Ornella 519357@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, it's been lively here (sorry, work days don't allow much participation time).</p> <p>I'll check the other responses, for now just to answer to Inge as I see your comment the last: I did put tea tree oil on my face undiluted, but I use the tiniest amount possible. I don't know if it helps.</p> <p>I'm really glad there seem to be useful info for you all here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-519166 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:29:07 +0000 Inge 519166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been reading this thread with much interest, thanks so much Ornella (and Kari) for sharing your new skincare routine.</p> <p>Ornella: I was wondering about one thing. When you use the tea tree oil on its own, do you use it on your entire face or just on blemishes? I've always been told that tea tree oil is quite strong and that it's usually diluted in a base oil like jojoba or almond oil. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-518779 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:34:05 +0000 Aida 518779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fabulous post! (As was Kari's initial post) My skin has, for the first time in my life, dried out a bit this season along with my husband's and we're both very confused about it. I'm going to pick up some jojoba and give it a try! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-518489 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:55:09 +0000 Travelgal Nicole 518489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm definitely going to look into the oils. I have some tea tree oil already and must look at jojoba. Thanks for a great post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-518421 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:13:02 +0000 Sveta 518421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ladies, you gave me deja vu feeling with your BS / ACW hair regime! When I was a child my country had a pretty limited choice of cosmetic products (actually any products) so it was very much a "natural" approach. My granma always put some vinegar into the rinse water for my hair (I hated the smell so much !) We have never used soda for hair washing but (again my grandma) used egg yolk to wash my hair when I was very little - then you have to comb out the pieces of egg white...oh memories of my childhood!<br /> Now I switched to health store shampoo to wash my hair and it does make it look healthier. Another change I did which changed my hair health dramaticaly is I stopped dying my hair with artificial dyes and switched to natural henna. Sure it does not provide as many color options as regular dyes but my hair looks much healthier and shinier and my grey is not visible anymore even after 6 weeks after I used henna for the last time. There are some color options available - I have tried chestnut and mahogany - but you cannot dramatically change the shade from dark to blond for example. I will never return to chemical hair dyes again!<br /> As for the skin I use Yves Rocher line and really like their products. They are plant based and really good quality. Sometimes I enhance their creams with essential oils for a bigger impact but they work well on my skin as is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-518415 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:09:52 +0000 mamaKate 518415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to the party here but here's another vote for jojoba oil - just plain. I, too, have been using it instead of moisturizer for the past couple of months in an effort to minimize the number of products I use on my skin, and am in love with the results. I have combination skin that is not too sensitive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-518290 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:47:51 +0000 Vicki 518290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One more comment on the skin care topic. Is there a special massage technique you use, like circular motions, pinching, etc.? When I have bought Chanel creams in past (day or night), there is usually an instruction sheet inside, with images of a face showing how to massage the face before applying the cream. So, even with department store products, there seems to be some merit in massaging the face. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517957 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:27:26 +0000 Vicki 517957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, Kari, you actually put an ice cube on the spot for about a minute, rubbing it around lightly. Then blot off the moisture and dab a tiny bit of BPO (I use half of a Q-tip swab) and on it. For some reason, the ice makes the BPO product work better. Thanks for the clarification on your oil washing.</p> <p>JjSloane, that's really interesting that you wash with BP and then rinse with ACV. I have very fine, thin hair and have heard that ACV gives hair a nice shine. It's so great to play with our household/kitchen products! Yay! Saving one way so we can shop some more! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517951 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:20:18 +0000 Amy 517951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the tips, ladies. I have had such a bad breakout during the past week that I've dreaded having to leave the house. I'm hoping it will clear up quickly and I can gradually introduce some new skincare techniques into my regime.</p> <p>Ornella, I'm sorry for hijacking your thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517949 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:17:32 +0000 Kari 517949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Vicki, you're very welcome. If I have excess oil on my face, I use a warm (not hot) washcloth to remove it - and I really just lay it over my face and dab, never scrubbing (since I learned from experience that scrubbing with a washcloth makes my skin irritated.) </p> <p>I've never heard of the icing method! Do you literally put an ice cube against the blemish? </p> <p>That's right - these days, most of the time I am washing my face with the jojoba oil, but I use cleanser a couple of nights per week (every night during the summer.)</p> <p>Thank you SO much for the compliment. I am so happy that my skin is happier. (I do still have blemishes - you'd see them clear as day if I didn't have mineral makeup on - but they are much more manageable and easier to conceal.)</p> <p>JjSloane, that sounds like a really good middle ground - using less shampoo but not having to endure the constant greasiness during the painful transition period. Maybe I should give the ACV / BS rinses another shot, but ease into it like you have. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517946 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:05:01 +0000 Di 517946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, my skin got really breakout-prone a couple of years ago, and it's just been within the last couple of months that I feel like it's starting to calm down. The Clarisonic brush has been a huge help-- I'm not sure it prevents breakout, but they heal so, so much faster with it. And I've been using Ceraphil's moisturizer, which feels better/ more natural than anything else I've used. I think my skin is finally on the right track. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517877 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:29:23 +0000 Jjsloane 517877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari - I have not been able to give up my pricey shampoos entirely. I was not willing to go through the awkward period of looking greasy and bedraggled while my system caught up with the no poo so I use it about once a week as a way to clarify and get the products out. My hair is super fine, but I have lots of it and some is curly and some is not. I find on the day I use the baking soda to "shampoo" and vinegar to rinse my hair is super soft. If I feel like I need an extra clean I add baking soda to my regular shampoo and really massage it into my scalp. Also the fallout of baking soda cleans the shower floor and clears the drains! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517867 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:14:15 +0000 Vicki 517867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, I just printed yours and Ornella's skin care regimen and I rather like the idea of a clean eucalyptus smell to the tea tree oil. Thanks for listing the brands you use (Aura Cacia and Desert Essence. Kari, when you remove the oil at night with a washcloth, is it a warm, wet moistened cloth?</p> <p>I like the idea of the Aveda clay masque for problem areas when they crop up. I may be older and I may have wrinkles, but having had acne since I was even a pre-teen, it can still crop up occasionally, although my face is no longer as it once was, when I had to use those paper powders throughout the day. I'll try the clay, but I have been doing something a dermatologist recommended whenever I feel something coming under the skin and that is before bed, to ice the spot and then put a Q-tip of BPO on it. Usually, it clears it up in a day.</p> <p>It sounds like you're really washing/cleaning your face with the jojoba oil, Kari, is that right? Then, the tea tree oil (Aura Cacia) is applied and left on when you go to bed? I think your skin looks so beautiful; I would have never imagined that you, too, had a history of acne, like I have had.</p> <p>Rosee's MyChelle sun shield sounds really good, too. I'm so happy to learn about Mychelle natural products. Loving this thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517856 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:48:06 +0000 Kari 517856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, I definitely have combination skin these days, but the oily areas are REALLY oily and sensitive. (when I'm not taking oral contraceptives I also break out at the bar of an eyelash!)<br /> I've actually noticed the oily areas on my face are more balanced and feel less greasy these days. I had heard that could happen when I read about the oil cleansing method but did not really believe it.</p> <p>I tried a Clarisonic facial brush a couple years ago and did not like it-my skin quickly became over-stressed and irritated with eczema on my cheekbones. But maybe I would have done better with it if I hadn't used it every day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517830 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:08:10 +0000 Amy 517830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sara, your skin and mine seem to share the same temperament. Thanks for chiming in here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517811 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:51:12 +0000 MNsara 517811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, I'm sure the others will chime in, and clearly I can only speak for myself. . .but I had skin that even in my 40s, I swear it was just looking for a reason to break out </p> <p>Sit with my chin in my hand = chin pimple</p> <p>Lay in bed with moisturized hand over forehead = forehead pimple</p> <p>Monthly cycle = 1-2 really nasty pimples</p> <p>You get the idea. Anyway, when I began to really moisturize (with a well chosen moisturizer), cleanse ever so kindly but thoroughly, quit any toner, my skin is so much better and less prone to breakouts </p> <p>I can't remember if I went thru a time of *adjustment*, but that's not uncommon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517757 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:05:01 +0000 Amy 517757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm curious: do any of you ladies with seriously oily, acne prone skin use essential oils on your skin? From your descriptions above, I take it that some of you have somewhat oily or combination skin. Is there anyone else here who breaks out if she even crosses her eyes? I'm trying to determine whether it would be a good idea for me to try this or if I should stay clear.</p> <p>I have never found a moisturizer I could use on my face. They all cause me to break out. Do I need to moisturize my skin? The only time it feels flaky is when I'm having an allergic reaction to something, like sulfa drugs or Bismuth Oxychloride.</p> <p>Thank you... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517754 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:53:33 +0000 MNsara 517754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Onella (and Kari!) because I'm so interested in trying to jojoba and tea tree oil. . . to see if I can have healthy feeling skin even in the dead of (DRY) winter.</p> <p>In case anyone else is on the fence about cleansing brushes: I started using the electronic one (that begins with a C) last August. I LOVE the feel of my skin because of it - sort of polished! I also love that a mini breakout spot, that normally would have developed into a pimple that took 3+ days to run its course, now seems to give up overnight. I use my brush every night to remove my cleanser. . . </p> <p>My adult niece was home for Christmas and she actually asked me what I've been doing with my skin because she thought it looked amazing. The biggest change was the brush ;-)</p> <p>Jojoba &amp; tea tree question for the experts: is there a difference in types of oils, strengths, organic, whatever. Or might I be okay just ordering some from amazon? going to a health food store? buying at Trader Joes? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517740 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:18:36 +0000 Vicki 517740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>O, does your facial brush have really soft bristles? Also, are you using the brush with our without the oils? What is your brand of mineral makeup? Thanks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517456 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 03:59:35 +0000 Kari 517456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ornella, thanks for this thread - I am so happy that you've also found a skin regimen that really works well for you. That is fabulous! I honestly didn't know that my skin *was* dehydrated before because I still had oily areas and perceived that my skin was too oily; I just didn't have a sense of what healthy, hydrated skin should look and feel like. I really thought that skin was supposed to feel tight and squeaky clean! </p> <p>I'm still going strong with the jojoba oil and tea tree oil but have tried to cut down on the amount of cleanser I'm using, and since the weather has been so dry and cold I've also added moisturizer beyond the oil (either Eucerin or L'Occinane lotion) overnight and before putting on makeup in the morning to try to combat the increased dryness.<br /> I've noticed a lot more dryness on my legs too so I'm trying only shave twice a week, and moisturize my legs with jojoba oil occasionally too (in addition to the lotion that I regularly use.) And I'm using L'Occitane or Aveda hand cream on my very, very sensitive and eczema-prone fingers as much as I can, because both of those lotions absorb well and are quite creamy, but don't leave me feeling sticky.</p> <p>To Vicki: I'm really prone to breakouts and clogged pores and actually have noticed LESS of a problem with this since I started using jojoba and tea tree oil. If I notice a really hot area that is going to break out, in addition to using tea tree oil on it to help eliminate bacteria, I also use a small amount of an Aveda clay masque on the spot, left overnight, and then moisturized in the morning; usually that's enough to either dry it up.</p> <p>JjSloane, that's neat that the no 'poo method works on your hair! Do you subscribe entirely to the method - no shampoo/conditioner at all aside from the baking soda/ACV rinse - or do you use this treatment as well as shampooing most days?<br /> I tried to go entirely no 'poo for a couple weeks and decided it was not for me. I never got past the stage of feeling itchy, oily, and dirty, and the skin around my hairline was a constant ring of blocked pores and pimples. (My hair is fine, straight, and very dense - from what I know most of my friends who have had success going entirely no 'poo have had very wavy or curly hair.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517335 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:51:15 +0000 Ornella 517335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Vicky, you are too kind. My thanks go to Kari for her timely post and Angie for the skin care series of posts at the end of last year There is so much useful information there too.</p> <p>To answer your questions:<br /> - No, the oils don't clog my pores. Jojoba is similar to sebum, which is probably the key.<br /> - I use these two oils separately, jojoba as the main skin nourishing product and tea tree occasionally for its antiseptic properties. Due to it's distinctive smell, which does evaporate soon anyway, I mostly use tea tree in the evening or during weekend when I stay at home and give my skin a rest.<br /> - I don't know about tightening To be honest, I have no idea what and how to address the effects of time passing by and (not ;- ) ) showing on my skin. What matters to me now the most is that I seem to have the very basic care which seems to refresh and suit my skin sorted.</p> <p>I have mentioned that I use mineral based foundation. That itself does not clog pores either and was quite important step for me in realizing what it feels like when the skin is happy with the product. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517332 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:34:15 +0000 Vicki 517332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG, I love this post, Ornella!! Thank you so much. I just did a copy shot of your products and I love it that you so thoroughly describe everything and included a photo, too! That's very helpful. I'll read Kari's post, too, because I missed that. But, I have a couple of questions. I used to have acne, well into my 30s and 40s and now I have fine lines around my mouth and on my chin, but I can still get an occasional clogged pore. These oils don't seem to clog your pores, do they?</p> <p>My first question is that you have two oils: jojoba and tea tree oil. Do you mix them together or use only one at this point or do you use one for one thing and one for another?</p> <p>If you do mix the oils, what's the ratio? I'd love to go to my health food store and try this to help with the lines around my mouth and chin. I understand why there may have been some tightening, because isn't tea tree oil more astringent, in nature? (Not sure.)</p> <p>My sister just got a Clarisonic brush and loves it, so I can see how a manual brush could do something similar. I'm currently using Estee Lauder gentle eye makeup remover and my cleanser is Aveda Botanical Kinetics, purifying gel cleanser (because I like a clean feel, rather than a creamy or milky cleanser). I'll occasionally use Retin-A cream at night, too. Or, I'll put on day and night creams by NeoCutis.</p> <p>I'm really intrigued by your skin care regimen. I know you have a beautiful complexion and I can't wait to hear from you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post, Ornella. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517326 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:25:20 +0000 Astrid 517326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, Ornella. I'll definitely look into it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517321 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:21:22 +0000 Ornella 517321@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@taylor, yes, looks like I have both aspects sorted. Fingers crossed.</p> <p>@Astrid, personally, I think it's well worth a try. I've written some prices to illustrate the effective skincare is not necessarily an expensive experiment. Do a bit of research, but from what I gather jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, which is why it seems to work - skin just gets what it needs from the oil you apply, no clogging or other bad effects. This is why I find wiping off any excess oil an important step as well.<br /> Also, I love it when I wash my face with water only, there is no greasy feeling on my hands, but I feel soft, gentle skin.<br /> Tea tree is natural antiseptic. It has strong smell (which I personally like), but I mention it because not everyone is a fan. </p> <p>@Jjsloane, I am slowly but surely going through my supplies of toiletries and creams of all sorts, ditching everything that I have any doubts about. I know that switching to as natural products as possible is just a matter of finding what works for me. I'll try the hair rinsing trick for sure, thanks.</p> <p>@Amy, same as I wrote to Astrid, some things are worth a try if you think they won't do any harm. The essential oils are that - essential. Most of them are in the products we already use.<br /> The more I think back, the more I realize the fancy stuff works, when it works, only because there is enough of the good ingredients in them that counteract the effect of the bad ones. I had my first doubts with Clarins night serum - it smelled divine and so soothing, but continuos use of the full-size product over the period longer than it took me to go though a sample alone really aggravated my skin. Now I stay away from everything that lists 'perfume' on the list of ingredients. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517306 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:10:18 +0000 Amy 517306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for sharing, Ornella. You do have an incredibly beautiful complexion!</p> <p>Some day, I hope I'll figure out what works for me. I still seem to be on the losing end of the battle with acne and allergic reactions to ingredients in skin care formulas and make-up. I probably should go see a dermatologist again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517296 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:04:35 +0000 Jjsloane 517296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been using the jojoba oil/castor oil and essential oil mix ( I think this is more from the oil cleansing method) occasionally since Kari's post (thanks Kari) mostly because I'm trying to use up all the millions of products and samples I've acquired. I really love the way it feels on my skin and once I've purged the expensive stuff I'll be on it for good. My mom was complaining of redness and I sent her the Clinique redness kit as well as some Rose Hip Oil (which is supposed to help redness). I've not gotten a report back yet. I love the idea of using the natural products. If you're feeling real adventurous you should try the "no Poo" hair method of baking soda and apple cider vinegar. I do this once a week and it's a super great clarifying cleanse and leaves your hair so soft. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517293 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:01:34 +0000 Astrid 517293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is great, that you found something that works for you! </p> <p>I've also had problems with eczema in the past (I have neurodermatitis) and when I had a treatment at a health resort a few years ago the doctor told me to stop with everything I was using. My skin looked very bad at the time and first it got worse, but then a lot better. I'm now having little problems with it, but everytime I've tried to use something new it reacts badly and I'm now at a point where I don't want to try anything because I worry so much about my skin getting worse. </p> <p>But I would love to do something - it's true that I don't have rashes now but I'm having otherwise problematic skin (too dry, too oily ... ) all the same. Do you think this might be worth a try? It seems to be a very gentle way of cleansing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517269 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:44:29 +0000 taylor 517269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember that thread !! It was super.<br /> I am glad you found something that works for your skin, so important as far as confidence, and the future of your skin.The fact that your skin doesn't feel tight is huge!!<br /> And the mineral make up is working for you too!!, so you are really covering the cleansing and make-up , they do go hand in hand!<br /> Thanks for sharing </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-skin-care-regime-seems-to-work-thanks-for-the-gentle-nudge-kari#post-517186 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:54:49 +0000 Ornella 517186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A few months ago <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-routine-thats-making-my-skin-happy">Kari had written a thorough post about the skin-care routine</a> that suits her sensitive skin. She had mentioned using jojoba and tea-tree oils and sounded so positive about her experiences. It was the final push I needed to try something that's been on my mind for at least five years - I have first come across the concept of using pure essential oils when I was pregnant, five years ago!</p> <p>I gave them a try. I have already been at the stage when I was using Weleda's Calendula Face Cream from the baby care line, which was the purest product I know of, and had no idea what to use next as I had run out of all other products from the known and unknown brands - none was ever good enough for me to stick to them. Just before Christmas, at a local craft fair, I have spotted a stall where one lady was selling face care oils, basically mixtures of essential oil in jojoba oils base. </p> <p>Around that time the post about <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2011/11/22/kendalls-skincare-journey">Kendall's skin care</a> had still been fresh on my mind, especially the mention of the electrical skin cleansing brush and I had bought myself a small face brush. Manual ;-)</p> <p>So, my new skin care regime had started: taking the eyes make-up off and washing the face with the gentle facial cleanser, followed by gently massaging in slow circular movements with the brush and finally applying the oil. As Kari had mentioned, I would leave it for a few minutes, then wipe the excess oil off.</p> <p>I had immediately noticed how my skin absorbed the oil and was so soft and nourished. As a bonus, it smelled so nice.</p> <p>Within a week I had noticed something else - my skin started feeling a bit tight. It also looked a bit flaky, but I kept massaging it with the brush and applying the oil. I think it must have been some transitional phase and the top layer had simply been replaced by the new skin.</p> <p>Over the next few days I continued with this simple routine, occasionally using pure tea tree oil and absolutely loving the results. There was nothing unusual happening any more and I was very happy with what it looked like throughout the whole day.</p> <p>My skin used to look dehydrated and tired from 2pm onwards regardless what moisturizing creams or serums I was using. But now, that feeling is completely gone. My skin is soft and nourished the whole day. The best proof I am on the right track was at the recent holiday - I used to have break-outs, eczema or dry patches which would all happen at the same time and during traveling due to stress and long journey across Europe in an air-conditopned car in winter, but this time none of that happened. When i mentioned how different my skin is, Mr. O said "Yes, it is completely different." I was surprised he had noticed 'before' and 'after' :-)</p> <p>While jojoba oil feels nourishing, tea tree oil feels so refreshing and cleansing. Every time I put it on I keep staring at my face - it's almost like my skin tone evens out before my eyes, the oil iseems to instantly calm down any random redness that might have been there before.</p> <p>Also, I do occasionally use gentle scrubs, but that's become pretty irregular now. Before, I really felt my skin needed deep cleansing, and I now I attribute it to my pores feeling clogged. With natural oils and gentle facial massage the need for scrubs had gone.</p> <p>It's worth saying that I've been using mineral foundation for over a year now and really love how breathable and light it feels on my skin. I think I might be on the same track with regards to the overall skin care.</p> <p>I am attaching a photo of my entire skin-care kit. From left, clockwise:<br /> 1. Eye make-up remover, gentle and really does the job;<br /> 2. Facial cleanser, suits my skin and does not leave it dried out or tight after washng;<br /> 3. Jojoba oil mix ( it had cost £5 or around $8 and I haven't used 1/10th of it yet)<br /> 4. Tea tree oil<br /> 5. Facial brush (£3 or under $5)</p> <p>Sorry for the long post, but I too wanted to share my experience as I definitely think natural oils are well worth a try. </p>