Oil as temptation

Fragrant cosmetic oils become especially desirable with the onset of summer. In many ways – thanks to new textures: they are easy to apply, quickly absorbed, on the beach and in the city they protect the skin, giving it tenderness and light.

Vegetable oils are one of the first cosmetics invented by mankind: the inhabitants of India or Morocco, Hawaii or Tahiti have been taking care of themselves by oiling the body since ancient times. Therefore, for many of us, oil evokes pleasant associations. On the one hand, we think about a relaxing massage, hot sun and sea waves… On the other hand, we remember its nutritional properties, believing that such nutrition is natural and natural for the skin, because we also use certain types of oils in food. The oil is really healthy, rich in vitamins, and besides, it soothes and nourishes our senses. Such a leisurely sensual exit seems to invite us to slow down a bit and devote a little more time to ourselves.

However, there are doubts: what if the product leaves greasy marks on clothes? “Flowing oil is associated with a feeling of something sticky, archaic, perhaps even sexual,” confirms ethnopsychologist Claude Degrèze. – Compared to him, the body milk looks more “civilized”. However, modern technology allows most cosmetic oils today to remain “dry” and quickly absorbed. They respond to our liking for all things natural, eliminating the inconvenience of greasy texture and adapting an ancient ritual to modern life.

Protection and comfort

Most often we use oil on the beach – usually towards the end of the holiday or if the skin is dark enough and tans well. Since the SPF index is 6-10 (namely, most oils had such a low protection factor until recently) – this, alas, is too low for fair skin. However, this season several brands at once – Vichy, Lancaster – have done what was previously considered impossible by releasing oils with a high protection factor. “It was possible to supplement the delicate texture of the oil thanks to new polymers,” explains cosmetologist Olga Ganelina, Vichy expert. – As a result, the product combines many advantages: the oil is well distributed and gives a feeling of comfort, which is especially important for dry skin; it is waterproof, so the skin dries less from salty sea water and remains smooth and supple. If earlier, when applying sunscreen, we cared first of all about safety, now we think about pleasure: the oil both decorates and caresses the skin, and sets you up for relaxation.”

Beauty and care

We rarely remember about “dry” oils without SPF, although in summer they are convenient both after the beach and just in the city, because they are multifunctional – they are suitable for both the body and hair, instantly moisturize and make tanned and fair skin more attractive. Your attitude to caring oils should also be reconsidered because recently there are more and more “dry” oils without silicone, made on the basis of natural ingredients. So, the new Huile Divine oil, Caudalie, consists of a mixture of five oils – grape, olive, sesame, hibiscus and shea butter. They soften the burning sensation after exposure to the sun, “smooth” and even out the tan, as if highlighting it.

“The oil is liked by those who are not indifferent to natural products,” says cosmetologist Elena Anafieva, Aveda expert. – And the expectations of these people are largely justified: oils have a simple composition, a minimum of ingredients, they do not contain preservatives, since they themselves are natural preservatives. And another strong argument is tactile sensations: those who usually prefer creams also like a relaxing massage with warm oil.”

Feelings and sensuality

The sliding, silky texture of the oil awakens in us the desire to touch our own body, to feel oneness with it again. “I love oils for their sensuality and sophistication,” says Mathilde Thomas, founder of the Caudalie cosmetics brand and spas of the same name. – They gently envelop the body, merge with the skin, take care of it. In such care, his intimacy is especially felt, he gives intimacy with himself. In the summer, I apply oil to exposed areas of the body – it’s just beautiful. And a little bit – on the ends of the hair after shampooing.

“It is better to rub the oil into slightly damp after a shower, heated skin with wide, smooth massaging movements,” advises cosmetologist Larisa Guseva, Carita expert. – Move from the bottom up: first from the heels to the hips, then along the stomach to the shoulders, repeating all the curves of the body. After such a self-massage, rest for half an hour, wrapping yourself in a bathrobe. Another technique worth borrowing from the spa ritual for home use is the inhalation of essential oils. “Before applying cosmetic oil to your face or body, warm it up in your palms, bring it to your face and feel the aroma,” says Elena Anafieva. — It is important not just to smell, but to breathe in the aroma of the essential oils contained in it, to feel it – this helps to tune in to care, to make it more conscious. And also relieve stress – both in the salon and at home. ”