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Dealing with sensitive skin may seem a huge problem. Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, the number of products that are able to use may be minimal. Strange reaction that many women have: tightness, redness and itching can be a regular occurrence for you and you may find you have outbreaks when they do something as simple as changing your laundry detergent.

But there are things you should know when you are looking for products for sensitive skin care can not be considered. You should also know that many people are experiencing the same problems are and can be deceived by the same phrases and terminology that you are.

One of the best advice for skin care is to learn what the real definition is the scientific view that is used to describe the product. Many people, especially those with sensitive skin appearance have used skin care tips that recommend the use of hypoallergenic products. The common belief is that this means that these products do not cause allergic reactions. This is not the case.

Hypoallergenic means merely that the product is less likely to cause allergic reactions in users. If you have sensitive skin, you may have as good a chance to react to a hypoallergenic product as does a normal product. Therefore, it is important to test all products to be used as if they had the chance to be reacted.

Another advice on skin care you need to know is that if you have sensitive skin, you should try to determine what chemicals and ingredients are causing to react. Some of the synthetic ingredients are added to the products of skin care can cause many reactions in people with sensitive skin. If you know that for you, you need to find products without this ingredient.

That sounds easy, but many synthetic ingredients are hidden under other names on ingredient lists. This can make them difficult to remove. It may be that to achieve sensitive skin care effective, will have to stick to organic products that contain high quality ingredients. This is because organic products do not contain chemical additives such as parabens that can cause problems.

The truth of the matter is that the care of sensitive skin is not so different from the normal skin care. The best tips for skin care to learn what the terms mean and read the ingredients labels-will work well for both normal and sensitive skin.

Renewing Your Makeup Kit

The best tricks for renewing your makeup kit. A few simple tips to put everything in order!

Renew your make up case. Save time in the mornings!

Empty your toiletry bag and put some order in it!

-Discard all broken products.

-Discard all products beyond their use-by date.

-Check the expiry date on each product. Make up products, once open, should be discarded according to their ingredients. Follow these guidelines:

-Mascara: about three-four months after opening. If you use it a lot it may be that it doesn’t even last three months.

-All texture products in powder form such as shadow, matt powders and foundation -last about two years.

-Foundation in cream form, correctors, shadows or rouges in cream form: these last about a year and a half.

-Lipsticks: about two years.

-Lip gloss: about two years. See when the color or texture changes; it is possible that if you have exposed it to temperature changes then it may have gone off.

-Check the product packaging, a symbol such as this one normally appears   and besides it a number and M ( for months). The number tells you the number of months for which the product will last in a perfect state once opened. It is also important for you to ask when you buy. Products which last over 36 months will not have this symbol.

-Face creams and cleansers have different shelf lives, depending on their ingredients- They can last from 3 to 12 or 24 months.

Clean all your products with a damp towel, and dry them with a soft cloth. They will come out looking new.

Don’t forget to clean all your brushes, and you’ll see how much easier it is to put make up on. Here’s how:

Natural hair brushes.

Clean them with a mild shampoo, with a neutral fragrance.

Rinse them in cold or lukewarm water (avoid using hot water)

Apply a hair pack or intensive hair conditioner

Allow it to take effect for a few minutes.

Rinse again, until you are sure there is no remaining soap.

Synthetic-hair brushes

Clean your synthetic-hair brushes with a grease-removing product, such as washing-up liquid.

Rinse them in lukewarm water and ensure there is no remaining soap.

TIP: Always leave your brushes to dry on a towel; never let them dry vertically in a cup, as in this case the water would enter the brush’s handle and ruin it, besides which the hair will part.

New sponges and powder puffs

Buy new sponges and powder puffs. They are very accessible and you will feel as though you are trying out a whole range of products for the first time.

TOILETRY BAG

Wash your toiletry bag in a washing machine, if the material and shape allow it. Otherwise clean it with a damp sponge and eliminate all left-over pencil shavings, broken pencils, bits of make up, etc.

If you can, buy yourself a new toiletry bag with separate compartments so as to keep all your make up products in order. They’ll last longer that way.

Acquire small, transparent toiletry bags to store your cotton wool, sponges, and powder puffs, keeping things more hygienic.

In the second part of this bulletin we tell you how to renew your make up and your hair with a few easy and quick tips.

The packaging might be pretty, but it won’t do a thing to alleviate troubled acne, reduce fine lines, smooth wrinkles, or replenish moisture and oils to dazzle your complexion. When it comes to cosmetics as with most other things, it’s what’s inside that counts.

If you feel overwhelmed by the scores of product choices available today, and the “miracles” each repute to do, becoming more familiar with terms used in cosmetology and their true meanings might be helpful in distinguishing which products are and are not right for you.

Cosmetic companies are required to accurately divulge all the contents in their products, listing them in the order of concentration, from the most to the least. Certain cosmetic terms, however, can be confusing and misleading to the average consumer; terms such as “all natural” and “fragrance-free,” for instance.

While all natural does mean that ingredients used were derived from natural sources like plants and other organic material, use of the term applied to cosmetics is not regulated by the FDA. Some cosmetic companies not concerned with accuracy or with reputation often mislead consumers by applying the term to their product.

It is noteworthy that according to author and cosmetic expert Paula Begoun, in her book “Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me,” there is no scientific evidence that “natural ingredients” are any more beneficial for skin than synthetic.

Products that advertise they are fragrance-free may still use fragrant plant extracts to mask offensive odor resulting from unrefined materials used. These extracts can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Fragrance-free, then, can mean only that the product is devoid of any “noticeable” aroma. “Irritant-free” is a more reliable term to look for in a product.

Alcohol-free products may be free of “grain alcohol,” which is drying. However, other forms of alcohol such as lanolin alcohol or cetearyl alcohol may still be used. For persons with sensitive skin, Ms. Begoun suggests using products that list any alcohol component just before or just after the list of preservatives.

The wise cosmetic consumer will select products based upon ingredient content and performance, not upon packaging or brand. Higher-end cosmetics will not necessarily work better than those that cost less, and one brand’s product may be excellent, while another product by the same brand ineffective. Therefore, “brand loyalty” will not necessarily benefit the consumer.

Many department-store cosmetic companies have been merged together. In all probability, cosmetic purchases bearing three different “brand names” might in actuality all be distributed by the same cosmetic company. In fact, over 75% of department store cosmetic lines are presently owned either by Estee Lauder or L’Oreal.

The short and sweet of it is to forget the hype. Everyone’s skin is different. Find out what works for you, and stick with it. Following a daily skin-care regimen tailored for your skin type, using tried and true products, will give your face a healthy glow like none other.

Eucalyptus oil is a popular insect repellent, skin treatment and aromatherapy oil. Using eucalyptus oil wisely and with caution is important since it is a potent remedy that can produce sever side effects when used excessively or in combination with the wrong drugs. By knowing the potential hazards linked to improper use of eucalyptus oil you will be able to use eucalyptus oil more safe and avoid dangerous side effects. It is always important to understand how a remedy can affect your body before you commence any treatment. Recognizing the early signs of eucalyptus oil poisoning and allergic reactions to eucalyptus oil is very important.

You should avoid using eucalyptus oil internally unless you are under the supervision of a licensed health professional. The reason behind this advice is the instances where people have developed severe toxic reactions to eucalyptus oil when drinking it. If you have ingested eucalyptus oil and begin to suffer from vomiting, nausea and/or stomach pain you should seek immediate medical attention. High doses of eucalyptus oil can cause bleedings, seizures and heart problems. Severe eucalyptus oil poisoning can even lead to coma and death. Animal tests show that ingested eucalyptus oil will affect the blood sugar levels, but more studies must be carried out if we want to know for sure whether or not this is true for humans as well.

Eucalyptus oil is a popular ingredient in many mouthwashes, and such mouthwashes should therefore be kept out of reach for children and pets. If a person swallows large amounts of eucalyptus oil mouthwash, the toxics can cause multi-organ failure and affect the cardiovascular system. Such problems have however only been reported in patients that swallowed really large amounts of eucalyptus oil mouthwash. Swallowing a very small amount of eucalyptus oil mouthwash when you are gurgling is much less dangerous, but should of course be avoided. Do not let children use eucalyptus oil mouthwash unless it has been prescribed by a licensed health professional. Children are more sensitive to toxics and the risk of them swallowing mouthwash is also higher.

Eucalyptus oil is an important part of many aromatherapy treatments. Adding eucalyptus oil to baths are very popular, but some people have reported laboured breathing, wooziness and drowsiness after taking long and hot baths with eucalyptus oil. It is of course hard to know whether this was caused by the long and hot bath, or by the eucalyptus oil, or by the combination of both, but caution is still recommended when using eucalyptus oil for the first time. Start by taking a shorter bath with a small amount of eucalyptus oil to test your sensitivity. Another problem linked to long and strong eucalyptus oil baths are skin irritation.

Applying eucalyptus oil directly to the skin is a common treatment for a wide range of skin problems, but you should keep in mind that the strong eucalyptus oil can cause skin irritation, especially if the skin is already injured by eczema, burns or similar. A painful burning feeling can develop, sometimes combined with skin rashes. Try the eucalyptus oil on a piece of healthy skin to test your sensitivity before you proceed to treat upset skin.

Scars are a problem for all the people who wish to look young and smart. A scarred face always troubles us and affects our psychology. Talk to people affected by acne scars all over their face and you will realize the impact of scars on the self-esteem and confidence.

Skin treatment for scars may follow many procedures. That will depend on the age of the person, the location of the scar and the nature of the scar. If the scar is superficial, it can be treated with microdermabrasion or medium chemical peel, while a deeper scar will need more intensive treatments such as laser resurfacing or deep chemical peel. It is interesting to note that all of us have different scar forming tendency. Some of us form deeper scars compared to others who form mild scars for similar injury.

If the scar mixes with wrinkles it is less of a problem. But if it shows prominently on the cheek, one has to get it treated. Many methods are available for resurfacing the skin. All methods produce different results. The costs will be different and so will be the postoperative time of recovery. You have to therefore talk to your doctor about your scars and the treatment. Chemical peeling, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, surgical excision, are few of the techniques that are used to treat scars. You need not suffer scars. Consult your doctor and get treated.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Doing makeup is essential whether you are in office or going out. Everyone wants to look attractive, attract attention, and be found pleasant by the opposite sex. There is something natural and instinctive about it. Whether you are married or single, young or middle aged, grooming is a part of our nature.

So how to go about applying make up? The basic stages/ingredients are described briefly below. The amount of makeup depends on the occasion. A light makeup does well for informal occasions, and a heavy makeup for very important public occasions.

Foundation: This helps to create a smooth surface over which other products are then applied.

Concealer: If you have dark circles and other marks, use a concealer to you advantage.

Powder: This is what creates the smooth layer that attracts attention. Wrinkles get hidden, and the ugliness takes on a new shine.

Blush: If nature did not give you a natural blush, help yourself with an artificial one. This defines the bone structure to prominence.

Bronzer: To obtain a glowing surface.

Lip liner: Allows the lipstick to stay on longer.

Lipstick: The mouth is a major sexual attraction. A wide variety of lipsticks are available – matte, satin, or glossy.

Eyeliner: The eyes are what do the talking when you are still some distance away from talking to your mate. Attract the mate, invite her, say you like her you’re your eyes first. Eye mascara and eye shadow enhance the appeal further.

What type of makeup to apply, how much, and when depends often on your age, skin, looks, and occasion. Observing yourself under different makeup choices can help you find out what looks good on you.

Skin is the outer most covering of your body, which need to be kept clean and nourished. If your skin is kept in good health, then you will be feeling more beautiful, fresh and young. Your skin needs to be pampered and taken care of. The skin is the part of the body, which is exposed constantly to various types of pollutants and harshness from the surroundings. These pollutants harm the skin and the skin loses its youthfulness and glow. Here is some basic information about how to keep your skin healthy. You need to know your skin type before starting any skin care program. There are four basic skin types, normal, oily, dry and sensitive skin.

You need to wash your face to remove the dirt from it and to keep it clean. You should never wash your face with hot or cold water. Hot and cold water cause broken capillaries on the skin. Always wash your face with lukewarm water to remove the dirt and to open the clogged pores of your skin. You should wash your face as often as possible. But never forget to wash it before going to bed and in the morning. You should never go to bed with makeup on. You should use a mild cleanser suitable to your skin type for cleansing your skin. The surfactants present in the cleanser remove the dirt, and the oil secreted by the sweat glands. You should apply the cleanser gently over the face in circular motion. Then wash the face with cool water.

You need to give your skin a dry exfoliation brush in the morning to remove the dead skin cells. Exfoliating your skin is very essential in order to make it bright and glowing. The purpose of exfoliating your skin is to remove the dead superficial skin cells and to make way for the new skin cells to appear. This will give you a youthful and glowing appearance. The new cells also absorb moisture readily than the dead cells. Exfoliation also improves the blood circulation. You can use a soft natural bristle brush for dry exfoliation. If your skin is oily, then you need to exfoliate atleast 4-5 times a week. Those with dry sensitive skin can exfoliate once or twice per week. In order to keep your skin soft; you need to moisturize your skin. Moisturizers help to draw and seal moisture into the skin. This will rejuvenate the skin cells and make the skin feel soft and glowing. You should not overdo it as it can also result in clogging of the pores. You should select a moisturizer, which suits your skin type. Moisturizers also help to protect your skin from sun damage. Moisturizers with sunscreen are available which can be used in the daytime to protect your skin from the harsh UV light.

You need to invigorate your skin by massaging them in slow circular motion. This will help to improve the circulation and will also prevent formation of wrinkles. In order to have a healthy glowing skin you need to rev up your digestion. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced healthy food. Avoid oily and junk foodstuffs. In this way you can prevent constipation and other digestive problems which are the main cause for skin ailments like acne, pimples etc.

The best method of aging skin care is to start young. The effects of age on skin doesn’t happen overnight, and actually starts occurring right after you’re born. Actually, you could even argue that your skin begins to ‘age’ the moment it is formed inside the womb. Although it seems to age all of a sudden for a lot of people, in a period of just a few years, the visible effects of aging skin are the result of a process that has been happening for as long as you’ve been alive.

Anti-aging creams are heavily marketed and advertised on television, with the promise of making the consumer look younger and reducing visible wrinkles on the skin. Traditionally, they have been targeted towards women, but products specifically targeting men are now common, often sold as part of collections of men’s grooming and skin-care products by major brands like Zirh, Biotherm and many others.

This change may be due to the fact that many societies in recent years have seen an increased focus on young looks, including in men, and some men report that they feel it is easier for younger-looking men to get an attractive job than it is for older-looking men. Additionally, it has become more socially acceptable for men to be conscious about their looks.

There are a range of cosmetic ‘treatments’ for the appearance of wrinkles on the skin such as plastic surgery and botox injections. Advertising presents anti-aging creams as an alternative to these more costly and invasive cosmetic treatments.

No matter how old you are, it’s never too soon or too late to be worried about aging skin care. Your skin, being the outermost layer of your body, is the part of you that people see, and reflects your overall state of health and age. If you are concerned at all about how you appear, it’s therefore a good idea to take good care of your skin.

So the sooner the better with aging skin care. What causes skin to age is a few different things, but the major visible reason for aging skin comes down to damage done to the elastic proteins your skin has to keep it tight. What causes the damage is chiefly free radicals. What the heck are free radicals you ask? A free radical is just a fancy chemistry word for an oxygen compound gone wrong.

Another key form of aging skin care is to avoid tobacco and alcohol. Smoking anything, especially tobacco, is a great way to infuse your entire body with free radicals, and too much drinking will do the same.

The best ways I know for aging skin care are the above preventative measures, as these are the only real ways to keep young looking skin. Once wrinkles occur, you can’t get rid of them without surgery, and aging skin care products are just different ways of covering them up.

For most issues related to teenagers, fads rule the roost. And skin care issues are highest among teenagers. Today any medium, be it magazines, newspapers, television or the Internet are inundated with skin care related articles. These articles could include various therapies and homemade solutions for skin care. Ranging from the totally natural to those which involve chemicals, these articles provide the reader with the much needed solutions to their skin related problems.

These days, the latest craze in skin care regimes is natural antioxidant skin care. The belief that is being popularized these days is that the more natural the product being used the more effective and devoid of side effects it will be. This concept has a strong historical background since it is a known fact that queens and princesses of the ages gone by used natural extracts of plants like hibiscus and olive to keep their skin glowing and youthful. Over time, man has processed these very elements and made them available to the common man in the form of tubes, bottles and cans containing moisturizers, creams, shampoos and anti-aging gels. These contain the richness of the abundant health secrets hidden in the flora and fauna of the jungles. The only difference is that they are more likely to have been processed in a research laboratory and tested before being presented to you for use.

These distilled ingredients used to a healthy body are being called nutriceuticals at large. This new addition to the dictionary is made up of the words ‘nutrients’ and pharmaceutical’.

Most companies which make skin care related products tout the goodness of antioxidants and natural products that contain antioxidants. An antioxidant is something that destroys the harmful oxygen free radicals. These free radicals could be a product of normal functioning of the body or could be generated due to external factors like ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Though the concept of free radicals is extremely complicated to explain, suffice it to know that these radicals can be harmful and can result in mutation in genes. Mutation can lead to skin cancer and make the individual incapable of repairing the damage done to the skin. With antioxidants we can limit the number of free radicals in our system, thereby ensuring that we not only keep our skin supple and glowing but also healthy. This wonderful discovery of how antioxidants can work to negate the effect of free radicals had led to fantastic products which can help in tackling issues related to ageing skin. Problems like wrinkles, spots, pigmentation and small growths can be resolved with increasing the amount of antioxidants in your diet and oral application of antioxidant concentrates.

Looking for that perfect skin product? One that will keep your skin looking great, smells great, is appealing to apply, has actual ‘therapeutic’ effects, and doesn’t break the bank? Look no further than aromatherapy. Creating a wonderful blend just for your skin type with the magic of potent natural botanicals is fun and rewarding in more ways than one. Essential oils are widely used in natural medicine, and some are well-known for their skin rejuvenating effects.

While some of the most highly regarded therapeutic grade oils may seem expensive at first, they are effective in such small concentrations as to really make them worthwhile. And their efficacy is well-known; that’s why so many laboratory-made preparations use components of essential oils in their formulas. With a one or two ounce bottle to mix in, and an eye dropper, you can easily mix your own blend with the aroma and actions you desire most.

There are a few essential oils most often used in skin care recipes – you can pick and choose from among these depending on your desired results. Other essential oils may be added to enhance the aroma of your blend; many oils used to do so are also are know to relieve tension or bring about a healthy state of mind – and most natural clinicians will tell you that beauty starts from the inside-out. So make something you love the smell of that also helps your skin glow!

These few primary skin care oils include the following: Helichrysum italicum – the oil of this flower is one of the most highly regarded in aromatherapy for it’s great versatility. It has a pleasant aroma, it contains rare ‘di-ketones’ which stimulate the skin’s natural metabolism, and is a powerful anti-inflammatory (all tissue damage and aging is associated with inflammation on a cellular level). Lavender oil – ‘true’ or ‘French’ Lavender is the most used oil in aromatherapy today because of it’s great multitude of effects. Like Helichrysum, it contains regenerative ketones; it reduces inflammation; it speeds wound healing; AND it has an aroma very well known for its relaxing effects – easing tension while healing your skin – could you ask for more? Next up is Rosemary of the ‘verbenone’ type. It also contains ketones (that the cineol type does not) and is known as a circulatory and metabolism stimulant, increasing the flow of nutrients in, and waste products out, of your skin cells. Palmarosa essential oil is included in many blends for it’s gentle cleansing and antiseptic properties. And last but not least, Carrot Seed oil is the premier oil for regenerating tired, lifeless skin – often a result from too much stress or high levels of pollutant exposure.

There are several other oils with positive effects on the skin (some will be mentioned in the blends below), these just happen to be the most often used. With research, you can find essential oils that will address particular skin conditions that are not covered here. Further, there are in fact hundreds of essential oils available, each with it’s own unique composition and aroma. Adding a little to your blends simply for their fragrance influence is highly recommended. A few drops of precious oils like Jasmine, Neroli, Sandalwood or Rose can create that aromatic combination you simply love, and will want to wear all the time.

The essential oils are almost never applied to the skin undiluted (Lavender is a rare exception). Instead, they are added to what are known as ‘carrier’ or ‘base’ oils. Diluting the essential oil in carrier not only stretches your dollar, but the oils actually are more effective this way! Research has shown that most essential oils have the most dramatic therapeutic effects at concentrations of less than 5% of the total blend. And the carriers have their own positive effects; besides helping your skin absorb the essential oils, they provide nutrients such as essential fatty acids, and vitamin compounds which enhance the skin’s health.

Some of the more commonly used carrier oils in skin care are as follows: First is Hazelnut oil – pressed from, obviously, Hazelnuts. This is considered the most gentle of the carrier oils, suitable for all skin types. It often serves as the primary base oil in blends, making up a majority of the mixture. Next is Rosehip seed oil, pressed from Rosehip seeds grown in the mountains of South America. This well researched oil not only has a wealth of essential fatty acids, but contains trans-retinoic acid, a compound similar to the active ingredient of Retin-A (a well known wrinkle cream), but without the drying side effects. Lastly we’ll mention Evening Primrose oil, often included in blends for aging skin and for eczema – it has one of the highest known concentrations of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid which may be crucial to optimal health.

So there are the primary ingredients, and the reasons behind them. With these, and a few of your own personal touches, you can create a great variety of blends. To go ahead and start mixing, acquire a one or two ounce dark glass bottle to mix in, an eye dropper and a small funnel (you don’t NEED this, it just makes the whole process a lot less messy). For the first recipe, we’ll start with a blend that’s for daily use for all skin types. It’s created to give the skin health and vitality, while keeping it clean and beautiful: Pour one ounce of Hazelnut oil into your mixing bottle (double all the ingredients if you’d like to make two ounces). Add fifteen drops (about 2/3rds of a milliliter) Thyme essential oil of the Linalool chemotype (be sure to get this kind, as other types of Thyme are to strong to use on the skin). The add fifteen drops each of Rosemary verbenone, Neroli (or a high-quality Petitgrain – distilled from the same plant as Neroli with a lower cost), Spike Lavender (almost a cross between true lavender and sage – excellent for it’s antiseptic properties). While originally created as an acne-clearing blend, it did so well for so many folks it is now used as a basis for healthy ‘normal’ skin as well.

For overly sensitive and damaged skin (from chemicals or other means) and for skin with weak capillaries (showing spider veins may be a symptom), start with a 5:1:1 ratio of Hazelnut, Rosehip Seed and Evening Primrose oils (3/5 ounce Hazelnut, and 1/5th each of the other oils). Add fifteen drops each of German Chamomile, Helichrysum italicum, true Lavender, and Roman Chamomile. This blend will enhance the regenerative capability of the skin through the action of the Helichrysum and Rosehip seed, provides nutrients through in the Rosehip seed and Evening Primrose, and reduces the inflammation which accompanies any type of damage and aging.

For clearing excessively oily and acne-prone skin, to one oz. of Hazelnut oil, add fifteen drops each of Myrtle essential oil (use the green, rather than red, variety), Eucalyptus Dives, Spike Lavender, and Rosemary verbenone. The Myrtle is special in that it dissolves the sebum clogging skin pores, and the Eucalyptus calms the output of the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands.

If your skin has no particular ‘condition’, but appears tired, lifeless, pallid, or ‘worn out’, try mixing one-fifth ounce of Rosehip Seed and four-fifths ounce Hazelnut oil. Then add 15 drops each of Carrot Seed essential oil (also known as Queen Anne’s Lace or Wild Carrot), Lemon verbena (which helps the skin detoxify), Niaouli (gently tightening the skin), and Rosemary verbenone – this creates an excellent restorative blend. For aging skin needing firming that can be used around the eyes – try this more gentle variety: Mix in five ounces of Hazelnut oil and one ounce of Rosehip seed oil, add fifteen drops of each of Myrtle essential oil (green), Cistus or Rock Rose and Rosemary.

So there are a few tried-and-true aromatherapy skin care blends to use in your natural beauty regime. You can easily mix and match the oils described to create your own blend, and add any oils you really like the aroma of (be aware that a FEW essential oils are VERY strong, and should not be used on the skin – the more common of these include Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, and Red Thyme – consult with a knowledgeable practitioner if you are unsure about the safety of any oil). A word about purchasing oils for your blends – do NOT use anything labeled as a ‘fragrance oil’ – these are synthetic reproductions of essential oils that will likely cause an allergic reaction. DO seek out a reputable source. And oils, like wine, do vary greatly from maker to maker. A higher price can mean a significantly nicer oil (though not always) – one that is sweeter, or more well-rounded – only a few oils should smell ‘medicinal’ – Spike Lavender is a little ‘camphorus’ in general – but a good Rosemary verbenone should have a very appealing scent . Despite the initial outlay, you are more likely to continue to use a blend that you really like the aroma of, and that has therapeutic effects. Though once you find the oils you adore, you’re more than likely to continue the practice of making your own blends for some time to come.