my favorite facial moisturizer - olive oil








Some of you will recall that awhile ago I started using olive oil as my one and only body moisturizer.  That post is here if you are interested.  I absolutely loved the results and at first was hesitant to use it on my face but in the interest of the blog, I made the switch over a year ago and highly doubt I'll ever use anything but olive oil again.

Now remember this completely unscientific study was done on exactly one person...me. Of course individual results will vary.  The experiment was performed on 56 year old, very dry aging skin. Even if you are younger or older and with a different skin type you may want to try it because the risk factor is incredibly low and you'd have a lot to gain if it works for you.  Less chemicals, saving money, soft skin.

Here is exactly what I do every night. After my bath or shower, but before I dry off, I put one pump, which is about 1 teaspoon into my palms and apply it directly to wet skin.  It takes about 2-3 teaspoons to do the entire body. Then I take a half of a pump and apply it to my wet/damp face. I massage it in gently taking extra care around my eyes. If I'm bathing, then I massage the oil into my face and place a warm washcloth on, which is incredibly lovely and spa-like. Then I pat my face dry first and then pat the rest of my bod.  The whole thing takes about 1 minute. Keeping the olive oil right next to the tub helps. I put mine in a empty plastic soap dispenser.  I adore the way it makes my skin feel, soft, not slick or oily.  The oil absorbs within minutes so no worry about transferring it to clothing or sheets. Again, individual results will vary, experiment with it.

Here is another thing...if I'm going to put on foundation, I will wet my face and apply a tiny bit of olive oil and pat it dry and it makes the best make-up primer ever. Again love how it feels and the way make-up looks with it.

So will you give it a try?  If you do, please report back.

151 comments

  1. Question: Do you wear mascara? If I use anything oily around my eyes, I end up with black circles under my eyes. I can't give up the mascara because my blonde lashes are invisible without it. Do you have any problem with smudging (or have a solution for it)?

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    1. not every day but if that was my issue...i'd just avoid the eye area. i really don't have a solution for smudging mascara, waterproof?. i'm sure the ladies here will have suggestions. :)

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    2. I just went waterproof and love it! I always had that raccoon eye problem (I am also an eye rubber as I work at a computer all day and find it tiring), but now that I use waterproof mascara and eye liner, it really stays put. I also started using an under eye primer that really seems to keep the eyeliner in place but I don't really think that's needed.

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    3. There's the "tubey" mascara that I use that doesn't smudge. Gives a very natural looking eye.

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    4. I'm also very blonde - I have my eyelashes tinted blue-black every 6 weeks or so. It saves a lot of time (although is not as THERE as mascara is) and is easier for me as I wear glasses. And it's impossible to smudge!

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  2. It sounds like a wonderful tip. I remember your post about this before. Mother used to oil her hair with it wrap it in a towel and let it do it's work before shampooing. Another tip...mother lost some of her hair when she had a severe thyroid issue and was told to rub a small amount of Olive oil in her bald patches every day...the hair did grow in again....not sure if it was going to anyway but she thinks the Olive oil was responsible.
    Janet...you have the makings for a book. Have you ever thought of writing one?

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    1. Oh my eyebrows are fast leaving the scene, is this what happens when you hit 50?

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    2. I am with you on this one! Plucked my eyebrows my entire adult life until I hit about 45. Now I have to fill them in every morning. I think the extra has moved down to my lower face - upper lip and chin. Isn't middle age grand? (I actually don't mind it in general, but these little surprises can be annoying.)

      Vada

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    3. wow that's really interesting leslie. tabs and vada will have to be our guinea pig on this issue.

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    4. Here's another little tip for eyebrows when you see them turning grey as I have or want to fill them in The best product for this is Lancome's brow groomer. It looks like a mascara tube, and you simple coat this on your brows. It looks so much more natural than a pencil. It comes in different shades. I use brunette. I could not live without this product! It's a little pricey at about $24, but it lasts for a long time.

      Isabella

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    5. This reminded me of my oldest daughter who, when she was about 2 years old and yet very little hair, "experimented" with a jar of Vaseline (petroleum jelly)… it took me numerous shampooings to get the stuff out and after that her hair started to grow with a vengeance - to waist length! We laugh about it now and it was probably the intensive shampooing/rubbing that did it and stimulated the growth, so I guess olive oil would be a good alternative, too… It's very good when young children have cradle cap, too. :)

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    6. Have you tried Anastasia brow gel? I use it but I am looking for any other alternatives to deal with the grey eyebrow issue....

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    7. My daughter introduced me to the NYX brand of eyebrow powder. I really, really like it much. It includes two shades of brown (my color choice), a wax to brush my brow up a bit, and two different brushes. The price is right at around 5 dollars and from what I understand they don't test on animals! : ) Yippee! My daughter picked my little set up at Ulta. Have a sweet day everyone.

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  3. You share such clever extra-virgin tips.
    I did chuckle when I read this. Tomato yesterday, Olive oil today. I am guessing that the next post will be "garlic."
    pve

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    1. oh don't tempt me patricia. i actually do have a great garlic tip...
      at the first sign of a cold start ingesting freshly minced garlic. 1 clove 3 or 4 times a day.
      it helps the symptoms and supposedly shortens it.
      it seems to work for me.:)

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    2. A friend, who is Vietnamese, told me to eat one glove of garlic a day (pickled garlic so your breath doesn't smell so bad). She said that her 87 year old mother has been doing that her whole life and is rarely sick. She herself eats a glove a day, especially in the winter, and rarely gets sick. I just started that practice myself, and so far, so good.

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  4. Thank you for sharing all of your tips and secrets, Janet. Have you tried this method with Jojoba oil? If so, do they work the same? You are such an inspiration to me, and I am so thankful that I found your blog. When you write your book on the simple life, I will read it daily and display it on a pretty tray on my coffee table :)

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    1. I like this! Yes, I would too display it proudly on my coffee table! :)

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    2. deni it is my understanding that jojoba oil most closely matches the oil of our skin. i use it all the time in my facials and waxing. i just have not investigated whether it has the same antioxidant/healing qualities of olive oil. will be checking that now...

      re a book. i'd love to write one. just really don't know how to go about it.

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    3. I have used jojoba oil on my face for almost two years. It has been the best stuff i have ever used. I use to break out using Oil Free face lotions and they would bother my dry eye condition. I have no problems with jojoba oil. Apply to a damp, washed face. I use just two drops in my palm and gently apply to face. A 2 oz bottle lasts me a year and is cheap at a health food stores compared to other face products. I use to have very oily skin and this has made it less so.

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  5. This sounds great. Probably won't be trying it though. I shower in the morning, and am always running late so I don't have time to let the oil absorb. I barely have time to put body lotion on. My skin is very dry though, and I'm sure it would benefit from this treatment. Maybe I'll try it one night. I just don't see myself doing it in the morning. Plus, it's too cold in the morning to not dry off immediately. What do you use to pat your face and body -- a towel? Doesn't the oil get on the towel?
    Claudia

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    1. claudia if your skin is dry like mine then it will absorb within a minute or 2. it's that quick. there is no worry about transfer to towel clothes or sheets.

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    2. Absorbs in the morning, put it on, dry my hair, get dressed. Same as lotion.

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  6. Dear Janet, I have heard a lot about the benefits of olive oil as moisturizer. Similarly, my mother who is japanese has always extolled the benefits of rice bran oil for the skin and camellia oil for the hair - ancient asian secret! ;). The only problem is that the camellia oil is more expensive, the rice bran oil, not so much - but they both do work miracles and are in just about every asian beauty product. Just take a look at Japanese women's skin: proof! I would definitely say you are a great example of the workings of olive oil as well. Keep the frugal tips coming in please!

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    1. Japanese skin is perhaps the most beautiful of all. i know their diet and oils and sun avoidance all contribute to that. thanks for sharing!

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  7. Hi Janet - Off topic but was wondering... do you buy extra of anything? (Like toothpaste, paper towel, tp, condiments you use a lot, toiletries, gift wrap, tape, etc.) You get the idea. What I mean is do you store much of anything extra or does the extra drive you nuts too so you buy as you need it? I would love a whole post on this. We are keeping you busy huh? Seriously you could make this blog a business if you wanted. LOL

    Thanks again! Jennifer

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    1. jennifer were you the one asking about my 2 rolls of tp? i'm sorry i forgot to answer that. or maybe i did. i can't remember. :) anyway, i really don't buy many extra's. having 4 rolls of tp in the house is plenty. i don't use paper towels. i just don't have the room to store anythng.:)

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  8. I have to ask, do you smell like olives?

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    1. no not at all. the aroma of the oil dissipates almost instantly.

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    2. Oh! This is what I was wondering. I do NOT like the smell of olive oil (or the taste). Id try this, but Im afraid when I "glisten," I would clear the room. I need to try SOMETHING though with this old dry slack skin. :\

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    3. I've used various oils on my skin - olive, safflower, sunflower, sweet almond, grapeseed. I'm not sure I can tell a difference one to the other. I would suggest trying a different oil, if you don't like the smell of olive oil. I also sometimes put a few drops of rose oil into my container of "skin" oil. It gives just a hint of rose smell - wonderful!

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    4. My mom and gran always used vinegar as a smoothing hair rinse - the smell of that is soon gone, too… though cider vinegar is even better (and I just read it has all kinds of benefits!).

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  9. Love this post Janet, thank you. I have been using Coconut Oil as my only moisturizer for over a year now. I am 43 and my skin feels amazing. My black circles under the eyes are disappearing and my skin just looks healthier. I also use coconut oil mixed with brown sugar to exfoliate my entire body. It is unbelievable how soft my skin is afterwards. It especially helps with the shaving of my legs as well after use.

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    1. i've heard amazing things like this about coconut oil also belinda. it just goes to show you that nature is best. thanks for sharing.

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    2. Belinda - Do you have a particular brand coconut oil you use or recommend? I'd love to try your coconut oil and brown sugar scrub!

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    3. Yuko I use either Tropical Traditions or Nutiva coconut oil. Both can be purchased rather inexpensive online.

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    4. Thank you! I'll get one today! Perhaps Amazon would be a good resource?

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    5. I purchase from Vitacost.com - the Nutiva and for the Tropical Traditions they have their own website. Both of these brands are organic, which is of high importance to me. Best of luck! I know you will love it.

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    6. I purchase from Vitacost.com - the Nutiva and for the Tropical Traditions they have their own website. Both of these brands are organic, which is of high importance to me. Best of luck! I know you will love it.

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    7. I purchase from Vitacost.com - the Nutiva and for the Tropical Traditions they have their own website. Both of these brands are organic, which is of high importance to me. Best of luck! I know you will love it.

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  10. Since we are on skin...does a clarisonic work well on skin with acne? My daughter has a problem with acne, and I see that she needs exfoliating, but I'm afraid it will aggravate her acne. Are there any good alternatives for exfoliating if the clarisonic is too aggressive for her skin? Thanks.

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    1. in my professional opinion a clairsonic is too much for acne. the best thing for acne is a chemical exfoliant as opposed to a manual exfoliant. i highly highly recommend Aveda's acne wipes. i'm not saying this b/c i work for them and i'm not being compensated by them saying this. my 2 youngest sons and scores of clients used them with amazing amazing results. i was just about at wits end with my son's skin but these little pads work wonders. i tell everyone that buys them to cut them in half so you get twice the amount per jar. also, if her skin is very broken out then use one half a pad every morning and every night for a week. you will start seeing an improvement and then start cutting back. within a few weeks (with diligent use) she will only have to use them 3 x a week. this is all being said w/o seeing her skin and assuming it is normal teenage acne. so please consider this. if you choose to get the aveda pads when you go into the store ask to speak to an esthetician so she can examine her skin. just to be sure. hope this is helpful and let me know if it works.

      here is the link...

      http://www.aveda.com/product/6742/17107/Skin-Care/TreatCorrect/Outer-Peace-Acne-Relief-Pads/index.tmpl

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    2. Janet,

      I gave the Clarisonic a try for quite awhile but I think it is too much for my skin, even using the delicate brush. (I'm sensitive and acne prone) I didn't know what else to use to exfoliate so maybe I will give the wipes a try. Do you think they would be O.K. for my skin? I can't use regular salcyclic acid anymore, it's too harsh.

      Thanks!

      Linda

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    3. I looked at the Aveda acne wipes which look promising. Is this what you mean by a chemical exfoliant? Also, for an Aveda esthetician to examine her skin will we have to have an appointment, and is there a cost? I would say she has a more than moderate case of teenage acne, but not the cystic type.

      Thanks, Janet.

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    4. yes linda this is a chemical exfoliant. there should be no charge for an esthetician to look at her skin...even if you make an appt, which i sort of recommend b/c they are busy. just be prepared for a sales pitch. :) as long as she does not have cystic acne these should do the job. she will notice that her skin will start getting dry and the moisturizer that goes along with the Outer Peace pads is excellent. so you may want to get that too. good luck and let me know how it goes.

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    5. Thank you, Janet. I'll talk to her about it. I really appreciate your help.

      Margaret (not Linda : ))

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    6. oh sorry Margaret. :)

      and Linda go into an aveda store and ask for a sample of the outer peace pads. Bring a little ziploc baggie with you and tell them how sensitive you are. they should give you a few. if they won't then you can purchase them and if they are too drying for you then you can return them for a full refund.

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  11. Hi Janet! I did try after reading your previous post and I did like the result very much. I am currently using an very expensive organic olive oil moisturizer my mother occasionally sends me (which I cannot afford myself). I'll definitely go back to using regular olive oil again when the moisturizer is gone. I sometimes use sugar to exfoliate my body, but after reading Belinda's above comment, I must try the coconut oil + brown sugar mixture! Love this post and thanks for sharing ox

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    1. My friend was just enthusing about olive oil and sea salt as a scrub :)

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  12. i've been using sweet almond oil for a couple years now and it has been my favorite. i wanted to try jojoba, but it is pretty pricy here. i switched to coconut oil for a bit, but my skin seemed to get drier and it didn't absorb for me as well. i keep mine in a dropper bottle because i figured a pump would clog, so that is great it works. my sister was using coconut oil on her newborn baby (eczema & cradle cap), and was annoyed that it was sitting on his skin instead of absorbing. i mentioned that she should try it while his skin is still damp. i saw him yesterday and no dry patches!

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  13. Hi Janet! I was just thinking the other day "I wonder if olive oil would be a good face moisturizer" and then I read your post! I will definitely give this a try especially since you said it doesn't smell after it absorbs. I worked briefly in a doctors office and was amazed when an auto mechanic had oil on his brain from just pushing his hair back everyday while working....since that time I have been really concerned about what we put on our bodies!! I'm all for more natural ideas! Thanks for sharing (and yes a book is a great idea - maybe a publisher will be reading!!)

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    1. OMG. That is horrifying. I know that the skin is this 'organ' which absorbs, but oil on the brain? OMG. You're talking chemical-harsh motor oils; maybe even caustic. It all makes sense. We have 'patches' to put on the skin for pain control, nausea relief, hormone issues, nicotine battles. I've never paid enough attention to the importance of skin and its care. Makes me feel so stupid. We're given this incredible gift of a body and a brain...and we unknowingly, and knowingly, abuse it.

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  14. Hi Janet
    Read this post tonight and immediately tried it after my bath. So far so good...it doesn't smell and absorbed quite quickly into my 51 yr old face. Probably wouldn't use before work due to potential mascara problem. TFS.

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  15. any thoughts on Argan oil? I just purchased some after hearing it praised highly in a book I recently read. I liked the fact that it is natural, but it is pricey and wonder if good old olive oil would be just as good.
    Darby

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    1. i've heard it is wonderful for hair but i have no experience with it re skincare. i'm sure it is good. :)

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  16. My interest is piqued. I was always intrigued that I'd read of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis using almond oil on her skin. Olive oil? Good to know that the smell of it doesn't linger on the skin. Jojoba oil? I worked for developers/large-scale farmers in California and Arizona who were pioneers in bringing the jojoba plant into domesticity, accelerating its growth with irrigation from the years it takes to grow in the harsh desert-wild and a drought-ridden environment. I had many samples of cremes and the pure oil but, sorry to say (and this is just 'me' talking) I was never too impressed with jojoba; however, I think it's probably very effective as a value-added ingredient in many kinds of cosmetics.

    One thing which has concerned/angered me in the months since I was diagnosed with cancer is the fact I was clueless about some of the ingredients in shampoos, lotions, gels (it's long list) which should be avoided (parabels and phthalates; a long discussion not for here...). Really, Aveda seems to be one of the more conscientious companies. However, like we all have become more and more aware of, trying to keep things simple (and go back in time a little!) is often the BEST way to go, as we've become manufactured nightmares on a lot of stuff ("you can't be healthy on a sick planet" is a quote I like from an author...and cancer survivor...named David Servann-Schreiber, MD).

    Better to eat food in its more natural state. Cancer feeds on sugar so try to limit the desserts. Watch what household chems you use. And natural cosmetics for the body of course makes the most sense; so, I'm glad for these tips; glad to know of a smart moisturizer!

    It would be awful to go back to the mid-20th century when polio was rampant, for instance...we've made such incredible strides in America to progress and survive in so many ways...but we've sure screwed up on some other things and, well, as consumers we've been so duped simply due to lack of information. Troubling! We're up against so much "bad stuiff" out there, it's just critical to keep yourself as healthy as possible and work to keep informed. Can't take it casually...if you're a toxic waste-dump, your body will finally begin to lose the fight as you age. I speak as one who knows. The body is resilient, but it can just take so much. If you maintained it poorly as I did, payback's a (w)itch.

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    1. That's a typo; paraBENS, not parabels.

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    2. Vicki, you should start a blog!!!

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    3. I agree! Vicki you should really think about starting a blog. I would gladly be a Follower!

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    4. ...and if you don't want your own blog, continue your comments on this one. I find your remarks very interesting and timely and you are such a good writer, very conversational. I think you are going through what a lot of us are experiencing in our lives and it really helps to share those thoughts.
      Best to you, k

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    5. Wow, washed over by kindness here, like a soothing balm (or EVOO?!). Janet's gentle "kindness is never out of style" obviously heeded. Thank you.

      So relieved for friends in the Glendora/Asusa area near Los Angeles...rimmed by raging wildfire today; now dying down thanks to firefighting efforts. Drought, eastern-desert/Santa Ana winds, single-digit temps (ours north of L.A. was 3 percent humidity at 4pm) and heat...90 degrees (f) in January no less. RX for disaster if humans are stupid with a campfire...

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  17. Wasn't me asking about TP but you did answer my question. Also, here's another question. Do you "do" any other social media sites? Instagram? Facebook? Also, you said that you like to watch the playoffs (NFL I'm assuming) but don't get cable? How do you watch? THANKS! Jennifer

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    1. i am on no other media sites. i can barely keep up with this one.:)

      the playoffs are on regular channels. that being said, over a year ago our internet provider threw in basic cable all while lowering the bill. so we do have basic cable now. before that we had an antenna on top of the house and it worked great.

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  18. Janet, are you still using your gentle cleanser along with the olive oil? I sure hope you are enjoying all of these questions as much as we are :) One day I may get up the courage to start a blog.

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    1. yes, still using dermalogica gentle cleanser. :)
      do it!

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  19. I, too, am interested in your professional opinion on argan oil since I recently purchased it. I believe it's truly helping my dry skin as I'm outside in very cold winter temps every day. Does it have any different properties than olive oil?

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  20. I use olive oil. Have for years. I grew up poor and my little Italian grandmother used to rub it into her skin each time she cooked. I SWEAR she aged SLOWLY. :) I use the ligh and a bottle goes a LONG LONG LONG way. Glad to see someone else is using this.

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  21. I have been using toes hip oil, and used to use olive oil, so may try again. You look beautiful and I gave such sensitive skins so I think you are right on!

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  22. I've been making my own concoction of 8 oz. coconut oil, 8 oz. vitamin E and 16 oz. of baby lotion. It smells wonderful and is great (although a little greasy) so I'm going to try the olive oil.

    What do you think of Retinol products like ROC?

    Betty

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    1. betty i'm not really familiar with that product. i've heard of it but don't know anyone who has used it. sorry.

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  23. Is there a reason you chose and recommend olive oil over other oils? I was thinking of trying this approach with coconut oil, but I'm open to olive if you think it's better. Thank you!

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    1. olive oil contains antioxidants and squalene - both excellent for skin. i have not researched coconut oil but according to many readers here it is awesome on the skin.

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  24. I use olive oil for my hands and love it. I will try on my body and face too. Do you think adding a few drops of lavender essential oil will be good (it would smell great)?

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    1. i have added some essential oils to it but the aroma dissipates so quickly it wasn't worth repeating. but you could try it!

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  25. OK! I'm trying Olive Oil!
    Now I've got a question too.
    I like the look of red lipstick but when I wear it, many times I will start to develop a little "bump" along the edge of my lip, not actually a zit, just a bump that goes away if I stop wearing lipstick. Lip-glosses causes it too. I really need something better than colored chap-stick. any suggestions?

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    1. Cynthia, you might look into this company. http://www.redapplelipstick.com/our-story/
      I love their products as they don't contain icky things like gluten, parabens, lead, soy...
      They have several shades of red from which to choose!

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    2. Mona, I just came back from their site and THANK YOU! I'm going to try a lipstick and they also have an eyeliner that looks like something I could use. Thanks again and I will report back!

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    3. it sounds like an allergic reaction cynthia. i'm allergic to aveda's lipsaver. it causes my lips to swell so i cannot use it. i think it will be trial and error for you.

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  26. Oh my...I've been away from the computer for a week and come back to so much good info here! Honestly Janet, you are a treasure trove of all good things. ♥

    I was hoping that someone else would ask this .... do you mean olive oil as in off the shelf at the grocery store olive oil?

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    1. hey sarah. yes just off the shelf extra virgin olive oil. :)

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  27. I am going to try this. Also for anyone looking for a simple homemade deep hair conditioner you can mix olive oil with mayonnaise and achieve nice results.

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  28. Interesting. Do you notice a strong scent? Do Italian children follow you around? My massage therapist, who is 50, swears by grapeseed oil and her skin looks great. I tend towards acne so have always hesitated to try it as I wondered if it would clog pores. I know the grapeseed can stain (she said so), but sounds like the olive oil does not. Sounds messy, but glad to read your great review and know it is effective. :)
    xo Terri

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    1. I've been using it for about a week now. I definitely smell it when I put it on, but Janet is right that the odor dissipates. I even had my husband do a sniff test to be sure I hadn't just gotten used to the smell.

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  29. I use mineral oil, in a similar way as you use olive oil, as a face and body moisturizer and there is no scent. M.O. is cheaper than O.O!

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    1. I believe mineral oil is actually a by-product of petroleum. A find a little of any of the oils mentioned in the comments (coconut, almond, olive..) go a long way. I personally only buy a few bottles a year.

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  30. Yay! So glad to see this post. I've been using olive oil on my face and body since I commented on the previous olive oil post. Fabulous. I absolutely love it so far. One big benefit is that some of the flakiness on my skin has gone away, which makes my foundation look a more natural. I've also had a cold and it's kept my raw nose from getting really chapped. Haven't tried it on my little girls let, but maybe one day after bath. Would be a great beauty lesson to hand down to them. Loved reading this post and all the comments.
    Camille

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    1. camille glad you reported back here. also, glad you are loving it...it's great isn't it? thanks!

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  31. I use coconut oil. I have been very happy with it and it has worked well for me. If I ever run out, it's good to know that olive oil can take its place.
    -Diane

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  32. Coconut oil is not easily available where I live, but Olive oil is very easy :) I will definitely try this, thank you.

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  33. Love it. I have been making a mix of olive oil and sugar that I use as a scrub. Same amazing effects and so very inexpensive. I hadn't thought of using just the olive oil as a moisturizer but as soon as my over the counter stuff is gone, it'll be the olive oil. Skin looks great and I'm just 67!

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  34. You've inspired me to try olive oil. Last year I switched my skin products to paraben, sulfate free and no mineral oil products. I use DeVita moisturizer, toner, and eye lift cream. It has helped clear up my breakouts. I believe the mineral oil was the biggest culprit since I also switched my base cover up to Lush. All these products are vegan too. I also make my own exfoliate with baker's sugar (finer than regular sugar) raw honey, lemon juice, and a few drops of lavender and tea tree oil. If I do this regularly once a week my skin feels wonderful. My skin still tends to be dry so I will try the olive oil and let you know how it goes.

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  35. Janet, I just want to thank you for all these wonderful posts in the New Year on how to live a simple, intentional life and save money along the way without sacrificing style and beauty. I thought of you when reading this post. You generously share this philosophy with your readers. http://www.designsponge.com/2014/01/practicing-mindfulness-at-home-the-need-want-equation.html

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  36. This is not surprising. Sophia Loren has sworn by olive oil, ingesting it and using it a moisturizer. I've been using food-grade vitamin E oil on my face and jojoba oil on body as well. Both work wonders. Olive oil may be cheaper than both of these though!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Janet - Off topic again but was wondering... pouring through your blog I saw your pantry and want a simple pantry like yours. I seem to have oodles of spices. How many spices do you have? Probably a handful right? I know you are vegan so that probably cuts back on a lot.

    Also, when you were clearing out your clutter in the beginning of getting to more of a simple life did you have a hard time getting rid of the pantry items that were still good but you no longer needed or wanted? Can I give you an example? My DD is gluten free. So that has made it so my husband and I gluten free too. We no longer need all the different flours that I have in my pantry? I just want gluten free items. So what am I waiting for? Give the no longer pantry items that don't fit my lifestyle to someone that could use them right? (I think I just answered my own question) :) But not on the spices! Did you purposely "downsize" your spices too? THANKS, Janet. Oh, your blog and YOU make me happy!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love this! I am loaded down with tons of moisturizers and creams trying to fight the aging process. I have read how olive oil is good for you and I will now try it after your glowing review!
    Viv~

    ReplyDelete
  39. Yes, of course I will give it a try Janet! I mean....if you say so....It has to be good!
    xo
    annie

    ReplyDelete
  40. For those of you who are concerned about what kind of chemicals you are putting on your skin, you might want to check out www.goodguide.com. You can enter the name of a specific product and find out how safe it really is. I was amazed that many things you would assume would be safe really are not, even brands that that advertise how safe and pure they are. It's a real eye opener!
    Judy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have to chime in...I know what you mean; I was shocked on the baby products particularly. Thanks for the referral. What's very sad also is how many companies still test beauty-related products on animals which, to me, seems completely unnecessary although I'm no expert on the subject. I just know what keeps me up at night. With the mere thought of such things.

      Delete
  41. love these tips janet. Thanks so much.
    jo

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi All,

    If Janet's post has you questioning what you are putting on your skin, look here: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ . Great site with loads of information. I have very sensitive skin, and cleanse with apricot seed oil, followed with jojoba or grapeseed oil for moisturizer. Rosacea is under control, and skin feels happy instead of hurty. Oils are great, even for the oily. Thanks for raising awareness, Janet. We can't assume cosmetics companies have our best interests at heart, just as we can't assume food companies will only sell us what is best for us. For most, it's about the bottom line. Their profits. Thanks to blogs like this one, we can watch out for each other.

    ReplyDelete
  43. TOTALLY TRYING IT.
    But…what about your pillow?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For me, by the time my head hits the pillow, the oil isn't oily anymore. I also do a gentle facial massage after moisturizing or oil washing, so maybe this helps with absorption...Doesn't take long, and what a difference it has made. Wearing minimal makeup now, and skin feels so much better. Looks better too, incidentally.

      Delete
  44. Thanks for the great idea, Janet. What are your thoughts on shampoo and conditioner?

    ReplyDelete
  45. when you use these oils as a moisturizer, what do you do about sun protection? I had been using a moisturizer with SPF during the day, the argan oil at night. I will be running out of the commercial moisturizer soon and was wondering. I do have foundation with SPF but I don't always want to wear makeup.
    Darby

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, we need a little sun for Vitamin D production. Some say sunscreen can actually do more harm than good, and suggest minimizing its use. Hats and sleeves are great sunscreen for when you don't want to add more chemicals to your skin, and when you can't use those, check with the good guide or skin deep for acceptable sunscreens. But, again, a few minutes unprotected is a requirement for Vitamin D production by your body. I think in some ways we've been marketed to death and have bought into some ideas which aren't in our best interests, but work well at selling to us. We suddenly must have things which were never necessary for us as humans before. Sigh....unlearning is good, just takes effort to fight the messages bombarding from all directions. Hmmm... I wonder if Janet's blog has become a marketing bomb shelter? I'll think of it that way!

      Delete
    2. Janet, I agree, your blog is like a safe haven from the firestorm of commercialism. Thank you!

      Delete
    3. Apropos descriptions for Janet's blog...

      ...a marketing bomb shelter

      ...a safe haven from a firestorm of commercialism

      ...a call from a good friend (I think that's how another reader coined in in a newer post/comment!)


      Now, Janet, take that into your heart for all the people you are helping with this blog. If you never did another post, you already made a difference.

      I'd heard this years ago...if each one of us could just take our small corner of the world and be the best we could be, the world would be an even better place.

      Delete
  46. yes, i am 100% on board with this!
    i love feeding my skin food oils.
    most days, i use coconut oil mixed with honey.
    here's my post about it:
    http://five-ten-fifteen.blogspot.com/2013/08/what-i-use-to-wash-my-face.html
    but i also love olive oil, almond oil, sesame oil.
    add some sugar & you've got a nice scrub for feet, hands, and elbows : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trying to assimilate all the tips here so went into your blog to see your 'recipe' for face wash. You have a lot of great other recipes for meals; vegan/vegetarian. Thanks!

      Delete
  47. I've been using Rose Seed Hip Oil on my face and love it. I'll try it on my body and see how that works first. I love when you share these things with us. Tested on one is fine by me. xoJennifer

    ReplyDelete
  48. What a great idea. I'm so trying this Janet. Thanks for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi Janet - I was a little "iffy" about trying olive oil as a moisturizer/primer before putting on makeup. But wow...what a difference! I love it !! Also thank you for being an inspiration on Simple Living - I'm becoming more frugal as I age. I find that I love empty places in drawers/counters. I want less "things". I am a nature gal and finally at 54 years of age I have more time to enjoy the beautiful Gulf Coast where I live - Life is Full, Fun and always Interesting if you choose it to be. I am enjoying your blog! - Pam Atk

    ReplyDelete
  50. you saved my nose...you see I had a cold this week and the olive oil-applied often-saved my nose from getting all red and dried out. Thanks-I'm an olive oil convert!

    ReplyDelete
  51. This thread reminded me of something that happened to me few years ago while I was shopping in a furniture store. At the register, on the counter, there were various open tins of cream samples. I lathered one all over my very dry hands and loved the way my hands felt. Then the cashier pointed out that I was using leather furniture cleaner/conditioner. Tina

    ReplyDelete
  52. Started using olive oil as a facial moisturizer this weekend; can't believe how soft my skin feels. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  53. So glad I read this...my italian grandma used olive oil on her face...and my grandpa always commented on how she had skin like a baby...and it was true. I will have to start!!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I just started using olive oil as moisturizer as well! It really shocked me how my skin looks way more radiant than it was when I was using store bought moisturizer and my acne is slowly fading away. :)

    ReplyDelete
  55. hi...I live in Malaysia, question...I have a bottle of expired cooking extra virgin olive oil
    Do you think I can use it as moisturiser & cleanser? Or maybe just as cleanser? Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i think if it does not smell rancid then it would be safe to use as a body moisturizer.

      Delete
    2. yup, it doesn't smell rancid... thank you!!!

      Delete
  56. These r soo wondrful tips thanks much to the writer :-)

    ReplyDelete
  57. Can I use olive oil as moisturizer befor makeup for my oily skin or should I get a specific primer ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. all skin types can use it so yes, just use a tiny bit mixed with water and you'll be good to go!

      Delete
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  76. Olive oil is no secret to Greek and Italian ladies. My Greek mother always told me that when a woman first finds that she is pregnant, she needs to immediately start moisturizing her belly and breasts with olive oil, liberally, every day, even before she starts to show. This greatly reduces the onset of stretch marks. But the secret is you need to start early, right after you find out you are pregnant. And of course, it is great on your face, neck, hands, legs, and shoulders too. It gives your skin a natural glow and a real silky feel.

    ReplyDelete
  77. I am trying to reduce my plastic consumption/trash as much as possible and when I ran out of commercial moisturizers, I started using coconut and olive oil as moisturizers as I can purchase them in glass containers. As with many plastic-free alternatives, I find the more natural plastic-free ones are the best! They are less expensive, come packaged without plastic, and are better products! I think I prefer olive oil over coconut oil but both are good. Thank you for this blog!

    ReplyDelete
  78. "While my skin is still wet (this is important) i put on olive oil........"

    Why is that so important? And do you mean dripping wet skin literally just stepped out of the shower? Or do you merely mean damp skin after wrapping yourself in a towel?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. the reason it's important is because the water left on your skin helps evenly distribute the olive oil. it also helps it absorb into the skin better. a little less than dripping wet is perfect, damp skin is ok too. :)

      Delete

  79. Nice post. I’ll try olive oil after all the information you post about it. I like the oil free moisturizers and hope that using olive oil will work for me. Thanks for sharing and recommend the useful stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Useful information. Thank you.. I use soft touch 35 moisturizer for my skin care. It really works well as an Organic Moisturizer.

    ReplyDelete
  81. I've never tried moisturizers before and my colleague tells me to apply some to prevent wrinkles. So I have a very oily skin type is Neutrogena Hydro Boost water-gel good for my skin? Your reply would be much appreciated.More info click here best moisturizer for dry skin

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