We’ve all heard about the benefits of Argan oil, in fact it s included in the ingredient list of many of our beauty products from hair serums to massage oils.  Argan Oil is known for its hydrating and anti aging benefits because of its high fatty acids and Vitamin E content, making it an all in one beauty powerhouse.

More recently, I received a beautiful gift from a former colleague, Rhoda Campos Aldanese that contained another Liquid gold, Marula Oil (read it here)  The box also contains a big block of chocolate derived from the cocoa beans from the Ivory Coast West Africa.  Tavoletta chocolate is best used for hot chocolate in the mornings and even if its not Christmas, I wouldn’t mind a cup of this warm rich chocolate drink to start my day.  Chocolates are also rich in antioxidants and flavanoids, compounds produced by plants that are beneficial to cardiovascular health and cell renewal.

What It is

• Marula oil is derived from the fruit of the Marula tree in Africa, and only the fallen fruit is collected and gathered by the women of East Africa.  It is brought to collection points where the fruit pulp is removed for jams and juices and the shells are used for charcoal.  This process protects and adds value to the wild strands of the tree and provide a sustainable livelihood for the community making it a member of the Fair Trade Association and Green America.

• The cold process it undergoes without the inducement of heat or chemical treatments make it 100 % pure capturing all its beneficial properties more effective in its application.

• The Ingredients are 99% Marula oil, 1% essential oil fragrance (Linalool and Limonene) that help make it an antioxidant that provides intense hydration, soothing properties and gives the skin radiance and glow.  It does not contain Parabens, Phthalates, and Sulfates than can irritate skin.

• Marula by John Paul Selects is named after John Paul DeJoria, the founder of John Paul Mitchell haircare systems, an entrepreneur that supports sustainability and social causes.

How to incorporate the oil in your beauty routine

• Used alone as an anti aging moisturizer applied on the face and neck area 2x/day.
• Add 1-2 drops of the oil to your favorite foundation to give you a dewy glow.
• Can be used as a primer prior to makeup application.
• Applied to soothe peels, sunburn or after facial treatments.
• Can be mixed with other facial products like moisturizers, mask or cleansers for an elasticity boost.

What it feels like

I’ve only used this oil the past week, and tested it during the day and night.  Lightweight and easily absorbed, it provides a satin finish after with no greasy after feel.  It does feel plumped up and ready for the next step which is the makeup application.  At night when I applied it, the next morning, my face felt like it drank 8 glasses of water, it felt supple and so so soft to the touch.  The smell is very pleasant, with a hint of citrus but it disappears in a few seconds.  The pipette it comes in is sleekly designed and opens up when you twist it open and dispenses the the right amount of drops.

I’ve begun to love this new variable in my skincare routine and I’m getting the sinking feeling, my jars of moisturizers will not get the attention and love it deserves because there’s a new kid on the block showing off.  I was close to getting the Clarins Facial Lotus oil that has been the Holy Grail of facial oils by top makeup artists.  I hesitated because I have a drawerful of moisturizers to play around with.  Marula Oil is my new love and knowing that is created through a sustainable livelihood, it has definitely sealed its place in my own piece of beauty heaven.

Marula Oil is available at the beauty departments of SM Aura, SM  Makati, SM North Edsa and SM MOA.  Sold at P2980.00 for the 30 oz. bottle and P4980.00 for the 50 ml. bottle.  Tavoletta Chocolate bars are available at Villa Del Conte outlets (http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com/tavoletta/)