Neroli

Little old Neroli. I imagine people are more familiar with essential oils like lavendar, but neroli really is a little gem to be explored.

I read recently (possibly in UK Elle magazine) of a makeup artist who uses neroli oil for bringing a glow to makeup. If you, like I do, decant a little foundation onto the back of your hand then simply shake a drop in and mix it up. I wouldn't use any more than that, and with my foundation (Chanel Aqualumiere) it certainly couldn't handle more, but it is rather lovely. And neroli has a divine fragrance. It's from the citrus family (orange blossom to be precise) but to me it smells fresh, a little like soap and clean washing.

From this website "The name is said to have originated from the Italian princess, Anne-Marie de la Tremoille (Countess of Nerola) who used the oil as a perfume and to scent her bathwater and gloves. It is still an ingredient for making traditional smelling eau-de-cologne"

and..

"On the skin, neroli oil can help to regenerate skin cells and is a rejuvenating oil useful to prevent ugly scar tissue, promote a smoother skin, fighting stretch marks and broken capillaries."

I think beyond adding neroli oil to my foundation I will also be adding it to my facial oil mix, the latter which I use as I would a serum. You could also mix a drop into your night moisturiser.