Aroma M Camellia Face Oil Review

Press Sample

American born artist Maria McElroy synthesized her love of blending colors and textures with her passion for scent. After receiving an MFA in painting from the San Francisco Art Institute in '86, Maria continued her studies in Australia and became a Certified Aromatherapist with Queensland Institute of Natural Science.

Seven years in Japan, studying Kodo, the ancient art of fragrance, Ikebana, Japanese flower arrangement Koto, Japanese harp, Shiatsu massage and Zen Buddhism solidified Maria's appreciation for Japanese culture and aesthetics. Romance also flourished back in New York where Maria met her Japanese born husband. Maria's seven-year journey, rich in Japanese history, romance and mystery, became the genesis of aroma M and the inspiration for the signature Geisha fragrance line. Aroma M is based in New York but is now known worldwide.

According to Maria, "Blending fragrances in a bottle is like mixing colors on a palette. The scent becomes pigment, the body becomes the canvas. The nose responds to scent like the eye to color." The very notion of analogizing the blending of fragrances with the mixing of colors immediately appealed to my sensibilities- particularly given my profession. That Maria approaches the creation of her beautiful perfumes and oils as an artist is clear from the moment that you see, feel and experience them- and her beautiful wearable and usable art delights the senses.

According to Aroma M,

This luxurious and fragrant Facial Oil treatment combines seven beneficial emollient organic oils (Camellia, Carrot Seed, Jojoba, Apricot Kernel, Evening Primrose, Argan, and Vitamin E). It is charged with the synergy of essential oils derived from flowers and other botanicals (Jasmine, Geranium, Frankincense and Neroli.) This is the ideal liquid moisturizer for hydrating skin to create a luminous, complexion. This elixir effortlessly melts into complexions that are normal, oily, or dry without leaving any residue, and adds the experience of uplifting fully natural fragrance to soothe the mind and heart.  Maria McElroy of Aroma M Beauty has combined her experience in the beauty rituals of the Japanese Gion Geisha and Western aromatherapy traditions to create a material for a beneficial and beautiful beauty ritual that combines the best of both traditions.

Each lovely oil was very carefully selected for its ability to beautifully nourish, hydrate and luminize the skin. Additionally, many of the individual oils are potent antioxidant rich anti-aging power brokers that will do wonders for the skin- giving it a smooth and youthful appearance replete with a healthy luminous glow.

Camellia Oil: Camellia Oil has been a Japanese beauty secret for centuries, and considered to be so beneficial and valuable that has become a symbol of wealth, virtue and happiness. It is made from cold pressed Japanese camellia (Tsubaki) buds, which is a member of the tea family. It is very lightweight and absorbs well. Camellia oil is lighter than oils such as shea butter and jojoba, and is hypoallergenic and will not clog skin pores. It is a superb daily moisturizer and emollient, protecting skin from chafing and drying out, and replenishes vital nutrients, as it offers a variety of healing, nourishing and stimulating properties to purify and protect the skin.  It restores skin's pH balance and shields skin from penetration of environmental pollutants.  It acts as a natural sun block by forming a barrier against harmful UV rays. For men, Camellia oil is an excellent skin conditioner after shaving. Shaving is an exfoliant and may leave skin dry and sensitive. With regular application, the skin will be moisturized and nourished. Its soothing qualities aid in preventing irritations and shaving burns.

Carrot Seed Oil: Among the healing properties of Carrot Seed Oil are its ability to stimulate the circulation, to repair and tone the skin, to increase elasticity, and to reduce the formation of wrinkles and scars. It will balance and moderate the extremes of oily and dry skin, in addition to nourishing mature skin.

Jojoba Oil: Jojoba Oil naturally heals skin damage with its beneficial stimulating and purifying properties. It is wonderfully effective in sustaining the skin’s natural moisture as needed to prevent dryness.  The extract of the seeds mimics the natural oil produced by sebaceous glands in the skin and is absorbs quickly to impart a velvety finish.

Apricot Kernel Oil: Sought out for its high vitamin E content and skin softening properties, apricot kernel oil is known for its ability to penetrate the skin without leaving an oily feel. Organic apricot kernel oil contains natural vitamins A and E, which soothe the skin and slow signs of aging. It helps rehydrate dry skin.

Evening Primrose Oil: Evening Primrose Oil rejuvenates tired and aging skin, and is especially gently refreshing for tired skin around the eyes.  It will soothe and help to remove redness and minor blemishes.  It helps dry skin feel more supple and smooth, and plumps up the skin.

Argan Oil: Argan Oil is a complex mixture of chemical compounds, with fatty acids, polyphenoles, antioxidants, carotenoids and other acids. It protects the skin against wrinkles and premature aging, and helps reduce the appearance of crow’s feet. Protein rich Argan oil is excellent for increasing the elasticity of skin. It strengthens skin’s protein bonding structures, which work to tighten the skin and make it look fresh. It will reduce skin irritation and oversensitivity, and quickly heals scratches on the skin. Argan oil is equally good for both dry and oily skin, because it regulates and normalizes the secretion of sebum and keeps it to a manageable level.

Jasmine Oil: Jasmine Oil This heady fragrant essential oil helps both in the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines in mature skin and will also soothe youthful sensitive or oily skin. The fully natural and organic fragrance of this essential oil has a calming effect on the central nervous system, which supports the skin’s well being, and may aid in relaxing the facial expression.

Geranium Oil: Fragrant pure Geranium oil is astringent and tonic, and stimulates circulation.  Its herbaceous fragrance reduces stress and anxiety, and therefore calms the skin. Geranium oil will also soothe over sensitive skin and prevent breakouts. It aids in balancing the hormones and balances both dry and oily skin.

Frankincense Oil: Frankincense Oil is a powerfully beneficial and fragrant skin rejuvenator.  It is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and can balance oily or dry skin.  It improves skin's tone and texture and speeds healing and is helpful with acne, and blemishes. It can reduce the appearance of scars and age spots. Because it encourages new skin cell growth it is excellent for fighting the signs of aging.

Neroli Oil: Neroli Oil is a fragrant skin cell regenerator and also helps the skin retain moisture. It has a smoothing effect on the skin and helps heal scar tissue and fights broken capillaries. It is beneficial for dry and aging skin because it aids in skin cell growth and also improves skin's elasticity.

Ingredients: Organic Camellia Seed Oil, Organic Carrot Seed Oil, Organic Golden Jojoba Oil, Organic Apricot Kernel Oil, Organic Evening Primrose Oil, Organic Argan Oil, Vit E, Organic essential oils of Jasmine, Neroli, Geranium, Frankincense.

My experience: Aroma M Camellia Face Oil is a delightfully lightweight and fast absorbing serum that is at once soothing, healing, nourishing, and utterly delectable. The scent is one in which the Jasmine, Neroli and Geranium are tempered by the Frankincense and Evening Primrose- the result of which is a warm rich sweet scent that pleases the senses.

This amalgam of luscious oils is deeply moisturizing, hydrating, calming and nourishing- leaving the skin beautifully luminous and healthy. Additionally, this amazing serum is fortified with highly potent antioxidant rich anti-aging oils that really mean business. The Camellia oil is not only a profoundly calming and soothing oil, but it also does wonders with respect to plumping fine lines- thereby making it a wonderful and hard-working anti-aging treatment.

As is the case with all of my oil-based serums, I apply Aroma M Camellia Face Oil very sparingly to warmly lightly damp freshly cleaned skin. It sinks in immediately and leaves behind a noteworthy glowing complexion. Used morning and/or night you will note a difference in the health and vitality of your skin. Sometimes I even add a drop to my foundation or tinted moisturizer to heighten my luminosity- the results are always stunning!

Overall Assessment: A lovely face oil, indeed.

$95.00 for 1.3 oz. Available from Aroma M or these fine retailers. (Unaffiliated link).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. Stock photo provided by Aroma M.
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