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Argan oil, often referred to as "liquid gold," has become a staple in beauty and wellness routines worldwide. Extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree (Argania spinosa), this luxurious oil originates exclusively in Morocco, where it has been crafted by local Berber women for centuries. But what makes this oil so special, and how is it made? Let’s take a closer look.

Where Does Argan Oil Come From?

The Argan tree is native to Morocco and thrives in the semi-desert climate of the southwestern region, particularly in the Souss-Massa-Draa area. These ancient trees are vital not only for their oil but also for their role in preventing soil erosion and supporting the local ecosystem.

The fruit of the Argan tree is small and hard, encasing one to three oil-rich kernels. Harvesting these fruits is the first step in producing the coveted Argan oil.

The Traditional Process of Making Argan Oil

The process of creating Argan oil is labor-intensive, combining traditional techniques with modern sustainability practices. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Harvesting the Fruit:
   The Argan fruits are typically collected after they fall naturally from the trees. This sustainable practice ensures no harm comes to the trees themselves.

2. Drying and Pulp Removal:
   Once harvested, the fruits are dried in the sun to make it easier to remove the outer pulp. The pulp is often repurposed as animal feed, contributing to a zero-waste approach.

3. Cracking the Nuts:
   This step is done manually and is the most labor-intensive part of the process. Skilled artisans, primarily Berber women, crack the nuts using stones to extract the kernels. This precision requires immense skill and patience.

4. Roasting the Kernels (for Culinary Oil):
   If the oil is intended for culinary use, the kernels are lightly roasted to enhance the nutty flavor. For cosmetic oil, this step is skipped to maintain its neutral aroma.

5. Grinding and Pressing:
   The kernels are then ground into a paste, traditionally using a stone grinder. The paste is hand-kneaded, and the oil is extracted through mechanical pressing.

6. Filtering and Bottling:
   The extracted oil is filtered to remove any impurities and then packaged. Pure, unrefined Argan oil retains its rich golden hue and nutty scent.

The Role of Women’s Cooperatives

Women’s cooperatives play a central role in the production of Argan oil in Morocco. These cooperatives empower Berber women by providing fair wages, education, and opportunities for financial independence. When you purchase authentic Moroccan Argan oil, you’re not just investing in your skin or hair—you’re supporting sustainable practices and local communities.

Why Moroccan Argan Oil is Unique

The exclusivity of Moroccan Argan oil lies in its purity and ethical production process. Rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E, this oil offers unparalleled benefits for skin, hair, and overall health. Authentic Argan oil is a testament to Morocco's rich cultural heritage and commitment to sustainability.

How to Identify Authentic Argan Oil

With its popularity, many imitations have entered the market. To ensure you’re getting genuine Moroccan Argan oil, look for:

• A short ingredient list (100% Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil).
• A nutty aroma for culinary oil or a mild scent for cosmetic oil.
• Glass packaging to preserve its quality.
• Certification labels, such as organic or fair-trade marks.

Final Thoughts

From the sun-drenched Argan orchards of Morocco to your beauty routine, every drop of Argan oil carries a legacy of craftsmanship, sustainability, and empowerment. Whether you’re using it for its nourishing properties or to elevate your culinary creations, Argan oil is truly a gift from nature.

Photo shot by Bec Martinez in Morocco (travel and brand photographer) @Beclouisemay

While it technically qualifies as a plant-based elixir - painstakingly extracted from the kernels of Moroccan Argan trees - there’s a reason why many skincare experts have come to refer to Argan oil as “liquid gold.” 

For centuries, Argan oil has been featured in cosmetic products and treatments ranging from hair conditioners to cuticle serums, and is beloved for its many beauty benefits. At Eossi Beauty, we include Moroccan Argan oil in some of our favorite formulas for the body and skin, and are always in awe of the glowing results it provides.

However, the effects of Argan aren’t purely magical. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits: 

Benefit #1: Argan Oil is intensely moisturizing

For dry, dull, or depleted skin, Argan oil is an excellent go-to ingredient. It’s lightweight, yet incredibly hydrating.

Benefit #2: Argan Oil is an antioxidant 

Naturally nutrient-dense, Argan oil is known to contain a host of antioxidants. It’s rich in Vitamin E and polyphenol compounds.

Eossi’s Favorite Products Featuring Argan Oil

For enjoying all of the beautiful benefits of Argan, Eossi Beauty includes Moroccan Argan Oil in several of our bestselling blends.

You’ll find it in our Athena Brightening Body Oil, alongside other nourishing oils for your whole body, including jojoba, squalane, rosehip, and grapeseed. It’s also a key ingredient in our Facial Glow Oil, which is perfect for nurturing your skin and creating your own inspired self care rituals. We recommend treating yourself to both of these formulas daily, for radiant results.

References:

• Skin hydration in postmenopausal women: argan oil benefit with oral and/or topical use By Kenza Qiraouani Boucetta, Zoubida Charrouf, Abdelfattah Derouiche, Younes Rahali, and Yahya Bensouda

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4520377/ 

• Activation of MITF by Argan Oil Leads to the Inhibition of the Tyrosinase and Dopachrome Tautomerase Expressions in B16 Murine Melanoma Cells By Myra O. Villareal, Sayuri Kume, Thouria Bourhim, Fatima Zahra Bakhtaoui, Kenichi Kashiwagi, Junkyu Han, Chemseddoha Gadhi, and Hiroko Isoda

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3723062/

The desire for youthful, glowing skin has created a new trend in skincare: face sculpting. This trend is exciting and quickly gaining popularity. Face sculpting and face massaging uses specially designed tools to massage and tone facial muscles.

It also boosts blood circulation and promotes lymphatic drainage. Adding face sculpting to your skincare routine can bring you many advantages. These include reduced puffiness, enhanced skin texture, and a brighter complexion. This is a guide to help you understand the different tools you can use and how you should use them.  

Jade Rollers: The Timeless Skincare Tool

Jade rollers are handheld massage tools made from solid jade or other gemstones like rose quartz. These devices feature a large stone on one end and a smaller stone on the other. This allows for easy massage of various areas of the face.

Jade rollers are perfect for gentle facial massages, helping to relax tense muscles, boost blood flow, and promote lymphatic drainage.

While jade rollers are the most popular face sculpting tools, rose quartz rollers offer a luxurious alternative. Both types of rollers share similar benefits, such as improved blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Jade is renowned for its balancing and healing abilities. Rose quartz, on the other hand, is associated with love and emotional healing. Ultimately, the choice between these two rollers is a matter of personal preference.

Gua Sha Tools: Sculpt and Define Your Facial Contours

Gua sha is an ancient Chinese massage technique. It involves using a flat, rounded tool made from stone, such as jasper, onyx, opal or rose quartz. This tool is used to sculpt and massage the skin.

Gua sha tools can be used on the face to help sculpt and define facial contours. Additionally, they stimulate blood flow, encourage lymphatic drainage, and relieve muscle tension.

How to Use Face Sculpting Tools: A Step-by-Step Guide

To achieve the best results, it's important to use face sculpting tools correctly. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use these tools effectively:

Step 1: Cleanse your face and apply a facial oil, like Eossi Beauty's Facial Oil, to your skin. This will provide the necessary slip for the tools to glide smoothly across your skin without causing irritation.

Step 2: Start with the jade roller or gua sha tool on the lower part of your face. Apply gentle pressure. Start at the center of your chin. Glide the tool outward towards your ears. Follow the natural contours of your face.

Step 3: Move on to the eye area. Use a jade roller on the smaller side or a gua sha tool on the curved edge. Gently massage the skin around your eyes. This will reduce puffiness and improve blood flow. Massage your forehead, temples, and cheeks. Work outwards and upwards. This will encourage lymphatic drainage and tone your facial muscles.

Step 4: Continue each step 3 times.

Step 5: Finish by gently massaging your neck in downward strokes.

DIY Face Sculpting Techniques

You don't need to invest in face sculpting tools to enjoy its benefits. You can use simple facial massage techniques with just your hands.

Gently massage your face with your fingers. Move in upward and outward motions. Focus on areas where you feel tension or where your skin appears dull. This can help stimulate blood flow and relax facial muscles, giving you a more radiant appearance.

Maintaining Your Face Sculpting Tools

To ensure your face sculpting tools remain effective and hygienic, it's important to clean them regularly. After each use, wipe down your tools with a damp cloth and mild soap. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before storing them in a cool, dry place.

Face Sculpting for All Ages

Face sculpting is a suitable skincare technique for individuals of all ages. Starting face sculpting early can help maintain your skin's firmness and elasticity. This can help to avoid fine lines in the future. Face sculpting can help combat the signs of aging for those who are older. It does this by promoting blood flow and toning facial muscles.

Integrating Face Sculpting into Your Skincare Routine

Face sculpting is most effective when it is done consistently in your skincare routine. For best results, use your face sculpting tools two to three times a week, following your regular cleansing and moisturizing regimen. Your facial muscles become more toned and your skin more radiant with face sculpting sessions. Adjust the frequency of these sessions to maintain your desired results.

If you are consistent, face sculpting can be life-changing. Head to our shop to start your face sculpting journey today! 

Table of contents:

A Step-be-Step Tutorial on How to Gua Sha, https://poosh.com/gua-sha-tutorial/

Dry skin is a common issue that plagues many people, and it can be frustrating to deal with despite moisturizing. If you find that your skin feels tight, rough, and uncomfortable even after applying moisturizer, you may be wondering why your skin is still dry. In this blog, we will explore some possible reasons why your skin may feel dry even when you moisturize.

Firstly, it's important to understand that everyone has different skin types, and some people are naturally more prone to dry skin than others. Dry skin occurs when your skin lacks moisture, which can be caused by a variety of factors. It's also essential to differentiate between dry skin and dehydrated skin. Dry skin is a skin type that lacks natural oils, while dehydrated skin is a skin condition that lacks water.

One reason why your skin may feel dry even when you moisturize is that you may not be applying the right moisturizer for your skin type. There are many different types of moisturizers you can use in your skincare routine, and each one is designed for a specific skin type. If you're using a moisturizer that is not suitable for your skin type, it may not be providing enough hydration or nourishment.

Another option for moisturizing is oil based products. We naturally produce a sticky substance called sebum, which keeps your skin protected and hydrated. When we wash our skin, or are out in the elements, it can strip away our sebum. When your skin is lacking hydration it can over compensate by producing more oil, which can cause your skin to look greasy or severely dry us out depending on your skin type.

Oil based moisturizers are a great way to replenish your natural oil. One we love is our facial glow oil, which absorbs quickly so you can use it in your skin care routine day or night. 

Another reason why your skin may feel dry is that you may not be applying your moisturizer correctly. To get the most benefit from your moisturizer, it's important to apply it to damp skin. After washing your face, gently pat your skin to remove excess water, then apply your moisturizer. This helps to lock in your skin's natural moisture and prevent water loss.

Harsh cleansers can also strip the natural oils from your skin, leaving your skin so dry and tight. If you're using a harsh cleanser, switch to a gentle cleanser that is designed for your skin type. Our Aphrodite cleanser is a great option for a gentle cleanser. Additionally, over-exfoliating can remove dead skin cells and oils from the surface of your skin, making it more prone to dryness. Try limiting exfoliation to once or twice a week and using a gentle exfoliator.

Dehydration can cause your skin to feel dry as well. If you're not drinking enough water, your skin may lack the hydration it needs to stay healthy and moisturized. Drinking water throughout the day can help keep your skin hydrate from the inside out.

Using a hydrating toner can also help to add moisture back into your skin. A hydrating toner is a water-based product that helps to balance your skin's pH levels and prepare it for moisturizer. It can also help to remove any build-up on the surface of your skin, and improve its ability to absorb moisture.

Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can also cause dryness, so it's important to consult with a dermatologist if you suspect you have a skin condition that may be contributing to your dry skin.

Moisturizers work by creating a barrier on the surface of your skin that helps to lock in moisture. However, if you're using a moisturizer that is too heavy, it can create a build-up on the surface of your skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. On the other hand, if you're using a moisturizer that is too light, it may not provide enough hydration for your skin. Finding the right moisturizer for your skin type is crucial for ensuring that your skin stays hydrated and healthy.

If your skin feels warm to the touch, it may be a sign that you're using a moisturizer that is too heavy or not suitable for your skin type. A moisturizer should feel comfortable on your skin and not cause any irritation or discomfort.

There are some great options to help sooth dry skin. Personally, we love our plant based skincare! Whatever you choose, make sure you do your research, and pick skincare products that work for your skin type. And as always make sure you are putting your sunscreen on before you head out for the day.

Head to our shop to check out our collection of hydrating skincare products!

Love is in the air and Valentine's Day is just around the corner, which means you’re probably thinking about something extra special to do for your favorite person. We wanted to give you a few Valentine's Day ideas to for you and your sweetie.

#1: Take a Hike

Calling all our fellow outdoorsy goddesses, this one’s for you! If you and your partner are feeling up to it spend the day on an adventure. Wake up early and go on a sunrise hike. It might just be one of the most romantic things you can do. There’s just something about waking up early with the person you love and watching the sunrise before the world has woken up - it’s definitely a bonding experience you won’t ever forget!

#2: Make Art

If you’re looking for a cute at home Valentine’s Day date idea and you want to express your artistic side, this one's for you! Whether you’re artistically inclined or not, making art, maybe some heart-shaped art, with your love can be such a beautiful thing. There are so many ways you can go about this one, so make it your own! Both of you can try to recreate a painting you love or create something completely new! Your creativity is up to you.

#3: Feast-At-Home

Who ever said that you can’t have a fancy date night at home? Well we’re here to tell you that you absolutely can, even if you don’t think you’re a great cook. Making a fancy Valentine’s Day dinner at home is as simple as going to the grocery store and finding a recipe that you love! One of our favorite classic Valentine’s Day dinners includes a juicy steak, some champagne, and some chocolate covered strawberries. If you’re feeling up to it, you can also try your hand at making some fun Valentine’s Day themed cake pops with your date! It’s a fun way to make some tasty treats and spend some quality time with each other. Don't forget to set the mood with some love songs. End your evening with a romantic comedy or do something creative like a scavenger hunt around the house.

If you and your love valentine are morning people, you can always start the day with breakfast in bed, and the perfect Valentine's Day gifts including flowers, chocolates, luxury CBD skincare, or maybe a couples massage.

#4: Do Some Stargazing

There’s really nothing more romantic than laying down and watching the stars with your love. If you want to get out of the house this Valentine’s Day but don’t necessarily want to be around other people, this one’s for you! Pack up a little adult-friendly picnic filled with your favorite wine, treats, and whatever else you want to bring and take it with you to the perfect stargazing spot. Now it’s just the two of you and the stars, and there’s nothing else in the world that matters.

#5 Comedy Show

Maybe you and your Valentine love to laugh. You two are not the romantic movie type, but more the comedy show type. Find a comedy show with a later start time leaving you time to treat your date to drinks and appetizers before the show. 

Make sure you get good seats. The last thing you want to worry about is not being able to see. You can always make it extra special by dressing up. Find a speakeasy type bar that has dim lighting, and a romantic vibe. Pro Tip: make a reservation wherever you go on Valentine's Day, it gets busy.

#6: Do Something Selfless

If you’re looking for a fun Valentine’s Day date idea but also want to give back to your community, try volunteering at your local food bank or homeless shelter. These types of organizations need help more than ever as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s a great way to get to know more people in your community. Try googling “food bank near me” or “homeless shelter near me” and see which ones are in your community that need help! Not only are you getting involved in your community, but you’re also bonding with your significant other at the same time!

We hope that these ideas can help you plan something extra special for your Valentine’s Day celebrations. We wish you a safe, happy, and healthy day of love, and that your Valentine's Day is perfect!

About Eossi Beauty

Eossi Beauty embraces the power of clean and pure botanicals. Derived from nature, our uniquely effective beauty products are created by two women driven by one purpose: to make life brighter—because we all deserve to feel as good as we look, naturally. Our affordable products are carefully formulated with sustainably sourced and thoroughly vetted ingredients, such as plant-based essential oils and broad-spectrum hemp cannabinoid oil that’s independently lab tested for quality and purity. The Eossi Beauty ethos: create your own dynamic energy, cultivate love, and let your beauty shine.

Come hang with us! You can find us on social @eossibeauty or send us an email at social@eossibeauty.com! We can’t wait for you to join our #GlowFam!

Thinking about breaking up with your moisturizer this year? If so, you might consider making the switch to a facial oil as your skin’s primary source of hydration.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, oils are actually one of the most impactful ingredients in skincare, with the ability to support all skin types and integrate easily into any routine. To learn more about why oils work so well, and how to leverage the benefits for yourself, keep reading! We’re sharing all of our favorite tips and tricks in today’s blog. 

The Many Benefits of Using Oil As Moisturizer

Benefit #1: Oils are packed with skin nutrition – As skincare ingredients go, few are as naturally effective and inherently nourishing as pure oil. Because the majority of oil-based ingredients are plant derived, they’re chock full of many of the nutrients skin needs to repair, rejuvenate, and carry out essential daily functions.

In particular, we love that oils are antioxidant rich, containing a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, as well as an ideal source of omegas and essential fatty acids. When applied directly to the skin, they provide an instant boost that's rarely replicated with synthetic ingredients.

Benefit #2: Oils absorb quickly and get to work ASAP – One major advantage to including oils into your skincare routine, in any capacity, is that they mimic the skin’s own naturally occurring oils – also known as sebum – in terms of weight, texture, and molecular composition.

What this means for applying botanical oils topically is that they are easily recognized and utilized by the skin. Oils such as squalane and jojoba are some of the most remarkably similar to natural sebum, making them a great choice. Or you can also opt for a blend of multiple oils for added nutrition and equally impactful results.

Benefit #3: Oils promote balance and optimal function – A common myth or misconception surrounding the use of oils is that applying them will cause the skin to become more oily. However, the way oil works with the skin is actually much more nuanced and synergistic.

Regardless of how dry or oily your skin is to begin with, something incredible about the epidermis is its ability to react to external factors and adjust accordingly. In most cases, application of oil-based products topically can be very helpful for supporting equilibrium, and regulating the body’s oil production cycles, allowing your skin to achieve a perfect balance.

Benefit #4: Oils layer well with your other favorite products – If you still love serums and moisturizing creams for your skin, some more good news is that you don’t have to give these products up. You can simply incorporate oils in place of, or alongside, other staples according to your skin’s needs, on a daily basis.

The versatility of most oil formulas makes them easy to apply before or after moisturizer and makeup if desired. You can also add a few drops to just about any facial care product as a way to keep your skin extra happy, healthy, and hydrated.

For Your Face: Tips for treating the skin with oil

One of the most common (and best!) ways to use botanical oils in skincare is for the face. If you aren’t already incorporating an oil or two into your routine, here’s what we recommend:

Tip #1: Look for oils that support your skin type – Because most botanical oils feature their own unique set of benefits, you may find it helpful to choose one according to your individual skin type and concerns.

Tip #2: Don’t be afraid to experiment with order of application – A question that comes up often when using facial oils is when to include them in your skincare ritual. Some experts recommend using oil as your last step – following cleansing and application of other products – whereas others assert that oil should be layered according to consistency, coming before thicker products like moisturizer or cream. 

If you opt to use oil in place of moisturizer, you can simply layer it on as your finishing step before makeup and SPF. However, in the event that you do want to include moisturizer in the mix, we recommend trying both and seeing which approach yields the best results for your skin.

Tip #3: Stay consistent for best results – In order to really enjoy the benefits of facial oil, a best practice we suggest is making oil-based products the foundation of your everyday routine. The more often you are able to incorporate oil formulas, the easier it is for your skin to adjust and start reflecting positive results.

Oils can be used in the morning, or at night depending on your preference. However, you may actually find that they work best when used for both. For example, a few drops of oil can be added to your A.M. routine, followed by a more generous layer as the finishing step in your P.M. routine, which will allow your skin to soak up all of the benefits overnight.

For Your Body: How to use oils as your all over moisturizer

Besides using oils for the face, it’s worth mentioning that oil-based products are an amazing option for your entire body. If you have yet to add an oil step to your body care routine, here are a few pointers for getting started:

Tip #1: Make oil a part of your post-shower ritual – One of the best ways to utilize oil products for maximum absorption is to apply them to skin that is slightly damp. Right after showering tends to be a perfect time because the skin is already freshly cleansed, warm, and ready to absorb topical products.

To try this trick, we recommend applying a few drops or about a quarter size amount of oil to the palms of the hands and massaging the product gently into the skin until it is fully absorbed.

Tip #2: Treat yourself head to toe – One more thing to love about botanical oils and oil-based products is that they can be used just about anywhere on the body.

The hydrating and moisturizing properties of an oil can be equally effective for softening cracked heels on the feet, pampering the hands and cuticles, or even the hair and scalp to combat seasonal dryness. All you need is just a few drops and you’ll be good to glow!

Tip #3: Refresh and replenish as needed – Although dermatologists and other skincare professionals will tell you that applying oil to freshly cleansed skin works best, it can still be beneficial to use a little oil anytime your skin is feeling dry.

As long as your skin doesn’t feel overly greasy and your oil is quickly absorbed, that’s a sign that the product is being well-tolerated, and you can safely re-apply to keep your complexion nourished and ensure a long-lasting effect. Again, just a few drops are all you need to keep your skin moisturized for hours at a time.

The cannabis industry got some big news recently when President Joe Biden announced steps to begin overhauling cannabis laws, reviewing its classification as a Schedule 1 drug, pardoning anyone incarcerated for possession at the federal level, and encouraging governors to do the same at a state level.

In a statement released by the White House on October 6, the President outlined his stance that existing policies are not working, have unfairly impacted convicted individuals, and that current drug classifications are in need of further review.

“Federal law currently classifies marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the classification meant for the most dangerous substances,” Biden’s statement reads. “This is the same schedule as for heroin and LSD, and even higher than the classification of fentanyl and methamphetamine – the drugs that are driving our overdose epidemic.” 

Although it remains to be seen how this process will play out nationwide, many experts expect that changes are underway to reshape federal policy and pave the way for legalization, and legitimizing the cannabis industry as a whole.

In order to further understand why this news is significant, it's worth noting that cannabis has been considered a Schedule 1 substance since 1970, when the Federal government designated it as having no medicinal value and a high potential for abuse.

Nearly 40 years later, passage of the 2018 Farm Bill signaled a slight shift, legislating legalization of hemp-derived products – including CBD and products containing less that 0.3 percent THC. However, this is still a far cry from early American laws, which deemed cannabis as being completely legal and acceptable for medical use between 1840 and 1900.

Going forward there is still a lot of work to be done to reverse cannabis prohibition, however, progress is on the table with related legislation in the works. For example, the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act introduced into the Senate earlier this year, is a bill aimed at delisting cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act. If passed, the bill would additionally enable banking reform, criminal justice reform, and automatic expungement of federal records for nonviolent cannabis crimes.

Lastly, for brands that retail CBD, updating the current laws has the potential to change the landscape of doing business and benefit the entire industry. As the administration moves towards declassifying cannabis, we will likely experience more freedom to market hemp-derived products, access banking services, and expand operations without the heavy regulations currently hindering many enterprises.