After a long hiatus, I’ve started swimming again. I’m trying to remember why I stopped, and I think it had something to do with the arse-freezing water at the gym and not wanting to feel like I am gasping for air as I launch into my first lap. Our recent trip to Arizona rekindled my love of swimming as the hotel had a fantastic outdoor lap pool that made working-out blissful. I can’t say the pool at the gym is nearly as sublime, but the bone-chilling water has been remedied and I have been thoroughly enjoying my time in the pool.
The only downside is my terrifyingly dry skin. We’re talking seriously scaly which is not pretty to look at or touch. The product that came to mind above all others to cure my chlorine-induced dryness was the Body Balm by In Fiore. My last post was a review for In Fiore’s Lustra, and I’m pretty sure this is the first time I’ve written back to back reviews of products from the same company, but I can’t hold back because this has saved my skin.
In Fiore’s Body Balms are in a base of grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, beeswax and vitamin E. Sounds soothing but kind of simple right? Don’t let yourself be misled, as Julie Elliott, creator of In Fiore, has perfected their ratios which results in a luxuriously soft balm at room temperature that transforms into a sensual oil once it’s warmed onto your skin. Because the balm is thick, it takes about 5 minutes for the skin to completely absorb the oils, but less time is needed if you apply right after shower or bath. When I smooth this on liberally at night, morning arrives with no more dryness, just soft smooth skin and sheets that waft like a sachet.
There are six Body Balms in In Fiore’s permanent line, but my favorite is Bois de Rose and is exclusive to the In Fiore boutique in San Francisco. Bois de Rose falls into one of my prized fragrance categories, the woody floral. The rosewood in this balm is divine and melds into the Bulgarian rose absolute seamlessly. Both essences are exceptionally warm and a touch spicy, entangling themselves in a honeyed backdrop that is both soothing and sensual.
What makes Bois de Rose even more compelling is a substantial dose of vetiver which gives an earthy and tangy kick, creating the impression of oud as it commingles with rosewood. A minty green suggestion from geranium bolsters the richness of vetiver’s roots while simultaneously enhancing the smoothly harmonious floral rose absolute.
In Fiore’s products contain only the finest organic, wildcrafted or biodynamic ingredients, which heightens the luxuriousness of the balm and the lushness of its fragrance. I am so smitten with Bois de Rose (as well as Dayala) that I want to experience more of these balms. I’m thinking that a not-so-subtle Mother’s Day hint for the Body Balm Trio of Jolie, Shevanti and Tangiers is in order.
Bois de Rose is $95 for an 8oz jar. Please call the In Fiore boutique to order. 415-928-5661
Image by: Ignacio P. Camarlench, Una rosa,1894 at Wikimedia Commons
Posted by ~Trish