L.A. Christine N° 3 Berry Face Oil Treatment

Yesterday, Neiman Marcus tweeted that many of the brands they carry are introducing new face oils for the fall. That should surprise no one because face oils have been growing in popularity for years. Apparently, they have reached that critical threshold at which they are now the "next best thing."

I have been testing a new-to-me oil from L.A. Christine, N° 3 Berry Face Oil Treatment ($78), thanks to an opportunity to try it, offered by one of my favorite beauty industry experts who is working with founder Lea A.C. Fulton, She asked me to give it a try. I have, and I'm impressed. There's more about the company below. For now, let's talk about oil.

Oil? On your face? Absolutely. From dry flakiness to stubborn rosacea, face oils are often the cure for what ails your skin. For years, we wouldn’t touch any skin care that didn’t have the term "oil-free" plastered all over it. As we’ve gotten older (and wiser), we’ve learned that oil is not evil. In fact, it’s actually a skin savior. Not only are face oils a cure for dry skin, they’re also incredibly effective at treating a wide range of complexion issues, everything from hyperpigmentation to acne. If you want to know what oils might be best for you, check out this link at L.A. Christine's Web site.

Created from nature’s best, N° 3 Berry Face Oil is a paraben-free, natural face oil that's enriched with a cocktail of potent antioxidants and vitamins. A drop or two goes a long way in enhancing the skin’s elasticity and giving it a youthful glow by keeping it hydrated all day or all night long. Compared to creams, many of which are wax-based and sit on the surface of the skin, this therapeutic oil works with the natural oils in skin, deeply penetrating to nourish and soothe. This oil will smoothe your fine lines, wrinkles (let's call them what they are), and stretch marks, and it can help with smooth makeup application if you don't apply too much. It's intended to be used in all weather conditions by all skin types (normal, oily, dry). Even better, it's multipurpose and can be used on the hands, feet, body, even as a hair conditioner - if you are feeling indulgent. The company does no animal testing.

There are three key ingredients in N° 3 Berry Face Oil. They make a delicious cocktail for the skin.

• Scandinavian Lingonberry, which is one of the most unique berries in the world. Indigenous to the Scandinavian region, it cannot be farmed or cultivated. It offers highly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities with plentiful organic acids, vitamin C, provitamin A (as beta carotene), B vitamins, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Dr. Oz calls the lingonberry “The New Superfruit.”
• Brazilian Açai Berry is a warm-climate berry harvested from palm trees in South America. It's infused with omega fatty acids, concentrated vitamins, and minerals, all offering anti-inflammatory and immune booster properties. Anti-aging benefits help to make our cell membranes more supple.
• The third berry is raspberry, a fruit brimming with vitamins and minerals that dramatically enhance the skin’s elasticity, reduce age spots, and shield the skin from the damaging effects of the sun. High in vitamin C and manganese, raspberries contain healthy levels of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3), folic acid, magnesium, copper, and iron and rank near the top of all fruits for antioxidant strength.

The directions say to apply a few drops evenly over your freshly cleansed face and neck and pat the skin. I put the drops in my palms, rub them together, and then pat them into my face and neck. The oil should be used morning and night, but there's no rule about that; I'm using it at night. Those with oily skin should use it once/day or as needed during a dry spell. I'd recommend use at night. Anyone with normal to dry skin can use it twice a day. Make sure to avoid the eye area.

L.A. Christine isn't kidding when they advise you to use only a few drops. That's easy to do with the dropper included in the cap. The first time I used it, I unknowingly applied twice what I needed, and I found my face a little oily for about an hour. After that it had absorbed. The next time, I knew better. Even with - or despite - the early overdose, my skin looked fabulous the next morning.

I really like this oil for its abundance of hydrating ingredients. In addition to the three berries, it contains sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, and a natural fragrance that is very mild. Why not get a jump on this fall's introductions and give it a try?

L.A. Christine unites Scandinavian tradition with Californian innovation. The company’s mission is to tap the best of the Old and New Worlds in offering luxury skin-care products for an active lifestyle - no matter where you live.

A native of Helsinki, company founder Lea A.C. Fulton grew up surviving the harsh, cold winters of Finland and the effect the environment had on her dry and sensitive skin. She and her family spent time in many other parts of Europe, including England, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland, adapting to different weather conditions. 

Along with a passion for health and beauty, Lea's work in the entertainment industry also connected her with professional makeup artists seeking that perfect look. After relocating to Southern California in 2006, Lea decided to roll all of her experience and knowledge into creating a product that could protect, nourish, and smooth dry skin in all weather conditions. 
 
N° 3 Berry Face Oil was originally created for herself, her children, and family members. Her friends all noticed her healthy skin. As she made more of the product, it was embraced by everyone who tried it. With a diverse professional background, she embarked on a quest to bring the product to market,  searching around the world for other potent ingredients and collaborating with leading cosmetic labs, suppliers, and product developers. It's not easy to bring a new product to market.

In 2011, Fulton established her luxury brand L.A. Christine California. With a commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients from multiple global regions, the company also reflects Lea’s love of animals in developing cruelty-free products. 

Right now, it appears that N° 3 Berry Face Oil is the first (and only) product in the L.A. Christine line. I'm looking forward to next introductions. This oil offers many of my favorite qualities in skin care: botanical ingredients, purity, and effectiveness - and no animals were harmed in making or testing it. It is made in the USA. It even looks classy. The packaging and clean design are elegant. You can order it here.

Photos courtesy of L.A. Christine