The ethos of Oleo Body Care is "affordable indulgence" and it’s a preaching that this small, Dorset-based company has managed to put brilliantly into practise. With a full range of natural, plant-based products, free from parabens, synthetic fragrances & colours, mineral oils and the dreaded sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), Oleo offers a choice of wonderful cosmetics for those who either need, or wish, to care for their bodies the natural way, without breaking the bank.
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Oleo was launched on a local level (in Bridport, Dorset) in spring 2009, by professional Aromatherapist, Olivia Chapman. A member of IFPA (International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists), Olivia qualified at the renowned Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine & Aromatherapy, and is passionate about her subject, firmly believing that Oleo “formulations must benefit mind, body and wellbeing, using high quality essential oils, herbs, vegetable oils and extracts.” Now, with a website available to the masses, rather than just the privileged Dorset few, Oleo have launched two lovely new body oils and I’ve been lucky enough to try them out.

Oleo Invigorating Body Oil 100ml £7.45
Being something of an Australiaphile and having spent many many hours wandering amongst the parks and bushland of Victoria and New South Wales, the distinctive scent of eucalyptus always makes me feel a little like I’ve just come home. When combined with the zing of rosemary and peppermint, the eucalyptus of the Invigorating Body Oil puts a spring in both your step and mind, while the base of almond and olive oils intensively moisturise the skin. It’s also one of those scents that somehow manages not to get old or rancid throughout the day, so it’s great for everyday use. Seriously, I could bathe in the stuff!

Calming Body Oil 100ml £7.45
I’m not a massive fan of lavender, so I was slightly wary about opening this little bottle of Calming Body Oil, but I’m glad to say that here is an aromatherapist who uses this offensive (to me) little herb with delicacy; the scent is still there, but it’s more of a relaxing undertone, holding together the subtler scents of clary sage and sweet marjoram, so that rather than the headache-inducing all-pervading stench of most lavender products, this one is actually gently soporific. Again, the almond and olive oil provides a wonderfully moisturising base, which tackles even the toughest areas of skin – knees and elbows included! – and leaves you feeling silky soft.

All Oleo products are handmade in Dorset, free from potentially harmful chemicals, packaged using recyclable materials and have not been tested on animals at any stage of production.
For more information, or to make a purchase, visit: www.oleobodycare.co.uk