Olive Oil Suds

"And with the sprig of a fruited olive man is purified in extreme health." - Virgil, Aeneid

There is nothing like taking a refreshing bath. I take one every day. Not a shower, but a deep, relaxing bath. Is this a luxury? Yes it is. Last month Santa brought me some Olive Shower Gel made by The Body Shop. I put a few drops in the tub while the water is running and get lots of tiny sudsy bubbles. The color of the gel is olive green. The scent is mild, not overwhelming, but soothing. The label says "Cleanse and moisturize your skin using a soap-free gel that leaves your skin feeling soft and fresh with a brisk green scent." The part that most interests me is the moisturizing and the fact that there are bubbles yet it is soap free. Instead Glycerin is used to make the lather and add more moisture. The olive's oleic acid helps soften the skin. Also, I like the idea that the oil used comes from community trade organic olive oil. Power to the family farmers! Because I put the gel in the tub, it goes all over my body as well as my hair, which works like a conditioner and leaves a healthy shine. I'm happy!

Italian olives in California moisturizer?

"Fai mi paure, ti fairai riche."
Make me poor, I'll make you rich.

"Espeio mi, ti vestirai."
Strip me, I'll dress you.

"Grate moun ped, ti graisse toun bec."
Scratch my foot, I'll grease your chin.
-Provencal proverbs; the olive tree is speaking

Visiting Berkeley, California last year I brought back home some moisturizer from the bed & breakfast we were staying at. I recently started to use it  and realized that it contains "extracts of Italian olive oil" to guard against the cold/dry weather. Produced by Baronessa Cali I imagined it was made in Cali-fornia. But no, it is made in the outskirts of Rome by the Mediterranean Sea on the Cali Beauty Farm. Their idea is to make skin products that contain olive oil which contains vitamin A, vitamin B, Beta Carotene and squalene. The color of Oliva Corpo is a creamy white with a fresh floral scent. It also contains arnica montana (antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, circulation-stimulating and healing properties, promotes new tissue growth) and kelp (stimulating, revitalizing, nourishing and anti-inflammatory properties, reduces moisture loss). 

I have been using it on my face the past few days and it feels good. Normally I don't use any moisturizer but with this winter weather everyone is getting dry, dry, dry.

PS: On page 174 of Rosenblum's Olives, so nice.