One day, an innocent Amazon search for lip balm somehow took my hand and dragged me down an hour-long rabbit hole, one that plopped me down in front of the landing page for Ancient Greek Remedy Oil. This multipurpose product had amassed over 30,000 reviews and the praise has become abundant with affirming phrases like “miracle in a bottle.” I obviously had to buy it and after four months of consistent use, I can confirm the reviewers weren’t lying.
Ancient Greek Remedy Oil is a moisturizing combination of vitamin E and olive, lavender, almond, and grapeseed oils, intended to tackle a variety of skin-care concerns like dryness, dullness, discoloration, and scarring. It’s suitable for the face, body, and hair, and ergo can be considered a million-in-one product that doesn’t require a massive caboodle for transportation. In other words, packing this one item means not having to pack face oil, hair oil, cuticle oil, or body moisturizer.
Courtesy of AnaMaria Glavan for Allure
This oil is the first thing I pluck from my medicine cabinet every morning as well as the first thing I reach for post-shower. I apply one pump to my face before following up with moisturizer and the finish, I’ve realized, is similar to Rhode’s Peptide Glazing Fluid — in other words, it makes my complexion super dewy. Not only has it not triggered a single breakout (I’ve written at length about my body breakouts), but I’ve also noticed that my face feels more consistently moisturized throughout the day. It’s also the perfect base for sculpting and lifting my cheekbones via gua sha. And when my body feels extra dry (thanks so much, winter), I’ll apply this before moisturizer on my back and chest.
Although my devotion to Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil runs deep, I’ve used this Amazon alternative on the ends of my hair with great results: no weigh-down, no grease, light shine, and lots of hydration. There’s even a hint of lavender that is lovely but subtle, lulling me to sleep without making me feel suffocated by fragrance.
