Skin-saving graces

Melissa Ceria

“Balms are both natural and luxurious,” says Julie Elliott, who studied the traditions of anointment and apothecary science before launching In Fiore in 1999, a line of artisanal balms and body oils sold by appointment out of her small storefront on Post Street and at her booth at the newly opened Harput’s Market. “They conquer many things at once. They moisturize, add fragrance, and contain healing essential oils.” The Bay Area is the perfect home for Elliott’s wonderfully aromatic concoctions—we’re at ground zero in the natural-is-best revolution—but she ups the ante by offering custom-blended products. Here, she tells us how balms and oils can ease the minor irritations of travel (for great summer getaways, see page 104) and even help speed recovery from plastic surgery. In Fiore, 868 Post St., S.F., 415-928-5661; Harput’s Market, 1525 Fillmore St., S.F., 415-922-5624.


Why is fragrance so powerful?
It’s very emotional and personal. It can lift your mood and make you feel pretty or sexy. But with natural oils, you often have to customize a blend since everyone reacts differently to the same fragrances.

What’s the perfect beauty regimen for traveling?
Sleep is important, and I completely swear by taking baths. They put you in a relaxed mode and help you shed your day.

What do you pack to help you feel good?
I bring my oils and balms because the air on the plane can get really stale. If I get a headache, I rub ginger oil on the palms of my hands and smell it, or I put it right on my temples. Ginger helps relieve nausea as well as jet lag.

Don’t your fellow passengers mind?
People usually ask, “What is that? Can I have some?” Natural fragrances are less offensive than synthetic ones.

Why so much interest now in all these natural balms and oils?
It’s less about the hippie thing and more about a sophisticated bohemianism. In San Francisco, New York, and L.A., people are even augmenting surgical treatments like Botox, peels, and lasers with these natural oils and balms because of their healing properties.

How do the doctors feel about mixing plastic surgery and oils?
Actually, plastic surgeons have called to tell me they’ve never seen scars heal so quickly as they have when their clients used balms after surgery. A simple calendula balm is great for calming inflammation and healing the skin. And my Decolleté balm is a blend that promotes cell regeneration.

So, what’s the secret recipe?
Frankincense and myrrh. In Chinese medicine, they’re called blood movers, which means they help speed recovery. It also has bergamot, which helps remove old cells. Then there’s jasmine and rose, which hydrate and reduce inflammation. And rose is so agreeable—she gets along with everybody and makes everything beautiful.