Almond Joy

The benefits of eating almonds are well known, but does everyone’s favourite nut take care of us on the outside, too? Absolutely. Ideal for sensitive skin, hair and nails, almond oil has moisturizing, protective and healing properties, as well as a lovely, soft, calming scent. Here, some beauty essentials to get you through the drying winter months—but you’ll want to use them year round. —Catherine Dunwoody

dr teal’s pure epsom salt soaking solution with shea butter & almond oil. Soothe sore, achy muscles without drying out your skin in this extra rich bath soak ($10) with natural essential oils.

laura mercier almond coconut milk collection. Why not try the complete collection? We know that almond and coconut go together perfectly, just like peanut butter and chocolate, and thislimited-edition set  ($125) includes a body crème, bar soap, and eau de toilette.

l’occitane shampoo and conditioner with sweet almond oil. Everyone’s favourite brand from Provence never disappoints, and this hair care duo ($48) nourishes and leaves the delicate scent of almond behind. Part of a complete ‘amande’ (doesn’t everything sound more beautiful said in French?) body collection, be sure and try the shower oil, too.

yardley london oatmeal & almond bar soap. A classic cleanser that’s been around for decades, with moisturizing almond and real oatmeal for gentle exfoliating, this botanical soap bar ($4 for two bars) can be used on face and body, is free of parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate plus never tested on animals.

the body shop almond hand & nail cream. Your thirsty, over-washed hands will soak this up like a sponge. Made with sweet almond oil and community fair trade shea butter from Ghana, this hand cream ($12) nourishes cuticles, too.

weleda sensitive care calming oil. This Swiss brand is celebrating 100 years in the natural beauty biz, and their sweet almond oil collection was renamed “sensitive care” a few years ago. This facial oil ($40) calms redness and irritation, protects against cold, even removes eye make-up.

nivea rose & almond oil body wash. Perfect in the shower,  this body wash ($6) is gentle, non-drying and the heavenly scent of white rose and almond lingers delicately on your skin.