What They say: "Enjoy a little TLC for your gently expanding belly. Basq stretch mark oil hydrates and nourishes the skin to help soothe itchiness and prevent stretch marks. Formulated to promote skin elasticity and resiliency during and after pregnancy, it leaves itchy skin feeling soft, smooth and replenished. This rich golden aromatherapy blend perfect for caring for stretch marks includes Hazelnut, Rosehip, Grapeseed, Wheatgerm and Sweet Almond oils plus Vitamin E, all known to help tone and regenerate the skin. Perfect for the needs of your growing belly during pregnancy. These hand-picked essential oils absorb quickly leaving skin feeling wonderfully silky and smooth. Using the traditions of aromatherapy, essential oils have been carefully blended for your delicate nose to soothe your body and mind during pregnancy. Massage this rich, fast absorbing stretch mark oil onto your belly, chest and thighs morning and evening."

Polina's Experience: I've always been a fan of essential oils and aromatherapy. And where some women crave certain foods during their pregnancies, I have discovered that I crave smells. Yes, I know - quite weird! I have yet to meet another woman who has been stricken with the same pregnancy affliction, but I know you gals are out there somewhere. Anyway, apart from craving the smell of leather and industrial items such as rubber and gasoline, I practically swoon at the mere hint of either euculyptus or lavender. Basq Resilient Belly Oil has a proprietary blend of aromas including euculyptus, geranium and patchouli, so you can imagine that just opening the sophisticated, glass bottle and sniffing it endears this product to me.

The wonderful aroma aside, I do have one bone to pick. The presentation is nice but Basq should have come up with a better way to dispense this product. The bottle has a screw top that when removed leaves nothing between you and the very runny substance within. During my first attempt to use the product, I spilled a bunch of it all over the sink and floor as it came gushing out. I've gotten better at dosing, but it would be nice to have either a smaller opening or some kind of a pump mechanism to get that stuff out. Nuff said.

I started using the oil and enjoyed the texture, the smell and the soft, smooth skin I got as a result of using it. Only problem is that about a week into it, my belly broke out in a mutlitude of small pimples. I'm guessing that the combination of oil, hot weather, sweat and a t-shirt rubbing on my bump produced the unsightly blemishes. I stopped using the oil and the pimples went away. Bummer. Still, I loved the product enough to continue using it on other parts of my body like by butt and thighs and it has been wonderful with no breakouts or other weird side effects.

Overall, a quality product that probably works flawlessly in the colder months when the skin tends to be much dryer and the sweating is at a minimum. Basq just needs to rethink packaging to make the use more convenient and less wasteful.

Retail Price: $36.00 (at basqnyc.com or go here to find retail locations)

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