Skin Care 101: Unlocking the Secret to Radiant Skin with Facial Oils

In the pursuit of glowing, healthy skin, we often find ourselves inundated with various skincare products promising miraculous results. However, amidst this sea of options, one skincare superhero stands out for its unparalleled ability to nourish, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin: facial oils. Despite their simplicity, facial oils boast a plethora of benefits that can transform your skincare routine and unveil a complexion that glows.

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1. Deep Hydration:

Facial oils are known for their exceptional hydrating properties, penetrating deep into the skin to deliver intense moisture. Unlike traditional moisturizers that sit on the skin's surface, facial oils possess a unique molecular structure that allows them to effectively nourish and hydrate the skin's deeper layers. This deep hydration not only restores moisture balance but also helps fortify the skin's natural barrier, keeping it supple and resilient against environmental stressors.

2. Antioxidant Protection:

Rich in antioxidants, facial oils serve as potent defenders against free radical damage, which can accelerate the aging process and lead to dull, tired-looking skin. Antioxidants work tirelessly to neutralize free radicals, preventing oxidative stress and preserving the skin's youthful vitality. Incorporating facial oils into your skincare regimen can help shield your skin from environmental aggressors, such as pollution and UV radiation while promoting a brighter, more radiant complexion.

3. Balance and Restoration:

Contrary to popular belief, facial oils are suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. Certain facial oils possess sebum-regulating properties that can help balance oil production and prevent breakouts. Additionally, facial oils with anti-inflammatory properties, such as rosehip oil or jojoba oil, can soothe irritation and reduce redness, promoting a clearer, more even complexion. By restoring balance to the skin, facial oils address a multitude of skincare concerns, from dryness and sensitivity to acne and signs of aging.

Need recommendations on which to include in your routine? Here are some facial oils I find myself going back to time & time again:

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True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil

It’s a clarifying and moisturizing oil that is made with acne-prone skin in mind. It's formulated with ceramides and fatty acids to keep your skin looking and feeling clear, smooth, balanced, and hydrated. 

Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil

This is probably one of the best and most well-known facial oils on the market. It has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin to create a radiant glow.

Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

This is formulated with 100% unrefined marula oil, along with antioxidants and omega fatty acids, to help moisturize the skin + protect it from environmental stressors. The lightweight texture sinks into the skin quickly and gives a subtle glow.

Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil

This one is perfect for those with oily, acne-prone skin since it combines the purifying qualities of salicylic acid with the nourishing qualities of an oil. Its main goal is to help clear congested skin while maintaining moisture.

Erborian Skin Therapy Multi-Perfecting Night Oil-Serum

This facial oil is meant for nighttime application for a fresh-faced morning. It has 17 different plant extracts, like red pepper, yuzu, and bamboo, to enhance luminosity. 

The Outset Ultralight Moisture-Boosting Oil 

I'm a huge fan of Outset and the formulas they've been releasing including this one. This oil is ultralight and hydrating and is meant to be used on all skin types. This oil has plant-derived ingredients, like avocado, and nourishes the skin wherever you use it. 

What are your favorite facial oils? Let me know in the comments. 

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Skin Care 101: Vitamin C Serums for Brighter, Glowy Skin

Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient. It's the most potent when found in serums and when used correctly, it can leave skin looking healthier and brighter with each day. It tackles common skin concerns like dullness, discoloration, and uneven skin texture, making it a favorite product among the acne community.  

It’s also one serum I use religiously (followed by sunscreen) each day.

Image via Vogue

Vitamin C serum is typically used in the morning due to its antioxidant properties which act as a shield to deflect pollution, UV damage, and other environmental aggressors. It's also recommended to be applied after the "toning" step and before moisturizer.

If you're like me and using other serums or products, wait until the Vitamin C serum has dried before finishing the rest of your skincare routine. This handy fan from Amazon helps speed up the process.

Because of the amazing brightening benefits of Vitamin C, you may notice it in some of your other products listed as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid.

Need recommendations on which to include in your routine? Here are some serums I find myself going back to time & time again:

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Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum
I’m currently using this one! This is a budget-friendly serum that dries without stickiness. It features a highly stable, pure l-ascorbic acid and Kakadu plum to visibly brighten, hydrate, and protect the skin barrier. 

KLUR Brilliant Light Multi-Correctional Repair Serum
This fast-absorbing serum is great for all skin types and tones. The gentle formula helps firm skin, improve skin texture, and even skin tone. The bottle is housed in an amber bottle which helps to prevent UV oxidation and protect the potency of the product for longer. 

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
You may have seen this brand positively featured (and loved) on TikTok for good reason. Their vitamin C serum leaves behind a glow which makes it great for brightening. It layers wonderfully with other skincare products and has no pilling under makeup. Don't forget to scoop up their Banana Bright Eye Cream too!

iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Green Machine Vitamin C + Green Superfoods Jelly Serum
InnBeauty is a newish skincare brand that focuses on vegan, effective products. This vitamin C serum has a lightweight texture and is formulated with pomegranate stem cells that help reduce hyperpigmentation. 

Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
This serum is made with a stable form of Vitamin C which makes it a great alternative for folks with sensitive skin. It also has peptides and ceramides which help strengthen the skin's barrier. 

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
This powerhouse award-winning serum is on the pricey end but worth every cent. It has a lightweight formula that is absorbed quickly and doesn’t leave a tacky residue behind. I’ve only been able to afford it once, and man, the results are amazing.

What are your favorite Vitamin C Serums? Let me know in the comments.

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Skin Care 101: Best Face Mists for Every Moment

Misting has to be my favorite skin care step ever. It’s kind of crazy to think back to when to when I used to strip the moisture from my face with toners - belch!

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The beauty behind face mists (and the reason why I love them oh-so-much) is that they can be used for a multitude of reasons. Anywhere from removing leftover creamy cleanser residue, repairing the skin’s barrier and plumping it up with nutrients to most importantly - hydration! No need for the water boy when you got a face mist in your back pocket. Or bathroom cabinet. Or night stand. Or… Well, you got the picture.

Find the right mister and it can balance moisture and pH levels which means dewy skin until night fall.

I tend to lean towards products that contain aloe or rose water and try to stay as far away as possible from products that contain high levels of alcohol or fragrance.

Below, are a few of my all-time favorites that keep me sane, sexy, and succulent.

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CaudalΓ­e’s Beauty Elixirο»Ώ
I broke my misting virginity with CaudalΓ­e and never looked back. Even had a brief moment of feeling Parisian and cooler than my peers. It was pretty fun. I will call out that it’s heavily scented and probably not the best for those with sensitive skin. However, the heavenly scent of grape, bitter orange flower, and rose puts it on the β€œexception” list. Recommend using this mist in your AM skin care routine or as a quick pick-me-up.

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
Makeup by Mario (because I only know him by his Instagram handle) and his muse Kim Kardashian swear by this product. It’s hydrating, light, and the super-fine sprayer applies the formula evenly in two spritzes. It honestly keeps your skin dewy and luminous all day long. As for me, it’s a constant in my beauty bag and always a re-buy. The price is a little steep but I’ve been purchasing the travel size to make it hurt a little less. Recommend as a primer before makeup or to set makeup.

Avene Thermal Spring Water
This has to be the OG when it comes to a mist that will calm, soothe, and soften skin. It’s ideal for those that have sensitive skin as well (aka stock up on this guy!). As for me, I love using it especially after an intense workout to help minimize redness. Recommend for all routines, after workouts and during travel.

Juice Press Rose Water Mist
If you’re wondering what Juice Press is doing on this list, let me just say I was even more confused when they sent me a bottle to try. After all, they’ve never been one to play in the skin care space but it does make sense they would release a product using only the highest quality ingredients. As an FYI, rose water contains vitamins A, C, E, and B along with anti-inflammatory properties and is high in antioxidants. Recommend using this mist in your AM skin care routine or on-the-go (or both as the price point is great).

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Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz
Botanics has a few standout stars within the drugstore aisle with this being one of them. The sprayer releases a lot of product so I’ve been using this after cleansing at night to remove the last traces of makeup. Pro-tip, spritz product generously allover your face and then use a cotton pad to swipe off the product/old makeup. Recommend using this in your PM skin care routine.

Pixi Skintreats Glow Mist
This mist would probably be best for those with dry skin or for use during the arid winter months. Shake well before use and mist all over for a dewy effect. Since this product contains Argan oil, along with 21 natural oils plus propolis and aloe vera, you consider skipping a serum or face oil - but to each their own. Recommend using this in your AM skin care routine and to set makeup.

Supergoop's Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50
Ever since I entered my 30s my age has consistently been questioned, to which I always respond with, β€œsunscreen baby”. I’ll never understand why my friends choose to forgo it but Supergoop has honestly made it so EASY to incorporate it into any part of your skin care or make up routine. May I present you a setting mist that can be used before makeup application, provides UV defense, and keeps shine at bay. The formula is also water- and sweat-resistance. Recommend using this as a setting spray and throughout the day.

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Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Essence
This has to be another re-buy favorite! The lightweight formula contains hyaluronic acid and humectants to plump and hydrate skin. Their website states there’s β€œ9 sources of plumping hydration, 6 sources to smooth and soften skin texture, and 7 sources to minimize the look of wrinkles.” The gorgeous bottle is an added bonus. Recommend using this as a mid-day spray.

Glossier Soothing Face Mist
Emily Weiss did good, real good, when she launched her face mist in Glossier’s initial skincare launch. I tried this when she first released this to the wide web and love the rosewater and aloe which keeps skin smooth and hydrated. Recommend using this for on the go, travel, or gym bag - the plastic bottle won’t break! Click here to get $10 off your purchase.

June Jacobs Neroli Hydrating Mist
This paraben and perservative free revitalizing mist contains neroli oil along with a few other noteworthy extracts. As an FYI, neroli oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties means it’s amazing for oily and blemished skin. Recommend using this in your AM / PM skin care routine.

Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist
This Instagram star has made waves in the skin care space. It has a natural base of organic coconut water and is infused with Hibiscus flower extracts and rose water. It’s also natural, vegan, and cruelty-free. It’s pretty expensive but find peace in knowing this brand will never use fillers in their products. Recommend using this in your AM skin care routine after cleansing.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist
Last but not least, Jurlique’s mist contains rose oil, marshmallow, and aloe which is designed to help improve skin tone, moisture levels, and skin balance. This does contain alcohol and fragrance so I wouldn’t recommend it to those with dry or sensitive skin. However, I really do love the strong scent of rose in it. Recommend using this in your AM / PM skin care routine.

Okay, so I tried to keep this list to 10 and under but like I said, I love face mists. If I didn’t convert you yet, know that they can used in the AM, as a primer, on-the-go hydration, and even help lull one to bed. Let me know what you think in the comments, below!

Check out my other Skin Care 101 posts by clicking here.