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Trending: Skin Oils

  • Yvette Pestano Preston
  • Jan 17, 2016
  • 6 min read

What are these oils, what are they for, why should you use them, and which one should you use??? (because there are about a million out there right now)

I have noticed an exceedingly large number of oils on the market right now, and more seem to keep coming out. Why all of the sudden are these oils such a hot commodity?? It’s easy to get engulfed in these popular oils since celebrities, makeup artists, and beauty bloggers, who are sponsored and paid by these companies, are promoting these like they’re the fountain of youth. I have to admit I have, in the passed, fallen victim to societies spotlight on certain popular products. Don’t be fooled folks, not everything that shines (and has a hefty price tag) is gold and diamonds.

So, there are several ways these oils can be used and are sold. One way is makeup removal. Many brands are coming out with cleansing balms, cleansing oils, and cleansing creams that turn to oil (this one boggles my brain as I never knew that cream could turn to oil— **eye roll**) Then these same brands, in addition to others, are coming out with oils used as serums under your moisturizer, oils for overnight masks, oils that can be used on your face and body (even your cuticles and hair), and oils to apply to your face simply to give you a “healthy glow”. All I can say is that the "matte-look" is done and over with people, now you want to shine like the sun.

Well here we go... I'm going to give you a list of just 8 of the products out there that I have used and can review for you from my personal experience:

The first, and still ever so popular oil (as far as I can remember), is the Josie Maran “100% Pure Argan Oil”. This product ranges from $16-$115. It can be used as a form of extra hydration for your entire body, even including your hair. You can use it as a serum, moisturizer, or just a radiance booster. People seem to love this product. It’s very rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids which are great for healing. So if you are prone to scarring from injuries, or if you have acne scarring, I would say that this will help to give your skin the vitamins necessary to get it to heal and smooth out. However, as I will say with every product I mention, what works for one person may not work for everyone, so assuring that you do not have an allergic reaction will be critical to assuring that the product will work for you. Also, I should mention this product also comes in a “light” formulation… this is meant for someone who may have an oilier skin but still wants the healing powers of that oh-so-potent argan oil. I think this product is great. I am not a huge fan of the smell, but as far as something that is hydrating and good for your skin, this is a great product.

The new cult favorite, which really is fabulous, seems to definitely be Sunday Rileys “Luna Sleeping Night Oil”. Key word there being “Night”… The aforementioned Argan oil can be used day or night, where this one is really focused on use while you sleep, when your skin is most absorbent and able to take in nutrients and heal properly. Why at night?? Well, one of the key ingredients in this product is retinol. Retinol and sunlight are NOT friends unless you would like to burn a few layers off your skin (not quite part of the anti-aging regiment). Blue Tansy gives this oil a blue pigmentation, which doesn’t really matter if you're using this product as directed, when you're going to sleep. This key ingredient is almost as important as retinol because blue tansy actually helps with eczema and dermatitis. Weighing in at a hefty $105, this is actually my favorite… (Makes me smile ear-to-ear)

Fresh did’t stay to far behind. With their Seaberry moisturizing face oil, featuring some Omegas, which are directed at fighting signs of aging by enhancing healing and keeping skin soft and elastic. Like the Argan oil, this can be used day or night. I don’t think the list of ingredients and key targets of this formulation are as potent as the previously mentioned. However, for someone who is looking at the beginnings of anti-aging, this is a great route. Not a super potent formula, but definitly good for in-between any of the other oils.

Tarte, who is known for their more “natural” route to cosmetic formulating, has their Maracuja Oil. It is formulated solely from the maracuja fruit. Although this moisturizing oil does not use retinol, it is meant to be used in the evenings before bed. However, Tarte does use this oil in most of their products (along with Amazonian clay) and therefore you can reap the anti-aging hydrating benefits in the day time. Just make sure to use a sunscreen (—you really should be doing this anyway). I loved this product at first. I thought it was great just to even mix in with foundation when looking for a more "dewy" look. However, I have to admit that my skin didn't react to wonderfully to it, and after about two weeks of using this product I did begin to see breakout. So, word to the wise, use with caution, some people don't have any reaction. Definitly something you should test before committing.

Charlotte Tilbury, in all her amazing glory (I love her products... usually) created her “Multi-Miracle Glow” which is a cream-to-oil cleanser, mask and remedy balm. It is enriched with vitamins and floral extracts which deeply cleanse and regenerate skin to combat signs of aging, dullness and dryness. The most important ingredients are rose hip and camellia oils which regenerate skin to delay aging. These are followed up by vitamins A, C and E which smooth wrinkles. Now, with that said, I can tell you from personal experience, I am not a huge fan… I received this as a gift with purchase during Christmas and used this product as an over night mask, and my face was literally sticking to my pillow. It left me with a terrible icky feeling, and I didn’t see any difference, as I have seen with some of the other over-night oils. At $60… I am disappointed Charlotte.

What better way to cleanse your skin then with the Peter Thomas Roth "24KT Gold Pure Luxury Cleansing Butter". 24Kt Gold?? YES... GOLD. Anything that includes gold in the label tends to be thought of as a "good" product. It's that luxury stereotype that people tend to associate with antiaging and good skin. This is a luxurious antiaging cleansing butter, infused with pure 24K Gold in a solid-to-oil formula. Other than 24kt gold, another main ingredient is honey, which is known for its ability to keep moisture close to the skin, and is also rich in natural antioxidants. Not to mention tumeric, which is a spice used in many masks and skin care to brighten and also aid in anti-aging. This cleansing balm turns to an oil when applied to the skin. It is wonderful for breaking up makeup and getting rid of impurities while not stripping the skin of its much needed natural oils. This product is really great. I still use my micellar water to remove eye make-up though.

Now down to my last two… If I reviewed every oil, we’d be here for a verrrryyyyy… long time.

The “Midnight Recovery Concentrate” from Kiehls is life. Seriously this stuff is a-maz-ing. Ranging from $46-$120, this stuff is worth the price tag. This product is meant to be used in the evening during your skins “nocturnal” activity. It regenerates, restores, and replenishes skin. The main ingredient in this product is Squalane which is a botanical lipid that is similar in molecular structure to natural skin lipids. It has an exceptional affinity to skin, and because it’s easily absorbed, Squalane helps restore skin’s natural moisture balance to keep it extra soft and supple. Evening Primrose and Lavender essential oils also help with radiance and skin repair. This is some good stuff. It’s right up there with the Sunday Riley Luna Oil. I've been alternating between the two at night, and love them.

Finally, Last but not least, is BareMinerals new “Skinlongevity”. This serum features the "Long Life Herb" which BareEssentuals claims is a legendary herb shown to help defend against signs of aging. This along with some other herbs and ingredients is supposed to protect your skin against any visible signs of aging and damage. This formula can be used morning and night under your moisturizer. This is another great affordable alternative to the person looking for a beginners serum. It is part of the newly formulated line of skin care from BareMinerals, which seems to be pretty great. I like this for mornings under my makeup. I am currently usining the forementioned products at night, so I find that this one is not as "oily" and is great for an extra boost of hydration during the day.

Well, that concludes this installment of “trending”. I hope you all enjoyed this post and find this helpful when you are looking for some new oils/serums.

Please keep in mind that everyones skin is different, and just because you think that something may work for you because it works for someone else, doesn’t necessarily mean that’s how it’s going to work out. Don’t be fooled by what’s trending at the moment, you’ll trend if you get what’s best for you— **winky face**

 
 
 

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