I was always confused about the order I should be using my skincare products. In general, after cleansing, it is recommend going from the thinnest to thickest in terms of product consistency.
I learned from Tata Harper, a pioneer in natural luxury skincare that face oils should be applied LAST after moisturizer. I've read conflicting theories on the topic, so I'm glad she cleared that up.
As I mentioned in my earlier blog post: Clean Skincare for Women - January Spotlight, oils by definition are not "hydrating" which is a common misconception. Oils are great for delivering vitamins, nutrients + anti-aging, but they do not moisturize.
You need to trap water in the skin with moisturizer first then an oil can help lock it in + retain moisture. Oil can penetrate anything but other things cannot always penetrate oil, due to the size of the molecules.
With that said, below is my February Spotlight of clean skincare products + brands that have been in my current rotation!
YOUTH To The People
The ultimate hydrating radiance boost! This overnight mask deeply hydrates, plumps + brightens with powerful, antioxidant rich superberries, the latest clinically proven form of Vitamin C. This mask helps target dullness + uneven skin tone for brighter, more radiant skin.
You can purchase the Youth To The People: Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask (available in 2 sizes) on Amazon here.
DRUNK Elephant
A lightweight night serum that resurfaces congested skin by lifting away dead skin cells to visibly improve skin tone, texture, fine lines, wrinkles + pores.
Skin type: Normal, Dry, Combo + Oily.
Concerns: Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Pores, Dullness, Uneven Texture. Vegan, cruelty free + free of essential oils, silicones + fragrance.
You can purchase the Drunk Elephant:
T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum (available in 2 sizes) on Amazon here.
A potent + lightweight vitamin C day serum packed with antioxidants, nutrients + fruit enzymes to visibly firm, brighten + improve signs of photoaging.
Skin type: Normal, Dry, Combination + Oily.
Skin Concerns: Fine Lines + Wrinkles, Dullness + Uneven Texture + Loss of Firmness + Elasticity.
You can purchase the Drunk Elephant:
C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum on Amazon here.
Use my 20% OFF coupon code: nrlife20% when you make a purchase on the KHUS + KHUS website.
The Fix Face Potion - Contains these botanical superpowers: usnea, elderflower, amla, cannabinoid, prickly pear + amalaki seed oil. Add a pea-size amount to hand, apply to forehead, chin, cheeks + neck, spread evenly. Use morning + night.
What are all these botanicals? Well.....
Usnea - a powerful antimicrobial herb effective against the bacteria that causes acne + promotes rapid cellular healing. Has a tonifying effect on immune function while inhibiting bacterial overgrowth.
Elderflower - this ancient sacred tree its flowers encourages the body to release toxins, highly anti-inflammatory, rich in vitamins, flavonoids + quercetin + antioxidants which means it's basically a free radical fighter against the sun + environmental toxins. The astringent qualities are helpful in refining the complexion, retexturizing + reducing the appearance of pores.
Cannabinoid also known as Broad Spectrum zero THC hemp-extracted CBD oil - contains a broad range of chemical compounds. High in antioxidants + adaptogenic capacity. Having profound impacts on our nervous system + inflammatory actions, this creates a positive effect on the aging process by stabilizing metabolic function.
Amalaki - a highly revered in Ayurvedic medicine also known as indian gooseberry extremely high in Vit C with 3000 mg per fruit, considered a nutritive tonic + rejuvenative herb, highly anti-inflammatory known as a rasayana rebuilds + maintains tissues.
Prickly Pear - this oil extremely high in Vit E one of the highest forms known in nature, also vastly rich in Vit K known to reduce the appearance of under-eye circles. An antioxidant powerhouse with a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids. This assists in adding moisture to the collagen in your skin + tighten pores.
EMINENCE Organic Skin Care
A natural retinol alternative. This mist deeply hydrates the skin using an energizing blend of coconut water + neroli oil. Infused with green apple stem cell technology, this face toner leaves skin looking tighter, softer + smoother. Nut-free.
Skin types: Mature Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Sensitive Skin, Combo Skin, Dry Skin, Normal Skin, Oily Skin.
Concerns: Aging Skin, Sun Damage, Hyperpigmentation, Free Radical Damage, Fine Lines + Wrinkles, Loss of Firmness, Dark Spots.
You can purchase the Eminence Organic Skin Care:
Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist on Amazon here.
DR. Jacobs Naturals
Made with moisture enhancing aloe vera + Vitamin E. Crafted with lavender essential oils, which are known for purifying the body + relieving stress. Made with antioxidant rich olive + coconut oil (never palm oil), this natural Castile soap has the ability to moisturize, while keeping your skin hydrated all day with no oily residue.
Besides Lavender, this pure castile liquid soap comes in a variety of other scents like: Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Rose, She Butter, Honey + Citrus.
You can purchase Dr. Jacobs Naturals: Lavender Pure Castile Face & Body Wash + his other products here. Don't forget to enter my 10% OFF coupon code: NICOLEDEROSA at checkout!
SWEDISH Dream
Inspired by simple Swedish style, made in America. This fresh-smelling Swedish Dream Sea Salt Soap creates soft suds for bathing or shaving, while embedded salt flakes provide gentle exfoliation. Mineral-rich sea salts are an age-old tonic for softening + moisturizing the skin. Free of parabens, sulfates, silicones and EDTA.
You can purchase the Swedish Dream:
Sea Salt Soap on Amazon here.
Elta MD Skincare
Moisturizes while it smoothes skin texture + evens skin color + tone. It stimulates the skin’s natural water system to moisturize without oil or heavy emollients.
This facial moisturizer
repairs + restores elasticity + vitality.
This facial sunscreen is sheer + lightweight, contains hyaluronic acid, transparent zinc oxide + provides UVA/UVB protection. Skin type: Combination + post procedure skin.
You can purchase Elta MD Skincare on Amazon using the links below:
AM Therapy on Amazon here
PM Therapy here
UV Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 40 here
URSA Major
Clean, exfoliate, soothe + hydrate on the go! I keep these in my glove compartment of my car. The wipes come in 20 individually wrapped packages so you can even toss a few in your bag. These bamboo wipes are perfect for after a hike, the gym or a makeup free day to keep your skin hydrated!
You can purchase the Ursa Major
Essential Face Wipes + her other products here.
TATCHA
The super-fine sprayer only takes 2-3 spritzes for your whole face. I use it right before applying makeup for a flawless application + a dewy, glowing look. I take it with me for easy touch-ups on the go to refresh my skin + give it an extra glow. You can also mist it over makeup to replenish moisture + prevent caking. It won't disturb makeup, so you can use it anytime, anywhere!
Skin type: Normal, Combination, Dry and Sensitive.
Concerns: Dullness, Dryness, Fine lines & Wrinkles.
You can purchase the TATCHA
Luminous Dewy Skin Mist on Amazon here.
As if I needed another reason to love Tatcha, they are a beauty brand that gives back! Every Tatcha purchase you make supports girls’ education around the world. Tatcha is proud to partner with Room to Read to transform girls’ futures.
This is very informative especially about putting moisturizes on before face oil. I tried a few products that are excellent. Thank you Nicole...
There are several products here that my wife loves