I love face oils and serums. There is no greater feeling than applying a luscious serum (or face oil) after you’ve throughly and properly cleansed your face. Serums help with that “glow” we all strive for after a well executed and successful daytime or nighttime routine. Like with all things, moderation is key, especially in this instance. Serums and face oils, often times, have properties that can cause skin congestion depending on your skin type. But that shouldn’t deter you from testing and finding one that works for you. I have combination skin, with a congested T-zone, so I know that the serums and facial oils I use need to be applied on my neck, chest and lower part of my face and use the residual in the T-zone. Below are some great options on serums and facial oils to research. But like most skincare, check with a professional to make sure you find what is right for you.
Obagi Medical – Daily Hydro-Drops™ Facial Serum
So this one was recommended by my esthetician and, as you can see my the company name, is a medical grade product. Apart from the smell and the look, what I love about this one is that it’s not greasy or oily, so this could work for a lot of skin types. Granted, ask your skincare professional first as mine recommended this one based on my skin type. Being that it’s medical grade, it will cost you a pretty penny, but looking natural ain’t cheap either (my wallet knows this much).
When I use this: Daytime
Find out more here.
Pacifica – any of their serums
I have a soft spot for Pacifica, but it’s because I’ve yet to use a product of theirs that I don’t like. They offer a range of serums and facial oils, at an affordable price point, so you are bound to find something that works for you. Pacifica is an all-vegan and cruelty free company, so they are good for you and good for the world also.
When I use this: Daytime/Nighttime, depends on the serum
Buy it here.
Malaya Organics – Rejuvenating Face Serum
This is my fancy serum. The serum I use when I want to treat myself because, well, I deserve it. I purchased this one at a stall Malaya has at the Chelsea Market in New York (I also got one of their candles and their face scrub). I absolutely love the smell of this one. It feels like the richest of skincare treats. This powerful little serum carries Jojoba Seed Oil, Avocado Fruit Oil, Yarrow Leaf and Flower extract/oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Bulgarian Rose Oil — to name a few. This is a luxury item, but well worth it if you’re in the market for something to really treat yourself (and skin) with.
When I use this: Nighttime
Buy it here.
Hunter Brookes – The Illuminator
You know when you stumble upon something that is just a gem of a find? I found out about Hunter Brookes on a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, for Thanksgiving. Hunter Brookes is owned by the most wonderful woman with the most wonderful skin, Chandler Gongloff, who began her company after years of struggling with skin issues. The end result was a specially curated line of products, like The Illuminator, that are gentle on your skin and do the work.
When I use this: Daytime
Buy it here.
Valjean Labs – Clarify Facial Serum
This is my go-to serum when I am breaking out. Those that know me are probably rolling their eyes right now because they all claim I have great skin, but I do experience hormonal breakouts around the time that Lady Flow comes to visit. When that happens, I turn to this one. It goes on matte and just feels airy.
When I use this: Daytime/Nighttime
Buy it here.
Pearlessence – 24k Gold Peptide Infusion
One of my most recent acquisitions, and I have to say that I dig it. It does indeed have some tiny little flecks of gold (that if you blink you might miss them), and is a nice in-between in terms of texture (it goes on non-greasy). I like how my skin feels and looks after I’ve layered on my moisturizer/night cream.
When I use this: Nighttime
Buy it here.
Pearlessence – Rosehip Balancing Facial Oil
This serum in particular has a light smell, some may like it, some may not. But this is a really good nourishing facial oil. It’s a little heavier, so I like to use it after a detox routine (cleansing, face mask, etc.) because it replenishes some of the added moisture your skin may have lost.
When I use this: Nighttime
Buy it here.
Wishing you peace, love and lots of cookies,
M
Latina Lowdown 