Midwinter Night's Oil

The weather outside is frightful (everywhere... even Texas is seeing below-freezing temperatures. What is that about?! But climate change isn't real, right? RIGHT? ANYWAY...). When the weather grows cool and the air turns dry and the snows starts to fall we feel it in our skin first. It's the perfect time of year to experiment with facial oils. When used in the Winter, facial oils help to nourish, moisturize, and protect the skin from the harsh, bitter winds of Winter. Some oils are enhanced with Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acids to address specific concerns while others have a unique cocktail of oils to address pigmentation issues, brighten, hydrate, & firm the skin while you sleep. Facial oils are usually recommended for use at night when the skin needs nourishment the most but some can be used twice a day depending on skin type. When combined with Hyaluronic Acid, facial oils prevent moisture loss by creating an occlusive layer that keeps hydration in and The Hawk out. If you're oily, like myself, incorporating oils into your routine can actually help control oil production. If you're experiencing excessive oiliness, it is usually the skin's response to a lack of hydration.  Facial oils help to boost your skin's hydration and moisture levels eliminating its need to create extra oil. 

The world of facial oils can be hard to navigate. Below, I've gathered a collection of aromatheraputic, beautifully-smelling, fairly luxurious, nourishing night oils for all skin types. I've used every single one of these oils in my life and skin times and can vouch for their sumptuousness & overall effectiveness. There's a little something for every skin type & wallet size because good beauty shouldn't always cost an arm & a leg (and in some cases an extra arm).   

Tatcha Gold Camelia Beauty Oil ($95)

This incredibly lightweight beauty oil consists of extra virgin cold-pressed Japanese Camellia Oil, an Omega-packed oil that is richer in oleic acid than olive oil and Rice Bran Oil. The actual 23 ct gold flakes help to add luminosity to the skin while Olive-derived squalane deeply penetrates the skin to heal, hydrate, & defend against free radical damage. Tatcha says this can be used morning & night as well as with makeup to increase the skin's glow but as a member of Team Oily I prefer using it as a night oil layered on top of my favorite hyaluronic acid serum. Drier skins may find this works well underneath their favorite night cream or as a primer underneath makeup. A little goes a long, long way so while it's pricey at $95 Smackers a bottle of it will last you longer than Winter in New York City feels.   

Botanics Organic Facial Oil ($15)

London-based Boots Botanics is one of my favorite drug store brands. They deliver high-quality products with organic ingredients at an incredibly affordable price. This Sweet Almond-based oil is a great introduction for anyone who is looking to dip their toe into the night oil game. Rose Hip Oil brightens, Argan oil protects and nourishes, and Geranium oil helps control acne causing bacteria. It smells amazing and combines beautifully with any of their products. I recommend using on top of their Hydration Burst Light Serum at night. It's a little slice of Heaven. 

Elemis Superfood Facial Oil ($55)

This skin-saving oil has everything: Flax Seed Oil, Palmarosa, Rice Bran, Sweet Orange Oil, Rosemary, Rose Hip Oil, Angel's Tears, Unicorn Glitter, Stardust, and smells like my heart's deepest-held and fully-realized hopes & dreams. I love a rich fragrance and if I could somehow afford to take a bath in this liquid gold I 1000% would. I recommend this oil for my clients who suffer from severe dehydration and as part of a post-peel regimen to hydrate & protect the skin. I like to use this oil as the final step in my at-home facial routine; after a good exfoliation, a few extractions, & an AHA/BHA peel this oil smooths onto my skin like warm full-fat, European-style butter. I feel rich... affluent... opulent... what I imagine Oprah feels like every single day of her blessed life.     

This Works Stress Check Face Oil ($74)

One of my favorite oils on the market, This Works Stress Check is chockablock full of enough anti-aging, ultra-nourishing, stress-busting, smelly-good oils to fake a full night's sleep and a week's worth of vacation. Stress Check is formulated with Omega-rich Linseed oil, Turmeric to even out skin tone, calming chamomile, and free-radical fighting Rosemary  all in a Sunflower Oil base, an oil that shares a similar pH with the skin's natural sebum so it absorbs quickly. Best part? Neroli, Patchouli, & Vetiver make it the best smelling oil on the market. You all know how I feel about Neroli Oil...    

Sunday Riley UFO Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil ($80)

Another member  of  Sunday Riley's trio of facial oils is the UFO Ultra-Clarifying Facial Oil. Formulated specially for oily and acne-prone skin this oil helps to decongest, purify, and brighten. 1.5% Salicylic Acid helps to treat acne & control oil production, Tea Tree oil purifies pores, and Licorice Root helps to lighten post-acne pigmentation. The fresh, marine-like aroma isn't overpowering while the formula is lightweight, and absorbs quickly. When used at night I wake up fresh-faced (not necessarily bright-eyed) with no hint of extra greasiness. A must-try for the pimple-prone set. 

Caudalie Divine Oil ($32)

If you're a dryer skin type experiencing the "Winter Blahs", Caudalie's Divine Oil may be your saving grace. Formulated with Argan, Grape, & Sesame oils, this surpassingly lightweight oils restores & replenishes the skin's critical Acid Mantle (the layer of lipids and nutrients that protects the skin). An extra bonus: Caudalie's patented Grape Seed polyphenols that are lousy with antioxidants & boost free radical protection. A factor that is incredibly important during Winter when aging UVA rays are strongest in the Northern Hemisphere. Summertime ain't the only time for SPF, Loves.