Wondering which facial oil to choose? How about a venn diagram to help you visualize the similarities and differences between each of my 3 facial oil options. 🤓

As you can see, they're all lightweight, non-pore-clogging, and great for all skin types. 

I typically recommend that everyone start with the original facial oil, unless you have a) dry, sensitive, reactive skin - in which case you should get the sensitive oil - or, b) oily and struggling with acne breakouts - in which case you should get the facial oil for acne prone skin. I mean, that makes sense, right?

Personally, I use all three. The original facial oil is my usual go-to, but I'll rotate in my acne facial oil say if it's extremely hot and humid out, if I spy a stray pimple coming on, or if I remember it, the week before my cycle to prevent any surprise hormonal breakouts. Sometimes I'll only apply it to the places where I tend to get those breakouts and I'll use my original facial oil all over.

Sensitive oil comes into when it's super dry and cold outside (and I have the heater on full blast,) if I'm trying to be extra gentle to my skin, or sometimes at bedtime just because it's so luscious. 

Sometimes, I'll mix one of them in with my original facial oil. 

There's really no wrong choice. I always recommend starting with some samples to see which one your skin loves the most. 

Not to overwhelm, but I should probably also mention that both the all-over oil and the makeup remover + cleansing oil can also be used in the same way as these three facial oils, and they're both also lightweight, non-pore clogging, good for all skin types, and will help balance your skin's oil production, but unfortunately I didn't have enough room to include them in this graphic! 

They're especially great options if you're trying to be a minimalist and don't want extra bottles in your bathroom. Check out the product listings to read more about the ingredients and decide which one is right for you.

Or, just get one of everything. I just added this facial oil trio to make it super easy for you to try all three. Happy moisturizing! 

- XO - 

Stefanie

So... skincare... am I right?

We love to talk about it. We love to shop for it. But can we actually do it? 

Important life hack from your mom (me): you can shop for/talk about products all you want, but you have to actually *use* the products to find out if they're effective. No one on Instagram talks about this, but a skincare routine takes plain, old-fashioned DISCIPLINE. You have to do it morning and night. For weeks. Years! There are no shortcuts, despite what most skincare brands marketing their "miracle products" would have you believe. Don't even get me started on influencers who couldn't possibly use all of the products that they're paid to promote on a regular basis. Having healthy, clear skin isn't a mysterious, magical thing that requires constant shopping for the latest tool or buzzy ingredient...

It's actually pretty simple. At least, my approach is simple. 

In this post, I'm going to give you a framework for choosing your own twinkle skincare adventure, so you can make it as simple or as complicated as you like. 

Of course, if you enjoy shopping for the latest tools and buzzy ingredients, feel free to keep scrolling on by. If you're looking to exit the land of constant consuming + perfection chasing, and get yourself a good, clean, simple, low-waste routine that long-term works for your skin no matter what, (as long as you actually do it!) you're in the right place.

First things first, the basic framework: 

CLEANSE - TONE - MOISTURIZE 

These are the 3 steps that should be in EVERY skincare routine. 

No, I'm sorry, it doesn't not get more simple than this, unless you're half-assing things. (Of course, you're welcome to half-ass anything you want, we all do sometimes, but I don't officially recommend anything less than a 3 step routine.) 

For clear, healthy, happy, balanced skin, every morning and night you must: 

1. Cleanse

Choose either an oil-based cleanser or a powder cleanser. (They're both great for all skin types.) Just promise that you will never, ever wash your face with soap or a foaming cleanser because they strip your skin of its naturally protective oils and beneficial bacteria and throw everything off balance. 

Also, yes, do wash your face in the morning even if you washed your face before bed. And no, unless you are a child you can't just use water, although I absolutely would recommend that over a bar of soap. But seriously, stop trying to half-ass things. Do you want good skin or not? 

All skin types: makeup remover + cleansing oil

Normal/dry/oily skin: exfoliating facial cleanser + mask

Dry/sensitive/reactive, or all skin: calming cleansing grains

(How else can I say, they're all good no matter your skin type? LOL!) 

2. Tone 

DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. Honestly, it's frustrating for me to see people skip this step because it's something so simple that makes a massive difference, especially if you're acne prone. (Also, why ask me for advice if you're not going to take it? ☹️)

Perhaps you've used other toners from other brands in the past and you weren't sure what the point was or what they were doing for your skin. I get it. However, *my* toning mist is straight up magic. I think it's actually the most important step in my personal routine. 

Basically, toner gets your face back to its preferred pH level after rinsing with too-alkaline tap water. It also tightens your pores back up after the warm water and any manual exfoliation from cleansing has opened them. Rubbing the toner over your face with a cloth pad or cotton ball also ensures that you're getting off any last speck of dirt or makeup left on your skin after cleansing. 
Basically, toning leaves you clean and balanced. Clean and balanced skin is healthy skin. That's why you're here, right? SO JUST DO IT.   

Normal to all skin types: Use toning mist 

Dry/sensitive/reactive skin: Use a hydrosol 

 3. Moisturize 

No, you cannot skip moisturizer if you have oily skin! Use as much or as little as you like, but just please use it. I'll post my personal skincare routine below (I use a lot!) but if you're new to this kind of a routine and want to start small, start with a facial oil. 

Yes, even you with the oily skin. Everyone can and should be using facial oil to moisturize. Your skin loves, wants, and needs oil. (Why do you think it likes to makes so much of its own?) Oil protects. Oil balances. Oil keeps you looking young. Oil is LIFE.

Side note: I should mention that there's some debate out there about lotions vs. oil. Lotions are water + oils that are bound together using an emulsifying wax. The idea behind a lotion is that it adds "water" to your face and is thus more hydrating. I don't make lotions because a) water based lotions require preservatives and batch testing and b) I can't find an emulsifying wax that I actually want to put on my face.

Facial oils are simple. I think of using a facial oil like cutting out the middle man and getting right to the good stuff. A couple of drops is all you need. If you like the idea of adding water to your face and feel like you need more hydration, you can absolutely use a lotion instead of/or after you apply your facial oil. (Personally, I use a lotion with SPF in the morning, which you'll see below.) Or, you can simply apply your facial oil to moistened skin. Spritz on more toning mist or hydrosol and apply the facial oil right away while your skin is damp to lock in the "hydration." 

All skin types: Original facial oil

Oily/acne prone skin: Facial oil for acne prone skin (hi, captain obvious.) 

Dry/sensitive/reactive skin: Sensitive facial oil 

  AND THAT'S IT. 

CLEANSE - TONE - MOISTURIZE 

This 3-step routine is everything you need to start doing twice a day to have healthy, glowing skin. 

I'm not joking. Just try it, ok? Start with this travel skincare set and make it a habit, like brushing your teeth or making your bed or exercising. That's what my skincare routine is for me. I don't obsess over it because it's just something I do to keep my skin healthy. It's simply a means to an end. I don't always feel like doing it but keep at it because I see the results. It's not very exciting or sexy, (honestly sometimes I feel like I'm out of things to say about it and don't get why everyone has so many questions until I remember that OTHER BRANDS MAKE IT CONFUSING ON PURPOSE SO YOU WILL BUY MORE! Also, yes, I am accepting suggestions for how to sell doing the exact same thing twice a day for years...) But it works, (IF YOU DO IT!) and its dependability can actually be a source of comfort, especially at bedtime. It's also pretty darn lovely. (But can I sell you some dependability or comfort, perhaps? Anyone??) 😅

Anyway... now, say you have the basics down and have been pretty disciplined about doing your routine morning and night for a few weeks.

You're seeing results and you want more, am I right? 

Of course I am. 😈

I'm going to keep it simple here and just give you an outline of my full, 6-7 step routine, along with some suggestions for ways to adjust, minimize, or maximize depending on what you feel your skin needs. (Or how motivated and disciplined you are!) 

Of course, I can't know exactly what your skin needs. Only you know that, and you figure it out by actually doing your skincare routine. (Notice how I didn't say shopping.) Do you need more exfoliation? Less? More moisturizer? More face masks? Spot treatments? Should you be cleansing with facial balm instead of oil? Using a comedone extractor on your blackheads? I'm doing my best here, but there's no one-skin-fits-all answer that I can put in this blog post. I'm always happy to answer your questions via email, but sometimes you just have to try things, you know? 

You can start with this as a sample routine and see how it goes: 

 And that's really, really it. 

It's simple, right? This has been my basic routine for the past few years, and I stand by it. I don't use anything else. No chemical exfoliants, no vitamin c serums, no hyaluronic acid, no botox, no fillers, no nothing. Nothing else, you guys. I don't shop for anything except SPF. I'm 37 and my skin is better than it was when I started this brand at 32. I don't get expensive beauty treatments or facials. I don't wear foundation or concealer. I don't even own any makeup outside of what I make and sell here on this website. Is my skin perfect? No. But it is healthy, clear and balanced 99% of the time. 

(Full disclosure: I also eat an anti-inflammatory whole foods plant based diet, avoid excess caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, practice yoga and meditate daily, and aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Lifestyle habits are a major factor in the health of your skin - another thing other brands marketing their miracle products usually fail to mention. Also, see above, re: discipline.)  

But like I said, you're welcome to keep shopping. Keep scrolling. Keep looking for that one thing that's going to change your face where all other products have failed... I won't stop you. I won't judge you! But I definitely won't join you. 

 I know you probably have more questions. I've been talking about this same ol' routine here on the blog for quite a while, so I know the drill... and here are the most relevant posts you should check out. Some of them are even videos, yay. I also have lots of shorter videos on my IGTV page that you can peruse.  

First, most common FAQs: 

This is the SPF I use currently. ($$$)

This one is good too. ($$) 

The most affordable clean, vegan option. ($)  

YES, the gemstone beauty tools are extremely effective for de-puffing, sculpting, and improving the overall tone and texture of your skin. I find that they also help blemishes heal more quickly and prevent hormonal breakouts on the neck/jawline. I religiously gua sha every morning during my oil cleanse and facial roll at night after my beauty butter. Lately people keep telling me that they already have these tools on hand but never remember to use them. OMG. WTF. YOU GUYS.

USE THEM!  

More info...

Nighttime routine video

Morning routine video

How to oil cleanse

Beginner's guide to facial oil

How and why to cleanse with facial balm

4 reasons to fall in love with powder cleanser

5 things that transformed my face

How to use a comedone extractor

Also, I'll tell you there's a lot to be said for just plain old reading the product descriptions. I've packed every page of this website with information about the ingredients I use in my products and why and also exactly how to use them. Highly underrated way of choosing which products to buy if you ask me. (Of course, if you've read all the way to the end of this post, you're probably not who this message is for lol.) 🤪

Like I said, if you're just getting started, the travel skincare set ($46) is the perfect way to try out the basic routine. If you're looking for more, I'd recommend checking out the skincare sets, ($80) which are tailored to different skin-types. 

Now, stop shopping and start ACTUALLY USING THOSE PRODUCTS!

(Actually, first click here to shop all of the products mentioned in this post!)

- XO - 

Stefanie 

Well, ok... 

I know I did a lot of skincare this week, but I didn't get the chance to write it down. 

Everything is so weird. I'm trying to make plans to keep my business running in the midst of life shutting down but I have no idea what to plan for so it feels like I'm just spinning in place. I know what my goal is for tomorrow - to fulfill as many orders and restock as many products as I can - but after that? No clue! 

While I was at work restocking and packing what I could today I was also trying to plan out what I would do in the event of a lockdown-type situation and imagining what it would look like to run my business out of my home. Obviously I can't make things in my home kitchen (my cat is all over everything,) but I could still ship what I already had in stock. Or would anyone know or try to stop me or even care if I went to my office by myself and worked? I live within walking distance so like... don't mind me, just out for a stroll, you know?! But would I be able to receive shipments of materials? I mean.. the mail won't stop running, right??? 

See? Spinning out. That's where we're at now. Because I can't predict the future and I can't bear the thought of stopping. So I think and think and think about every possible alternative. This is what I do! It's how I got my business to this point, actually... anxiety propelled me to greatness. LOL. 

If I could slow down for a bit I could probably make some room for a big idea to come through, but I can't slow down yet because there's so much work to do. 

And I'm sorry for rambling, but I'm afraid. I don't even care about losing money at this point. My work is everything to me. I don't know what my life would look like or who I would be without it. I love it so much. I love making these products. I love using them. When I finally stop scrolling and compulsively checking news updates and trying to plan for something no one can possibly plan for, going into my bathroom and opening up my medicine cabinet and seeing it all waiting for me is the definition of comfort. It feels like those bottles represent the best of me, and I want to keep sharing them because they are good and people will need them, especially if everything is falling apart.

     Am I too emotional about my facial oil? Probably. But maybe that's why it's good.

I started testing the new one I made for acne prone skin this week. Total 180 from the facial oil for sensitive skin and I'm still adjusting. My skin is clear (yay) and not the least bit oily, (nailed it!) but I was really loving the extreme-juicy-dew-effect of that sensitive formula... I'll stick with it though and report back soon.  

- Stefanie - 

Week 11... and what a week it's been, am I right? 

It was difficult to keep up with keeping track of my skincare because I've been so busy a) working, and b) obsessing over current events and trying to be prepared and also trying to trust my hygiene practices and also trying to stay positive and not freak out,  

but anyway, let's focus on skincare for a bit:   

If you're following along, last week's breakouts were definitely hormonal, (thanks again, PMS!) but great news, after last Saturday's charcoal mask I was able to use my comedone extractor to great effect and it cleared up in a couple of days. 

This week, I mixed up a new facemask that'll be available exclusively in the April beauty box, with pink clay, exfoliating rosehip seeds, aloe vera, and coconut milk - which is one of my favorite mask add-ins because it's rich in vitamins, nourishing fatty acids, and just generally makes your skin feel like a baby's butt. I got the idea for this one, again, when I was down with the flu, because I was feeling gross and in the mood for a good, (gentle,) scrub that would just, ya know, completely revitalize my skin and leave it glowing and ready for spring. That's all... lol  

I've made enough face masks to know that I don't need to test this extensively before putting it out there - it works exactly how I wanted it to, and you should get the box if you want to try! (And no, I won't be releasing it separately... it's a one time thing, just for fun!) 

OH, and update on the sensitive skin serum I've been testing - I still love it! I've decided to call it "facial oil for sensitive skin" because calling it a "serum" makes people assume that it's going to be some kind of water based thing with hyaluronic acid, which I don't do because, well, I like to keep my hydration more simple and free of harsh preservatives. This new facial oil for sensitive skin (also in the April box, btw!) while lightweight, is especially emollient and feels a bit more "oily" than my other oils and "serums" so I don't want to confuse anyone. (Although I'm sure I just did confuse a whole bunch of people by writing that sentence, sorry - just try a sample when it's available and you'll see what I mean!)   

I've also been getting back into the habit of nightly steams over the past few days because I'm coming to terms with the fact that my sinuses still haven't fully recovered from the flu, and I'm SO tired of being stuffy when I go to bed at night. It's been A MONTH. (Spring allergens and up and down temperatures and paranoia over new viruses don't help either, I guess...) 

So, stay healthy out there! Stay home! Don't be a jerk who hoards hand sanitizer because I'm now out until my alcohol shipment arrives next week!

(FYI: if you didn't place your order before I ran out you can use your twinkle spray perfume as a sanitizer because it's over 90% alcohol... and I happen to have plenty of perfume in stock, wink wink!) 

For real though, if I were going to hoard anything from Twinkle Apothecary I think it would be cleansing oil and toning mist, because that's what I go through the most - how about you? 

Pinch and zoom if you're on mobile or expand your browser screen if you're on a computer to read all of the details: 

- Stefanie -

Week 10 of 2020 and it's feeling like spring out there! 

Skincare highlights from the week - I didn't plan well and got a tiny bit too much sun at the park on Sunday - nothing a little beauty butter can't fix though! Time to get back into my daily sunscreen routine... 

Also I had... gasp, a few pimples pop up out of nowhere on Friday! One small flesh colored bump between my left earlobe and jaw that no one can see but I know it's there, and two small whiteheads on my chin. I wanted to blame my sunscreen but it's never broken me out before and I still have a few months to go before it reaches its expiration date. Most likely it's hormonal, diet related, or simply because I freaking couldn't stop touching it once I realized it was there. See, I felt this tiny little bump just under my left earlobe on Thursday night and I could not help myself. I kept checking to see if it was still there, if it was getting bigger, (it was, because of the touching,) if it was going to turn into anything I could take care of with my comedone extractor... when what I should have done is applied some acne spot treatment and walked away.

Now, on Saturday night, the two whiteheads on my chin are long gone (thanks to the comedone extractor) but that little bump on my neck is still there. My plan of action is to not do anything because what can you do? I did a charcoal mask tonight which should help (results from that typically appear the next morning) and I'm going to apply acne spot treatment every time I'm tempted to touch it - which is exactly what I recommend anyone else do with a pimple. Don't panic. Keep calm and acne spot on.

Sadly, it's not time to test my new acne serum, but I am still loving the sensitive skin serum I'm testing! It feels so nourishing and overall, my skin is still looking great. I don't think I'll change a thing and it should be ready soon. 

I hope this breakdown of my routine for the week is helpful - pinch and zoom if you're on your phone or enlarge your browser if you're on a desktop to get all of the details. 

- Stefanie -

It was business (glorious, beautiful, wonderful) business as usual this week, only better, because it's starting to feel like S P R I N G ! ! ! outside and I am so ready! 

While I had the flu last week, I dreamed up a couple of new facial oils that I was able to whip up once I got back to work and am now testing. Well, I test things one at a time, so I'm testing just one of them now, which is my new sensitive skin serum, made without essential oils. 

The superstar ingredient in this serum is blueberry seed oil, which I knew I had to use in something the minute a sample landed on my desk a few months ago because, well, it smells like smooshing up fresh blueberries and rubbing them all over your face. Never mind that it's crazy expensive... you can literally smell the antioxidants, people!

Because I test things for (at least) a solid two weeks before I make a decision, this means I'll be forgoing my usual facial oil in the morning/winter serum at night routine and just use the new sensitive skin serum morning and night. It's so difficult to give up my favorites, (seriously don't know how people shop for new skincare all the time... I'm happily committed to my products, thank you!) but great news, I am absolutely LOVING this new serum so far. It's only been a couple of days but my skin is so, so happy.   

Honestly, with the exception of a couple of accidents (facewhip!) most of my product development happens inside my head with the thinking and the planning and the research, so by the time I've made something new to test that I'm serious about, the testing part is usually just a formality. It's kind of hard to mess up a facial oil with this level of fantastic ingredients, you know? But, I want to have a good idea of how it compares to my other oils and serums so I'll keep using it and report back. 

Stay tuned! 

- Stefanie - 

I lost an entire week of my life (and several thousands of dollars in revenue from having to close my shop) to the flu. It was, and still is, awful. Here's what I did to my face. 

Why so many steams? Because it soothed my throat and because I am incredibly protective of my nose. It's hard to make perfume when you can't breathe or smell. Did you know it's possible to permanently lose your sense of smell from having the flu? Fun fact, right? Just one of the many reasons why sick people are no longer allowed in my shop. (Not joking. GTFO.) 🙅🏻‍♀️

My sense of smell is back but I'm currently overwhelmed with nausea so who knows what the April perfume junkie club scent is gonna look like 😂 wish me luck?! 

I must say, it's nice to have a good, simple, reliable everyday routine to fall back on when you feel your worst. When I didn't feel like doing anything, I didn't, but when I did, it was very soothing. Even though I feel like I'm falling apart, you'd never know it from my face. I hope you have a routine that makes you feel just as good, and if you don't... you should maybe give this stuff a try! 

 - Stefanie - 

The weeks are flying by but winter is still in full effect. 

One question I've been getting a lot in the shop this week is "how will I know when it's time to switch to spring serum?" and um, no idea. I personally don't have a plan. I just know that I'm still really loving my winter serum right now. 

You can use winter serum all year long if you like... you can use any of the seasonal serums at any time of the year. Winter serum is something I designed with dry, flaky, irritated skin in mind, while the spring serum has more of a brightening, glow-enhancing effect. But they're both solid lightweight moisturizers that will work for any skin type at any time of the year. 

I have noticed an upswing in spring serum sales over the past week though, so it seems like you guys are ready to get your glow on! 

I've still got quite a bit of winter serum left in my bottle so I'll probably use it up before I bring home something new, but no promises. Stay tuned to see when/why I change it up next! 

Oh, and because I said I'd report back - I added lavender flowers to my facial steam this week (not something I do every week btw - it's really more to support my sinuses/prevent them from becoming inflamed than for my face) and I'm not sure if the effects were any different, but it did smell AMAZING and prompted me to make a lavender soak for the March box, which you could also use for a facial steam. So yeah, get excited about that... it's heavenly! Sadly, I don't have a bathtub in my apartment, but I've taken to soaking my feet at night, which is nice and warming/relaxing too. 

Also, ICYMI, here are some skincare video tutorials: 

My Morning Skincare Routine 

My Nighttime Skincare Routine

There's also lots more background info and links to other helpful past blog posts in my Week 1 post - click here for that. 

Alrighty... have a great week! 

- Stefanie - 

My nighttime skincare routine is truly one of the highlights of my day, but it is best done in silence.

I'm sorry... it's just that after a long day of answering the same questions over and over in my shop, and also via email, the last thing I want to do is hear myself say the same thing to myself. Because as I'm saying it, I'm observing myself saying it for the millionth time, and I just get so sick of hearing myself saying it all over again. Again. I just want to shut myself off from the world and enjoy my lovely products, not think about why they work. They just do. Because I said so.  

But nevertheless, I persisted and stumbled through this horribly awkward video that is hopefully helpful to those of you who need visuals and don't like to read. 

I'm sorry I can't get that excited to chat about skincare at 8pm on a Monday night. I'm not fake, ok? 

But, this is my fave routine, and I love it. Double cleansing may seem like too much for many of you, but it keeps my skin clear and balanced so why would I change something that works so well for me?

That being said, and because I get a lot of questions about ways to simplify, there are a lot of ways to customize it, and as promised, here are a few different options:

1. Instead of oil cleansing to remove makeup, ($$$) you could use a makeup eraser, ($$) or, a konjac sponge and water ($).  

2. You could just oil cleanse, skipping the powder cleanser step. (I do this sometimes when I'm super tired at night.)

3. You could oil cleanse and massage it in with the konjac sponge for a little exfoliation, without having to break out a powder cleanser/facemask. 

4. You could mix the cleansing oil into the powder cleanser and get the benefits of both at the same time. (Just don't rub the powder cleanser into your eyes - you'll have to remove eye makeup a different way!) 

5. If you're not wearing makeup, you can just use the powder cleanser. (Or even if you are wearing makeup - again, just don't rub it into your eyes!) 

6. If you have dry skin and aren't prone to breakouts, you could skip the toning mist and go straight to the hydrosol step. 

7. If you have oily skin, never ever skip the toner, but you could skip the hydrosol, and the beauty butter at the end. Don't skip moisturizing completely though. Adding oil to your face will actually help it find its natural balance. (Rose hydrosol is balancing too, just fyi.)

And of course, you could sub out any of my facial oils or serums for both the oil cleansing and moisturizing steps (or use the same one for both steps even!) You can also sub out any of my powder cleansers or facemasks for the cleansing grains step.

Cleansing grains for less exfoliation... 

Exfoliating powder cleanser or any of the facemasks for more exfoliation... 

(use the sandalwood + aloe facemask for the most exfoliation.)  

Just don't wash your face with soap/foaming cleansers. Unless you like stripping away everything that's good and beneficial on your face and making your skin over-produce oil that is...   

Have I lost you yet, non-readers of the world? 

Cool cool. 

If you want to learn more and don't hate looking at icky words on your screen, 😜 I highly suggest checking out my weekly skincare schedule posts, where I write down every single thing I do to my face morning and night. There, you'll be able to see where I mix it up, pare it down, skip steps, add steps, switch out products, etc., etc. (Don't worry, I add some kinda-cute graphics?!?) 

So, as I say in the video, "yeah." 

So, yeah. That's it. 😆

Hope it's helpful! 

- Stefanie -