If you've been browsing my website or reading my skincare blogs, you might have noticed that I tend to use both my Facial Oil & my Makeup Remover + Oil Cleanser interchangeably. Sometimes I use them each as a cleanser, sometimes as a serum... so it's no wonder that some of you may be wondering which one is actually right for you? Or should you get both?
What's the difference, Stefanie?!
Well, I'm glad you asked!
Let me break it down for you...
Here's the thing: I originally designed my (original) facial oil to be a multipurpose moisturizer, anti-aging serum, and cleanser. I LOVED it, but I never felt like it was great for removing makeup. It seemed a bit too thick, and besides that, using it to remove my mascara just like a waste of really fantastic, healing ingredients.
I spent some time testing several different formulas and makeup removing methods before settling on my makeup remover + cleansing oil formula. I wanted to make something lighter, more slippery, and more simple - i.e., less expensive - something you could use a full dropper of without feeling wasteful; but also multitasking, like all of my other skincare products. I wanted it to be something really lovely that you could leave on your face if you wanted to, instead of just washing off right away.
So, let's look at the ingredients in each and compare, shall we?!
watermelon seed oil, grapeseed oil, rosehip oil, red raspberry seed oil, tocopherol oil (vitamin E), neroli oil, carrot seed oil, lavender oil, ylang-ylang oil
Watermelon seed oil (AKA Kalahari oil) is really the star of the show in this formula. I love watermelon seed oil because it's non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog your pores - and PS pretty much EVERYTHING I use is non-comedogenic cause blackheads suck) it dissolves sebum buildup and helps balance your skin's oil production, but it also has a ton of anti aging benefits and helps to restore your skin's elasticity.
To that I add astringent grape seed oil, healing rosehip oil (another anti aging powerhouse that works wonders to even your skin tone,) and anti-inflammatory red raspberry seed oil.
Tocopherol oil (vitamin E) is an antioxidant that prevents the natural oils from becoming rancind. Its antioxidant properties also add to the healing, moisturizing properties of this formula.
Neroli is a wonderful skin healing essential oil, carrot seed is full of vitamins that fight the signs of aging, lavender soothes and hydrates, and ylang ylang balances and repairs.
So, you could absolutely use this as a cleanser. But the ingredients are so luxe that I typically prefer to use it as my moisturizer or as a serum under my beauty butter at night, or sunscreen/makeup during the day.
jojoba oil, watermelon seed oil, chamomile oil, ylang-ylang oil, geranium oil
Lightweight jojoba is the main ingredient in this one. Jojoba is actually a liquid wax that is very similar to the oil our skin naturally produces.
Oil cleansing works because like dissolves like. You're dissolving/removing the oil (and dirt) from your face, and replacing it with fresh, clean (and essential oil infused) oil.
It sounds weird, but if you have oily skin, washing your face with oil or using it as a serum will help, because you're basically tricking it into thinking it doesn't need to produce any more oil. Seriously. I used to think I had oily skin, but it magically never seems oily these days.
Anyway...
To the jojoba I simply add my favorite watermelon seed oil (for the sebum dissolving, balancing, anti-aging properties we've already discussed.) ;)
Chamomile essential oil, while mostly known for it's soothing properties, also has powerful antibacterial properties, so it's great for acne prone skin as well. Ylang ylang balances oil production. Geranium also balances, while leaving dull skin looking radiant.
Do you see why this is my oil cleanser of choice?
But I love it as a serum too!
I tend to use this in the morning, and my original facial oil at night.
Mostly... it kind of just depends on my mood, really.
Bottom line, there's no wrong way to use either of these oils.
Hopefully this info helps clear up any questions you might have about how and when to use them in your own skincare routine.
I'm working on another skincare diary blog this week so you can get another glimpse of how I actually use these products in my everyday life... but definitely let me know if you you have any questions in the meantime! I love hearing your thoughts!
-XO-
