Go-To Skin Serum and Oil Blends | Face & Body

As I'm sure is the case for many of us, when I first started dabbling in all things skincare, I feared to apply oils directly on my face. As a teenager, I had oilier skin and as someone who deals with acne on the regular, the thought of oils actually helping and not making my skin break out more didn't make sense to me. As I learned, the right oil or oil blend for your skin will help maintain your moisture barrier and also make your skin more resilient thanks to the high vitamin content and antioxidants that will nourish, strengthen and protect it.

The first oil I decided to try back in the day was pure coconut oil because it was so raved about, yet it, unfortunately, broke me out. I later found out that this oil rates quite high on the comedogenic (pore-clogging) scale, which I had not realized. I personally still use it to remove heavy eye makeup but refrain from using it all over my face, although I know that some people can tolerate it. That is when I started to explore other carrier oil options, first trying rosehip oil, then sesame oil, sea buckthorn oil, argan oil, and the list goes on! With regular use over the years, I have found that these have helped calm my skin, as well as fade my scars. I also personally love applying them on my eyebrows and eyelashes at night. I still enjoy using the above oils in their pure form, but I've also been testing out a handful of blends for both face and body in the last few months, and I figured I would share some of my current favourites with you since I think they are worth checking out.

GRAYDON FULLMOON SERUM

I've fallen hard and fast for the Graydon Fullmoon Serum*. I kept hearing amazing things about this Canadian brand from YouTuber Allana Davison (who also happens to be Canadian!) and this girl has a knack for making me want to try ALL the skincare she is recommending! The Fullmoon Serum is one of their newer releases and has a beautiful blue tint. It contains various plant-derived actives to replenish and hydrate the skin. I've been using it for the last two months and not only does it smell beyond lovely (think super fresh), but it is also great if, like me, you suffer from redness and inflammation and need something calming and soothing and that won't leave your skin looking all fired up and irritated. From protein-rich African Mahogany collagen to hyaluronic acid, retinol, moringa leaf, blue tansy and *the cherry on the cake* malachite gemstone infusion (oh yes!), this luxurious serum with leave you wanting to try everything the brand has to offer. Next on my wishlist? Their Face Food Mineral Mist, because how amazing does that sound?

DERMA E ILLUMINATING ROSEHIP CRANBERRY FACE OIL

I've also been really enjoying the Derma E Illuminating Rosehip Cranberry Face Oil* because despite it being an oil blend, it sinks in quickly without leaving an unwanted oily residue or icky feeling for hours. One thing I appreciate about this brand is that their skincare is quite affordable for the wonderful ingredients they contain, and even my local health food store carries their products - they've really stepped it up recently and carry a ton more products, which makes this girl really happy! I will use 4-5 drops on its own and gently pat it all over my face and neck. I also like to mix it in with the Double Happiness Face Oil Potion for a nice little face oil concoction since the potion is oilier and the Derma E oil helps dilute it a bit. Rosehip oil is one of my favourite oils to reduce scarring and stretch marks. I highly recommend it if you have yet to try it!

PURA BOTANICALS NEROLI EYE RITUAL

Tired of looking tired? Of course, nothing beats a good night's rest, but on days when my under eyes have taken a bit of a beating from restlessness, the Pura Botanicals Neroli Eye Ritual* has been coming to the rescue. It features a handy rollerball applicator and all I need to do is roll some oil underneath my eyes and over my eyelids, gently dab it in and just let it do its thing! The ingredient list is super minimal, and on top of neroli oil, this product also contains lavender oil, rosehip oil, jojoba oil and aloe vera leaf juice - that's it! This vegan company is also Canadian (based in Edmonton), with all of their products being handcrafted in house at their studio and they carry a whole range of amazing-sounding skincare products.

LEGENDARY APOTHECARY SMOOTH FEET

My feet, especially my heels, have been bearing the brunt of this dry winter weather and I was on the lookout for a nourishing foot oil, and that is exactly what I found in the Legendary Apothecary Smooth Feet*. A family recipe passed down four generations, the co-creator released it to market after making this promise to her grandmother. All it contains is vegetable glycerin, pure lavender oil and sugar cane alcohol. To apply, use a full dropper for each foot, making sure they are dry and clean. It is best to use it at bedtime by first letting your feet air dry for a few minutes to reduce the sticky feeling. I've been doing this after every shower combined with using a scrub to exfoliate and my feet have never looked better!

UMA ABSOLUTE ANTI AGING BODY OIL

I've been in love with every single product I've tried from this brand, and the Uma Absolute Anti Aging Body Oil* is no exception. It has the same signature scent I have come to love from other Uma products I have tried, which I would describe as an exotic spice blend with a muskier top note, making it a very enjoyable aromatherapy experience. I would describe this to be more of a dry oil because it barely feels greasy once applied, but leaves your skin with the most beautiful, healthy glow. Made from a base of pomegranate, moringa, grapeseed and jojoba oils and enhanced with essential oils of rose, neroli, sandalwood, frankincense, grapefruit and juniper berry (that is all!), this 100% natural and organic body oil is not only rich in antioxidants, but it also helps repair dry and damaged skin, such as from scars, stretch marks, or sun damage. Uma offers luxury skincare so their prices are quite steep, but if you are looking to treat yourself (or someone you love) to the good stuff, Uma is where it's at.

That wraps up my top serum and face and body oils blends of the moment! Are you big into skincare oils as well?

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*Disclaimer: Products were provided for review consideration. Some affiliate links provided.