5 COMMON FACE OIL MISTAKES + HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CUSTOM FORMULA

DIY BEAUTY, SKINCARE + MAKEUP | 2 COMMENTS 
DECEMBER 17, 2016 BY DEBORAH HARJU

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Face oils are all the rage in the skincare community, and for good reason. Once shunned for shine-inducing effects, oils now are appreciated for their hydrating benefits and we embrace the dewy look they support. Let’s discuss a few common mistakes that face oil users might make, and a simple DIY for making your very own custom face oil.

Common Face Oil Mistakes

1. Picking the wrong oil.

With all the varieties available, it’s an easy mistake to choose the wrong oil. Some oils are nourishing and rich, others are ideal for clogged or oily skin. If you’ve picked an oil for oily skin and you have dry skin, you might be wondering why your skin doesn’t feel very hydrated. This list is extremely helpful in finding the right type of oil for your skin type.

2. More is better, right?

Wrong. Face oils are concentrated derivatives from plant-based extracts, so a little goes a long way. I recommend a maximum of 6 drops total for your face and neck. Some days 3 drops might be sufficient. When it comes to face oils, less is more.

3. Applying it last.

The most important products you apply on your face need to touch your skin first. If you layer oils last, meaning on top of sunscreens or other products, you will not benefit from any of the penetrating effects of the oil. Instead, apply oils as the first item (sometimes it can even be the only item!) to face and neck after cleansing and toning.

4. Rub it in for as long as you want!

Wrong again. Oils do not need to be rubbed into the skin for absorption. Drop oil into the palm of your hands, press your hands together to warm it up a bit, and then gently pat the palms of your hands into your face and neck, lifting your hands off your face and repositioning them in a different spot to get oil evenly spread.

5. Not customizing for your skin

Once you’ve decided on the correct oil for your skin type, you are almost done with your custom face oil–it’s that easy. Don’t be scared to mix 2 oils together to treat different needs. For instance, if you have dry skin but you also struggle with a loss of elasticity, use equal parts sweet almond oil and avocado oil to address both issues. The last ingredient you’ll add to the recipe will be an essential oil–use 2 drops of essential oils per one ounce of carrier oil. Here are some to consider:

• All Skin Types: clary sage, geranium, lavender, Roman chamomile

• Dry Skin: geranium, helichrysum, lavender, myrrh, sandalwood

• Oily Skin: basil, eucalyptus, melissa

• Aging/Mature Skin: clary sage, frankincense, helichrysum, myrrh, sandalwood

• Sensitive Skin: lavender, Roman chamomile

• Acne Prone Skin: clary sage, geranium, lavender, melaleuca, rosemary, sandalwood

Oil should be stored in a dark glass jar in a cool, dark spot. Just place a few drops of your custom face oil into the palm of your hand and pat into your cleansed face and neck each evening before bed.