Your Face Oil Might Be Missing Something
Some emails make me open a spreadsheet or pull out a credit card. Tyisha’s made me grin.
“I’ve been getting compliments lately that my skin is glowing and that I look younger, even without makeup.”
Well. That is considerably more validating (and exciting!) than an invoice.
Then she listed which of my products she uses and how often. If you ever want to make a skincare formulator happy, that’ll do it! Compliments and a detailed routine. She knows how to win my heart.
Her routine includes cleansing, a botanical mist, and Chi Serum, but two products particularly stood out to her.
“My acne has stayed at bay, and I'm so impressed by how much my scarring has improved. The combination of the Berry Essence and Artemis oil has made the biggest difference.”
Tyisha uses several products, so her experience doesn’t tell us which one contributed to each change. But the pairing she singled out is worth a closer look. Berry Essence and Artemis bring different things to the bathroom counter, and that’s where this gets interesting.
What does a facial essence do?
“Essence” is one of those skincare words that tells you remarkably little about what’s in the bottle. The formula matters more than the name.
In Berry Essence, betaine and panthenol help the outer layer of your skin hold on to water. That extra hydration can make a difference to how comfortable your skin feels.
I also use niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and texture. Clinical research supports those benefits, although results depend on the formula, concentration, and consistent use. Resveratrol also brings antioxidant properties to the formula.
I could happily spend another paragraph on ingredients. Possibly two. But the question at your bathroom mirror is simpler. Does your skin feel more comfortable with a little essence underneath your oil? I’d say probably definitely, but everyone’s skin is unique!
What does a face oil add?
A face oil provides emollients that soften and smooth the skin. It can also help reduce water loss, but oil alone doesn’t provide any hydration (aka water).
I make Artemis Facial Oil with hemp seed, pumpkin seed, and hazelnut, all of which are very low on the pore-clogging scale. I wanted something that would soften the skin and spread easily, especially for the person whose cheeks could use a little softness but whose forehead has quite enough shine of its own, thank you very much.
If your skin is oily or prone to breakouts, start with a small amount and watch how it responds over time (maybe a week). A lightweight feel is lovely, but it doesn’t tell you everything about how a formula will suit your skin.
Can I use a facial essence and a face oil together?
Yes! Do it! Apply the hydrating essence first, followed by the face oil. The essence helps your skin hold onto water, while the oil adds softness, helps balance oil production, and reduces moisture loss. With this pairing, that means Berry Essence first, then Artemis.
After cleansing (and after toner if you use one), press a pea-sized amount of Berry Essence into your skin. While your skin is still slightly damp, smooth a small amount of Artemis over it.
Start where you want the softness. You can give your cheeks a little extra and skip your forehead and nose entirely if you want.
Then check in later. How does your face feel by lunchtime? Are your cheeks comfortable? Do you like how your makeup sits? Those observations help you decide whether the combination earns its place on your bathroom counter.
Do you need both if you already use moisturizer?
Not necessarily. Many moisturizers already combine ingredients that attract water with ingredients that soften skin and help reduce water loss. If yours keeps your skin comfortable all day, you can happily finish the bottle. I personally love using a bit of moisturizer on top of it all.
Your bathroom counter doesn’t need to qualify as a branch of my shop (although I love to see them all lined up there). And if essence and oil leave your skin feeling dry, you may still need a moisturizer.
That’s why another line in Tyisha’s email stayed with me.
“Your previous email advising us to combine what works for my specific skin was extremely helpful.”
I spend a lot of time deciding what belongs in a formula. Tyisha was doing the part I can’t do for her in my lab in Winthrop, Maine. She noticed what she enjoyed using and which combinations felt worth keeping… and then told me all about it! Thank you, Ty!
If you could bring me two bottles from your bathroom counter and ask about using them together, tell me which two you’d bring in the comments. I’d love to know.
Kristin Mutchler
Founder and formulator, Pickle’s Potions
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