Make your regular serum richer for dry winter

I always have a thing about essential oil. I especially love the scent of rose so it is easy for me to buy bottles of rose facial oil without really knowing what to do with them on my skin.
There are a few ways I tried using rose oil on my face:
- warm on palm and directly apply on face by pressing gently
- mix with my daily cream and apply as usual
These two ways are not very satisfactory. I feel quite oily that it leaves an oily film on my face. Well, some may think of course it is oily for it is oil! Having said that, I found my favourite way of using the oil now and I am happy about it cuz it leaves my skin nourished without feeling oily.
Mixing the oil with any transparent serum or liquid is simple yet blend in well for your skin to absorb.
What I use here is Aesop serum and organic rose oil. I blend 2 drops of oil with serum about a size of a dime. Blend together with finger until it turns into a milky mixture, then apply as usual. Yes that's it! It does magic. Perfectly versatile now but nourishing enough in dry winter.
You may want to start with one drop of oil and apply at night first if you have not dealt with oil in your regimen before. It can be a nightmare if you don't know how to work with oil. But for those who master the skills, you will find the benefits which go a long way. Enjoy!

How to pick the perfect serum for you?

Yes the question is how to pick the perfect serum. Many may pick according to its functional benefits for example anti-aging, fight wrinkles, nourishing, ultra moisturising, whitening, the list can go on and on :) But to me I pick mine based on their texture, before looking at its functional benefits. Remember the benefits are what those manufacturers want to claim, of course with the support of some clinical reports that we can never understand. I'm not saying they are making false claims but for many products out there, especially serum, the magical claims do take time before we are able to see results happened to us (at least for me)! So picking the right texture is critical as I'm able to feel its instant effect.

Different textures of serum

Texture of serum is generally more versatile, for it's supposed to be applied as the first layer after toning your skin and to be absorbed easily. Having said that the textures can differ from its level of oil and water. It's hard to tell if it fits your skin just from how the liquid looks. The best I suggest is to try on your back of palm, wait for 2 minutes, observe and feel if there's a film left or it's completely absorbed. You may also measure that using oil removal paper. To summarize, the ones that leave a film contain more oil in the formula, and the ones that are completely absorbed contain more water than oil.

In general I prefer a serum that contains more water than oil, meaning it's completely absorbed after putting on. If you have very dry mature skin (meaning your skin feels very tight or even flaking after cleansed), use a richer serum that leaves a film of oil and use the warmth of your palm to help the absorption. If you have normal, not seriously dry, or oily skin, I suggest a light serum that is usually in transparent liquid form and contains more water than oil in the formula. Once you know you are looking for a light serum, it's time to pick between functions that your skin needs.

For different skin types, it's ok to use the same light serum, the key is to use a lotion or cream to regulate your oil and water balance in the second layer. Will talk about lotion and cream in the next couple of posts!

My 5 th bottle of VC Organic Rose Otto Marine Collagen Serum, still in love with it

This is the first time (at least the one that I can recall) I've been using the exact same product for 5 bottles in a row in my entire life. I guess I have to admit that it outperforms once my favourite Aquamoist 100% Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Aesop Anti-oxidant Serum.

Normally I switch products from season to season, I guess that absolutely makes sense to all of you. But surprisingly this works for me through winter and now summer. 3 pumps are what I need in winter and 2 pumps in the summer. I loved Aesop in the winter too but VC Organic is a bit easier to manage (Aesop is a bit more sticky). I'm actually running out of stock as I've just squeezed out the last drop this morning.

The texture is less thick than Aesop and simlar to Aquamoist in almost a liquid form. But what makes it better than Aquamoist is the way it gets through my skin, it's quicker and the finish is a bit lighter and less sticky. To me it's perfect as I put this on as my first layer, followed by my regular cream to seal moisture. (you may want to read my previous post about my theory of layering here: "Feed your skin with layers"). My first layer is critical to me!  

VC Organic Rose Otto Marine Collagen Serum does its job to moisturize and firm my skin. After application skin is noticeably moisturized and more radiant. To me you need something absorbs and penetrates well as your first layer so this would be a perfect choice. I'd say it works well for both oily or dry skin. It doesn't have strong scent and that's fine for me too. This product is made in Australia with certified organic ingredients. Look forward to buying my 6th bottle next month or so!

Aesop B Triple C Facial Balm is more than an essence

Aesop B Triple C Facial Balm is definitely a treat to dry skin. It is a thick gel form that is not easy to blend at the beginning but works well with the warmth of the palms. Recommend for those with skin lack of both oil and moisture. It claims to contain no oil but I only use it in winter as the texture is a bit too sticky for Spring/Summer.

Surprisingly the thick gel penetrates well without any oiliness, skin looks more radiant with moisture after application. But the trick is to blend with your palms and gently press on your face for 10-20 secs, not to pull your skin. Another trick is to apply toner beforehand and apply the gel when the skin is still damp. That actually helps the gel penetrate better.

This is more than just an essence, you may not need any lotion or cream on top of it. Note that you need a layer of lotion or cream on top of any serum or essence to seal the moisture (see my previous post "Feed your skin with LAYERS". This smells so natural and genuine, what a wonderful treat for thirsty and oil-less skin!