Good morning, Beautiful!  Are you scared of oil?  Does it conjure up memories of shiny, pimply skin, greasy hair, and angst-y adolescence?  I understand, but if you aren’t using face oils, you are seriously missing out!  An organic, plant-based face oil or serum will not clog your pores or make your skin break out.  However, choosing the best one for your skin type can be confusing – should it be a blend or a pure base oil?  Does it need to cost a fortune?  Can you really combat acne with oil?  You don’t have time to research.  You need answers.  You have to get back to House of Cards (one word: obsessed.  Three more: with. Claire’s. wardrobe).

Here are some favorites for every skin type (and they’re all great for dry skin):

For problem skin: Vered Organic Botanicals Theraputic Balancing Face Oil.  This oil is very calming and healing and has loads of antibacterial ingredients.    I’ve used this before when my skin was more problematic and I really liked it.  Bonus: it smells delicious.  Cost: about $68 for 1.5 oz.  Purchase it here.

Ingredients: simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil*, amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil*, rosa mosqueta (rosehip) oil*, helichrysum arenarium (helichrysum flowers)*, stellaria media (chickweed)*, veronica extractum (speedwell)*, cymbopogon schoenanthus / citartus (lemongrass) essential oil**, lavandula angustifolia / lavandula officinalis (lavender) essential oil**, prunellae vulgaris extract (selfheal)*, calendula officinale (calendula)*, thymus citriodorus (lemon thyme)*, citrus medica (lime) essential oil**, citrus medica limonum (lemon) essential oil**, melaleuca viridiflora (niaouli) essential oil**, chamaemelum nobile (chamomile)*, citrus reticulata (tangerine)*.  *Certified Organic
**Certified Organic or Wild Crafted.  This product is gluten-free and vegan.

For the most sensitive skin, including those who are eczema and rosacea-prone: MyHavtorn Organic Facial Oil.  In addition to calming inflamed, sensitive skin, this face oil provides a vitamin boost and serious hydration; sea buckthorn oil provides lots of vitamin A, C and E along with a host of essential fatty acids.  Cost: about $50 for .33 oz.  Purchase it here.

Ingredients: Sea Buckthorn oil, Argan Oil, Avocado Oil, Rosemary Officinalis.

For everyone: Kahina Giving Beauty 100% Organic Argan Oil.  You may have tried Argan Oil before, but never one this good.  The quality can’t be beat and there is something in it for everyone.  Argan oil combats wrinkles, dryness, acne, eczema, and just about everything else that makes you sad.  Cost: about $36 for 30 ml.  Purchase it here.

Ingredients: Organic Argan Oil.

For those with sun damage, hyper pigmentation, or mature skin: Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Fruit & Seed Oil Blend.  If you love retinoids, this oil is for you.  Rosehip Oil is extremely high in Vitamin A (trans-retinoic acid), but it doesn’t cause irritation like many retinoids on the market do.  It is also anti-aging and reduces discoloration, scarring, and fine lines.  Cost: about $35 for 1 oz.  Purchase it here.

Ingredients: rosa canina (rosehip CO2) seed extract*, rosa canina (rosehip CO2) fruit extract*, non-gmo mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin e).  *Certified Organic

A few tips:

1. You only need to use a tiny bit; apply a few drops on your fingers and warm the oil in your hands before gently patting and pressing it into your face.  Rub what’s left over into your cuticles.
2. Most plant-based oils and serums contain photo-sensitive ingredients.  It’s best to use them at night – and keep the bottle away from sunlight.
3. Don’t forget your neck!  I feel like I totally ignore my neck, so I slather oil on every night hoping it will prevent the gobble-gobble.

Now you can get back to House of Cards.  Maybe if we all use the right oil we will look like Robin Wright?  If not, I want her surgeon’s number.

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