Face oils, Moisturiser and Floral Waters: how to layer skincare products

Face oil or moisturiser first? Apothespa's products are designed to be flexible. Use your product on its own, or if you prefer, layer your products. At Apothespa we are huge fan of layering products, but we are all individual, so you will need to find the right products and routine for you. This article focuses on three best selling Apothespa products - Rose Face Moisturiser and Neroli & Rose Facial Oil and Rose Toner.

Apothespa’s Neroli & Rose Facial Oil can be used as a stand alone facial oil, best used like this before you go to bed. It can also be used a s a serum underneath your moisturiser, either in the morning or before you go to bed. Rose Facial Moisturiser pairs brilliantly with Neroli & Rose Facial Oil. If your skin is feeling super thirsty then incorporate a floral water toner as your first step to hydrate and sooth skin. In this case the best Toner would be Rose Toner.

Apothespa products contain no fillers and you will find that they go along way. When layering products, less of each will need to be used. 

If you have wondered whether you need to choose between a facial oil and a face cream or use both, start with what you want from your routine: a comfortable finish, a little extra richness, or simply fewer steps. Here is a straightforward way to use these products without overcomplicating your skincare.

What is the difference between face oil and moisturiser?

A facial oil can be considered as a more intensive treatment for the skin as our facial oils are water free. Our moisturisers are creams, that is they are a blend of different oils, butters and also our beautiful Dartmoor Spring Water which is mineral rich and softening. The technical name for a moisturiser, i.e. a blend of oils and water is an 'emulsion'. As humans we are mostly water so in order to maintain healthy looking skin we recommend  creating a skin care ritual for yourself which works for you, but that can also be varied, depending on what your skincare needs are from season to season and based on your lifestyle choices (city living, diet, alcohol, etc).

Our Neroli & Rose Facial Oil 27ml blends organic rosehip seed, organic jojoba and organic macadamia nut oils with rose absolute and neroli. It is packed full of of antioxidants and is perfect for those who enjoy an outdoors or city based lifestyle. 

Rose Face Moisturiser 50ml is our best selling day moisturiser, for mature, dry or dehydrated skin and for many of our customers is their 'go-to' product. Its a great product to start with if you are new to the Apothespa range, and the moisturising step you build your routine around.

Should face oil go before or after moisturiser?

Generally for Apothespa's range we recommend where you use both an oil and a moisturiser that they are used either as stand alone products, or you use your oil underneath your moisturiser. This can be varied at different times, depending what your skin actually needs. For example, after a week on Devon's coastal path walking, you may find your skin is sun and wind bleached, needing a full layering routine using Rose Toner, followed by Neroli & Rose Facial Oil, followed then by Rose Facial Moisturiser to recover. 

How to layer Neroli & Rose Facial Oil and Rose Face Moisturiser

1. Start with cleansed skin. We recommend Geranium Cleanser. Follow with Rose Toner.
2. Apply a small amount of facial oil. Gently massage Neroli & Rose Facial Oil into the skin using light circular movements, following its directions.
3. Allow the oil to absorb. There is no need to turn this into a timed ritual. Give it a moment before adding your cream.
4. Follow with moisturiser. Apply Rose Face Moisturiser as your cream step, using an amount that feels comfortable rather than adding a thick layer automatically.

Start sparingly. You can adjust the amount next time if the combination feels too rich or does not give you the finish you enjoy.

A simple morning and evening approach

Morning: use Rose Face Moisturiser as your day cream. If you want to include Neroli & Rose Facial Oil as a serum, apply a small amount beforehand and allow it to absorb. Neither product should be treated as a substitute for your sunscreen; follow your sunscreen’s application instructions.

Evening: the facial oil’s directions suggest applying a small amount before bedtime. You can keep that as a simple oil step, or follow its serum directions and add your moisturiser afterwards if you prefer the combination.

Do you need both every day?

No. A useful routine is one you enjoy and can keep consistent. If your cream feels comfortable on its own, you do not have to add another step. If you like the feel of an oil, start with a small amount and see whether you prefer it alone in the evening or layered beneath your moisturiser.

If the layers feel heavy, reduce the amount or use the products at different times. More product is not automatically a better routine.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use facial oil instead of moisturiser?

Neroli & Rose Facial Oil includes a standalone bedtime use in its directions. That does not mean it needs to replace your face cream. Choose the approach that feels comfortable, and follow each product’s instructions.

Can I mix face oil into my moisturiser?

Apothespa's products are designed to be used flexibly. We recommend you layer the products rather than blend them, so keep the steps separate. The facial oil’s serum directions specify allowing it to absorb before applying moisturiser, so layering is the straightforward approach.

How much facial oil should I use?

Start with a few drops and use sparingly initially. Adjust if you prefer.

What if I am trying a new product?

Introduce one new product at a time and patch test before wider use. Botanical ingredients and fragrance may not suit everyone. Stop using a product if irritation occurs.

Find your preferred pairings

Start with Rose Face Moisturiser for your cream step, add Neroli & Rose Facial Oil if you enjoy an oil-based serum. Consider a floral water to tone and hydrate, such as Rose Toner. Explore our Facial Oils for other options. Keep the amounts modest, follow the individual directions and let comfort guide your routine.