Tailor Skincare Illume Youth Elixir

I get it if you’re confused about when and how to use face oil. However, here’s what you need to know. Finding the right oil (preferably natural) is a game-changer for any skin type. Editor Trudi Brewer shares a favourite, homegrown blend that’s a go-to for calming and firming her skin.

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It’s no longer a skincare fad; face oils have a myriad of healing, hydrating and anti-ageing benefits. Case in point with a 2018 study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It notes that face oils with a high concentration of antioxidants can benefit the skin barrier and overall skin health. However, choosing the right face oil to suit your wants and needs is key to garnering the benefits. Here is a multi-benefit oil that can correct just about every complexion woe. Read on to learn more.

What is it?

With the growing awareness of clean natural alternatives vs chemicals in skincare, face oils are in hot demand. One New Zealand brand is at the top of the tree for offering 100 per cent natural yet active ingredients in their products; Tailor Skincare. A collection that ‘addresses your skin concerns, fits your routine, and makes you feel good.’ So to Illume, Youth Elixir is one of the stars in the range. It features bakuchiol. For a quick science lesson: Pronounced (buh-koo-chee-all), it’s dubbed 'nature's retinol.' Derived from the Psoralea Corylifolia plant, or 'babchi' plant, it offers the same skin renewal benefits as vitamin A or retinol but without those sensitising side effects. Next is hemp seed oil, famous for calming inflammation, and linoleic acid (from the omega-6 family); then there’s a blend of nourishing oils, including olive, meadowfoam seed, and jojoba. This cocktail of ingredients helps refine the look of ageing while balancing the skin’s pH and keeping breakouts at bay. The heavenly scent is courtesy of a frankincense and jasmine oil blend.

Tailor Illume Youth Elixir, $59.

How to use: At night, after applying a serum or in place of night cream. I apply a few drops to my hands and then press them together to warm the oil. Next, I press my hands into my face so the oil sinks into the skin. Or you can apply this oil and then massage it into the skin with a jade roller or gua sha. Illume Youth Elixir lasts around eight weeks.

Why do we like it?

If you’re new to face oils, you might envision a gloopy or greasy texture, but the best ones - this included - aren’t like that at all. Just a few drops, and your skin will feel hydrated for hours. As for the top self, clean ingredients, they have earned the BeautyEQ seal of approval for effectiveness, lightweight texture that sinks into the skin within seconds, and the gorgeous glow it leaves in its wake. In addition, Illume is vegan, cruelty-free, pregnancy-safe, and made. Also, don’t forget it’s made in New Zealand.