Brhea Koneman is a photographer, food enthusiast (to put it mildly) and aspiring writer living in Charlotte, N.C. with her husband and 4-year-old son.
Find her over on Instagram at @brheachristine.

ESSENTIAL OIL TONERS + SERUMS

If you’re in search of a way to get the best value out of essential oils, consider using them in your skincare routine. Show your skin some love with pure ingredients, and it’s sure to love you back.

Toners and serums infused with essential oils are a great way to achieve a healthy glow, even in winter months!

Toning our skin is an important part of restoring its natural PH, as well as removing any excess makeup or grime from the day. For a toner, use purified water, and add the following, based on your skin type:

Acne Prone Skin:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Himalayan Salt

Sensitive Skin:
Rose Water
Aloe Vera Juice

Dry Skin:
Aloe Vera Juice
Steeped Green Tea

Normal or Combination:
Witch Hazel
(any of the above)

Use a glass bottle or dispenser and pour directly onto a cotton round or cloth and gently rub into your skin, or add to a spray top bottle and simply mist your face – after removing makeup and cleansing, before adding serum or moisturizer.

For a serum base, choose a carrier oil that suits your skin:

Oily or Combination Skin:
Argan Oil
Grapeseed Oil

Normal Skin:
Hempseed Oil
Coconut Oil

Acne Prone Skin:
Jojoba Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil

Mature Skin:
Rosehip Oil
Sweet Almond Oil

Now it’s time to add essential oils to our toner and serum bases – my most favorite part! You don’t have to be overly precise with this, have fun! Add what you like and play around with different combinations until you find your custom toner and serum.

to support maturing Skin:
Frankincense
Myrrh
Sandalwood

Skin that needs some love:
Cedarwood
Lemongrass
Lavender
Tea Tree

Moisturizing:
Lavender
Myrrh
Jasmine
Rose
Geranium
Sandalwood
Blue tansy

Oily Skin:
Roman Chamomile
Manuka
Tea Tree
Cypress

Combination:
All of the above

Put into a glass dropper or pump bottle and use your hands to gently press into your skin, after cleansing and toning.

My current favorite toner is witch hazel, lavender, geranmium, manuka & frankincense and my go-to serum is argan oil with blue tansy, frankincense (never too much frank) and rose.

Treat yourself!

(Safety Note: Be mindful when using citrus and photosensitive oils on your skin, do not apply if you are heading out into direct sun, rather make these part of your night routine. Also, be sure to use glass jars, as essential oils are powerful and could break down plastic.)