Oil vs serum which one belongs in your Beauty ritual? Unsure about whether you need to add an oil, serum or even both to your treasured skincare routine? Allow us to clear up the confusion and guide you to your next level of glow. If you’re anything like us, your bathroom shelf is the perfectly curated result of the many beauty experiments you’ve conducted in the name of reaching skincare nirvana. Having nailed the cleanser, toner and moisturizer that make you feel magical, if you’re going to introduce a new element to the line-up, you want it to feel equally made for you. However, just like your best friends all bring something different to your life (the one who’ll dance on the beach with you at 3am, the one who sends flowers to your work, the one who takes you on three-hour walks when you’re feeling lost), your skincare should do the same. Beauty buzzwords they may be, but when used in tandem with your other skincare saviours the right oil or serum can help you to feel even more beautifully you. We’ve demystified the differences to help you decide whether you should add an oil, serum or both to your daily Beauty ritual. Oil (aka the one that makes you feel as luxurious as a bubble bath at 2pm) Best for: a shot of intense, indulgent hydration when you need it most, thanks to urban pollution, overzealous exfoliating or too much time in the sun. Defining features: usually composed of natural oils extracted from plants, seeds and botanicals – and often infused with active ingredients such as vitamins – facial oils replicate the skin’s natural method of producing sebum and can be more nourishing than a cream. How to use: their larger molecules mean that oils don’t penetrate as far into the skin as serums, so you should massage in one or two drops as a last step post-moisturizing. Their rich texture means you can use every other day and still get the same glow. Will make you feel: although it’s true that dry and aging skin types might benefit most, it’s a myth that those with greasier skins should steer clear. Whatever your skin’s natural tendency, regular use can help plump up your skin and say sayonara to dullness, wrinkles and redness. Our favorite ingredients: nourishing “liquid gold” Argan Oil from our beloved Morocco and Vitamin E-packed Prickly Pear Seed Oil. Serum (aka the one that gets straight to the heart of your issues) Best for: tackling specific skin miseries head-on, whether your enemy is dullness, pigmentation, dryness, acne or aging. Defining features: serums contain concentrated amounts of active ingredients designed to have a targeted effect, such as brightening, balancing, anti-aging or hydrating. They’re quickly absorbed into the deepest layers of your epidermis, and although they come in a range of textures, are often water-soluble and more lightweight than creams. How to use: apply directly to your face after your cleanser and toner and before your moisturizer and oil. Due to their densely-packed formulas serums can be more expensive, so be conservative – you don’t want to waste a drop! Will make you feel: regardless of your skin type, a serum could be the beauty hero you’ve been looking for if you’re suffering from a specific issue, although dry, sensitive and oily skins are most likely to feel the love. Our favorite ingredients: oilier or acne-prone skin should look out for Vitamin C, Zinc or Retinol; dry skin for Vitamin E or Hyaluronic Acid; and dull complexions for antioxidant-rich formulas. Thinking about introducing an oil to your Beauty routine? Try Marrakech Light, our Illuminating Magic Oil that contains a blend of nine oils to target a multitude of skin issues.