This review has been a long time coming because, frankly, for me there was a steep learning curve to Kosas tinted face oils.
First, if you’ll remember, I interviewed founder Sheena Yaitanes for Orange Coast mag when she launched her first products, amazing lipsticks—article here. She’s deeply charming and honest, so when she launched the tinted face oils, I wanted to support—and get in on the good stuff.
Initially, I ordered the wrong shade (thanks, internet shopping). They finally replaced it with a new one, but it took a very long time (think multiple months … I think they’ve since improved their customer service, and now they’ll send you a tone selector card for free before you buy). You can also buy the oils at Neiman Marcus, so you can shade match there and not take the risk I did. I ordered 04, and it was too light for my tan-in-OC skin; they sent 06 to replace it, and it was perfect. (Unfortunately, lack of regular volleyball and this thing called winter has returned my living-in-Austin skin to shade 04) But by then I was a bit jaded by the whole experience.
Nonetheless when I ran out of my other tinted moisturizer, I returned to Kosas face oil because, well, it was there in my bathroom drawer. But of course I didn’t read the “directions” because hello it’s tinted moisturizer like what I’ve been using for decades: you put some in your hands, rub them together, rub your hands all over your face, and go. Yes, I have been made fun of for this method of application before (I believe the word “monkey” was used), and no, it didn’t change me.
Then, my mom asked me recently what I was using for foundation because it made my skin look flawless (as we know, I have battled adult acne and my skin is no longer truly flawless, though it used to be RIP face). So I thought, hm, I guess I should blog about this.
Not until I was pulling the ingredient list for this post did I read the “How to Use” information on the website. 2-4 drops?! I was using waaaaay more than this, and it could explain why sometimes it’d be streaky and require more blending or otherwise weirdly textured. My next application, I squeezed just 4 drops in my palm and judiciously spread the oil on my face. Like a damn lady.
HOW TO USE
For medium coverage, shake Tinted Face Oil well to emulsify, then massage 2-4 drops to skin using fingertips just as you would apply a serum or moisturizer
For fuller coverage, use 4-6 drops.
For lighter coverage, use 1 drop and apply directly to skin where desired.
Well what do you freakin’ know?! Now this looks EVEN BETTER! Here I was ready to recommend a product I wasn’t even using to its full potential! Hot diggity!
Long story long: order the $42 Kosas tinted face oil. I’m pretty sure it lasts forever when you use it “right” and your skin looks absolutely awesome (even if you don’t use it right).
**Update! REAL celeb Rami Malek wears Kosas and was wearing it when he won his Oscar! I love the trend of men having makeup artists and looks. Straight and gay men. Speaking of, how much do I love Billy Porter’s Oscars tux gown? Too much. Who is the guy? Idk and I don’t care.
Deets:
100% Cruelty Free, Vegan, Gluten-free / Free of Parabens, Silicones, Sulfates, Pthlatates, Mineral Oil, PEG, Petrolatum
Ingredients: Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Silica, Kaolin, Mica, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Tocopherol, Limnanthen Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera (Tea) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, May Contain [+/-] Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, 77499, 77491, 77492)*