How an Olive Oil Brand Became the Most Luxurious Part of My Skincare Routine

I've never been one for extensive skincare routines, and with a new baby at home, some days I'm lucky if I can even find time to brush my teeth. I do love to practice some indulgent self-care, but mine usually looks more like eating dim sum on the couch while watching true crime, rather than slathering myself in expensive and glamorous lotions. Effortless beauty regimes are more my style, so I love it when I find nourishing products that are easy to apply and don't contain any harmful ingredients. That's why when one of my favorite olive oil brands, Kosterina, started formulating olive oil for skin and offered me the opportunity to test their new line of skincare products, I jumped at the chance.

To buy: Skincare Starter Set, $54 at Kosterina.com

Kosterina makes authentic, high-quality extra virgin olive oil that's harvested early and cold-pressed to preserve antioxidants. Each bottle of cooking oil contains 12 pounds of single-origin olives farmed in groves in southern Greece, and they taste how olive oil should taste—vibrantly grassy, bold, and fresh. I don't waste a drop when I'm cooking with it, and I mean that literally. If I spill some, I immediately rub it on my hands, lips or hair—whatever needs a little moisture boost. So imagine how thrilled I was to find out that I can now rub that same olive oil all over my face, thanks to Kosterina's new Extra Virgin Hydrating Face Oil and Extra Virgin Oil Balm.

The Skincare Starter set is formulated with extra virgin olive oil, olive-derived squalane, and lachestim—a natural oil that works alongside antioxidants in an effort to make skin look younger and fuller. I use the hydrating lip balm throughout the day and have incorporated the face oil into my nightly routine. I apply a few drops after I've washed my face, right before I'm ready to go to bed. It's super moisturizing yet surprisingly light, and the oil absorbs quickly into my skin, so I'm not concerned about rubbing face oil on my pillowcase. The texture is silky rather than greasy, and the signature scent combines cardamom, lemon, rosemary, and lavender for a calming end to my day.

This face oil is the little bit of luxury my days were missing, and I genuinely look forward to slathering it on my face each night. The best part is I wake up looking hydrated and youthful, and my skin looks more rested than I feel. If you're looking to add a clean, antioxidant-rich oil to your skincare routine, try turning to Kosterina's olive oil-based skincare starter set.