Oak Essentials The Routine Skin

Published on 8/28/2023 at 6:25 PM

As if influencing your home decor and wardrobe wasn't enough, Jenni Kayne is now on a mission to take over your beauty cabinet, too — and rest assured, our collective skin-care routines are about to become so much because of it. ICYMI: Kayne launched her own skin-care line, Oak Essentials, back in the fall of 2021. Since then, she's continued to expand on the brand's product offerings, with the label acting as a sort of extension of the multi-hyphenate's well-known furniture and fashion brands, both of which capitalize on the quiet-luxury trend through effortless, coastal-inspired designs.

Oak Essentials follows a similar strategy, with thoughtful products that are designed for all different skin types and aim to simplify your daily skin-care regimen through a targeted five-step process. The Oak Essentials The Routine ($225) system, in particular, works to infuse the skin with a healthier, more radiant-looking glow. As a longtime fan of Kayne's other brands, I've been eager to test out her Oak Essentials line for myself. Ahead, I break down everything to know about the Routine system, including what products are included in it, how it works, and what to consider before making the investment.

I appreciate that the Oak Essentials The Routine system offers an uncomplicated skin-care alternative that aims to simplify your daily regimen, rather than clutter it with more unnecessary products. Between the sheer volume of available beauty products and the inundation of skin-care recommendations from celebrities and influencers alike, it can feel tempting to add more to your routine — though that's often far less beneficial to your skin (and, frankly, to your budget). Kayne's Oak Essentials line embraces a "less is more" approach, with antioxidant-rich products that provide ample hydration but without having to apply 10-plus different layers.

Beyond its modest lineup, I also love just how much the products deliver. The brand markets the Routine system as being "thoughtful" and "effortless," with solutions that hydrate the skin so it's left with a more natural, everyday glow. Even within the first few uses, I've seen a noticeable difference in the radiance of my skin — my pores look less defined, the pigment on my cheeks looks brighter, and overall the texture of my skin appears less dull. I'm someone with notoriously sensitive skin, so I was initially concerned that diving headfirst into the bundle might inspire a breakout or two (particularly on trouble areas like my chin and cheeks).

After several weeks of using the full routine (along with a couple other staple products peppered into my daily regimen), I'm pleased to report that my skin has survived the introductory period without a single breakout — and miraculously, it actually looks healthier than ever before. I've received countless compliments from friends and even felt confident enough to venture outside the house without a full face of makeup — all because the Oak Essentials The Routine system provides enough of a natural glow for me to forgo highlighter and heavy concealer altogether.

To ensure I get the most out of each product, I follow the brand's routine directions exactly. For my morning regimen, I start by scooping out a dime-size amount of the Cleansing Balm onto my hands and rubbing them together until the formula begins to warm up. From there, I massage it into my dry skin, repeating circular motions all across my face until I feel like the product is well-absorbed. I then take a warm washcloth and gently wipe off the solution and am left with a glossy layer that's buttery smooth but still lightweight enough that it doesn't feel noticeable.

From there, I reach for my Balancing Mist, which is designed to treat the skin to an extra hydration boost. Per the recommendation from the brand, I shake the bottle, spritz it about four times across my face (or until my skin is doused well enough), then let it absorb. You appreciate this product more throughout the day once you see how well it actually hydrates; my glow often lasts for several hours, especially if I forgo any mattifying makeup. Next up is the Ritual Oil, which gives my skin a dewier complexion. Application is as simple as warming up two to three drops of the solution in my hands and then lightly pressing it into the skin on my face and neck. Finally, I finish off my morning regimen with the Moisture Rich Balm, which is a thicker formula that essentially helps to lock in all of the moisture and ensures the product won't wear off throughout the day. Then I apply my makeup like normal — though I've found that I can get away with omitting certain items from my routine because of just how radiant my skin looks after following the full Oak Essentials process.

As far as my nighttime routine goes, I prefer to follow an almost-identical regimen, minus the Balancing Mist, because it feels more primed for daytime wear — and it's also something you can continue spritzing onto your face throughout the day, even after you've applied your makeup. The Restorative Mask is the fifth step in the Oak Essentials Routine bundle, and while it doesn't need to be used every day, I definitely recommend incorporating it into your routine at least twice per week. Personally, this mask is my favorite product from the entire system because the results are so immediate — after just 15 minutes, my skin looks radiant enough that you'd think I'd just gotten a professional facial. The formula is also so decadent, with a delicate scent and honey-like thickness that evenly coats my skin and feels like it seeps into pores almost immediately after application. My skin instantly feels calmer and looks infinitely healthier. I'm obsessed.

While these products are designed to work for all skin types, some reviewers on the brand's website have noted that they found the formulas to be too oily and overbearing — particularly those with naturally oily skin. One reviewer commented: "I really wanted to love these products, but the oily texture of the cleansing and moisturizing balms, in particular, is too heavy." Another noted that the solutions are "very greasy" and seem to be designed more "for very dry skin."

My skin tends to err on the drier side, which is probably why these products have worked wonders for me — they are hydrating and leave my skin looking radiant (a welcomed departure from its usual flaky and discolored state). That being said, each of the balms is infused with thick oils that have a tendency to sit on the skin rather than immediately absorb. I don't mind their denser, oily natures because it simply feels like another protective layer is coating my face. But if you're someone with naturally oily skin, you might want to reconsider whether these products are best for you.

Another thing worth noting is that while the bundle provides a more affordable way to purchase all of the line's bestsellers, all of the included products are available to buy individually, too. If you're unsure about committing to a full Oak Essentials routine or simply need a refill on singular products, you might be better off just purchasing each oil or balm separately. And if you'd like a full refill on the entire system, shoppers also have the option to sign up for a subscription so the bundle is delivered automatically every 30 days.

Rating: ★★★★★