Farmacy Honey Grail + Better Daze Ahead

Ever since Farmacy plowed (pun very much intended) into my vanity almost four years ago, their New Day exfoliating powder has remained a favorite travel staple. Two other formulas have joined the ranks of ‘reached-for more often than others:’ Green Screen SPF 30 and Honeymoon Glow nightly resurfacing serum. Whenever I’m asked about my Farmacy favorites, this trifecta is all I talk about. No joke.

Recently, the ‘farmer cultivated, science activated’ range expanded its lineup by adding Honey Grail ($48) and Better Daze Ahead ($68). The first is an ultra-hydrating face oil with a truly unique texture; the latter, a CBD-infused restorative cushion cream for dry, stressed skin. Below are first impressions of both.

Honey Grail

If you’re used to straight-up oils or oil blends, you’ll find this one to be a little different. Honey Grail has a very unique consistency. It’s almost drippy. Like real honey. The particular blend of plant oils (Seabuckthorn, Evening Primrose, Sunflower, Abyssinian, and Coconut) is infused with the bee-given goodness associated with the brand: Royal Jelly, Propolis, and Buckwheat Honey Extracts. And it smells like something you want to drizzle over vanilla ice cream or panna cotta.

Honey Grail aims to soothe, protect, revitalize, and deliver lasting hydration. Its silky texture is a mere perk. At first, I thought the formula was a bit slippery, almost reminiscent of a traditional makeup primer (what I really thought of was personal lubricant tbh) but the oil absorbs surprisingly well and isn’t greasy. Is it lightweight? It’s not lightweight enough for my combination skin to handle on a summer day but it works great as the last step in my night time routine. I use it to seal in my treatment serum or moisturizer because it feels slightly occlusive though it does sink completely into the skin. I’m a huge fan.

Better Daze Ahead

Now, onto the new moisturizer. But first, a disclosure: regardless of how many product presentations I attend and press releases I read — I still do not fully grasp CBD-infused face care. I am aware of the benefits of ingesting CBD to diminish chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation or depression. And, I understand that CBD offers up significant antioxidant properties, which make it an ideal anti-ager. Those struggling with acne may also benefit from its anti-inflammatory elements.

With all this said, I’ve concluded that I’m  just not a great candidate for facial treatment products that highlight CBD as the hero ingredient (I’ve had great luck with body oils and creams, though!) Educating myself a bit more is probably a good idea, so go easy on me.

Re: Farmacy’s new restorative cushion cream. It’s lovely. It has a faint, clean scent. The creamy, whipped texture glides on like a dream. Geared toward all skin types except oily, it is a great night time option for someone like myself who prefers to keep my routine oil-free during the day. Cannabis Sativa Oil indeed tops the ingredient deck (listed as 4th) alongside a variety of soothing mushroom extracts, Holy Basil, plant butters and Hyaluronic Acid.

I can’t see myself using Better Daze Ahead on regular basis this time of year but will make sure to revisit this newness in the Fall. For now, I am keeping my jar on hand for when my skin needs instant comfort — whether it’s due to over-exfoliating or the unwelcome aftermath of not reapplying SPF on a particularly sunny day. Think emergency treatment to address redness or irritation related fiascos.

In conclusion

If I were Meryl Streep in Sophie’s Choice, I’d pick Honey Grail. If your skin tends to be more dry, parched or stressed, however, you may find Better Daze Ahead to be more beneficial. I like that Farmacy’s singular POV doesn’t clash with others in the green affordable space. Is it ultra pure? No. But the range delivers stellar solutions for complexion/related issues that don’t break the bank. If neither tempts you, I insist you scroll up to my intro paragraph and experience my three Farmacy favorites.

Available at Sephora.com and farmacybeauty.com.