F. Miller Skincare Is the Aesthetic Clean Beauty Brand for Modern Minimalists
An independent, queer-owned label transforming skin with multi-use staples.
Being a queer-owned business has never been something that Fran Miller has placed at the forefront of her clean beauty brand, F. Miller. For Fran, it’s all about the products – and phenomenal products they are. Described by the brand itself as a purveyor of “skincare essentials consciously created from effective botanicals,” the independent label has become known for its skin-transforming products designed for all facets of everyday life. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the label’s unmistakable packaging is beautifully aesthetic, made for the modern minimalist.
F. Miller first started in 2014 with the introduction of its signature Face Oil, which contains a balanced blend of 22 active botanical ingredients formulated to correct and nourish all skin types. Since then, the brand has continued to expand its line of products with ingredients that are certified organic and ethically wildcrafted whenever possible. Making sure to partner only with mindful manufacturers around the world, the imprint is dedicated to practices that are just as responsible as its products. With each offering designed to be as versatile as its user, the products work seamlessly with one other for no-fuss layering.
What stands out the most to me about F. Miller is the multi-use nature of its diverse range of products. While testing out the collection, I essentially replaced all of my skincare products with those from F. Miller (the only product that I was not able to switch out is sunscreen, which is not currently offered in the line). For those who want to get the most out of their beauty products, F. Miller’s range is perfect as many of the items are designed to be used as skin staples for daily use. Needless to say, my complexion has been glowing and healthy since using the collection, which is a formidable accomplishment in itself as wearing a face mask everyday has been quite challenging for my skin.
F. Miller’s complete line of products currently includes eight core items: Face Oil, Cleansing Oil, Toning Mist, Lip Balm and Eye Oil for the face; and Body Oil, Hair Oil and Shave Oil for the hair and body. Although I would readily re-purchase any one of these products, there are certain selections that I would recommend to those who are trying the brand for the first time. Read on below to find my reviews for the must-haves from F. Miller.
EYE OIL
This product is an absolute game-changer. Not only has it altered my perception of what an eye product should look and feel like, but its benefits are markedly noticeable. I had never considered using oil for my eye before – I’ve had it engrained in my mind that the most effective eye products should be a potent serum and that anything less is just not as credible. F. Miller’s product has completely changed this belief, and this eye oil will definitely become a skincare essential for me moving forward.
To start, F. Miller’s Eye Oil is formulated with nourishing ingredients that are made to deliver lasting hydration that soothes, revives and protects the area around the eyes, arguably the most delicate part of the face. The eye oil’s performance does exactly what its category usually promises: restores elasticity, brightens dark circles, softens fine lines, to name a few. However, where this product stands out is the stainless steel roller ball that is used for application. I look forward to using this every morning because of how soothing the cooling effect is. By promoting microcirculation, the roller ball helps reduce puffiness as you get ready for your day. I usually apply a generous amount all around my eye, morning and night, and tap in lightly until absorbed.
After using the product for about a month, I’ve found that my eyes definitely look more youthful. The dry patch of skin in the inner corner of my eye has even disappeared. My favorite thing about this product, however, has been a very unexpected effect: my eyelashes got longer. Over the course of the last month while using the oil, my eyelashes have gotten significantly more lush. At first, I thought I was imagining it, but after urging my wife to also use the product, she agrees that her eyelashes have also been blessed with extra length and volume. If I still haven’t convinced you that the Eye Oil is an undiscovered holy grail, just remember that its moisture-replenishing formula can also be used for chapped lips, cuticle and dry patches on skin. And although the price point is quite premium, I’ve been using it twice a day for a month now and have honestly barely even put a dent into it. It is definitely a great investment product. The F. Miller Eye Oil retails for $85 CAD (approximately $63 USD).
HAIR OIL
Despite my obsession with skincare, my hair health has admittedly always been relegated to the backseat. However, I have been trying to ease it into my self-care routine since quarantine, and F. Miller’s Hair Oil has become a crucial part of my regimen. Let me begin by saying that apart from my perfume, this is the best-smelling thing in my vanity. Although I find that clean beauty products in general boast a beautifully earthy aroma that I prefer over anything floral, citrusy or otherwise, the Hair Oil (and quite frankly, most of the products within the brand’s arsenal) has a woody, spicy fragrance that is absolutely intoxicating. The bouquet is richly complex and even has a smokiness to it. Since my perfume is also quite woody, I love how this layers and complements my favorite scents.
As for what to expect from using this product, expect well-rounded nourishment for both your hair and scalp – the “restorative blend of stimulating botanicals” not only protects and hydrates your hair, but also the skin beneath it. I’ve been applying this as a hair mask after I shower and leaving it in my hair overnight. Over the past month, this routine has helped add a beautiful, glossy shine to my hair. Since my scalp does get a bit oily, I only apply this to the ends of my hair – however, the brand does suggest that you can apply the oil from scalp to tip before shampooing for a deep conditioning treatment.
True to its name, the oil is also ideal for hair all throughout your body, not just your head. It can be used as a softening oil for beard and body hair and although I am not equipped to test the former, the oil’s packaging did suggest that it can be used for pubic hair. Although this is not something I’ve tried before, for the sake of beauty journalism and also bearing in mind that Emma Watson endorsed the practice via Into The Gloss in 2017, I gave it a go and can’t say that I’m disappointed. Apart from softer hair down there, the Hair Oil is also recommended as a strengthening growth serum for eyebrows. I chose not to test this, since my eyebrows are quite bushy to begin with and I won’t be able to get my eyebrows threaded during the pandemic, but this might help explain why I was able to experience luscious eyelash growth from my Eye Oil. No complaints here. The F. Miller Hair Oil retails for $55 CAD (approximately $41 USD).
FACE OIL
It’s no wonder this is the brand’s signature product. I’ve converted completely from face moisturizers to face oils (for daytime use) now for a few years but for those who are unfamiliar, summer is the perfect time to try the product out. As with most face oils, F. Miller’s offering is a lightweight alternative to creams which are typically thicker. I personally find it much more appealing to use face oils versus creams in humid and high-temperature conditions, as the layer is so thin that my skin remains completely breathable throughout the day. Even with sweating and layering other products on top, my skin does not feel clogged at all.
As mentioned in the beginning of the article, the Face Oil is composed of premium botanical ingredients that aim to deliver multi-correctional results. With regular use, the product will restore radiance, balance and decongest, soothe inflammation and enhance elasticity. For those who live in the city, use of this face oil will also help with protection against pollutants and other toxins in the environment. As with the Hair Oil, this product has become a favorite not only because of its daily benefits, but also because it quite simply just smells incredible.
I usually like to use serum and a night cream in my skincare routine but while I was testing the collection, I decided to only use F. Miller products. With the Face Oil packed with so many nutrients, I wanted to see if it was potent enough to forego serum and also use in place of a night cream. After a month of use, I can definitely say that my skin looked radiant and balanced even without the use of serum. However, although the oil was very hydrating and nourishing for my skin overnight, I did find that night cream still makes my skin feel plumper and dewier in the mornings when compared to the face oil. With that being said, however, I still would not hesitate in recommending the Face Oil as a nighttime product for those who are looking for a more minimalist approach to their skincare routine. The F. Miller Face Oil retails for $110 CAD (approximately $82 USD).
CLEANSING OIL
I always hear about beauty bloggers refer to cleansing oil and how it seems to just “melt” away makeup. If that doesn’t sound enticing, I don’t know what does. Although this is the first time I’ve tried a cleansing oil, I had been using a cleansing balm prior – the product starts off as a butter, but the consistency becomes quite similar to a thick oil once heated in my palms and massaged into my face. After both experiences, I think I definitely prefer cleansing oils as opposed to water-based alternatives because of two reasons: it is far more convenient (lazy girls, rejoice) and it also bypasses the necessity of cotton pads, for those who are considering sustainable options for makeup removal.
I usually take around four pumps of the Cleansing Oil, which has a luxuriously silky texture, and massage it into my face. When the oil starts to feel slightly richer, I will then lightly wet my finger tips with some water and continue massaging away as the oil beings to turn into a milk. Throughout the process, the botanical oil will help to dissolve any impurities (especially those that clog pores), and simultaneously help to promote a healthy skin barrier. The product is gentle enough for daily use, so skin will always feel fresh, soft and hydrated after rinsing with water. What I like about cleansing oil when compared to micellar water is that my skin doesn’t feel as stripped after use. Whether it’s because I’m directly using my fingers to distribute the product instead of a cotton pad, or if it’s because of the formula itself, my complexion simply feels more plump and healthy when I remove makeup with oil-based products.
With that being said, this oil is also described by the label as being ideal for those with sensitive skin or experience inflammation – the formula is rich with phytonutrients that soothes and purifies the face, so that a natural glow can be restored. The F. Miller Cleansing Oil retails for $75 CAD (approximately $56 USD).
