As one who tips on the oily side of the scale, I was always super wary of oil-based products, let alone oils themselves. Oil on oil? Eek!
But since being conned by a beaming beauty buff a few years back, I am now completely and utterly hooked. I often don’t even moisturise, and find that by dabbing away my dryness with a facial oil my skin looks more nourished and radiant the following morning.
But for those suspicious folk who still can’t quite grasp the concept of ‘oil’ – the key is to take it slow. Not every oil is for everyone, and as with most skincare, it’s a matter of trial and error.
To avoid any oil spills, and start off with one or two drops, and the rest will be glorious skin history.
Clarins Santal Face Treatment Oil For Dry Skin
Slick away that winter skin. Made from 100% pure plant extracts and zero preservatives, this super soothing little oil is a match made in skin heaven for dry or extra-dry skin. The essential oils of Sandalwood, Cardamon and Lavender not only tone, comfort and decongest unhappy, flaky skin, but also elicit an intoxicating scent to soothe your mind too. Whilst Hazelnut Oil appeases redness and smoothes. Ladies with oilier complexions steer clear, this is one for the dry dames.
Jurlique Skin Balancing Oil
Welcome to heavenly face oil 101. This has been a part of my skincare armour since I embarked on this oily journey, and despite trying the latest and greatest, I always return to this little brown bottle, both day and night. With appealingly earthy smells, and rich in Safflower Oil, Rose Hip Oil, Avocado Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil and Shea Butter, just a couple of drops slathered on skin at night, and you wake up noticeably radiant and plump. I use this as my night-time moisturiser, and my skin is wholly hydrated by the time the birdsong sounds and slices of sunlight slip in.
The Jojoba Company Jojoba
Jojoba is another beauty buzzword; with the golden elixir boasting a host of skin-loving benefits. Despite its appearance and texture, jojoba is actually not an oil (cheeky, I know). It’s a liquid wax, and the only plant in the world known to produce a wax similar to our own skin’s sebum. It essentially mimics the skin’s natural oils thus can penetrate deep into the skin layers, but is non-greasy and easily absorbed. It also contains powerful antioxidants, Omega 6 & 9 essential fatty acids, and Vitamin A, D and E. Plus it’s naturally antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoallergenic – superhero much? Go you golden good thing.
Chantecaille Rose De Mai Face Oil
A rose by any other name would smell so sweet…well, try five different roses. When the French do something, they don’t do it by halves, and Chantecaille’s meticulous attention to detail is testament. This luxurious facial oil is infused with five different roses to fight the appearance of aged skin and boost the skin’s metabolism. Freshly plucked, they include rosehip, evening primrose, rose damascena and rose geranium, soaking the skin with moisture. Rich in Vitamin C, it brightens and supports strong, tighter collagen. Wary oil-users take heed; it is a lightweight formula, which imparts a healthy, sheer glow. No shiny disco balls here.
Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Facial Oil
This has been hailed as the Holy Grail of oils. Its creator, fashion and beauty enigma Linda Rodin spent over a year composing the elixir to satisfy her on beauty needs; the outcome as fabulous as her. Even through its cardboard house, you can smell the wondrous concoction of 11 essential oils. When applied, floral imaginings of a lush, jasmine-spiked garden in Provenance play out, with notes of neroili, rosehip, apricot and sweet almond. And when you wake? Smooth-as-a-baby skin. It is also conveniently sliding into Mecca Cosmetica on July 26 – fitting don’t you think? Walk, don’t run (you might slip).
ModelCo Rosehip Luxury Plus Oil
Rosehip Oil is all the rage. The benefits are plentiful, with every model, singer, actress, ‘It Girl’ swearing by the stuff. Rich, raw and like Valentine’s Day bottled – this wonder oil will fix many a skin ailment. I even dab it on chapped lips at night, and wake up with a pillowy pout. If you do find the viscosity a little too thick, a good tip is to add a few droplets of water, just to thin it out a little. It’s also the perfect post-plane-pick-me-up.
Darphin 8-Flower Nectar
If you’re anything like me, and you’re a sucker for scent, promptly slather this on your face. The French pharmacy brand with its roots in apocethary brings an exquisite, nourishing nectar; eight oils come cross-pollenate to firm and fill lines and promote radiance. It boasts an impressive floral resume, comprising; Everlasting (reveals a healthy glow), Iris (calms and rebalances), Jasmine (promotes elasticity), Lavender (softens and soothes), Neroli (improves skin’s suppleness), Patchouli (firms and tones), Rose (boosts natural radiance), and Ylang Ylang (relieves stress).