We know the drill: cleanse, tone, moisturise, right? For many of us, we believe that if we have already found a great moisturiser, it means we would have a pretty adequate skincare routine. But is it really so?
Not really.
The basic steps of skincare is exactly what it is – basic. To step up their skincare routine for better improvements in their complexion, skincare enthusiasts are beginning to turn to facial oils as an upgrade. Used as an luxurious product that has significant anti-ageing and skin-nourishing benefits, facial oils can be used in place of moisturiser or with your favourite moisturiser. This skincare booster feeds your skin with essential nutrients such as antioxidants so that you can see noticeable results faster than before.
We know what you’re thinking right now: Are you sure a facial oil is going to sit well on my oily or combination skin? Isn’t it going to make my skin even greasier?
This is a misconception. Oil has an affinity with oil, and therefore is able to control it better. What this means is that high quality facial oils out there not only don’t leave a greasy sensation, but can nourish your skin adequately and even balance your oily or combination skin over time.
How should you use a facial oil?
It is probably simpler than what you imagine, if you’re totally new to facial oils. Dispense a single drop of oil, warm it up with your palms and then gently pat it all over your skin. Don’t forget your neck area too! Because of its texture, facial oils spreads easily and the high quality ones absorb quickly. You can use it right after your toner, and if you still want to use a moisturiser, apply it after the facial oil.
Besides the traditional way of application, you can also get creative with applying it. For instance, you can mix it with your foundation to get a more dewy finish.
Now that you’re ready to take your skincare routine to the next level with facial oils, we have a few recommendations for you:
1. L’Occitane Divine Youth Oil
This face oil comes right on top of our list because we love that it is made up of 99% all-natural ingredients; synthetic oils can clog skin, so we’d definitely want to avoid them! The L’Occitane Divine Youth Oil is made up of seven plant oils and Immortelle essential oil, an ingredient that has two times the antioxidant power of vitamin E.
This star ingredient in the product has an amazing backstory: a flower that is known for its exceptional longevity, Immortelle never fades or wilts, even after it has been picked – amazing!
The Immortelle essential oil is available in high concentration in the Divine Youth Oil, which helps this face oil fight against visible signs of ageing and environmental aggressors that can accelerate skin ageing. The DV team has tried this face oil for ourselves and really like that it absorbs quickly, leaving an indulgent, non-greasy sensation on skin upon application.
DV Tip: Simply warm up one drop of the Divine Youth Oil with your palms and pat it gently all over face. You can also add it to your favourite serum as a booster for it.
More reason to buy: Between now and 29 August, get a complimentary travel-sized moisturiser of your choice with the purchase of the 15ml Divine Youth Oil. While stocks last. The L’Occitane Divine Youth Oil is available at all L’Occitane boutiques and the L’Occitane website.
2. Eve Lom Radiance Facial Oil
The Eve Lom Radiance Facial Oil has a concentrated formula made of Hemp Seed Oil, Abyssinian and Avocado Oil, and other moisturising oils that can nourish and hydrate skin. Its lightweight formula is also enriched with antioxidants and vitamin C that carry anti-ageing benefits.
Lightly scented with Rose Otto Oil or Bulgaria, this facial oil helps reveal a smoother and more radiant complexion, and is said to be great for soothing out the lines around the lips and eyes.
The Eve Lom Radiance Face Oil is available at escentials Paragon, escentials TANGS Orchard, and Sephora (except for Sephora Great World City).
3. Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil
Formulated for dehydrated skin, the Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil contains a blend of pure oils, including seaberry, cranberry seed, camellia seed, grapeseed, and sweet almond. It has a lightweight formula and gives skin a boost of moisture that it needs.
This face oil absorbs quickly, especially if you have dehydrated skin – you’ll find your skin drinking it up to quench its thirst. You can then look forward to skin that feels nourished, supple, and hydrated.
The Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil is available at all Fresh boutiques and Sephora.
4. Kenzoki Sacred Lotus Face Oil
Made with the Sacred Lotus, a rare flower that is known for its ability to rejuvenate itself, the Kenzoki Sacred Lotus Face Oil is a luxury product to consider if you’re looking for something indulgent. Promising a sensorial skincare experience and a formula that nourishes and plumps up skin, the face oil also smells so pleasant you’ll find it a great nightly ritual to use.
The Kenzoki Sacred Lotus Face Oil is available at Sephora.
5. Arcona Wine Oil
Resveratrol is an antioxidant molecule that can be found in the skin of red grapes, and this powerful ingredient is infused in the formula of the Arcona Wine Oil. Ideal for nourishing dry and irritated skin in dry climates, this is the perfect facial oil to pack in your luggage if you’re having a wintry, snowy vacation.
Besides anti-ageing benefits, the Arcona Wine Oil also has anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties to help skin repair damage, improve elasticity, and increase radiance.
The Arcona Wine Oil is available at Sephora.
6. Herbivore Botanicals Phoenix Cell Regenerating Rosehip + Chia Facial Oil
Made of botanical oils and CoQ10, this comes in a roller formula so it’s easy for you to use it while on the go. Rosehip and Chia Seed oils found in the formula provides vitamins and anti-ageing to skin, leaving skin feeling soft and silky. Promising high quality ingredients, the oils used in this facial oil are cold-pressed or steam-distilled to make sure that all of its benefits are retained in the harnessing process.
The Herbivore Botanicals Phoenix Cell Regenerating Rosehip + Chia Facial Oil is available at Sephora.
7. Chanel Huile de Jasmin
It looks like Coco Chanel was ahead of her time – she first created this oil in 1927, using it in face massages. Later, the original formula is upgraded to the Huile de Jasmin that we see now. Made with a high concentration of naturally-derived ingredients including camellia, white meadowfoam, jojoba, and vegetal squalene oils, this formula is said to be revilising and comforting. You can also look forward to more supple skin that looks radiant over time.
Bonus: It has a jasmine scent that helps soothe fatigue.
The Chanel Huile de Jasmin is available at all Chanel beauty boutiques and counters.
