If your regular moisturiser just isn’t making the cut during these colder months, it’s time to introduce a face oil.
Feel like your face would crack if you so much as laughed? Are nasty dry patches making your foundation flakier than that idiot ex-boyfriend? If your regular moisturiser just isn’t making the cut during these colder months, it’s time to introduce a face oil.
What exactly is a face oil?
A face oil is a facial moisturiser in an oil formulation that’s easily absorbed and keeps skin hydrated all day long; creates a gorgeous natural glow, and (bonus!) plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Oil on my face? Is that really a good idea?
Applying oil to an already-shiny skin may not seem like a good idea, but not all oils are evil. Incorporating a face oil into your beauty regimen can actually help alleviate a greasy complexion by balancing the production of sebum (the stuff that makes your T-zone glow in all the wrong ways.)
How do I use a face oil?
It’s all a matter of preference. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and find out what works best for you and your skin. We recommend:
• Mixing a few drops in with your moisturiser. Be aware though that oil makes SPF less affective.
• Applying a dash straight onto the skin after cleansing, toning and exfoliating, and following with a moisturiser or serum.
• Placing a couple of drops in your palm and lightly patting the skin after applying moisturiser to lock in the nourishing goodness.
TOP TIP: Oils can interfere with makeup application, so play it safe and apply them before bedtime.
LIQUID GOLD: FOUR FACE OILS WE LOVE
Lipidol Overnight Face Oil (R 79.95; Clicks)
The magic ingredients: Rosehip oil, pomegranate and black pepper oils, frankincense and ylang ylang
The best bit: Nourishes skin without breaking the bank.
L’Oreal Age Perfect Extraordinary Facial Oil (R 224.95; Clicks)
The magic ingredients: Lavender, Marjoram, Rosemary, Geranium, Rose, Roman Chamomile and Orange Peel Oils
The best bit: A richer formula specially created for the dullness and dryness associated with ageing.
Clarins Face Treatment Oil (R 455; Clarins counters)
The magic ingredients: Rosewood, Patchouli and Hazelnut oils, plus an exotic flower oil depending on the variant.
The best bit: There’s an oil for every skin type– Lotus (Oily/combination skin), Santal (Dry skin) and Blue Orchid (Dehydration)
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate (R 665; selected Edgars stores)
The magic ingredients: Rosehip, Evening Primrose, Jojoba, Coriander Seed, Lavender, Rose Geranium and Rosemary Leaf oils
The best bit: The delicate, uplifting scent is the perfect bedtime treat.
BB beauties, have you experienced the benefits of using a face oil, or are you afraid your face will turn into an oil slick? Let us know below…