I love using facial oils and I’ve personally found that they’re very good for me. In fact, in recent times, I’ve been focusing a lot on facial oils and have been neglecting using serums. But happily, the oils seem to be working well enough that I don’t feel the need to use a serum unless it’s a hydrating serum. Yes, I’m afraid even the use of my old standby of the EL ANR serum has fallen on the wayside. It isn’t to say that I’ll never use it again. I will, but in recent times because I’m paring back on my skincare routine for a while, facial oils fill that gap that a serum would otherwise fill, and in many ways, fills it better.
It is also rather heartening that since my renewed interest in facial oils, many brands now carry good quality oils and I’m seeing a bit of renaissance in the beauty industry with many new facial oils being launched and made available under many brands, including the mainstream brands. I think it’s great! Choice is always good 😀
However, I also know that a lot of people struggle to use facial oils and to get over the notion of putting oil on their skin so after months of experimenting, I’ve narrowed it down to 3 very simple ways to get the most benefit out of using face oils. I call it the 3 M’s of using facial oils 😀
Why use a facial oil?
If you have normal-dry skin, then I think you would benefit most from using facial oils. Having such skin type myself, I find that adding a facial oil into my skincare routine actually helps my skin stay more hydrated and look better. Contrary to popular belief, facial oils do not make your skin more oily nor do they clog your pores. Some oils can even help control oil and I know of people who have oily-combination skin who have benefited from using facial oils to rebalance their skin.
For the most part, facial oils are usually plant based and so for those who are concerned about using skincare with chemicals, then facial oils might be something to look into. They are famously known to protect skin against free radicals, have antioxidant properties, help skin heal and regenerate more quickly and in general, give you more supple, healthy and glowing skin. Now who doesn’t want that eh? 🙂
For myself, I find that I prefer using a blended oil i.e. one that isn’t just one oil e.g. just rosehip oil or just argan oil etc. I find that a blended oil works better for my skin and makes it look better. Some people however, prefer working with singular oils so ultimately it’s about what you prefer. Because facial oils are plant derived and because I know that this isn’t as easy a process as mixing chemicals in a lab, you can expect price points for good quality oils to be higher. As with everything, there are always cheaper and more affordable options but in this case, I do think you get what you pay for, and because you use so little, I think it’s worth it.
So that in a nutshell is why I use a facial oil and why I think they are good to use. Now, onto the 3M’s which help you ease more easily into using a facial oil 🙂
MIST – Apply oil on damp skin
Like regular creams and serums, oils will absorb more easily into damp skin than dry skin. So, I’m not an advocate of applying oil on dry skin because I find that it tends to sit on the skin without absorbing very well and that can feel uncomfortable and in some cases cause breakouts.
You could buy a product that is premixed oil and water like this one from Melvita which is very handy to have or to start your facial oil experience, or you could just do it the easy way with products you may already own.
- Mist your face with toner or rosewater until it is damp
- Take a few drops of oil in your palm, spread it out and apply to damp skin
You will find that the oil will absorb more quickly into your skin and it doesn’t leave that oily feeling that you might be leery of. It also speeds up your skincare routine time 🙂
MASSAGE
The beauty about facial oils is that they force you to slow down and enjoy the skincare application process. Ok, I’ll agree that not everyone of us has the time to layer on and apply skincare but if you do or can find the time, it can be therapeutic especially in the evenings. This is why I prefer to use oils in the evenings (and also because it can mess with my makeup in the day).
To help your facial oil absorb better into your skin, don’t just smear it over your skin as you would a serum or face cream and move on. If you take a little time, just a minute or two, to massage the oil into your skin with your finger tips, you will find that it helps the product absorb more readily into your skin and the oily feeling will disappear and your skin will just feel lovely and supple.
If you are concerned or afraid of going to bed with an oily face, then you might be missing out on this step. You don’t have to have a special massage technique (I don’t) although I’m sure it’s more beneficial if you do, but just massaging it makes a difference to the oil absorption, your skin, and your state of mind. It forces you to calm down and slow down. I love it!
I also found that when I employ the Mist and Massage technique, oils that used to break me out (e.g. Pai) don’t anymore. I think it’s to do with how much better they are absorbing into my skin.
MIX AND MOISTURISE
This is more for those of you who might be interested in trying a facial oil but are not ready to put the oil directly on your skin. Or if you have a moisturiser that you particularly enjoy using but because your skin has changed and it isn’t now moisturising enough for you then try this.
I find that mixing a drop or two of a facial oil into my moisturiser or face cream helps make the product more acceptable for drier skin. If you have a thick cream, it helps thin it down and if it’s too light, it helps make it feel better. For those who don’t like the feeling of oil on their skin, adding the oil into your face cream means that you don’t have to do double work by first applying the oil and then the moisturiser as it then becomes an “all in one” product. You get the benefit of the oil without the work.
In the alternative, you could even mix it with your serums. Antipodes encourages this, in fact with their 3 Perfect Potions formula that basically mix their face oil with 2 serums. The ratio of serum to oil is 2:1 and that makes it less oily and helps it absorb more easily.
Do you use facial oils? Do you have a tip to share on how best to use it even if it doesn’t start with M?
I’m no expert here, so this is purely from my own experimenting and messing about with various ways to make it easier to use the facial oils I have and to make it as comfortable as possible. I do think face oils are a beneficial addition to the skincare routine and I personally see benefits from using it. It isn’t to say of course that it’s for everyone 🙂
Paris B
Mixer! I’m a mixer. I like using serums first, and then mixing my oils with a cream. I like that so much better. I find I don’t notice the oiliness so much that way hahaha!
I like how it smoothens out creams as well and makes them less thick going on the skin 😀 Yay for oils and mixing!
This post comes at a very good time. I was gifted a bottle of Josie Maran argan oil, and I’ve been sitting on it for three months now as I don’t know how to incorporate it into my skincare routine. I’m afraid of breakouts. I’ll try your 3M guide. Thank you.
Glad to have been of some help Cecilia! I haven’t tried the Josie Maran argan oil myself but I do find argan oil a little heavy. So don’t use too much (usually 2 drops are more than sufficient) and mist your skin before massaging it into your skin. I hope it works for you 🙂
Oils all the way – day and night! My current favourites are Trilogy Rose Hip for day or the Jurlique Balancing Oil. Evenings, I’ve been a loyal fan of Ren Rose O8 (I think?). I only need one pump. I don’t massage or mix – malas (alliteration! Alright! Another alliteration!) – I’ll stop now before I hurt your readers with my lame jokes.
I couldn’t use the Trilogy oil but now I wonder if it’s because I wasn’t using it properly instead of being allergic to rosehip oil. I’m now using the Pai Rosehip oil and not getting any breakouts! You gifted me with the REN Oil! I haven’t tried it yet though (sorry!) but I plan to dig it out for use tonight. I love their rose body oil, I’d love to have it on my face 😀
I use Lucy Minerals Sweet Dream Serum, which is really a mix of oils. I’m super-duper oily and pimply, but using an oil at night seems to keep my skin soft instead of greasy! And then I rub any residue on my cuticles. I love it.
That’s a great tip Wendy to rub the balance on your cuticles 🙂 It’s also good to know that you have found a serum/oil that works for you even though you have oily skin! I think that reinforces the idea that everyone can benefit from using a facial oil, we just have to find the right one 🙂
How does using a facial oil affect your night skincare routine other than the removal of the serum part? Do you still use a moisturizer or a treatment (e.g. something for pimples), and if yes, is it before or after the facial oil? 🙂
For me, I find that a facial oil gives my skin more “nourishment” and hydration so it actually helps it look better albeit it doesn’t work as quickly as a targeted potent serum. I do still use a moisturiser to seal in the goodness after using an oil. For me, my routine would be Cleanser -> Exfoliating Toner -> Face mist -> Serum (if using) -> Oil -> Moisturiser I don’t use a treatment for pimples but if I was, I wouldn’t use anything over or under the area I was treating because I believe that pimple treatments (like when I was using Effaclar Duo) work better on their own. Do note that I have drier skin so if an oil feels sufficient, you can stop there without having to put on moisturiser 🙂
I’ve stopped using facial oils in the last two weeks. My skin has gone nuts and I’m just keeping my skincare simple for now. I find that the weird tiny red bumps on my face tend to get worse if I apply a facial oil 🙁 For the time being, I’m just using cleanser, lotion/toner, light serum and moisturiser.
That’s a wise thing to do. When my skin goes nuts, I pare down to the basics too. You know, it might even be that your skin is reacting to the oils because some oils can actually aggravate sensitive skin.
Oil user here! Great tips, Paris! I do serum, oil, and moisturizer. I tend to go for pretty “basic” moisturizers just to seal everything in. Nothing very rich or claims to do anything special yet 🙂
Sunny, that means you apply serum before the facial oil? I’m trying to get a handle on using facial oils.
Hey Cecilia, yes! Go from the lightest to the richest textures when you layer, so it’s probably serum-oil-cream. Hope this helps!
Thanks, Sunny!
Thanks Sunny and like you, I’m doing the same now. Just sticking to a basic moisturiser and going crazy with the serums and oils and I think it’s working! 😀
I use a lot of hydrating stuffs in my skin care routine and they are loaded with hyaluronic acid. Hence, I can’t really use facial oil after as there will be some rubbery things flaking off my skin 🙁
Any tips? I really wana use the pai rosehip oil that I have
Hmm that’s interesting Yvonne. I sometimes use Hydraluron or hydrating serums under my oils and it doesn’t flake off. Might it be something with silicone in it that’s flaking off instead? Perhaps you can try misting your face after putting on your hydrating serum and then try with the oil and see if it still flakes. If you still have a problem, then you could try alternating the days when you use your other products and the Pai rosehip oil so you at least get to use it 🙂
Facial oils are teh bomb. Rosehip oil (and rosewater toner) saved my skin from total meltdown 2 years back. So yeah, now if I ever met a rosehip or a rose farmer I’ll totally ask him to marry me haha.
But yeah, blended oils are expensive. I was using pure oils but since my skin’s improved they feel a bit too thick. Now I use the Antipodes Divine oil at night after serum. Might try mixing the oil into the serum, great idea! BTW, which facial oil is your current fave now?
HAHA! You totally cracked me up Anis 😀 When I was younger, I was using rosehip oil but not using it properly so I hated it for being sticky and clogging my pores. Now that I’ve worked out how to use it, I appreciate it so much more! I’m currently using Pai Rosehip Oil, Antipodes Divine Oil and the Human Nature Overnight Elixir. I also have on the side the Neals’ Yard Remedies Frankincense oil so erm… I kinda mix them arond depending on my mood of the evening 😉
Love using facial oils! They are truly so beneficial..even for my skin type which is combination and acne prone it works so well! Currently loving grape seed oil..it balances out my skin so well and gets absorbed immediately! Argan oil is tad bit too heavy on my skin and didnt do much..apart from these i absolutely love Clarin’s Lotus Oil and Orchid Oil!
Thanks for sharing, Parita! I love that you’re loving using facial oils and that you can vouch for using it even with combination and acne prone skin. I too found Argan oil a bit too heavy for my liking and Clarins Lotus oil really helped to rebalance my skin when I was breaking out so I have a soft spot for it too! I need to try the Orchid oil. I’m told it’s lovely and hydrating for drier skins like mine.
I use 100% jojoba oil which isn’t technically an ‘oil’ (it’s a wax ester, so it’s very similar to your skin’s own sebum and hence is less ‘risky’ than a regular oil) at night before putting on my regular nightly moisturiser. Apparently whatever you layer on top of jojoba, sinks deeper into the skin because it acts as a carrier. I’m not sure about this, but my skin loves it either way 🙂 I never over use it either, a drop or two will do!
I would like to try Argan oil, so perhaps I will try mixing it into a moisturiser as you suggested! 🙂
That’s an interesting bit of info about jojoba oil, thanks Beauty Bee! 😀 It sounds amazing! I found Argan oil to be a bit thick so mixing a drop into a moisturiser might help ease you into using it 🙂
I totally swear by the Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil! I have oily, acne prone, and dehydrated skin type so I used to stay away from oil based products. But somehow I got the Boscia tsubaki oil during Sephora promotion because I was convinced by the BA and surprisingly, it is freakin’ lighweight and it hydrates my skin in a second with no greasy aftermath! My skin is left with a radiant glow and not forgetting it smells good too! 🙂
Oooh that’s an interesting sounding oil! Thanks for sharing your experience with it Hiza! 😀
I use coconut oil during nightime and I use it as it is. Massage it into my face and let it be. Multifunctional too, as i also use it as my hair leave in conditioner before going to bed.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about using coconut oil but because I don’t like the smell, I can’t handle using it 🙁 I used to try eating it though. People were touting it for better health so I tried. Not as awful as I thought it would be but I didn’t continue haha
Now I use oils instead of moisturizer and currently loving my Josie maran argan oil.
I didn’t know that it is better to dampen your skin before putting oil. I always wait for my face mist to dry. Thanks ! 🙂
I haven’t tried the Josie Maran argan oil but I’ve heard so much about it! Happy to know it works for you. Yep, applying skincare to damp skin actually helps it absorb better so try it and let me know if you prefer it that way 😀
Thank you for sharing this, Paris! I find that many people are wary of using a face oil due to the misconception that they are “oily” and will turn your face into a shiny kuali 😀
I first found out about the 3 ways to use oils (very similar to the methods youve shared) through Clarins a few years back. And I haven’t stopped using a face oil since then. I’ve also added one more way to use it.. in a Mask (M too! haha), I use the Clarins Lotus Oil mixed in clay masks. Great job of writing up a guide, I know it would have definitely helped me those many years ago!
P/s: I enjoyed the easy beancurd chicken recipe below, am going to attempt it soon! hehe
Most welcome Xen and yes, every time I mention that I use face oils, people give me a funny look, when all it’s done is be really beneficial for my skin! Oh I didn’t know that Clarins used a similar method (Now they’d think I stole it from them haha!) But yes! I love your idea of using it as a Mask because I do too, but not how you do it. I actually use more oil than I usually do and leave it on and go to bed. Next morning, I get amazing looking and soft skin. Love it! But I”ll have to try mixing it with clay masks – maybe then I’ll be able to use them without feeling like they’ve sucked all the moisture out of me! p/s Please tell me if you enjoyed the fried chicken! 😀
Do you mist your face after applying serum and before applying facial oil?
I do, if I feel that my skin is dry. I don’t usually let my products dry between applications unless it is recommended to. So, if I apply an oil over damp serum then I don’t mist. If I feel that the serum has absorbed too quickly then I do. But I am not uncomfortable working with oil textures, so I don’t mind oil going onto dry skin. Using a mist helps to create a hydration sandwich layer as well, which your skin may enjoy.