Used to nourish the skin and hair for centuries, face oils are a skincare routine must for the wonderful benefits they bring. Whether you’re working with dry, oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, incorporating a natural face oil can give your skin the love it needs to truly glow.
Face oils protect the skin from environmental pollutants and nourish from deep within to restore balance to your complexion. And to get the most out of them, it’s important to know how to apply face oil, what to avoid, and how to get the best results.
When should you apply face oil?
When it comes to the timing of applying face oil, the answer can shift depending on two things ∼ skin type and personal preference. For example, those with naturally oilier skin may use just one drop of oil once a day, while those with drier skin may choose three drops of oil as part of both their morning and evening skincare routines. The key ~ it’s always best to listen to what it is that your body needs. Try out different methods and see how your skin reacts best.
How to apply face oil
The face oil application process itself is pretty simple, and similar across skin types.
You can mix one to three drops into your moisturiser before applying. Or, warm the drops in your palms and then gently pat onto clean, damp skin.
If your oil is heavier than your moisturiser, finish with the oil, but if your moisturiser is heavier than the oil, apply the oil last.
If you’re not sure whether your facial oil is heavier than your moisturiser, consider what actives are contained within each product. Generally, serums and moisturisers contain more active ingredients than oils ~ you’ll want them to have direct contact with your freshly cleansed skin so that they can get to work. Then seal in all the goodness of the moisturiser with a facial oil, which also offers protection from pollution if you’re a city dweller. To get the most out of the potent combination of Silver Hydrosol and DNA HP in our hero moisturiser, la potion infini, we would recommend applying it first and allowing it to absorb before layering with l’étoile infinie.
On the other hand, some people prefer the feeling of applying facial oil directly onto the face after cleansing and giving their skin a gentle mini massage to support lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness. They may then apply moisturiser before make-up or go au naturel with the facial oil providing a healthy glow.
For those whose skin is on the naturally oilier side, start with a drop and see how you go. However, oily skin can drink up face oils, and dry oils (which absorb quickly) that are non-comedogenic can be ideal for oilier skin to find its natural balance.
Tips on how not to apply face oil
While face oil can truly work magic on your skin, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
Rubbing
Try not to rub or pull at our skin ~ be gentle. Gently press or pat the oil into your skin for the best absorption.
Applying to Dry Skin
When applying face oil, your skin should be clean and also slightly damp as it helps the oil to penetrate the skin better.
Using Too Much
Too much oil can leave your skin feeling heavy and greasy. A little goes a long way, and you can always add more if needed.
How to incorporate face oil into your skincare routine
Incorporate oil into your skincare routine at the end of your morning or evening ritual, either after, or mixed in with, your moisturiser.
Using your face oil at the end of your routine helps you lock in the goodness of your other products, but it should always be applied before sunscreen or makeup.
Something to note ∼ if your oil happens to be lighter than your moisturiser, consider which has the most active ingredients, and apply that one to your skin first.
How to Use Face Oil in the Morning
- Begin your morning skincare ritual as usual with a cleanse.
- Then apply any tonics, serums and moisturiser to your clean, damp skin. You can either add some oil to your moisturiser and apply them together here or…
- Leave your moisturiser to settle for a moment and then apply your face oil. See what your skin prefers. Gently press the oil into your skin with your fingertips using upwards motions.
- Leave the oil to work its magic for at least five minutes before applying sunscreen or makeup.
How to Use Face Oil at Night
The night is a precious time for our skin as it’s when our bodies rejuvenate themselves. For the skin, there’s a lot going on beneath the surface as we sleep. The right skincare routine can enhance this process, leaving us looking more radiant on waking.
- Start your evening ritual ∼ cleanse and give your skin a moment to breathe.
- As in the morning, follow your cleanse with your tonic, serum and moisturiser of choice, mixing the oil with your moisturiser if you prefer.
- Then, pat the oil into your skin.
- Wait for 20 minutes or so before laying your head on your pillow to ensure you’re getting the benefits of your face oil and that it doesn’t come off on your bed linen. Take the time at this slower, quieter part of the day to check in with yourself and help your body and mind to wind down.
Applying your face oil with makeup
The general rule when applying both face oil and makeup is to make sure you let the oil sit for at least five minutes before putting anything on top. However, some people mix face oils with foundation for an extra silky base. Try it out and see which method works best for your skin.
Using face oil for your skin type
Dry skin
Face oil can be truly transformative for those with dry skin. Oils such as Kukui Nut, Abyssinian, or Argan tend to be the best oils for dry skin since they’re incredibly nourishing and hydrating. Make sure to apply after moisturiser to lock in the moisture and keep your skin hydrated for longer.
Oily skin
Perhaps counterintuitively, oily skin thrives with oil too. It can help by imitating the skin’s natural oil which means the skin stops overproducing the sebum it thinks it lacks, helping to control excess greasiness and balance your complexion. Just make sure to opt for more lightweight, non-comedogenic oils.
Again, in the case of lightweight oil and denser moisturiser, you can apply oil as the step before moisturising as that way you’re still applying your products from lightest to heaviest.
Acne-prone skin
Face oils can be lifesavers for acne-prone skin. Using non-comedogenic oils helps to moisturise problem skin and regulate sebum production without clogging pores. And ones high in antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation and target bacterial problems, leaving you with a clearer, happier face.
Acne-prone skin especially loves oils like Jojoba, because it mimics sebum, so signals to the body to reduce its own levels of sebum production. Tea tree essential oil is also known for its antibacterial properties, but should always be applied in a base oil like Jojoba. Together, they can also help to soothe breakouts and reduce redness.
Sensitive skin
Using a face oil can provide gentle hydration that both sensitive and sensitised skin can benefit from. It can bring anti-inflammatory benefits, strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, and reduce the risk of irritation from pollutants.
For sensitive skin that needs a little extra comfort and care, seek out oils that have calming properties such as Rosehip Seed Oil.
Where are the best places to put oil on your face?
- Cheeks: for a dewy, plump glow, especially if they are on the drier side.
- Neck and décolletage: these areas are often forgotten but show signs of dehydration and lack of moisture just as much as the face as we get older.
- Under the eyes: to help reduce puffiness and brighten ~ but be extra gentle here as the skin is so delicate.
A face oil to restore balance
Use our enhancing natural face oil l'étoile infinie as a guiding star on your journey to healthy, radiant skin. It’s a luxurious blend of Argan, Abyssinian and Kukui Nut Oil which helps to nourish, protect, and harmonise your complexion.
Whichever skin type you have, there’s a place for face oil in your routine. Take the time to care for yourself ∼ listen to your skin and find the balance which works for you. With a little patience and a gentle touch, your skin will thank you by glowing with gratitude.
