Read our expert guide to the facial oils which could change your complexion overnight
Facial oils have long been the secret behind the radiant glow of our favourite A-listers, including Catherine Zeta Jones, Cate Blanchett and Catherine Middleton. Whether you've started to notice the first fine lines appear, or you're looking for the one product to really reduce deep-set wrinkles, a facial oil could be the answer to your prayers.
Even those with oily or shiny skin could benefit from using facial oil. 'Believe it or not, the right oil can rebalance the skin's natural oil content for a noticeably more radiant complexion,' says celebrity facialist Nichola Joss. 'Over time, oils can help clear pores of excess sebum and can reduce inflammation and irritation.'
As well as its anti-ageing properties, a few drops of facial oil can give dry, matte foundations a new dewy lease of life, saving you money on products in the long run. Another top tip is to dab a drop or two on top of your foundation and blusher, to give a youthful sheen to cheekbones. Our favourite for midday touch ups is Decléor Aromessence Néroli, this glowy soothing elixir melts into make-up without fuss.
Did we mention that a little goes a long way? Thanks to its super-hydrating formula, a good facial oil can be used almost anywhere - as a lip balm, hair oil, to nourish cuticles or even soften elbows and knees. It's a real multitasking product.
To find the perfect facial oil for your skin type and concerns, keep clicking...
This Works Stress Check Face Oil, £40
Much is made of the skin-calming and reviving powers of oil (and rightly so, nothing quenches dry skin as effectively) but less is said about the psychological benefits a natural facial oil can bestow on you too. Taking a moment before bed to take a few deep breaths and massage in a blend of essential oils can be the difference between a quiet mind and sound night's sleep or the restless alternative. This new launch from the always-impressive This Works brand is a powerful concoction of naturally hydrating and sebum-balancing oils like Vitamin E and Moringa, but also contains a mind-calming blend of patchouli, chamomile and lavender. As you'd expect it smells divine and the texture is fairly 'dry' so, as long as you have a minute to wait for it to sink in, you can use it in the morning under make up too. Buy This Works Stress Check Face Oil, £40, at Amazon.co.uk
BareMinerals Externalixir Skin Volumizing Oil Serum, £38
The beauty industry does love a bi-phase product, and no wonder, done right you skin gets the best of both worlds - and this serum-oil hybrid from BareMinerals has definitely done it right. The serum bit's got all your scientifically proven actives - brightener niacinamide and super-smoother retinyl palmate - which sink in fast and gets to work on long term skin concerns. Meanwhile the oil component is gloriously silky and cushioning, hanging around on skin a little longer for a plump feel and glowing finish. Shake up and press 3-4 drops into your skin, it's as easy as that. Buy BareMinerals Externalixir Skin Volumizing Oil Serum, £38, Bareminerals.co.uk
Darphin Aromatic Purifying Balm, £45
, Warm a little of this Darphin Aromatic Purifying Balm between your palms to melt, before smoothing into the face and neck. It contains extracts of tea tree, lavender, sage, geranium and grapefruit oils to restore radiance to lacklustre skin. Smother it on overnight to boost a dull complexion and tackle dryness and heal inflammation. Buy Darphin Aromatic Purifying Balm, £45, at SpaceNK.com
Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules, £65
The key ingredient in the Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules is pure moringa oil, pressed from the seeds of the moringa oilefera tree. Moringa oil has unique skin smoothing and de-puffing properties, plus it's rich in radiance-boosting fatty acids that can renew skin elasticity. Added antioxidants can help repair signs of ageing like dullness and fine lines by counteracting the damaging effects of pollution too. Buy Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules, £65 at Timetospa.co.uk
Neal's Yard Remedies Rose Facial Oil, £21.49
Save time and money on your skincare routine with a multi-tasking produc like this lovely little numbert. Apply Neal's Yard Remedies Rose Facial Oil to dry skin to deeply condition, reducing wrinkles, or to give yourself an at-home facial massage. Apply to damp skin after a shower to moisturise and lock in water, or use a generous amount to give yourself a DIY luxe facial. Buy Neal's Yard Remedies Rose Facial Oil, £21.49, Amazon.co.uk
African Botanics Pure Marula Oil, £80
The latest buzz in the beauty world is surrounding an all-nautral oil, packed full of vitamin C and antioxidants. The African Botanics Pure Marula Oil is extracted from the fruit of a marula tree and is packed full of omega-9 fatty acid, vitamin E and flavonoids, which help to maintain the skin?s moisture barrier, provide long-lasting hydration and protect against environmental damage. Use 1 - 2 drops for oily-normal skin, or 2 - 4 drops for very dry skin. Buy African Botanics Pure Marula Oil, £80 at Cultbeauty.co.uk
Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil , £33
Skin can best replenish itself overnight while you sleep, making this the prime time to cater to your skin's needs. Clarin's range of rebalancing oils aim to soothe oily, dry or dehydrated skin. Our favourite is the Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil, which helps to tone mature skin, whilst restoring lost moisture to help fight fine lines and wrinkles. Apply after cleansing and toning, while the skin is still damp and leave on to reveal radiant skin by morning. Buy Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil , £33, at Clarins.co.uk
Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, £22
A hard-working facial oil can help to soothe even the most problematic of skin types. Trilogy's Certified Organic Rosehip Oil is lightweight and non-greasy, but can reduce the appearance of scars and marks on the skin, including wrinkles and fine lines. Apply 2-to-3 drops to the skin morning and night either before moisturiser or on its own. Buy Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, £22
Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil, £42.50
Bobbi Brown's Extra Face Oil is a blessing for anyone who suffers from very dry skin. A blend of natural essential oils, Neroli, Patchouli, Lavender and Sandalwood, help to keep the skin soft and supple. Warm the oil between your hands and press gently onto the skin. Buy Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil, £42.50, at Bobbibrown.co.uk
Aesop Fabulous Face Oil, £39
Managing to hit the balance between natural ingredients and the latest technology, Aesop focuses on getting the best results for each individual skin type. Try the Aesop Fabulous Face Oil to detox, hydrate and soften sensitive skin. Used morning and night - this lightweight oil will dry to a matte finish, making it perfect for wearing under make-up. Buy Aesop Fabulous Face Oil, £39 at Aesop.com
Aromatherapy Associates Revitalising Facial Oil, £45
Our love of Aromatherapy Associates' luxurious beauty buys continues with the Aromatherapy Associates Revitalising Facial Oil. Frankincense, known for its tightening effect, and borage oil - a natural collagen stimulant - are key ingredients that really pack a punch. Applied morning and evening, we promise the skin-tightening, line-reducing effects will convert you! Buy Aromatherapy Associates Revitalising Facial Oil, £45, at BathandUnwind.com
De Mamiel Spring Facial Oil, £70
Annee de Mamiel's products are tailored to your body's differing needs throughout the year. Her range of seasonal facial oils includes de Mamiel Spring Facial Oil, aimed at cleansing and regenerating skin after winter, while the calming aroma is said to help you welcome in the new season. Massage three or four drops gently into your skin to leave it softer, more radiant and beautifully balanced. Buy De Mamiel Spring Facial Oil, £70, at Net-a-porter.com
