Bargain vs Bougie: 3 Facial Oils You Need Right Now
Jas is the former Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
Few products are as hotly debated in beauty right now as facial oils.
From when to apply them to how much, if they should be used before or after moisturiser to which skin type they're best for, the questions surrounding the buzzy new addition to our skincare regimes are endless.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
As someone who has used facial oils to hydrate her Sahara desert skin for years, trust me when I say that they are one of the most versatile skincare products ever.
You don’t have to have dry skin to soak up their nourishing goodness. Nor does it have to be winter.
They’re also great for healing scars, smoothing out uneven skin tones, reducing fine lines, and giving your skin that glowy, lit-from-within look.
Not to mention they're incredibly decadent and luxurious.
While it may sound counterintuitive for people with oily or acne-prone skin to use facial oils, the right formulation actually helps balance sebum (oil) production and reduce inflammation.
The key is to find a facial oil that's right for you.
To make life easier, below, we’ve rounded up four of our current faves. (Dry skin? Never heard of her.)
But First, What Are Facial Oils?
The easiest way to think about facial oils is as a top coat.
Unlike moisturisers, facial oils don't directly hydrate the skin. Instead, they sit on the surface, working to protect the outer layer and seal in the hydration and ingredients of anything else you've already applied.
That's why most skin experts recommend still using a moisturiser and applying your facial oil as the last step in your regime (before SPF).
They also often suggest using them at night when the skin doesn't produce as much oil.
Unless, of course, you're like me (remember: dry AF) and need some lovin' in the mornings, too. Or, if you simply want a little extra glow.
Read on to discover the best facial oils for anti-aging, dry skin, oily and acne-prone skin.
For more on facial oils and how to use them, check out the video below.
1. The Ordinary "B" Oil
What: The Ordinary B Oil 30ml
A blend of skin-loving benefits in a bottle from cult brand, The Ordinary.
Fast facts:
- Gluten, alcohol, silicone, and cruelty-free.
- Sinks into the skin for almost instant hydration and all-over radiance.
- A nourishing blend of purified micro-algae, squalane, and natural oils.
- Supports the skin’s defence, protects against free radicals, and boosts hydration.
Best for:
Dry or irritated skin, as well as those with uneven tone.
It's also a great budget-friendly choice if you're new to facial oils and keen to try them out.
2. The Jojoba Company Australian Jojoba
A skincare staple that’s been around for what feels like forever.
Fast facts:
- Non-comedogenic so it won't clog your pores.
- Super nourishing and moisturising formulation.
- Helps restore and maintain youthful-looking skin.
- Packed with Vitamins A, D & E, and omegas 6 & 9.
- Suitable for the face and body, as well as stretch marks and scars.
- Made from a plant that shares the same molecular structure as the natural wax esters found in healthy human skin, making it more receptive to nutrients and antioxidants.
Best for:
Literally anyone. The gentle, natural formulation is safe for all skin types, concerns and ages, even babies!
Also suits oily and acne-prone skin as the non-comedogenic formula doesn't clog the pores like other facial oils can.
3. Jurlique Rare Rose Face Oil
An award-winning, glow-boosting face oil for dry or dull skin.
Fast facts:
- Subtly scented with farm-grown rose for a multi-sensory experience.
- Melts into the skin for a softer, smoother, and more supple complexion.
- A nourishing mix of rose, Vitamin E, squalane, jojoba, olive, carrot, and caster oils.
- Multi-purpose: use it day or night, alone or added to moisturiser for extra radiance.
- Free from parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, GMO, PEG, paraffin wax, silicone, synthetic glycol, formaldehyde donor, and artificial colours.
Best for:
Dull, dry or dehydrated skin, and anyone looking for a little extra glow.
It's also a winner for people who love a rosy aroma (me).
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