How To Choose A Face Oil

Find the best face oil for you

Love the idea of using a luxurious, nourishing facial oil? But what should you look for; Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, Rosehip Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil? How about Argan Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, or Coconut Oil? The list goes on. So which skin types should use a face oil? Should you avoid oils if you have oily skin? Do face oils cause pimples? Which are our go-to face oils? Let’s talk all about OIL.

Unveiling the Magic Elixir: What is a Face Oil?

In essence, a face oil is a potent and harmonious blend of natural, plant-based oils. Often used in place of a traditional moisturiser, face oils are often supercharged with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, forming a luxurious concoction that nurtures and revitalises your skin. These prized elixirs work their magic by deeply penetrating the skin’s surface, fortifying the skin barrier, and locking in moisture, leaving you with a dewy, luminous complexion that radiates a healthy glow.

Contrary to the outdated belief that oils equate to breakouts, the right face oil can be a lifesaver, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin. They are very often gentle, non-comedogenic, and cater to a variety of skin types, making them a versatile potion in your beauty arsenal.

How to choose a face oil for you

The key to effective skincare, and in this case face oil, lies in choosing the one that suits your skin’s unique needs. Jojoba oil, hailed as the elixir of eternal youth, mimics the skin’s natural sebum and works wonders for balancing oil production. For those with mature skin or if trying to improve skin ageing, look no further than rosehip oil, a potent oil known for its ability to fade scars and plump fine lines. And let’s not forget the regal argan oil, often harvested from the Moroccan desert, brimming with antioxidants and essential fatty acids that breathe new life into tired skin.

How to use face oil

So, how do you incorporate this revitalising elixir into your daily routine? Face oils are simple! We recommend applying a few drops onto cleansed skin and gently massaging it in. Even better – dampen the skin with your favourite face mist or water before application for skin bliss. It really does make a difference! Use a face oil as a stand-alone product or mix a drop or two with your favourite moisturiser to elevate your skincare game to new, nourished heights.

Is Face Oil just for my evening routine?

Contrary to popular belief, you can use a face oil in your morning routine! While often incorporated into a decadent night time skin session, we have a range of face oils that won’t leave your skin looking greasy and won’t disturb your makeup – another face oil myth! Applying a face oil after cleansing in the morning is a beautiful way to prep your skin for foundation, allowing for seamless application and a gorgeous, hydrated finish.

Start by spritzing your face with a mist like Ipsum’s Replenishing Mist before warming a few drops of face oil between your palms. Press onto the face, and gently blend across the skin. Focus your face oil on areas prone to dryness, or where your makeup may look matte or cakey. Follow with your makeup application and enjoy hydrated, glowing skin all day long.

Which face oil is best for acne-prone skin?

For acne-prone skin, the best face oil option would be one that is non-comedogenic, lightweight, and contains anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and balance the skin without clogging pores. Here are some oils to look out for that are generally well-suited for acne-prone skin:

Tea Tree Oil: Renowned for its potent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil can help combat acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Jojoba Oil: Being similar to the skin’s natural sebum, jojoba oil helps regulate oil production, making it an excellent option for oily and acne-prone skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritated skin.

Grapeseed Oil: Lightweight and non-greasy, grapeseed oil is rich in linoleic acid, which is beneficial for acne-prone skin. It helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and reduces the likelihood of clogged pores.

Rosehip Oil: While it’s an oil, rosehip oil is considered dry oil, which means it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a heavy residue. It contains vitamin A and C, which can promote skin regeneration and reduce inflammation.

Safflower Oil: Another oil high in linoleic acid, safflower oil can help soothe acne-prone skin and prevent pore blockages.

Nigella Seed Oil (Black Seed Oil): Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, nigella seed oil can help alleviate redness and irritation associated with acne.

If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, we always recommend delving into the full ingredient list of your face oil to determine whether the complex will be right for your skin. If in doubt, it’s always best to sample in-store and experience the oil on your skin. NUORI’s Perfecting Facial Oil is formulated to match the skin’s natural lipid balance. This oil absorbs exceptionally well and leaves the skin smooth and supple. This clarifying formula does not clog pores or result in blemishes.

Pro Tip: Introduce face oils slowly into your skincare routine. Start with a small amount, and if your skin responds well, gradually increase usage.

Which is the best face oil for well-aging?

One of the most visible signs of ageing skin is actually mere dryness or dehydration. As we age, our skin tends to produce less moisture leading to more visible fine lines and wrinkles being noticeable on the skin. The fix? Moisture! Most of the face oils in our collection will suit those with pro-ageing goals, but there are some extra special ingredients to look out for like Bakuchiol. Considered nature’s retinol, this ingredient is beloved for being better tolerated than retinol and not causing those telltale side effects like flakiness or irritation. Bakuchiol is found within Catarina Barbosa’s Amalia; a super luxe treatment oil available exclusively at Andersen Beauty. Discover it here.

A few of our favourite Face Oils

Ipsum’s Best Skin Face Oil Intense Treatment is the holy grail of Australian face oils. Adored by beauty editors, bloggers and skin therapists, the supercharged concentrate contains 23 pure, organic native plant oils, rich in omega fatty acids, vitamins C, E, B6,1,3,2 and polyphenol antioxidants, for a rejuvenating, hydrating and skin-protecting intensive treatment. This face oil smells incredible and is a real treat to apply.

Hero ingredient Fragonia offers powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits to skin and to the respiratory system and helps maintain the body’s own melatonin production which regulates the circadian rhythm – the perfect solution to help minimise the symptoms of flying and jet-lag!

Lernberger Stafsing Facial Oil is an intoxicating blend formulated with 22 different botanical extracts and organic oils packed with age-fighting, beautifying antioxidants and essential fatty acids that brings radiance, clarity and balance to skin. The active ingredient from Acmella flower promotes the skins own production of collagen and acts on the skins natural lifting properties for firmer skin with significantly reduced wrinkles. It deeply moisturises, softens, balances, calms, repairs and strengthens the skins outer barrier.

Flora Mirabilis The Face Oil is designed by an in-demand LA based Facialist with serious skin know-how. This face oil is handcrafted in small batches from 10 transformative plant-based ingredients that brighten, balance, soften, and restore skin, enabling a full range of results in a single step. Founder Jordan La Fragola developed this magic potion after years of experience and client testing to ensure it is suitable for all skin types and all ages.

The Face Oil is also EWG Verified™, Leaping Bunny certified, and free of artificial ingredients, fragrance, nut oils, absolutes, dyes, and other common skin allergens, making it recommended for even the most sensitive skin.

Catarina Barbosa Amalia is a special Golden yellow-orange serum-oil that envelops the skin drop by drop with a sensual & sophisticated scent of Bergamot and Red Mandarin. Experience smoother, more even skin texture with a single drop delivering a radiant glow to the skin. Amalia contains a stunning blend of high quality oils including Bakuchiol, Argan Oil, Camellia Oil, Prickly Pear Oil and Rosehip Oil.

Finally, VENN Advanced Multi Perfecting Red Oil Serum is a unique oil-serum based on a traditional Korean prescription. The Advanced Multi Perfecting Red Oil Serum has been clinically tested to hydrate skin for up to 24 hours, improve skin’s elasticity, improve skin’s firmness, and instantly increase skin’s radiance. The formula is rich with vitamins and minerals from plants that survive the extreme environments of the Sahara Desert, Kalahari Desert, Andes Mountains, and Amazon jungle – all extracted without using chemicals or solvents through green processes, including cold pressing and steam distillation.