Now I’m not one to frivolously collect skincare but I’ve learnt that one can never have too many face oils*; each oil in my collection differs from the next and I handpick an oil every night**, depending on what my skin is doing that day.

* = before you tell me that your skin produces enough oil, oily skintypes can also use oils.

** = I reserve oils for evening because when used during the day, they may encourage makeup to migrate.

These are the face oils that have made the cut and are now in frequent rotation, ordered by budget 🙂

Trilogy – Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (~17USD)*

Trilogy Rosehip was my introduction to facial oils and debatably my favourite, which goes to show that price and efficacy are not perfectly correlated.

In my mind, I was still 16 and blemish prone (in reality, I’m actually 24 and leaning dry) so I was anxious and expecting to wake up with a face full of congestion. First night… we’re in the clear. First week, brighter skin. Four months later and I hadn’t had a single blemish! Coincidence? I think not.

Now I’m a believerrrr!

Rosehip is moderately viscous and absorbs almost entirely, I actually have to apply it to a damp face or my skin soaks it up before I’ve had the chance to disperse it. Rosehip is best known for it’s ability to fade scars, unfortunately (or fortunately?) I don’t have facial scars to monitor but I did notice progressively more even skin tone. 

Sadly it doesn’t smell like roses… Maybe freshly cut rosestalk.

Whip it out… Every night. It’s the dependable friend that always delivers.
Ingredients list.

Conscious Skincare – Organic Abyssinian Oil (~24USD)*

The new kid on the block, Abysinnian oil is touted as the plant-based alternative to mineral oil – similar applications sans irritations and sensitivities. Frequently described as a thin oil?! No waiiii, it’s very viscous (even when applied to damp skin) and forms an occlusive barrier that makes it ideal for retaining moisture during the colder months.

Picture this. I’ve had a long day filled with pollution, stress, sun AND sunscreen. Take off shoes, complain loudly. Thorough cleanse to remove the city soot and bus-goer grime (welcome to Sydney). Problem: today has not been kind to my skin. Solution: Abyssinian Oil, without a doubt. City dwellers can relate. 

Due to the protective film, I’ve also used it as overnight treatment on the hands and feet with great success. Works wonders on cuticles, too! I won’t lie, the smell is a bit unusual (woody? Chinese medicinal tea?) but it doesn’t linger.

As far as face oils go, this one is pretty darn affordable at 16Pound.

Whip it out when… the natural skin lipids have been compromised.
Ingredient list. 

Jacqueline Evans – Argan and Rosehip Oil (~40USD)*

Mostly comprised of Argan, followed by Rosehip and a dash of Frankincense for good measure. Argan has really monopolised the cosmetics market as of late, huh? I can see why: it’s lightweight, non-greasy and suitable for most skin types.

Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants to nurture the skin and address dehydration. Mature or teen, Argan is a safe bet if you’re a face oil beginner and Jaqueline Evans makes a bloody good one. Good job Jacky.

If you’ve entered a pharmacy in the past 5 years, you’ll know that Argan is also the bees knees of haircare; I’ll apply few drops to damp locks for silky, manageable hair.

Whip it out when… Summer rolls around or if you have an oilier skintype. Anytime a light face oil is in demand.
Ingredient list. 

MV Skincare Skin Booster Rose Plus (~76USD)*

This one managed to escape the original shot, so here it is, in all its glory…

No compromise here – MV Rose Plus provides all the performance and all the pleasure. The smell, like diving into an olympic-sized pool of rose petals <3

A winning combination of Rose Otto, Rosehip and vitamin E, Rose Plus is of medium viscosity but absorbs quickly, very lightweight on the skin. As with all MV Skincare, ingredient lists are short and sweet (i.e: less potential for irritation) and components are the highest of quality.

Best suited for couperose skins and complexions prone to broken capillaries (HELLO, this is me), it’s magic on sporadic and unexplained redness. If any of these terms describe your skin: delicate, irritable, sensitive, flushed or high colour complexion – Rose Plus is your perfect fit.

Did I mention that this is Emma Watson’s favourite? If it’s good enough for her…

Whip it out when… Pamper night or for thin and delicate skins.
Ingredient list. 

De Mamiel – Autumn Face Oil (~100USD)*

De Mamiel formulates oils to be in synergy with nature, each season denotes a new oil to combat the skin crisis that occurs as the weather shifts (that struggle is REAL). A practical consequence, batches differ every season to ensure only the freshest, ripest harvest.

I’m probably too Generation Y for equinox and raiki and inner energy but ya know what? I have so much appreciation for hand blended products. I want to use things that are made with love and not shovelled out by the hundreds.

Quite the tangent! Back to the oil. Autumn Oil is a vast deviation from the stockstandard oil blends on the market, check out this cocktail of botanical miracle workers: honeysuckle to reduce puffiness, carrot oil for antioxidants, Prickly Pear, BoaBoa and the list just goes on! ***

*** – note that essential oils have the potential to cause irritation (as does any ingredient) but I’ve found the Autumn formulation to be abundant in ‘soothing’ botanicals as opposed to aggressive additives.

The consistency is among the thinnest mentioned today and the product absorbs almost instantly so this one could easily transition to a day oil. It’s soothing on irritation (skin and mood) and quenches any dehydration. It’s the bells and the whistles with a cherry on top – if aromatherapy is your poison, this woody masterpiece will be your happy place.

Whip it out when… Life happens and you need some TLC. Also a fancy gift for the busy woman; recuperation in a bottle.
Ingredient list. 

Sunday Riley – Artemis Hydroactive Cellular Oil (~120USD)

I’ve finished the deluxe sample size prior to time of writing and it has passed my two months trial period – I will purchase the full size, just preparing myself for price tag horror 😛

Caroline Hirons included Artemis in her 2014 favourites, I love me a bit of Mrs Hirons however her descriptions left me puzzled on two accounts:

– I found it to be thick, not thin in consistency. This is a viscous one, similar to Abyssinian oil. If you’re not keen on thorough massage, press it into the skin.

– It’s not a conventionally pleasant scent. As Hirons notes, there is lemon and lemon bark but all I smell is wheat germ, despite there being no mention of wheat germ in the ingredients. All I know is that the smell isn’t particularly pleasant to my nose.

In terms of performance, Artemis seems to target inflammation – the flush around the my cheeks is lessened and shadowy areas around the mouth (pigmentation?) appears less pronounced. Artemis can be described as a clarifying oil, addressing any summertime congestion on the nose and chin. If your skin could be described as split personality, both dehydrated and congested, this is the one for you.

Whip it out when… Things are looking a bit spotty and angry.
Ingredient list.

A note on application

I apply all face oils to damp skin, using a sweeping motion. This means that I only require two or three drops to cover my entire face and neck, I’m always puzzled when I see people drizzle a handful of oil – I think it’s a waste of product but whatever works for you!

One more thing…

I ordered these in price, or rather, initial investment. They do vary in size so keep that in mind if you’re thinking bang for your buck.

What are your favourite face oils? As I said, can never have too many…

xxkarima

* denotes products sent for consideration. I am not compensated for the feature and I only share products that I love 🙂