That extra boost
We look at the rising popularity of facial oils and put them to the test.
FACIAL oils have become increasingly popular, and there’s a variety to choose from. While it can be a multipurpose solution to combat issues like hydration and ageing, it can also be applied in lieu of moisturisers. Some are even meant to be used on its own overnight, or added to a serum or moisturiser for an extra boost.
This month, we tried out six facial oils, and while most of them are new on the market, we also tried out some cult favourites.
Aesop Damascan Rose Facial Treatment, RM255
I have combination skin that gets oily easily, so I’m quite wary about using face oils. Aesop’s works well enough.
I apply it at night before bed, and in the morning, my skin feels moisturised and smooth. I love that the bottle has a dropper, which is easy to use.
It does help calm and brighten skin. But there is no a drastic change, even after about three weeks of use.
The botanical blend (derived from neroli blossom, violet leaf and Damascan rose) is not the most appealing of scents though. I only got used to the smell after a week. – Bervin Cheong
Tata Harper Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil, RM522
I’m a fan of facial oils and I love this as it’s light and easily absorbed. It can be used as a preboost before your skincare routine, added to serum for that extra glow, or overnight as a deep moisturising treatment.
It’s got all the good stuff – alfalfa extract to help maintain skin’s youthful appearance and stress damage; rose geranium to improve skin tone; jojoba and borage for nutrients and moisture retention.
It left my skin glowing and hydrated, and that works for me. – Dzireena Mahadzir
Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil, RM195
This year, facial oil has been my skincare revelation, and I am happily on the bandwagon. My skin is on the dry side, and it absorbs facial oil like it thirsts for it.
Facial oils are quite different from the baby oil we used to slather on in cold weather eons ago, if you are worried about an oily film and breakouts.
This Caudalie oil is pleasantly light but it’s not watery either. It absorbs easily and feels soothing on my skin. It smells great too, which combined with a face massage, make for a relaxing bedtime routine. Best of all is I wake up with soft, hydrated skin. – Ivy Soon
Diptyque L’art Du Soin Infused Face Oil, RM319
I sweat easily so I always worry about having an “oily face”. The last thing I need is a facial oil that adds to that worry.
This one from Diptyque, however, is very light and smells good too (it’s infused with iris extract and rose petals). I use it day and night; I pair it with my face cream at night. You can use it on top of a water-based moisturiser but I find that using the oil as a base for my cream works better.
My face seems smoother after using it this way for about a week. And since I am constantly exposed to the sun, the oil helps to hydrate my skin too as I don’t feel my face tightening up that much anymore. – Melody L.
Goh
Biossance 100% Squalene Oil, RM256
On the box, the product is described as “a weightless, multipurpose oil that instantly moisturises the face, body and hair”. One product to hydrate body and face, and you don’t have to use different products for morning and night ... how fantastic is that?
It can be applied to hair as well, which is great for those who don’t use conditioner like me, leaving the hair looking healthier. Another plus point is, the product is frangrant-free and non-toxic.
Although it is oil, it’s light and is absorbed into the skin quickly, so it doesn’t feel greasy. The bottle comes with a dispenser, allowing the user to control the amount they want to use. – Mumtaj Begum
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, RM145
Don’t believe in miracles: that’s my belief. The Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concetrate promises to “visibly restore the appearance of skin” overnight.
Well, it didn’t visibly restore my skin overnight and I was sorely disappointed the morning after my first application. My skin looked the same as the night before.
But, having used it for a week, I do see a difference – my skin is healthier, smoother and fresher.
There are many things I like about this product - I love the fragrance from the lavender essential oil. Not too strong but present. Also, I like the texture of the oil – light and it doesn’t leave a thick, oily film on my face. –
S. Indramalar