Find the secret ingredient to your face-wash routine..

Vogue Australia make-up artist Nadine Monley says for dewy, radiant skin, you need to apply oils rather strip them away

Using oil to clean your skin may seem counterintuitive at first, especially if you’re in the habit of scrubbing your face until it’s squeaky clean. But, using oils to gently wipe away the day (rather than overcleansing with soaps and harsher cleansers) is the secret to skin that is dewy and radiant rather than dry and imbalanced, says veteran make-up artist Nadine Monley.

“I’ve seen first-hand the immediate benefits of using oils to cleanse skin — both on myself and others,” Nadine says.

“Oils pick up dirt and make-up while nourishing the skin flora. “They are not only extremely gentle on your skin for taking off all your make-up, but also leave you feeling hydrated and glowing like you have walked straight out of a facial.

“Most people tend to strip their skin of their natural oils when they use harsh cleansers, which contributes to skin irritation, sensitivity and oily skin (the skin over produces sebum when it’s trying to compensate for the lack of natural oils).”

Nadine is also a fan of massaging oil into the skin before applying foundation – and even adding a drop or two of essential oil to her foundation.

“I have done this since the start of my career,” she says.

“I wanted to explore the effects oils have on the skin when mixed with foundation, and I noticed an instant dewy glow and improvement in skin texture.

“You get this beautiful silky texture that makes your complexion look plumped and completely flawless.”

Nadine not only uses a little oil mixed into her foundation; she also preps the skin with oils.

To prep your skin with oil before foundation, she recommends spending a little time massaging it into the skin.

“It will stimulate your complexion, leaving you with a glow even before you apply the foundation,” she says.

“With this technique I use about a drop or two; you don’t want to use too much because your skin will be too oily.

If, after you do this, you find your skin needs a little more, just add a little over the top of your foundation.

“I love doing this because your foundation soaks into your skin instead of sitting on top of your skin like a mask,” Nadine says.