The Ultimate Guide to Facial Oils

Our Favorite Facial Oil Formulated with SPF

A few years ago, if we let our minds stray to thoughts of oils and the sun, we’d go straight to thinking about tanning oils. You know, you’d slick your skin with an oil and then promptly claim a lounge chair to catch some rays—aka your dermatologist’s worst nightmare. Thankfully, nowadays we’re less into laying out and more into sun safety. It’s like we’re growing up, and oils are too. Rather than coating your complexion in oil as a route to bronzed skin, apply a facial oil that also boasts sun protection benefits. The L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition – Facial Oil SPF 30, formulated with a blend of 8 essential oils and broad spectrum sunscreen, provides long-lasting hydration and ultra-soft comfort. 

Note: Be sure to follow up with your usual Broad Spectrum sunscreen for adequate protection, in addition to taking additional precautions such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition – Facial Oil SPF 30, $19.99 

Our Favorite Facial Oil for Oily Skin

Don’t worry, no one has to be excluded from the fun of facial oils. Slathering skin that’s already oily with an oily product may sound scary, but it’s not—trust us. If you have oily skin, it’s all about picking the right product. In other words, just because you’re using an oil doesn’t mean you’re destined to look like an oil slick. We’re major fans of the Vichy Neovadiol Magistral Elixir because it delivers a dry, satin finish and a formula that’s never greasy, sticky, or shiny. Come on, admit it—that makes your heart flutter at least a little bit. The replenishing facial oil concentrate contains a complex of oils rich in omegas and nourishes the skin with moisture. 

Vichy Neovadiol Magistral Elixir, $55 MSRP

Our Favorite Luminous Facial Oil

Glow-y makeup may be all the rage, if we can judge by the increasing availability of ultra-shimmery highlighters, but your cosmetics aren’t the only way to get your glow on. Your skin care selects can make all the difference in how radiant and luminous your complexion looks. The best way to achieve illumination without the help of makeup? With a facial oil, of course. Lancôme Absolue Precious Oil manages to provide nourishment and luminosity with just a few drops. Smooth on and shine bright.

Lancôme Absolue Precious Oil, $185 MSRP 

Our Favorite Facial Oil for Night

We can all agree, sleep is the best. The only way it could be any better is if nearly everything you need to accomplish could happen while your eyes are still shut. As surprising as it may seem, that’s somewhat possible—at least when it comes to your skin. Head to bed, apply the right product before your head hits the pillow, and wake up with an improved complexion. Honestly, it’s a dream come true for the lazy girl inside of all of us. We’ll never stop obsessing over the classic Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate for just that reason. The lightweight elixir, formulated with squalene, evening primrose oil, and lavender essential oil, is readily-absorbed to effectively restore skin’s healthy appearance overnight, resulting in a smoother complexion come morning time. It doesn’t get easier than that. 

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, $46 MSRP

How to Apply Facial Oils—The Right Way

Reach for the facial oil that’s right for you, then follow these simple steps to apply.

1. Start with Clean Skin

Let’s get the obvious out of the way. You don’t want to apply an oil over top of dirt and impurities sitting on the surface of your skin. A clean base is key, so use a gentle cleanser to freshen up your face first.

2. Apply Oil

Now, it’s time for the star of the show. Apply a few drops of oil onto the palm of your hand (psst—read the pack instructions for the exact number of drops to use) and use your finger to dab the oil in small dots onto cleansed skin. Gently massage and press the oil onto your face and neck, using the whole surface of your hands. Smooth the oil from nose to ears, eyebrows to hairline, and neck to jawline, making sure not to miss a spot.

3. Follow with Moisturizer

Your skin can always stand for a bit more moisture. Once your oil has thoroughly sunk into your skin, you can apply a face cream or lotion right over top for an added boost of hydration.