Every man needs a quality facial oil in their grooming arsenal - myself included. So, if you’re a gent who’s unfamiliar with the wonder product, and, until now, using a cleanser and a moisturiser is about as advanced as your skincare regime gets, you’ve come to the right place.
First things first, let’s clear up the common misconception. Face oils do not make your skin oily. Instead, they’re brimming with nutrients and goodness to deliver a powerful vitamin punch in the quickest and easiest way possible.
Whatever your skin type, whether it’s dry or oily, blemish prone or lacklustre, you can choose an oil that targets your concern. Some, like Aesop’s Damascan Rose Facial Treatment, are ultra-nourishing, thanks to ingredients like rosehip oil and vitamin E, whilst others are blemish-busting owing to salicylic acid, like Sunday Riley’s U.F.O. Ultra Clarifying Face Oil. Either way, it’s a surefire way to give your face the boost it needs with minimal effort required.
The good news? They often have a more lustrous effect than other serums or moisturisers, so, whichever you choose, your complexion will glow like its never glowed before. Whenever you want to quickly pep up your handsome visage before a work event or date night, all you need is a few drops of any of the formulas in this list to look instantly refreshed - and if glowing is your main concern, it’s Votary’s Glow Drops that should be going straight in your basket.
Some even work their magic overnight. Perfect for any chaps who find themselves getting less than their allotted eight hours sleep, whether that’s due to working late or one too many night caps. If you spend just a couple of minutes massaging the smooth, deliciously smelling product in before bed, you’ll look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed by the time your alarm goes off in the morning.
So, we caught up with Monica Gomes, the Head of Education at Aromatherapy Associates, to get her expert opinion on facial oils and how to use them - and then rounded up a few of our personal favourites below.
Are facial oils good for skin?
Facial oils are great for the skin and the skin loves them! They work to target skin concerns, restoring hydration, radiance and calming the skin. They can also be used for a facial massage.
Are they better than creams?
Creams and oils have different textures. Oils are not better than creams, they just target different things – oils have deeper absorption while creams help with the outer layer, protecting the skin from outside stressors.
What are the best ingredients to look out for?
I would say the best ingredients in skincare are blue tansy which soothes the skin, rose which stimulates cell renewal and frankincense for firming and plumping.
What skin type is best for a facial oil?
Oils can be used on all skin types. Each skin type will have a specific oil to nourish, calm or balance. For example, our three facial oils all target different skin concerns. The Pro Calm Face Oil soothes and calms oily to combination skin, the Pro Glow Face Oil brightens and hydrates dull skin whilst the Pro Barrier Boost Face Oil replenishes and repairs, working well on dry skin.
Do you put facial oil on before or after moisturiser?
You should use your oil after the serum and before the moisturiser in your routine, and they can be used morning and/or night. However, if you are new to a face oil start in the evening, after cleansing. Warm two to three drops of your chosen face oil in your hands and press into the skin.
Moisturiser should be the last product to be applied as it tends to have the heaviest texture.
How many times a week should I use a facial oil?
You should be using your face oil every day, especially in your night-time routine. If you are struggling to find time for your skincare and want to keep your everyday routine simple then you can use your oil after you exfoliate two to three times a week. Include some face massage and pressure points to really elevate your routine.
What are your top tips for men when choosing a facial oil?
I would suggest choosing something with a lighter texture, such as our Pro Calm Face Oil, this rebalances the pores and hydrates the skin, absorbing easily for a silky finish.
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Aesop Damascan Rose Facial Treatment
Having used many a face oils in my time, for me, Aesop’s Damascan Rose Facial Treatment always comes out on top. With a concentrated blend of rose petal, neroli blossom and violet leaf extracts, it offers a potent formula packed with vitamins and fatty acids. The cocktail of goodness relieves, nourishes and replenishes parched skin.
After you’ve massaged a few drops in to your handsome visage, you’ll be left with a nourished, dewy glow in an instant.
Buy now £60.00, Aesop
Typology Radiance Night Serum Botanical Blend With White Rose 30ml
Whether you’ve had a late night working or you left the pub after last orders, Typology’s Night Oil is the treatment you need to replenish your fatigued skin back to its eight-hours-a-night state - even if you’ve actually had much less.
Infused with white rose, rosehip and geranium rose, it will regenerate your skin to boost radiance and complexion while you sleep. At least you’ll wake up looking fresh - even if you don’t feel it.
Buy now £48.50, Typology
Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil
With its range of effective skincare products available at an accessible price point, if you’re looking for value for money, Byoma’s the place to go.
Suitable for all skin types, even oily or acne-prone skin, this antioxidant rich hydrating oil will result in instantly glowing and radiant results. You’ll be left with no greasiness, either. Better yet, its unique barrier lipid complex works to support the skin barrier function, too.
Buy now £13.99, Byoma
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra Clarifying Face Oil 35ml
If you’re not familiar with Sunday Riley, you’re in for a treat. From the potent formulas to the shelfie-worthy packaging, all of the cult-favourite products will be a treat both for your skin and your bathroom cabinet.
When your skin is prone to breakouts or blackheads, Sunday Riley’s U.F.O. Ultra Clarifying Face Oil will help to clear the cause of the problem. Containing 1.5 per cent salicylic acid, tea tree oil, black cumin seed oil and liquorice, it will brighten, tone and sooth all at once. Lightweight and dry, it absorbs quickly, and can be applied day or night.
Buy now £68.00, Sunday Riley
Murad Multi-Vitamin infusion Oil
Murad’s skincare offering is elite. A science-backed brand founded by Dr. Murad, who has 19 patents under his belt, the formulas are high-perfomance and effective.
In the market for a healthy, vibrant glow? Enter the brand’s Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil, which boosts hydration, brightens the skin, and delivers an instant dose of radiance whilst also fighting signs of ageing.
Buy now £74.00, Murad
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
The Ordinary sprung onto the skincare scene a little like app-based banking did to the finance industry: thoroughly welcomed by almost everyone except those it competes against. Why? Because The Ordinary produces some of the best skincare products around at impressively low prices.
The 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil is anything but ordinary, easing fine lines (particularly around the eyes), lessening the appearance of dark spots and ensuring a soft, supple finish to your skin each time you use it. Throw in the fact that this face oil is cruelty free, alcohol free, silicone free and vegan and you’ll want to add two to basket.
Buy now £9.00, Cult Beauty
Augustinus Bader The Face Oil
Augustinus Bader is a beauty brand that comes celeb and beauty editor approved - and for good reason. Mainly known for The Rich Cream, if you delve further into the label’s offering, the vast selection of other skincare goodies are not to be missed.
Intensely restorative, this face oil is powered by the brand’s patented TFC8 technology which guides key nutrients to the skin thanks to a blend of 40 ingredients. It’s nourishing, hydrating and protecting, and is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven pigmentation. What’s not to love?
Buy now £195.00, Augustinus Bader
Votary Glow Drops - Neroli Facial Oil
The reimagination of the best-selling Neroli and Myrrh Facial Oil, Votary’s Glow Drops has instantly gained cult status thanks to its incredible ability to deliver an instant glow.
With just a few drops, any lacklustre complexion will be revived with the skin-loving essential oils including hazelnut, argan, grape and apricot - and you don’t need to worry if you have combination skin, either, because it hydrates dry patches without overloading oily ones.
It even boasts natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, too, so blemished, inflamed or sensitive skin will be left feeling calm and soothed.
Buy now £65.00, Liberty
Malin + Goetz Recovery Treatment Oil
Malin + Goetz5’ entire range is unisex - it’s solely designed with what’s best for the skin itself in mind - and this oil is no exception.
A hydrating number, it’s a blend of evening primrose, argan, jojoba, grapeseed and rosehip oils, and will deliver vitamins C and E to improve skin tone and balance complexion. It helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, too.
Buy now £70.00, Cult Beauty
Aromatherapy Associates Pro Calm Face Oil
The most lightweight in Aromatherapy Associates’ facial oil offering, the Pro Calm Face Oil both hydrates and calms the skin.
Including bakuchiol, the natural retinol alternative that restores skin texture, apple seed oil, which promotes cell regeneration, and ylang ylang to calm, it’s perfect for balancing oily or combination skin and leaving it refreshed. It even has lavender to help soothe your mind as you soak in the goodness.
Buy now £65.00, Aromatherapy Associates
