I suppose unless one has very dry skin, it might seem counterintuitive to put oil on our faces. But when they are pure and natural, they are actually the fastest way to deliver essential moisture and nutrients to our skin. The oils used in facial preparations have a molecular structure that works with our skin. Mineral oil or petrolatum based products can still bind moisture in our skin and lips, but can irritate sensitive skin, or cause breakouts. I won’t get all preachy about those products because sometimes a petrolatum based moisturizer is the only thing that works on my lips. Some of the most loved products contain petrolatum, case in point, Kiehl’s Lip Balm. It’s a cult favourite and loved by women and men all over the world. Why? Because it works. So, I won’t judge you for using the P or M word on your skin. Use what works, I say.

That said, I love using a beautiful facial oil as a treatment at night. I’ve noticed when I do, I wake up with lovely dewy skin. Here are some of my favourites:

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate $48 for 30ml

“This lightweight, readily-absorbed elixir effectively restores skin’s healthy appearance overnight, resulting in smoother, more radiant complexion by morning. Enriched with Squalane, a botanical lipid similar in molecular structure to natural skin lipids, Evening Primrose Oil, rich in Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Essential moisture to depleted skin. These naturally derived oils instantly penetrate the skin surface to help replenish it. Our recovery concentrate works at night when skin is most receptive to repairing itself from daily aggressors. With skin hydrated, supple and soft, rest assured you can say goodnight to tired-looking skin.”

All true. This was the first facial oil I ever used, thanks to Kiehl’s and their amazing samples. I was hooked! I’ve recommended this oil to so many people I’ve lost track, and each and every one of them love it. I apply a few drops to my face at bedtime, gently patting and rolling or pressing the oil onto my skin after using my serum(s) and eye cream. I don’t know if using facial oils at night is a must, but for me, oil on my skin during the day would not work. Your mileage may vary, so I recommend trying for yourself.

Olie Biologique Huile Radicale $58 30ml

“Nature’s plumper and parched skin quencher. A MUST for dry, dull and damaged skin begging for its radiant glow.
Radiance-boosting and rejuvenating, this blend of 8 organic plant botanicals and floral extracts provides all-natural skin quenching properties with lightweight, healing potency. Anti-oxidants, fatty acids and naturally occurring retinoic acid preserve elasticity, plump lines and improve firmness. Absorbs completely to leave a silky, non-greasy finish.”

This one had me at “nature’s plumper”. Olie Biologique is an certified organic skincare line based on simple and effective skincare that imparts radiance and a healthy glow. They are unique in that they offer a few different concentrations of oils depending on your skin type. I love the Radicale during the cold winter months when my skin needs extra moisture and it has definitely made my skin feel dewy and glowing. Repurchase? Yes, as a must-have winter treatment. I plan on taking their Huile Moderne which is designed for combinations skin, for a test drive when the weather gets warmer.

Aroma M Beauty Camellia Face Oil $95 40ml

“This luxurious and fragrant Facial Oil treatment combines seven beneficial emollient organic oils (Camellia, Carrot Seed, Jojoba, Apricot Kernel, Evening Primrose, Argan, and Vitamin E). It is charged with the synergy of essential oils derived from flowers and other botanicals (Jasmine, Geranium, Frankincense and Neroli.) This is the ideal liquid moisturizer for hydrating skin to create a luminous, complexion. This elixir effortlessly melts into complexions that are normal, oily, or dry without leaving any residue, and adds the experience of uplifting fully natural fragrance to soothe the mind and heart.”

Ok – true love. I have a sample of this that I am nursing down to the very last drops. I wish I’d bought a bottle of this when I got my Camellia Hair Oil as she offers a deal if you buy both. I’m not surprised at all at how effective this oil is and how much I love it. It smells like gentle jasmine and I can almost feel my skin drink it up. Repurchase? When my sample is gone, you betcha.

There are many facial oils on the market, and these are just my favourites. I tried Olio Lusso and really wanted to like it, but the indolic jasmine is just too strong to put on my face. It’s as strong as any perfume and I don’t want that all over my face. The oil might be amazing, but the scent ruined it for me, sadly. I would recommend getting samples if you are unsure about which oil you want to try but I’m fairly confident that at least one of these oils will work for you.

Do you use facial oils at all? I’d love to hear about any others worth trying!