Beauty The lowdown on facial oils

USE YOUR JUDGEMENT Experts are divided when it comes to face oils, but really it comes down to the individual. If you love the way they feel and don’t experience any issues, crack on. If you try one and break out, stick with serums and creams. A good rule is to avoid oils with a high comedogenic (poreclogging) rating, which runs from 0-5 and is easily googled. The worst-rated are fl ax seed, soybean and wheatgerm, whereas argan and hemp seed oils come out on top.

BE GENTLE ON

CONGESTION ‘When our skin is going through a rough patch, the fi rst response is to go on the attack,’ says facialist and Kyūshi founder Alice Moore. She recommends a gentler approach with Kyūshi Chamomile & Helichrysum Oil, £39, which has antiinfl ammatory properties.

Jennifer Hudson Julia Roberts

TRY A MASSAGE Facial massage boosts circulation, helps drain excess fl uid to de-puff and feels amazing as long as you avoid the dreaded drag. A facial oil gives plenty of ‘slip’ so your fi ngers will glide over skin without pulling it around. Spread on The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane, £5.50, a nicely uncomplicated nourishing oil, and work fi ngers up your jawline and cheekbones. BEAUTY KNOW-HOW The lowdown

ON FACIAL OILS They can benefi t your skin in so many ways, but it’s important to make sure you use them wisely. We tell you how...

Beauty

MIX IT WITH

MAKE-UP If you’ve got dry, dull skin it can be tempting to pile on primers and highlighters, which can look a little fake. Instead, try a tiny drop of oil either under or mixed in with your foundation. Revolution Gold Elixir Rosehip Seed Oil, £9.99, sits beautifully under make-up and has tiny gold fl ecks for added radiance.

Isla Fisher Fearne Cotton

AVOID IRRITANTS There’s a beauty myth that natural equals gentle. Actually, essential oils can be some of the worst culprits for irritating sensitive skin, so it pays to pick wisely. Generally speaking, peppermint, lavender and tea tree oil can be aggravating, especially in high concentrations. No need to throw away your lavender bath oil though, as long as it’s well-diluted.

Geri Horner

BALANCE IT OUT Women with dry skin are usually happier to try face oils than combination types, but anyone can benefi t. ‘Whether you have an oily or dry complexion, oil can help balance your skin’s function,’ says Melissa Jochim, founder of High Beauty. ‘Oil cuts oil and if your skin is oily it will send a signal to your skin to slow down sebum production. If you have dry skin, a facial oil is going to help replenish the moisture.’

TASTE THE BENEFITS If you’re unsure about using oils on your skin, how about getting the benefi ts another way? CBD oil is the one everyone is talking about, and although we await hard evidence, users rave about its eff ects on skin infl ammation and more. Try a few drops of Zoetic CBD Oil, £45, under your tongue before bed. It’s not cheap, but will last you several months.

OIL FOR ALL

FOR CLEANSING Oils make incredibly eff ective cleansers, as they dissolve make-up and grime quickly, so you won’t have to rub at your skin. Unlike many face washes they don’t contain surfactants, so leave skin soft and comfy, not tight and dry. Oils also take a

little time and elbow grease to properly work into skin and wash off , which is a great way to

ensure you cleanse thoroughly every night. We love Sanctuary Spa Ultimate Cleansing Oil, £8.

FOR THE BODY There’s nothing like slathering on body oil after a relaxing bath to feel like you’re really treating yourself. You don’t have to spend big for an indulgent spa vibe – try Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Body Oil, £5.39, which smells like heaven and leaves skin soft and sweetly scented all day.

FOR HAIR Oily hair doesn’t sound like a good thing, but used carefully a light treatment off ers softness, slip and quenches frazzled ends. Run half a pump of L’Or Ž al Elvive Extraordinary Oil Fine Coconut Oil, £9.99, through

mid lengths and ends when your hair is wet or, even better, apply a few pumps dry as an overnight treatment. Just make sure it’s the night before you change your sheets!