I wasn’t comfortable with the idea of a face oil until I was once gifted the famous Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate. The cult favorite taught me how oils are an important last step to your routine after your moisturizer. After, I found myself collecting other bottles according to my needs. This taught me that no matter your skin situation, a facial oil is still needed. On dry days, it boosts hydration and calms down irritation. During breakouts, it can act as a treatment.

Refinery29 reports that facial oils act hand in hand with your moisturizer so it achieves optimum hydration. Our face needs water and oil, the former is provided through the moisturizer. And as previously mentioned when we talked about skincare layering, oil is the last step as it catches the problem spots your moisturizer can’t conquer. Moisturizer is also important to go on first because if you reverse it, the oil will prevent the active ingredients of your moisturizer from coming through.

So if you’re in the market for a new facial oil to try or just wondering what should be your first bottle, here’s a few items you may want to consider.

Guerlain Abeille Royale Face Treatment Oil

This skincare investment piece has big claims. It promotes skin firmness through Ouessant honey, the potency of which is unlocked when you gently massage the oil into your skin. Available via SephoraPH.

Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil

Made with vitamin E and sesame, sweet almond, olive, and jojoba oils, this formula is aimed at soothing very dry skin. Despite all the ingredients, it’s still lightweight so your skin feels soft without the greasiness, leaving only a healthier look. Available at SM City North EDSA.

Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil

Excess in oil is actually due to dryness and is your skin’s way of compensating for the imbalance. With this bottle, you get rosewood, geranium, and lotus oils that tightens the pore to regulate sebum. While the hazelnut oil in it combats fine lines. Available at Rustan’s The Beauty Source, Glorietta 4.

Sunday Riley Juno Essential Face Oil

If you have dull skin, you can try this one which contains antioxidant-rich superfood seed oils. It is paraben-free and contains vitamins A and C to give back your skin’s natural glow. Available online.

Caudalie VineActiv Overnight Detox Night Oil

If you need instant repair from daily damage and aggressors, reach for this lightweight solution. It is made of plant-based oils such as rosewood, sunflower, and lavender to restore your skin back to normal condition as it promotes cell renewal. Available via Sephora PH.

Pixi by Petra Rose Oil Blend

The mix of sweet almond, rosehip, jojoba, pomegranate seed, and rose geranium are the reasons why this oil makes your skin feel rejuvenated. It also gives resilience from pollutants so your skin doesn’t suffer from their effects. Available at The SM Store, Makati.

Grace Cosmetics Vital Skin Oil

For particular issues such as redness due to eczema and scars, you can try this for an easy treatment. It also promotes skin elasticity to keep skin young through rice bran, apricot, carrot, and avocado oil. Available via BeautyMNL.

Art by Lara Intong

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