Oil Slick

The Moisture Mash

Few things seem to be as polarizing a subject as face oils.

It was only a decade or so that oil-free was in and dietary fat had no place on the dinner table. Product descriptions like ‘gel’ and ‘sorbet’ placated any worry that a cream might incite a breakout or less-than-matte finish. Cut to 2021 and avocados are everywhere and oils are all the rage, and the Cult of Dewiness is only expanding, one pricy dropper at a time.

In essence, face oils are excellent gate-keepers, or “occlusive barriers” on the skin that not only assist active ingredients to penetrate, but that help reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) - aka, the water that passes from the dermis level to the epidermis literally evaporating from your skin. The nerve.

While TEWL is a natural process that can be influenced by many factors like humidity, temperature, ventilation and general living, it can be especially tricky for those with more weakened skin barriers: (think eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis and any other sensitive sister) and can thus contribute to a whole host of issues like dryness, itchiness and general non-glowiness. 

Without getting too geeky on the subject (I am not a derm but often times wish I was so please don’t @ me…) winter radiators and descending temps do not a sexy-look make. Below my latest oily faves for a sumptuous skin season ahead (no thirsty sitch too small).

Parched Terrain.

VINTNER’S DAUGHTER Active Botanical Serum

Perhaps one of the first luxury oils to really change the slippery game, Vintner’s Daughter is my tried and true skincare obsesh. Touted as a ‘serum’ in your routine, this delicious smelling oil is packed with nutrient-rich botanicals, essential oils, fatty acids and antioxidants that truly melt into the skin, leaving next-level glow, (and no disruption on how my makeup might lay.) Use morning or night and your skin will thank you. It’s a splurge at $185, but I’ve yet to regret a refill purchase. 

PAI Rosehip Bioregenerate Facial Oil

Long rumored to be a gentler alternative to retinol, Rosehip Oil is packed full of skin rejuvenating fatty acids and Vitamin A, resulting in firmer, brighter and more sumptuous skin. Excellent for those battling sensitivity in addition to acne breakouts, this little bottle of bliss leaves skin softened, moisturized and gently glowing, perfect for cooler temperatures upcoming. There is a slight note of orange tint at the start, but fades quickly as it dives deep into the epidermis. Massage excess on hair and nails for the very non-painful price of £24 a bottle.

LE PRUNIER Plum Beauty Oil

When a new product arises that also has an absurd waiting list, you can rest assured I cannot resist getting in line. A favorite among celebs and beauty editors alike, the power of California plums (which, who knew!?) are harnessed in this obscenely chic bottle that delivers a delicious combination of polyphenols, fatty acids, antioxidants and incredible hydration. The result is brighter, softer, more clarified skin. Use a few drops before or with moisturizer, or even on hair as a heat-styling protectant. A sexy superfood and a super-buy at $72, but is also available in a mini-trial version for $20, to be completely sure you’re in love.

CHANTECAILLE Rose de Mai Face Oil

If rose is not your jam, I implore you to keep scrolling. RoseHip, Evening Primrose, Rose Damascena, and Rose Geranium all combine with Rose de Mai Extract, a flower with powerful antioxidant properties which only blooms for 3 weeks in May, in Grasse, France, for skin that appears clarified, bright and beautifully toned. May be used alone or in addition to a moisturiser, but I find the texture a bit more suitable for nighttime indulgences. It is not free at $188, but a decadent and dewy drop of luxury in the routine to be sure.

DEVIANT SKIN CARE

Facial Oil

For those with more sensitive and stressed-out complexions, Deviant Facial Oil is formulated without essential oils, for even the most delicate of peau. RoseHip and Pomegranate work to improve elasticity, while Black Cumin and Tamanu offer incredible regenerative benefits. A favorite on my husband’s side of the bathroom, the addition of antioxidant-rich Raspberry, Cranberry and Blueberry Seed work to keep skin aggressors at bay, and the €42 price-tag feels more than gentle on the wallet.

CeraVe

Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

If the thought of oils lazing about your face is still too much to handle (and bravo for reading thus far) but you still find yourself intrigued to do a little nighttime slip-n-slide, CeraVe Cleansing Oil has all the luxurious texture one might crave yet none of the risk or commitment. Perfect for AM or the double-cleanse PM, this lightly foaming oil gently removes impurities and makeup while plant derived squalene oil, triglycerides and ceramides prevent that pesky process of TEWL.

Skin is left soft, fresh, balanced and hydrated, ready for any proceeding step (oil ou pas) in your glowy regimen.

Team oil or pas de tout ? Tell me below :)

until the next glow up!

xx, Blair