Oils are the beauty industry’s equivalent of Marmite; you either love them or you hate them. If you’re in the latter camp, we’ve got seven reasons why it’s time to start embracing them. And, with the cold weather starting to bite, your hair, skin and nails will thank you for it…
Cleansing Oils Are Game-Changing
If you’re wary of using oils, then this is a great place to start. Together with a muslin cloth (or flannel), a good cleansing oil will melt away your makeup and any dirt and grime that has collected on your skin throughout the day. Using a flannel will ensure that every inch of oil is removed, yet your skin will still feel soft to touch. Our current favourite is Space NK’s NEW brand on the block, Medik8‘s Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil. It’s lightweight and transforms into a milky foam as you massage it into skin. It’s the cleansing oil we’ve even used in both the morning and evening.
Face Oils Nourish & Enrich
“Oils are excellent as moisturisers as they have emollient and occlusive properties. This means they can slip into the skin’s natural barrier to fill any gaps, nourish the skin, and retain moisture in the upper layers of the skin,” explains Daniel Isaacs, Director of Research at Medik8. “All skin types, including oily, will benefit from using oils too.”
The trick is to start with one or two drops and warm the oil up in your hands, before massaging it into your face, neck and décolletage. It doesn’t matter how dreamy the oil is, if you use too much your skin will feel greasy. Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial is a bestseller for the simple reason that it lives up to its name. We also love Kiehl’s iconic Midnight Recovery Concentrate when our skin needs a little TLC.
They Also Lead To Plumper Looking Skin
The simple task of massaging an oil into your skin helps to boost your circulation and aid lymphatic drainage. As a result, your skin tends to look plumper and more radiant before the oil even gets to work.
When it comes to slotting a face oil into your routine, it’s important to use any water-based formula beforehand. “The easiest way to remember is to apply in order of texture – lightest to heaviest. This will help maximise product absorption and ensure you get all the product’s benefits,” advises Daniel.
Hair Oils Smooth Flyaways
Anyone who regularly battles with frizz will be aware of the hair-smoothing powers of oils. The trick is to find the perfect hair oil for your hair, so it softens and nourishes without weighing it down.
“My tip for using oils is to use a very small amount (one-to-two drops maximum) on your mid-length to ends when your hair is damp and then blow-dry,” says Michael Shaun Corby, Living Proof’s Global Creative Director. “Once it’s dry, see if your hair needs more. The key is to use a small amount and build it up gradually rather than applying lots to begin with.”
Aveda Nutriplenish Hair Oil has become our gloss-boosting go-to now that the wet and windy weather has taken hold. However, we are very excited for Living Proof’s much-anticipated Vanishing Oil.
They Double Up As Treatments Too
If your hair is in need of a deep conditioning treatment you should consider applying an oil to the mid-lengths and ends about an hour or so before you shampoo. A good formula such as Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil or Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil, will double up as a nourishing pre-shampoo treatment. “Oils can also help boost the hydrating power of our conditioners and masks,” says Michael. “Just add a few drops to the mask or conditioner before applying to damp hair as usual.”
Cuticle Oils Make Your Mani Last Longer
Ask any nail technician and they’ll tell you that healthy cuticles are key if you want stronger, ridge-free nails. Well-nourished cuticles will also ensure your gel-manicure stays in place for longer without lifting or chipping. Keep Nailberry Little Treasure Cuticle Oil by your bed and massage one drop into your cuticles and nails each evening and you’ll notice a difference.
Lastly, They Work On A Different Level
The best bit of incorporating oils into your routine? A lot of them are infused with calming essential oils that help you to relax and unwind. Take Mauli’s Serenity Body Oil for instance. It’s infused with lavender, rose and sandalwood oils, which not only nourish your skin, but also help soothe a stressed out mind. We’re also fans of Aromatherapy Associates Relax Massage and Body Oil.
