They’ve been a beauty buzzword for some time now, but many women are still wary of oils, believing that they’ll cause greasiness. The truth is that beauty oils typically contain concentrated, highly effective ingredients that nourish skin (yes, even oily skin) and make for shinier, more manageable hair.
They also create a protective barrier against cold, dry winter air. All you need is a few drops of the good stuff and the right technique. This collection uses the best up-to-the-minute ingredients.
Face
L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Extraordinary Oil Face
Use it for: Anti-ageing, hydration and to combat oiliness.
Star ingredients: Lavender, rose and chamomile.
Contrary to popular belief, good-quality facial oils will actually help to control your skin’s sebum production, reducing oiliness and breakouts. If, however, you have dry skin, adding a few drops of hydrating oil to your skincare regime will pack in moisture.
Tip: Apply one or two drops onto your hand first and then use your fingertips to gently press the oil onto your skin.
Hair
Dove Pure Care Dry Oil for Mature Hair
Use it for: Moisture and damage control.
Star ingredient: Anatolian pomegranate seed oil.
Hair oils excel at restoring lost moisture and rejuvenating tired, dull-looking hair. Some hair oils even multitask, standing in for serums, leave-in conditioners and shine sprays.
Tip: Apply from the mid-lengths of your hair down and start with too little – you can always add more.
Body
Clicks Vitamin E Tissue Oil
Use it for: Hydration, firmness and fading stretch marks.
Star ingredients: Calendula, lavender, rosemary and chamomile.
Well-hydrated skin stays firmer for longer, which is one good reason to use body oil. Another good reason is that, where they contain healing ingredients, body oils can help to prevent and fade stretch marks – great for use during pregnancy.
Tip: Massage oil into your body using a circular motion. Weekly exfoliation will enable the oil to penetrate effectively.
Nails
Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil
Use it for: Cuticle repair and nail strengthening.
Star ingredients: Cottonseed and soybean oil. Massaging cuticle oil into your nail bed softens your cuticles and strengthens your nails (trust us, they’ll love you for this).
Tip: Always massage the oil into and around your nails, otherwise excess oil that’s not absorbed will get on everything you touch.
Best handbag buy
Oh So Heavenly Crème Oil Pomegranate and Rosehip Oil Hygiene Waterless Hand Cleanser.
Keeps hands clean and cared for, fights off winter bugs, moisturises dry skin and forms a protective barrier against the elements.