Confused About Facial Oil Application.

Oct 3, 2015

Nathalie C.

Hi,
I always thought that facial oil had to be applied last, after any other skincare item in order to seal the moisture in and that no molecule would then penetrate the oil.

however, for the second time in two weeks I've been told the contrary. the other day a rep from a brand selling facial oils and cream said first the oil then the cream, the reason she gave was that the oil was mostly composed of essential oils.

then today at the bobbi brown counter, the clerks said to also apply the oil after skincare because it was a dry oil. She made a demo putting an absorbing paper after having massaged the oil onto my hand. It didn't transfer, however it wasn't a dry oil at all. It was composed of sesame, sweet almond, jojoba, etc.

Can you girls let me know whether the oil should be applied last and if not, why and at which step to apply it?

Thanks!

Oct 3, 2015

Shauna S.

Hmmm I'm not entirely. Sorry I can't really answer your question but I think it would depend on what kind of oil you're using as to when you should be applying it.

Oct 3, 2015

Chris M.

From my understanding, the lightest-weight products go before the heavier ones. So, if the oil is lighter than your cream, the oils would go first and vise versa. If you use other moisturizers, you could always mix the two. You may even be able to mix your oil into your other products...?

Oct 3, 2015

Nathalie C.

I didn't think about mixing. Let's wait for the oil experts, maybe they can tell which oils go before the moisturizer.

Oct 3, 2015

Shelley W.

It's truly dependent on the type of oil and it's purpose. I'm currently using two products from NUDE Skincare and I was directed to use the antioxidant cream first then apply the corresponding oil last. And that is direction received from the line itself. What type of oil are you looking to try? The oil from Bobbi Brown is not a dry oil at all and is best applied first then wait about ten minutes before applying the rest of your skincare. That oil is so so rich that a lil goes a long,long way.

Oct 3, 2015

Nathalie C.

The clerk said it was, but I knew she was wrong. So if the oil is heavy and applied first, wouldn't it prevent a moisturizer to do its job then?
What type of oils should go before and which ones after?

I'm not having any particular one in mind, I'm just trying to inform myself.

Oct 3, 2015

Shelley W.

Grape seed, almond oil...just off the top of my head can on first along with argan oil. Then apply a cream based moisturizer. I like to wait a few minutes before applying the cream just to allow the oil to absorb in the skin so this combo is best suited for PM use if time is limited in the AM. And yes heavier oils will prevent an active ingredient moisturizer from doing its job. So like jojoba oil for example...you will want to use after applying a moisturizer. Same goes for Shea butter oil.

Oct 3, 2015

Diana T.

I agree with Shelley it depends on the oil - I use stuff like jojoba oil and maracuja oil for moisturizing and I use it alone as a moisturizer - but I also use an oil mix for cleansing that has castor, jojoba, and a few drops of tea tree oil and maracuja - there is no right or wrong way to use oils really it's up to you how you use it - just do whatever works best for your skin.

Oct 4, 2015

Sarah N.

Shelley is absolutely right that it 100% depends on the actual facial oil and other skin care products you are using.

Oct 4, 2015

Marleen B.

L usually use a serum 1st, then an anti-aging cream (which does moisterize a little), then the oil last after everything else has absorbed to add moisture & seal my treatment products. If I want a little less moisture, I use an actual moisterizing cream. Or I mix the oil in with the moisterizer. If my skin is really irritated from cold weather or too much retinol, I will just use the oil or my Egyptian Magic Cream.

Oct 4, 2015

Nathalie C.

Okay, thanks a lot. I'm still searching for an oil to buy. I've been recommended one by Indie Lee, but I find the shipping too expensive to get it. When I finally have one, I'll ask again when this particular one should be applied!

Oct 4, 2015

Lin F.

I use Monsia Skincare but I have been applying Vit E oil around my eyes and on my neck before applying the day moisturizer with SPF15 during the day and after cleansing & toning in the evening I also apply the Vit E oil around eyes and neck before the intense night repair cream. Vit E oil is not greasy and is absorbed right into the skin. In the morning my skin still feels lovely and smooth. I am also applying it to my arms and hands - these show signs of aging first. I only started one week ago and I think it will take a few months before I can say it really works. I have taken a "before" picture of my hands and will keep a monthly picture diary to see if there is any improvement or not.

Oct 4, 2015

Shelley W.

That would be so awesome if you could post your results Lin! I had made mention a few weeks ago in a thread I created about how we need to not neglect our hands because they do show our true age if we don't take care of them.

Oct 4, 2015

Chris M.

@Nathalie, I recommend Squalane oil! Our bodies produce it naturally!! I mix Squalane with Hyaluronic Acid and it's amazing! Those two ingredients are often used as selling points for moisturizers and anti-aging products. Why not use the 2 best all alone, without all the additives?

Oct 5, 2015

Nathalie C.

Squalane is on my list Chris, just very hard to get where I live. What exact hyaluronic acid are you using and where do you buy it? Thanks.

Lin, I want to see your results as well! Very interesting!

Oct 5, 2015

Chris M.

I buy my Squalane and Hyaluronic Moisturizer through my facialist. She uses a line called Benev. The products are pretty pricey. They can be ordered off of her website:
http://www.skin90210.com/products - if you are in the You.S.
I have seen similar products, however, in health food or organic-type stores...the only problem is that you have to be careful of the quality.

Oct 5, 2015

Chris M.

(In the You.S.!)

Oct 5, 2015

Chris M.

Why does it keep coming out as You.S.??!! I mean the United States!!

Oct 6, 2015

Nathalie C.

Thanks a lot Chris, does it come in gel or powder?

Oct 6, 2015

Nathalie C.

Oh ok, I've seen it all in the website. Well I need to work on getting squalane.

Oct 6, 2015

Chris M.

There's a Squalane on Beautylish, however I know nothing about it. It's an oil, but it's very light! You can mix it with your moisturizer.