What the Beauty Editor’s REALLY Say About Face Oil

Why are oils SO good for your skin? What's all the hype about? And can oily skins even use them? We asked Frankie Graddon, head of fashion and beauty at The Pool, Maria Lally, co-author of Clean and Lean, and Chanelle Ho, junior beauty writer at Porter to give us the low-down.

Why are people so nervous to use a Face Oil?

Frankie: ‘Lots of people I speak to are nervous of putting oil onto their face. It’s still quite a new concept and people are worried that it will make their skin feel greasy, which it doesn’t! Our mums grew up on cold creams and many of us have continued that tradition of a rich cream before bed. However something that sinks in quickly and feels lighter is starting to feel much more appealing. Plus if you do have oily skin, regulating your sebum production by using something nourishing like oil has massive benefits.’

Chanelle: ‘Yes, your skin will really benefit from a face oil as long as it’s suitable for your skin type. Oils can actually help to stabilise and regulate the overproduction of sebum.’

Maria: ‘People are definitely getting wiser about face oils now.’

What do you think of the blend of oils in the NEOM Face Oil?

Frankie: ‘Essentials oils have got a bad reputation for being irritants on the skin. However when balanced properly they can be hugely beneficial. For example rose-hip oil contains fatty acids and vitamins which helps with moisture levels, pigmentation, collagen and elastin. Almond oil softens, calms and helps retain moisture. It’s all about getting the right oils and the right levels, which NEOM aces.’

Chanelle: ‘They’re super relaxing and make it a dream to massage into skin! It’s the perfect blend for a mini facial. I like to use a jade roller with mine to really work it into the skin and add some pressure. Rosehip oil is also an incredible antioxidant and one of the best ingredients to help dry skin through winter months.’

Maria: ‘It's perfect for nourishing skin and inducing sleep.’

In your opinion, what are the best ingredients to put on your face to really nourish? Why do they work?

Frankie: ‘I have dehydrated skin so I’m a lover of Hyaluronic acid which helps your skin retain moisture. Vitamins are important; everyone one is talking about Vitamin C at the moment and this is great for protecting your skin and boosting collagen. Vitamin E is also great for skin health, being high in antioxidants, helping skin with moisture levels and being anti inflammatory.’

Chanelle: ‘I use a Hyaluronic Acid every night as it boosts your skin’s moisture levels. However if my skin is particularly dry and I feel like I need a treatment, I will do an overnight face mask.’

How do you use Face Oil?

Frankie: ‘I’ve been using the NEOM Perfect Night’s Sleep face oil after cleansing, before I put anything else on my skin. I put three drops into my palm, rub my hands together then take a deep sniff – the smell is incredible. Then I massage it all over my face and neck. If I’m feeling really dehydrated I’ll stick a night cream on top.’

Chanelle: ‘My skin is quite sensitive so I only use it when my skin feels really dry or needs some TLC. About twice a week and always on a Sunday night – it’s my evening to pamper myself and “reset” my skin for the following week. I will cut back on my other products (e.g. serum, toner etc) so as to not clog up my pores so I just double cleanse, apply the face oil and a tiny bit of moisturiser and lip balm.’

Maria: ‘I use it every night as part of my bedtime routine. Depending on how dry my skin is, or how dull or tired it looks, I put anything from two to six drops in a cupped hand and take a few deep breaths in and out, taking in the fragrance of the oils which calms me down and makes me sleepy. Then I rub the oil between my hands and give my face a really good massage with the oil, paying particular attention to any dry or dull looking areas. Then, using the residue oil on my palms, I dab my neck and the tops of my hands for a little moisture boost.’

Do you have a bedtime night time routine which helps you switch off and sleep better?

Frankie: ‘As I’ve got older I’ve struggled more and more with switching off so I am much more conscious of having some sort of routine that helps me unwind before bed. Last year I stopped taking my phone into the bedroom – this means I don’t look at emails right before falling asleep which is never conducive to a good night’s rest. My phone lives in the kitchen and I bought an alarm clock to wake me up. I also try and get into bed 20 or so minutes before I need to go to sleep so that I can read a book – this really helps me relax.’

Chanelle: ‘I rely on soothing and calming scents (lavender, chamomile, jasmine) to put my mind and body into sleep mode so I light candles in the evening. Before sleep I use a pillow spray and then flip the pillow over so it’s not too intense, and if I find that I can’t sleep the Calm app is a life saver to distract your mind. Also I’m not sure if this really works (I read that Miranda Kerr does this) but I put a rose quartz crystal under my pillow as it’s supposed to help heal and protect and gives off vibrations of self-love – which everyone could do with more of!’

Maria: ‘Absolutely and it's improved since I met fellow busy mum of two, Nicola Elliott (NEOM’s founder and creative director), who gave me a few more tips. Firstly, I put my phone away for the night at 10pm-ish and read my book in the bath. I always use NEOM's Perfect Night's Sleep Bath & Shower Drops. After 10 minutes I go through my cleansing routine, which involves removing my make-up, a spritz of Caudalie Beauty Elixir, and then a few drops of NEOM Perfect Night's Sleep Face Oil massaged quite firmly in. I finish by dabbing any excess oil on to my face, neck and hands. By this point I'm ready for a quick read in bed and then I'm fast asleep (and my bedroom and bathroom smell wonderful in the morning!).