You might think the perfect skincare routine consists of a cleanser, toner and moisturiser, but there's actually an extra step that completely revolutionised my skin! If you're cleansing, toning and moisturising religiously but still not seeing the glowing results you're after, I'm about to let you in on my not-so-secret weapon: facial oils.

After testing literally hundreds of facial oils over the years (it's a tough job, but someone's got to do it!), I've narrowed down the absolute game-changers that deliver beautiful results. These potent formulations are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids - and I've found the best natural options that actually work.

Why Your Skin Might Benefit from Facial Oil (Even If It's Oily!)

If you've been avoiding facial oils because you're worried about looking shiny or experiencing congestion, I totally get it - I was sceptical too! But here's the truth I discovered: the right facial oil can actually help complement your skin's natural moisture balance. It's all about choosing the right formulation for your skin type.

Designed to be applied after your toner and before your moisturiser, facial oils can enhance various aspects of your complexion, allowing you to truly customise your routine. These concentrated botanical blends deliver nutrients that regular moisturisers simply can't match.

Facial Oils vs. Serums: What's The Difference?

I get this question all the time! While both are amazing skincare investments, there are a few key differences between facial serums and oils:

• Texture: Facial oils feel like, well, oil! Serums are typically lighter, almost like a halfway point between a water-based product and a cream moisturiser.
• Ingredients: Facial oils often contain a potent amount of one or two key ingredients (some of my favourite facial oils really are just one pure oil!), while serums typically contain multiple ingredients to enhance different aspects simultaneously.
• Application: You can absolutely use both together! Just remember to apply from lightest to heaviest - usually the serum first, wait about 30-60 seconds, then follow with your facial oil.

Can't decide between the two? Layer a serum under your favourite facial oil for a supercharged skin treatment! And if you're curious about serums, I wrote this article on finding the best serum for your skin here.

7 Natural Facial Oils That Enhanced My Skin

1. Vanessa Megan N.E.O. (Nature's Elixir Oil) 12 Hour Miracle Oil

Best for: All skin types, especially those concerned with uneven tone

I was super sceptical about the "miracle" in the name, but after trying it on some areas of uneven tone, I became a total convert! Formulated with a beautiful combination of Vitamins A, E, P, K, Zinc and Omega-3-6-9, it works like a multi-vitamin boost for your skin. I've recommended this to dozens of friends looking for a more even appearance, and they've all texted me in amazement within days.

Key features:

• Visible enhancement in as little as 12 hours (seriously!)
• Certified Organic by ACO
• Helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone

Shop Vanessa Megan N.E.O. 12 Hour Miracle Oil

2. Mud Organics Sea Buckthorn Serum

Best for: Mature skin and intensive nourishment

This beautiful serum has quickly become one of my favourites for achieving that coveted glow. The rare Sea Buckthorn berry is a total skin treasure, delivering a complete omega complex that helps enhance the appearance of tired skin. I've been amazed by how this lightweight formula manages to provide such deep nourishment without feeling heavy or greasy.

Key features:

• Rare super berry provides deep nourishment
• Complete omega complex
• Impressive user satisfaction reports

User Reported Results:

• 80% reported improved Hydration & Reduced Dryness
• 70% experienced Softer, Smoother Texture
• 60% reported a Brighter and more even Skin Tone
• 50% noticed improvement in the appearance of Fine Lines

Shop Mud Organics Sea Buckthorn Serum

3. Black Chicken Remedies Love Your Face Serum

Best for: Normal to dry skin types

An oldie but a goodie! Though it's called a serum, this lightweight formula is actually chock full of nourishing oils that deliver beautiful results. It has lovely aromatherapy benefits from Sandalwood Wood Oil, Ylang Ylang Flower Oil, Bitter Orange Flower Oil, Palmarosa Oil, and Rose Maroc Flower Oil. The Evening Primrose Oil provides wonderful nourishment, while Jojoba and Vitamin E work together to enhance the skin's appearance beautifully.

Key features:

• Essential oils hydrate and nourish
• Evening Primrose enhances skin's appearance
• Vitamin E and Jojoba provide balanced moisture

Shop Black Chicken Remedies Love Your Face Serum

4. KORA Organics Noni Glow Face Oil

Best for: All skin types seeking a radiance boost

I was honestly blown away by how quickly this lightweight oil enhanced my complexion. The luxurious blend features organic Noni Extract (a superfood rich in antioxidants) plus vitamin-packed oils including Rosehip, Jojoba, Sunflower, Seabuckthorn, and Pomegranate Seed. After just a few weeks of consistent use, my skin had a natural radiance that hadn't been there before – no highlighter needed!

Key features:

• Certified Organic by EcoCert
• Helps improve the appearance of radiance and skin tone
• Suitable for all skin types

Shop KORA Organics Noni Glow Face Oil

5. Weleda Sensitive Facial Oil Almond

Best for: Sensitive and reactive skin types

If your skin is super sensitive, this gentle oil might be your new BFF. Created with pure organic Almond Oil and soothing Blackthorn Blossom extract, this fragrance-free formula helps maintain skin's natural moisture barrier while enhancing comfort. What I love most is how it complements sensitive skin without causing congestion – it's like a comforting hug for delicate skin.

Key features:

• Fragrance-free nourishing formula
• Dermatologically approved for sensitive skin
• Users report it helps reduce the feeling of tightness

Shop Weleda Sensitive Facial Oil Almond

6. Mukti Antioxidant Facial Oil

Best for: Enhancing radiance and youthful appearance

The Mukti Antioxidant Facial Oil is a nourishing skincare formulation designed to enhance radiance and luminosity. Created with a curated infusion of 15 of the world's most nutrient-dense antioxidant oils, this lightweight formula instantly absorbs into the skin, helping maintain the natural lipid barrier. It works to brighten dull complexions and impart a healthy, dewy glow while helping to protect the skin from environmental factors.

Key features:

• Lightweight antioxidant-rich facial oil
• Blend of 15 nutrient-dense oils
• Suitable for all skin types

Shop Mukti Antioxidant Facial Oil

7. Jojoba Company Australian Jojoba Oil

Best for: Oily and blemish-prone skin

This might seem counterintuitive, but applying this oil to oily skin has been revolutionary for my occasional blemishes. The Australian Jojoba Oil isn't technically an oil but a liquid wax with a molecular structure similar to our skin's natural sebum. This unique property helps it complement the skin's natural oil balance while still providing essential hydration. It's my go-to recommendation for friends afraid of facial oils because they're worried about looking shiny.

Key features:

• Helps to complement the skin's natural oil balance
• Hypoallergenic & dermatologist approved
• Versatile for use alone or under your usual skincare

Shop Jojoba Company Australian Jojoba Oil

Pro Tips: How to Apply Facial Oil for Maximum Benefits

After years of experimenting with facial oils, here are my top application secrets:

1. Layer correctly: Generally, apply products from thinnest to thickest. For water-based moisturisers, apply your moisturiser first and then oil. But if you're using thicker creams, reverse the order. If you're using both serum and oil, apply the serum first, then wait 30-60 seconds before applying your oil. Alternatively, use your serum in the morning and swap to oil at night for maximum benefits.
2. Warm it up: Place 3-4 drops in your palm, then rub your hands together to warm the oil before gently pressing (not rubbing) onto your skin.
3. Less is more: Start with just 2-3 drops - you can always add more if needed!
4. Timing matters: Use facial oils at night for oily skin types to allow all the goodness to work while you sleep, but they're also fine for dry skin types in the morning. They're generally best applied at night, especially if the formula leaves the skin feeling slightly tacky – something you won't want under SPF and makeup.
5. Customise: Don't be afraid to cocktail different oils for different areas of your face based on your unique needs.

Have you tried facial oils in your skincare routine? Which ones are your favourites? Let me know in the comments!