As someone with combination skin, I can totally relate when people gasp at the thought of applying facial oil to an oily-prone complexion in our humid weather. After all, aren’t we constantly applying products and makeup to make us look less greasy, not more?
While facial oils are considered the norm (and even a must-have) in other Asian countries like Japan and South Korea, it remains a divisive beauty product in Singapore. Some can’t live without it and say their complexions have never looked more glowy and hydrated, while others claim that it causes them to breakout and their T-zones to look shiner than ever.
First, let’s dive into why they’re so popular. There are truly very few products as hydrating or nourishing as facial oils. They are rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and omegas, and give your complexion a gorgeous dewy glow, as well as improves your skin’s overall skin health and plumpness. And just like other skincare, they can help target different problems from fine lines to sagging, inflammation and even acne.
As with all things, it’s about finding the right one that is suitable for your skin’s needs. For example, facial oils made with grapeseed or evening primrose tend to be more lightweight. They are rich in linoleic acid, which provides essential moisture and gets absorbed quickly with no greasiness.
Cypress and grapeseed oils are also natural astringents, helping to tighten pores and reduce excess shine. They are perfect for humid climates and combination complexions. If you have dry skin, then pretty much any oil would be great. After all, all of them are able to hydrate parched skin.
If you’re not sure where to start, then check out five of our favourite non-greasy facial oils which treat skin without leaving behind any shine.
