facIAL OIL - combination/OILY skin

Stay with us, here. (You were going to skip over this category, weren’t you?) Because although it might sound counterintuitive, the right facial oils can actually help skin that is congested, oily, prone to breakouts and generally misbehaving itself. As a result, if yours is one (or more) of those skintypes, you may well be a facial oil refusenik. Even if you have ‘normal’ skin, you may steer clear of oils.

But here’s the thinking: if you strip too much oil away from skin, production simply goes into overdrive and makes more. However, if you balance skin with a carefully-blended facial oil, the opposite happens and your skin calms right down on the oil-production front.

As we highlighted two particular oils that are good for oily, combination and problem skins, we’ve created a special category for these winners…

GOLD AWARD and BEST NATURAL Poko Luxury Facial Oil

As CBD-powered brand Poko explain, ‘If your skin veers towards oily, a facial oil might not sound like the best possible idea. However, our Luxury Facial Oil is not just for dry skin: it might be just what your skin needs.’ It also targets sun spots and mild breakouts. Designed to repair via omega fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E and F, it’s a combo of 13 flower, fruit and root extracts including baobab oil (to rejuvenate damaged skin cells), crambe seed oil (for plumpness), pomegranate (an antioxidant powerhouse), moringa (to cleanse and support healing from acne, calm redness and soothe irritation from breakouts). Plus, of course, that CBD. Packaging is mostly recyclable, including the lids and pumps (not often the case), but not the label and pipette. (‘Yet,’ Poko say. ‘We’re working on it.)

£27 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘The elusive 10/10 has been given at last!! I don't normally use a facial oil; I have usually found them to make my skin too greasy. This is completely different – it doesn't leave an oily residue at all’ • ‘A lovely, natural product crammed with essential oils (and cruelty-free, too). It’s also one of the more reasonably priced facial oils on the market, and a little goes a long way. I think if I was asked to recommend one product which would definitely improve the health and appearance of my face then this would be it!’ • ‘A beautifully freshly fragranced oil, goes on well, feels light but hydrating, glides on beautifully and sinks in well, not at all oily. My skin feels soft, hydrated and appears plumper’ • ‘An age spot on my forehead appeared to have faded slightly; fine lines seem less visible. But it doesn't leave the skin oily which is the main thing!’ • ‘Fragrance faintly fruity and spicy – very pleasant and not overpowering’ • ‘Very easy to apply – I combined it with the facial massage I usually give myself daily. It sank in very quickly leaving a non-greasy surface; I felt my skin was definitely softer and plumper after first use, and this made wrinkles less obvious too! I've been told I don't look my age which is very nice to hear :)’ • ‘I love this oil! My partner has commented how smooth my skin looks. I usually avoid oils as I don’t like the feeling of them sitting on my skin, but this absorbs quickly and just left my skin feeling hydrated and looking glowy’ • ‘I felt the uneven texture and pigment of my skin had improved slightly; my skin looks healthier and more radiant, feels smoother and more supple. These changes have contributed to making my skin look younger than before I started using the oil.’

£27 for 30ml - click to buy 

SILVER AWARD Jane Scrivner Pore Purity

Superfacialist Jane Scrivner truly, deeply understands skin – and so it comes as no surprise to us, always in awe of her wisdom, that over the years her range has done really well in the Beauty Bible Awards. In this case, Pore Purity is described as a ‘zero-comedogenic barrier repair oil’, formulated ‘for skin that’s prone to breakouts, congestion and clogged pores,’ working to nourish skin ‘without contributing to any of these skin concerns.’ This lightweight oil blends clarifying organic watermelon seed oil, to moisturise and condition without blocking pores, as well as sandalwood – a natural astringent essential oil that tackles oil over-production.

£43 for 30ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘I was really surprised at how well my skin absorbed this – it didn’t take long either. There is a really light fragrance and I really liked this product on my skin; it looked fresher and plumper, not look greasy, dewy or shiny. (I would not want to look dewy!)’ • ‘Lovely product. My skin seemed smoother and more moisturised; it kept my hormonal breakouts under control, too – a real benefit to find an oil that is effective at dealing with hormonal breakouts. I will definitely buy this oil again’ • ‘My skin felt softer and clearer, my nose felt less oily and overall hydration levels seemed balance, to give an overall impression of a more balanced skin type’ • ‘My skin is combination, and I am prone to breakouts. However, I am nearly 40 so I am starting to see other skin changes: lacklustre complexion, dullness. (It’s never dry, but sometimes I just feel a little moisture is needed. Well, this oil is light, smooth and scented beautifully. Because it is lightweight it blends into the skin easily; the fragrance is not too strong, but strong enough to breath in when applying, to enjoy the earthy sandalwood. Great stuff’ • ‘If you’re struggling with combination skin – or even an oily T-zone – this product will help balance out your skin whilst leaving it beautifully soft, smooth, not oily or greasy. It’s really light and easy to apply, sank in easily – so much better than other face oils I've used’ • ‘For me, I felt it really helped balance my skin texture; after 28 days my skin felt less like two disparate textures (oily T-zone, the rest more normal), but much more a normal, hydrated texture overall. It’s the perfect blend of moisture and plumping, without leaving a residue or blocking pores’ • ‘I struggle with most things greasy on my skin, but with patience, this sinks in and leaves your skin glowing without shine. This product didn't make my skin produce more oil; in fact, I felt it reduced the production. My skin was plump, radiant and clear after two weeks of continuous use. Impressive!’

£43 for 30ml - click to buy