Get Oiled

The good ones are not oily and stinky, won’t clog pores, and are essential for skin and hair health.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Maybe it’s our humid climate. Maybe it’s because our skin breaks out at the slightest provocation. In any case, the idea of using oil on our face, scalp and hair isn’t something we take to intuitively.

The truth is, the right kind of face oils are our best bets for achieving healthy skin because of how they help shore up the skin barrier – that outermost layer of cells and oils that is the skin’s first line of defence against external factors, keeping moisture in and damaging stuff out. And since a weak barrier brings on problems such as dehydration, dullness and sensitivity, strengthening it is right up there on the to-do list for better skin.

Not only are oils good for all skin and hair types – yes, even oily and blemish-prone complexions, and greasy scalps  – many are lightweight, fast-absorbing and won’t result in a slick face or head.

How to use: Add a few drops to your moisturiser or foundation, or apply it as the last step of your skincare routine to seal in moisture. For hair, use an oil-infused shampoo. Remember though: Using a face oil doesn’t mean you can skip the moisturiser, as skin needs both oil and water to function well. - GYH

 
For blemished skin
Lightweight, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, the oils here help tackle acne.
 
My Reading Room
SUNDAY RILEY U.F.O. ULTRA-CLARIFYING FACE OIL, $59
Moisturises and balances out the potential drying effects of salicylic acid.
 
My Reading Room
VOTARY CLARIFYING FACE OIL, $129
Its base oils of oat, rice bran and peach are soothing and quickabsorbing.
 
The face oils that give you better skin
 Delicate textures with solid benefits.
My Reading Room
1. KORA ORGANICS NONI GLOW FACE OIL, $32

Softens and strengthens skin while reducing the signs of sun damage.

2. HUXLEY OIL: LIGHT AND MORE, $59

Its star ingredient, prickly pear seed oil, is said to be lighter yet more moisturising than argan oil.

3. SK-II FACIAL TREATMENT OIL, $205

The brand’s signature ingredient Pitera + six highly nourishing oils, such as avocado, jojoba and rice bran.

4. CHANEL HUILE DE JASMIN, $216

Smoothens, nourishes and fortifies skin with premium oils chosen for their high skin compatibility, as well as a jasmine extract from the brand’s exclusive fields in Grasse, France.

5. L’OCCITANE DIVINE YOUTH OIL, FROM $89

Its eight natural oils reportedly offer double the anti-ageing power of vitamin E.

6. CHANTECAILLE ROSE DE MAI FACE OIL, $310
Packs in the brightening, anti-ageing and healing benefits of various roses, including the vitamin C-rich Rose de Mai.
 

Oil-infused shampoos for different hair conditions 

Sulfate-free and low-lathering ones work best as they don’t remove oils from the scalp.
My Reading Room
ACT+ACRE COLD PROCESSED HAIR CLEANSE, $41
Antioxidants and an essential-oil base soothe the scalp.
 
My Reading Room
OGX RENEWING ARGAN OIL OF MOROCCO SHAMPOO, $16.90
Argan oil restores hair lustre and protects against heat styling and UV rays.
 
My Reading Room
HASK CHARCOAL WITH CITRUS OIL PURIFYING SHAMPOO, $16.90
Citrus oils remove impurities, but are suitable for daily use and colour-safe.
 
My Reading Room
DIANE BONHEUR GRASSE ROSE SHAMPOO, $22.90
Has nine certified organic, cold-pressed oils and 100 per cent plant-derived cleansing agents.
 
My Reading Room
JOHN MASTERS SHAMPOO FOR NORMAL HAIR WITH LAVENDER & ROSEMARY, $26-$46
Purifies and calms. Natural surfactants create a rich lather.
 
My Reading Room
KIEHL’S SMOOTHING OIL-INFUSED SHAMPOO, $41

Tames frizz and smooths coarse hair with argan and babassu oils.

PHOTOGRAPHY VERONICA TAY STYLING SHAN