The best facial oils - the simplest way to add radiance to older skin
Facial oils for the over-50s are what our skin is craving. Our expert shares her 5 top products.
Facial oils for the over-50s are what our skin is craving. Our expert shares her 5 top products.
When I was growing up, one of my most prized possessions was my Paddington Bear diary.
"Dear Paddy," I’d write each night before documenting my day in detail. But unlike my illustrious diarist predecessor Samuel Pepys, I struggled to capture the defining moments of my era. He had the Great Fire of London. I had: "Today I went to WH Smith. I bought a pink pen".
One thing I also dwelt on was future me.
"When I grow up, I will marry a lawyer. I will have a Labrador. I will look like Pam Ewing from Dallas". The lawyer and the Labrador were replaced in subsequent entries by Simon Le Bon and a Dalmatian. But my confidence that I would eventually turn into Pam Ewing never wavered.
Pam Ewing, aka actor Victoria Principal, was the epitome of 1980s perfection. She had glossy hair, shoulder pads with their own postcode, and earrings so vast they required removal every time she took a phone call. But the most impressive thing about Pam was her complexion, which remained so perfectly shine-free that it defied not only the Texan sun but also nature itself.
Back then, glowing skin was considered a moral failing. Women used powder, and beauty regimes were largely based around stripping oil from the face. Then, about 15 years ago, Korean beauty took off, popularising the aesthetic of dewy, luminous ‘glass’ skin. At the same time dermatologists began talking about the benefits of oils as part of a regular beauty routine. It turns out oils were what our skin had been craving all along.
And the best news for us over-50s? Facial oils are one of the simplest ways to restore instant radiance. So, I’m going to do the decent thing and share some of my absolute faves with you.
To the person who once gifted me Votary Super Seed Facial Oil (1, RRP £79), marry me immediately. This super lightweight, gentle blend of more than 20 nutrient-rich seed oils – including pumpkin, chia and broccoli – is practically a facial in a bottle. Gorgeously silky, it always leaves my complexion looking beautifully smooth, and impressively youthful.
Beauty editors rave about Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil (2, RRP £45). Beloved for its ability to revive tired, dehydrated skin, it’s formulated with blue orchid extract to restore moisture and hazelnut oil to boost elasticity. It’s also a total spa experience thanks to the divinely woody aroma of patchouli and rosewood. And it’s quite the little genius at tackling fine lines.
If you’re after an affordable oil that punches well above its weight, meet your new best friend, The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil (3, RRP £9.70). Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin A, rosehip oil is especially good for mature skin as it helps improve firmness and elasticity. It also soothes irritation and redness, making it a game-changer for sensitive skin.
Yep, it’s blue but don’t let that put you off Sunday Riley’s Luna Sleeping Night Oil (4, RRP £45). This cult favourite does all the hard work while you sleep, restoring plumpness and minimising wrinkles. A retinol oil (great for tackling ageing), it’s blended with skin-soothing blue tansy extract and camomile. Worth the price given the glow I developed in just four weeks.
Finally, allow me to share one of my favourite Superdrug aisle finds, Revolution Pro Miracle Oil (5, RRP £10). Packed with hydrating plant oils to keep skin supple and plump, it glides on like velvet, helping to lock in moisture and restore radiance. It’s also formulated for menopausal skin, making it a budget-friendly winner of a facial oil for thirsty mid-life complexions.
Enjoy your facial oils – it’s time to officially enter your glow-up era.
Hero image credit: Saga Magazine
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