The Greasy Girl's Guide to Oils

Oils, oils, oils! It seems like oils are all the rage in the beauty world right now. They seem to have a lengthy list of wondrous properties from taming frizzy hair to banishing stretch marks. I am one of those people cursed with both oily skin and greasy hair. If left alone, I would probably become the world’s best oil producing resource and solve all the world’s energy problems. For a very long time, I was terrified that using oils would leave me looking like the offspring of Severus Snape. However, after reading many a beauty blog, I managed to curb my fears and start to explore what the world of oils could do for me. I’ve got a little round-up of some of my favourite oils to share with you!

FACE

1. Tarte Maracuja Oil ($10.00 USD for mini kit) – I picked this up when I was in New York in March (you can read my full Sephora haul here) as part of a Tarte Night Skincare Discovery Kit which also included a mini C-Brighter Eye Treatment. I have been using this at night a few times a week and applying after toning. You only need about 3 drops so I’m hoping this teeny bottle lasts me a while. It absorbs pretty readily into the skin but has a weird smell, I was expecting something like rosehip oil but to me it smells like plain old cooking oil! The smell isn’t that noticeable once it’s been applied to the skin and I’ve found that the next day, my skin looks fresh and plump. I’m very happy with this little sample oil, it’s just such a shame that it’s about $95 for the full size! However, you can get the Discovery Set from Tarazz for $12.65. 

2. The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil ($34.95 for 28ml) – I love the Body Shop’s Vitamin E range, the Face Mist is a must have for flying. I went in to the Body Shop to pick up some more Seaweed Cleanser and spied this new(ish) release. It smells heavenly, much nicer than the cooking oil Maracuja Oil! Like all face oils, a few drops is more than sufficient for your whole face and neck and it’s very fast absorbing and lightweight. It claims to “replenish & recharge moisture” overnight and in the morning, my skin does feel soft and refreshed. I think the Body Shop has done a very good thing by creating this Serum! 

HAIR

3. Redken Diamond Oil ($24.50 for 100ml from ry.com.au) – Absolutely ages ago, I won a Redken haircare pack from Her Fashion Box. This Diamond Oil was part of the pack and I’ve barely made a dint in it, even though I’ve used it a fair bit. I do love the packaging on this, it looks like cut glass and the little dropper dispenser is very cool too. I only ever use the tiniest amount of this on my hair because it is quite heavy. I made the mistake of being far too liberal the first time I tried it and the “Severus Snape” look made an appearance. I think that it might just be too heavy for my fine, prone-to-being-greasy-anyway hair but if you have very thick or frizzy hair, it would be perfect. Smells delish too, puts me in mind of exotic spices and faraway places.

4. Garnier Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum ($7.99 for 100ml) – It shows how long I have been using this that they have gone and changed the packaging! This is one of the first hair oils I tried and it’s become a regular in my haircare routine. Although my hair is fine and can be quite oily, the end get pretty dry and I find that this really helps lock in moisture and prevent the flyaways that are the bane of fine-haired girls across the world. It contains both Argan and apricot oil and has that distinctive, fruity Garnier scent that I adore. It’s very lightweight too so you can use more than a few drops without fear of looking like you’ve been swimming in the deep fryer. 

5. L’oreal Professional Mythic Oil ($37.95 for 125ml*) – This was included in a Her Fashion Box and I have been using it as part of my work/field travel kit. Because I’m away so much, I usually have a separate set of toiletries for work so I don’t have to worry about packing and unpacking all the time. This is a great size for travel and the double cap makes it pretty spill proof. Like the Garnier oil, it’s very lightweight and made with a blend of avocado and grape seed oil, both of which are excellent for hair. The smell reminds me of salon professional haircare products and I like the way it lingers on my hair. 

*I have the 45ml version which is a much better size for travel.

BODY

6. Bio-Oil ($24.99 for 125ml) – If you haven’t yet heard of Bio-Oil, you must have been living under a rock! The boyfriend put me onto it after I put on then lost a fair amount of weight and ended up with some shocking stretch marks to show for it. Bio-Oil contains PurCellin Oil which essentially acts as a carrier for efficient delivery of the active ingredients (Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Calendula Oil, Lavender Oil, Rosemary Oil, and Chamomile Oil). You massage into affected areas twice daily for a few months to help fade scars and stretch marks. It does take a little while to absorb properly but it’s quite lightweight. I’ve heard this is fabulous to use through pregnancy too to prevent stretch marks or lessen their effect (though I can't personally vouch for it!). I still have a lot of stretch mark scars but they are now more faded and silvery rather than angry red and obvious. I also sometimes add a few drops of this to a bath because it makes my skin feel super soft and hydrated. 

I hope that I’ve given some of you some useful tips to navigate the world of oils. My skin and hair have certainly thanked me for being brave enough to try some oils out. What are your top recommendations for oils?

Stay beautiful!

Dani xx