So, your skin isn’t feeling too nourished, but if you slather on any more moisturiser, your face is going to have a meltdown. All of these water and oil blends can sometimes be more hassle than help, filled with ingredients that create an unhealthy seal on the skin. Which is why you should be trying a face oil.

Often misrepresented as being greasy and occlusive, botanical and plant oils actually absorb into the skin far quicker than moisturisers. As the face already produces sebum, its natural oil, your skin recognises the molecular composition of plant oils and suck them up straight away. Call it biocompatibility.

“Face oils absorb into the skin more readily than a moisturiser and they are more efficient at delivering essential lipids,” explains Ms Arabella Preston, founder of oil-based skincare brand Votary. “We’re meant to have oil in our skin and over-use of drying ingredients and the natural ageing process result in a drop in these oil levels; replacing the lost lipids is the best thing you can do for dry, sensitive or ageing skin.”

Oils are also naturally composed of thousands of antioxidants, omegas and vitamins, meaning they give the skin a far more holistic treatment than any synthetic counterparts. On top of that, they are easy to use. “Think of them like your moisturiser but with more uses,” continues Ms Preston. “Smooth into skin post-shave, where they leave no residue on stubble or seal a serum in with your facial oil – they are a great way to ensure your actives [active skincare ingredients] do their job well.”

With that in mind, here are five of the best oils we could source – the only thing heavy about this lot is in the results.

A derivate of vitamin A, retinol is almost always found within an oil thanks to its stabilising effects on the active ingredient. Heralded as the ultimate multitasker, retinol has been shown to increase cell turnover, reduce signs of ageing and fight free radicals. It’s basically an anti-ageing powerhouse, so when you have it at one per cent (the highest it can go) with a blend of nourishing natural oils as you’ll find in 111SKIN’s Retinol Oil, you can expect to take a good few years off your face in 28 days.

One of the rare oils that combine natural extracts (think sunflower, jojoba, sweet almond and eucalyptus) with synthetic heavyweights in antioxidant and mineral form, La Mer’s The Renewal Oil is every bit as luxurious (and effective) as the brand’s classic Crème De La Mer. The oil is also infused with the cream’s signature Miracle Broth, so it might even be an upgrade. A few drops go a long way, too, mixing water-based ingredients to flood the skin with hydration and oil-based to saturate it in moisture. An easy, efficacious two-timer that would work well for frequent fliers and the time poor.

Another one that blends natural oils with synergic actives, you can expect to get a good dose of vitamin C and vitamin E with Natura Bissé’s diamond-infused blend. The thickest of the oils mentioned (don’t let that frighten you, it just means this is extra nourishing, and is best used at night), this is geared towards lifting and firming the skin. Take it down to the neck, which is often neglected in the battle against ageing and make sure you sleep face-up, unless your pillow needs a facelift, too.

Reactive skin types who shudder at occlusive oils, breathe out. Lightweight, fragrance free and filled with extracts that calm inflammation, Malin + Goetz’s Recovery Treatment Oil is all about restoring the epidermal barrier and strengthening your skin. Think post-sun, think post-flight, think post-breakup (it’s worth a shot, no?). If we haven’t convinced you to cool off on your creams yet, start with this one; you’ll be slathering on oil like your face is Mr Brad Pitt’s Fight Club body. 

Effective and hyper-moisturising, Sisley’s iconic Black Rose Oil melts into skin quickly, and counts a roster of grooming editors as big fans. Rich in omegas, phytosqualane and (of course) black rose extract, this is a godsend to soften, smooth and strengthen the skin. Want a TV-ready glow? It comes from this bottle.