The 12 best luxury facial oils, tried, tested & reviewed

Oskia's Restoration Oil is the perfect beauty antidote to a raging cold. Sallow, dull complexions are no match for this soothing blend of African acmella flower, omega-rich plant and flower oils, and alaria esculenta extract. Skin is visibly visibly bouncier and feels super supple, plus, the luxurious scent is utterly lovely and invigorating.

This nutrient-rich blend by Soho Skin is great if dullness is one of your major skin gripes. I find that I look easily more refreshed and bouncy after working this into my skin before bed. It contains antioxidants such as carrot oil extract and pomegranate oil to protect against environmental aggressors, and encourage speedy cell turnover. With olive-derived squalane as its base, this is another great choice if you favour quick absorption.

I'm wary of recommending products that sit quite so far on the upper end of the price spectrum, but Vintner's Daughter's Active Botanical Serum is truly first-rate. (Sorry.) Granted, it is marketed as a 'serum', but the delectable blend of glow-boosting ingredients (omega-rich fatty acids, nettle, rosehip seed oil, lavender, lemon peel and the like) is oily - and therefore qualifies, with flying colours I might add. The intensely botanical spa-like scent is heavenly and it leaves my skin feeling supple and lush.

Squalane is one of those rare hero ingredients (mostly sourced from olives or sugarcane) that works on almost all skin types and rarely causes sensitivity. Indie Lee's version is simple, yet effective and sits at a reasonable price point. Light, non-greasy and no-nonsense - ideal for oily types and people who are slightly fearful of oil alike. It feels almost weightless, to the point where a drop or two works beautifully mixed with my usual day cream if my skin needs a little extra nourishment.

Brainchild of supermodel royalty Kate Moss, wellness-centric Cosmoss has certainly made a splash in the celebrity beauty brand sphere. I adore the face cream, but the vitamin E-rich Golden Nectar facial oil is a really lovely choice if you're looking to treat yourself. Absorption is super speedy - perfect if oily residue has put you off oils in the past - and the skin feels instantly nourished and appears plumper.

Trish McEvoy's Beauty Booster was one of the least 'oily' oils that I tried - and it has turned into an unexpected favourite. The formula is packed with bakuchiol (a vegan retinol alternative) - excellent for reducing the appearance of fine lines and making the skin appear bouncier. Absorption is virtually instant and the non-greasy finish means that I have found myself breaking my own rule and mixing a couple of drops in with my moisturiser to layer under makeup (with no issues). 

From its inception in 1974, Decléor has prided itself on delivering premium, treatment-grade oils, and its Rose Damascena Aromessence is a glow-boosting triumph. The scent is palatable even for those who naturally steer clear of rose - alongside geranium and chamomile it is categorically mellow and relaxing. 

Emma Lewisham's Supernatural Face Oil is great for softening fine lines and is packed with essential fatty acids and vitamin E to replenish lipids and support skin barrier function. Designed as an alternative to retinol, it contains specialised plant chloroplast extracts to stimulate collagen production. It has a comforting, slightly medicinal scent and the combination of squalene and bakuchiol means that my skin is always left satiated and supple after application.

Globally renowned facialist Eve Lom knows a thing or two about glow, and her Radiance Oil is a case in point. Dull, lacklustre complexions are lifted, bestowed a post-facial-worthy level of illumination. The silky blend, containing hemp seed, avocado and abyssinian oils among other nourishing ingredients, features a super subtle scent, almost undetectable - ideal if you're not into strong fragrance. 

Whenever my skin is feeling delicate, (i.e. after some overenthusiastic flannel action) I find myself turning to MV Skintherapy's Rose Plus Booster to ease inflammation and soothe any sore patches. The Bulgarian rose and rosehip oil blend is specifically designed to balance out the redness associated with damaged capillaries and rosacea – a strong contender if your personal skin concerns align. My mini, hand luggage-friendly version has accompanied me on countless flights this year. 

For those with dry skin who are wanting to combat signs of ageing, the so-called retinol purge may be too much to bear. Bakuchiol is a great plant-derived, antioxidant alternative which smoothes tone, texture and, crucially, demands no downtime. I'm now completely out of my Bakuchiol Serum by Inika Organic – testament to how much I got on with it, as a beauty journalist who is constantly moving onto the next sample. The formula is light, sensitive skin-friendly and comfy, combining the hero ingredient with olive-sourced squalane.  

Sunday Riley's cult-adored Luna oil targets and works to minimise signs of ageing including fine lines, uneven texture and wrinkles using a high-performing trans-retinoic acid ester complex. The bright blue-green elixir, slightly startling at a first glance, tends to be the oil I reach for when my skin is feeling sluggish and sallow. It's a great, gentle entry point into the world of retinol, best slotted into your evening skincare routine.