Last updated on: November 22, 2025
For the longest time, I avoided face oils like they were trouble waiting to happen. I always believed oils would make my skin greasy, cause breakouts, or make me wake up looking like a frying pan. But I kept seeing so many women rave about them — glowing skin, soft cheeks, smooth texture… everything I wanted. Finally, I decided it was time to see what this “magic oil” hype was all about.
So for 30 days, I used a face oil every single night. And trust me, the results were a mix of surprises — both good and not-so-good. If you’ve ever wondered whether face oils are right for you, keep reading because I’m sharing my whole journey.
What Even Are Face Oils?
Before I started, I needed to understand what these oils actually do. Face oils are meant to lock in moisture, protect your skin barrier, and give you that healthy glow. They sit on top of your skin and help keep all the good stuff (like hydration) in.
But here’s something I learned right away:
Face oils don’t replace your moisturizer — they seal it in.
And no, not all face oils clog your pores. In fact, some oils can balance oily skin, calm breakouts, and reduce irritation.
Why I Finally Tried It
I have combination skin — dry around the mouth and nose but oily on my forehead. Makeup looked patchy sometimes, especially in winter. I was tired of that dull, tired look. Plus, scrolling through TikTok and seeing women wake up glowing did influence me — guilty!
My hope? Softer, plumper, and smoother skin.
Choosing My Face Oil
This was the most confusing part. There are SO many options. At first, I almost picked coconut oil (because who hasn’t used it for everything?), but thankfully I learned it can clog pores.
After reading a bit, I matched oils with skin types:
| Skin Type | Best Oils |
|---|---|
| Oily Skin | Jojoba, Grapeseed |
| Dry Skin | Argan, Marula, Rosehip |
| Sensitive Skin | Squalane, Calendula |
I went with Squalane oil because it’s lightweight and great for balancing skin.
Best decision ever.
My 30-Day Experience — The Real Talk
Here’s how the month went, week by week:
Week 1
Night one, I used way too much and woke up shiny like a disco ball. Lesson learned: 2–3 drops is enough.
My skin didn’t look much different yet, but it felt softer. No major breakouts — good start.
Week 2
I started noticing a subtle glow. The dry areas looked better. My makeup wasn’t clinging to dry patches anymore. But my T-zone got a little extra oily during the day — so I kept oils only at night.
Week 3
This was the wow week. My skin felt smoother when I touched my cheeks — like I had been secretly exfoliating. Some acne marks on my chin seemed lighter too. I actually started waking up excited to look in the mirror.
Week 4
My skin was looking happily hydrated — a soft glow even without makeup. I also got fewer white flakes around my nose and lips. My confidence went up a notch because my skin finally looked alive.
The Benefits I Noticed
Here’s everything I personally loved:
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My skin felt moisturized all night
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Dry patches almost disappeared
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Natural glow without greasy look (once I used less oil!)
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Makeup applied smoother
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Skin texture felt softer
The biggest win ➝ I looked more refreshed in the morning.
The Not-So-Great Stuff
It wasn’t perfect and here’s what bugged me:
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If I used too much oil → my pores looked larger
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A tiny breakout showed up when I applied without moisturizer first
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Didn’t work well with all products (peels + oils = irritation for me)
Face oils need the right order in your routine and the right amount.
How I Applied It (The Right Way)
I tried a few methods but this one worked best:
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Cleanse your face
-
Apply serum
-
Apply moisturizer
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Seal it in with 2–3 drops of oil
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Press lightly into skin — don’t rub hard
Tip: Apply oil last or it won’t let your moisturizer sink in.
Also, don’t use oils every morning if you already get oily fast.
Face Oils I’d Recommend to You
Based on research and what other women love:
For Dry Skin
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Argan Oil
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Marula Oil
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Rosehip Oil
For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
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Jojoba Oil
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Grapeseed Oil
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Squalane Oil
For Sensitive Skin
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Calendula Oil
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Squalane Oil
Affordable Options
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The Ordinary Squalane
-
Good Molecules Pure Rosehip Oil
Splurge Options
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Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Oil
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Sunday Riley Luna or Juno Oil
My Honest Thoughts — Is It Worth It?
Absolutely YES — if you use the right one for your skin.
Face oils didn’t just make my skin softer, they helped me feel better about how I looked in the morning. There’s something lovely about ending your day with a nourishing step that makes you feel cared for.
But here’s who shouldn’t overdo it:
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If you already produce a lot of oil naturally
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If you’re not consistent with skincare routines
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If you have active breakouts (start slow or ask a dermatologist)
For me? I’m totally keeping face oils in my routine — especially during colder months.
Quick FAQs
Do face oils cause acne?
Not all. Look for oils labeled “non-comedogenic” (won’t clog pores).
Can face oils replace moisturizer?
No — they are a top coat to lock in moisture.
Can I use them in the morning?
Yes, but only a drop or two or you might shine like a light bulb.
Do they help with aging?
Many oils have antioxidants that support smoother, plumper skin.
Final Little Reminder
Every woman’s skin is different. What made me glow might not be your magic solution — and that’s okay. The fun part of skincare is testing what makes you feel your best. If glowing, healthier-looking skin is your goal, a face oil at night might just surprise you like it did for me.
Go slow, listen to your skin, and enjoy the self-care moment.
You deserve to wake up glowing.
