Picking The Perfect Oil For Your Complexion Needs With Sanctuary Spa (PLUS WIN YOUR PERFECT MATCH)

Facial oils may be having a moment, but they've been used by skincare experts and therapists for decades as a way of treating skin in an effective and highly nourishing way. Everyone is increasingly obsessed with the multi-functional benefits a little bottle of rich oil can provide, but with good reason. Saturated with effective ingredients in much higher concentrations than your usual moisturiser, they provide a great way to treat your skin without overloading it. Because oils are lipophilic (or fat loving) they pass though the lipid layer of the skin faster, preventing water loss and plumping skin with moisture more effectively. If you apply an oil before your anti-aging cream, the oil molecules also trick the skin into letting active ingredients (such as retinol, glycolic acid and vitamin C) penetrate deeper into the skin, without irritating the surface. An oil is a perfect accompaniment to a targeted skincare regime, adding a little boost when you need it most - whether that's before your moisturiser, as a night treatment, mixed with your foundation or even rubbed onto dry patches and cuticles. Although they can be intimidating if you don't know what to look for, finding a great product that integrates into your routine is the first step towards great skin.


Sanctuary Spa may be more well known for their pampering body treats and bathtime heroes, but they have an expanding range of skincare products that provide an affordable way of looking after your skin every single day. This Autumn they're focusing on their range of skin oils (as it's the perfect time of year to start integrating them as our skincare regime needs a little change-up,) that together aim to prove that this isn't a step to be intimidated by; beauty oils can actually inject a boost of goodness in a really easy and pleasurable way - you just need to know which one to pick for your personal needs and ensure you've got the perfect match. With four different oils to choose from, each can provide a little helping hand in only a couple of drops.  

FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Ultimate Cleansing Oil (£12.00)
This evocative and sensual oil helps to cleanse and remove makeup, leaving skin feeling fresh, soft and hydrated. Infused with a special blend of oils (including jojoba, soy bean, avocado and organ) to nourish and leave skin silky smooth, this gentle cleanser effortlessly melts away dirt and impurities without leaving any residue behind. A great little addition to any routine, and so much better than a face wipe.
How To Use: Massage two or three pumps into hands, apply to skin in circular motions to lift away makeup and impurities, wiping away with a warm damp facial cloth. Repeat if necessary. 

FOR PARCHED SKIN: Therapist’s Secret Facial Oil (£17.50)
With clinical trials proving that two drops of this is as effective as a day cream five times the price, this beautifully scented oil delivers an intense and skin-balancing boost of moisture to leave skin looking fresh, youthful and radiant. A superfood blend of rosehip, sunflower, jojoba, wheatgerm, frankincense and rose oils makes this something exceptionally special for the price; free from mineral oil, you could be forgiven for thinking it's a professional treatment rather than an affordable high street treat.
How To Use: Massage two drops into cleansed skin before bed; add another drop or two to your moisturiser the following morning for an extra moisture boost.

FOR SIGNS OF AGEING: Wonder Oil Serum (£19.50)
An innovative formulation that combines an oil and serum in one product, this requires shaking to activate. The usual texture looks and feels like water, absorbing within seconds to leave skin feeling rejuvenated and plump for up to 24 hours. The oil phase contains a blend of moringa, jojoba and pomegranate for intense hydration, while the serum phase contains red rice stem cells to help rejuvenate and firm the skin; the result is a reduction the appearance of fine lines and a boost in elasticity, without a greasy or heavy finish.
How To Use: Shake the bottle thoroughly before use to mix the two layers; apply two drops to cleansed skin and gently massage in until fully absorbed. Follow with your usual moisturiser.

FOR TIREDNESS & DULLNESS: Overnight Miracle Oil (£19.50)
Intensely nourishing for a hit of goodness while you sleep, the Overnight Miracle Oil claims to rejuvenate skin for a more youthful looking complexion in four weeks. A combination of jojoba, sunflower, wheat germ, pomegranate and rosehip oils help to leave skin looking toned, firmed, soft, smooth and radiant - reducing overall signs of fatigue after only a single use. Free from mineral oil, this is a great one to inject radiance into your complexion without overloading the skin.
How To Use: Massage two drops into cleansed skin before bed; for an added boost, apply up to five drops an hour or two before your bedtime and let the oil get to work as a treatment.

I've been giving these a go myself and I've been extremely pleasantly surprised as to how good they are, and how well they compete with some other products in my repertoire that command three or four times the price. But I don't want you to take my word for it - I want you to get involved and try them out for yourself. I have three of each of the oils to give to a reader (that's 12 of you in total) so you can put them to the test and let me know what you think; if you're up for the challenge and want to find your own perfect match, let me know your details and skin concerns below. (It's worth noting that if you have super sensitive skin these products are definitely not for you; they all contain essential oils and fragrance that have been known to cause irritation amongst those with skin conditions and very sensitive complexions.) Together we can prove that beauty oils aren't just for spa treatments and super complex routines - we can all find our perfect match and turn to it every single day.

Have you tried skin oils before? Are you a little intimidated at the thought of a beauty oil and think it's maybe not for you? Why do you fancy giving these four new oils from Sanctuary Spa a go?




The Sanctuary Spa facial oils and cleansing oil are available nationwide via Boots stores and online, priced between £12.00 and £19.50.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Sanctuary Spa; all opinions are my own.
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