Strike oil for perfect skin

Many women avoid putting oils on their face for fear that they'll cause breakouts — the wrong oil can block pores. But the right ones can rebalance sebum production, moisturise and brighten complexions. "Essential oil molecules are more easily absorbed than water soluble ones, allowing them to provide vital nourishment," says Geraldine Howard, co-founder of Aromatherapy Associates.

THE OILY ANTI-AGERS
Good for: Lined or saggy skin
While the Raspberry Seed Oil in Aromatherapy Associates' Fine Line Facial Oil (£38.75, aromatherapy associates.com) is an antioxidant, African plum contains fatty acids to deliver moisture. Massage in then pair it with Sundãri's Chamomile Eye Oil (£36, cultbeauty.co.uk).

THE MAKE-UP BOOSTER
Good for: Creating a complexion that's dewy not shiny
MAC has the Grapefruit and Chamomile facial oil (£14, maccosmetics.co.uk) — apply after cleansing or mix with your foundation. The grapefruit oil purifies, the chamomile stops irritation.

THE OVERNIGHTER
Good for: Super hydration while you sleep
Sarah Chapman's Skinesis Overnight Facial serum-oil (£42, spacenk.co.uk) creates a treatment-like effect while you sleep. Meadowfoam, hemp seed and melon oil combine with vitamins and co-enzyme Q10 to protect against free radical damage and increase the production of collagen and elastin. Massage into the skin last thing at night or pair it with Sarah's Facialift (£24 from June 1, spacenk.co.uk) .

THE SEASONAL SAVIOUR
Good for: Skin that's prone to shine
Acupuncturist Annee de Mamiel's range of organic facial oils deals with sweaty breakouts, UV rays and temperature fluctuations. Her Summer Facial Oil (£55, demamiel.com) combines peppermint oil with a blend of kiwi and blueberry oils to protect against moisture loss and repair sun-damaged skin. Apply before moisturiser.

THE OIL-ABSORBING CLEANSER
Good for: Cleaning that's kind on dry and greasy skins
Shu Uemura's new Green Tea Cleansing Oil (£27, 020 7240 7635) contains jojoba, safflower and macadamia oils which remove make-up, grime and sweat and break down the skin's sebum production. The result? Clean skin that won't suffer from breakouts or dryness.

London's top three oil treatments
NUBO Ultimate Performance System Facial
Includes the latest hi-tech ingredients with Rose Otto facial oil for skin that's instantly softer and firmer. Perfect just before a night out. £100 for one hour, The Spa at Brown's Hotel, roccofortecollection.com

Elemis Visible Brilliance Facial
Incorporates Elemis's Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules containing moringa oil. They claim it's more potent that any other oil. £110 for 75 minutes, pacificadayspa.co.uk

Sisley Instant Revitalising Eye Treatment
For a quick boost, Sisley's in-store treatment menu at Selfridges includes facial massage using essential oils for a brighter, more glowing complexion on the go. £35 for 30 minutes, Selfridges.co.uk