Face Oil or Moisturiser? Which Should You Apply First?
Face Oil or Moisturiser: Which Comes First?
If you've ever stood in front of the mirror wondering whether your face oil or moisturiser should come first, you're not alone. It's one of the most common skincare questions—and thankfully, the answer is simple.
Using your skincare products in the right order can help maximise hydration and ensure your skin gets the full benefit of each product.
What's the Difference Between a Face Oil and a Moisturiser?
Although both products help keep your skin healthy and hydrated, they work in different ways.
A moisturiser is designed to add hydration to the skin while helping to strengthen the skin's natural barrier. Many moisturisers contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which attracts water and helps keep skin feeling soft and plump.
A face oil, on the other hand, is rich in nourishing botanical oils that help lock in moisture and support the skin's natural barrier. Facial oils also leave skin feeling silky smooth and can help improve its natural radiance.
Which Should You Apply First?
The general rule is:
1. Cleanse
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen and impurities.
2. Moisturise
Apply your moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps seal in hydration and leaves your skin feeling soft and comfortable.
3. Finish with a Face Oil
Apply a few drops of facial oil as the final step in your routine. The oil helps lock in the moisture from your moisturiser while adding extra nourishment and giving your skin a healthy-looking glow.
Why This Order Works..
Think of your moisturiser as giving your skin a drink of water.
Your facial oil then acts like a protective layer, helping to keep that hydration where it's needed.
Applying a face oil before your moisturiser can make it harder for the moisturiser to absorb properly, which is why most skincare experts recommend using oil as your final step.
Do You Need Both?
Not everyone does—but if your skin is dry, sensitive or changing with age, using both a moisturiser and a facial oil can make a noticeable difference.
The moisturiser provides hydration, while the facial oil helps nourish and support the skin's natural barrier, leaving your complexion feeling soft, comfortable and radiant.
A Simple Skincare Routine
If you prefer to keep your routine simple, try these three easy steps:
🌿 Step 1: Cleanse with a gentle facial cleanser.
🌿 Step 2: Apply a hydrating moisturiser.
🌿 Step 3: Finish with a nourishing facial oil.
Simple, effective skincare is often the best skincare.
Our Favourite Combination
At Mollie & Me, we love pairing our Age Defense Cream with our Radiance Facial Oil.
The lightweight moisturiser hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid and bakchui, while the facial oil helps seal in moisture with a carefully selected blend of botanical oils, leaving your skin feeling nourished and naturally radiant.
If you're looking for a complete routine, our Radiance Ritual Skincare Set includes everything you need to cleanse, hydrate and nourish your skin in three simple steps.
Final Thoughts
Skincare doesn't have to be complicated.
By cleansing first, applying your moisturiser next and finishing with a facial oil, you can create a simple routine that supports healthy-looking, hydrated skin every day.
Whether your skin is dry, sensitive or simply in need of a little extra care, layering your products correctly can help you get the very best results.
🌿 Continue Your Skincare Journey
If you found this article helpful, you might also enjoy reading Why Your Skin Changes After 40 (And What You Can Do About It), where we explore why our skin changes over time and share simple, honest skincare tips to help keep it feeling healthy, comfortable and radiant.