How to Get a Natural Glow with Face Oils
Learn how to get a natural glow with face oils: pick the right carrier, dilute botanicals safely, and build a simple morning and evening ritual.
By the VitalResin Team — Skincare & doTERRA enthusiasts
Ever notice how skin looks softer and more luminous right after a facial massage? That fresh, dewy finish is exactly what a well-chosen face oil can give your complexion.
The direct answer: to get a natural glow with face oils, start with a gentle carrier oil such as jojoba, add a diluted essential oil at about 1% (roughly 1 drop per 5 ml of carrier), and press it onto clean, slightly damp skin, ideally at night. Face oils don't replace your moisturizer. They seal in hydration and add a soft, luminous finish that makes skin look healthy and radiant. Do a patch test first, keep citrus oils out of the sun, and give any new routine a few weeks of consistency. The glow you see is about appearance and feel: smoother-looking, more hydrated, more radiant. In our experience, simple routines done consistently beat complicated ones, and that is the approach below.
Choosing the Right Base for Your Glow
A face oil is built on a carrier oil, and the carrier does most of the work. Essential oils are concentrated aromatic extracts, not moisturizers, so they never go on the skin undiluted.
| Carrier oil | Best for | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Jojoba | Most skin types, the face | A liquid wax that sits lightly and doesn't go rancid easily |
| Sweet almond | Dry-feeling skin | Soft, familiar texture that glides well |
| Avocado | Very dry skin | Rich and cushioning, best at night |
| Fractionated coconut | Body and massage | Light, stable, non-staining (less ideal for the face) |
Jojoba is our usual starting point for the face. The carriers are not interchangeable, so match the oil to how your skin feels.
For the aromatic part, Frankincense is the classic hero for a radiant-looking, mature complexion. Lavender is gentle and widely tolerated, Geranium suits a balanced, even-looking finish, and Roman Chamomile is a soothing pick for skin that feels reactive. If you want a closer look at one approach, see our guide to doTERRA face oil for natural glow.
Dilute, Patch Test and Apply Step by Step
For the face, stay at 1%: about 1 drop of essential oil per 5 ml of carrier. Remember that Tea Tree is best kept to small, localized spots rather than the whole face.
- Patch test. Apply one diluted drop to the inside of your elbow, then wait 24 hours before your first use.
- Mix your blend. Add 1 drop of essential oil to 5 ml of jojoba in a small dark glass bottle.
- Cleanse gently. Use a mild cleanser and leave skin slightly damp.
- Warm the oil. Put 3 to 4 drops of your blend in your palms and rub them together.
- Press, don't rub. Press the oil into your cheeks, forehead and jawline, then smooth upward.
- Seal it in. Apply it after your serum or moisturizer to lock in hydration.
Safety notes matter here. Citrus oils such as Bergamot, Lemon, Wild Orange, Grapefruit and Lime are photosensitive, so avoid direct sun for about 12 hours after topical use. Keep oils away from the eye area. For more on picking a favorite, read our take on the best face oil for a natural glow.
Build a Simple Morning and Evening Ritual
A glow routine works best when it's short enough to repeat.
Morning: Keep it light. Cleanse, apply a lightweight moisturizer, and use just 1 to 2 drops of plain jojoba if your skin likes it. Skip citrus oils before heading outside, and finish with daily sun protection.
Evening: This is where face oils shine. After cleansing, apply your 1% blend and take a minute for a gentle facial massage. Small upward sweeps along the cheekbones and jawline bring a fresh look to the skin and turn the step into a calm, spa-like pause.
A few habits support the effect: drink water, get regular sleep and exfoliate gently once or twice a week. Face oils are one part of a ritual, not a quick fix, and benefits are gradual and individual. You can also explore the aromatic side of self-care with Serenity in your evening wind-down, or the soft, woody scent of Hawaiian Sandalwood.
For reliable background on skin and sun safety, the National Institutes of Health is a good place to start.
If you'd like to try these oils, registration with doTERRA is free and quick, and you can add any product to your cart. There is no obligation to buy a kit, and members enjoy 25% off the retail price. A small annual membership fee applies and is waived on orders over 150 PV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use face oil if my skin feels oily? Often, yes. Lightweight carriers like jojoba absorb easily and many people find a few drops balance the look of their skin. Start with 2 to 3 drops at night, patch test first, and adjust to how your skin feels.
Should I apply face oil before or after moisturizer? Apply it after your serum or moisturizer. Water-based products go on first, and the oil seals everything in. Press it gently into slightly damp skin for the most comfortable, dewy finish.
Can I use essential oils straight on my face? No. Essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil, and for the face we recommend 1%, about 1 drop per 5 ml. Always patch test for 24 hours before first use.
A natural glow comes from the basics done well: a gentle carrier, a properly diluted botanical, and a ritual you enjoy repeating. Keep it simple, stay consistent and let your skin set the pace.
This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.