How to Use Face Oil the Right Way | Tide & Glow

If you've ever bought a face oil and wondered do I put this on before or after moisturiser? Morning or night? How many drops? you're not alone.

Face oils are one of the most misunderstood steps in skincare. Used correctly, they're transformative. Used in the wrong order, they can feel heavy, greasy, or like they're just sitting on top of your skin doing nothing.

After 16 years as a beauty therapist, I've helped hundreds of women get this right. Here's exactly how to do it.

A face oil is not a moisturiser. It doesn't add water to your skin it seals it in.

Think of it as the final lock on your routine. A good face oil:

The key word is layering. Face oils work best when applied over water-based products not instead of them.

Skincare should always be applied from the thinnest consistency to the thickest. Face oil is typically one of the richer steps, so it goes near the end but not always last.

Here's the general order:

Step 1: Cleanse Gently cleanse to remove overnight buildup.

Step 2: Mist Spritz Glow Mist over face and neck. This delivers antioxidant hydration and preps skin to absorb what comes next.

Step 3: Serum Apply any water-based serum while skin is still slightly damp.

Step 4: Face Oil Press 1–3 drops of Dew Drops into skin. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and leaves a soft, luminous finish perfect under makeup.

Step 5: Moisturiser + SPF Seal everything in and protect.

Evening is when your skin does most of its repair work so this is when face oil really earns its place.

Step 1: Cleanse Double cleanse if you've worn SPF or makeup.

Step 2: Mist Spritz Glow Mist to hydrate and prep skin.

Step 3: Serum Apply any treatment serum.

Step 4: Face Oil Press 2–4 drops of Rewind Elixir into face and neck. This is your nourishing, barrier-supportive step the one that works while you sleep.

Step 5: Moisturiser Follow with moisturiser to seal everything in.

Less than you think. Here's a simple guide:

Start with less you can always add more. Warm the drops between your palms first, then press gently into skin rather than rubbing.

This is the most common question and the answer is: usually before.

Face oil before moisturiser allows the oil to nourish the skin directly, while the moisturiser seals everything in on top.

Exception: If you're using a very lightweight oil like Glow Edit, you can also mix 1–2 drops into your moisturiser or apply it as your very last step for extra luminosity.

Yes absolutely. The myth that face oils are only for night-time is just that: a myth.

A lightweight face oil in the morning:

Just make sure you follow with SPF. Face oil is not sun protection.

Rewind Elixir best for dry, depleted or perimenopausal skin. Rich in barrier-supportive lipids and antioxidants. Ideal for evening use or as your main nourishing step.

Dew Drops best for dullness, lacklustre skin or as a morning glow step. Lighter finish with subtle luminosity. Perfect under makeup or mixed into moisturiser.

Not sure which one to start with? Comment GLOW on our latest Instagram post and I'll point you in the right direction.

If you take nothing else from this here it is:

That's it. One step. Big difference.