How to Use Body Oil (Without Feeling Greasy)
To use body oil without feeling greasy, apply it to warm, damp skin straight out of the shower, use two or three sprays per area, and massage it in with upward strokes. Damp skin spreads oil thinly and evenly, so it sinks in instead of sitting on top. Wait a few minutes, then get dressed.
Why body oil feels greasy (and how to avoid it)
Almost every "greasy" complaint comes down to one of three things.
- Bone-dry skin. Oil on dry skin has nothing to spread into, so it beads and sits on the surface. On damp skin it glides into a thin, even layer.
- Too much. Most people use twice what they need. A concentrated oil goes a long way: start small and add more only where skin still feels tight.
- A heavy formula. Oils built mostly on thick butters stay slick for longer. Tahitian Oil is built on lightweight esters first, with shea further down the list, so it finishes satin rather than slick.
The five-minute body oil ritual
- Shower warm. Warm water and steam leave skin soft and ready.
- Pat, don't rub, dry. Leave skin slightly damp, not dripping.
- Mist two or three sprays per area onto legs, arms and décolletage.
- Massage in upward strokes until it disappears into skin. Thirty seconds per area is plenty.
- Finish with the glow points. One last touch on the collarbones and shoulders, where light catches.
Give it a few minutes before you dress. That's it.
How much body oil should you use?
Less than you think. Two or three sprays cover a whole leg. If skin still feels tight after a minute, add one more spray to that spot only. If it feels slick after five minutes, use one spray fewer next time.
When is the best time to apply body oil?
Right after a shower or bath, while skin is still damp. That's when oil spreads thinnest and absorbs best. If you shower in the morning, apply it then and dress a few minutes later. If you shower at night, it's a lovely last step before bed.
Will body oil stain my sheets or clothes?
Oil only transfers to fabric while it's still sitting on the surface of skin. Apply to damp skin, use a light hand, and wait a few minutes before dressing or getting into bed, and it will have sunk in by the time it touches fabric.
Body oil or body lotion?
Lotion is mostly water, so it feels light going on but can leave dry skin wanting more by evening. Oil has no water to evaporate, so a small amount leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated for longer, with a natural sheen. If you love a matte finish, lotion may suit you better. If you want skin that looks quietly luminous, oil is the one.
Who body oil isn't for
If you dislike any sheen on your skin, even a soft one, a body oil probably isn't your product. And because Tahitian Oil is fragranced, anyone whose skin reacts to fragrance should read the full ingredient list first and patch test on the inside of the arm for a day.
Try it before you commit
Our Tahitian Oil Mini Deluxe is an 8ml bottle of the same monoï body oil, enough to try the ritual properly for $15. If you love it, the full 1.69 fl oz / 50ml bottle is $62, with free shipping on all US orders.
Try the $15 mini →
Or go straight to the full size
Not ready yet?
Join The Vine for the ritual in your inbox, plus 15% off your first order.
Questions about using body oil
Can I use body oil on wet skin?
Damp, yes. Dripping wet, no: the water dilutes the oil and it runs off. Pat skin with a towel first, then apply.
Can I put body oil on before lotion?
You can, but with a good oil on damp skin you usually don't need lotion as well. Try oil alone for a week before adding a second step.
How long does a bottle of Tahitian Oil last?
Used a few times a week on legs, arms and décolletage, a 50ml bottle tends to last three to six months. Head to toe every day, closer to one or two.
What does Tahitian Oil smell like?
Warm and sunlit: tiare flower steeped in coconut, the scent of monoï, with a fragrance developed in the South of France.
Can I use body oil on my face?
Tahitian Oil is made for the body. For your face, use a product made for it.
Want to know more about what's in the bottle? Read our guide to choosing a monoï body oil.