Facial cleansers feel as though they should be a fairly simple product to choose, but I found it tricky to find a cleaner that did the job without being too stripping. I’ve tried the various Clean & Clear products readily available in most groceries in the States, as well as the Shiseido Perfect Whip from a store when I was visiting Japan prior to the tsunami. For a while I was obsessed with Lush, but their cleansers were just not for me. Fresh Farmacy and Coalface were so-so, while Herbalism broke me out like nobody’s business.
#. The Cleanser Of My Choice
Then I found Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil Reducing Cleanser and I’ve never looked back. It makes my face feel clean, but not stripped dry of moisture and natural oils. Since making the switch I’ve found that I usually don’t break out unless I’ve been eating something super unhealthy like instant noodles or greasy food. I really like that it comes in a big 473 ml bottle because I like being able to cleanse 2-3 times a day without getting anxious about running out too quickly. I actually keep an extra bottle inside the shower so I don’t have to reach for the one on the sink after I hop in the shower. It saves me a bit of time and makes things a little more convenient!
#. The “Oil” Cleanser
I found that I needed a little something extra to remove my makeup as I was getting a little bit of foundation residue on my cotton round soaked with toner. Oil cleansers were all the rage when I was looking around, but I didn’t really like the idea of putting oil on my combination face, especially around the oily T zone area. After doing some research I found a review of Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil, and how it basically acts like a cleansing oil without containing actual oil. I decided to give it a whirl and I’ve been pretty happy with it. Basically I apply it all over my dry face taking care to massage it into my brows, eyes, and nose. Then I apply warm water and it emulsifies into this milky white liquid. After I wash it off I do a final cleanse with the Paula’s Choice cleanser and voilà my skin is clean.
#. The Clarisonic
I purchased my Clarisonic back in 2011 and I’m happy that it’s still going strong and that it’s super simple to use. I decided to invest in the Clarisonic because I didn’t see myself spending money on going to spas, and decided the Clarisonic could work as a home-spa. They do recommend that you change the brush every 3 months, but I found that they last longer if you’re not using it on a daily basis. I only use the Clarisonic 1-3 times a week as I don’t want to over exfoliate my skin. To be honest, it all sort of depends on the condition of my skin. If my skin is feeling sensitive, I give it a pass for a few days and let it fully rest.
Both the Sensitive Brush Head and the Delicate Brush Head felt a little too abrasive for my taste. I was happy to discover that they had come out with the Cashmere Cleanse Luxe Brush Head which feels like everything the Sensitive/Delicate Brush Head should have been. The brush with the cerulean bristles is the Deep Pore Cleansing Brush Head, and this one actually did wow me. It accomplished something that no pore strip has ever managed to do; it cleaned out the white heads from my nose in one go. Still, I am careful not to use it for anywhere other than my nose, as I feel like the other areas of my face are more sensitive.
Your turn ♥ What is your cleansing routine? Do you prefer to stick to a cleanser or try something different each time?
