In my skincare routine, cleansing is the step I enjoy the most. It’s also the step that I often see done so very wrong. I recently saw an advertisement from a popular brand of bar soap promoting itself as a facial cleanser. The horror! Soap (an alkaline product) really should not go anywhere on the skin (an acidic surface). The excessive use of face wipes is also a pet peeve; so much wastage, not enough cleansing power.
Here are some of my favourite cleansers that will do the job well:
Clinique Take the Day Off Balm — The make-up killer
Make-up doesn’t stand a chance in a fight with this cleanser. It’s a scent-free balm that starts melting into a thin oil when spread on the face. Everything from full-coverage foundation to waterproof mascara disintegrates as the oil is massaged into the skin. After this, the most satisfying part is wiping it all off with a warm washcloth.
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser — The refresher
A friend kindly picked this up for me from the brand’s New York City store, starting a transatlantic love affair separated by the lack of international shipping. This simple rose-scented cleanser does not foam and feels like cool, thickened water on the skin. It’s the cleanser I reach for the most because of how deliciously jellylike it is and how fresh it makes my skin feel after.
Jane Scrivner Nourishing Cleansing Balm — The luxury experience
This award-winning product is pricey but worth the splurge for the high quality, and for the fact that it’s a small business with a focus on responsibly sourced ingredients and customer satisfaction. You could even message Scrivner herself on Instagram and have a chat. The balm is made up of organic jojoba oil, beeswax and nine essential oils. It melts into a sweet lemon-scented oil that smells like you’re in a spa. Massage it into the skin and then remove with a warm, damp washcloth. The skin is left soft, hydrated and plump.
COSRX Low-pH Good Morning Cleanser — The quick and dirty
After all this talk of balms and washcloths, I must include a traditional foaming face wash that is quite unlike a traditional foaming face wash; it won’t leave your skin crying out for moisture. It has a low pH (that means acidic) so it won’t throw your skin out of balance. I wouldn’t try using it for make-up removal, but for a general cleanse it works like a charm.
