Beauty, Skincare
The world of cleansing products has grown dramatically over the last few years. Gone are the days of the choice being between soap and a thick gloopy cold cream. From my recollection my first grown up cleanser was Anne French with the iconic white triangular bottle and a blue lid!
Cleansing has to be the cornerstone of all skincare routines. Without effective cleansing you are wasting money on the serums and creams that you use. A clean canvas is the base needed for your skincare and make-up to perform to the optimum level.
Many skin problems can be caused by using products that are too stripping on the skin. I still recall a conversation from many years ago with a lady who had come to me for a new make-up routine. As always my questions started with her skincare. She told me her skin was very dry and flaky no matter what she used. On investigating a little further I found that after cleansing she was sweeping her face with a cotton pad soaked in – wait for it – surgical spirit!!! She informed me it was to remove the last traces of cleanser and to close the pores! I remained super diplomatic and professional whilst telling her it was best that she stopped that practice straight away.
I want to run through the different types of cleansers available and explain a little on how you choose and what exactly they do. You can watch the video above where I explain more about how to choose the right cleanser for your skin type, and the longer video here where Tracey and I talk about why we like these particular products.
Micellar waters are water based make-up removers that contain tiny micelles (like little bubbles) that remove make-up from the skin. They are super quick and great for sensitive skin as they are alcohol-free. They are also suitable for those ladies that do not like to use water on the skin. I often use a micellar water to remove my eye make-up prior to cleansing my face. Unless you use long-wear eye make-up you should find this an effective but gentle way to remove eye make-up. Also it leaves no oily residue behind. These products are also a prefect replacement for the facial wipe. Wipes are not an effective way to cleanse the skin at any age or at any time of the day. You know who you are out there who fall into bed late after a quick lazy sweep with a wipe! My personal recommendation would be to always perform a second cleanse after using a micellar water.
Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution* 100ml from £5.20 available from Escentual – watch the video here
Balms are emollient-based and in a butter-style rich balm. They are effective make-up removers as the oils emulsify and break down any make-up and SPF on the skin. Often containing essential oils they offer a luxurious spa-like experience. Always apply to dry skin and remove with water and a clean, fresh wash cloth. Cleansing balms can be used on most skin types. Some balms on the market may be mineral oil-based – check the ingredient listing as some expensive brands contain it. Mineral oil is often considered to be an ingredient that can lead to problems on the skin such as breakouts. Whilst on the subject of breakouts should you have a problem skin steer clear of Shea butter-based balms as these may be too rich.
Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm* 100ml £20.00 available from Amazon – watch the video here
These are emollient-based cleansers that again are suitable for removing make-up as the oils will emulsify it and remove it effectively. They are often more suited to normal to drier skins and can be removed with water or tissued off.
Bodhi & Birch Rosa Rosa Clarifying Cleanser 150ml £32.00 available from Bodi & Birch – watch the video here
Cleansing oils are emollient-based and originated from Asia where the ritual of double cleansing (removing make-up and then cleansing again with a different formula) has been around for decades. They are effective make-up removers again as the oil content emulsifies the make-up. All skin types can use cleansing oil and they are especially good at balancing an oily skin. Remember if you strip an oily skin with aggressive cleansing it will only produce more oil whereas if you use an oil-based cleanser the natural production of oil by your skin will slow down.
Sanctuary Melt Away Cleansing Oi* (this products has been renamed) 150ml £12.00 available from Lookfantastic – watch the video here
These do not usually remove make-up so generally are better used as a second cleanse or to wash the face in the morning. Even though you spend your evening asleep and indoors please always cleanse in the morning as you will need to remove perspiration and excess oils from the skin that have accumulated overnight. Apply to a damp face and rinse off. Some cleansing gels and washes contain mild exfoliating enzymes to keep the skin bright and pores clear. Cleansing gels and face washes are recommended for an oilier skin.
Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash* 200ml £32.50 available from Lookfantatsic – watch the video here
Merumaya Luxury Facial Wash 100ml £20.00 available from Merumaya – watch the video here
Just a quick final note, please always ensure you keep your cleansing cloths clean. I buy bundles of white flannels from Primark and use once and then pop in the laundry. If using a cleansing brush please keep the brush head clean.
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