I have gotten pretty lucky in the complexion department -- I have normal skin, an occasional blemish and the only skin issues I have are my dark circles, which are exacerbated by my fair complexion and the upcoming wrinkles I am valiantly fighting against with several anti-aging measures.
I believe that my good fortune is due to a diligent skin care ritual, a key component of that ritual is washing my face twice a day and removing all of my makeup at night. I prefer to mix it up on which product I use. This depends on if I need to remove heavy makeup residue, my skin is feeling dry or if I feel oily/sense a breakout coming on. Here are my favorite cleansers...
Morning -- Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser, Philosophy Purity, MAC Cremewash
Evening -- Philosophy Purity, Philosophy Clear Days Ahead, Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
Evening Pre-Cleanse/To Remove Makeup -- Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser
Currently these cleansers are fighting for real estate in my shower and the top drawer of my bathroom vanity. They are all fabulous cleansers and by all means you do not need to invest in this many products, but I am a bit of a collector of skin products #hoarderstatus which is excellent news for you because I have tested so many products I can now share my favs with you!
1| Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser
I used this product every day, twice a day for about a decade. Now I use it only in the morning alternating with my other AM cleansers. It contains salicylic acid, is very gentle on your skin and is very reasonably priced. If you are a teen with light to moderate acne I highly suggest this product, used twice daily in conjunction with the toner, moisturize and occasional use of the blemish spot treatment, it helped me spend the majority of my high school years blemish free.
2| Philosophy Clear Days Ahead
I just started using this product about a month ago and it is wonderful. It doesn't have a strong odor (I expected it too) and it is not harsh or drying (which I also expected). With summer comes rising heat and a lot of humidity, which can cause sweat and clogged pores. This product helps unclog pores and reduces the occurrence of post-sweat induced break outs. I use this less than twice a week on days when I have been outside a lot or have that icky cant-wait-to-take-off-my-makeup feeling.
3| Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
I use this to wash my face at night on days when I feel that my skin has lost a bit of moisture, this usually occurs when I have worn a lot of makeup and had to double up on my makeup removing measures, so this helps balance my skin back to normal.
4| MAC Cremewash
I have used this cleanser since college, primarily in the AM and find that it is great when your skin is feeling sensitive or tight, a great example is the day after you visited the beach or perhaps are a bit dehydrated from a little too much partying.
5| Philosophy Purity
If I was trapped on a desert island and could only bring one cleanser it would be this one, for me vacation is a bit like the desert island scenario due to the TSA liquid limit, and this cleanser is always the only one packed in my travel bag. It is gently, has a light and fantastic smell and removes all of the dirt, grime and impurities from the day. Love, love, love this stuff!
6| Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser
Megan from Style Me Swanky posted about her nighttime skincare routine, which included this product, She said she pre-cleases with this to remove all of her makeup and her recommendation was spot-on! I use this product to remove my makeup in the evening and then I will follow up with another cleanser to wash my face with.
5| Philosophy Purity
If I was trapped on a desert island and could only bring one cleanser it would be this one, for me vacation is a bit like the desert island scenario due to the TSA liquid limit, and this cleanser is always the only one packed in my travel bag. It is gently, has a light and fantastic smell and removes all of the dirt, grime and impurities from the day. Love, love, love this stuff!
6| Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser
Megan from Style Me Swanky posted about her nighttime skincare routine, which included this product, She said she pre-cleases with this to remove all of her makeup and her recommendation was spot-on! I use this product to remove my makeup in the evening and then I will follow up with another cleanser to wash my face with.
What is your favorite face cleanser?
