Hero Products Cleansers

Skincare

Since the beginning of this site I have been asked about my favourite cleansers. So here is my current definitive guide to facial cleansing. To give you a little background I have sensitive skin, which can be a little dry. So these cleansers are based around that skin type, although most of the products would work on any skin type, as long as you rinse thoroughly leaving no residue.

Oil Based Cleansers

This category is fabulous for removing makeup.

Eve Lom Cleanser

Elemis Omega Rich Cleansing Oil

Eve Lom Cleanser

Rub a generous finger full of the cleanser between your hands until it melts into an oil like consistency.
Then smooth it across your whole face, working into your skin with your finger tips in circles.
Press down along the brow line, under your cheek bones and temples.
Under a hot tap, rinse the muslin flannel until hot and ring out.
Fold the flannel in half and press it down on your whole face.
Remove and repeat three times. This will remove a lot of the makeup.
Then working in circular motions remove any remaining makeup and cleanser.
Finish by splashing your face with cold water, to close your pores.

Elemis Omega Rich Cleansing Oil

Pump a generous few pumps of the oil cleanser into your palm and rub it straight into your dry skin.
Work the product into your skin and carefully around the eyes.
Then rinse with warm water to remove the cleanser.

I love this product for washing your makeup off in the shower. I keep the bottle in the shower for that specific use.

Water Based Cleansers

I’m not a huge fan of face wipes (although there is one brand I recently discovered that I like), so I use a water based cleanser on cotton wool pads instead. It’s great for removing very heavy makeup before an oil based cleanser, as part of a two step cleanse.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Make-up Removing Micelle Solution

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Make-up Removing Solution

Apply generously to a large cotton pad. I like the big square ones.
Then press and hold on your eyes, and then lightly work into your lashes and lids.
Wipe away what you can without rubbing and then flip the pad over for a fresh start, and repeat.
Follow with a splash of cold water.

Foaming Cleansers

These options are all great for sensitive skin. I use them in the mornings and in the evenings (if I haven’t worn makeup that day).

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Elemis Biotec Skin Energising Cleanser

SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser

Luna Play by Foreo

Cetaphil Cleanser

Use a couple of pumps of the cleanser directly onto the Luna Foreo (or your hand).
Add warm water and then work the product into your skin in circles. I use my Luna on a medium speed setting.
Rinse off the cleanser with warm water. Then finish with a splash of cold water.

Elemis Biotec Cleanser

Again add a few pumps to the Foreo and add some warm water.
Working in circular motions work the cleanser into the skin.
Rise with warm water and finish with a splash of cold water.

SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser

Use a couple of pumps in the palm of your hands. Work the product into your dry skin.
Add a little warm water and continue to work the product into your skin.
Rinse with warm water to remove the product. It can take a couple of rinses to remove the film.

This cleanser will remove light makeup too.

Hardcore Cleansers

These cleansers are more deep and stripping. That sounds harsh but I mean it in the best way. I would recommend them as a once, or twice, a month treatment followed by a mask. Both brands also do wonderful masks.

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser

Fresh Sugar Face Polish

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser

With a generous squeeze from the bottle, work the product with your fingertips into clean damp skin.
Add a little warm water to your fingers and continue to work the product into a lather on your skin.
Using warm water, rinse the product off.
Finish again with a splash of cold water.

Photos by Frances Davison