A lot of you have asked that I feature tips on essential beauty routines, as well as the more complicated and fun things (of which there will be plenty). And because nothing will work without good skin as your starting point, it only makes sense to start with the most basic of basics: cleansing.
Recently, I was shocked to discover that so many of my girlfriends (whom I’ve always just presumed have the beauty routine down pat) are utterly clueless when it comes to a basic skincare routine; some wash their face with bars of soap or shower gel, another exfoliates with a scratchy loofah glove (please don’t ever do this!). I’ve taken it upon myself to re-educate them (after all, not everyone spent their early 20s loitering at beauty counters, reading every lifestyle magazine and pouncing on strangers with flawless skin to share their tips as I did…), and each one is having a beauty revelation on the improvement proper cleansing makes. Because even if we think we can skip proper cleansing while our skin is naturally young and well-behaved, I promise you will reap the benefits of a good routine later on.
So because cleansing can be a tricky thing (there are so many products to choose from), here id my guide to deciphering the main contenders you want on your bathroom shelf (ideally, choose one from each category):
1. Basic Cleansers: These are your everyday wonders. Use them each morning and after makeup removal (if applicable) in the evening. Normal to oily/combination skin types call go for a gel version, dry and sensitive for milk or creamy versions. Frothy, foam cleansers should generally be avoided because, except in very few situations, they are extremely harsh and will sap your skin of its lovely nutrients. I have used Aesop’s Fabulous Face Cleanser (my absolute favourite which has done wonders for my previously sensitive skin) every day for years and years, but also rotate with Jurlique (who do an excellent range of gentle cleansers for all skintypes), Nuxe and lately Clarins – all of which are all super.
2. Oil and Balm Cleansers: I only introduced these into my routine a year ago but oh, what a difference they make! Contrary to belief, oil cleansers will not make your skin oily. On the contrary; they are incredibly balancing and softening – hydrating dry skin, calming sensitive skin, and sorting out oily skin. Use them either alone once a day or before your regular cleanser to melt away makeup (because oil attracts oil, nothing gets off heavy makeup like an oil or balm cleanser). To use, massage half a teaspoon onto dry skin for a minute before gradually adding water (just wet your hands and massage in) until it transforms into a milk and washes away completely. I adore RMK (fantastic cult Japanese beauty brand – they were way ahead in the oil cleansing stakes) for their delicious balm (smells like rose petals) and oil cleansers, as well as my trusty Aesop for their Parsley Seed Cleansing Oil.
3. Makeup Removers: Anyone who wears makeup needs one of these (basic cleansers won’t do the job well enough, leaving you with clogged pores or sensitised skin). Choose either a makeup wipe or a cotton pad soaked in a removal solution. I swear by Aesop’s Remove (lasts forever, and because it contains only three natural ingredients, it is one of the few products of its kind that won’t irritate sensitive skin or sting delicate eyelids) to get all my eye makeup off. If you wear rather a lot of makeup which you don’t want ending up all over your wash cloths, then makeup wipes are also your friend (I currently have Nivea versions living in my bathroom – no need to spend much money here as it’s going straight in the bin after doing its job, so the only criteria is that it’s as gentle as possible). Just please don’t rely on wipes alone – they only exist to take makeup off, not do any cleansing.
Top Cleansing Tips:
- Cleanse for longer than you think: whereas most of us wash it off after 10 seconds, try doing it for 1 full minute and notice the improvement in your skin clarity within a week or so.
- Particularly when using an oil or balm, give your skin a good massage with the product to boost circulation and blood flow (which in turn improves cell turnover and brightness)
- Go for products which are as gentle as possible and avoid nasty mineral oils (otherwise known as parabens or petroleum), strong chemical fragrances and skin-stripping detergents (ie. anything which foams a lot).
Do you have a cleansing routine or a favourite product? Don’t forget to keep your Beauty Wednesday questions and requests coming!
Love, Miss B xx
Great post! I’ve tried oil cleansers a few times, but they always seem to heavy for my skin. But they’re great when I need to remove heavy eye makeup! xx
Love this post! Cleansing is an important step.
I’m using Clinique 3 step for 3-4 weeks now. I’m not really happy about it, as my breakouts are still happening as often as before.
I’d love to know what ingredients are in the Aesop’s makeup remover. I couldn’t find a link on their site with the ingredients… Thanks!
Hi Betsy, I’ve just checked my bottle and the ingredients are as follows: grape seed oil, vitamin E and rare blue chamomile oil (all softening and nourishing). Hope that helps!
B xx
Oh I know! I met a woman that said that she never uses anything on her face! Luckily she had great skin and genes!
I know someone like that. Sometimes she uses soap – but no special cleanser, moisturiser, special miracle water, nothing. So jealous!
I love Avene cleansing products – their soap less gel cleanser is my daily staple.
I’ve heard good things about Avene, so will have to try a few of their things myself. Thanks for the tip!
B xx
I’m quite shocked that you know women who use soap on their face?! My bf and I are always arguing when I spy him using a bar of soap on his face in the shower (despite having products on the shelf in front of him!).
A dermatologist in Australia recommended Cetaphil to me years ago, which is another brilliant brand for removing make-up for ultra-sensitive skin. I used it when I was on nasty drugs for my skin and it was super gentle. I’ve also always used it after having a skin peel. You can only get it at Victoria Heath in the UK, but it’s available everywhere back home. De x
I know, I had no idea anyone could think this was ok (but apparently they’re more common than we beauty junkies think). I love Cetaphil too (best budget buy), but it is so hard to find here as you say!
B xx
you can buy Cetaphil from Amazon : )x
Loving your beauty posts B – they brighten my Wednesdays…sometimes literally! I’d like to try an oil cleanser and you’ve inspired me to give it a go. I also used to use all in one wipes, followed by a face wash, but have recently started to find them way too drying as I get older. Having gone back to cleaning creams I’ve noticed a difference. xxx
So glad you love them! This is a very good point about makeup wipes being drying (which is why I *only* ever use them before proper cleansing purely to get all the makeup off rather than ruining my face cloths with foundation stains). And I can’t speak highly enough of cleansing balms/oils!
B xx
I was guilty of washing my face with soap for a while but only because my skin is very dry and very sensitive and I only found that Dove sensitive skin soap wouldn’t irritate it. But now I’ve found more appropriate alternatives lol. I really want to give oil cleansers a try but I’ve always been scared that they’ll break me out! oh and I can definitely vouch for the fact that washing my face for longer has helped clear it up 🙂
xx
I was worried the same thing, but actually find I get *less* breakouts now that I use an oil cleanser than I did before (partly because oil attracts oil, so it will remove excess oil while balancing and hydrating skin). Just make sure you go for one that isn’t loaded with mineral oils as many are. Let me know how you get on!
B xx
I really like Neal’s Yard Calendula Cleanser, it seems to work well for my sensitive dry skin. I use it in the evenings with a cotton wool pad to remove most of my makeup and then follow up with Clinique clarifying lotion in number 1 and some intensive Neal’s Yard moisturiser for sensitive skin. I think all the Neal’s Yard products seem to be pretty good for you as my skin has definitely improved since I’ve started using them…
Oh yes, Neal’s Yard absolutely deserve a mention for their lovely products (I love treating myself to a massage at their Treatment Rooms too) which are excellent for sensitive skin.
B xx
I have to admit that I wash my face with dove soap…can’t afford anything else, and my skin is fine. Occasionally beauty savvy friends bully me into other things and I even had an oatmeal face-mask once, though that was two days before my wedding. But overall I still return to scandalous soap. Maybe never ever ever wearing foundation helps? But just thought I’d stick up for those of us who are still merrily living in the dark ages.
p.s. I do love your blog. It’s such fun and gives me a taste of a totally different world. Please keep writing!
Oh I promise I’m not trying to be a beauty bully (the last thing I want is to patronise a routine that works for someone else). I used to use soap myself as a teenager, but noticed such a demonstrable difference when I switched to cleanser that I could never go back. But I should also say that there are some really great budget buys out there, such as Cetaphil (cheap as chips and very gentle) and Organic Surge (no nasty ingredients, and a bottle – which is around £6 – lasts for about 6 months) in the UK.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment!
B xx
I seriously need to up my cleansing game… I’m pretty sure I fall in that 10 sec range. I will definitely have to give a good 1 min scrub this next week! Loving your blog!
I love Bioderma, their products are amazing! I’ve used gel cleansers and H2O and H2O is definitely better for my skin. I also use their Hydrating Mask and it does miracles for my desert like skin.
I’ve been a Clinique cleansing girl for years and I swear by it but am curious by the gel cleansers… do you know if Clinique do one?
I also love the Simple cleansing wipes, but I never knew you were supposed to cleanse after removing make-up too, ooops! Now you’ve said it, it seems quite obvious that the wipes do dry you out.
Loving Beauty Wednesday x
Em x
Very important to cleanse after using a wipe, 1) because they’re drying, and 2) because they don’t have enough product to get everything off, so you need to deep cleanse afterwards. Even if you don’t use a wipe, double cleansing is really important if you’ve been wearing makeup or product that day.
B xx
Not all soaps are bad – have you ever heard of Aleppo soap?
It’s so amazingly simple and thousands years old 🙂 it does miracles with skin, not only face, but the whole body. It actually cleanses and nourishes at the same time. I also like Marseille soaps, and all kind of natural, often hand-made ones, like L’Occitane’s and other French manufacturers’ or Feniqia (from Lebanon, I guess), Gamila (Israel). A whole super-scented, sensuous world to explore 🙂 I almost forgot about liquid washes, gels and other stuff that makes my skin irritated, flaky and sensitive :/
But as for make-up remover nothing works as good as Bioderma H2O micelar solution for me. Nourishing and moisturizing is of course a necessary follow-up and here I totally agree: oils are underestimated.
Love from Poland!
Aga
Oh this is a good point: not all soaps are created equal, and I’m sure there are some lovely natural versions out there. But by and large, soap is incredibly drying and not ideal for the face (a bar of soap is also not as hygenic as a bottle which can be sealed, and never comes into contact with dirty fingers, etc.). And will definitely try the Bioderma, thanks for the suggestion!
B xx
I loved the Aesop cleanser until I used it and Eve Lom’s cleanser after it, and so much of my makeup came off on the muslin cloth. I do love the ethos and packaging though. The eye makeup remover sounds like a winner!
I’ve tried the Eve Lom too, but still prefer Aesop personally (though this is entirely down to personal tastes). Whatever you use, always try and use a cloth (muslin or cotton) as you’ll get so much more off that way!
B xx
Love Beauty Wednesday. Total beauty junkie myself, I have about five different cleansers and make up removers on in the bathroom at the moment! I need a new scrub though. Any recommendations for a gentle face exfoliator to add to the mix?
Have left a comment below as well but i highly recommend Guinot’s Beute Neuve – had it used on me a few weeks ago and it was incredible. It is made from fruit acid that breaks down skin layers gently. Can’t stop going on about it to my friends haha! xx
Ah, a woman after my own heart. And not to worry, I have one dedicated to exfoliation lined up!
B xx
I have dehydrated skin so have switched to Clarins pure melt gel which transforms to oil on dry skin – I really love it.
I’d love a post on eye creams – i’m really lost at finding one at the minute!
You’re not the first person to ask this (I’m always hunting for excellent eye creams too), so will defintiely do a post on this very subject!
B xx
I’m quite shocked by what you said about using wipes to remove makeup and THEN a cleanser. I’ve never heard this before… I’ve always believed the purpose of a cleanser was to remove makeup, no? Or do you mean purely to keep your cleansing cloths clean?
I’m currently using Savar cleanser, a new organic New Zealand brand which I’m absolutely loving. I’ve been meaning to try an oil based cleanser for a while though and would still love to.
Nic
Wipes are good for two reasons: firstly to save by nice white washcloths, but more importantly, it gets off all the makeup and day’s grime so that your cleanser can really focus on cleansing the skin, rather than just removing makeup. It’s absolutely fine to avoid wipes, but you’ll then need to cleanse twice (the first time to get everything off, the second time for a deep cleanse) if you’ve been wearing makeup or sunscreen that day (if your face is bare, then once should do the trick). Hope that helps!
B xx
I spoke to a facialist a few weeks ago about my own skin care routine (i am 20) and she said that Clinique is the perfect brand for ‘young’ skin but when you reach 24/25 your skin is classed as ‘aged’ and a heavier brand such as Clarins is what I should move onto which I found really interesting.
An exfoliator that I had used on me a while ago was Beaute Neuve by Guinot – it is made from fruit acid and worked as a sort of exfoliator but it is the fruit acid which breaks down the layers of skin. It is called Beaute Neuve by Guinot – expensive but SO worth it. My skin felt amazing afterwards.
Loving the beauty wednesday posts keep it up!
Laura x
You are exactly right about needing to find a brand/product that works for your age, and evolving as your skin changes. And I too find fruit acid exfoliators excellent (physical scrubs can sometimes be a bit too harsh). Thanks for sharing!
B xx
It’s got to be Liz Earle for me – but good tip about using wipes first – my bathroom is full of foundation and mascara-stained muslin cloths, not pretty! x
Exactly why I started buying wipes! Couldn’t stand my lovely White Company wash cloths getting ruined so quickly any longer.
B xx
I have super-sensitive allergy-prone skin, but I really swear by Eve Lom. Recently, I added an overnight serum to my routine (using Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery) and it’s made such a difference. My skin is normally clear, but I’m positively fresh-faced and glowy, even Doc has commented on it. (And he NEVER notices. Not even when Mimi went peroxide blonde overnight.)
Adore that Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate too! In fact, I think I need to do an upcoming beauty post on treatments/serums!
B xx
Ive recently been using Dermologica……AMAZING! even my mum has adopted the regime. The clay cleanser really wakes up my skin and it feels beautiful. I am especially obsessed with eye creams…anything that says will rid dark circles i’ve bought, although im still searching for that perfect one if you know of it?
Oh yes, Dermalogica is rather excellent. And eye creams are one of my beauty quests too, so I’ll be sure to do an upcoming post on this very subject!
B xx
I actually took an intake of breath when I read that a couple of your friends still used soap and a lufer on their face, but luckily they have you to set them straight. I am taking up cleansing agin properly as these hormones have put my skin off kilter so will definitely be trying more oil based thanks lovley. xx
Great post: cleansing is way too overlooked as a beauty ritual. I’ve been using a Clarisonic brush like many Americans since this summer and can really see the difference: my skin is much more clear and bright. Otherwise I use the Caudalie cleansing water for my eyes and lips and am trying the Cool & Clear cleanser by Elemental Herbology for the rest of my face.
You’ve reminded me that I really do need to try this Clarisonic brush everyone in America is raving about!
B xx
Having a dermatologist for a mother means i am intrigued by this. I have been brought up with a less is more approach and the belief that most of these products infact harm the skin. Its more important to apply moisturiser in the correct direction (with the hair growth contrary to what adverts tell us) than which brand you use.
the only products she ever recomended were cetaphil and vaseline.
There is certainly some merit to a ‘less is more’ approach (and the fact that countless beauty brands pedal baseless claims and false promises), but I find this is what works for me and most people I know. And I would personally never ever use Vaseline – partly because it is made solely from petroleum (a mineral oil which is both drying, and not able to be broken down by the body), but also because I’ve seen evidence of it being very harmful (my father is a medial scientist and Vaseline is frequently used in medical labs to induce arthritis in lab rats so that cures can be tested). But again, this is entirely my own personal choice and I would never force this on anyone else.
B x
Thank you for this post! Having just turned 25, I thought I’d re-evaluate my skincare routine and try products other than the usual brands you’d find at your local chemist/supermarket. I am currently using Kiehl’s for cleansing, toning & moisturizing but have been meaning to try Aesop. So your reviews and tips were perfect! Keep these lovely posts coming 🙂