7 daily cleansers: the natural way

had a request for some more natural options for skincare products - so let's look at some options, shall we?  (note: still researching some really fabulous lesser-known natural brands - for now, these are good options you can find at Sephora, Ulta, Macy's)

read over and tell me: if you had to pick one of these right now, which would you choose and why?

1. for most anyone: Origins Checks & Balances Frothy Face Wash, $22

I have some of this at home at all times. It's one of the best basic cleansers out there.

pros:
foams well
creamy texture works well with Clarisonic or other facial brushes
helps balance dry and oily skin
very gentle
smells lovely (bergamot, spearmint, lavender)
no parabens, sulphates, phthalates
origins is committed to plant-based skincare, recycling, and earth-friendly manufacturing practices

cons:
none that I can think of


2.  also for most anyone: Ole Henricksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser, $30

this one is also great for everyone - it is applied in a foam texture vs. the creamy Origins texture

pros:
foams well, gentle, nourishing
contains antioxidants to protect skin, vitamin C to brighten skin
citrus-scented
no parabens, sulphates, phthalates
vegan
no synthetic materials
*was named the best natural cleanser at the Natural Health Beauty Awards

cons:
no real cons. $8 more than the Origins, but not a big deal.


3. if you need cleansing AND exfoliating: REN Micro Polish Cleanser, $30

two-in-one foaming mousse to cleanse and exfoliate

pros:
the exfoliating ingredients can help with discoloration and uneven skin tone, making skin more radiant over time
exfoliating regularly also helps prevent breakouts
no parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, triclosan

cons:
I personally think REN products smell a little weird. not BAD, just weird. 
also, this is strong enough that it should only be used 2 to 3 times per week, so you'll need another gentler daily cleanser as well for those in between days.


4. if you want to really break up makeup: Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil, $30

An oil-texture cleanser can be great for dissolving/melting away makeup!

pros:
very gentle, ideal for sensitive skin
does NOT leave an oily residue, despite how it might seem - rinses away cleanly
removes even waterproof cosmetics
antioxidants & amino acids to protect skin
botanicals to soothe skin (hydrangea leaf to purify and minimize pores, geranium to improve circulation)
no parabens, sulphates, phthalates
no preservatives, artificial fragrance, color, gluten, or ethanol alcohol

cons:
the only tiny con for me is that it's a two-step process - you rub the oil into your skin to dissolve makeup and dirt, then add water and it emulsifies - then you rinse.  it's an extra 10 seconds, tops, so NBD.


5. if you're lazy: Ole Henricksen Nurture Me Cleansing Cloths, $15

pros:it's a wipe, and no rinsing required.
no parabens, sulphates, phthalates
recyclable materials
removes even waterproof makeup
leaves skin soft

cons:
while these are good, the clean you get isn't as good as cleansing with water, period.  but in a pinch, these are great to have around. 


6. if your skin is dry: Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk, $28

pros:
soft, milky texture
no rinsing required - just wipe off with cotton or cloth
leaves skin really comfortable
helps protect against free radicals
did I mention no rinsing? yeah, that's a nice option.
no parabens, sulphates, phthalates
hypo-allergenic, non-comedogenic. 
suitable for sensitive skin & eyes, dermatologist & ophthalmologist tested.  

cons:
takes a few more seconds and usually two rounds of wiping with this type of cleanser to get all makeup/dirt/dead skin removed, but you're also not drying your skin out more, so possibly worth it.


7.  if you fancy - want luxury+nature: Omorovicza Cleansing Foam, $80

want to feel fancy, but still be a little more earth friendly?  this one's for you.

pros:
aerated cleansing foam
gentle and effective 
anti-aging benefits
powerful antioxidants support natural collagen and elastic production
"Omorovicza’s patented mineral delivery system ensures absorption of minerals - skin looks better over time as ingredients are more absorbed. dermatological benefits of this enhanced delivery include: the support of natural collagen and elastin, a tighter lipid matrix to lock in hydration and protect skin from micro-damage, and improved antioxidant defense against free radicals."
no parabens, sulphates, phthalates
no polyethylene glycol, petrochemicals, silicones, synthetic colors, or synthetic fragrances. 

cons:
it sounds amazing, but it's $80. maybe worth it, still.  I want it. Now.

 

Cleaning My Act Up - Cleansers, Spring 2014 Edition

Since my winter cleansing write-up, I've continued trying new cleansers to find a product with the right balance of cleansing power and benefits for the skin. 

(1) My sister gave me a bottle of DDF's Brightening Cleaner, which I used both with and without my Clarisonic for several weeks. 

Without the Clarisonic, it didn't seem super effective, but with the Clarisonic, I was much more pleased. It's a clear gel that doesn't foam much at all. After using, my skin was clean, and, yes, actually a bit brighter. I don't know if it's powerful enough to lighten dark spots or correct any discoloration (as it claims to do), but it definitely left my skin looking bright and awake. At $39, it's not a bad price, but Sephora doesn't carry the brand anymore, so you have to buy from BirchBox or Amazon, or DDF directly. 

(2) When Dior came out with the new DiorSnow White Reveal Melt-Away cleansing balm, I was excited to try it, since cleansing balms seem to be all the rage. 

It is super creamy, and you massage it into skin to break down makeup, then wipe off the excess. I was admittedly a little disappointed. It may be great for just a makeup remover, but not as a full cleanser. Can't use it with the Clarisonic, and at $50 I'd rather have an actual cleanser. 

(3) I moved on to Dior's (also fairly new) Instant Gentle Cleansing Oil. 

Cleansing oil? Seems counterproductive, right? Nope! This stuff is lovely. It's a silky mid-weight oil, and you rub it into your face to let it melt away makeup and dirt. After massaging it in, you rinse your face, and it becomes a tiny bit foamy/lathery. Not really for use with the Clarisonic either, but I didn't really need it - this took off all my makeup and left me really clean, without feeling dry or tight at all. For winter or people with drier skin, definitely a win at $36! 

(4) My last Dior cleanser test was the DiorSnow White Reveal Gentle Purifying Foam. 

The DiorSnow line is formulated for brightening skin, and so far I mega-love this cleanser. It's perfection with the Clarisonic! Texture is super creamy, and with whatever, foams up beautifully. Unlike the case with some foaming cleansers, my skin doesn't feel the least bit dry or tight after rinsing. Lovely balance of clean and comfy! The tube is $45, but it's pretty large and lasts quite a while. Possible new favorite? 

(5) Birchbox sent me a couple of samples of the NUXE Reve de Miel cleanser, which I've been trying this week. 

I am torn on this product - it seems to do the job of cleansing my skin, but it doesn't remove eye makeup well, and I do not enjoy the smell.  It's made with honey and sunflower extract to leave skin soft after cleansing, but the smell is SO sweet - it's a bit cloying. Then again, the bottle is only $19, so it's on the cheaper end of French products. Overall, not BAD, but not great, either.  

(6) Last, but not least, I picked up a deluxe sample of Murad's Essential-C Cleanser after a recent facial.

This cleanser is made with a lot of antioxidants to cleanse and re-hydrate skin.  It has a fresh citrus scent.  It doesn't foam much, but it does the job.  Another mid-price ($36) cleanser that works, but didn't amaze me.

After all of the recent weeks of testing, my FAVORITES are:

DiorSnow White Reveal Gentle Purifying Foam

-and-

Philosophy's Purity Made Simple

Squeaky Clean! Cleansers: March 2014 Edition

In my search for all things ideal for my face, I've tried a lot of cleansers. Most seem to be usable, but aren't very exciting. Quick thoughts on just a few:

1. For the drugstore-brand price point, Biore's Combination Skin Balancing Cleanser does the trick. It doesn't leave my face feeling transformed, but it gets the dirt out for between $5 and $9.

2. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser: Got a deluxe trial of this from Sephora, and read the solid reviews - but I wasn't blown away. The smell is a bit odd, and it doesn't foam very much. It left my skin feeling fairly clean and not tight, but it's SO gentle, I wondered if it was effective enough. Not my pick, at $40.

3. Lancome Creme Radiance: One of the few Lancome products I would buy again! This milky/creamy cleanser turns into a great foam, cleans well, and leaves my skin bright and clear. At $25, it's affordable and worked well with my Clarisonic. A little seems to go a long way, making the tube last longer.

4. SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser: while I WILL fork out the dollars for SK-II's balancing essence/toner, I am not sure the cleanser is worth $70 unless you're REALLY sensitive, irritable, dry, delicate. It's a very gentle, natural, but effective cleanser - just a tad price prohibitive unless you really need this specific type of product.

5. Philosophy's Purity Made Simple: so far, this may still be my favorite cleanser. It's gentle, very lightly/pleasantly scented, and very effective - it removes every trace of makeup (even eye makeup).  It comes in 5 sizes, ranging in price from $10 to $52, but is around $23 for a standard-sized bottle, so it's affordable.  Little goes a long way with this one, as well...I would definitely recommend it.

Overall, I have a lot of cleansers to try, but so far, the Philosophy and Lancome options have been my best experiences. Anyone else tried/liked/hated them?

Stay clean!

Clarisonic: Can't Live Without It.

Occasionally, a product comes along that changes your life.  Is that dramatic?  Maybe. Oh, well. I had seen the Clarisonic brush used in spas, and knew it was highly recommended, but I didn't see the point in spending $150 on a skincare tool. When I started working with Dior/Macy's, I met woman after woman with great skin, but they all used different skin treatments and products. Except one - they all seemed to use the Clarisonic. 

So when Macy's brought out the Mia First at $99, I went for it. And...I. Love. It.

From the Clarisonic site: "Day and night, skin is subject to oil, perspiration, debris, makeup, and environmental pollutants. These combine to make a sticky, stubborn pore-clogging film that can make the skin look unhealthy, feel rough, and become irritated, while acting as a barrier to skincare products. Unlike spinning devices, our patented sonic cleansing technology works with skin's natural elasticity, oscillating at a sonic frequency that produces over 300 movements per second. The resulting flexing action created between the inner and outer brushes works to loosen dirt and oil, removing deep-seated impurities from pores and priming skin to better absorb topical treatments."

This means improvements in:
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Loss of firmness and elasticity
Enlarged pores& excess oil
Rough surface & uneven texture
Dullness/Lack of Radiance
Acne/blemishes

I have to say, it comes through. When I wash without the brush now, I don't feel half as clean, and my skin looks much better when I'm using it. My products work better, meaning I spend less money on them (and on cosmetics) overall. Granted, I did get my Macy's discount, so it was a great deal - but I think it's worth the investment. 

Anyone besides me <3 the Clarisonic?

Makeup Remover Wipes = Amazing

There are not very many products that I can say have definitely changed my life, but makeup remover wipes certainly have. Sure, they're cheap.  But they can make such a difference in skincare quality, especially for busy women!

I heard/saw a renowned aesthetician once say that the single biggest mistake women make with their skin that causes poor skin quality and aging is simply not removing their makeup completely every single night.  This hit home with me, because at the end of a long day, I often opted to sleep in my makeup vs. going through a full face washing routine.  

Once I realized I could buy these handy wipes to take off all my makeup, I began removing it all the time at home, even during the day.  Having a clean face just feels so nice!  

These wipes are quick, easy, disposable, and cheap.  Here's the kicker - you can get them for $5 to $7 a package at the grocery or drugstore, but you can also use my trick and go to Ross/T.J. Maxx/Marshall's and check the beauty section - they typically always have packages for $3 to $5.  I am not picky about brand, as long as they say "makeup remover" on them (there are some that are only for refreshing).  I've never had bad results from any brand, but some of the highest-rated are the Neutrogena Cleansing Towelettes and the Olay 2-in-1 Daily Facial Clothes.  I've also had luck with ELF and Dead Sea Cosmetics.

 

I recommend taking off eye makeup, then using a cloth to remove the rest of your makeup and cleanse.  If followed by a cleansing toner and some serum/eye cream, your skin could quite possibly look fantastic.  These are going to be stocking stuffers for the women in my life this year...inexpensive, but very helpful!