Showing posts with label Cleanser. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cleanser. Show all posts

My New Favorite Facial Cleansing Cloths for Oily Skin: Olay Daily Facials Daily Clean 4-in-1 Water Activated Cleansing Cloth Review

I partnered with Olay on this post but all thoughts and opinions are my own

Olay Daily Facials Review

I know what you're thinking. "Really, do we need yet another face wipe? Are they even any good?" While I go in and out of love with most facial wipes, these ones are different! With most makeup wipes, you are simply wiping your face, and hope that all of your makeup is removed. I promise you that your face gets just as clean (actually, I thought mine was cleaner), but you'll save a bit of time with fewer steps. Instead of needed my cleanser, an eye makeup remover and an exfoliator each time I wash my face, I only need the cloth. It even leaves Olay conditioners on your skin after rinsing, so my face doesn't feel tight and uncomfortable after washing.


Olay Daily Facials Review

The first thing to notice is that the Daily Facials are actually fairly large. They are dry, you just wet them and the textured wipe lathers up really well. The picture here actually doesn't do it justice, some of the lather was dripping down the back of my hand by the time I had my camera ready! You just scrub your face with the wipe, and it removes absolutely everything. You can even see that it took off my waterproof mascara and liner! Since the wipe has a little bit of texture, it helps to remove all of the makeup and dirt from the skin. I like to rinse off the wipe and then use it again to help rinse off my face as well. After using the daily facial, my skin is super smooth and clean! I'm mostly using these wipes in the middle of the afternoon. They're perfect for removing makeup before working out or swimming. I admit that I usually clean my face, apply sunscreen, and then spend the rest of the day without makeup #nomakeuprequired. The Daily Facials don't dry out my face at all! My skin feels a bit hydrated, so I don't even need to apply a moisturizer.


Olay Daily Facials Review

Olay Daily Facials come in a plastic case, but refill boxes are available (those refills have 2 cases worth of wipes). Daily Facials come in two types, one for normal/oily skin and the other for normal skin. I have tried both, but with my combination skin I haven't noticed that one works better than the other. Because all of the cleanser is within the towelette, these are absolutely perfect for on the go! They'll save a ton of space in your TSA 3-1-1 bag, or can easily be included in your gym bag.

For more information, go here to learn about Daily Facials!


1

Why I'm Cleansing Twice: ExfoliKate Cleanser Review

I Bought It, Affiliate Links

Exfolikate Cleanser Review

I've made no secret of my love of Kate Somerville. She's the esthetician to the stars in LA, and she has an amazing skin care line. Her products are a bit of a splurge for me, but they're well worth it.

One of my all time favorite products is her ExfoliKate, a green scrub that takes only a minute to work! It leaves my skin smooth and glowy, a tube of this stuff lives in my shower all time. I probably use it about once or twice a week, depending upon how my skin is doing. You can read my original ExfoliKate review, check out my 5 year blog anniversary ode to ExoliKate (which was 5 years ago now), or buy it from Sephora, Nordstrom or Kate Somerville. I don't even know how many tubes of ExfoliKate I've purchased. One tube lasts me about 10-11 months, and I've used it continuously for about 7 or 8 years. I even take it with me when I travel!

So, when I heard about the new Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser, I was at once excited about it, but also didn't really care. I love ExfoliKate! But, do I need both? Especially when I have already stocked up on Kate Somerville Detox Cleanser to the point that I will never need to purchase face wash again in my life? It's kind of hard to justify buying more expensive face wash when you own more Kate Somerville than most spas.
0

Gentle and Hydrating: Every Night Skin Care with Simple Skincare

Sponsored Post


Gentle and Hydrating: Every Night Skin Care with Simple Skincare


I've partnered with Simple Skincare and Walmart this week to change up my skin care routine a bit. And really, the timing couldn't have been better! The weather has been crazy in my area. From a horrible wind storm that caused some damage to my home, to plummeting temperatures and no humidity. Walking to the end of the driveway to get the mail results in cold, red, and irritated skin. The results just aren't pretty!


Gentle and Hydrating: Every Night Skin Care with Simple Skincare


So, I've been following this routine each night to gently remove all of my makeup and hydrate my skin. I do add in a 4th step (more on that in a bit, but it's because I typically have on waterproof eye liner), but the entire thing takes about 2 minutes from start to finish!

1. Remove Makeup: Simple Cleansing Wipes
I love these wipes! They remove pretty much all of my makeup, except for that last 5% of my waterproof eye liner that I mentioned above. They don't leave residue behind, which I love.

2. Remove Eye Makeup: Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
I add in a second step of makeup removal with the Micellar Water. Since I usually have on waterproof liner, I wipe my eyes with a cotton round and the Cleansing Water. It gets all the last bits of eye liner off, and it doesn't leave anything behind on my skin.

3. Wash Face: Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash
So, if I've already done two makeup removing steps, which don't leave behind residue, why bother using a cleanser? Because this is more than a cleanser. I swear! It has a nice light lather, and it feels great on my skin (but keep it away from your eyes, it isn't formulated to work there). It rinses off easily, and afterwards my skin feels like I've moisturized it. It isn't a full replacement for my lotion, but it really helps my skin feel more hydrated.

4. Moisturize: Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer
What's a winter skin care routine without a moisturizer? This one is a bit more hydration than my usual lotion, and it really helps to calm and soothe any irritation.

The best selection of Simple Skincare that I've found is from Walmart, head there to try out the products! The wipes will go on special in Walmart stores on 3/19: Buy Any, Get Free 25ct wipes ($7.99) for Simple Skincare.

What changes have you made to deal with winter skin care issues?

Sponsored Post
Sponsored post by Mirum Shopper. All opinions are my own.

0

Taking It All Off with One Swipe

Sponsored Post

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water Obsession and Review


It is no secret that I'm pressed for time. When I actually have time, it is pretty easy for me to take 2 hours to get ready to run to the grocery store. Don't you think that calls for a fresh manicure? I sure do! What about this new face mask, or maybe I should really add a few beachy waves to my hair? It can get out of control very quickly. Unfortunately, my days of unlimited primping time are long gone. Instead, I'm usually trying to get everything done in as little time as possible, and it isn't unusual for one of my daughters to be "getting ready" with me. Given my propensity for spending too much time getting ready, I love any time that I can combine steps in my beauty routine, get great results, and save a little time. One of the ways I've been doing that lately, and satisfying my own deep-seated need for super clean skin and clear pores, is using Micellar Water. Garnier SkinActive® has just released 2 new Micellar Cleansing Waters, and they're all kinds of amazing.


Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water Obsession and Review

Both of the Garnier SkinActive® Micellar Cleansing Waters feel like regular water, with just a few swipes of a cotton round, they remove all of your makeup and dirt. There's no scrubbing, no left behind raccoon eyes of mascara or sticky residue on my skin. I don't even have to rinse it off. What is left behind is clean skin, without any residue, and there's no makeup left over. It is ready to apply skin care like serums or moisturizer, or even just reapply makeup again. I've been using the waterproof version of the Garnier SkinActive® Micellar Cleansing Water, it comes with a blue cap and really does remove 100% of all my eye makeup such as mascara and eye liner without any issues. I've mostly been reaching for this version because I'm still swimming in my pool a lot, so I'm wearing waterproof eyeliner, mascara and concealer every day. The products are notoriously difficult to remove; I've found that getting everything off without leaving behind a dark ring of mascara under my eye is pretty difficult. I soak a cotton round with Garnier SkinActive® Micellar Cleansing Water and press it against my closed eye for about 5-10 seconds. Then I gently wipe and all of my stubborn makeup easily comes off!


The micelle technology in the Cleansing Water is pretty interesting. They are little magnets basically for makeup, dirt and oil. They completely surround these things when they're on your skin, making them very easy for the water to wipe up and away, off of your face. They are oil-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free, so perfect for sensitive skin like mine. While Garnier SkinActive® Micellar Cleansing Water has been perfect for removing all of my makeup at the end of a long day, I've also been using it first thing in the morning to refresh and gently cleanse my skin. Since I'm not wearing any of my waterproof makeup at that time, I just use the original formulation in the morning. I also use the original formula any time I'm not wearing my budge-proof waterproof makeup. I even use it in the middle of the afternoon to quickly remove makeup and reapply. I mostly do this with my under eye concealer, but sometimes to my forehead and down my nose if my t-zone is extra shiny due to heat and humidity. The formula just leaves my skin feeling clean and fresh, there's nothing left behind on my skin to interfere with makeup application. So, a few quick swipes with a cotton round, and then I reapply some concealer and powder really quickly. It does take a few minutes longer than applying another layer of concealer, but the added layer of product will look cakey and make me look tired and old. It really is worth the time to remove the makeup and reapply a completely fresh application of product. I've been keeping both of my bottles of Garnier SkinActive® Micellar Cleansing Water on my bathroom vanity, right next to my cotton rounds. It is easy to grab whichever bottle I need and quickly clean off my face. They're perfect for those nights that I'm completely exhausted and just feel like falling into bed without washing off my face. It's so fast that I really have no excuse to not to remove everything at the end of the day.


Learn more about Garnier SkinActive® on Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube | Google+

 


What time saving beauty products are you using lately? I'd love to know - plus when you leave me a comment it will enter you to win a $100 Visa gift card!


Entry Instructions:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.


This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.


The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 10/17/16– 11/17/16

Be sure to visit the SkinActive Brand Page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!



Sponsored Post
27

Natural Beauty Section Picks for the Summer

Product Sent for Review, I Bought It, Affiliate Links

Natural Beauty Section Picks for the Summer

Have you noticed that the "natural beauty" section at your local big box store is slowly (or not so slowly) expanding? What you could once only find at Whole Foods (which, by the way, has a pretty amazing beauty area) is now available at Target, Walmart and CVS. But, which products are worth picking up?

I've only just started to explore those beauty areas, but so far I have found some great products! Here are some of my favorites for summer.

1. Jason Gentle Basics Facial Cleanser (from Amazon)
This is a great, basic cleanser. It is very gentle, takes off pretty much everything and doesn't overstrip my face of natural oils. This is extra important after being out in the sun, my skin just doesn't need another source of irritation!

2. Jason Gentle Basics Day Lotion (get it from Amazon)
This is a lightweight, very basic and non-irritating lotion for under makeup. Note, you do still need to add a sunscreen over this. This is one that I'll be recommending year round.

3. Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Cream (from Amazon)
My skin needs a little extra pampering if I've been outside a lot. This cream from Weleda is nicely hydrating without being "too much", and it helps sooth any irritation I might have.

4. Avalon Organics Bath & Shower Gel, Refreshing Lemon (from Amazon)
It smells soooo good!

5. Avalon Organics Cream Shave, Nourishing Lavender (from Amazon)
Again, it smells great! I don't have to shave often (once a week or so, I did laser hair removal), but this shaving cream definitely helps me have a closer shave and it doesn't irritate my skin.

6. Weleda Oat Replenishing Treatment (from Amazon)
Being out in the sun and swimming can really dry out your hair, this deep treatment helps to reverse the effects. Use it once or twice a week as your hair needs it.

7. Waxelene (from Amazon)
A great alternative to a well known petroleum jelly, this can be used as a lip balm, moisturizer, or anything you want. It's also gluten free, which is great news if you have celiac!

8. Jason Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 (at Amazon)
I'm a fan of physical sunscreens with full UV spectrum coverage. This one does just that, keeping you protected but it doesn't feel too heavy on your skin. Don't forget to reapply every 2 hours or after swimming.



 class=
Zinc Oxide 14.5%, Titanium Dioxide 2.0%


Product Sent for Review, I Bought It, Affiliate Links
0

A Warming Makeup Removal Plate?? Panasonic Micro-Foaming Facial Cleansing Device Review

Product Sent for Review, Affiliate Links

 photo panasonic-cleansing-brush-review-slider.jpgPanasonic Micro-Foaming Facial Cleansing Device Review

I'm a big fan of a great cleansing brush. Give me any tool to make cleaning my skin more effective and I am going to be all over that! Most of the ones out there are variations on a theme: nylon or silicone bristles, they either rotate or have sonic vibrations. They all do a much better job of taking off your dirt and makeup than just using your hands, and some offer additional benefits like carrying cases for travel.

This cleansing brush is different. And if you're a skin care junkie, you're going to love what makes it different.

Read on to learn more about why this isn't a "normal" cleansing brush.
0

My Newest Makeup Remover Obsession: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup

Product Sent for Review

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup Remover Review

I'm one of those girls that loves to use new makeup removers. I have about 4 different eye makeup removers on my counter right now. I'm not even exaggerating. It is one of those things that I just love to try a new one each time, and I very rarely buy these products more than once. They need to really WOW me for a repurchase, and that happens maybe every 3-4 years.

Recently IT Cosmetics sent me their new Bye Bye Makeup, and I have to tell you that I'm not only planning to repurchase, but I'll likely be hoarding large quantities of this cleanser in my bathroom!
1

A Wipe For Every Face: Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Wipes

Product Sent for Review Affiliate Links

Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Wipes

Have you noticed my obsession with trying out every facial cleansing wipe out there. The struggle is real. I must try them all!

Recently I tried out the facial cleansing towelettes from Burt's Bees. They have 5 different types, so there's one that will fit your skin's specific needs, rather than just a 1 type for everyone facial cleansing wipe.

Stock Up Alert! Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths

Sponsored Post Product Sent for Review

Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloth Review

Have you noticed that I have an obsession with trying out all of the facial cleansing cloths? Yes, I really do. I've found another great cleansing cloth, from Skyn Iceland. Just typing that sounds expensive.
0

Splurge Cleansers Worth Stocking Up On: Perricone MD Skin Cleansers Review

Sponsored Post Product Sent for Review

Perricone MD Skin Cleanser Review

If you're a fan of Perricone MD, then get ready to stock up! All Perricone cleansers are 50% off at ULTA on Saturday 1/9, and you'll want to stock up on them. These cleansers are definitely a splurge item, but they're so amazing that they have become cult favorites!
0

Stock Up on these: Simple Skincare Micellar Wipes

Product Sent for Review I Bought It Myself Affiliate Links

Best makeup removal wipesBest makeup removal wipes

I've written about makeup wipes in the past. They're a quick and easy way to remove (most) of your makeup for those times that you're feeling too sleepy to do the whole routine before bed. Or for targeted makeup removal, like that mascara you just somehow got all over your lower lash line. (I'm not speaking from personal experience here at all...)

Anyways, so I've written about wipes before. I keep some in my bathroom, near where I take pictures for the blog (easy makeup removal after swatching on my arm), and even in my nightstand. I've tried a lot of different wipes over the years, some are better than others. Some remove almost nothing, so I wonder why I bothered. Some remove almost everything, but I hate the smell. Or, they leave behind a strange residue that I'm not a fan of. There have also been reports of irritation and allergic reactions associated with the wipes. Which really only makes sense, they're leaving behind a fine film of product and there's always someone out there that would be irritated/allergic to pretty much any ingredient.
9

Exfoliate Your Way to Glowy Skin

Sponsored Post

Best at home skin exfoliation

Exfoliation is your friend. If you're not exfoliating your skin regularly (or at least semi-regularly), now is the time to start! This is something that everyone, whether you are 15 or 50, should incorporate into their skincare routine. I thought I'd share a few of my favorite products to gently exfoliate my skin to just the right glow!

What exactly does it do? Removing some of the outer layers of the skin will help encourage your skin to create more skin cells (helping your skin to look fresher and younger), evens out your skin's tone and texture as well. The goal is fresh, glowy skin that looks smoother with more even color tone.
0

Coco Loco: The Do It All Skincare Product You Should Keep In Your Medicine Cabinet

Product Sent for Review

Coco Loco Review

You know how you keep seeing Coconut Oil on Pinterest? And how it apparently is amazing for everything? It removes makeup, moisturizes, makes your hair grow faster and even cleans your bathroom? Me too. And I admit that I've been a bit skeptical. I didn't really want to just head down to my local Whole Foods and just start slathering it all over my face. Especially since I had limited success with using Coconut Oil as a hair mask.

But, if someone else is willing to formulate said Coconut Oil into an easier to use version and then tell me exactly what to do with it, I will definitely try it!

Coco Loco is just that. It's Coconut Oil with added Vitamins A, C and E (that added Vitamin A makes me declare this isn't pregnancy safe, the only formulation of Vitamin A that docs say is ok to use topically during pregnancy is Beta Carotene). It comes in a 1 ounce or 3 ounce jar, and inside you'll find what just looks like solid white stuff. But it's all kinds of magical.

So, I've been using Coco Loco just as a cleanser/eye makeup remover. I wet my face down with warm water, and then rub my fingers over the solid Coco Loco. It immediately melts from the heat of my fingers and the warm water, and I'll end up with just a little liquid oil on my fingers. Then I rub that over my eyes first, making sure that I've shut them tight and that I'm rubbing gently at the lash line to get my mascara and eye liner. Once I'm done there, I'll rinse my hands briefly (otherwise I get black mascara water all over everything), and get a little more Coco Loco to rub all over my face. I rinse it all off with the help of a washcloth.

It's amazing how quickly Coco Loco removes everything, and I mean everything. Even my most stubborn waterproof liners come right off without a fight! I haven't tried it yet as a moisturizer, I have a feeling it would likely be too much for my combination skin, even in this winter weather.

Coco Loco at Etsy
2

The Best At Home Peels

Product Sent for Review I Bought It Myself Affiliate Links

The Best At Home Peels via 15MinuteBeauty.com

1. Boots No7 Advanced Renewal Anti-Aging Glycolic Peel Kit (Boots Gentle Glycolic Peel Review)

This is a bit more intense than the other peels shown here, but it is still gentle enough for my sensitive rosacea skin! After just one use, 86% of women found their skin felt smoother.


2. StriVectinLABS Weekly Glycolic Peel

This is a 2 step process, and it includes glycolic acid to exfoliate your skin and StriVectin's NIA114, their proprietary Niacinamide derivative. It's gentle enough to use 1-2x/week.


3. Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel

It says it is a peel, but really it feels more like a hydrating mask that just happens to leave you with super smooth skin. It also has Vitamin C to help fight aging!


4. Freeze 24-7 'Skin Smoothie' Retexturizing Glycolic Pads

Very easy to use, just wipe on. I can use them about once a week without any irritation.


5. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

This is a strange green goo, that feels a little like a scrub without enough grit. I like to use it in the shower, you just need to apply a light layer, wait about 30-60 seconds, then rinse off! It is gentle enough to use a few times a week.


6. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

These are super easy to use! Just wipe over your skin at night, and your skin is gently exfoliated. The glycolic and lactic acids are released slowly overnight, so there isn't any irritation, just smooth skin.


7. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Formula

This is an amped up version of the cult favorite Alpha Beta Peels. It has a ton of active ingredients to give you smoother and more even skin (Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Willow Bark Extract, Retinol.... there's a huge list).


8. Ellen Lange Retexturizing Skin Peel Kit (review)

This is a 10% Glycolic Acid peel, and it comes with everything you'll need for 8 peels at home, which is a pretty great deal!


Product Sent for Review I Bought It Myself Affiliate Links

3

Murad Skin Smoothing Polish Review

Product Sent for Review

Murad Skin Smoothing Polish Review

I don't feature very many facial scrubs on 15 Minute Beauty. I'm super picky about them, have you noticed? I used to loooooove to scrub my face with a scrub, almost any face scrub would do. I'd rub until I was red and smooth, I loved it!

Then, one day in medical school (during our 2 week dermatology component), the doctor threw a very close up picture of skin up onto the screen. The skin had big ruts in it. They were cuts in the skin from sharp facial scrub. They mentioned the name of the scrub used (you know, the Apricot one everyone uses at some point? Yes, that one.) I went home and threw away 2 tubes of that same scrub.

Since that time, I've been incredibly picky about scrubs. I usually opt for a peel over a scrub (at least, when I'm not pregnant), and if I do let a scrub near my face, I have a lot of criteria. First, the scrub must have evenly shaped grit, that is round and not at all sharp. There needs to be quite a bit of grit, I want to know that I'm exfoliating evenly. And I want to be able to rinse it off easily.

So, it probably comes as no surprise that I've probably recommended about 5 facial scrubs total, some of which are no longer made. Well, here is number 6!

Murad's new scrub (well, Skin Smoothing Polish) is pretty great. It has just the right amount of grit, you can exfoliate evenly but the scrub is still loose enough to easily spread on your face. The grit is small, not at all sharp and very evenly sized. It's pretty much perfect. There is a little bit of a smell, but it is pleasant and it is so mild that I can't even really describe it to you. It just isn't completely unscented.

For me, this is a great scrub! It is gentle and the exfoliation is even and doesn't damage my skin when I use it. I think when using a scrub like this you still need to be careful. The goal isn't pink/red skin, it is to gently wash your face and just lightly exfoliate it. This scrub is perfect for that.

Murad Skin Smoothing Polish
Product Sent for Review
1

The Best Makeup Removers (According to Makeup Artists)

Affiliate Links

The Best Makeup Removers that Makeup Artists Love!  Via 15MinuteBeauty.com

I'm always in search of a good makeup remover and since my favorite (Hard Candy's Take It Off) is no longer carried in stores near me, I've been looking for a new option! I asked some of my favorite professional makeup artists for their favorite makeup removers. They had a lot of great options! Let me know if you have a favorite that isn't shown here, I'm shopping for a new one!


Katie Dahlstrom
"DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil (1)is awesome for removing makeup, even stubborn waterproof mascara!"

Sheila Arkee, blogs at The Painted Ladies, and she is available as a makeup artist
"DHC Cleansing Oil (1, review) is a modern marvel. I cannot get over how well this product works to completely remove every speck of makeup. I also like Neutrogena Cleansing Wipes (2) - they're great for quick eyeshadow changes!"

Liz Fuller
"I use a generic version of Cetaphil (3) to wash my face and remove makeup, including eye makeup. It is inexpensive, lasts a long time, and it really does get off all of my makeup, even long-wearing formulas."

Lia Parisyan is a makeup artist, Examiner.com's NY Beauty Expert, and also contributes Health & Beauty articles to CareerAddict
"Organic coconut oil. I've tried everything from organic, store-bought makeup removers to cold cream to luxury brands, but nothing works quite as well as coconut oil. It doesn't irritate your eyes or cause burning, and it also doubles as a natural moisturizer. I keep on jar in my cupboard, and another one in the bathroom. I really like Artisana's Raw Coconut Oil (4). It's super affordable, and a little goes a long way. "

Sarah Salice
"Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser (5), it removes everything. I don't need wipes, special stuff for my eyes, just the cleanser. I squirt it into my hand, massage gently with warm water all over my face and especially eye area and everything comes off."

James DeMarco
"My favorite makeup remover is L’Oréal Paris blue remover (L'Oreal Paris Skin Expertise Eye Makeup Remover, 6)."

Regina Ventimiglia
"Dermalogica PreCleanse (7) but if you need Oil-Free Formula, their Soothing Eye Makeup Remover (8) is gentle and effective."

Haley Kulow
"Baby wipes (9) followed by a solid washing with Clarisonic and cleanser."

Margina Dennis
"Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips (10). Gentle and dissolves even waterproof makeup!"

Julia Papworth
"I love a traditional cleansing wipe such as Ponds (11) to get off the majority of the makeup. For the eye area I like to use a more heavy duty remover such as Clinique's Take the Day Off (10), which easily dissolves makeup without you having to tug or pull."

Karol Young Moses, blogs at Add Lip Gloss and Stir
"Hands down, Lancôme Bifacil (12). Breaks down your eye makeup including stubborn mascara, opthomalogist tested and safe for sensitive eyes. On the lower end, Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover (13) is a great alternative."


3

How To Wash Your Face (AKA- Do You Need a Clarisonic?)

Nothing to Disclose

How To Wash Your Face (AKA- Do You Need a Clarisonic?)

We all do it. I know I do. We get lazy and just rub some cleanser on our face using our fingers. That definitely happens at my house. While this lazy cleaning is definitely better than nothing, it isn't great to wake up and find mascara marks on your pillowcase or to have chin breakouts after a few days. I've been getting a lot of questions from readers recently about deep cleaning brushes as well. Should you use them every night? Do you have to use a Clarisonic, or are there cheaper options that are acceptable? (Check out my review and comparison of deep cleaning cleaning facial brushes) What about that sonic action of the Clarisonic, does is really make a big difference?

So, I decided to ask the experts. I posed those exact questions to dermatologists, and here's what they had to say! Don't forget to check out Dermatologist's Favorite Facial Cleansers!


Are women washing their face wrong? Should we always be using a Clarisonic, a wash cloth, are our cleansers to harsh or should we (or should we not) be using toner? What are your thoughts on how to properly wash the face, and what to avoid?

• I like washing once per day at night. It is really each person's preference on using a home classing device, a soft wash cloth or just hand washing.
• Best is to avoid using a classing agent that is too harsh or being too aggressive with a home cleansing device or washcloth. I like to first rinse with warm water then use a mild cleanser to remove any dirt and make up and then rinse again with warm water, pat dry and use appropriate skin care products after cleansing.
- Brian Zelickson, MD is the founder of MD Complete Skincare


• Sonic cleansers are proven to remove dirt and makeup more effectively than washing by hand. But that doesn’t necessary mean every woman needs to go out and buy a Clarisonic. If washing your face by hand and exfoliating a few times a week gives you a great complexion, then keep doing what works for you.
• Toners are meant to balance pH levels after a thorough cleansing. Be mindful of what toner you use though. Some are alcohol based and strip skin of natural oils even further.
• Avoid over exfoliating. Although exfoliating is necessary to remove dead skin cells, over exfoliating can leave skin flaky and sensitive.
• Know your skin type and choose a cleanser accordingly. For example, if you have oily, sensitive skin, don’t reach for a cream cleanser. Research skin care products for any harmful ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin, before purchasing.
- David Bank, MD is a Dermatologist at The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, NY


• It’s important to use a clean washcloth every time we cleanse our face, so as to avoid introducing any bacteria into the skin from the previous time you washed your face.
• Always use tepid water, not hot, when cleansing the face. If your skin is dry or sensitive, a gentle cleanser is the way to go.
- Eric Schweiger, MD is a Dermatologist at Clear Clinic Acne Treatment Center in New York City


• It is safe for all skin types to gently cleanse without a spinning brushing, using a simple gentle cleanser like Cetaphil.
• The spinning brushes are helpful to exfoliate if they're used with an exfoliating cleanser, but should be cleansed properly between uses and may occasionally irritate or flare-up the skin.
- Karen Stolman, MD is a Dermatologist in Salt Lake City and she writes Skinality


• Most people wash their face wrong because they wash it with their fingertips and there's bacteria under the fingernails.
• I'm a big fan of sonic cleansing systems so I like the Clarisonic. If you choose not to use this then use a washcloth and change it every time you wash your face. Otherwise wash your face with a cotton pad.
• I like mild cleansers unless you have very oily skin and then you should use an exfoliating cleanser.
• You should only use a toner on an oily t-zone.
- Debra Jaliman, MD is a Dermatologist in New York City


• You want to use something to help loosen up your dirt and makeup, that's why Clarisonics are all the rage now. Be sure to use luke warm water and rub up and out in circular motions if not using a Clarisonic.
- Haley Kulow is a makeup artist and esthetician in New York City



Is a Clarisonic necessary or is any deep cleansing brush ok? Does the sonic action (rather than rotation) make a big difference in cleaning the skin or in anti-aging?


• Clarisonic is just one of many sonic cleansing brushes. There are various powerful, deep cleaning brushes that work just as well.
• The sonic action is what takes off layers of dead skin to allow new skin through. It is more effective in cleansing compared to hand washing but everyday use may be excessive for sensitive skin. However it does remove dirt, makeup and pollutants that may cause skin to age more rapidly.
- David Bank, MD is a Dermatologist at The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, NY


• The spinning/moving brushes are meant to assist in exfoliation, and simulate in-office or spa microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion both in-office with a stronger device and the home versions both have a handful of studies to support that they help exfoliate.
• Exfoliation is helpful for acne, brown spots, melasma, wrinkles, and dry skin.
- Karen Stolman, MD is a Dermatologist in Salt Lake City and she writes Skinality


• I'm a big fan of the Clarisonic because of the sonic technology. It also offers a choice of different brush heads for different skin types. The Foreo is another small handheld option which does not require brush heads.
• Sonic cleansing is superior to a washcloth. There is also research that it helps exfoliate the skin so antiaging products penetrate better.
- Debra Jaliman, MD is a Dermatologist in New York City


• It's debatable, the important thing is to get all the dirt, makeup and sweat dislodged and off your face so your skin can breath properly.
- Haley Kulow is a makeup artist and esthetician in New York City

3

Dermatologist's Favorite Facial Cleansers

Affiliate Links

Dermatologist's Favorite Facial Cleansers


David Bank, MD is a Dermatologist at The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, NY
1. CeraVe makes a cleanser (CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser) that is effective in taking off bacteria and makeup, yet gentle enough to not dry out skin.

2. Many makeup removers tend to be too harsh, so it’s important to find one that removes waterproof makeup yet doesn’t strip skin of natural oils such as Ole Henricksen The Clean Truth Cleansing Cloths.

3. Try a cleansing oil to remove makeup, dirt and bacteria from skin in one fell swoop such as Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil.


Karen Stolman, MD is a Dermatologist in Salt Lake City and she writes Skinality
4. I like the eye makeup remover made by Aveda (Pure Comfort Eye Makeup Remover) because it is refreshing, gentle and minus the additives.

5. I love using a simple gentle cleanser like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.


Debra Jaliman, MD is a Dermatologist in New York City
6. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is gentle and moisturizing. It contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid and also ceramides. Great for even the most sensitive skin.

7. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser, Pink Grapefruit. It's got a great scent and contains salicylic acid. Great for oily, acne prone skin.

8. Clinique Naturally Gentle Eye Make up Remover. Great for very sensitive eyes, doesn't irritate and actually removes the eye makeup.


Dr. Goldfaden
9. I always recommend our Pure Start Cleanser. Appropriate for all skin types and very safe for sensitive types, Rosacea and Eczema.

10. Tatcha Oil Cleanser is very nice and a bit more hydrating while still being natural. Both of these remove eye makeup as well!

Affiliate Links

0

Lazy Night Skincare: Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes

Sponsored Post

Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes Review

I write a lot about skincare here on the blog. I love learning about new products and ingredients, and new things we should all do to take better care of our skin. But, I fully admit that as much as I love my nightly skincare routine, I also have lazy nights. Nights that I just can't drag myself to my bathroom sink to fully wash my face and apply serums and creams.

So, I usually have a pack of facial cleansing wipes hanging out in the top drawer of my nightstand (see it there with my millions of hand lotions and lipbalms?)

Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes

There are a ton of options out there for cleansing wipes, but my favorites are always the "wet" towelettes (there are some out there that require you to wet them down, I'm not sure how that saves time) and for the most basic, gentle formula I can find. The wipes with added fruit extracts and exfoliating ingredients always aggravate my Rosacea.

So, I usually end up with these Pond's wipes. I like that they are super gentle and do remove an entire face of makeup with just one wipe. I can crawl into bed, use a wipe, and roll over to go to sleep! It's definitely more simple than the full skincare routine, and infinitely better for my skin (and my pillowcase) than just going to sleep with all of my makeup on.

You can win a prize pack of Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes and a GC to Walmart! Open until 8 pm on Friday, 5/9/2014.

Image 1
If you want to try the Pond's Wet Cleansing Towelettes for yourself, go grab the $1 off coupon!

Check out the Cleansing Towelettes and get the $1 off coupon!

PONDS Towelettes Giveaway - 15 Minute Beauty

Sponsored Post
This review is sponsored by Pond's and Lunchbox, but all opinions are my own. I really do keep a package of these towelettes in my nightstand!
4

January Labs Skincare Review: Reveal Your Glow

Product Sent for Review

january labs skin care review

It's finally spring, and I can't tell you how glad I am to have warm weather! With any change of weather, I need to change things up a bit. Especially skin care. The super hydrating products I was using all winter are too heavy for spring, and suddenly I feel the need to extra clean everything up. Luckily I've been using the perfect skin care line for this time of year!

January Labs is based out of Southern California (very close to where I used to live in Orange County). Their philosophy is that less is more, so they make the most of their active ingredients. They pair active ingredients that work well together and put everything in the right environment to make that ingredient as active as possible. For example, Vitamin C has to be in an acidic pH environment. It seems simple, but not every skin care line is formulated that way.


Retexturizing Night Cream
The Night Cream is more of a lotion packed full of active ingredients that love an acidic environment. Because of this, it was difficult for my Rosacea. I did have a bit of tingling after application, but the next day my face was red. Stupid Rosacea! I did retry a few weeks later, applying a very light layer under a basic moisturizer and my skin could handle the lotion roughly every 3 nights or so. I think this was all due to my sensitivity from Rosacea, someone else would be able to tolerate using this product every night.

The lotion sinks in pretty quickly, and while it is hydrating it isn't super hydrating. It doesn't leave behind a residue and is pretty light, you could easily layer something else over it.

Retexturizing Night Cream Ingredients

A few ingredients in this formulation:
• Lactic Acid: This is a 9% Lactic Acid product, which is quite high. This will help
• Verbena Extract: Applied topically, it can help wound healing.
• Beta Glucan: This is a sugar that can penetrate down into the skin. It helps with wound healing, and helps calm irritation.
• Niacinamide: The same active ingredient as StriVectin (though StriVectin has modified the molecule for their own products), you can learn all about why it is kind of amazing in this post.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Not really an acid, this is a very large molecule that can hold on to a lot of moisture and super hydrate your skin.
• Vitamin C: I have a whole post about how Vitamin C works in skin care, it's great stuff!
• Vitamin E: Great for healing and anti-oxidant activity.


Revitalizing Day Cream
Due to my sensitivity to the Night Cream, the Day Cream became my go-to product. This product is also more of a lotion than a cream, it sinks in quickly and has light hydration. I found that it works great under makeup.

Revitalizing Day Cream Ingredients

A few ingredients in this formulation:
• Verbena Extract
• Beta Glucan
• Niacinamide
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Vitamin E
• A lot of extracts such as Green Tea which have anti-oxidant activity and help soothe the skin.


Glow and Go Power Peel Exfoliant
This is probably my favorite of the January Labs products. This is a mask, but also kind of a facial peel, but it is very gentle while it reveals glowing skin!

The product looks like honey, and has a similar, but non-sticky, consistency. When you apply it to your face it does smell a bit like a chemical (almost like lactic acid, but that isn't in the product). After about 30 seconds the smell goes away. It dries on your face over about 10-15 minutes. It feels a bit like dried plastic on your face, and the drying process doesn't hurt or feel like anything is happening really. I wash it off in the shower, it does take a little scrubbing with your hands just because you're rehydrating it and washing it off.

Once the mask is off my face looks great! My pores look smaller, things feels smoother and more importantly, not at all red and irritated. I just look glowy!

January Labs Glow and Go Power Peel Exfoliant Review
January Labs Glow and Go Power Peel Exfoliant Ingredients


Restorative Tonic Mist
This is the product I used only a few times, I full admit that I'm not used to misting things onto my face! I just would forget about it, but I did really like it. The mist is light and refreshing, you can apply it before your skin care or just randomly throughout the day.


Overall, I really have liked using January Labs. I'm impressed with how many ingredients they pack into each product (I've only highlighted a fraction of what is in each product, it was quite the list!) and this spring my skin has really loved this line! I'm pretty glowy and my pores look great thanks to the lactic acid every few days in the night cream and the Glow and Go Power Peel.


January Labs
Product Sent for Review

4
Never miss a post
Name: 
Your email address:*
Please enter all required fields
Correct invalid entries