Don't waste your money on fancy cleansers (A plea)

In the name of love

(before you break my heart)

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When Wayne Goss, practically the only beauty guru/makeup artist I trust with my skin, posted a video on facial cleansers (that I can’t seem to locate for the life of me), I experienced an awakening. My eyes were opened, and I understood the Truth - that there is NO POINT in wasting money on expensive ingredients that will be washed straight down the drain. Pretty much any active ingredient worth its salt needs time to work its magic on the skin, so the minute or two we spend on cleansing won’t be enough to see the results we pay for. I leave acne-fighting and anti-aging for my serums and masks and instead look for cleansers that will deeply clean without stripping my skin.

If you feel personally attacked and left awash by my words above, I apologize, my dear, sweet reader. But never fear, I would never leave you alone and cleanser-less. Here’s a list of my favorites:

Cream/gel cleansers

First Aid Beauty

“Pure Skin Face Cleanser”

First Aid Beauty’s “Pure Skin Face Cleanser” is a gentle, pH-balanced, cream-to-foam formula that lathers luxuriously on the skin, and always leaves me feeling confidently clean without any dry or tight feeling. It makes some claims about antioxidants that I’m skeptical about (again because those ingredients are going straight down the drain), but I don’t mind because this cleanser is great on value for money. The 5oz bottle costs $20, but I always buy the mini 2oz bottle at $10 because a tiny amount of this product goes such a long way. A literal pea-sized amount of product, when lathered well, will clean my entire face. I’ve been using this bottle for 7-8 months (in rotation with my other cleansers listed below) and it’s still going strong. Buy it from Amazon (full-sizes only), Sephora, Ulta, or First Aid Beauty’s Website.

simple

“Kind to Skin Moisturizing Facial Wash”

Simple’s “Kind to Skin Moisturizing Facial Wash” is a pretty good dupe for the First Aid Beauty Cleanser, though I find the liquidy gel formula to be just a touch less nourishing. But it still cleanses well and refrains from stripping the skin. A small amount of this product goes a similarly long way, but only if used correctly. When you add water to the product and begin to lather, it appears to completely disappear for a moment, which can be shocking. But before you reach for more cleanser keep lathering - it will begin to expand into a rich foam when lathered well. A 5oz bottle of the product will put you out about $6, depending on from where you buy. Buy it from Amazon, Ulta, or your local drugstore.

Exfoliating Cleanser

Clinique

“pep-start 2-in-1 exfoliating cleanser”

Clinique's ''pep-start 2-in-1 exfoliating cleanser" is gentle enough to be used daily, but I typically grab for it a few times a week, whenever my skin is looking/feeling a bit dull or needs a deeper cleanse. There was a time that I had switched to using chemical exfoliants exclusively because so many physical exfoliants are quite harsh on the skin. But when I received a mini-version of this product as a free sample from Sephora, I was hooked. Rather than scrubbing my skin with it (again, too harsh), I find that gliding it over my face as I would any other cleanser gives me the smooth clean results I desire without stripping or irritating my skin. A 5.8oz bottle costs $19.50 on Amazon, Clinique's website, Sephora, and Ulta.

Paula’s Choice

“Perfect Cleansing Oil”

Oil cleansing is all the rage right now (check out this article to find out why), and while I'm all for the philosophy behind the method, I've tried many oil cleansers, and I always found myself having a difficult time washing the product off of my skin without leaving any oily residue. That is, until Paula's Choice Perfect Cleansing Oil. When added to water, the cleansing oil transforms into a milky consistency that rinses easily off the skin, like any other cleanser. It is truly magical, and I love it with my whole heart. The clear packaging of the bottle also feels ultra-luxurious, and I feel like a fancy lady whenever I use it. To top it all off, I know Paula is giving me the best research-based skincare for the lowest possible price. Buy it on Amazon or on Paula's Choice's Website for about $25.

I hope I’ve convinced you today to put aside the crazy cleansers in lieu of simple, gentle formulas that won’t break the bank. What are your favorite cleansers? Do you have questions about any other skincare related topics? Leave me comment down below. See you next time!