I don't talk about skincare or staples often but I realize that I have been using these cleansers pretty much every day for a long time. In fact, these are the items that I tend to stock up whenever I spot a good sale. They are priced just right and easily available. No wonder many of them have achieved cult fave status. Today I will share how I use them as well as my thoughts on them.
It's the famous micellar water. Many love this for removing makeup on a lazy day but I wouldn't personally know how well it works as a makeup remover since I only use it on the neck. I apply non-waterproof sunscreen on my neck and I would need a gentle yet effective remover for that (this is on a day when I am not taking a shower in the evening). Bioderma Sensibio H2O is just perfect for what I need. You wouldn't believe the dirt and grime I can see on the cotton pads after a few wipes. I have tried Hydrabio which is also very effective and hydrating but I prefer Sensibio for it's unscented.
2. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (200ml, $28)
I first started using this olive-oil-based cleanser decades ago but I think I appreciate it more now that my skin is drier. Back then I preferred cheaper lighter oil such as Shiseido FT Perfect Oil. I recall DHC Deep Cleansing oil used to be quite pricey as well but nowadays it's more affordable plus they go on sale often. I recently stocked up on more than a few bottles on sale (Btw, the official website is painfully slow but shipping is quick). This has medium weight so it's not runny that I find it easier to handle yet it rinses nice and clean. If you mix a pinch of table salt with it, it makes a gentle exfoliator, too (just makes sure it doesn't get into your eyes like you would with all other exfoliators). I will probably keep buying this until my skin changes dramatically or until I find something better, of course.
3. The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye & Lip Make-up Remover (160ml, $18)
I don't believe an eye makeup remover is something you should skimp on but I find the famous Lancôme Bi-Facil still too pricey to be carefree. There was a time Bi-Facil was about the only functional bi-phased eye makeup remover in the market that I had to bite the bullet but not anymore! There are many other affordable and as-good-as options now and The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye & Lip Make-up remover is my favorite by far. It never stings and removes all my eye and lip makeup. I notice The Body Shop runs big sales at least quarterly and I usually stock them up at 40% off.
4. Vitabrid C12 Daily -C Balancing Foam Cleanser (120ml, $32 (currently on sale at $16, referral code))
This was a surprise for me. First, I started with the Vitabrid Scalp Shampoo and other skincare products thanks to Rowena's recommendations and later I got this cleanser out of curiosity when there was a crazy good deal going on the Vitabrid website. I immediately fell in love with it as well as my SO so I ended up ordering 2 more. This is a low-lathering cleanser that is gentle enough to use every day. It smells pleasantly mild and makes your skin feel refreshed without stripping moisture. Both great as a morning cleanser and as a follow-up after oil cleansing. I'd highly recommend.
5. PIXI Glow Tonic (250ml, $29)
Technically it's a toner but I consider this as the last step of my facial cleansing routine. I did take my time to try this because I tend to be a little skeptical when it comes to "cult faves". This is indeed the simplest multitasker for both cleansing and exfoliating without drying out the skin. The mildly tingly sensation is there but it is far less irritating compared to other AHA options out there. It is something I always end up missing if I stop using it for a while. I still think it could be more affordable, though. I order mine from Selfridges taking advantage of the Selfridges+ delivery service. The price is a lot better across the pond. I am currently using the Retinol Tonic from PIXI but I don't think it's anything spectacular. I will go back to Glow Tonic as soon as I finish it.
6. Vitabrid Scalp Shampoo (300ml, $32 (currently on sale at $16, referral code))
My current skincare routines consist of many Vitabrid skincare products (a proper review will follow). This shampoo is what started all, actually. Some might think $32 for a bottle of shampoo is steep but if you are paying attention to scalp health and wanting to extend anti-aging care to your hair like myself, this would be a worthy investment. Right now my hair is chemically treated that I am using more hair products than before, which is why using an excellent clarifying shampoo is crucial. Vitabrid Scalp Shampoo detoxifies the scalp and nourishes the hair. It feels still gentle on my bleached hair so I continue to use it twice a week. My SO is a bigger fan of this shampoo and he keeps one in his gym lockerroom although his gym offers Kiehl's amenities.
7. Emerita Feminine Wash (118ml, $10.05)
It cleanses and hydrates with zero irritation. No funny name added fragrance or paraben. I have been loving this forever. It also makes a great facial cleanser. It is not glycerin-free if you're sensitive to the ingredient, though.
Honorary mention - Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
It should have been a post about 8 cleansers but I forgot to take a picture of this and I kind of think I could live without it since it is quite pricey. I purchased a jumbo size on a sale from Cultbeauty with the Renaissance Mask and ended up liking the cleanser way better than the mask. It is really amazing to use in the morning especially during the colder months. I put it on and usually wait for a minute or two so I can take advantage of the skin nourishing ingredients in the cleanser. It rinses clean and easy for a perfectly prepped skin.
Thanks for reading. Have you tried these? What are your favorite cleansing items in your routines?
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