Review: Facial Cleansers

Today, I thought I'd review five face cleansers I've used in the past few months. As I've stated before, I double cleanse at night, which means I use a cleansing balm or oil to take off my makeup, which I then wipe off with Bioderma or any micellar water, and then a wash my face with a face cleanser. In the morning, I just wash my face with any one of these cleansers.

Perfect Whip (Japan): This foaming cleanser was a rage in Korea awhile back, and I still use it. I really like using it at night where I feel like it really cleanses the leftover makeup and the balm from my skin. It does, for me, strip a lot of the oils in my skin, which I feel I have to add back and is the primary reason why I like using this at night. I know there is a new technique where you create foam in the foamer. I haven't tried that yet and I am looking into trying this method the next time I use this face wash.

Trader Joe's Spa Face Wash with Tea Tree Oil: I've used many times and it's a good cleanser for its price point. It does cleanse the face, although sometimes, much like the castille soap, it feels like it leaves a film over my skin. If you do end up using this, I highly recommend you toning your face.

The other thing about this face wash is to really avoid this in your eyes. I have made the mistake of flying too close to the sun and having it sting my eyes. It really isn't fun. But, it *does* take off the makeup and it really makes you skin clear, especially if you're acne-prone, because of  the tea-tree oil. The price is also very very nice and I feel like this is one of the best lower-end face washes out there.

Andalou Naturals "1000 Roses" Cleansing Foam: Before this, I've used another Andalou face wash and I will admit I didn't like how it felt when washing my face. This, however, is different. The product comes out foaming and it smells amasing, if you like the smell of roses. The smell isn't too overpowering and is the scent when you are walking through a rose garden. I generally use this for the morning cleanse as this is very very gentle and I like how it takes off the overnight product without stripping the face.

GlamGlow Power Cleanse: I recently started using this product after I used up the Trader Joe's face wash. This is a dual cleanser in that it has one pump, and one side, with oil and the other pump/side with a clay cleanser. I have been using this at night.

I've been really enjoying this cleanser. It doesn't foam like the Andalou or the Perfect Whip, but the combination of the two really does create some kind of "soap" that really does cleanse my skin and take off any remaining makeup. I also really love the scent of this cleanser and it's like some aromatherapy that relaxes me in the evening.  the packaging is also lovely; in a way, I feel it enhances the decor of the bathroom.

Missha Frui-Tea Cleansing Foam: I've talked about this product before and I still stand by review. I really did like how it took off my makeup and I felt, like the Perfect Whip, a good evening cleanser but perhaps not gentle enough for a morning cleanser.  Also, like the Perfect Whip, when I repurchase, I will try it with the foamer and see if that makes any difference.

I hope you enjoyed this review. If you'd like to see more reviews like this, do let me know. If you also have any products you'd like me to try, let me know as well; would love to hear from you.

Until next time!

xo Jane

Empties Review: Missha and Laura Mercier

Today, I am going to review two products I've recently finished. One of them, the Laura Mercier Powder, I have discussed before, but I wanted to talk about it after I finished the entire product and after using other powders in the interim.

Clearly I used ALL of the product =)

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder: Although the powder comes in a very small container for the price, the powder itself is white and it *does* brighten the areas applied.  Even at my age, I still get oily on my T-zone, and this powder helps lessen the shine in that area. I also really helps set my foundation and concealer.

Would I repurchase?: I don't plan to repurchase it anytime soon;  I am still trying the innisfree sebum powder, which I also really like, and I have a Nars powder I plan to use next.  Stay tuned for the next review.

Missha Frui-Tea Cleansing Foam in Blueberry Tea: I got this last year when they were having a sale back home and I've been using it for a year. I really love the smell of this foam; it's a fruity blueberry scent. Because it foams, I like to use it on a cleansing brush and lather it all over my face.

Would I repurchase?: Whilst I loved the scent and it did a good job cleansing my skin, I felt my skin sometimes felt *too* clean, i.e. I had a very tight feeling. I think if you like that tight feeling, I recommend getting it but I generally would prefer my skin to feel clean but supple. Currently, I am using a number of different cleansers, so if you'd like a review, do let me know and I'd gladly provide.

xo Jane

Coffee Talk: How do you cleanse?

How you cleanse your skin has become a hot topic. Do you double cleanse? Single cleanse? Once a day? Twice a day?

For me, my cleansing skincare hasn't changed much. The type of products, I use, however, has changed.

During the daytime, I do not double cleanse. What is double cleansing? Generally, it's the idea that you use an oil-based cleanser or balms to wipe away any excess before you go and use another, water-based cleanser. What I do, however, is use a gentle cleanser to wash away the excess grime from last night and also the sleeping mask. At this moment, I am using the Andalou Rose Foaming Mask and I absolutely adore it. It smells divine and is so gentle. I got it at Whole Foods, but I believe you can find it elsewhere.

At night, however, I double cleanse, especially when I am wearing makeup.  The removal of makeup is such a chore, isn't it? I hate it so. Regardless, I *must* take off my makeup or my skin will suffer the next day. I have been using a cleansing balm (I am currently use Clinique, but Skinfood has a really great one and everyone knows about Banila Co.) and then wiping off my excess with Bioderma, If Bioderma is too pricey, Garnier also has a micellar water that is the fraction of the price and is at Target. I find the gentle nature of the water really helps take away the grime without taking away too much of the moisture. After the makeup is gone, I then wash my face with face wash.

After washing my face, I always tone with a non-alcoholic toner. I find my skin has trouble sloughing off dead skin and so, I must always tone. I use Biotherm, not to be confused with Bioderma, and also the Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel. I love the Thayer's especially because of the scent. They have a variety of scents: Rose, Lavendar, and Lemon. I love them all.

I hope this helps you determine the best method to cleanse. If your skin is dry, perhaps double cleansing may not be for you. But regardless, would love to hear your thoughts, as always.

xo Jane