If you’re not double cleansing by now, you’re doing it wrong. Just like it sounds, double cleansing involves washing your face in two steps – first with an oil-based cleanser (usually) to draw out impurities such as pollutants, sebum and SPF, followed by another water-based cleanser to wash away water-based debris like sweat and dirt.
First cleansers usually come in the form of micellar waters, cleansing balms and oils. Not sure which to choose? We’ve done the hard work for you by trying out five first cleansers that’ll leave your face as clean as a whistle. Read our reviews below:
Bioderma’s Sensibio H2o Micellar Water
You’ve probably seen Bioderma’s Sensibio H2o Micellar Water in 99.9% of every beauty blogger’s skincare regime. And yes, the French pharmacy skincare product does live up to the hype. Ideal for dry, sensitive or oily skin types, you can count on this cucumber-based micellar water to clean your skin of impurities while soothing dry and irritated skin. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores.
Bioderma’s Sensibio H2o Micellar Water ranges in price depending on size and is available through Bioderma’s online shop.
Aesop’s Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil
Even if you have oily skin, don’t be afraid to use an oil-based first cleanser. Aesop’s Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil does the job well and leaves the skin feeling supple and smooth. However, if you’re sensitive to fragrances, you may want to stay away from this as it has a herbal, lavender scent. Made from avocado, sweet almond and lavender oil, start by putting a few drops onto your hands before applying it to your face. Once you’ve done that, add some water to form a milky emulsion.
Aesop’s Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil is priced at HK$415 and available at all Aesop stores and online.
Shu Uemura’s Anti/Oxi+ Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil
Feeling lazy? You might just be able to get away without double cleansing when you use this calming and cleansing oil from Shu Uemura. Two pumps is all it takes to cover the entire face – the green tea extracts aid anti-oxidation, moringa extract helps remove pollutants, and papaya extractsgo deep into the pores to get rid of unwanted dirt and oils. Tip: add water to emulsify the oil cleanser.
Shu Uemura’s Anti/Oxi+ Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil is priced at HK$265 for 150 ml, HK$680 for 450 ml and is available at your local Shu Uemura store and online.
Banila Co’s Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm
Now for some Korean beauty (aka. K-Beauty) – this thick and creamy oil-based balm from Banila Co is unique because unlike most oil cleansers, it comes in a solid, sherbert-like form. Simply scoop it out with the included spatula and rub it all over your face – a little goes a long way. The best part is, it removes makeup and dirt without stripping your face of its natural oils or leaving a greasy residue. What’s in it? Natural ester oil and skin-friendly vitamin E acetate infused with green tea extract for a light, natural scent.
Banila Co’s Clean it Zero Cleansing Balm is priced at approximately HK$186 and is available through their webshop.
Drunk Elephant’s E-Rase Milki Micellar Water
Drunk Elephant’s latest product has arrived and it has already become a hit among the beauty influencers. Created with marula, baobab, mongongo, wild melon seed, ximenia seed, passionfruit and sweet almond, the Ceramide-rich E-Rase Milki Micellar Water is a “no-rinse, skin-soothing cleansing water that thoroughly and gently removes makeup, dirt, and pollution.” Be sure to double cleanse if you have skin that’s on the oily side – this product contains a pH balance of 5 and comes in guilt-free recyclable packaging.
Drunk Elephant’s E-Rase Milki Micellar Water is priced at HK$220 and available at Sephora.
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