I’m an oddball, I am. I’d spend hundreds of ringgit (and I reckon, soon dollars) on creams and such on my face, but I’m a miser on facial wash. My excuse? As long as it’s not some unheard-of brand which isn’t soap-free, and does not dry my skin after use, I’m all right. After all, it’s something you wash off after 20-30 seconds of application on your face.
Now I don’t mean that you should go around getting cheapo brands which does nothing if not more harm to your face. No sirree. What I’m saying is that there are many highstreet, off-the-counter brands of facial wash which also do a good job in not just cleansing your face, but to keep it well moisturised too.
One of my favourite facial cleansers is Olay’s Clarity Fresh Cleanser.
Description:
The Clarity Fresh Cleanser instantly washes away excess oil, dirt and make–up that leaves skin clean without over–tightening. Restores skin to a refreshed, naturally balanced condition. Its rich lather contains menthol and aloe vera for a cool and fresh feeling all day long as it reduces oil in your T–zone while adding moisture to the cheek area. It’s non-comedogenic and allergy-tested.
One thing I like about this cleanser, other than the fact that it’s cheap, is that it doesn’t dry the skin. My skin did not feel tight when I use this, compared to other highstreet brands. This cleanser is meant for oily/combination skin, but I’ve heard quite good reviews from friends who have dry skin who have used this.
I love menthol in my cleansers; I think it’s a great pick-me-up during my early-morning showers. This cleanser has only a hint of menthol, which is good (too much menthol makes my skin smart).
One tiny gripe I have about this cleanser is that it doesn’t remove all traces of your makeup. Sometimes, after a wash, I still find hard traces of foundation still stuck on my skin. As I double-cleanse everytime I wear makeup, it doesn’t bother me all that much.
I’ve been using this facial cleanser for a couple of years now, and I always bring the 50ml tube with me when I go traveling. This cleanser has also served me well in cool and dry countries, especially in countries with hard water.
The Olay Clarity Fresh Cleanser retails at RM9.90 for 100ml at Guardian or Watsons.
What I like about it: Cheap and decent cleanser, not drying to the skin
What I did not like about it: Doesn’t remove all traces of makeup.
cool. i’ve used it once or twice before when my sis got it. was tempted to buy each time i see it.. but i’m always buying too many cleansers.
i’m using shiseido The Skincare purifying cleanser now. seems to remove my make up as well. but it’s expensive. :p
another of my favourite cleanser is Clinelle Deep Cleansing Gel. its almost like the dermalogica cleanser. pretty cool.
i am never a fan of olay, to me, it is just like the eversoft. i don’t like this type of foan cleanser. it dries my skin all the time
When I first transitioned to a liquid cleanser to avoid the taut feeling of bar soak, I was surprised to find this wasn’t the case — all brands in all price points were still drying, and, as per your findings, didn’t remove all traces of make up. Most recently I tried Clinique Foaming Facial Wash and because I liked the scent (so fresh!), I stuk with it. It’s still too drying, so time to move on. I’ll try the Olay! Thanks!
~~~~~~~~~~~geekchic
I’ll try the olay after the wedding. too risky to muck with my skin right now. is it foaming? foaming always dries my skin.
hmm… re: jo’s comment, i’d heard too that clinelle is similar to dermalogica. in fact, watsons had a sale on one of their travel packs. came up to be RM7 something (cleanser, toner, moisturizer). i bought it but too chicken to use it 2 weeks before the big day 🙂
thanks for the review. i’m actually quite the opposite. i spend a lot on cleanser but because my skin likes the olay range for moisturizers and serums, i stuck with it. eye cream and sunscreen: i spend money there 🙂
Jo: Hmm … Clinelle eh? Thanks for the tip, I’m going to check it out once my cleanser’s finished 🙂
PrettyB: Oh dear, sorry to hear it didn’t work out for you. But I do agree that a lot of foam cleansers I know are pretty drying to the skin. I’m just glad that this particular one worked out for me 🙂
Samantha: I’ve tried Clinique Foaming Facial Wash (is this the pink one?) and I’m afraid it didn’t work out so well for me. It’s a tad drying, and I thought it cleaned my face a lil’ too much, as I could feel the “squeakiness” on my face after use! (kinda like washing your plates with liquid detergent)
Geekchic: Hehehe, yeah, don’t try anything new now, not before the wedding. Must keep the skin in tip-top condition as possible :p And yeah, the Olay’s a foaming wash.
Well, do what suits you best 😉