Happy Monday, folks! I hope you’ve had a great weekend and am ready to begin a brand new week.
Speaking of which, welcome to Skincare Favourites Week! Instead of my usual individual product reviews, I thought I’d do change it up a little and do a round-up of my favourite skincare products. This ranges across the board, from cleansers to serums to moisturisers to sunscreens. I get quite a lot of questions via blog comments and email on what my favourite skincare products are so today, you’ll get the full monty.
Well, full monty of the products, that is. Ain’t nobody seeing me in my birthday suit! 😛
I’m starting the week of skincare favourites off with my top 10 cleansers. Some of these cleansers are recent finds (discovered them this year) and some are classic favourites. Even so, these are the cleansers I have and will gladly repurchase. My favourite cleansers also include cleansing oils and balms that I use as pre-cleansers in my double-cleansing routine. You’ll notice that I didn’t include micellar waters like the ones from Bioderma and Garnier because I do not consider those as cleansers but makeup removers.
In no particular order, let’s get started!
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
This was the first cleanser I’ve ever tried from Dermalogica. In fact, if I’m not mistaken, it’s the first product I’ve tried from the brand. I love how it feels on my combination skin and how well it cleanses without leaving my skin feeling dry and tight. I’ve tried a number of cleansers from Dermalogica since then and to date, it’s still my #1 cleanser from the brand.
Biore Cleansing Oil
This is my second favourite cleansing oil (first being one of the cleansing oils from Shu Uemura which I will mention later). It really is too bad that it isn’t available in Australia because personally, I think it works just as well as the Shu Uemura one but at a much more affordable price. Every time I’m back in Malaysia for holiday, I’ll restock on this. (review here)
Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel
I really like this cleanser and use it particularly when travelling. It’s the more affordable version to the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel but works just as well. In fact, they’re pretty similar to each other. This cleanser costs less than a fiver and is very gentle on the skin. (review here)
Dove Foaming Makeup Remover
I know I mentioned that makeup removers are not included in this category but I do not just consider the Dove Foaming Makeup Remover as a makeup remover but as my first step in the double-cleansing routine. I’ve lost count the number of repurchases I made with this “cleanser”; that’s how much I love it. I don’t normally like foaming cleansers but this one doesn’t dry my skin out at all. It doesn’t just remove makeup well; it doesn’t sting my eyes and is a great first step to double-cleansing. (review here)
Trilogy Cream Cleanser
This is my version of a super luxurious cream cleanser. I’ve tried very expensive cream cleansers but none feels as luxurious as this one. It’s not cheap even though it’s sold at pharmacies but it’s a lovely, very creamy and non-drying cleanser nevertheless. Look out for sales and promos at Priceline and pick this up when you can because I think you’ll like it too.
Shu Uemura Whitefficient Clear Brightening Gentle Cleansing Oil
I’ve tried the original yellow bottled cleansing oil and boy, do I hate that one. It’s thick, gluggy and feels all-round yucky on my skin. Then I tried the pink one (Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil) and thought, hang on, this is not bad. Next I tried the Whitefficient one and it was love at first cleanse. It’s just as light as the pink one yet I don’t know what it is about the Whitefficient one that I like better. I just do. I’ve tried the more expensive Ultime8 version and while that one’s good, I still prefer the one in the blue bottle. (review here)
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
I reviewed this not long ago and as far as cleansing balms go, I find this the bomb. I prefer it to the popular Eve Lom and Emma Hardie cleansing balms because 1) it’s easy to use, 2) easy to clean with just one wipe of the face towel (Eve Lom’s requires at least 2 wipes and rinses) and 3) it smells like spa on skin. It doesn’t leave any greasy residue on the skin but leaves it soft, smooth and clean. Big thumbs up! (review here)
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
This is a very recent find for me even though it’s been out for years. Val raved about this frequently and I thought it was time to try it out. Even though I’ve only used it for a few weeks, this has shot to my top 10 cleansers because holy shizznit, this is good. I don’t need to use any face towels with this cleansing balm at all and better yet, it doesn’t leave any hint of oiliness on the skin that most cleansing balms do without the use of a hot towel. For pampering the skin days, I like the Elemis cleansing balm but on lazy days, this is a very good one to use. Plus it’s very travel-friendly (just scoop some out into a jar) and I wouldn’t have to worry about accidental spillage of cleansing oils. Now I wonder why it took me so long to finally try this out.
Dermalogia Dermal Clay Cleanser
Oily to combination skin lovers will like this cleanser. I certainly do and so does Tim. It’s one of those deep-cleansing, oil-controlling cleansers that work well on the skin without drying it out. I’ve use a lot of clay cleansers over the years and none were as gentle as this one.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
This is my favourite early morning cleanser and has been for many years. It’s fantastic for when my skin flares up, it’s mild on the skin when I get angry breakouts and it’s good enough to cleanse my morning face without stripping the oils. Granted it doesn’t cleanse as well after a day of makeup on the skin, which is why I only use this in the mornings. Even so, this still remain one of my top 10 cleansers. Heck, I’d give it a spot in my top 5.
There you have it, the top 10 cleansers in my skincare routine. This is subject to change, of course, for I’m sure there’ll be better ones along that come up along the way as time goes by. For now, these are my favourites and perhaps it might tickle your fancy to give one or two a go too?
Stay tuned to tomorrow as I share with you my top 10 toners and lotions!
Have you tried any of these cleansers? What’s your favourite cleanser even if it isn’t mentioned in the list above?
Catch up on Skincare Favourites Week!
- My Top 10 Cleansers
- My Top 10 Toners and Lotions
- My Top 10 Serums
- My Top 10 Moisturisers
- My Top 10 Eye Creams
- My Top 10 Exfoliators
- My Top 10 Facial Masks
Shop the post!
Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser – the first cleanser from Dermalogica I ever tried and the one and only one which calmed my angry, acne-prone adult-acne days. Whew. It was a life-saver! I love the Biore one too but it stings the eyes like no tomorrow so I only use it as a last resort. I’m keen to try the Trilogy as well as the Elemis one. THankfully, both are easily available. Can’t wait for the next sale at Priceline to pick the Trilogy one up. My favourite is the Shu Uemura Fresh Pore (pink!) for makeup removal. Second step, I always run to my trusty Dermalogica Ultra-Calming Cleanser. I’ve been on this for easily 10 years and it suits my dry and sensitive skin perfectly.
I wish I discovered the Dermal Clay Cleanser earlier, it would have saved me a lot of pimple pain. I remembered trying out your pink cleansing oil when Bea and I stayed over at your place before heading to Daylesford the next day. Remember how I told you how worried I was giving it a go ‘cos the yellow one was horrid? What a difference the pink (and now the blue/purple) cleansing oil was! Adore Beauty sells Dermalogica cleansers in bulk so it’s a great idea to stock up. Cheaper per ml and all. 😉
This sounds incredible but I haven’t tried the Biore cleansing oil (I live in Japan – lol!) and if it’s as good as the Shu one, then I’ve got to put this in my cart the next time I go supermarket shopping. I agree with you on Cetaphil – it doesn’t feel like it can do a great job at the end of the day if I’d worn makeup but it’s awesome as a morning cleanser. It’s my fail proof cleanser when I get flare ups or my skin becomes more sensitive. I always get the huge 500ml bottle from Singapore and lug it back to Japan and it lasts me a good six months or so. Gosh I have to try that Trilogy cream cleanser (it’s one of my go-to skincare brands when I go to Sydney as I tend not to bring too much with me and prefer to buy and toss) and the Clinique cleansing balm.
Beauty Box recently posted..The Summer Lovin’ Tag
Aww man, you haven’t tried the Biore cleansing oil? You get such easy access to it! *facepalm* 😛
Add the Trilogy cream cleanser to your shopping list. As for the Clinique cleansing balm, get it from Strawberrynet ‘cos it’s cheaper there. Plus you can just get that sent to you and you don’t have to worry about lugging an extra item home! 😉
Love Dermalogica special cleansing gel. I don’t buy this often because it’s expensive ($36 USA) and I’d rather buy the Pre-Cleanse for the same price.
I haven’t tried the rest although most are available in the US. I’ve really been liking the Garnier Clean + Purifying Foam Cleanser. The foam comes out of the pump by squeezing the bottle (weird), but I find that it really cleans any mascara residue left on my yes. So far – good stuff.
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted..Sat Aug 16th Haul
If possible, see if you can get the bulk salon version of the Special Cleansing Gel. They work out to be a lot cheaper per ml than if you get the usual size.
Oooh love love love Dermalogica’s special cleansing gel – I bought a freaking huge pump bottle. The only cleansing gel that doesn’t dry out my skin. I also love Trilogy’s cleansing cream – no breakouts, no stupid reactions and does a fab job. No need to say anything about the Shu Uemura cleansing oil because…hello, the name speaks for itself. BUT, I’m going to have to buy the Biore one when I go back to Singapore then mail it back to myself. Yep, going to buy in bulk. Call me crazy but desperate times calls for desperate measures.
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Me too! I have the big-ass bottle of the Special Cleansing Gel too. Eh I’d do the same man if I were you. Buy in bulk! Even their cleansing oil wipes are good. I bought the Dermalogica Precleanse wipes thinking they’re similar to the Biore Cleansing oil wipes (since both were originally cleansing oil) but the Precleanse wipes don’t even come close. I was so disappointed. I’ll have to buy those Biore wipes in bulk too.
My favourite cleanser is Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser! It’s really helped in improving my severe combination skin, actually the whole brand has! I use this twice daily and absolutely adore it 🙂
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Ooh I’ve not tried that one, only their hand wash. That good eh? I do have crazy combo skin with a ridiculously oily nose. Gotta give this one a go then!
Love your picks and I must try Dermalogica’s special cleansing gel because its quite a favourite here 🙂 I also like that you picked Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel as its so affordable and I have always been curious about it because the ingredients seem user-friendly. I am on my second tub of Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm and would most likely repurchase it when I run out. Would love to try the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm but I am not sure if its available in Malaysia though. I am currently using Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser in the mornings and Sukin Facial Foaming Cleanser in the evenings. I used to love the Antipodes one but since I got pregnant, I find the smell too strong for me. The Sukin one is good in terms of smell and it does not dry out my skin.
I’ve heard great things about the Antipodes Juliet cleansing gel from Paris B but haven’t gotten any to try just yet (still waiting for them to go on discount. Tee hee!). The Sukin one is good too, I forgot about that one.
I love the Biore cleansing oil too! and their makeup remover sheets. I dont do much make up these days so cetaphil has been working well for me. Another one I love is Avalon’s lavender cleansing milk, smells great and cleans well but doesn’t dry my skin.
I don’t normally like using makeup remover sheets but I have to say, the Biore ones are pretty damn good. I remembered going away once and only bringing the Bioderma makeup remover with me. It was lousy in removing my eyeliner and waterproof mascara. I had to pick up a pack of the Biore cleansing oil wipes just to do the job. Must remember to stock up on that when I’m back in Malaysia next!
Thanks for the Trilogy Cream cleanser recommendation… had some Priceline vouchers to use and did not want to just buy “anything”! The Trilogy Cream cleanser sure worked a treat!
Yay, so glad you enjoy it! 🙂