Crucial to an effective skincare regimen, a proper face cleanser is literally, everything, Ensuring that every serum or cream reaches its full potential, it readies the face by removing all traces of makeup, dirt, pollution and excess oil.
With Halloween just a few days away, there is a good chance your daily face wash may need an upgrade to successfully remove the elaborate look you may or may not nail before heading out for the night. Assuming you are able to stand and being in contact with water does not put your life at risk, removing makeup and glitter is as important as the two Advil you take before bed.
Take It All Off
Far from the everyday look, the best Halloween face consists of an insane amount of product and layers of formulas we’d never get away with on any other day of the year. This makeup has to last through selfies, snaps, and tequila shots – that’s like, a long time. While my makeup experience is limited to a tinted moisturizer that usually washes off with water, there are three cleansers in my stash that will not disappoint. Removing everything including the world’s longest wearing waterproof eyeliner are: ELEMIS Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil and Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser.
It’s the balm!
Super on-trend, cleansing balms are the hottest ritual. The ELEMIS Pro-Collagen formula contains Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Rose and Mimosa Waxes, which gives it a solid yet soft texture. Elderberry, Starflower, and Optimega™ Essential Oils cleanse, soothe, and revive, leaving the skin incredibly soft and nourished. The floral scent has an herbal twist, courtesy of Lavender, Geranium, Chamomile, and Orange among other sensory aromatics.
With dry hands, scoop up a small amount and apply to a dry face. Massage it in gently and as it warms up and liquifies, feel the dirt melt away within seconds. Dampen your fingers and when the balm turns into a silky foam, remove it with the hot cloth that is included. Take your time and enjoy the process, inhale deep, and don’t get too rough because otherwise you stretch the skin in every direction. Every speck of makeup will be gone after a single cleanse guaranteed. $60 (3.7 oz) – timetospa.com, Nordstrom.com, Beauty.com.
If you prefer an unscented balm, check out Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm ($29 at Sephora.com) or for a more exotic treat, pick up the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm ($60 at SpaceNK.com).
Yup, Oil.
A pioneer in the cleansing oil movement and the very first oil formula I tried over a decade ago, the DHC original remains one of the most popular today. This blend of Olive and Rosemary Leaf Oils feels like a luxurious condiment on dry skin and has a fresh and subtle spa-like aroma. No, you will not smell like a mediterranean salad.
After massaging the Deep Cleansing Oil into the skin, add water and watch it transform into a milky froth. It rinses so clean that you won’t believe you’ve just had olive oil on your face. Leaving the skin perfectly cleansed and hydrated, this Japanese import is a cult classic for a reason. Ideal for all skin types, this simple and lush DHC formula is a solid choice for anyone looking to explore cleansing oils. $28 (200ml) – dhcskincare.com, dermstore.com.
Other fantastic options within the category include L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Cleansing Oil $22 (loccitane.com, Sephora.com) or TATCHA Camellia Cleansing Oil $48 (Sephora.com)
Soft Lather
Bordering on iconic, I will always make room for the Purity Made Simple cleanser by Philosophy in my shower. This year round friendly, creamy formula is lightweight, non-drying, and performs remarkably well whether you wear makeup or not. Part of the Philosophy range since its inception, this lavender scented face wash is almost immortal.
Low foaming, it is fueled by a proprietary blend of twelve essential oils to dissolve dirt, makeup, and pollutants without stripping the skin’s protective barrier. Because of the oil content, I’ve tried applying it on dry skin, but I have noticed it works best when mixed with water. Keep it in the shower and leave getting creative to me. Available in multiple size options (3, 8, 16, 24, 32 ounces), this award winning cleanser is travel and long term commitment friendly. $11 – $55 – Sephora.com
Other soothing deep cleansing choices great for excess makeup removal are Fresh Soy Cleanser $38 (Sephora.com) and First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser $20 (Sephora.com).
