This one may seem like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised how much makeup can be left over from your “take everything off’ skin cleanser. Have you ever washed off your makeup, taken a pad with toner to your skin, only to see some residue on the pad that was definitely leftover makeup? Well, that’s likely because the way you are cleansing is probably not thorough enough to really get everything out. While this may not be a big deal to you right now, leaving makeup on your skin to settle into your pores and breed bacteria is never a good idea, and can lead to countless skin and health issues down the road. And it’s not just makeup...proper cleansing is necessary even for those who don’t wear any. Why? Because during the day, airborne bacteria and pollutants are attracted to your skin, and if they aren’t washed away correctly, can lead to potential ageing, pigmentation and breakouts.
Enter: double cleansing! What’s double cleansing, you ask? Well, double cleansing involves using an oil, balm, or micellar water to break down makeup and then following with a cleanser to remove the last of the impurities. This process also helps with removing bacteria and old skin cells, as well as excess sebum, spf, sweat and anything else that managed to attach itself to the surface of your skin during the day. Because of this, double cleansing is an ideal ritual meant for evenings.
My Step One Favorites
- Japanese Cleansing Oil by Sonia Roselli Beauty - This oil cleanser is ideal for all skin types. With ingredients that are easy to read and understand like Vitamin E, Cherry Blossom, and Organic Rice, this gentle oil is ideal for even the most acne prone or sensitive skin. Cruelty free, vegan, and no chemical fragrance or parabens, this is an absolute must have in your nighttime routine. Quick tip that I recently discovered: Try using it for ten whole minutes instead of the recommended 60 seconds. You’d be surprised at all the stuff that comes out of your pores...I didn’t even know I had that many whiteheads and blackheads! Gross, I know, but also pretty cool when you feel the end results! Japanese Cleansing Oil($39) is available at www.soniaroselli.com
- Makeup Assassin by Wondergloss - I generally like recommending one product in each category type, but no double cleansing topic would be complete without the Makeup Assassin. And yes, it is as badass as it sounds! This is labeled as an oil, but has the velvety texture of a balm, and smells like a dream! Heavy duty enough to take on the toughest of longwear lip stains and that stubborn eyelash glue that JUST WON’T COME OFF, this remover is also vegan, cruelty free as well as paraben free, and leaves your skin feeling hydrated and supple. One thing I must stress is that a little bit goes a long way, and I really do mean a LITTLE bit. Makeup Assassin($29) is available at www.wondergloss.com
- Bye Bye Makeup Cleansing Balm by It Cosmetics - What makes this product neat is that it’s a cleanser, a makeup remover, and an anti-aging serum all in one! This is a great product for all ages, and is even better for mature skin due to the skin softening serum concentrate. Free of parabens and sulfates, as well as phthalates, the balm contains collagen, hyaluronic acid, peptides and ceramides to leave your skin soft and refreshed. You can even use it as a mask by leaving it on for a minute or two before massaging and rinsing for some added pampering. Bye Bye Makeup Cleansing Balm by It Cosmetics is available at www.itcosmetics.com