THE CLEANSER RUNDOWN

Sooo I've got a fair few cleansers on the go here. A few more than I realized. They're one of those things that I love trying out, probably because I don't tend to stray too much with any other part of my skincare routine. Since I've got such a mountain compiling, it seemed like the perfect time to do a run through of the advantages of each one. Maybe you guys will find something you fancy.

Micellar Waters:
Bioderma
Micellar waters are a thing of genius. A cleanser/makeup remover that takes everything off without leaving behind a greasy feeling... I dig it. France, they know how it's done. As I'm sure everyone knows, this is the product that made micellar waters so popular and it deserves all the fame it gets. I don't tend to use micellar water to remove all of my makeup, rather just to take off the last of my eye makeup. It's not that they don't do a good job, it's just that I prefer using cleansing oils as they don't require a cotton pad, which can sometimes feel a bit abrasive on sore skin.

L'oreal Sublime Soft Gentle Micellar Solution
If you're finding Bioderma is still a bit on the pricey side where you're located, then L'oreal has got their own version. It's pretty similar. It doesn't feel any different to touch, but after some time of using it I've noticed what a number of others have mentioned – it's slightly more drying on the skin. It's not bad by any means, but if I had to decide between the L'oreal and the Bioderma version I'd go for the Bioderma, especially since Escentual sells it for such a reasonable price these days.

Oil Based Cleansers:
The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil
Decent oil cleansers tend to be on the pricey side, so the fact that The Body Shop makes an affordable one is pretty smashing. You massage it into dry skin and it dissolves all of your makeup. I do recommend wiping it off with a flannel though, as it can leave the tiniest bit of residue behind otherwise.  Also, I love the convenience of the pump. The only thing I don't like about this cleanser is the smell. It is intense in a perfumey kind of a way. But if you enjoy a lot of fragrance in your skincare then this might be great for you.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
To me, this cleanser is perfect. It's ideal for sensitive skin, due to the simple ingredient list and lack of fragrance, and it feels so, so good. It feels less oily than an actual cleansing oil (maybe that seems obvious?). It's so smooth and silky. Like a cleansing oil, it takes everything off. It may not have a pump, but the upside is that the pot makes it travel friendly. It also leaves no residue whatsoever, so I don't need to use a flannel is I don't feel like it. This is definitely my favourite cleanser of the lot.

Cream Cleansers:
Ren Evercalm Gently Cleansing Milk
If you're having trouble with dry skin, then this is the cleanser I would recommend. The consistency is quite thick and creamy. It feels incredibly moisturizing as you're using it and there's not a hint of that tight feeling in your skin once you wash it off. The smell is quite refreshing too. Not sure what ingredient it is that causes the distinct smell, but the word I always think of when I give it a sniff is “Nordic.” If you like natural ingredients in your skincare, I think you'll enjoy this one.

La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
This is the cleanser I would recommend if you find your skin is extremely reactive. There's nothing in it that would cause any irritation and it feels almost like nothing on the skin, if that makes any sense. It's another hydrating formula, due to the high glycerin content. The two downsides are that it leaves a distinct residue if you don't wash it off with a flannel and it's not the best at removing makeup. I wouldn't imagine this to be everyone's favourite cleanser, but for those having to use harsh treatments, such as retinol, you might find this to be a godsend.

The Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleansers
This is a newer one in the collection, but I was instantly impressed when I tried it. It feels very soothing, but it also feels like it's doing a damn good job cleaning. Where the Ren cleanser feels like it leaves a load of moisture in your skin, this one feels more like it removes grime and oil without stripping the skin at all. I think it's the perfect cleanser for sensitive, oily skin. Rebecca recently mentioned it as her go to cleanser when her skin is aggravated and breaking out and I couldn't agree more.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Cool and Creamy Wash
If you want a refreshing morning cleanser then this is your guy. It contains tea tree and menthol and it leaves you with a cool, tingly sensation. This is also a good cleanser to grab if you're feeling gross and oily. It really washes the crap out of your face (more so than the Aloe Cleanser) to the point of almost feeling stripped. Almost, not actually going that far. I think it would be great for anyone that's trying to transition out of using foaming cleaners.

So that's it guys. Hopefully there was something for everyone in there. Let me know if you've tried any of these and what you thought of them.