Cleansing for Beginners - Budget Recommendations
Hi Everyone!
Recently a friend asked me if I would do a guide to cleansing for beginners with some budget friendly recommendations so here we go!
Cleansing, in my opinion, is the cornerstone of good skincare. There is very little point in using good skincare products if you are not giving them a clean base to work on. While I myself am a little bougee with my personal cleanser choices, there are a wealth of budget-friendly options out there and after some research I've come up with a list of the best - I have used most of these at some point, or have heard good things about them. I spent years using less expensive products, and still do - but as a die-hard skincare junkie I feel like I've earned the points to move onto more expensive products and to explore more options. However, this is not to say that you should spend more than sensible amounts on cleansers.
Cleansing is like brushing your teeth - twice a day, every day. So why not use products that are going to benefit your skin, and that you enjoy using. My evening routine usually consists of a locked bathroom door and ten minutes of YouTube/Netflix/music - make it an experience to look forward to after a long day, rather than a chore.
I would recommend having two cleansers in your collection, but one good cleanser (you can use the same one twice for double cleansing if necessary) will suffice. Personally I don't use dedicated eye/lip make-up removers, but that's a personal choice.
*Flannels/Face Cloths
I prefer to remove my make-up with a cleanser and a flannel, this is undoubtedly the best way to do it as it helps cleanse, removes all traces of cleanser, and provides a light exfoliation. I get mine in Primark - they don't need to be expensive. Buy in bulk - have at least 5 so that when some are in the wash you never run out. I use my flannel twice (morning and night) before changing it, after the first use I hang it on the radiatior so that it dries - don't bunch it up or it won't air out properly and will grow bacteria, which is what will also happen if you don't change it regularly - you don't want to rub bacteria all over your clean face.
*Double-cleansing*
Double-cleansing means exactly what it says - cleansing twice. I do this when I have been wearing makeup and/or SPF. On no make-up days a single cleanse is enough and you can choose whatever cleanser you like - although if you have been outside an oil/balm/foam would be best to make sure you get rid of all the dirt/grime/pollution etc. (If you are extremely dry I'd steer clear of foaming cleansers as they can dry out the skin). As I mentioned, I don't really use eye makeup removers, but if you do you can count this as your 'first cleanse'. Your first cleanse should be about removing makeup, the second for cleansing the skin. Generally speaking your first cleanser will be something oily or balmy and your second milky/gel/foaming. If you use an eye/lip makeup remover and it's not causing you any irritation/dryness then by all means continue to do so - what I will be doing here is recommending actual cleansers.
*Double Cleansing is a term coined by Skincare Queen Caroline Hirons, I lay no claim to this term!
First cleanse -
Take your chosen cleanser and spread a grape sized amount on dry skin - don't wet your skin beforehand, you won't get the best cleanse as it will dilute the cleanser. Massage the cleanser all over you face and neck, behind your ears and into your hairline - all the places where make-up tends to get stuck. Do the same for your eyes - generally cleansers don't sting but try to keep your eyes shut anyway (Garnier HydroBomb Gel Cleanser recently stung my eyes like HOLY HELL). If you do get cleanser in your eyes, don't worry - rinse gently with warm water. Massage your cleanser onto your eyelashes and eyelids gently to remove all traces of shadow/liner/mascara. I usually take two or three minutes to do so, but if you wear minimal make-up this won't take as long. Next, take your flannel and soak it in warm, not hot, water. Wipe it all over your face and anywhere there is cleanser, using broad strokes radiating from the centre of the face outwards and upwards, across the forehead and in upward strokes on the neck - you don't want to drag your skin down as this can cause premature loss of elasticity. Make sure to be gentle when doing your eyes, no tugging/rubbing/scrubbing at your lashes.
Recommendations
*Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm - I currently have this in my collection and love it, it's extremely affordable at around 6/7 euros in Boots. Note - it is an extremely waxy balm and you must use a flannel to remove it. All skin types - if you're oily don't be afraid to use oils/balms - they won't make you oilier, that is a myth. Unless you aren't removing them properly, of course.
*Botanics Hydration Burst Dual action Cleanser - have had this in the past, enjoyed it. It's a gel that turns into an oil.
*L'Oreal Extraordinary Cleansing Oil - I've gone through 3 or 4 bottles of this and love it. I got mine on Amazon for 5 or 6 euros, but I don't see it being more than 12 or 13 in Ireland (if anyone knows how much it is at home, please let me know in the comments!) .
*The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter - again, a favourite. 14 euros, will last you a good while.
*The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil - 15 euros. I am using this at the moment, it's fab.
* Superfacialist Vit C+Skin Renew Cleansing Oil - 14.99, Boots. LOVE LOVE LOVE. Buy anything Superfacialist, anything.
All recommendations suitable for all skin types unless otherwise stated :-)
Second cleanse -
Take your second cleanser and repeat these steps. If you are someone who enjoys a scrub then I recommend The Body Shop Vitamin C scrub - but only once/twice a week, not every day. Avoid anything with microbeads. Once you're finished, make sure that you haven't missed any areas. Now you're ready for toner!
Recommendations
*Superfacialist Neroli Brightening Daily Cleanser - can also be used as a first or single cleanse.
*L'oreal Age Perfect Cleansing Milk - less than a fiver, Boots.
*L'Oreal Fine Flowers Cleansing Milk - 7 euros, Boots. Also using this at the moment. The cream version is great too.
*Bioderma Sebum Cleansing Foaming Gel - 12 euros, Cloud10 Beauty. Recommended for normal to oily skin
*Superfacialist Salicylic Acid cleanser - 11 euros, Boots. Great for those who suffer from break-outs/acne
*Sanctuary Hot Cloth Cleanser - around 14 euros in Boots
*Nivea Gentle Cleansing Cream - 4 euros, Boots
*A-Derma Soothing Foaming Cleanser - around 7 euros in French pharmacies. Have been using for a week or so and enjoy it, for normal to oily skin.
To both of these lists I would add No.7 Cleansers, I tried a few back when I lived in Ireland and remembered liking them.
*If when you're toning you notice you have makeup residue on your cotton pad, cleanse again. I sound mental I know, but your skin will thank you for it!
I hope you've enjoyed reading, and that the recommendations were helpful!
If you would like to subscribe to the blog and receive emails on new posts please drop me a line at doyouevencleanse@gmail.com - this is all a bit new and I haven't yet set up a website, but am planning to do so!
Let me know in the comments if you use any of these cleansers or if you have any questions!
Have a great day!
A x
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