The Spa Secrets team tries out the latest cleansers to hit the shops...
- Biotherm — Biosource Clarifying Cleansing Milk
Application: Applying the product was easy using either your fingers or cotton wool and it gently removed all my make-up thoroughly without stinging my face or eyes. It was easy to rinse off with water or toner.
How did your skin feel? Clean, but not dry or greasy, so it's ideal for a dry/normal or combination skin. It contains pure thermal plankton which is 100% natural — a relief to know I wasn't applying any chemicals.
Results: Overall, I was pleased with the product, but I would prefer a user-friendly pump bottle.
- Decléor — Cleansing Milk
Application: I had to apply this by rubbing it into my face and then removing with cotton pads and rinsing my face with water, so it takes a bit of time. It's quite thick, so a small drop on the hand goes a long way.
How did your skin feel? My skin felt fresh and clean immediately after, but dry and taut later in the day. However, after a couple more weeks and this problem seems to have gone and my skin feels softer.
Results: I have sensitive skin, but after a week of using the product, my skin seems to be holding up well.
- Jo Malone — Avocado Cleansing Milk
Application: Quite a long-winded process of massaging into damp skin and then removing with warm water, but I soon got used to it. The cleanser was thick but not greasy and it didn't sting on application.
How did your skin feel? Fresh and clean. It did a good job of removing my make-up without leaving my skin feeling dry like some cleansers do.
Results: Quite pricey for a cleanser and although it did the job, I don't necessarily think it was that much better than cheaper options out there. I'll certainly enjoy it while it lasts though!
- Aromatherapy Associates — Renew Rose Cleanser
Application: It instructs you to apply the cleanser with your fingers, massaging it in before rinsing it off, but as it absorbs so quickly, I didn't know when to start the rinsing process.
How did your skin feel? Although it's for use on the face and neck, the only areas where I have noticed any difference are my cheeks and nose.
Results: It's a general cleanser, so it's not going to give amazing results for everyone. I personally felt it wasn't special enough to make me want to add it to my current routine.
- Space NK — Elemental Herbology Purify & Soothe Facial Cleansing Balm
Application: The balm was thick and creamy and, once applied, was difficult to get off with water alone. I had to scrub the residue off, but it certainly removed any traces of make-up — even several layers of mascara.
How did your skin feel? Soft and thoroughly clean after each application.
Results: Once I'd learned how to minimise the amount used each morning and night, I began to like it. With this in mind, it's better value-for-money than I first anticipated as it will last a while. I don't usually use a cleanser, but was pleasantly surprised by this one.
