The more I learn about skincare, the more I realise the importance of thorough cleansing - a particularly important step in Summer when we’re using sunscreen, which is designed to stay put, not to mention getting a touch sweaty betty in this heatwave. It’s time to roll out The Deep Cleanse. For this I’ve been using a combination of Una Brennan Skin Renew Cleansing Oil, Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm, Bioderma H20 (not a deep cleanser, but bear with me!) and Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask.
Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten: Skin Renew Cleansing Oil
Una Brennan’s Super Facialist range can do no wrong in my eyes. Everything I’ve tried from it has exceeded my expectations and this is no exception. Part of a new Vitamin C+ range, Skin Renew Cleansing Oil is a pre-cleanse, designed to remove make-up and grime before you go in with your usual cleanser. Amazingly priced at just £10.00 for 200ml at Boots, it smells so good I could happily use it 3 times a day. (If this came with a pump, it would be perfect - I need to find something to dispense it into as I don’t want to waste a drop!) I massage it in for 30 seconds, splash my face with water to emulsify, massage for 30 more seconds, then rinse off using a flannel. It rinses off completely leaving no residue. To be honest my face feels very clean after using this, but in the interest of The Deep Cleanse, I go in again with….
Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm
I’m sure many of you are familiar with 100% natural origin brand, Balance Me; I’ve been loving getting to know it recently and will share more about the products I’ve tried soon. I’ve been using this balm religiously for the past month and would go as far as to say that I think it cleanses my skin more deeply than any other I’ve tried. I massage it onto dry skin, gently rubbing the (very fine - barely there) oats into my skin, then add warm water to emulsify it slightly and continue to massage in. It smells good and feels very gentle on my skin, removing even eye make-up and leaving my skin feeling scrupulously clean, yet not at all tight. It’s also really well priced compared to many other balms - find it here.
Bioderma H20
This cult beauty product needs no introduction and is my go-to micellar water. I’ve tried lots and still think this is the best… I never like to be without it and have been using this (now half empty) bottle since I picked it up in France at Easter. Joy of joys it’s now available in the UK - at long last! It’s not a deep cleanser and I don’t recommend using this as your sole cleanser, but it is fantastic at removing make-up before you go in with a balm. I often use this to remove eye make-up remover as it’s genius at the job and saves getting my flannel streaked with black! If I’m tired or in a rush I’ll use this as my pre-cleanse before the Balance Me cleansing balm (or whichever cleanser I’m using). There is currently 20% off Bioderma (& all products!) at Escentual.
Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask
I’ve been using this cleansing and soothing mask a couple of times a week lately and absolutely love it. Even the name soothes me, not to mention the vanilla pod & mandarin scent. Its key ingredient is antibacterial manuka honey, with intense hydrating, cleansing and antioxidising properties. It’s also recommended for spots and blemishes; I must admit my skin almost breathes a sigh of relief when I apply this. It’s supposed to be left on for 20 mins before rinsing off, but I may have been known to leave it on overnight! I’ll definitely be back to try more from this brand - find the range here.
I’ve also added another couple of steps to my skincare routine, which I’ll blog about very soon. Do you feel the need for extra cleansing in Summer?
