A good cleanser is worth its weight in gold. I have a few favourites I keep in high rotation.
My favourite is the Margaret Hema facial cleansing oil which can only be described as the epitome of pure luxury. This is a high quality, mostly organic oil which you pour into your hands and then rub over your face. It removes makeup and hydrates the skin, washing off easily and leaving your skin smooth as silk. It also smells incredible, scented by rose and sandalwood. Margaret hand-blends her oils so you know you’re getting small batch and supporting a local Wellington company. It is $140 for 100ml and is truly incredible and lasts for ages. Available through the Margaret Hema website.
Next, if you want something different which emulsifies once washed in water, the Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing oil is a good choice. Kukui nut, white water lily and goji berry extract help skin feel instantly soothed, while jasmine flower helps skin feel nourished (I’m feeling relaxed just re-reading that sentence). Pump and rub, then apply water. You’ll feel it completely wash away and leave no residue on your skin. This cleanser completely removes makeup, even harsh eyeliner and mascara, but should be followed by a moisturiser afterwards. This is a great one to travel with because it has a neat twist top pump which doesn’t accidentally pop open. It’s $86 and is available at Farmers.
Continuing with the oil theme, Estee Lauder does a great cleansing balm that melts away tough makeup. The Advanced Night Repair Micro Cleansing Balm is a thick, chamomile scented paste which is very soothing to apply at the end of a long day. My top tip? Do a double cleanse; the first to wash off the day; the second to remove impurities. This is a pricey option at $91 but really is a beautiful product for skincare junkies to try and leaves skin looking really healthy. It is available from department stores, including Farmers.
For those who prefer a creamy texture, Bees Brilliance is a lovely New Zealand made cleanser which is from a local Nelson company. The honey and propolis cleanser is a lightweight soap-free cleanser that harnesses the power of manuka honey to give you a brighter complexion. Apparently propolis is a red or brown resin-like substance, bees collect from tree bark and buds. Rich in bioflavonoids, Propolis is well known for its anti-microbial properties and is regarded as a great skin reviver. I like this brand and find their products really gentle on even the most sensitive skin. My skin felt refreshed and not weighed down by this lovely gentle cleanser. Available from online here at $33.
Finally, I am a fan of cult-skincare brand Drunk Elephant and really love this gel cantaloupe cleanser ‘Beste No 9’ which has been developed to have a perfect PH level of 5.5 (science class does come in handy - hurrah!). This is my favourite cleanser for when I want to keep my skin regime very simple or if I am travelling and need something I can just bung in my bag. It is a very reasonable $54 for 100ml from MECCA and removes all traces of makeup, excess oil and impurities to leave skin clean and soft. Cantaloupe fruit extract: soothes and hydrates skin. This gel-cleanser is a great choice if your skin is more on the oily side and you don’t want to use something heavier.