The hero cleansers

Liz Earle Cleanse and polish DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

It’s only taken me a couple of decades to realise there’s a difference between cleansers and makeup removers. I like my makeup removers thick and unguent, you can take your time massaging in and really enjoy the massaging process. I spend ages massaging my jaw at the end of the day, it takes the clenchy tension out before bed and guarantees a good night’s sleep.

For makeup removal I double cleanse, so the first (lovely thick) layer is about getting all the gunk off and you have to go right up into the hairline and over the eyelashes (gently). I’m not at all heavy handed, I hardly put any pressure on when I’m massaging in the cleanser, just light repetitive strokes. And then – the best bit – I go over with a hot flannel or muslin cloth but again, not too much pressure and definitely no scrubbing.

The second cleanse is a lighter one to get the last bits of makeup off, but it’s the same process. At the moment I’m using the legendary Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser which is the perfect product. It’s just the right consistency and smells satisfyingly clove-y. But I go through it really quickly – I wish the cans were bigger. (There’s a new limited edition Liz Earle Jasmine & Osmanthus cleanser out, in case you don’t like the regular scent. It’s lighter and fruitier.)

Then there are the cleansing balms by REN and Eve Lom. These always smell delicious and are a bit oilier so are better for winter. If I’m in the mood for a cream, then the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré is great. And I also like the gel-oil Burt’s Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser, which is lovely and citrussy. Oh and I’ve still got a tiny bit of Sunday Riley Charisma Creme that I’m eking out. It’s much lighter and milkier than the others and I love it. But it’s more about the process than the product. Getting into the makeup removal habit at night just makes sense to me.

For the morning cleanse I’m devoted to cleansing oils. I started years ago with Shu Uemura and then graduated to Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil, both of which I still love, but I’ve found a cheaper one that’s just as effective. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is perfect for me – not too greasy and not at all drying. I find oils a bit runny for makeup removal, so I use these in the morning in the shower. You have to apply with dry hands on a dry face otherwise it will just rinse off before you can massage it in. The DHC Deep Cleansing Oil comes in a pump bottle and somehow pumps just the right amount so seems to last absolutely ages. The result is a clean, hydrated face ready for serum or moisturiser.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

WORDS AND IMAGES: Disneyrollergirl/Navaz Batliwalla