29 February, 2016

On trial: makeup removers from Caudalie and Sensai

In the last year I’ve become a bit of a cleansing fiend and I’ve accumulated quite a good cache of reliable cleansing balms, oils and creams. I still like to try new ones though, especially if they’re ones everyone’s raving about or I’m sent for review.

I’m seriously impressed with Sensai Silky Purifying Cleasing Balm. I’ve tried lots of balms and I find them especially good in the winter as they’re so rich and moisturising. They’re usually quite heavy and oily which is fine, but sometimes I find they don’t emulsify properly and you’re just pushing an undisolved oil slick around with your muslin cloth (*cough* Lush Ultrabland). So this deep cleansing balm is great because it has more of a rich, creamy consistency. I tried it after an evening of testing out Estee Lauder Double Wear Makeup To Go compact foundation (love this!), Nars L’Amour, Toujours L’Amour eyeshadow palette, Nars blusher, Diorshow Mascara and Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor lipstick (a thick velvet-matte liquid lipstick that smells of strawberries. Expected to hate it but it’s fab…). So I basically had a ton of heavy duty slap on.

One squeeze gave me enough for face and eyes, which I massaged in on dry skin for a couple of minutes before gently emulsifying with warm water, then removing with a damp muslin cloth. It got everything off in one go, even the mascara, which I think is pretty miraculous. I didn’t feel stingy around the eyes or leave my skin tight. At all. The nearest thing to compare it to is Liz Earle’s Cleanse & Polish which is my usual go-to make-up remover. This is that bit richer and thicker though, so it feels more luxurious to use as it has more slip. I didn’t feel the need to double cleanse (although Sensai is a big advocate of double cleansing and double moisturising), just a once-over with this and I felt squeaky clean. Downside? Well, for 125ml you’re looking to pay £40 at retail which is a lot for something that ends up down the plug hole. I do love love love it though so I’ll probably save it for days when I have a full face of make-up on. You can buy Sensai Silky Purifying Cleasing Balm at Harrods.

The other excellent make-up remover I’ve been using regularly is Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil (£18). Oils are messier than balms but I love this because it’s a thick oil. For mornings I religiously use DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, which is brilliant but it’s a little runny (which is fine as I use it in the shower). The thicker consistency of this one makes it perfect for make-up removal; it’s not going to run down your arm, and like the balm, you can take your time working it in to loosen eight-hour foundation and mascara. It also smells way nicer than DHC, it’s composed of grape seed and sweet almond oil and the almond scent definitely comes through. Price-wise this is £18 for 100ml and it’s worth every penny for its convenience and gentle, natural-ingredient efficacy. You can buy Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil at Feel Unique and Space NK.