It's a beauty duty we do without thinking, often as fast as we can, says Editor Trudi Brewer. Who believes good cleansing habits keep your skin looking youthful. Here's how to nail the basics, and get your skin to glow.
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DO: Double cleanse
I am a fan of double-cleansing and here’s why. If you start with an oil-based cleanser as your first cleanse; this it removes makeup, surface grime, and dirt. Then the second cleanser, (select a formula to suit your skin type), gets rid of that dead skin build-up and helps everything that you apply to your skin after cleansing such as serums, balms, moisturizers, absorb faster and work more effectively.
Snowberry Instant Deep Cleansing OIl, $55.
A blend of natural lingonberry, macadamia, and NZ Harakeke (flax) seed oils, that when massaged into the skin, melt to create a hard-working cleansing oil that removes makeup, dirt, and grime - fast.
DO: Massage cleanser into the skin
Take the time to massage cleansers into the skin, use your knuckles and fingers to get into the muscles, lifting upwards. Not only will this help boost radiance, but this also encourages lymphatic drainage, which helps purge the excess toxins from your skin. Don’t forget to include the neck and decollete when you do this – it often gets neglected.
Shiseido Complete Cleansing Microfoam, $75.
This frothy face wash looks and feels like a meringue mix that quickly melts into the skin, to remove makeup and grime in seconds. The rice germ oil and spring water mix, witch hazel leaf and hydrolyzed silk - make it so delicious to use.
Do: Cleanse twice a day
Cleanse your skin morning and night. Double cleanse at night, this is when you need to remove the day's dirt and makeup build-up. In the morning, cleanse with a gel-based cleanser while in the shower or use a makeup wipe loaded with micellar water to refresh the skin before applying moisturiser.
Weleda Blemished Skin Purifying Gel Cleanser, $29.
Ideal for anyone battling blemishes, and breakouts, this gentle blend of willow bark and liquorice extracts contain brilliant antimicrobial and skin-smoothing benefits - and like all Weleda products, it’s vegan, and NATRUE certified organic.
DON'T: rely on facial wipes alone
Wipes won't cut when it comes to removing infallible makeup. Double cleansing ensures your skin is clean and ready for the next skincare step, wipes are a great back up and ideal for a skin refresh, to keep in the gym bag or a quick cleanse before refreshing your makeup for a night out.
Burt's Bees Micellar Cleansing Towelettes, $13.
Not all makeup wipes are created equal, so the action of rubbing a wipe over your skin can be rough of your complexion if the cotton is not gentle. Our makeup wipe of choice is this organic cotton towelette infused with Australian white cypress oil, and honey - super gentle on the skin, and super effective.
DO: Use warm water
Contrary to popular opinion, warm water and damp face cloth or muslin cotton square are the ideal cleansing combination. Together this will ensure your skin is clean, and your pores are closed post-cleansing. Apply your cleansing oil or cream to moist skin, as the ingredients from your products will work faster. You can try adding a little face scrub to your second cleanse if your complexion is looking dull.
Adashiko Collagen Cleanse, $45.
Summer is the ideal time to use a cleansing bar, and one stacked with peptide collagen, antioxidants, and hydrating hyaluronic acid, will not only gently removes oil, and makeup, it helps to hydrate and brighten the skin. Massage the bar into damp palms to create a lather, and then massage that into the skin, rinse thoroughly. Store the bar in a cool, dry spot before using it again.
Editor Trudi Brewer shares good cleansing habits and the latest products to get your skin glowing on TV3’s The Cafe with host Melanie Holmer.
