Brightening Cleansing Oil by Shu Uemura, from £25, 020 7240 7635
Developed in 1966 for the Japanese market this product has become a beauty classic, loved by none other than Marilyn Monroe. Now available in a multitude of blends this one evens out skin tone and helps to brighten the complexion. The fresh barely there scented formula contains prune extract to clarify and Sakura leaf to improve the skin’s texture and soothe sensitive areas. No more than three squirts are needed, then rub the light formulation between your palms, pat over your dry face and massage paying particular attention to problem areas such as the chin and nose. With the addition of a little water the oil emulsifies, then it can be washed away with tepid water, along with all the dirt, grime and make up of the day. After only a few uses the skin is clearer and brighter.
Baume Eclat Balm-To-Oil Massage Cleanser by Lancome, £18.50, available nationwide
This clever little cleanser begins life as a balm, then changes to an oil when massaged onto the skin, before morphing into a milky fluid when mixed with water. The product can be wiped off, but I prefer not to leave a residue as my skin is still prone to the odd breakout and washing away with water just feels fresher. The scent is reminiscent of freshly bathed babies and is suitable for all skins including sensitive types. It contains a blend of anti-oxidant rich white lilies, rose de France to soothe, anise derivative to purify and cleanse and Japanese cedar bud to energise and hydrate the skin. After use the skin feels velvety soft and balanced.
Aromatic Cleansing Balm With Rosewood by Darphin, £53.83, www.darphin.co.uk
This is a luxurious product in chic packaging containing a blend of sumptuous ingredients. Jojoba seed oil helps to nourish the skin, sage oil purifies and rebalances excessive oil production, while marula oil is rich in vitamins C and E and helps the skin retain moisture. It looks like a tub of set honey and smells like an exclusive day spa. A tiny amount is needed to remove the traces of the day and should be rubbed between the palms before raising them to your face to inhale the sensuous aroma of Ylang Ylang and rosewood, which calm you before the journey to work or at the end of a particularly stressful day. The effects of using this balm are almost immediate, skin is silky, supple yet feels squeaky clean.
Cleansing Oil by Bobbi Brown, £26, www.bobbibrown.co.uk
This is a great basic that would be the perfect introduction to the world of cleansing oils. The light formulation is ideal for those with oilier complexions who worry that using an oil will encourage outbreaks. The 2-in-1 blend effectively removes make up and cleanses the skin while helping to restore and maintain the skins natural moisture levels. Jojoba oils keep the skin supple, ginger root extract are anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory so calm and soothe, while olive extract is claimed to stimulate new collagen production, making this product ideal for older skins as well. Only 2 squirts are needed and after only a few uses skin looks and feels fresher.
Wild Rose Beauty Balm by Neal’s Yard Remedies, £31.20, www.nealsyardremedies.com
This 99% organic balm is a multi-tasker. It can be applied neat to dry patches such as elbow or heels, it can be used as a face mask (just leave it on for 10 minutes for a nourished complexion) and a rich cleanser. It’s made with a 30% blend of rosehip oil, which is retinol rich fighting wrinkles and encouraging cell regeneration. It has the moisturising benefits of jojoba seed oil, shea nut butter and hemp seed oil, while the patchouli oil has an anti-inflammatory action.
Couple this with the antibacterial cleansing benefits of palmarosa oil and the balancing and soothing properties of rosemary oil and you have one hell of a hard working product. But it doesn’t stop there, an organic muslin cloth comes with and there’s a helpful instruction manual on how to perform facial massage, making this a wonderful product that you won’t want to be without. |
