So, you might have read the title of this post and assumed I would be talking about cleansers I kind of like, but that aren’t in my inner ‘primary’ circle. Actually, by secondary cleansers, I mean those that you use after your initial cleanse to remove makeup.
I always remove makeup with a balm or oil-based product (namely my beloved Tri-Balm by Francis Prescott, the ultra luxe Sarah Chapman Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse or Votary’s Rose Geranium and Apricot oil) then follow with a secondary cleanse. I prefer gel-style, wash-off formulas for this, ones which I can also use as my morning cleanser (great for saving those crucial £££).
Caroline Hirons was of course the double cleansing connoisseur, and I’ve met so many experts in the industry who champion the technique in the past few years. It’s kind of become a beauty editor must. In my mind, it’s ultra important to cleanse to remove your ‘face’, and then to cleanse to actually clean the skin.
So here’s my top 5 ‘secondary’ cleansers, which you can also reach for in the AM to make your morning routine a little less painful…
Clarins Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel, £13.50
The best bits: I’ve loved this ever since I discovered it on the blogsphere when I had my last little blogspot site. It really wakes you up in the morning.
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser, £8.99
The best bits: Endorsed by pretty much every celebrity under the sun, it’s simple, effective, gentle and cheap. I like the oily skin version.
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, £15
The best bits: Cult for a reason, the texture is SO amazing and it looks mega in your bathroom cabinet.
Oskia CityLife Cleansing Concentrate, £36
The best bits: Protects from outside skin irritants, especially the horrifyingly high levels of pollution in London.
Shiseido Waso Quick Gentle Cleanser, £24
The best bits: The packaging is so chic it’s almost unbearable. And the jelly-like texture is right up my street.