cleansing oils

cleansing oils

Unless you like in a bubble, then chances are you will constantly come into contact with bacteria, pollutants and dirt. Add on to that a build-up of surface (dead) skin cells and makeup that might clog pores, you’ve got a recipe for a breakout. Because of this, daily facial cleansing is essential to remove these impurities and unwanted debris. Without it, our skin would be covered with a thick layer of dirt and grime, which makes it difficult for other skincare products to penetrate into the skin properly. When that happens, we won’t be able to get the full benefits of our skincare products, causing it to remain as it is (whether dull, tired, dehydrated and so on).

Since I wear makeup on a daily basis, I always double cleanse. And by that, I mean using both an oil-based followed by a water-based cleanser to wash off all the dirt on my skin. When it comes to facial cleansers, I’m pretty particular about the ones I pick. For one, it should not irritate or sting my eyes as I wear a ton of eye makeup (yes, I pile on eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara). It also should not strip any essential oils from my skin and can even remove waterproof makeup (read: I only use waterproof makeup).

I am currently loving cleansing oils. Yeah, I might be a little late to the craze but they are now my go-to whenever I need to remove all the gunk on my face. Cleansing oils remove dirt and makeup while still retaining moisture in skin, which is really important since my life is pretty hectic and I tend to drink a lot during the weekends (if you’re not already aware, drinking alcohol dehydrates your skin). What else I love about cleansing oils: they typically contain other skin-loving benefits to help improve skin’s texture as well as address other specific concerns, such as dullness and acne. I also find that using cleansing oils really remove my makeup thoroughly without having to dispense too much product.

It may seem counterintuitive to add oil to an already oily complexion (I have combination skin and my T-zone gets really oily) but they bind more easily to dirt and even oil-based makeup, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple after washing it away. After using a cleansing oil, I like to double cleanse with a water-based cleanser to thoroughly remove all the unnecessary dirt. So here, I share the top three oils that never failed me.

#1: Fancl MCO Mild Cleansing Oil, $30

cleansing oils

These days, makeup products have become so much more innovative and the particles found in them are so finely-sized that they can easily get hidden into our pores. If these particles are not thoroughly removed, it can weaken skin condition and cause damage, which is why I always opt for Fancl’s reformulated Mild Cleansing Oil as it effectively removes particles embedded within pores. Great for sensitive skin (it does not have any scent to it), the reformulated product combines water-based makeup cleansing technology with the original cleansing oil formula. It also features an upgraded keratotic plug removal oil and the brand’s latest Nano Cleansing Technology to dissolve stubborn keratotic plugs and remove makeup residue inside pores more effectively. With a Moisture Keep Cleansing formula, it retains skin’s natural moisturising factors and ceramides to keep it hydrated while removing all traces of makeup.

#2: Three Balancing Cleansing Oil, $68

cleansing oils

Made with essential oils, botanical oils, botanical waters, plant extracts, and other bounties from nature, this has naturally-derived ingredients such as jojiba and rose hip oil to nourish and hydrate skin. It also quickly melts away sunscreen and waterproof makeup to deeply cleanse. Helping to remove excess sebum, it takes away dullness and roughness for a clearer, smoother complexion. The best part: it has a calming scent and does not irritate my eyes. My skin always feels super soft, supple and well hydrated after using it.

#3: Shu Uemura Anti/oxi+ Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil, $55

cleansing oils

Japanese beauty brand Shu Uemura is known for its cleansing oils so it’s not a surprise that I had to include it in my top three. The one that I use on rotation is the Anti/oxi+ Pollutant & Dullness Clarifying Cleansing Oil. Pollution can cause skin to lose its radiance and also age quicker. To combat that, I turn to this cleansing oil. Its green trio of ingredients targets pollution damage to remove impurities and makeup, leaving my skin feeling clean, refreshed and soft. Papaya extract removes protein stains caused by environmental exposure, moringa extract guards against pollutants and green tea extract fights free radical damage.

Main image: showbit.com

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