Keeping your skin cleansed is essential, especially after a long day of wearing makeup.
It’s important to make sure you remove all your makeup before you go to bed and ensure it’s nice and clean in the morning before you start your day. With so many cleansers available from different brands, it can be somewhat overwhelming.
Everyone has different skin types, so it’s essential to find a cleanser that suits yours the most. We tried four different cleansers from Boots, Superdrug and LookFantastic to find our holy grail product.
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Some cleansers come with a hefty price tag, and it can be so disappointing when you spend all that money on something that doesn’t work. We’ve done some research for you to help the decision making process a bit easier, here’s our verdict:
Liz Earle Cleanse & Glow Transforming Gel Cleanser 150ml
The first thing that drew me to this product was the gorgeous pink packaging, I’m a sucker for pink.
Liz Earle cleanser was one of the first brands I ever invested in when I was younger, and I truly believed it helped my skin massively. So, when I found out there was a new ‘Cleanse & Glow’ transforming cleanser on the scene, I had to try it.
The cleanser itself is very thick and definitely felt more expensive than it was. Priced at £19.60 down from £24.50, this cleanser was definitely a lot cheaper than some I’ve used in the past.
It smelt absolutely amazing, almost botanical, and smoothed onto my face really easily. It almost felt like a bit of a pamper, with the refreshing scent and soft velvety texture.
After using this product for three days, I’d noticed my skin was looking generally brighter and refreshed. It also felt a lot softer and silky, which is especially rare during the inconsistent weather at the moment.
Rating: 5/5
Price: £19.60
Where to buy: LookFantastic
It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser
I've tried a number of cleansers over the years but I always come back to this one.
Popular brand It Cosmetics was developed with plastic surgeons, with an extensive product range designed to provide real and visible results. It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser is a lovely, gentle cleanser that effectively removes makeup and the day-to-day dirt and grime.
Whenever I use this cleanser, I notice a significant improvement in the texture of my skin, as well as how clear it is. Despite suffering spots as a teenager, at the age of 31, I still have the occasional hormonal breakout to deal with but this brilliant cleanser is like a magic potion, helping keep pesky spots at bay.
My skin is combination, so I have oily and dry patches but this It Cosmetics cleanser really helps restore balance to my skin. It also acts like a serum, ensuring your skin is left feeling plump and soft after use.
I'm still regularly ID'd when I go to buy lottery tickets or alcohol and I firmly believe this youth-enhancing cleanser plays a big part in that. This is one of those products I won't ever be without, now - I sincerely hope it's never discontinued.
Rating: 5/5
Price: Varies depending on store and size, usually £26 for a 148ml bottle
Where to buy: Boots, Cult Beauty and more
Elemis Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter
My skin has been quite sensitive lately and as I approach my 40s I've definitely noticed a change in its texture. It can get really parched in the winter months and need lots of moisture. I've tried countless cleansers over the years and have always favoured ones that you rinse with water, otherwise my skin never feels quite clean.
I was keen to try this Elemis cleansing butter, having previously tried and loved the brand Pro-Collogan Cleansing Balm, but not enough to fork out for its hefty price tag. The 'Superfood' Cleansing Butter comes in a bright orange pot and its contents are just as vibrant.
First of all, much like the Cleansing Balm, the Cleansing Butter smells absolutely divine and makes you feel like you're in a spa. The idea is to massage a coin sized amount onto dry skin, then rinse off with warm water. You really don't need a lot at all and I found it completely melted away my make up, even my mascara which can be stubborn to get off.
Once rinsed - and I gently buffed away any residue with a flannel - my skin was left looking bright and feeling soft, clean and hydrated. If you've got oily skin this might not be the best choice for you, but with my skin on the dry side it worked wonders. I was also impressed that you can leave it on for 10 minutes to use as a deep cleansing mask.
The only downside is at around £30 for a 90g pot, it doesn't come cheap, but if you're after a luxury product that works, then this is a good purchase.
Rating: 4/5
Price: Around £30, but currently down to £22.50 at Lookfantastic.com
Where to buy: Retailers include Lookfantastic.com and John Lewis
La Roche-Posay Effaclar H+ Cleansing Cream
For years I never really had a proper skincare regime. I’d take off my makeup with a wipe and eye makeup remover, wash my face and apply moisturiser. It wasn’t until I had my first proper facial that I discovered I was missing out vital steps, with the most important being cleansing.
My beautician recommended La Roche-Posay products to me, as I occasionally suffer from breakouts but also have quite dry skin. The brand is “recommended by dermatologists” and has a wide range of cleansers, moisturisers, toners, serums and more for every skin type. After perusing the website, it was the Effaclar H range that sounded the most suitable for my skin with it being designed for those who suffer from breakouts.
I use the cleanser first thing in the morning to wash my face and in the evening. I wet my face with warm water and massage a small amount of the cleanser into my skin. I then rinse it all off, and when cleansing in the evening, I repeat the process - as I learnt from my beautician, double cleansing is really important at the end of the day to ensure your skin is completely free from makeup and dirt.
The product is soft and nourishing, and a little goes a long way. I bought my current bottle three months ago, and although I use it every morning and night, I've still got nearly half of the bottle left. The cleanser doesn't have much of a smell which I like, as products with an overpowering smell make me think they're not made from natural ingredients.
The 200ml bottle has a pump dispenser, making it easy to get the right amount of product each time leading to no waste. Within a week of using the cleanser (alongside other La Roche-Posay products), I noticed a huge difference in my skin. I hope La Roche-Posay never discontinues the cleanser or the other Effacular H products, as they’re the best skincare products I’ve ever used.
Rating: 5/5
Price: £9.36 (down from £13.99)
Where to buy: Superdrug
Neutrogena Clear and Defend Facial Wash
I’ve suffered with breakouts since I was a teenager, and while they’ve definitely calmed down over the years, they’re always inconvenient - and crop up at the worst of times. I’ve tried everything from high end brands and drugstore options to prescriptions from a doctor, but none of them have ever given me the help I’m looking for.
After seeing the reviews for Neutrogena’s Clear and Defend Facial Wash, I decided to pick one up from my local Superdrug store. The oil free formula contains purifying salicylic acid and, according to the product description, "cleanses and is clinically proven to help prevent future breakouts for a smoother, clearer complexion". It also aims to help prevent spots while respecting the skin's natural balance.
With so much being promised I was a bit dubious, but I was in the middle of a breakout and needed help fast. The product comes in a bright orange pump-action bottle, so that the thick, clear cleanser is easy to dispense whenever you’re ready.
You only need one or two pumps to massage into your skin, staying clear of your eyes, twice a day. While I wouldn’t say it worked from the instant I used it, after just a couple of days my face was clear of quite a bad breakout and my skin felt smoother and softer than it had beforehand.
Unlike some strong cleansers, the product didn’t leave my skin feeling dry and tight, which I had worried about. Luckily, Neutrogena's Clear and Defend Facial Wash worked wonders on my spot-prone skin.
Rating: 5/5
Price: £4.99
Where to buy: Your local Superdrug or online here.
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