9 Ways to Wash Your Face
Photo: Trunk Archive/Kenneth Willardt
Remember the good old days of washing your face with a bar of soap and water? Maybe a washcloth if you were feeling fancy? The sudden influx of cleansers in every conceivable texture, form, and package has made my head spin, and I’m supposed to be an expert! Which are the best at removing makeup? Which makes skin dewy? What will dry me out? There’s only one way to know: try them all. I decided to test a handful from each category (you’ll see my favorites, below). Before you read on, I’d describe my skin as normal to dry. I’m very fair—as in, I don’t tan—I blush easily, and I rarely get blemishes. My main skincare concern? Sensitivity. If that sounds like you, consider this list your ultimate guide to cleansing.
Cleansing Milk
Cleansing milk gently removes makeup and grime. It feels like it sounds: a watered-down lotion that’s delicate to the touch (and smell), making it perfect for irritated, dry, or sensitive skin. Not surprisingly, I didn’t need moisturizer after rinsing and patting dry.
Recommended: Dolce & Gabbana Essential Cleansing Milk ($47)
Cleansing Water
No sink available? Cleansing water is like a cleanser and toner in one. Soak a cotton pad it the barely scented liquid and wipe your face clean. It’s great for mid-day touchups: I dipped a Q-tip in the solution to clean up my area before reapplying post-work. It also works as a super gentle makeup remover before or after washing your face if you’re wearing a lot of product.
Recommended: Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Water ($6)
Related: Body Wash Vs. Bar Soap: Does it Matter?
Cleansing Oil
Shockingly, cleansing oil removes makeup better than anything on this list—the oil penetrates your pores, melting down the dirt and oil and leaving behind a radiant glow without a greasy residue. (And yes, I’ve waxed poetic before.)
Recommended: Shiseido Perfect Cleansing Oil ($32)
Cleansing Balm
I remember as a kid watching my grandma use Pond’s Cold Cream to “take her face off.” It looked so luxurious, and the new cleansing balms follow the same principle. Rub it into dry skin to melt away your makeup, and rinse off with warm water and a muslin cloth.
Recommended: Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm ($29)
Exfoliating Cleanser
Face scrubs often leave my skin feeling soft but I don’t actually feel clean, so I need to double-up. Who has that kind of time?! The best products are a two-in-one. And since microbeads are a no-no, look for natural exfoliants like ground nuts, sugar, coffee, or in this case, bamboo.
Recommended: Yes to Carrots Fragrance Free Exfoliating Cleanser ($10)
Cleansing Gel
Gel for your face? It might sound crazy, but I love the way the gelatinous texture latches on to the skin, stripping away the day’s dirt and product buildup. However, I found that a few formulas—even the expensive ones—burned my eyes, so consider yourself warned.
Recommended: Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel ($12)
Related: I Saw The Cleansing Oil Light
Foaming Gel
If you can’t let go of the idea of “squeaky clean,” this one’s for you. It felt like it worked the hardest, making it a go-to for extra grimy, sweaty days. (It’s also a must for acne-prone skin.)
Recommended: La Roche-Posay Effeclar Purifying Foaming Gel ($23)
Cleansing Wipes
Over the years these disposable, product-infused face cloths have become my late night savior. Unfortunately the ones that are best at makeup removal leave an oily residue behind, but some will wash your skin almost as well as soap and water. (Remember to toss them in the trash; they cause plumbing problems.)
Recommended: Simple Radiance Cleansing Wipes ($5)
This sponge utilizes the root of an Asian Konjac tree—a beauty staple in that continent for 1,500 years. So while it may seem unusual here in the U.S., you can trust in its ability to exfoliate skin and remove any grime or impurities. Soak it under warm water, apply your favorite cleanser, and massage into your skin and the magical root will handle the rest. My face felt ultra soft and lightly resurfaced. Bonus: unlike electronic devices, this gentle tool can be used daily—even on sensitive skin—without irritation.
Recommended: Dr. Sponge Original Facial Cleansing Konjac Sponge ($9)
