Clogged pores from a build-up of dirt and sebum makes for a complexion that is unhealthy-looking and dull. It also prevents our skin from absorbing the goodness from our moisturisers and toners. So clean skin is an absolute must, as it makes the base for a beautiful face.
We highlight some of the cleansers that have caught our fancy.
Bioxil Protective Foamy Cleanser for Normal Skin (100ml) $59
This highly functional yet gentle foamy cleanser not only serves to cleanse and provide hydration, its daily use will also enhance skin’s barrier against environmental assaults while improving skin’s own moisture balance for better immunity. The use of Rosa Flower oil and Laminana Saccharina (Algae) extract also adds to help reduce stress and keep the skin well quenched.
It also contains polyphenols, an antioxidant called Oligonol(R), which is found in abundance in lychees and have demonstrated benefits for skin health, promoting increased blood flow to the sub-dermal skin layers, thereby infusing the skin with important anti-oxidants to combat against photo-ageing.
Diva's review: We tried the cleanser and found that it did a good job of taking off the dirt and excess oil. Two pumps of it was adequate to cover the face and neck, however, you must be sure to add lots of water to it in order for it to foam. It didn't have a discernible scent, so we guess it does not contain added fragrances.
It was easy to wash off the foam, and did not leave a film on the skin. Our faces felt thoroughly cleansed after rinsing and drying off, without the drying sensation that you get with some other cleansers.
Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes $13.90 for 25 pieces
These cleansing wipes are a boon for those times when you have a moment to pay attention to your face after a long, dreary day. It's a make-up remover that can wipe off traces of mascara and impurities without alcohol, perfume or colour, so it does not upset your skin with overly harsh chemicals.
Diva's review: We like the convenience of these wipes, and that they do a fantastic job of removing make-up quickly. We've tried using the wipes at the end of a long day and skin just felt nicely moist and clean, minus the make-up and dirt. A single piece was thick and big enough to remove make-up if you've only applied powder, but you may need another to remove your mascara and eye-liner thoroughly. But for the price, this is an affordable and convenient buy.
DHC Salicyclic Acne Face Wash $29.50 for 120ml
It's a gel type facial wash that contains salicyclic acid, a known ingredient to counter acne problems with. It works by removing the top layer of dead skin cells and excess sebum. Aloe vera and green tea extracts help to prevent roughness on the skin too.
The facial wash is part of the anti-acne skincare range, which also consists of a toner, face milk and spot therapy essence. But what is more impressive is that it also has an anti-acne make-up range - the Medicated Acne Care Make-up Series. Consisting of a Make-up UV Protection Milk (SPF 50 PA++), foundation (SPF 26 PA++), a pore cover base (SPF 8 PA++) and concealer (SPF 22 PA++), you can choose to cover up with this range as it contains olive leaf extract and artichoke extract that help to tighten pores, while protecting sensitive skin from harmful UV rays, in addition to salicyclic acid to treat spots.
Retails from $20.90 - $29.50 at selected Watsons' stores.
Diva's review: We tried out the Face Wash and found that it was a little more drying than the rest of the facial washes reviewed here. But this was easily resolved by following up with the toner, which has a mild antiseptic smell, and the face milk, which has a light consistency that does not clog pores.
Origins' Zero Oil Collection with Saw Palmetto and Mint, $36 for 150ml
This collection, like it says, has no oil in any of the products. The cleanser, toner and moisture lotion, and an instant matte finish contain the plant-based Saw Palmetto, a plant that is native to the southeastern Unites States and Laminaria Saccharina (Kelp), a plant that is found on the shores of the United Kingdom. The former contains oil-controlling ingredients while the latter is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including some trace elements.
The collection retails from $24 to $48.
Diva's review:The collection worked together to keep oily skin under control, since we only had to blot once throughout the day. The fragrance was minty and fresh, which was something to be expected since mint is one of the ingredients used.
We liked the after-feel once the cleanser was rinsed off - our skin felt free from grime and the scent that lingered did perk us up for the rest of the morning.
Mi-Plus Cleansing Powder $90 for 80g
This cleansing powder from Korea is something of an enigma for most of us who are used to gel or cream cleansers. It took us a little while to figure out how to crack open the seal on the bottle and how to dispense the powder.
Packed in a bottle, just shake out the powder to an amount equivalent to a 50-cent coin, and add water. The powder lathers up into a light foam that can then be applied to face.
Containing placenta proteins to rejuvenate cells and skin tissue, and caviar extracts, it has a non-toxic and non-allergic formula to remove impurities and excess sebum.
Diva's review: While we were a little puzzled by the packaging, it was easy to figure out once the powder was in our hands. While the cleanser starts out as a powder, it eventually becomes a foamy lather after a generous amount of water was added to it. So, this powder really worked like just another cleanser, which made us think that coming in the form of a powder was something of a gimmick.
But we still like the end result. The foam was easy to use and left our skin feeling smooth, in addition to leaving behind a whiff of a floral scent. In fact, our faces felt so smooth, we could hardly resist patting our faces more than a few times. Our skin was not left feeling sticky, but our faces seemed to be hydrated after use, without putting on any lotions or moistures.
