Make-up Cleanser

I'm very happy with my current routine, I feel like my skin is in good shape (and I'm even getting compliments here and there!) - the only thing I have trouble with is my (make-up) cleanser. I don't wear a lot of make-up, a very light tinted serum on some days, but I do have a waterproof mascara.

I currently have a great cleanser (Niod cleaning ester), but I bought it in London and after Brexit I can't seem to order it online. It's almost empty and I need a replacement. I've tried the Ordinary Squalane and I do like it for make-up free days, but it doesn't seem strong enough for my waterproof mascara. I have dry and sometimes reactive skin, so I enjoy a balmy texture, not foam or anything that feels stripping.

Would the Inkey List Oat cleansing balm work for me? Or any other suggestions?

Dry skin Sensitivity

Stella

2 years ago

I use Nivea double effect eye makeup remover and have used it for years. It’s perfect for waterproof mascara. I soak a cotton pad and just place it over the eye for a minute and it dissolves the mascara right off with no need to rub the sensitive eye area. I follow with an oil cleanser (Superfacialist Vitamin C which becomes milky when mixed with water and micellar water. If I have a makeup free day, I don’t do a double cleanse. I just use micellar water. I do like the Ordinary Squalane too, but the Nivea double effect is an essential for me personally.

Hope this is helpful. Let me if you try it and how you get on 😊

Sallymands

2 years ago

I have dry, sensitive skin. The Inkey oat balm caused mild irritation. I suspect this was due to leftover residue from the balm as a slightly oily residue remained even after a gentle second cleanse. Sounds good for dry skin but found some ingredients can cause issue left on the skin. (Benzyl alcohol) I use Dear Klairs GENTLE fresh black cleansing oil now. I highlight gentle as they have a fragranced version too. This one has a short ingredients list and emulsifies nicely.

Jackie Tee

2 years ago

Oh thank you, that's good to know about the oat balm! I'll check out the product you've mentioned. I'm also considering the 'take the day off' balm from Clinique, because I do like a balm and it's easy to buy over here. I'll read up on both options, thanks!

[deleted]

2 years ago

I use Bioderma Micellar Water and it works perfectly for light make-up and mascara. I also have sensitive skin and it doesn't dry me out.

I tried the Nivea one mentioned in a different comment and even though it removed mascara very well, it left oily residue on my eyes which is quite annoying.

Meredith

last year

For makeup, you would need two steps. For mascara only days I would use a waterproof eye makeup remover (La Roche Posay, ELF...?) or a cleansing balm (Beauty of Joseon, E.L.F, Neutrogena, Clinique) on the eyes followed by a gentle cleanser for the face like Vanicream cleanser. For makeup days I would use a balm, cleansing oil or miscellar water all over the face before the gentle cleanser.

Meredith

last year

Jackie Tee

last year

Yes, I already have a gentle cleanser, that I can use for the second step. I'll try the squalane cleanser again, and if that isn't good enough I think I might try a cleansing oil from the brand I'm using for most of my products. It's getting good reviews, so I have high hopes! Thank you!

Meredith

last year

Yeah I tried the squalene cleanser, and it is hydrating and non-irritating but I wasn't motivated to repurchase after I used it up. I think oil cleansers are generally better at cleansing while still being moisturizing.

Meredith

last year

Jackie Tee

last year

The squalane is fine, but I felt I had to massage it in a lot to get the mascara off. I don't have to do that with the Niod product (but that is unavailable to me atm). I will use it up, and then I'll decide if I want to switch to something else. My skin is dry, so I don't mind oils.