In skin care, there are only a handful of things that work for pretty much everyone, regardless of skin type, lifestyle and age. One such thing I tend to prosthelytize about to anyone who'll listen? Double cleansing.
If you're not familiar with the term, it's pretty much exactly what it sounds like. You typically start with an oil or balm cleanser to remove makeup and grime, then follow with a regular cleanser to sweep the rest away. It may sound extra, but the two-step process honestly doesn't take much longer than your regular face-washing routine, especially since it's such an expedient means of removing makeup.
I'm not alone in my love for the process either: Soko Glam founder Charlotte Cho even launched her new skin care line, Then I Met You, with a double cleansing kit since she considers it "the most important step in [her] routine."
"Double cleansing effectively washes away any oil-based and water-based impurities, providing the perfect clean canvas to layer your skin with actives and hydrators that will prevent premature aging and breakouts," says Cho. "It only takes a few minutes and can help you de-stress as you remove the day away thoroughly from your skin."
So yeah, even if you're balking at the idea of adding a new step to your routine, just know that it's worth it. As Cho says, it's great for preventing breakouts and premature aging in equal measure — and, in my opinion, there's no better (or more gentle) way to remove stubborn waterproof mascaras than with a great cleansing balm or oil. It also helps to protect your skin from any pollutants it may have picked up over the course of the day.
Interested in giving the routine a try? Read on to see some of our favorite double cleansing duos.
Image via Imaxtree
With its dreamy herby scent and botanical-packed formula, you'd be hard-pressed to find a cleansing balm with a better user experience than this option from Farmacy. It melts your makeup right off and it's designed to fight off the negative effects of pollution as well.
For the second step of your double cleansing routine, keep things in the family with this honey-packed cleanser from the same brand. It leaves skin oh-so-clean and, thanks to ingredients like honey and hyaluronic acid, it won't dry out your complexion.
Though you can purchase the two products separately, devotees of the double cleansing method may be happy to see that you can buy these two winners as a set. The balm is a rich golden shade and comes with an adorable periwinkle spatula to help dispense the product. And while both have a luxuriously relaxing orange scent, you'll find that the cleanser also has notes of green tea that make it a real treat to use.
This cleansing oil is quite the performer, especially for the price. It removes makeup like nobody's business and rinses away clean without leaving a hint of an oily residue. Plus, it's gentle and non-irritating, making it a great pick for sensitive skin.
