Body & beauty

Best Beauty Buys: Natural Cleansers

Tried and Tested by Sarah Jagger: My top 10 cleansers of all time

Tried and Tested by Sarah Jagger: My top 10 cleansers of all time
We’re not even halfway through the year and I’ve already road tested hundreds of cleansers (with no exaggeration) in my search for the holy grail of cleansers…the cleanser that would make it to the top of my squeaky-clean list. The truth is I found not one but ten ‘uber cleansers’ – all equally clever formulations to address even the most problematic complexions.

The Blemish Buster

Origins Zero Oil Cleanser £25

If you’re prone to spots, shine and constantly clogged pores then you’ll already be familiar with the importance of cleansing. This fresh, mint fragranced cleanser combines saw palmetto and sea algae to inhibit excess oil production, salicylic acid to unclog pores and aloe leaf juice to calm the skin. Unlike other cleansers marketed for oily skin, this won’t leave your face feeling tight or completely stripped of oil.

http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/Categories/The-Selfridges-edit/Skincare-Solutions/Shine-Control/Zero-Oil-Oil-Free-Lotion-with-Palmetto-and-Mint_332-85076694-0GW301/

The Redness Calmer

Aveda All Sensitive Cleanser £17

If your skin is prone to irritation, sensitivity, redness or rosacea then you’ll be wary of the many cleansers with aggressive active ingredients and fragrances. But never fear, this has had its formula upgraded to make sure even the most sensitised skin can not only tolerate it but also feel all the better for it. It’s fragrance free, soothing and removes makeup and impurities all while remaining incredibly gentle.

http://www.aveda.co.uk/product/5214/16795/Collections/All-SensitiveTM/All-Sensitive-Cleanser/index.tmpl

The Dry Skin Soother

Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser £26.95

Antipodes may be an organic brand however it’s founder has gone to every length to ensure that the research and development is scientifically backed up to deliver some very impressive anti-aging results (products in the range have been proven to boost collagen production by 92%). This creamy organic cleanser gently removes impurities and makeup while maintaining skins vital moisture, with a powerhouse anti-inflammatory Vinanza Oxifend (a super antioxidant) and nourishing avocado oil; this cleanser left my skin feeling super soft and dewy.

http://www.antipodesuk.com/step1dailycleanse1/Grace+Gentle+Cream+Cleanser

The Brightening One

Själ Balans Deep Pore Cleanser £50

Dull, congested skin? Look no further because the genius founders of Själ have combined the latest skincare science with holistic principles and unique ingredients to created a lavish non-lather, deep pore cleanser. Infused with gold, silver and germanium for anti-microbial, cell regenerating and detoxifying benefits and pearl extract for brightening a dull complexion. African whitewood regulates oil production while fig leaf protects against skin water loss. It leaves the face feeling clean and refreshed while promoting radiance.

http://www.harveynichols.com/beauty/categories/skincare/cleansing/s243085-balans-deep-pore-cleanser.html

The Antioxidant Approach

Suki Creamy Foaming Cleanser £29

This cleanser combines açai and jojoba antioxidant oils with alpha hydroxy acid to create a silky lather that removes impurities and helps shrink pores to leave a smoother, clearer complexion. The antioxidants enrich the skin while neutralising free radicals and unlike some other alpha hydroxy cleansers this doesn’t sting and is great for a wide range of skin types. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and completely smooth to the touch.

http://www.lovelula.com/pd-suki-creamy-foaming-cleanser-120ml.cfm

The Energising Pick- Me-Up

Valmont Renewing Pack £130

Ok, so technically this one is technically a mask but I’ve snuck it onto the list because it delivers terrific cleansing results, containing menthyl to make the skin feel fresh and tingly. A luxurious non-greasy mask, it revitalizes tired, dull complexions that are in desperate need of a pick- me- up. It’s my backstage favourite because I can apply it 10 minutes before doing a model’s makeup to instantly brighten shadows, tighten skin and diminishes the appearance of pores. I like to use it on myself every morning and leave it for a few minutes (instead of face wash).

http://www.urbanretreat.co.uk/beautique/product/Valmont/Renewing_Pack.aspx

The Anti-Ageing Answer

Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm £39.50

Perfect for anyone wanting both thorough cleansing and anti-ageing benefits at the same time. A blend of precious starflower, elderberry and anti-ageing padina pavonica, this balm left me feeling deeply cleansed yet plump and glowy (it also removed my waterproof mascara).

http://www.johnlewis.com/elemis-pro-collagen-cleansing-balm-105g/p231906676

The Great All-Rounder

Sarah Chapman Ultimate Cleanse £40

I’ve never met a Sarah Chapman product I didn’t fall instantly in love with and this is no exception. For skin that feels comfortably clean, this soufflé balm cleanser nourishes the skin while deep cleaning off makeup, dirt and waterproof mascara while decongesting the pores. It contains soothing ingredients like omega, baobab and borage oils and is combined with antioxidants A and E. The cleanser gently exfoliates while white lily boosts collagen.

http://www.sarahchapman.net/index.php?id=11&sec=prod&prod=1

The Refreshing Wash

Jurlique Balancing Foaming Cleanser £27.50

This cleanser can do no wrong; it’s incredibly refreshing while having a divine scent, combining ginkgo biloba with antioxidants E and C for protection from free radicals. The skin is firmed with Ginseng Root and Rosehip oil helps to return the glow to your skin. This cleanser hydrates and soothes dry areas while clearing areas of impurity and oil, which makes it fantastic for combination skin.

jurlique.com

The Quickie Cleanse

Darphin Azahar Cleansing Micellar £23

The great thing about cleansing waters is that they’re incredibly gentle and versatile and great for those lazy days when you just can’t be bothered to cleanse properly (we all have them). This cleansing water can remove all makeup, including lip and mascara with minimal effort. It is soothing, calming and does not have to be rinsed, which makes it quick and easy. The skin is left comfortably clean, no stripping, no irritation just a soft, beautiful complexion.

http://www.darphin.co.uk/product/8475/21251/Skincare/Category/Cleansers-Toners/Azahar-Cleansing-Micellar-Water/All-in-one-French-Cleanser/index.tmpl

Article by

Sarah Jagger

Holistic Make-up Artist