How To: Removing Makeup and Facial Cleansing (with Video)

I’m geeky and weird about many things…sci-fi TV shows, Captain Jack Harkness (my love), uncovering non-partisan facts about various political issues, figuring out the right strategy on an account, and skincare. Actually, that’s only a short list about what gets me geeked out but the skincare thing is one I harp on all the time to my friends and family (yeah, I know…I’m a lot of fun). Anyway, for about the past year, I’ve doing a lot of researching and experimenting as well as trying a lot of products. I’ve mentioned before how I’ve found a lot of good in the way that Caroline Hirons teaches about cleansing so I thought I’d go a little bit more into that, especially since more people are asking me about what I do and why my skin is the way it is (they mean it as a compliment! lol). So, without further ado, here’s a video I made that shows my evening cleansing routine (my second YouTube video! Yaay!).

The products I use/mention in the video are as follows:

• Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm (buy it here for $28.50): LOVE this stuff!!
• Rodan + Fields Soothe Gentle Cream Wash (available here for $41): Really nice!
• Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Softening Cream Cleanser (Buy it here for $12): Awesome stuff!
• Clean & Clear Deep Cleaning Toner for Sensitive Skin (available here for $5.79): Gentle and cheap
• Makeup Artist’s Choice Mandelic Acid Toner (available here for $10 for 4 ounces---3 sizes available): REALLY love this!!

I find that the 3 step process to remove makeup, cleanse and tone has worked better than anything I’ve ever tried. The oily cleanser (whether it’s a balm or a cleansing oil) does the best to remove makeup and does not impact oily/acneic skin. By following it up with a non-foaming cleanser and an acid-based toner, your skin is prepared for whatever treatments you’re using. If you’re not following a similar process, try it out---you won’t be sorry! You’ll find that your skin is cleaner than it’s ever been and I’ll bet that you’ll notice a difference in clogged pores when you take the extra step of a second cleanse.

Do you already have a cleansing routine that works well for you? Please share!!