When my skin starts to break out, I can usually trace the issue back to one of two things, my diet or not keeping my face clean. I clean my face about two times a day, once when I wake up in the morning and once to start my pre-bed routine. Like many beauty product categories, there are hundreds of cleansers out there, so I’ve put together a list of my favorites that I’ve used in the past. Some I use everyday, like my face wash or makeup remover, and others I use occasionally to address specific needs. I’ve also tried out an array of types like foaming, clay or cream based, so keep reading to find out my favorites…

Face Washes

It’s pretty clear what a good face wash should do. It should leave your skin clean of all of the bad stuff that can cause your face to freak out. When I test out new face cleansers, the most important criteria I judge it on is, does it make my face clean.

Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser– I like this one because it feels like you are getting squeaky clean. Sometimes the best cleansers do a great job cleaning, but dry your skin out at the same time. With this one, there’s no compromise as my skin maintains it’s moisture.

Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser– One of Sephora’s top selling face washes and for a good reason. As soon as you rub this on your skin it instantly warms up, helping to open up pores. I love the feeling of it!

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser– When you think of a great foaming cleanser the texture of this Clarins product is exactly what comes to mind. A small amount goes a long way in leaving your face nice and clean.

Exfoliators

Exfoliators are an essential ingredient for smooth and radiant skin. Exfoliators do the job that a lot of face washes can’t, they have a rougher texture that when rubbed on your skin, removes the dead skin cells. This prevents clogged pores and allows your skin to be more receptive to whatever you decide to put on it, be it moisturizer or makeup.

Peter Thomas Roth Vitamin C Brightening Cleansing Powder– This is a new product to me that Thomas wanted to try. It starts off as a dry powder and depending on the level of exfoliation you are looking for, you adjust how much water to add to it. A few drops of water makes a paste which works wonders in smoothing and brightening your skin.

Korres Wild Rose Brightening & Refinishing Buff Cleanser– I’m a big fan of Korres products, in addition to working well, they also have the absolute best scents and they strongly believe in using natural ingredients. I love how this cleanser enhances my complexion and skin texture and also smells like a fresh bouquet of roses.

Makeup Removers

Makeup can be stubborn. Innovations in makeup that keep it looking great all day means that it’s harder to clean up once your day is done. I’ve been really impressed with new products that strip my face clean of any makeup residues while still being gentle on my skin.

Simple Micellar Wipes– For makeup removal, I prefer to use wipes. That way I don’t have to dirty a towel or make a mess around the sink. These wipes are great to travel with, so if I need to remove my make up on the go I can. The Micellar water helps cut through layers of makeup especially mascara. 

First Aid Beauty Milk Oil Conditioning Cleanser– I also love using this one the go because you don’t need water to wash it off. Perfect for in flight or a quick cleanse in the evening. The oil base also leaves your skin feeling silky soft. 

Cleaning Tools

Complexion sponges– On my last visit to Sephora the rep for Ole Henriksen gave me a pack of these sponges to try. They are really cool because they start out super thin and then expand with a few drops of water, making them great for travel. The texture is awesome, exfoliating while being gentle on your skin.

Fairface Washcloths– Last year Thomas ordered 24 of these washcloths (we prefer the Original version). They are great for cleaning your face around a sink. We use them once and then throw them in the next load of laundry.