Facial Cleansers

When it comes to washing your face, it seems as if there are countless ways to get the job done. And the biggest rivalry is perhaps between face wipes, like Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes ($6), and cleansers, like Olay Foaming Face Wash ($5). Are they interchangeable or does one way of washing reign supreme? To get the lowdown, just keep reading.

It's time to come clean. If you're the type that falls asleep in makeup (no judgments here), La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution ($21) is your new bedside companion. While the product carries a rather scientific name, what it boils down to is that it's one-third makeup remover, one-third cleanser, and one-third toner.

Micellar waters are popular in France, but in recent years they've crossed the pond to the American beauty market. Micelles are minuscule oil molecules suspended in water that gently remove dirt and makeup; no extra H2O is needed for use. And unlike many toners, these types of solutions are devoid of drying effects because they're developed sans sulfates, soaps, and alcohol. Keep multiple cotton pads along with this product near the bed for late-night cleansing — or wait until the morning for a quick, multitasking, low-maintenance wash.

Do you ever get the feeling that your facial cleanser's benefits are getting washed down the drain? Makeup artist extraordinaire and Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux has the solution. "I take a few pumps of makeup remover and put it all over my face. Then I leave it on for 10 minutes while I shower and shampoo," Pecheux explained. This mask method gives the steam time to help your product penetrate.

His favorite all-in-one makeup remover and cleanser is Bioderma Créaline H2O (a French brand that is hard to procure on this side of the pond). But this trick works with any moisturizing face wash. This season at NYFW, Pecheux did shows for big names like Badgley Mischka and The Row, passing on his skin care knowledge to all; even manicurist Deborah Lippmann is already using his tip.