cleanser

I wonder if the rise in coffee shops that serve frothy-topped cappuccinos and lattes is what's causing this sudden boom in cleansing foams. OK, it's a stretch, but Philosophy has just come out with a new version of its best-selling face wash called Purity Made Simple High-Foaming Daily Cleanser ($21.50 - $34.50).

This light and thin (it's almost watery-looking) liquid cleanser comes out of the pump in a surprisingly lush and sudsy consistency. It has a fresh and slightly floral scent and contains tocotrienol, a more powerful version of vitamin E, for soothing purposes. What it doesn't contain anymore is sodium lauryl sulfate — hooray!

My favorite part is that it's strong-acting, but you don't have that awful, tight feeling on your skin after you wash it off. Instead, your face is clean, soothed, and soft. Also, it's suitable for all skin types. I have sensitive skin and it didn't cause any irritations for me. Do you think you'd be into checking out this new self-foaming cleanser?

Brand-new from Philosophy is a range of mattifying skincare products called Never Let Them See You Shine. Each of the three items aim to cut down sebum production and reduce the look of oily skin, while leaving your face feeling refreshed. The light blue formulas have a minty, sea-inspired scent and are best suited for those with oily and acne-prone sensitive skin.

After trying everything out, I really liked the way my face reacted to the scrub the best. It's thick, but it spreads easily and the beads are smooth as opposed to feeling grainy and rough — so they don't irritate your skin. Plus, the menthol is the strongest in the scrub; after you wash it off, your face feels soft, smooth and cool.

For an up-close look at each of the products, read more

This DIY gentle facial cleanser recipe takes just minutes to put together yet leaves your face feeling soft, hydrated, and clean. Since it contains thyme (a puffiness reducer) your skin will look calmer and less irritated. I tweaked it to add ingredients that tone and tighten. Although this cleanser won't lather, I guarantee you'll feel it working. Here's what you'll need:

To find out how to concoct this invigorating botanical face wash at home, read more

I know what you're thinking: slather oil on my face? Are you nuts?

Not so fast. There's a good explanation for the existence of oil-based cleansers, I promise. Quick chemistry refresher: like attracts like, which means the oil in an oil-based cleanser bonds with and dissolves the oil and grime on your face. This means they can work for all skin types, even oily skin, since they remove oil without over-drying the way detergent-based cleansers can.

Oil-based cleansers are also useful for removing makeup, since most makeup contains oil. The best way to know which method of cleansing gets your face the most sparkling clean is to take one of these for a test drive. There is a slight risk of pore-clogging side effects, but that is usually from the non-oil ingredients, or from not rinsing them off fully. For a few shopping ideas, read more

I kicked off my series on acne by helping you identify your acne type with this quiz. Now that you know what ails you, it's time to talk about what you can do to help clear up your skin.

Keep in mind, no matter how severe you think your acne is, the best way to start treating it is with the mildest products, working your way gradually towards stronger ones until you find what your skin responds to the best. No need to jump right into retinoids when a gentle cleanser will do!

First up are product and treatment options for those of you with mild acne vulgaris. As a reminder, this is the most mild form of acne, consisting of mostly non-inflamed lesions such as blackheads and small whiteheads. These can pop up anywhere, but they are typically found on your nose, forehead, and chin. If this describes your acne, read more

A little while ago, I told you about the amazing facial I got at the Vaishaly Clinic in London. After spending a couple of weeks testing out the products at home, I've fallen in love with one stand-out item.

The Vaishaly Cleansing Balm (£59) is a totally unique way to cleanse your skin. It is a creamy clear balm with a powerful aromatic scent that makes you feel like you are in a spa when really, you're just at your bathroom sink. You begin by using it with dry skin and adding water as you rub it in to begin the emollient process.

This also gives you ample time to work on your deep-facial massage (Vaishaly's personal secret and crucial component to great skin). After the balm becomes a little bit more slippery, you wash it off with warm water and the result is a smooth, hydrated, and soft face.

The first time I used it, I felt like my skin had a thick oily layer on the top of it, but after giving it a few more chances, I understood that this is what primes your face for the lotion. It actually keeps it nice and supple, as opposed to leaving you with that dry, flaky feeling after you cleanse.

Now I'm addicted. It's the smell, the feel, the massage, and the results. I've never tried a product like this before, and now I don't want to live without it.

People worldwide are beginning to notice the incredibly youthful, taut, and smooth skin of Hungarians. Many feel that it has something to do with the local spring waters that have advantageous healing properties. I think it also has something to do with the fact that beauty treatments such as facials and scrubs are viewed as essentials — a means of gaining clean and clear skin.

Hungarians even go as far as to believe that treatments are economical because fewer skin problems lead to the need for fewer products. It also helps that beauty therapists are well-respected and have three years of training before they can work on clients. Here are a few Hungarian products I thought you might like to check out.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm ($102) is a black thick balm that contains Hungarian Thermal Mud to help unclog pores, draw out impurities, and clear away dead skin. It is also formulated with calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper, which promotes collagen production while increasing moisture retention. Additional vitamins, and proteins from Hungarian waters, are blended in to help revitalize the skin.

For two more hot Hungarian skin care products read more

Leave it to La Mer to come up with a luxurious way to clean your face. Its new Foaming Cleanser ($65) contains jade and crushed pearls, deep sea algae fibers and magnetized tourmaline to help break down debris, dirt and makeup. The ingredient that's really getting attention is really the pearl powder, which contains restorative minerals and amino acids essential for healthy and bright skin.

La Mer Cleansing Foam is suitable for all skin types and is recommended to be followed by none other than Crème de la Mer. When it becomes available for purchase in January, do you think this is something you would buy? Or is $65 way too steep for a cleanser?

So many of us have gotten into the routine of absentmindedly washing our faces each morning and night, but are we really taking into consideration a few tiny tricks that can make all the difference in a more effective wash? As model Angela Lindvall said, one major component of a deep and effective cleanse is including some type of massage. It's important to stimulate your lymph system to get much needed oxygen and blood circulating in your face. Also, be sure that you are using the correct cleanser for your skin type and please try to avoid bar soaps at all costs — they can really dry out your skin.

The goal of face washing is to unclog pores and to dissolve dirt, makeup and remove excess oils. You may not realize that this is also a great opportunity to slough off dead skin cells by exfoliating.

Lastly, have you considered the route you take? Begin washing your face starting at your forehead and work your way to your nose, then outwards to your cheeks and eventually down to your face and neck. A proper face wash is a really simple way to maintain the health of your skin.

To read my easy four-step process and tips on how to wash your face, read more