6 cleansers that will make a huge difference to your skin (yes, really)

Trine Jensen-Burke

One of the many perks of writing about beauty is getting to test new products that land on my desk.

When it comes to beauty products, cleansers are less glamorous than say our prized overnight masks or powerhouse serums.

But, when it comes to a beauty product you actually should be investing in and use every single day, cleanser is your boo.

Why? Because unless you cleanse your skin properly all those expensive serums and night-creams and under-eye potions are in essence totally useless.

They cannot penetrate the layer of old makeup, grime and sweat currently on your skin.

This week I have polled some beauty guru friends about the cleansers they are obsessed with, excited about and loyal too.

If you are in the market for a new one – temptation awaits:

1. Darphin Intral Air Mousse Cleanser

Disclaimer: I am obsessed with products from Darphin.

I love how the liquid transforms into an airy mousse. It also contains algae- and coconut extracts which will gently detox your skin while also keeping it soft and glowy.

Darphin Intral Air Mousse Cleanser, €35, available from selected stockist nationwide

2. Phyt’s Lait Hydro Nettoyant

If you are a fan of natural beauty products that are gentle on your skin and to the planet, you are going to love Phyt’s. The skincare brand was created in 1972 by Jean-Paul Llopart, a French naturopath and biologist, who was looking to develop a line of skincare to fit in with his ecological and ethical philosophy dedicated to beauty.

And it is no wonder that their do-what-it-says-on-the-tin cleanser has gone on to become an absolute cult-product many beauty editors and makeup artists swear by. This gentle cleansing milk will dissolve any trace of makeup on your face and clear any impurities. Contains organic sunflower, hazelnut, lemon and verbena.

Phyt’s Lait Hydro Nettoyant, €26, available from Seven Wood and Phytsireland.ie

3. Origins Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil

So many beauty bloggers have been raving about Origins Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil lately, not that we are surprised. As more and more women are discovering how cleansing your skin with oil will pretty much change your life, you can expect to see all the beauty brands bringing out their own version of cleansing oil.

Personally, I love the fresh scent of grapefruit, orange, and lemon this cleanser has. It is also full of skin-nourishing ingredients like live, sunflower, sesame and safflower oils, and made my sensitive skin feel refreshed and soft.

Origins Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil, €30, available from House of Fraser and Boots.ie

4. Eve Lom cleanser

This, to me, is the cleanser I will always keep coming back to and that you will ultimately have to pry from my cold, dead hands.

The iconic cleansing balm is used and loved by beauty editors, models and mortals alike, who have all fallen victim to Eve Lom’s spell. This is the perfect cleanser for pretty much any skin type, and you will actually feel like you are after spending the afternoon at the spa after you have massaged the balm into your face before gently washing away any residue with the muslin cloth.

Eve Lom cleanser, £40, available from Harvey Nichols and Space NK

5. Pestle & Mortar Erase and Renew Double Cleansing System

This double cleansing system has had beauty experts raving ever since its launch last year, and if you try it, chances are you will be hooked to. The system is a set of three products – meaning you reap the benefits of a thorough double cleanse, which will also both calm and nourish your skin.

Trying it, I found it removed every single trace of makeup on my face, even stubborn waterproof mascara and smudge-proof eyeliner! Oh, and I love how it contains skin-goodies like pumpkin seed oil and prickly pear seed oil, which is rich in fatty acids to boost skin cell renewal.

Pestle & Mortar Erase and Renew Double Cleansing System, €75,95, available from Avoca and Cloud10beauty.com

6. Bioderma Sensibio H2O

This cult cleanser is ultra-mild and contains fatty acids that help rebuild the skin’s natural protection against the elements and bacteria – meaning it is perfect for winter and the havoc the weather and artificial heating can cause with your skin. I found redness in my skin was reduced after a few days of use and it removed even waterproof eyeliners and mascaras easily.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O, €8,99, available from Boots.ie