Spark

Never sleeping with your makeup on is perhaps the most universal of all skincare rules... but finding the perfect cleanser that can tackle our makeup and leave us fresh-faced without traumatizing our skin (or throwing the eyelashes out with the mascara, so to speak) is easier said than done! Since the white towel challenge has been popping up in our feeds recently, now feels like the perfect time to grab a collection of cleansers from around the Centre and put them to the test. Here’s what we tested, and how they stacked up.

IT COSMETICS Confidence in a Cleanser

Sephora: $37

Tester skin type: Dry, sensitive skin.
Using this cleanser: This cleanser is a cream format – I was able to put a dollop into my palm and rub that around my face.
Other notable traits: The cleanser has a nice creamy texture that was easily spreadable around my face. It really removed all of my makeup. Being sensitive and dry I do tend to go for hydrating products. I found it was very cleansing and it didn't dry my skin out.

FARMACY Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

Sephora: $29

Tester skin type: Normal/combination skin.
Using this cleanser: This cleanser has the consistency of a balm or butter. You apply it straight to your dry skin with an applicator that looks like a gelato spoon, then spread it around and rinse off. The butter consistency turns into more of an oil as you massage it in!
Other notable traits: I thought the application process was cool. The product is green, but you can watch it change colour as it soaks up all the makeup! My skin felt super moisturized afterwards but not like it was stripped clean. Overall it felt really luxurious on my skin.

Vichy Pureté Thermale Soothing Eye Makeup Remover

London Drugs: $19.95

Tester skin type: Dry, sensitive skin.
Using this cleanser: This is a water-based makeup remover and I used a cotton swab or the end of a towel to apply it onto my face. It removed the majority of my eye makeup and had no left-over residue. My skin felt clean afterwards!
Other notable traits: The cleanser is lightly scented, and was very comfortable on the eyes.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O AR

London Drugs: $14.90

Tester skin type: Combination skin.
Using this cleanser: This cleanser is water-based (micellar water). It’s quite watery – I accidentally over-soaked the makeup pad both times because it dispensed so quickly! Once I got the hang of that, I applied it straight to my skin and my makeup wiped away cleanly. I used the wet pad first, then used a dry pad to dry the area. No need to rinse.
Other notable traits: This one felt really clean. Minimal scent, easy to use, no makeup residue at all and I had on full mascara/shadow/liner.
White towel result: There was nothing on the towel at all! I was amazed – I always have residue with the other brand of micellar water I use!

Bare Face Complete Makeup Remover

Saje: $19.95

Tester skin type: Combination skin.
Using this cleanser: This cleanser is oil-based and you have to shake it up before using. I applied it straight to my skin. It went on easily and I let it sit for a minute before wiping off and rinsing.
Other notable traits: This cleanser smelled AMAZING. It left my skin feeling really smooth and soft and didn’t irritate my eyes at all.
White towel result: The towel had nothing on it!

Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

The Body Shop: $19

Tester skin type: Combination skin, oily through the t-zone.
Using this cleanser: This cleanser is an oil balm that foams up a little once applied with water. I applied it straight to my skin and rubbed it in for about a minute before applying water. It was very easy to use.
Other notable traits: The cleanser has a fragrance when using it, but the scent does not linger.
White towel result: My makeup was completely off after just one use of the balm.

Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil

The Body Shop: $19

Tester skin type: Dry, sensitive skin.
Using this cleanser: This is an oil-based remover that is easy to use, and removed eye makeup with ease.
Other notable traits: It leaves my eyelashes feeling conditioned after using!