Let me start off by reassuring all my combination/oily skin ladies out there, that you don’t have to be afraid of introducing an oil cleanser into your skincare routine. In fact, it might just be what your skin needs. I used to avoid oil-based cleansing products like the plague. I’ve spent years trying to get rid of breakouts and mattify my skin. I was terrified of adding any additional oil, grease and shininess into the mix. Cleansing oils are actually an incredibly effective way to remove makeup without stripping the skin of moisture and irritating it further. I like to use an oil, butter or balm cleanser followed by a foam or milky cleanser to ensure a deeper clean. Here are four of my favourites…
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil (£32 | 175ml)
The Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil contains an aromatic blend of Squalane, a planted-derived moisturising lipid; evening primrose oil, which is rich in Omega-6 Fatty Acids; and calming lavender essential oil. Only 2-3 pumps are needed to remove my makeup and cleanse my skin. If I’m wearing particularly stubborn mascara I just put a little on a cotton wool pad and let it soak in for a few seconds and wipe. It doesn’t leave any greasy residue or leftover panda eyes. It’s a dream to apply and the soothing scent of lavender before bedtime helps me to drift off.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil (£24 | 200ml)
The Deep Cleansing Oil is DHC’s most iconic product. This award-winning makeup remover is suitable for all skin types and is available in various sizes. Whilst I’m not overly keen on the scent it’s very effective at removing make-up, dirt and excess oil without making my skin feel overloaded with product. It dissolves quickly and the rich blend of rosemary leaf oil and hydrating olive oil leaves skin feeling plump, nourished and clean.
The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil (£12 | 200ml)
The most affordable of the four is the Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil. It contains camomile from Norfolk that has anti-irritant properties which makes it particularly suitable for sensitive skin types. I can’t emphasise how unbelievably soft my skin feels afterwards, however, I’m a bigger fan of the Sumptuous Cleansing Butter as it feels more luxurious and also doubles as a makeup brush cleaner.
Caudalie Make-up Removing Cleansing Oil (£18 | 150ml)
This is my current favourite. This almond-scented oil dissolves even the hardest to remove water-proof mascara in seconds. It’s made up of 100% naturally derived ingredients including grape-seed oil and sweet almond oil. This is slightly richer than the other three but dissolves quickly and makes my skin feel the most nourished, plump and soft. I use the Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser afterwards to ensure a deep and effective clean.
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