Can we talk about flannels? because they are absolutely essential to my beauty routine. I realise that along with last weeks wonder salve I may be entering into the realms of the most boring bathroom cabinet in all of blogland. But I want to share what actually works and doesn’t cost the equivalent of a new sofa (I read Instyle’s best beauty buys recently and the recommended night cream was £475…..I mean really, what does it do? Fly you to the moon?)

I have faffed around with a muslin cloth on and off for years. I’ve spent a small fortune on one of those Clarisonic brushes, tried all kinds of manual gritty exfoliants containing anything from aluminium particles to diamond dust (allegedly) and generally tried every cleansing method available, all with similar nothing-to-write-home-about results.

Mostly I just end up a bit red faced after a scrub/more “thorough” cleanse. And if anything my epidermis becomes even drier than usual. I am a firm believer that if you have sensitive skin less is most definitely more when it comes to looking after your complexion, I suggest to get La Clinica Skin Care Online. That’s where the flannel comes in, I use one every evening (sometimes mornings too if I have time) and I swear nothing else has ever given me a better “glow”. I know this because I left mine in a hotel last weekend and the difference within just 48 hours was extraordinarily noticeable and as a result spurred me on to compile this feature. It turns out no flannel = grey, flaky and lack lustre skin for yours truly.

I don’t think there is any science to it – it’s the simple fact that using a flannel helps to ensure every last scrap of make-up and daily grime is removed which means way less chance of blocked pores. The very action of using the flannel means that dead skin cells are also removed – hence the continual glow.

I have perfected my method down to a fine art, here’s what I do:

1. Remove most of my make-up (or as much as possible) with cotton wool pads and a cream cleanser (I use Boots Simply Sensitive which is £2.79 and often on 3 for 2)

2. Apply some more cleanser and then use a SOFT flannel to remove, I like the Krama washcloths from Ikea which are 10 for £3 (making them just 30p each – I also use them for Mabel) and run it under warm water – NEVER hot.

3. Hold over my face for a few seconds and then rub very gently in circular motions paying particular attention to around the nose area and avoiding delicate peepers/fine eye area skin.

4. Rinse flannel and um… that’s it. You can splash with cold water and all that malarky but I’d be fibbing if I told you I do it frequently. I don’t. Sometimes I use my Avene spray water if I remember. What I do do though is use a CLEAN flannel. The bacteria that accumulates as soon as you chuck it on the radiator to dry is gross and a very good dermatologist once told me you can use all the fancy expensive creams in the world but what’s the point if you insist on using dirty cleansing cloths?. She had a point.

I use mine no more than twice and shove them in the washing machine with fairy washing powder and do an EXTRA rinse and spin to ensure I’m not well….washing my mug with fairy washing powder. If I’m very honest I more often than not throw them in the bin after a few uses, at 30p they work out considerably cheaper than if I was to invest in any other mid-priced cleanser.

Do you use a flannel?

Do exfoliants give you red patches? Or have you found one that is AMAZING?

How about muslin cloths? (I find them that little bit too harsh personally – hence my preference for a flannel.)