One of the best things about the Rock My community is not only the support and advice, but the EXCELLENT product recommendations we receive in the comments section.
My latest cleanser discovery was one such reader rave, and I completely agree that Superdrug’s Clean Melting Gel Cleanser (From the B. range) is gentle, effective and an absolute bargain.
Lauren will tell you that double cleansing has made a significant positive change to her complexion, and I’ll tell you the same. First I remove make-up and surface grime with Boots Simply Sensitive Cleansing Lotion £1.99 (luxe I am not!), then I apply about a 5p pence size dollop of the gel cleanser all over my face, massaging it in sweeping motions and making sure I don’t forget all of the nooks and crannies such as around my nose and underneath my chin. I then remove it with a warm flannel for a thorough clean/mild exfoliation and do a final rinse with tepid water.
My epidermis is clearer and less red/blotchy as a result. And for under seven quid, I don’t think you can ask for much more than that. Both of the cleansers I use contain mineral oil, which I appreciate gets a bad rap on many a beauty blogger website. I have always got on really well with it, and have had allergic reactions to many “natural oils” and “plant extracts” that are often used as an alternative. Not one size/ingredient suits all skin types. Obviously.
I wouldn’t recommend this for very oily skin necessarily, there are not any blemish fighting ingredients or exfoliating acids included which I know are very popular at the moment. I do however find it quite “balancing” so might be worth a whirl for a combination skin type. And for dry/sensitive souls I would definitely recommend you try it for yourself. At the moment you can buy one get one free on various skincare products from the Superdrug B. range.
Do you double cleanse? I’ve heard that Caroline Hirons has essentially endeavoured to coin the term as her own (there was some hoo ha with Neutrogena over using the expression “double cleanse” in a recent advertising campaign) but I’m not sure anyone can say such a potentially generic phrase is their “own”, can they? I’m not an expert obviously, I just find the whole thing interesting.
Please do feel free to review or recommend your favourite cleansers in the comments box below.
I’m also a double cleanser convert since discovering people raving about Caroline Hirons. I use Clinique Take The Day Off as a make up remover – £23 but I can already tell it was last ages and it is truly excellent at removing all of my eye make up etc. And then I use this very Superdrug cleanser for round two. I have combination skin and think it works well. At the same time I have also been using The Buffet from The Ordinary and my skin looks loads better, which I am attributing to a combination of all of the above!
My sister is also a double cleanse convert and she has acne prone skin. She’s seen amazing results using ultrabland from Lush as her second cleanse. It’s great for spots apparently and she says it’s so soothing. So I thought I’d pass this info on!
I always mean to try Ultrabland Jennifer, a lot of folks rave about it x
I was literally just about to comment to say that Ultrabland is my double cleanse hero!! I started using it a couple of months ago and it really does work wonders on my skin. It’s also great because you can use it as a skin detox without any other products and it still cleanses and moisturises your skin (though effectiveness probably depends on your skin type). I took it on my honeymoon, with only a sneaky day moisturiser for company in case I felt I needed it, and not only did it cut down on packing space but my skin was really glowing as a result (even if I do say so myself). I’ve since rediscovered other lush products too (I’d literally not thought to do in since my teens for some reason), and although it can take a while to find your perfect combos, they are fab at giving samples to experiment with. Here endeth my Lush gushing xx
I’m still a Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser girl, I wish I could remember how long I’ve been using it but it’s got to be 5 years or so. For eye make removal I use the Simple one. I’ve never found anything gentler or more effective and it can usually be purchased for £2. I’ve thought about trying double cleansing, although I’d have to do it when I got home from work and not leave it until bed when I’m tired! Does it have to be two different styles of cleanser? Like a lotion one and a wash off one?
I think the double cleanse method is usually a make-up remover type lotion/miceller water type product followed by an oil/hot cloth for a deeper clean. But I guess it’s entirely up to the person/what works for their skin. My Mum loves Liz Earle but unfortunately I’m allergic to the eucalyptus (which makes it smell ace!) X
If you remove make up then cleanse skin you already are double cleansing
Bunny, I was using two different products but now I just do two applications of Ultrabland -the first to take off the make-up and grime and then again to actually cleanse. I use the same cloth for both though.
I was reading something recently that said your skin actually benefits more from you taking your make-up off and launching into your double cleanse as soon as you get home Bunny – rather than waiting until you go to bed. I never think to actually do it but sounds like it’d be worth you giving it a go 🙂 x
I do a compromise on this actually, once my little ones are in bed I pop to my bathroom and fake my make up off. Gives my skin a few hours “off” before bed time. Plus this way I am less likely to leave make up on in bed after a marathon netflix sesh….
Boots No7 hot cloth cleanser is amazing – I always stock up when they give away those £5 skincare vouchers as it makes it half price. The Superdrug B range is so good though, I’m using their anti-pollution primer at the moment (SPF 30 too!) and it’s the best I’ve ever used – I have extremely oily skin and have used every primer going but this really does hold my makeup on! If you ever fancy splashing the cash on a really luxe cleanser then try Elemis’ pro collagen marine cleanser – it smells so good, it’s like having a mini facial at home! X
Ooh Leanne this primer sounds amazing! I’ve just ordered the Becca ‘Backlit’ primer which keeps selling out everywhere, I’m interested to see if it’s worth the hype x
Thank you Charlotte – will definitely try the Superdrug gel cleanser as I need to stock up! I have been using DHC oil cleanser for a couple of years now and it works well for me for both make up and basic grime, but need a more budget friendly one this time…
Let me know how you get on x
At the moment DHC are doing 50% off their massive one if you are a new customer on their site- ask a family member to order for you, that’s what I did! Love this stuff x
I used to get blotchy red spots around my eyes (looked like a rash). I also had bad acne as a teenager. A dermatologist advised going oil free and since then my skin is fantastic. Strongly recommend neutrogena micellar water (cheap and lasts ages) followed by Avene Cleanance cleansing gel (also good value).
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is really gentle as the name suggests and you can get it in a large pump bottle which makes it easy to use. I like to use it as a morning cleanser. I’m also massive fan of both Liz Earle Hot Polish Cleaner and Lush Ultrabland. I think Ultrabland would be would be my desert island products.
I used to use Cetaphil, then I read what Caroline Hirons thinks of it. Suffice to say it’s not got a good review (she thinks it’s the devils work). I now use Superfacialist Vitamin C Cleansing oil, which i really love.
Another vote for Ultrabland here – I was raving about it and how it helped my problem skin on your instagram recently too Charlotte! The other cleanser I user is a gentle cream cleanser, after reading CH thing about how they should never be ‘foaming’ because that strips your skin. Superfacialist Rose Hydrate cleanser is awesome, costs £7.99 and smells amazing to boot!
Goodness so much love for ultrabland! I’ll definitely try it after my Superdrug gel runs out x
LOVE me a double cleanse. Nothing quite beats the feeling of it afterwards! I actually use Body Shop Camomile cleansing butter and it’s very similar to the Clinique one (just cheaper!) for both the first and second cleanse. Also a devoted Caroline Hirons follower and use a fresh flannel every night 🙂
Been double cleansing for years! I use Dermalogica precleanse which is an oil, and the Oskia perfect cleanser balm which I massage off with a warm muslin cloth. Perfect for my dry skin. Love it. Wouldn’t change my routine for anything now.
Charlotte the backlight filter primer from Becca is sooooo worth the the hype….. on my third bottle now
Another Ultrabland fan here! Just started using it a month ago and I love it. Love the clean feeling of wiping it all off with a warm flannel and the bonus cloth exfoliation.
I’ve double-cleansed for years by using Weleda’s Almond Oil on a damp cotton pad to remove my makeup and city grime first followed by whatever cleanser I was using.
I have sensitive combination skin and acne but my skin is loving these two products. So happy because getting married in 92 days and want my skin looking it’s best.
If anyone has a recommendation for a good moisturiser though that would be much appreciated! I’m currently using Origin’s A Perfect World but I’m not completely sold.
Liz Earle super skin moisturiser I think it’s called is amazing!
You could try la Roche Posay Effacer Duo+ moisturiser. Has some acne fighting voodoo in it. Has really helped my sensitive acne prone skin.
I’m a devotee of Liz Earle hot cloth cleanser. Never doubled tho…
I’ve actually run out and been using a Lancôme gel eclat foaming one and after ZERO spots I now have two… Must go back to LE!
I’m a massive advocate of make-up off as soon as I get home, whether this be home from work or just home from the day (basically whenever I know I’m not leaving the house again!) I have started using a facial wash when I first get home to remove make-up, I then pat dry and leave my face naked and free until bedtime where I’ll use a cleanser. (Does this count as double cleansing?!) No idea. Anyway I was using a clinique cleanser but pricey and not seeing any miraculous results, am feeling the love for Ultrabland so may be popping to lush this Saturday!
Just a public service announcement. After reading this post I bought some of the B. Melting gel cleanser and have loved the product. I haven’t been able to find it for the last two weeks. Lo and behold after tweeting Superdrug they have only gone and discontinued it, anyway stock up on all you can find and please can anyone recommend something similar.