Top 5 Clay Cleansers
After a long day of fighting the elements, be it environmental factors, grime accumulated from the day, oil build up, make up, or whatever else, I find it imperative to give my face a deep cleanse (read more about my top 5 exfoliating masks). I wash with warm water, remove my make up, and then gently smooth in a facial cleanser, specifically the kinds that have the added benefits of clay.
Clay is an incredible natural resource that is has amazing results on the skin. Clay cleansers are known to draw out impurities from the skin by cleansing deep from the inside out. Because clay has an serious absorbing power, it draws out all the dirt and excess sebum the pores develop throughout the day. I find regular cleansers just don’t do the trick like clay does. Here are my top 5 facial cleanser:
Nannette de Gaspé
Essence Noir Cleanser
Nannette de Gaspé and I have fallen into a recent love affair (read more about it here), and the reason is simple: her stuff is so rich and so luxurious. You know that whatever you invest in with Nannette de Gaspé, it’s going to be top of the line. That’s how I feel about the Essence Noir Cleanser – a natural blend of Vitamin C, Kakadu plum extract and detoxifying Brazilian clay, working together to balance and purify your skin, leaving it bright, hydrated and glowing.
Grown Alchemist
Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser
Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser makes me feel like I’m basically walking through the rainforest – complete with Geranium Leaf, Bergamot, and Rose-Bud, it’s like a botanist’s dream! Once you’re done washing your face with a nice splash of warm water, you can actually feel your skin breathing better. It is great for sensitive skin also, which is great because cleansers can sometimes leave you feeling dry.
Sunday Riley
Ceramic Slip
We all know that Instagram is wild for Sunday Riley, but with good reason (read more here). The Ceramic Slip is so gentle on your skin, and it is derived from plant-based ingredients. Diminishing your pores, cleaning your skin and hydrating to leave you with a radiant complexion, you’ll feel so clean, and smell super delicious when you’re done your night routine.
Osea
Ocean Cleansing Mudd
The Osea Ocean Cleansing Mudd is a rich detoxifier that exfoliates the skin. Purifying and decongesting the oily buildup, Osea uses algae and cypress oil to help diminish blemishes and tea tree, peppermint and wild mint to leave a cooling sensation which makes me feel so refreshed. I usually have my cleanser at the end of the day, but with Osea, I use it in the morning to give me that little energy kick.
Étymologie
Active Clay Cleanser
The Active Clay Cleanser by one of my favourite new discoveries Étymologie is a fantastic option for all skin types. Most of the cleansers foam up to give the illusion that they are working hard, but Étymologie doesn’t care for flare, they went bold with a non-foaming clay cleanser… nothing to prove, and I like it! They also suggest to rinse the cleanser with a muslin cloth in warm water rather than using your hands. Then, when it’s all been removed, to finish with a splash of cold water.
Cleansers are great for decongesting the pores and if you live in a city or wear makeup, go to the gym, or are basically human, then you need a little pore decongestant. Infused with antioxidants, hydrating elements and reparative treatments, these beauty brands all know what they’re doing. And if they do it even better than just right, then your face will feel as smooth and soft as a baby’s bottom.
Photography by Patricia Brochu