Current Shelfie Situation: A Peek Inside my Beauty Cabinet – Cleansers

One of my favorite posts to read are those showcasing people’s Shelfie Situation. No, that’s not a typo. A shelfie is a millennial word that means to say a photo of one’s beauty shelf. As an ’80s baby, I never quite thought of myself as a millennial so imagine my surprised when I learned that I actually do belong to this New Age generation. So now, with a new-found identity in tow, I figured I’d start by adopting the word shelfie, seemed easy enough, and give you a peek inside my beauty cabinet.

I’ve come to gather quite a few skincare products, not for hoarding reasons, but more so because each one has a different function and I reach for them daily, depending on my skin and its different needs. As this post would be rather long had I featured my entire shelfie in one post, I’ve made the executive decision to split it by category and start with Cleansers.

So, here’s my Current Shelfie Situation, The Cleanser Edition: what’s been sitting on my shelves, what I like about each product and when I reach for them …

Cleansers

Today’s cleansers are no longer about just washing the face. They are multi-taskers that prep and prime the skin to better absorb nutrients provided by your serums and moisturizers. I previously wrote a detailed post on how to properly cleanse the skin and what it means to double cleanse the face (sounds complicated but I assure you it is not). That post can be found here. I would say cleansers, alongside masks, are probably the skincare products I hoard the most. I cleanse my face twice a day, in the morning and in the evening and enjoy alternating between cleansers with different textures.

Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil

This was my favorite cleanser discovery of the year! I started with a sample from Sephora and during the semi-annual sale a few weeks ago (see my Sephora recommendations here), I purchased full size. This is something I can see myself using for years! It’s a two-in-one oil that removes makeup and cleanses the skin. It doesn’t contain mineral oil, so the liquid emulsifies completely and leaves no residue behind. I typically use this in the evening to remove my makeup, but it can also be used to cleanse the skin in the morning or on those makeup-free days. It leaves the skin looking and feeling indescribably great. Best for: makeup removal (first cleanse).

Votary Superseed Cleansing Oil

This was an Instagram-enabled purchase I scored from Anthropologie during one of their 20% off Sale events a few months ago. And yet, even with the 20% off discount, it’s still the most expensive cleanser I own! I have to admit though that the hype around this product is real. It has a beautiful, thick consistency that removes layers of makeup and waterproof mascara within seconds. All you do is take about two pumps of the oil, massage into dry skin and rinse away. I adore how lush it feels on my face and how it leaves my skin feeling incredibly nourished after each use. I tend to reach for this oil on those days when I have a full face of makeup but at the current price point, I don’t think I’ll be repurchasing any time soon. Best for: heavy makeup wearers as a first cleanse.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

This is an old love, a cleanser I’ve been using for many years and the one I rave about to everyone who crosses my path. To be honest, I could probably do with just using this cleanser for the rest of my life. It’s that good! Not only does it do an excellent job removing makeup and cleansing the skin, but it also provides antiaging and aromatherapy benefits. It’s hydrating, creamy and doesn’t leave a film over the skin. This is what I turn to when my skin is feeling dry, dehydrated and has lost its bounce. I apply it all over my face and leave it on as a mask for 10 minutes, typically while I’m in the shower. It completely revives my complexion lifting it from a dull and sallow state. Best for: second cleanse or skin in need of a treat.

Darphin Air Mousse Cleanser with Chamomile

I don’t typically go for foam cleansers as my personal preference is a balm or oil texture, but this is the exception to the rule! It won me over right away and now even my husband is a fan! It’s a gentle cleanser that transforms from liquid to an air mousse, lifting away impurities and pollution while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier. I wouldn’t use this as a makeup remover, but to deep clean and get off those last traces of makeup in the evenings. Best for: morning or as a second cleanse in the evening.

Indie Lee Rosehip Cleanser

I’m always a little apprehensive about over cleansing as my skin is super sensitive and fussy. It’s very important for me to use mild cleansers that don’t strip and dry out my skin. This Indie Lee Rosehip Cleanser is one of the gentlest I’ve ever used. It has a gel-like texture that glides over the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. The slippy, gel-like texture doesn’t work well at removing makeup however this is an excellent cleanser best for: morning or as a second cleanser in the evening.

I don’t always have time to pamper my skin so my lazy routine always involves micellar water. Micellar water is a soap-free cleanser that uses molecules that work similar to magnets, to attract and lift dirt, oil and makeup. There are currently two that I’m using interchangeably and that I highly recommend.

1. Caudalie Micellar Water –I’ve used the Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water for ages and previously mentioned it here. It’s formulated with organic grape water to hydrate and organic chamomile to soothe the skin. Just a quick swipe on a cotton pad and impurities are quickly removed. Best for: makeup removal (first cleanse) and dry, sensitive skin.
2. Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water – This is every beauty blogger’s favorite and one that has been around for ages. But believe it or not, this bottle here was my first time trying Bioderma. My friend Anxhela who blogs over at http://luxbubs.blogspot.com gifted it to me a while back and it has since become my go-to on those nights when I can’t be bothered. It does an excellent job lifting away heavy makeup and removing even stubborn waterproof mascara. I will definitely be stocking up next time the Dermstore has a 20% off sale event. Best for: makeup removal (first cleanse) and heavy makeup wearers.

So now it’s your turn. What cleansers are sitting on your skincare shelves? Please do share some of your current loves in the comments down below.

This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain referral links. Read my Disclaimer policy for more info.