6.13.2014

My TOP 5 Cleansers featuring TATCHA, Clarins, SK-II, Laneige, and Sulwhasoo



I have received several inquiries asking which cleansers I use, so here is a round-up review of my Top 5 picks! These are on heavy rotation, meaning I use them interchangeably depending on my mood and skin's needs.




I have been using the SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser ($70 USD) almost every day in the mornings for the past several months. I purchased my first bottle several years ago and am glad to have started using it again. I recommend applying it with very little pressure using the meat of the fingertips since this is so effective that there is no need to rub it in or tug at the skin. It leaves my skin feeling conditioned and smooth yet perfectly clean. I highly recommend it for those with acne-prone skin because it does not irritate blemishes. I adore the subtle rose scent and a little goes a long way, so each tube will last me six months or more! I recommend using a pearl-sized amount every time. The foaming effect should be light and milky, so avoid using more to amp up the bubbly lather.

My friend Leanne introduced me to the Clarins Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser ($35 USD), and I am in love! I soak a Shisiedo cotton pad with it and wipe down my face and neck. The refreshing sensation and the scent of the peach essential water in the formula wakes me right up! Now, do keep in mind that I never ever use this on my eyes or in the evening. I reserve this for mornings when I am too tired to wash my face using SK-II's cleanser.
NOTE: If this cleanser doesn't sound appealing, try the Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, which is truly the best for all skin types because it does not disturb the skin's natural moisture balance. I love the invigorating orange scent and have repurchased it multiple times over the span of four years.

Sulwhasoo is one of my must-have skin care brands. Everything I have tried thus far, I love. The Sulwhasoo Snowise EX Ginseng Exfoliating Gel ($60 USD) is technically a wash-off mask but the instructions direct you to use it like a cleanser, so I use it in the mornings twice a week. I rub it on in circular motions for two to three minutes and rinse it off. Despite hyperpigmentation and texture issues from my unfortunate bout of cystic acne last year, my skin still feels soft and supple. After using this Exfoliating Gel, however, my skin feels baby soft and also looks more plump! You can use this after washing your face at night if you prefer — as a mask like its intended use — and I actually recommend that if you have combination to oily skin.

My Holy Grail evening cleanser is the TATCHA Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil ($48 USD). It feels much more like a gel cleanser than a standard cleansing oil, so this is ideal for those who have avoided cleansing oils in fear of clogged pores. The TATCHA breaks down makeup gently and easily and does not require double cleansing. I have used Shu Uemura's cleansing oils for nearly a decade — the Ultim8 and Anti-Oxi are best — but I occasionally have to use a foaming cleanser afterward. The TATCHA, however, is very expensive. In comparison to Shu Uemura's Anti-Oxi, the TATCHA is $11 more for the same 5 ounces, so I generally reserve it for filming days when I wear the most makeup. I really love how clean yet comfortable my skin feels after use and that I do not have to follow up with a foaming cleanser. It's a splurge, but I highly recommend this!

The Laneige Multi Cleanser ($22 USD) is the newest addition to this Top 5 line-up. If you like squeaky clean skin, the Multi is made for you! Since it is touted as a makeup remover and exfoliator, I use this mostly at night as the second step to double cleanse after taking my makeup off with a Shu Uemura cleansing oil. This affordable foaming cleanser is intended for all skin types, but I believe it suits normal to oily skin best. I avoid using this when my skin is on the drier end, since my face feels a little too tight afterward. Nonetheless, I love the fresh, slightly citrus scent and how well it lathers up with a dime-sized amount.


Another cleanser that I recently started using is Koh Gen Do's Oriental Plants Facial Wash ($45 USD). This hasn't joined my current rotation, but it's an excellent creamy foaming cleanser. It feels a bit more moisturizing than SK-II's but not as drying at Laneige's.

Please do not forget that removing skin care residue as well as oil and makeup build up is essential for clear skin! I feel that many skimp out on cleansers and place very little emphasis on cleansing without realizing the long-term effects that can occur. Skin care is a commitment that does not necessarily show immediate results, so I understand why people would rather spend more on makeup and shoes or bags. Pamper your face, however, and it will help your cosmetics sit better on the skin and even last longer throughout the day! Never sleep with your makeup on, and always remove your skin care in the morning.

Bottom Line: I switch up cleansers very often, but I will and do repurchase all of these featured here!
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13 comments:

  1. That exfoliating gel sounds awesome! How long does the bottle tend to last you?

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    1. I only 2 or 3 times per week, so I would estimate a bottle should last at least 5 months. It's my first bottle so I can't say for sure!

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  2. Hi Rae, I've been waiting for a post like this, and voila! You are absolutely amazing and on point! I was wondering if you've ever tried the Amore Pacific line since they are the top tier of Korean luxury skincare (higher than Sulwhasoo) and I've been eyeing their facial treatment cleanser. Have you tried any of the Amore Pacific skincare products before?

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    1. Amore Pacific owns Sulwhasoo, but at least in America, Sulwhasoo is the most luxurious and by far, the more expensive brand. I've tried a couple AP skin care products when Sephora first started carrying the line. I wasn't impressed by anything. Even when it comes to the cushions, I prefer Sulwhasoo's!

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  3. I love the Tatcha cleanser for the same reason: no double cleansing! A cheaper alternative that I've found is the Etude House Real Art Cleansing Oil - $15 for about 5 oz.! It's not as nourishing as the Tatcha one, but it is gentle on the skin and really effective in taking off all makeup. No need for a double cleanser either!

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    1. I haven't loved anything from Etude House, but I will definitely look into that one! Thank you for the suggestion.

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    2. need to check the Etude house one then, the Tatcha is a bit pricey!

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  4. Hi Rae, I'm also using the Laneige Multi Cleanser for many years now, one thing that I wanted to point out is this cleanser is best not to be used when there are breakouts on your skin as it makes it worse because of the exfloliating part. Whenever I have breakouts during TOM, I will swap to a different cleanser but for regularly used it really is a very good cleanser

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    1. Like I said, I use it only as a follow-up cleanser to remove traces of makeup. I use the SK-II most regularly and any time I have skin issues like break outs!

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  5. OHHH thanks for doing this rae.. you've have such gorgeous skin i always wondered what you used to clean it!! lols! so going to try some of your favorites out :)! thanks especially for describing the situations when you use it and why it's needed!

    www.lisalovescoco.blogspot.com

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    1. YOU have lovely skin! Definitely focus on cleansing.. considering all that time we spend applying makeup, we need more time to cleanse and pamper our skin!

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  6. Nice. I might need to try the Clarins water one. I like water base cleansers when I need to quick wipe to clean my face before going out again!

    And I agree about the Tatcha, I love it! But only use it for heavy makeup days. Have you ever tried their rice powders?

    thehoustongirl

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I have the rice powders, but I don't believe they're nearly as extraordinary as the cleansing oil!

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