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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SPOTLIGHT: Best of Koh Gen Do + GIVEAWAY

Left to Right: Triple Lighting Powder, Aqua Liquid Foundation, Spa Water Cleansing Cloths

I was introduced to Koh Gen Do by Sabrina of The Beauty Look Book a couple years ago. On my visit to New York shortly thereafter, I made it a point to stop by the Koh Gen Do counter. I have tried much of their makeup and skin care since then, so I will share with you the three products that I feel are the best of Koh Gen Do.

I discovered last year that all the cleansing wipes I had been using were breaking out my skin. I resorted to Bioderma Sensibio H20 and Koh Gen Do Spa Water cleaning waters, but my skin has become even more sensitive recently. The once-effective Bioderma causes painful acne. I can no longer leave the product on my skin, so I reserve it only to remove light eye makeup. This is where the Koh Gen Do Spa cleansing cloths come in.. they do not cause my skin to react. The cotton cloths are dense but smooth, and the cleansing water leaves my skin feeling hydrated and supple. These 10-cloth packs are ideal for travel as well as pre- and post-workout sessions.

The Aqua Foundation SPF of 15++ is a high definition, smooth finish foundation with lasting medium coverage. It might have been the first, but it is still one of the best Koh Gen Do products I own because of its consistent performance. This base makeup manages to brighten to complexion and reduce the look of hyper-pigmentation but does not feel heavy. It is fragrance free and ideal for those with sensitive skin, but it does oxidize to one shade up. I highly recommend wearing a primer before applying this foundation with your fingertips. The finish leans more dewy, so I always set with powder though that is personal preference. I own this in OC-2 and wear it exclusively when I am most tan. I require OC-1 to mix for a perfect match during the majority of the year when I am fairer.

The Triple Lighting Foundation SPF of 22++ is a versatile powder with light to medium coverage. This is the most supremely natural powder foundation I have ever encountered. It does appear more satin matte in the first hour of wear, but it warms up and looks like real skin. Apparently, that is due to the moisturizing treatment that penetrates the top layer of the skin. This makes it ideal for dry to combination skin types. It does not oxidize in color and does not cake when touched up or fade in patches throughout the day. With a hint of concealer on dark spots, the complexion is made flawless. I like to wear it alone as a powder foundation, but I use it as a setting powder when filming. The color OC-2 is the perfect match for my summer tan. I do have to blot my nose after 5 hours of wear, but that is a quick fix.

Note: This product has a low shimmer content, but it is virtually undetectable when worn on the skin.

Though Koh Gen Do products may have been created for film, they are perfect for everyday wear since they are able to minimize pores and imperfections.

Now for a giveaway! Koh Gen Do has generously offered to provide an Oriental Plants Trial Set to one lucky reader. 

This trial size collection of the Oriental Plants skincare series contains five colors of the 36 different types of Asian Botanicals. Awaken the five natural forces that lie within the skin and help counteract environmental stress that leads to again. Experience our products for the first time or use it as a travel kit. (Size: 6.4"l x 4.24"w x 0.24"h)

ITEMS INCLUDED:

-- Oriental Plants Cleansing Cream 

-- Oriental Plants Clean Foam

-- Oriental Plants Soap

-- Oriental Plants Essence

-- Oriental Plants Skin Lotion

-- Whipping Net (Mini)

I generally use Refresh or Macro Vintage KGD skin care, so this was my first experience with the Oriental Plants range. Below are my thoughts on the prize contents. 

The black case is stunning. It is reusable and ideal for traveling. The red wax paper held all the products neatly together to give the trial set a very luxurious feel.

This was my first experience with traditional Koh Gen Do cleansers. The Cleansing Cream is intended for makeup removal, the first step in your night time routine. The Clean Foam can be used morning or night and leaves the most squeaky clean finish of the three, so I recommend following up the Cleansing Cream with the Clean Foam. I really love the Soap! I did not expect to, since most facial soaps dry out the skin excessively, but it left my skin feeling balanced and smooth to the touch. I use it as instructed, in the morning, but it can also be used after the Clean Foam. The Whipping Net above is used to create a foam with the Soap, which is then applied and left on the face for several seconds to help remove more deeply set impurities. I personally just run the soap under a bit of lukewarm water since it lathers well enough on its own. 

The Essence, Skin Lotion, and Emollient Cream can all be used day or night. The Essence is a rich transparent serum is the prep step after cleansing that supports the moisture of the skin. This is ideal for dehydrated or dry skin, and it dries down beautifully. The Skin Lotion helps to retain more moisture to help the skin look clear and supple. And last but not least, the Emollient Cream is a light moisturizing cream that protects the ski with a rich and nourishing veil. 

My favorites from this Trial Set are the Soap (I swear I was not swayed by the corresponding soap holder, which is the most sculpturally stunning one ever made) and the Essence. Check out the full size products in the carousel below!

MORE KOH GEN DO PRODUCTS

Finally, I present the GIVEAWAY! The winner will be announced here on the blog after ten days, and Koh Gen Do will ship your prize directly to you. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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