A lil guide on DOUBLE CLEANSE: the key to clearer skin and better makeup.

How do you cleanse your face?
Does waterproof makeup or sunscreen seem tedious to get off?

NO MORE!

SAY HELLO TO DOUBLE CLEANSING.

hint: once you start, there's no going back ;)

With more than, well half a decade of using this double cleansing method, (and much requests from my friends), I'm putting this guide together in the most simple form, to help youse lost souls who are unsure where to start! (Share this page to your friends, family, socials, anywhere!)

Here's how this guide goes --  5 W's - who, what, when, where, and why

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• WHO is the double cleansing method for?

Anyone who wears makeup and/or sunscreen. So basically everyone :)

• WHAT

Double cleansing is a very effective way to wash your face. And, the method is exactly as it sounds: cleansing the face with an oil-based cleanser once to remove makeup, dirt, excess oil and dead skin, and again second time, with a more "traditional" cleanser to further clean up and truly purify the skin. It’s not hard and it’s not complicated – it’s just the addition of one step that may take 60 seconds or less.

And, just to be clear, it’s not just a matter of a second go ’round with your normal cleanser. To really reap the benefits of double-cleansing, it is important to use an oil-based formula before your regular face wash. An oil-based cleanser will dissolve sebum and remove surface impurities.

• WHEN/WHERE/HOW

1) With dry hands, massage a pump of the cleansing oil or a scoop of the cleansing balm onto your DRY face. Rinse with water. 

An oil based cleanser to remove your sunscreen and makeup, if you're wearing any, especially waterproof makeup. Most common forms are cleansing oils or cleansing balms. These differ from your regular oils, because in contact with water, they turn into a milk and easily wash off your face!

2) Then take a pea-sized amount of a water based cleanser and massage it onto your WET face. Rinse well with water.

A water based cleanser to remove the residue and water based makeup that didn't dissolve in the previous step. Most common forms are cleansing gels and cleansing foams. Make sure to find one that is right for your skin type. Avoid harsh ones that leave your skin dry and tight!

3) Stand back and admire your thoroughly cleansed, deeply moisturised, happy and healthy skin!

Repeat every night before bed. Seriously.

Additional tips --

• make sure to massage your face with your first and second cleanser for an adequate amount of time - give it time to dissolve properly! You'd be surprised how much this affects the outcome!
• since these are wash-off products, I wouldn't be too concerned about looking for the "best" ingredients, since they are not going to stay on your skin (at least not significantly). Don't fall for those expensive cleansers containing fancy ingredients and promising the world. Rather focus on those in the other steps of your skincare routine

• WHY should I double cleanse?

Even though it’s a bit more high maintenance than what you’re probably used to doing, it really only adds a minute or two to your routine, I promise. And it’s totally and completely worth it.

Throughout the day, airborne bacteria and pollution is attracted to your skin, and if they aren't washed away properly, they could potentially contribute to ageing, pigmentation and breakouts. No thank you.

The best way to stop this from happening? Double cleansing.

Another upside to double cleansing? Having thoroughly cleansed skin also makes it much easier for whatever products you use after — serum, moisturiser, oils, etc. — to be absorbed and do their jobs. Especially, clever night-time leave-on products like retinols, this made it easier to penetrate and work their magic much more efficiently.

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In my dictionary, I truly believe that a true glow starts with a flawless foundation of clean, balanced, healthy skin. A lil background with how I came by (and sworn by) this double cleansing method - the origin, was that I was first introduced to a cleansing oil when I got my first makeup product - a concealer at my cousin's makeup shop. (Full makeup journey timeline: HERE) 

Back then, I was not a fan of the cleansing oil, because I had to pump the oil to a cotton pad and wipe my makeup off. It did its job well but I really just didn't like the feel of it, still I continued to use it as it was effective and I was told that by not removing makeup properly,  it can cause skin damages like wrinkles, fine lines, acne, blackheads, irritation etc.

Then just about two years ago, Ellie introduced me to a cleansing balm by Banila Co., which is omg life-changing. Full review: HERE.

Ta for now :)

GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO.... DOUBLE CLEANSE.

(so have you now master the art of double cleanse?)