Is cleanser crack a real addiction?

The answer is hell yes.

Hello, my name is Nassima and I have a cleanser addiction.

I can’t describe it. That feeling when you open a fresh cleanser, slather it all over your face, watch it melt the grime and makeup away and leave you with a clean, fresh face. You have to have a lot of respect for cleansers – I mean, you only have one face. All great skin starts with a good cleanser. No point having a £99 serum if you just wipe your makeup off with a micellar water or even worse, just a wipe.

By the way, I’m not actively part of the witch hunt against wet wipes. Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do. However, if you are near a sink, then you have no real excuse.

Cleansers are so special to me and I’ll tell you why. Back when I was trying to figure out why my skin was so angry with me, I was always using a cleanser targeted towards drying out my face and acne. What did I didn’t realise at the time was that I was doing more harm than good. Enter Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel  I first tried this cleanser after it was recommended by good old Caroline Hirons who suggested that an oilier cleanser be used when skin is drying out in the colder months. Instant success. Within a few days, my skin seemed happier, more balanced, less angry. The scent on this baby is also classic, iconic Oskia. Floral but slightly fruity. Sort of like Turkish Delight. Not only is this an excellent makeup remover, but it also doubles up as a mask thanks to the pumpkin enzymes. I have repurchased this cleanser continuously for the past five years. I actually have one in every size so it’s worth picking up a mini and giving it a try for yourself. This is my first love cleanser, which I have cheated on many a time but will always, always come back to.

Although that cleanser has a special place in my heart, it did ignite a newly found obsession. I’ve tried hundreds (I’m not joking) of cleansers in my time as a beauty lover. Going back to 2006, my first cleanser was the Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Foaming Face Wash – it was such a good cleanser! Even as a teen, I knew about the importance of skincare. The next cleanser that changed my skin, therefore life, was the Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser. Expensive, I know. But amazing. This really helped calm and control my breakouts. It’s a lovely clay, gel formula, non-drying and very effective. I’ll admit, I’ve never bought this full price. Only with a discount or a gift card. So, if you want to treat yoself, go for this!

Another, equally incredible, cleanser quite similar to this but much more affordable is from a relatively new Indie brand. The A.Florence Hydrating Gel Cleanser with HA, Matcha and Chlorella – now I want to make it clear that this isn’t a ‘dupe’ for the Tata Harper cleanser. This product is in a league of its own. Formulated by the talented Tina Sanders, this cleanser melts away even the most stubborn eye makeup with such ease. It is a proper gel – does not turn into an oil. It’s so special because I feel it is so gentle yet it packs a punch. This too, has helped keep my breakouts at bay. In fact, there isn’t anything I don’t like from this brand actually.

A few newcomers that I have tried from very affordable brands have quickly crept up to my top shelf choices. The first being The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser – a really kind to skin and effective cleanser. Those that need an acid fix need not worry as this is very gentle – even kind to eyes. My second one that costs a FIVER is The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser. Excellent makeup remover, gentle, softening and non-drying. What more do you want?

I’m sure I can list many more but for now these are my loves.

Cleanse your face people.

You can follow me on Instagram @beaussima