I think this post will simply highlight the progression of face washes that have either come and gone or become a staple in my beauty regimen.
First, my beloved Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser. I've been using this for years and years. Call it my "bff" of cleansers, but no matter how many high end or drugstore cleansers I purchase, it always comes back to this. It's said to prevent breakouts and to even the skin's complexion. Now, I'm prone to a few bad breakouts every now and then but I can't say I've ever broken out much with this. So, I'm going to give it my vote for breakout prevention. Sadly, it doesn't do the trick for evening skin complexion. I still have the same splotchy redness I do now as I did then, *tears.*
As a bearer of sensitive skin, gentleness is key for anything going on my face. Fortunately, Aveeno uses natural ingredients in its products making it highly recommended by dermatologists and pediatricians. In addition to being all natural, it's also highly affordable. Aveeno products can be found at any local drugstore, Walmart, or Target. Now, the benefits of this cleanser has become two-fold. Wanna know another added bonus? It removes most traces makeup; including waterproof mascara! Uh-mazing! Verdict: Winner.
The next cleanser I purchased was purely derived from my skepticism for all things Clarisonic and DDF Revolve. Even though Giuliana Rancic (who I might as well worship) raved about the DDF Revolve and others the Clarisonic microdermabrasion sets, I'm reluctant to try anything involving a revolving brush and $100 bucks due to my fear of harsh side-effects, painfully raw skin, and an empty bank account.
Before I go on any further, a few key points: 1. I'm well aware that the Garnier Brusher Gel-Cleanser will be no where nearly as effective as the Clarisonic's or the DDF's, but I wanted to give the exfoliator brush + cleanser combo a try. And, 2. Even though it says "cleanser," this was mostly used as an exfoliator in conjunction to my regular cleanser.
Now, lets discuss the pros and cons. First the pros. After my first use, I thought:
"not bad." The smell was pleasant and the brush was rubbery soft and not at all rough. I also felt that my skin was slightly softer and smoother on the surface. Fast forward 2 more weeks of diligent use, I've experienced no further results. Fail.
Onto the cons. The most irritable aspect about this is the hardware. It's becoming increasingly more difficult to squeeze the cleanser up to the brush (I've been turning the bottle upside down to make it easier) and there also doesn't seem to be a lot cleansing properties to this. None that I could actually feel at least.
Initially, I wanted to rate this with either a thumbs up or thumbs down but I neither loved it or hated it. After some time, it will most likely end up crowding space in my shower, unfinished, and untouched. Eventually, it will get the toss. The bottom line is that this failed in trumping my current gel exfoliator or cleanser, both of which deliver way better results. I am however, more open to the wonders of the Clarisonic or DDF Revolve now that a cleansing brush is no longer as intimidating.
Verdict: Miss.
Lastly, I purchased a sample of Benefit's new radiant skincare line at Ulta. At $12, there was nothing to lose. The package came with samples of the: Triple Performing Emulsion Moisturizer, Total Moisture Facial Cream, and the Refined Finish Facial Polish. I won't lie, what drew me to this line initially was the smell. For those who don't prefer perfumed products, this isn't for you. I thought that the products smelled so good and the full sized packaging was so cute with the baby blue and cork tops. For whatever reason, my hopes just grew and grew only to be disappointed. The item that ruined the entire line for me was the Total Moisture Facial Cream which was so thick, I felt as if my skin had no air to breathe. It's said to hydrate, but felt more suffocating. I probably wouldn't mind it during the winter but with the summer months nearing, I couldn't possibly have any use for it especially with my combination skin. Additionally, I don't prefer to mix and match product lines for the skin so unfortunately, this was definitely a no go. Good thing I only purchased the samples.
Verdict: Bust.
