Array of Cleansing Oils

Cleansing Oils….. we’ve all tried, tested, used, liked, loved, adopted, gifted, repurchased, reviewed, raved and done everything in between. These are my current cleansing oils on rotation for cleansing skin and removing makeup. The array of selection is from various geographical regions and price points. Due to the very nature of oils, all skin types can use cleansing oils. In terms of removal methods, some prefer emulsifying I prefer hot cloth steam.

Bravura London First Cleanse Oil 

£14.50/USD$21 150ml=$0.14 per ml

I’ve said it before and I will say it again in exact same words: Simple, Basic, Fuss free, Effective & Efficient at dissolving and removing makeup, Emulsifying, Non Sticky, One pump job, Inexpensive.

Wonderful certified organic carrier oils are used such as Safflower, Avocado and Vitamin which perform an excellent job whilst essential oils such as Roman Chamomile, Lavender and Rosemary give it an extra edge from a pleasing scent perspective.

Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride(From Coconut Oil), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, PEG-40 Sorbitan Peroleate (emulsifier), Tocopherol (Vit.E), Anthemis Nobilis Oil* (Roman Chamomile Essential Oil), Lavandula Officinalis Oil* (Lavender Essential Oil), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil*. 

*Certified Organic

Mahogany Naturals Soothing Cleansing Oil 

£35/USD$50 120ml =$0.41 per ml

A new entrant on my cleansing oil scene, but one I instantly love for cleansing my skin or morning cleanse. Its a rather simple formulation with a soothing blend of grape seed oil, olive and lovely essential oils (sweet orange, tea tree, jasmine, lavender, camomile, eucalyptus). With tea tree and eucalyptus it has a beautiful uplifting scent. This oil doesn’t emulsify with water but cleanses effortlessly with hot cloth.

Grape Seed Oil (vitis vinifera), olive oil (Olea europaea), Sweet Orange Oil (citus sinensis), Tea Tree oil (melaleuca alternifolia), Jasmine Flower Oil (Jasminum Officinale), Lavender, Camomile,  Eucalyptus radiata oil.

Aesop Parsley Cleansing Oil

$57 6.8fl.oz/200ml=$0.28 per ml

A gentle cleanser that activates with water and converts to beautiful milky emulsion. I’ve used it to remove makeup and cleanse skin as well. Possibly my fave Aesop cleanser with gorgeous earthy scent in a whopping 200ml glass bottle.

Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, C12-13 Pareth-3, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Bisabolol, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Seed Oil, Beta-Carotene, Linalool.

MV Organic 9 Oil Cleansing Tonic

AUD$99/USD$98 65ml =$1.50 per ml

This be the Rolls Royce of cleansing oils denting the pocket by $1.50 per ml but leaves distressed, angry, irritated skin, as calm, soothed and nourished as possible. Definitely not for makeup removal, just wrong. However as morning or second cleanse it is perfect. Ideally removed with hot cloth, no emulsifying milky action here either. I’ve used this as a nourishing oil after a serum and it has worked wonderfully for my skin. Adding a drop or two to intense clay or mud masks like May Lindstrom’s The Problem Solver mask makes it a lush detoxifying yet hydrating treatment.

Camellia (Camellia Oleifera) Oil *, Avocado (Persea Gratissima) Oil *, Infused Centella (Centella Asiatica Extract) Oil, Vitamin E – non GM (Tocopherol), Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Extract *, With essential Oils of: Bitter Orange, Lavender, Geranium, Sandalwood, Rosewood and Carrot Seed (*Organically Grown)

Badger Argan Face Cleansing Oil

$19.99 2fl.oz/60ml =$0.34 per ml

Badger claim Castor oil lifts impurities while Argan, Sunflower, and Jojoba replenish essential vitamins, fatty acids, and lipids. Yet another cleanser I love as skin cleanse and not as makeup remover. The addition of menthol crystals leaves the skin with slightest tingly refreshing feel, very unusual in cleansing oil category. The smell is divine, bitter lemon peel. This oil is an absolute treasure and quite frankly extremely underrated.

*Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, *Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, *Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, *Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Peel Oil, *Menthol (Menthol Crystals), Tocopherol (Sunflower Vitamin E), *Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, *Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil (*= Certified Organic)

Nutrir Nourishing Cleansing Oil

AUD$24.95 100ml =AUD$0.25 per ml

Whilst not a typical traditional formulation of a cleansing oil, it is an antioxidant rich oil based cleanser, that foams (very slight) in contact with water. Considering it foams, it eliminates the need for a hot cloth. This is by far the most unusual consistency and performance. Similar to Badger, it does leave a refreshing tingly feel on skin which makes it perfect morning cleanse. The scent is wonderful to elevate mood levels. The sale of this line is limited to Australia only.

Water, Glycerin, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Laurylglucosides Hydroxypropylsulfonate, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Caprylyl/Capryl Wheat Bran/Straw Glycosides, Hrdrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Rosa Canina Fruit (Rosehip) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) oil, Plukenetia Volubilis (Sachi Inchi) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Alcohol, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Powder Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Myrciaria Dubia (Camu camu) Fruit Extract, Fusel Wheat Bran/Straw Glycosides, Xanthan Gum, Citric acid, Polyglyceryl-5 Oleate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Eucalyptus Dives Leaf/Twig Oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf (Lemon Myrtle) Oil, Parfum, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool

Forest Essentials Makeup Removal Oil 

Rs 675 /USD$11 for 100ml =$0.11 per ml

Possibly the most underrated cleanser from Forest Essentials line. They claim this makeup remover is 100% natural with fresh organic oils infused with flowers and herbs. It smells like a beautiful flower garden. No escaping hot cloth with this oil, the steam mixing with gorgeous florals of this oil is a heavenly experience. Effective and efficient at makeup removal but even better as skin cleanse. The consistency is slightly more runnier oil than others.

 

Which cleansing oils are you using? What would you recommend using?

HHW.com

xx

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My Bedside Essentials

An overview of what resides by my bedside. Some beauty and some random things: 

Candle – I prefer soy wax candles with essential oils, they usually burn when I’m getting ready or relaxing in bed reading on my iPad or watching tv.

May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon – the shallow part of me wants to say the scent just allows me to melt and drift away. But in reality, since I do my skincare fairly early in the evening (straight after work, before cooking dinner) by the time I head in bed I feel like slapping on another layer of oil or balm.

SKII Mid Night Essence – whilst this a newer addition to the bedside, I can safely say I will be repurchasing this. It has an incredibly hydrating and refreshing feel (menthol) on skin. Warm, balmy summer nights, my skin would love this. The impact on skin is rather luminous.

Burts Bees Lemon Cuticle Balm – suffer from really bad, dry cuticles and over the years, BBees and I have been steady. It makes an overnight difference.

Body Oil – again dry body skin, that screams for lovely scented relaxing body oil. If I had my way I’d slather blue cocoon all over my body (watch me go broke in a space of 1 week….at this rate).!

Magnifying Mirror – well because I roll out of bed and analyse my skin. Honestly this is one thing I should probably get rid of, because it pushes me in an obsessive zone with my daily skin health. Also greatly beneficial for extracting blackheads and whiteheads.

Papaw Ointment – staple for many many many years. This one is an effortless all rounder, being a lip balm, cuticle balm, moisturizing nails, heels, knees….basically anything.

Hand Cream (2-3 different creams) – usually with different fragrance base to adjust to my mood. One to always be a permanent resident would be some form of a rose fragrance cream (current rose – Grown Alchemist). Also keep Alpha H Glycolic Acid hand cream, La Roche Posay, and Aesop.

Hair Brush and Tie – few strokes through my hair, fine hair is prone to helluva lotta knots therefore having a paddle brush is crucial. Also in theory I should let my hair free, but I hate/despise the feeling of hair on my neck or shoulder when I’m sleeping, so I tie my hair very loosely (basically contain it).

Phone Charging Dock – well no brainer. All facets of my life are scheduled, organized and prioritized in this device. So scary as I write this….eeeeek

Drawer Miscellaneous – scratching stick (incredibly helpful for scratching my back), socks (need em), sleeping mask (don’t even know why I have this because I never use them).
Water – Always, I couldn’t sleep knowing a bottle of water is missing by my bedside.

What are your must have by your bedside? What am I missing?

HHW.com

xx

Repurchases & Back Ups

As a part of blogging and micro blogging, I’m fortunate to try new products, however there are some products I’ve continually repurchased and restored the “stash” for an apocalypse. This post may come as no surprise to regulars as they would have seen the products time and again.

The post intends to round up most of the repurchases, backups, trusted products in compromised dire situations (dramatic much!).

THE JOY OF MY LIFE: CLEANSERS

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm – Simple, effective and now synonymous with Must-Have. Gorgeous smelling buttery balm, that melts in an oil and dissolves all war paint. Take it off with steaming cloth and you’re officially at gateway Heaven.

The Body Shop Nutriganics Softening Cleansing Gel – annoyingly discontinued by The Body Shop, so I’ve stocked well considering TBS website is clearing at $7.25! Just as fabulous as Emma Hardie balm at a fraction of a price.

Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm – perfect second cleanse or morning cleanse or aromatherapy-esque massage. Slightly waxier in texture but on contact with skin its Lush.

Rodial Glamtox Cleansing Balm – my beloved travel companion. Only brand (until Sarah Chapman) who did cleansing balm in a pump bottle and ticks all the  requisites of good cleansing balm. Detailed review on Rodial balms….click here.

MY REASON TO LIVE – ACIDS

Alpha H Liquid Gold – my first ever Acid product, loaded with Glycolic acid, operates at pH level of 2.5 and super effective.

Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle Peel Pads – claims to be at 20% but operates at higher pH of 5, very gentle on skin and all round worker (not limited to exfoliation) for days when skin needs a pick me up.

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel – Two words. Travel BFF. I’m willing to leave the Man at home on a holiday, but not these acid pads. Conveniently packaged with a punch of acids and genuinely gives you holiday glow!.

Bravura London Lactic Acid 10% & Salicylic Acid 2% Peel – peel, serum, spot treatment, acid tone, or part of Triple Mask routine (explained here). This is as Versatile as you’d like it to be. Solid, basic, effective acid – must have in an acid arsenal.

My detailed review on these peels….click here.

ESSENCE OF LIFE – TONERS

La Roche Posay Serozinc – so simple yet so effective. My review on Serozinc can be found here.

Kama Ayurveda Toning Mists (Rose and Mogra) – I wish I had come across this brand sooner.

The steam distilled face toning mists, not only smell divine but also soothe irritated skin. Always keep least one as a back up and one specifically for travel.

SOUL SEARCHERS – SERUMS

Sunday Riley Good Genes – Unneutralized Lactic Acid at 40% that gives major light bulb glow the following morning. The key with this product is Use Wisely, not abuse it. This will always remain in my stash when I need glow before an event or need to slap my skin to some form of radiance.

Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic+Retinol Brightening Solution – may it be ‘breakout’ville, or post breakout ‘scar’ville, this serum is plain fabulous for addressing scaring, uneven skintone, irritated or inflamed skin. Also used as a spot treatment on that bastard that left a scar.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair – all round, good skin in a bottle. Hydrates, plumps, calms, soothes…..literally Good Skin in a Bottle.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron – essential dose of hydration, my skin just binges on this stuff. Instantly see the difference in skin.

A guide to All Serums….Click Here.

FACIAL OILS THAT GIVE ME BLISSFUL FEELS

The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil – Must Have. Calms my angry spotty skin, hydrates, fakes my sleeping pattern. Light texture, immediately absorbs. My detailed review here.

Aesop Fabulous Face Oil – Smells amazing, absorbs instantly, excellent for combo skin. My detailed review here.

Goodness Chia Seed Oil – Cold Pressed Chia Seed Oil (excellent source of fatty acids and omegas), fabulous on its own or mixed with any other oil, mask or cleanser (read, majorly versatile here). Does a fab job with just 2 ingredients : Chia Seed & Meadowfoam Oil.

Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Facial Elixir – Decadent oil with incredible ingredients where I only need  a drop or two, can be mixed with Chia Seed Oil and massage in the skin to glory. My detailed review here.

For a snapshot on ALL facial oils used….Click Here.

CANNOT FUNCTION WITHOUT A LIP BALM

Nuxe-Rêve de Miel – this should come as no surprise, I’m almost married to this balm.

Lucas Papaw Ointment – this is my childhood in a tub and tube and it aint going anywhere at all.

Follow my Lip Balm Trail …..Click Here.

DISASTER RECOVERY PRODUCTS – BREAKOUT HELPERS

Effaclar Duo, K and AI – with the slightest indication that my skin is going to rise in a battle, I will bring the ‘A’ team out to settle matters.

Duo on spots – always with me (travel, purse, home, side table….every where).

K is for overall calmness and Salicylic acid helps sort the situation.

AI is again for spots specifically when I know that bastard will leave me a scar.

LUSH TREATS – MASK

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask – honey is such a fabulous ingredient, although I feel its very underrated for what it offers. This mask is such a stellar product, calms, purifies, hydrates, plumps….this time I will call it Good Skin in a Tube.

Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Mask – in my opinion, the stand out product of Aesop. Used as spot treatment or an overall cleanse, fabulous. The only clay mask where I don’t need a chisel to break through.

I’d love to know what are your backups and repurchased products? What do you rely on in a major situation or an emergency? Who are your fall backs and trusted souls?

HHW.com

xx

 

 

 

Face Oils Edition – Aesop Fabulous Face Oil

In the face oils series, needless to say I love face oils. I’m insanely obsessed with them. In the spirit of my obsession, I recently purchased much raved about Aesop Fabulous Face Oil. I’m very well acquainted with Aesop as a brand, as it hails from my home city. Aesop products have very distinct fragrance (herbal, natural, spa like) associated with their products. Packaging is very clinical, practical, brown glass bottle with pipette and simple labeling.

Fabulous Face Oil claims to detoxify your skin and balance normal or patchy skin with non-greasy finish. Strangely it does balance my skin, I feel it adjusts to my skin and really nourishes and hydrates dry patches. All I need is 3 drops all over my face, not that I have huge ogre face but I really enjoy massaging oil in my skin. It feels very calming and relaxing, almost like pseudo aromatherapy session in comfort of my home. As it suggests it doesn’t leave a greasy feeling at all, I top it with Dr.Scheller Lavender Night Cream. Yes I have a sensory orgasm with these two. Let’s just say I reserve this combination as a treat 😉Would love to try Aesop Damascus Rose Oil which I hear is very hydrating. The price tag is slightly hefty but little goes long way so I can justify. Plus skincare is something I like to invest in. I will skimp on lipsticks, mascara etc but skincare needs to have good ingredients.

Ingredients (from website, really appreciate a list of ingredients) – Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil, Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Oil, Linalool,Benzyl Benzoate, d-Limonene, Eugenol, Farnesol, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Benzyl Alcohol. – See more here

Aesop Fabulous Face Oil – $57

xx

HHW.com