Revamp your cleansing routine

It is a common misconception that using an oil cleanser will give you spots. “No, they won’t give you spots; you just need to choose one that is mineral oil and silicone free as they do clog the skin and cause breakouts.” explains Annmarie Harris, Product Specialist at NUDE skincare. Instead, if you strip your skin of the natural oils by using an astringent spot-clearing cleanser, it will often over compensate and produce more sebum which can lead to spots; looking at cleansing this way makes oil a more sensible choice. Oils are also super nourishing for dry skin and easily emulsifies the heaviest of make-up. They are hugely popular in Japan; in Muji stores over there the oil cleanser is the bestseller, making up 42% of the cleansing sales. ‘Looks like us Europeans are missing a trick and it's time to play catch-up!’ says James Lawless at Muji.
Here’s our pick of the best cleansing oils out there…

Genie in a Bottle, £23.49 by Blooming Babe Spa at Beautique
For: all skin types

Don’t be put off by the name, this may be a maternity range but the skincare works for anyone without a baby bump too. Genie in a Bottle is 99% natural and contains Jojoba oil which is known to unblock clogged pores, restore the natural pH balance to skin and lighten scarring. This oil suits all skin types and should be washed off, ideal if you can’t imagine cleansing without water.

Huile Eclat, £20 by Lancome
For: Normal to Combination skin

Lancome’s oil is delicately scented with White Lotus, a powerful antioxidant, and Rose de France, which is soothing. But this cleanser doesn’t just smell pretty, it works too. The oil leaves skin feeling thoroughly cleansed with no oily residue (it emulsifies with warm water) and removes every last trace of make-up.

Cleansing Oil, £22 by Nude
For: normal to dry skin

This cleansing oil should be massaged into dry skin (to ensure it lifts all the grime), once warm water is added, like magic it turns to a milk consistency for a 2in1 cleansing experience. With high levels of Omega 3 and Vitamin E this is a wonder cleanser for older skin or those in need of some added nourishment. It smells yummy too.

Cleansing Oil, £22 by Shu Uemura at Space NK
For: All skin types

Mr Uemura first launched his cleansing oils to Japan in 1967. They are inspired by ancient Asian cleansing techniques and Uemura’s discovery of cleansing oils while working in Hollywood as a make-up artist. Film stars and make-up artists would use oils to remove the heavy stage make-up. The reason it was so popular? It wasn’t harsh on the skin and could be used everyday, on every skin type. Shu Uemura’s cleansing oil range has long been seen as the leader of the pack; containing avocado and jojoba oil each one is packed with ingredients to deal with your skin type. They work just as well at cleansing the skin of us ‘mere mortals’ as they do the A-List.

Clean Energy, £15 by Origins
For: All skin types

This citrus scented cleanser is a combination of olive, sunflower, sesame and safflower oils. Kukui nut and macadamia hydrate, while vitamin E protects skin from the environment. The grapefruit, while imparting an uplifting aroma, is also known to clear congested skin. A good choice for anyone with an oily, clogged t-zone.

Cleasing Oil, £9.95 by Muji
For: All skin types, especially sensitive

Muji’s Cleansing Oil is a bestseller in Japan and we can see why. It’s paraben, alcohol, mineral oil and fragrance free, making it an ideal choice for anyone with sensitive skin. The consistency isn’t as thick as some of the other oils, so a good choice for anyone new to this form of cleansing. Massaged all over the skin, even over the delicate eye area, this cleanser will lift make-up and daily grime. Also, at just £9.95 it’s a wise buy.