I love makeup. I feel like that's fairly obvious with what 90% of my posts are, haha. There's something so pleasing about being able to dress your face up into something different every day. My favourite thing to do is cover my entire face with different colors and glitters, but I always hate the removal process. I end up wasting expensive liquid remover or using an entire cup of Cold Cream (and about a dozen tissues.) You end up needing way too much product to accomplish a simple task. It's annoying even with simple looks, but when your entire face, neck, and shoulders are covered...it's just frustrating.
I was approached recently to do an Instagram ad with Dermalogica to show how their new PreCleanse balm works with Halloween makeup, and since 1. everyday is Halloween, and 2. I already love Dermalogica, I was really excited to do the IG ad!
I decided to do a full face/neck look and test out the product! I'd already been using the preclense for about a week to see how it worked for my "normal" makeup, and I was really impressed. The pre cleanse is a "deep cleansing balm-to-oil that melts away impurities and make-up from skin" and it worked so well for my makeup. I felt like it did a better job removing makeup than my previous cleanser and exfoliated my skin while doing so.
For my makeup removal, I squeeze either an almond or nickel sized amount onto the cleansing mitt that comes in the box and gently massage (in circles) my dry skin. Once I feel like I've gotten what I need, I add water to emulsify, and then rinse. Super easy. The cleansing mitt is amazing. I have really dry skin and this adds a little bit of extra exfoliation I need.
About how much product I use for my entire face (and a little bit of neck)
On the site, this is what it states the benefits are:
- Removes excess sebum (oil), sunscreen, make-up and pollutants.
- Dissolves buildup without compromising the skin barrier or clogging pores.
- Smoothes, calms and nourishes the skin.
The precleanse balm is recommended for sensitive or dry skin, and I fall in the very dry category. It doesn't dry my skin out and I feel like I'm removing my makeup a lot more effectively with it than my previous remover.
I was also gifted their Special Cleansing Gel, which is a soap-free foaming gel. You need the tiniest amount of product because a little goes a long way. The information on the site states:
- Refreshing lather thoroughly removes impurities without disturbing the skin's natural moisture balance. Calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts soothe the skin, while natural Quillaja Saponaria gently foams away toxins and debris. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors.
It has a strong smell at first, sort of medicinal/alcohol-y but other than that, I have nothing but positive things to say about it. I use this after my pre cleanse, and then follow with my favourite toner and moisturizer after.
Dermalogica is what I would consider a "Mid Range" brand with their pricing. Not drugstore prices but not high end. Their pre cleanse in the 3.0 oz size will run you about $45, which is a bit steep for a makeup remover, but you also have to take in account how little product you need plus the high quality ingredients that make this product. I've been using the pre cleanse for about three weeks and I have hardly made a dent. (And I do a lot of full face looks) I will definitely be repurchasing these when I do run out.
A little bit about the brand:
Dermalogica makes all of their products in Southern California. Their site stays that having the manufacturer close to headquarters allows them to maintain a superior quality standard and oversight while supporting local economy.
Their back story is very interesting and I would recommend checking out their FAQ to read more about it. They began in 1983 when skin therapist Jane Wurwand founded The International Dermal Institute and since has more than 37 training centers an trains more than 75,000 skin therapists a year. "Dermalogica products shun the industry norm of using cheap chemicals like Mineral Oil, Lanolin, S.D. Alcohol, artificial fragrances and colors"
Dermalogica is also certified Cruelty Free. They do not engage in animal testing or use animal derived ingredients in their formulas.
I would definitely recommend trying the pre cleanse balm if you have dry or sensitive skin or the pre cleanse if you have normal to oily skin. They do sell smaller sizes if you don't want to commit to the price before knowing you like it. I first tried Dermalogica with one of Sephora's online samples, and I was hooked ever since!
***To maintain transparency, I want to let you know that this blog post is not sponsored. My opinions are my own and are truthful. The Dermalogica products were gifted to me for an Instagram ad, but this blog is not sponsored and wasn't requested. The Dermalogica link is not affiliate, just a tracking link from the brand. <3