Review - Intraceuticals Clarity Gel Cleanser

A lightweight gel cleanser to thoroughly cleanse the skin and remove excess oil and impurities. The non greasy formula leaves skin conditioned and primed to receive optimum benefits from Intraceuticals Infusions® and nourishers. Also available: Clarity Gel Cleanser – Sensitive Use morning and night.


Not to be confused with the Intraceuticals Clarity Treatment Gel, this is a cleanser to be used along with Intraceuticals' other Clarity line products. The thing I first liked about this cleanser was the packaging - a clever pop-up design that means when you take this pump bottle with you on the road, you won't need to worry about spillage. It's a great cleanser, to be sure: it cleans without drying, and on my freaky combination skin, that is a huge plus. The main change I noticed was that my skin felt softer overall - not necessarily smoother, but definitely softer, possibly due to the gentle nature of the cleanser and the fact that it won't dry you out.

While increased softness might be enough for some ladies, I tend to have mild acne on my face, and while this cleanser cut down on oiliness in general, it wasn't enough to take care of my red face, unfortunately. The other downside, of course, is that the price point is not something I would personally pay for this product, regardless of the result. It's definitely an effective cleanser, but is it worth the chunk of change? For me, the answer is no.

Trish says: Yep, totally agree with what Movie Maven mentioned above. This Intraceuticals Gel Cleanser works nicely to clean the skin, leaving it feeling soft, but I didn't notice too much of a difference in my overall skin's appearance. It doesn't do anything to harm the skin which is good to know if you have sensitive skin like me, but it didn't make it look any more different either. I think if used with the Intraceutical system all together it adds to the total benefit over time, but alone, it didn't change too much for me. Also, I noticed a scent that reminded me of swimming pool, strange - on the one hand, I felt like I was on vacation swimming in the hotel pool, yet on the other hand, not sure if that is a pleasant scent without the actual swimming pool. Overall, if used with their additional line of products, it's a good complement, but by itself, nothing too harmful nor striking to make it super memorable.

Review - Brush Off Makeup Brush Cleanser

Compare the Brush Off Way to the old way of washing your brushes with soap and water, leaving them to dry overnight and hoping they will be dry before you need them. Chances are you put off cleaning your makeup brushes because of the hassle.

If I'm anything at all in life, I am lazy. I don't like to do anything extraneous if I don't need to. Mostly this means that I tend to put off doing my laundry (as I am doing currently) until the last possible moment, causing me to buy additional underwear instead of just washing the ones I have. It also means that I basically never ever wash my makeup brushes. This is bad for a variety of reasons, mostly that they get gunky and gross and might have beasties in them that will make you sick. Brush Off is a cleanser with SECRET INGREDIENTS (the website says it has alcohol and an anti-bacterial agent) that you spray on and wipe off with a tissue. I am also constantly running out of tissue (again, the laziness), but I happened to have some on hand when I tested this. It works far better than I anticipated, cleaning my gunky eyeliner brush with ease. The nicest thing by far is that because it's alcohol-based, the brushes dry fairly quickly and are usable again within minutes.

Sultana says: I never thought I needed to clean my makeup brushes. Then I took a look at the ones that I had. It wasnt a pretty sight. On my face brush, there was gunks of dried up powder. It was disgusting!
I think Brush Off is amazingly simple, also taking into consideration Ive never really done it before. From what I have heard from my friends that are makeup artists, it can be very hard work! I am really glad that the first time I did it, it went off without a hitch!

Trish says: I'm a bit like Movie Maven - a little, okay a lot, on the lazy side when it comes to cleaning (and/or repurchasing) my makeup brushes. Although for a germaphobic, sensitive skin type like me, I probably should be more high maintenance about this! I truly have tried washing my brushes before - with gentle soap and water- and the results were disastrous. I ended up throwing away my semi-cleaned, yet rather defunct brushes in the end. After trying the Brush Off cleanser, I feel that many of my makeup brush's problems have been solved! All you have to do is spray the bristles with the cleanser, wipe away the excess with a tissue, and you're done! Just like that. It dries within a few minutes and you can repeat the process for a thorough cleaning, if needed. Not only am I lazy, but also impatient, so cleaner brushes within minutes seem to win me over instantly. Having bacteria-free, almost like-new brushes feels wonderful, but even better is that for each spray bottle sold, a portion of the proceeds is donated to the early detection Cancer Schmancer cause. For makeup junkies, this makeup brush cleanser is not only a good deed, but also a beauty kit delight!

Review - DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser

DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser, a gentle, foaming cleanser to reduce oil without over-drying. Helps fade post inflammatory red spots while minimizing future blemishes. Excellent for normal/oily skin types who believe in an ounce of prevention.

With oily skin like mine, the search for a great cleanser always requires a balancing act: I need something that won't exacerbate the greasiness, but won't dry my face out. It's a fine line to walk, and this DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser walks it with aplomb. My face feels clean, but not overly dry, when I'm finished using this pretty blue stuff. The only thing I really don't care for - and this is a personal preference - is that the cleanser is a foam cleanser. I don't know about you ladies, but for me, there is something cathartic about lathering up your cleanser to create a foam. With this cleanser, which is dispensed pre-foamed, I feel like I'm not able to scrub scrub scrub the way I normally like to. Obviously, this is just my feeling on the subject, but be forewarned that if you like to lather your cleansers up yourself, this one is not for you. Otherwise, highly recommended! I definitely saw a reduction in redness and breakouts while using this foam!

Review- DDF Non-Drying Gentle Cleanser

A non-drying gentle cleanser for ultra mild sensitive skin. Made without dyes that leaves skin hydrated while also removing makeup.

The reason why I like this product so much is because it delivers . It's truly a non-drying gentle cleanser. First though, I must take a step back and applaud their fantastic packaging and bottle. I’m a firm believer that a company should care about what a product does from the inside and out. Aside from looking sleek, the perforated edges that makes the package easy to open was pretty cool.

I tried the cleanser for two weeks to see if I could feel the difference. A little goes far with this cleanser. Just a nickel size amount covers my whole face. It has a nice texture and feels like it’s cleaning without stripping or burning my face. After my face dries, it feels moisturized and I don’t get that tight feeling. My face gets dry quickly and I've found that a lot of cleansers do even more damage . The cleanser has jojoba oil and aloe and I think it does the trick! It just makes my face seem clean and refreshed. Overall, I really like this product and am going to keep it as my regular cleanser.

Review - Pevonia Sensitive Skin Line

Pevonia's Sensitive Skin kit provides a complete regimen against sensitive skin, helping alleviate redness, discomfort and inflammation. Rich in natural plant extracts and essential oils, these soothing formulas are perfect for use on the road or in the comfort of your own home.

After trying out the DDF sensitive skin products I figured, would I luck out and get a few good cleansers or was I in for trouble this time? In this kit there is a cleanser, eye make up remover, sensitive skin lotion, and sensitive skin cream. So, I admit it. I guinea pigged my friend with this kit first, and had her try it out twice. I figure, her skin gets red and sensitive too and why not see how the both of us react to it? Well... apparently she just went and BOUGHT one of these kits, so that should tell you something. I think this whole line of products is really great. I really have a bad routine set up when I'm traveling, I constantly forget things and end up making due. That translates to my skin suffering miserably until I get home, look in the mirror, and get a look of shock and horror on my face. But this weekend when I travel to Massachusetts, I'll be taking this with me and I'll come back to New York feeling nice and pretty like when I left.

Review - DDF Sensitive Skin Cleansing Gel

A gentle water-activated sudsing cleanser for dry, sensitive or mature skin. Ideal for individuals who like the feeling of soap and water without drying. Leaves soothing hydration to alleviate the feeling of tightness and/or dryness after washing.

When I first opened this cleanser, I was afraid maybe it wouldn't work well enough. When I see "gentle" and "sensitive skin" on the label of a product, a lot of times this means it is too milquetoast, and will leave make up and dirt residue on my face because it's not a strong enough cleanser to get the job done. When you live in a big city (or really if you work outside anywhere) your skin can get SO grimy so fast over the course of a day. Add to this a layer of make up and then top it off with my being the type of person that's always touching their face... well, you get the idea. My skin can get messy. But this is actually a pretty great facial cleanser considering I didn't even feel like I needed to moisturizer after using it. Usually my skin is desert dry and gets tight and itchy if I don't immediately apply moisturizer, so that truly says something. Just like the website describes, it really does have a 'soap and water' feel to it, but no after-effect that soap might leave you regretting. I even tried this out on a very sensitive skinned friend who swears she can only use cetaphil, and she now wants to buy her own bottle (because... well, I'm not handing this one over).

Review - Arbonne Intelligence Daily Cleanser

A non-drying cleanser that easliy removes dirt & oil without stripping skin of it's vital moisture barrier.
4.3 fl/127ml Product #486 $22.5

The next few products by Arbonne are absolutely wonderful, and have left my 24 year old skin happy and radiant, but..... They are not on the website we have been given to purchase through! Very strange, but I think all one has to do to order is use the product number above. Sorry to make it difficult, but this line is totally worth it!

The Intelligence Line from Arbonne is really wonderful. Like stated above I am 24 years old, I do not get pimples very often, my skin can be on the sensitive side but not terribly so, and I can get quite dry, although I would say I am normal. This cleanser is quite gentle and has never left me irritated. You only need a little drop, a little goes a long way. It does not foam, but just gently cleanses skin and rinses clean. When I used the Balancing toner in step 3 I didn't find that the cotton ever had any dirt or oil left behind. My skin looks beautiful and healthy, although I believe it is a combination of all five products. When I tried this cleanser without the remaining steps I found it mildly drying, so I will reccomend you try the Arbonne Smart Intelligence Set (Item # 725) it comes with all five products we will be reviewing plus Arbonne Intelligence Skin Conditioning Oil for free! It is $143.50 for the whole set, and so completely worth it!

Amanda S. Says: I can use a lot of products willy-nilly on my skin and not have problems. But my biggest arch-nemesis is cleansers. If I use the wrong one, I pay the price, big time. Some cleansers don't work at all, then I break out or feel greasy, have left over make up all over me and feel heavy-skinned and gross. Others clean so well that I am depleted of all moisture of my face and feel pinched up and icky. I like this daily cleanser because it did neither. I had a TON of make up on too the first time I gave it a whirl and it all came off beaitifully without stripping me bare of every human essence I had previously had. It has a nice clean feel to it and even when I used it three times in one day (morning, post-bike ride, and evening) my skin was soft and happy.

Review- Skinn Dimitri James Olive & Enzyme Rich Balm Cleanser and Deep Cleansing Mask

Rich in Polyphenols and skin resurfacing enzymes, this water-free, super-rich, night-time cleansing balm is the ultimate skin luxury. First, it dissolves dirt, makeup, daily grime, pollution and dead skin cells. Orange oil works to purify, while a new high-tech bio-engineered enzyme resurfaces for the cleanest skin ever! Apply as a mask for the ultimate super smoothing, resurfacing, deep pore cleansing treatment. $15 for 2 oz., $24 for 4 oz.

I've used this balm as both a cleanser and a deep cleansing mask and I loved it both ways. My favorite thing about this cleanser is the smell. The orange oils make it smell like a Push-up pop from the Good Humor truck when I was a kid. If you don't know what a Push-up is, you haven't lived. As I've mentioned a few hundred times, I have very dry skin. It was totally soothed by this creamy cleanser. In addition to imparting moisture, it removed every trace of dirt and make-up. And the price is awesome. I have the 2 oz. size and from the amount you need to use, I'd say it's going to last me a minimum of 25 washes. The ingredients list is chock full of good for your skin things like calendula, olive oil, orange fruit oil and beta carotene. I recommend this as a PM must for anyone with normal to dry skin.

Joyce says:

After using this product as directed for a week, I was impressed. The texture of my skin has improved. It wasn’t bad before this product, but it definitely improved. My skin is softer, and has a more even appearance. When I put makeup on whether cream, liquid, or mineral powder, my complexion is one I’m pleased to show off. I like the menthol feeling and the tinier grains that exfoliate. I even spread it down my neck and décolletage and saw a difference in those areas, as well. I give Skinn a big thumbs-up.

Review - Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Lotion

This is a non-drying, non-alcohol toner that cleans and disinfects dry and sensitive skin. Mild Witch Hazel formula removes pore clogging debris and anti-inflammatory Seaweed and Aloe Extract soothes sensitive areas.

Here is one of the other Mario Badescu products I have been using for the past few weeks, and it's really great. Normally I would have a really tough time using an astringent or toner of ANY type without paying the price with super dry flaked out skin, but this stuff is super gentle. I'm not sure whether it's all the minerals and stuff found in seaweed that works so well to balance out my skin or NOT, but I like to think that's why. It's cool feeling and non-drying.

Sheba says:
This is opposite to most toners I have used. It does NOT leave your skin dry which is a blessing. It does appear to cleanse clogged pores as it claims – they seem under control. As Amanda noted it is gentle which contradicts what I have found in toners. I actually thought they wouldn’t work if they were not strong enough. This proves my theory wrong. This does have a soothing effect on my skin. That may well be due to the Aloe Extract, Witch Hazel, Anti Inflammatory Seaweed or something else. It is amazing whatever it is! My skin feels terrific when I finish with this. It is soft, smooth and supple rather than that tight dry feeling.

Review - Eau Thermale Avene, Gentle Cleanser for Intolerant Skin

No rinse formulation contains a minimum of ingredients to ensure maximum tolerance. All Eau Thermale Avene products are formulated with Avene thermal spring water and are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.

I wasn't too sure this product could really clean the make up off my skin. It seemed so gentle sounding on the box, how you don't even have to rinse with water and could just tissue it off, and so on. I do have fairly wimpy skin that tends to freak out at the slightest provocation, so I figured I'd give it a shot. Keep i mind though, I did actually rinse with water because I am not sensitive to that much drying and I am so used to rinsing off cleansers with water that it felt weird just tissuing/wiping it off.
To my surprise it took off heavy eye make up and all the mineral foundation I had on, and left my skin feeling soft. I didn't even moisturize afterward and my skin felt calm and nice. Although this product runs on the sort of pricey side (about $25), it will seemingly last forever. A little goes a long way. And it's much better than other sensitive skin cleansers out there. If your skin freaks out, this could be the way to go for you.

Review- NIA24 Gentle Cleansing Cream

• Continuous, deep delivery of Pro-Niacin strengthens the skin barrier
• Pro-Niacin is clinically shown to visibly improve skin tone, texture and hyperpigmentation
• Evening Primrose and Olive Oil deliver supple moisture
• Sodium Hyaluronate holds up to 200 times it's weight in water helping the skin retain essential hydration

I was excited to try this cleanser because it is specially formulated for dry, sensitive skin. I am not usually much of a cleanser person because most leave me too dry and tight skinned. Not this one. I did have to use an eye-makeup remover because I wear black liquid eyeliner, but the cleanser wiped away the remnants. This is a very moisturizing, thick cleanser which can be rinsed or tissued off. It leaves my skin thoroughly clean, soft and prepared for the rest of the NIA 24 regimen.

Deedlejuse says:

I have been using the Gentle Cleansing Cream for the last two weeks, and I have noticed a huge difference in my skin. This cleanser gently reduces impurities and rough spots on your skin, while leaving you feeling fresh and clean. It is not drying at all; in fact, it feels so moisturizing that you could use it without a moisturizer. I have normal to dry skin and I was amazed by how my skin felt afterwards, almost dewy. I definitely, definitely recommend this cleanser, after just two weeks my skin is already looking brighter and clearer. I used it in combination with the Intensive recovery complex, and the two together are amazing!

Amanda S. Says:

Ditto to these above comments, my skin has a tendency to get irritated and annoyed and do awful things when I clean it wrong, like peel off in weird little patches, get red and splotchy around my eyes... all sorts of horrible things. But I've been using this cleanser for ten days and have noticed a marked difference in my skin, red patches or sun spots are faded a bit and my skin is much less tight and dry after washing it. I definitely love this stuff and will continue using it.

Maria V says: How on earth did I get so lucky to have been able to test drive this gem of a line? NIA 24 is AMAZING. I love this cleansing cream. I use this after my DHC cleansing oil and it just rinses everything off and leaves your skin feeling hydrated and smooth. No tight feeling, lovely soft scent - just a great line. Love it.

Review- Checks and Balances Face Wash

Checks and Balances Frothy face wash- When it comes to faces with dry and oily places, it takes a clever cleanser to balance the two. This gentle, frothy face wash carefully does both jobs without canceling each other out. Konjac Powder seeks out oil, soaks it up then keeps it well in-check, while Wheat Protein balances and protects dry prone zones. And Broadleaf Kelp breaks down dirt, disperses sebum and sends dullness down the drain. There’s also aromatic Bergamot, Spearmint and Lavender to add pleasure to the process. Skin feels comfortably refreshed after cleansing, never tight, pulled or parched.

This is a mild yet thorough cleanser. It's not often you come across a cleanser that completely removes dirt and make-up without stripping your skin of all moisture, but Checks and Balances pulls it off. It is very neutral and I would say it's good for everyone from "normal-to-dry" to "normal-to-oily" skin types. It leaves no residue and has a fresh, slightly minty scent. I consider my skin to be flat out dry and this cleanser even worked for me. I recommend giving it a try.

$17.50 for 5 oz. @ Origins