Texture! I am not THAT picky–I don’t think!–about texture but it’s often what distinguishes a great cleanser from a good cleanser for me, especially for whatever I’m using in the morning.
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If it burns my eyes it’s a no for me. Scent, texture, and possible sensitivity to ingredients are important as well.
Look at Purito From Green Cleansing oil. It’s literally the only thing that doesn’t sting and is not a fire in the eye. All the favorite cleansing balms feel like Drano. to me…YMMV,of course, bec there’s allergens for everyone! I knew s.o. who was allergic to water. No $+**
I will look into that. Thanks for the suggestion!
Whether it stings my sensitive eyes! Immediate deal breaker.
Genetically speaking, the scent is the first experience, I’ll notice it the smell is off or if it contains fragrance.
But since I avoid fragrance, the first thing I notice is the consistency.
For a first step cleanser (usually a cream cleanser) I notice how it emulsifies in my palms. I like thicker consistencies, that don’t become too oily or liquid when spread, but still is solid enough to have a good slip.
For a second step cleanser, I always notice how well it foams.
I’m with you Ana Maria!
Smell/lack of smell. Lack of smell is so important to me.
Main thing for me is that it thoroughly cleanses without drying out my skin, and that if any accidentally gets in my eyes, it doesn’t sting. Also, I do NOT like anything heavily fragranced as I have fairly sensitive, reactive skin.
For me, it’s probably all about how well the product works to remove makeup and clean my skin. I’m lucky that scent doesn’t bother me (though I appreciate a pleasant scent) and my skin isn’t usually sensitive to things (if a cleanser is drying but I like it otherwise, I make a point to slap on my facial oil or moisturizer right away). Texture isn’t usually a big deal either though I have one small jar of that Eve Lom makeup remover (I actually have a few small jars but most are okay) where the product has hard little “blobs” – almost like little blobs of fat or butter but they don’t liquefy or melt when I rub the product on my face or in my hands. That was the END of my brief friendship with Eve Lom products.
Scent. Too strong, and it’s a no-go. I know it will bother my sensitive skin.
How is the fragrance, if there is one (if it is very subtle, all the better).
Whan I am trying out a new cleanser, one of the first few things I do notice is if it has any scent – like most readers here, scent is no-go for me, as it is an irritant to my sensitive skin.
Secondly, I notice the consistency of the cleanser – I don’t like it to be too runny (as generally I take my makeup off in my nightly shower) and I don’t want the cleanser to run off my hands before I get to apply it.
I prefer a more thickened texture, a cream based cleanser and definitely not a foam one.
And thirdly, I want it to remove not only my face makeup, but also my mascara – if it can do all of the above, it gets to stay in my ‘winners circle’ of cleansers.