IMO, double cleansing is probably one of the biggest reasons my skin started to clear up. Before I used to just run a basic cleanser (*cough* Cetaphil) on my face for a few seconds, rinse it off and rub my face with a towel. This routine obviously exacerbated my skin problems; I wore a cake-face amount of makeup to cover all the imperfections, and barely any of it would properly wash off. I basically just maintained a vicious cycle of skin problems because makeup would always be left on my face. It wasn’t until I discovered the magic of using facial oils as the first step of my skincare routine that I realized how important and beneficial a good cleansing routine is.

In short, Double Cleansing is – well – washing your face twice. But instead of using your regular cleanser two times, you want your first step to be an oil-based cleanser. This is beneficial as the first step of makeup removal because oil easily breaks down makeup and removes excess sebum your skin may have produced throughout the day.

Dermalogica released their newest product, the PreCleanse Balm. It is claimed to be a deep-cleansing balm-to-oil emulsifier that melts away impurities from the skin.

By using this with their Cleansing Mitt (included when purchasing the PreCleanse Balm), it’ll thoroughly cleanse the debris from the skin’s surface, and allow your cleanser to deliver more effective results.

In the spirit of Halloween season, I decided to create a basic Halloween Makeup look using only the makeup products I have. I went for a “Glam” Skull look, and used a ton of pigmented, dark eyeshadow around my eyes and face, and waterproof liquid liner across my mouth.

I really caked my face on for this one, so Dermalogica’s PreCleanse Balm is definitely being put to the test! To complete this routine as “Dermalogica’s Double Cleanse”, I am using their Special Cleansing Gel as well. This will also be my first time trying Dermalogica products, so this first impression will definitely determine if I would ever consider buying their products in the future!

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ABOUT THE PRODUCT

“Deep-cleansing balm-to-oil melts away impurities and make-up from skin. Achieve cleaner, healthier-looking skin with the Double Cleanse regimen that begins with PreCleanse Balm. This water-activated, balm-to-oil version of our top-selling oil cleanser deconstructs layers of excess sebum (oil), waterproof make-up, environmental pollutants and residual product buildup on skin. Use the included Cleansing Mitt to thoroughly cleanse debris from the skin’s surface, allowing your recommended Dermalogica Cleanser to deliver more effective cleansing results. The Natural Biolipid Complex locks in hydration and reinforces the skin barrier while Apricot Kernel Oil helps nourish skin. Ideal for normal to dry skin. Safe for use around the eye area. Formulated without artificial fragrances or colors.

benefits

• 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.

how to use
Squeeze tube to dispense product onto cleansing mitt or directly to dry palm of hand. Massage product into dry skin using circular motions. Add water to emulsify. Rinse and follow with recommended Dermalogica Cleanser to complete the Dermalogica Double Cleanse. Store at room temperature.

quick tip: Use included double-sided Cleansing Mitt for mild exfoliation.”

90ml
$ 62.00 CAD

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS

I dispensed an almond-sized (recommended amount) of the PreCleanse Balm onto the Cleansing Mitt, and started massaging my dry face in light, circular motions for a couple of minutes. The PreCleanse Balm melted pretty fast, so I had no problem distributing the product evenly around the different areas of my face. The Cleansing Mitt just made the experience feel enjoyable and more effective.

It broke down the makeup really well, especially all the black waterproof eyeliner I had around my mouth, and the dark, pigmented eyeshadow I wore. Obviously I went very gentle around my eyes; I used the edge of the mitt to lightly massage, and didn’t use the bristled parts.

After I massaged myself with the PreCleanse Balm and Mitt, I wet my fingers and began to massage my face again to emulsify the balm. It didn’t look like much emulsified, but there was no residue on my face after I did a quick rinse, and my face felt VERY soft. I also used this opportunity to tackle what was leftover around my eye area; most of the eyeliner was removed, but I wasn’t about to go into where I tightlined and waterlined with it.

I followed up with the Special Cleansing Gel to complete the Double Cleanse. I really like the gel formula and also how soft it made my skin feel. However my skin felt quite tight after using this cleanser but overall my face looked VERY clean and fresh. I accidentally dispensed a large amount of cleanser, but considering the amount of black product that spread around my face, I found it a suitable amount.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Dermalogica’s Double Cleanse Method worked very well at making my dead skin come alive. I’ve used cleansing oils in the past for makeup removal, but I switched to balm removers because I needed the extra nourishment for my dry skin. However, using balms for makeup removal really puts a damper on your facial towels. I like that Dermalogica’s PreCleanse Balm can emulsify while still providing my skin with extra moisture, as well as saving my towels from some hard labour.

I’ve been doing this routine for a few days now, and to prevent the tight feeling I get from the Special Cleansing Gel, I just immediately apply a hydrating toner. I felt like once I added a hydrating toner, it absorbed very quickly and my face immediately felt comforted with hydration.

I have to say – I’m obsessed with the Cleansing Mitt. I really like the size of it, and I feel like it plays a key part in making my face super smooth from the PreCleanse Balm. The side with the large ridges is also nice to use on the occasion you want to throw in a little extra massage into the routine.

I hope you found this first impressions helpful if you’re considering buying Dermalogica’s PreCleanse Balm or Special Cleansing Gel. This was my first time trying Dermalogica products, and I’m glad it was an enjoyable experience! I definitely recommend their new PreCleanse Balm because this product with the Cleansing Mitt just makes my face feel so new and soft! And their Special Cleansing Gel is also a nice touch to complete the Double Cleanse. I’ve been eyeing their Daily Microfoliant, so I may indulge myself soon and try it out!

Stay tuned for *drum roll*

A giveaway of a travel sized PreCleanse Balm and Cleansing Mitt! Please be sure to follow my instagram @michxmash for future details.

xo, M

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Products were sent to me by Dermalogica for review purposes. This is not a sponsored post, and all opinions are honest and my own.

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