A few months ago, I was reintroduced to my long lost love, the technologically advanced spinning brush that is Clarisonic. I was one of the early Clarisonic users, a huge fan back in college. I used it pretty religiously until one day the battery died, got lazy about replacing it, and the devise magically disappeared from my routine.
But lets just say that these days I am back in business. I use my vibrating facial brush every other evening to rid the toxins and makeup from the face and neck. It’s kind of like the lazy girl’s face wash – which is why I love it. I apply my cleanser directly to the brush, wet it a bit, and boom. There’s a friendly little timer too that tells you when you can move to each zone of face, devoting only 20 seconds to the forehead, 10 seconds to each cheek and another 20 seconds to the chin and nose. As you brush, the device stimulates collagen and cleanses deep into pores, so the benefits are endless. Taking time to use this baby is a no brainer. Oh, and the new Aria cleanser comes with a UBS port – whoop whoop! – so you can charge and cleanse on the go.
Getting back into my Clarisonic actually encouraged me to pay more attention to my cleanser situation. I currently have about 5, 6….ok 7 different cleansers in rotation, and I use each one of them for different reasons. The thing about the Clarisonic is that you really don’t need a harsh cleaner, just something pure, simple and non-irritating. I am constantly trying to find ways to make to switch to using all natural and organic products. Sometimes this can actually be quite difficult, but when it comes to my cleanser, I am totally on board and won’t use anything that has chemicals. Because why should I? SO I guess you could say that when it comes to wash time, I am 95% organic and all natural and 5% techie, thanks to my electronic face brush, of course.
So what face washes do I recommend? Let’s start with Ren Rosa Centifolia No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm. This is like the classic and old school Eve Lom Cleansing Balm, but I think better suited for younger and more sensitive skin. It also reduces redness, so it’s perfect before a big night out. This rose-infused balm sweeps away impurities and leaves skin cleansed, purified, calm and glowing. It also conditions the lashes and brows, and can be used to remove makeup (sans Clarisonic, of course).
RMS Beauty makes a FABULOUS Raw Coconut Cream that I am addicted to. It’s cool because it can be used to take off makeup, cleanse and simply moisturize, but I just use it to clean. The fresh tropical scent is super addicting and leaves my skin super soft and hydrated.
During the winter, when my skin is a bit dryer than normal, I love a good cleansing oil. I know they are all the hype these days, but I really like their purity. I love Josie Maran Cleansing Oil, which is made of totally organic Argan oil and thus provides deep hydration. I also really like Tatcha Cleansing Oil. The non-greasy texture leaves skin feeling moisturized and never tight or dry.
When my pores feel clogged, I whip out the big guns. Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser, is a softening foam that goes beyond cleansing. The clarifying concentrate gently exfoliates and prevents breakouts, minimizing pores and evens out the complexion by ‘washing away’ fine lines and wrinkles, while the aromatherapy scent lifts your spirits.
Another cleanser that leaves my skin silky smooth and great for breakouts is Susan Ciminelli Algae Deep Cleanse. This cleanser doesn’t look like much, but it really does what it promises, digging deep into pores and leaves my face squeaky clean. I will use this when I really want my face to glow. This cleanser is truly amazing.
In the mornings, when I wake up with a clean face and on off days from the Clarisonic, I use my Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser. I LOVE Tata Harper and her cleanser is no exception! Created on her farm in Vermont, Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser refreshes my complexion while preserving my skin’s natural hydration. Small exfoliating beads and eleven active ingredients, including skin-strengthening Pomegranate and deep cleansing Apricot Seed Powder, tone and exfoliate.
There you have it, girls. This is how I wash my face, the (almost) all natural way.
Gisele shot by Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia, June 2013.