Anybody who truly takes the concept of spring cleaning seriously sets out with the intention of doing the most thorough job possible. I’m sure you’re all familiar, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a freshly cleansed face to give you a brand new perspective. An expertly cleansed face can completely retexture the surface of your skin, washing away all sorts of other worries at the same time. Touting a purified visage, the impossible becomes possible.

That’s why I decided it was about time I did a well rounded cleanser review for you from our selection here at Amazingy, so that your yearly cleaning ritual doesn’t have to end in merely a clean home. Personally, I have dry skin with some seemingly random sensitivities. Sometimes my skin is up for trying that weird looking fruit at the market, other times it’d rather stay in and drink warm milk with honey, if you catch my drift. Keeping in mind that everyone’s skin is special in it’s own way, here is what I had to say about the cleansers I tested out for you guys.

M. Picaut – Nourishing Cleanser

This scandinavian crafted cleanser is a best seller in our shop, so I knew I needed to find out what’s all the fuss about. One of the main selling points of the M. Picaut brand is it’s use of peptides. What’s that? Don’t worry–I had to look them up too. Peptides are amino acids which are the building blocks of protein that form the skin. What’s cool about them is that they boost collagen production. Collagen, being the structural protein responsible for the youthful elasticity in our skin, is definitely a thing we can always use more of. The experience of the product falls somewhere in between using a lotion and cleanser and was very calming to my wind-brushed sensitive skin. Olive oil moisturizes you while seabuckthorn’s got your back, forming a protective layer on your skin.The texture is somewhat firm, making it more manageable than an oil cleanser, and the scent is familiarly fresh. Perhaps the winning feature of this celebrated cleanser is that it was my boyfriend’s favorite, out of all the different cleansers I coerced him into trying.

YÜLI – Halcyon Cleanser

Halcyon: an idyllic and serene moment from the past, an idea calling back to a more naive and untainted version of yourself. This notion seems to encapsulate YÜLI’s halcyon cleanser truthfully. You really get the feeling that the product is syncing with your skin’s own healthy oil production, leaving you looking balanced out and shiny-eyed, returned to a more innocent state. Using this product, I really got that feeling that I was using some sort of potion, and that wasn’t so surprising to me after I took a peek at the intricate and complex ingredient list (highlights include red algae, pineapple enzymes, colloidal peptides, and green tea). The smell is initially off-putting, just like you’d expect for some mysterious potion, but I ultimately found myself thinking that this is the kind of cleanser I could use every day. I encountered no difficulties with my sensitive skin and only imagine that my skin would benefit more and more from continued use.

Tata Harper – Nourishing Oil Cleanser

OK, ok, I can’t wait to tell you guys, this cleanser is the bomb. It was my instant favorite, directly after my very first application. I rubbed the orangey-red oil into my skin and then let warm water wash over my face. Upon looking in the mirror thereafter, I found that the red splotchy bits on my face that I had been battling for weeks were GONE. Vanished. My skin looked even-toned, moisturized, and all glowy and fairy-like. And after that I slept with this magical cleanser under my pillow. But no, in all seriousness, this cleanser, one, smells great, two, works wonders, two point five, takes off all your makeup, three, lasts forever. How do I know? Because after trying it just once, I went out to get a full-sized version of my own. The only slightly inconveniencing factor, which is hardly worth mentioning, is that the oil can be a little unwieldy at times, meaning that you have to be careful to keep it in your hands because of it’s slippery texture. Who cares! Packed with eleven high powered ingredients, this cleanser is the one to beat.

White Witch – Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

White Witch is the self-proclaimed “most ethical skincare company that exists today”, as they state on their website. Quite a claim, but doesn’t seem to be an understatement, with their focus being on using local organic ingredients and avoiding plastic packaging all together. This product in particular, didn’t really work for me I’m sad to say. I mixed the dry cleanser with water, as instructed, and applied it onto my face. About ten seconds later, my face began to turn spotty and red and itchy—yuck! But that’s just my skin. My very obliging boyfriend agreed to try the product and his experience was much more pleasant. He found that the chamomile flowers work really well as gentle exfoliating agents, not too rough like some exfoliators can be, and that afterwards his skin felt smooth and soft. He did note that it’s hard to mix the cleansing powder in your hand while adding water without losing some of the product down the drain, but what can you do. Also, don’t be alarmed, but the outer packaging lists the product as a cleanser, while the inner jar reads “mask”. I guess it works as both!

May Lindstorm – The Honey Mud

Now, remember, this is a cleanser, not a dessert. That’s what I had to keep reminding myself as I tested out this cleanser, the chocolate-y, nutty, honey scent begging me to have just a small taste. No wonder, with raw honey being the largest ingredient, along with white halloysite clay, macademia oil, and cacao oil. People go crazy for this product, and now I can see why. It can be used as either a moisturizing cleanser or a luxurious face mask. Having tried both, I personally prefer the mask option, although both work well. The consistency is so rich and creamy, having it rest on your face is actually a treat instead of an inconvenience. No feelings of tightness or drying as can come with some other mask experiences. Tripling as aromatherapy, this mask-cleanser duo is truly one of the pinnacles of cleanser concocting achievements.

Springing Forward

I learned a lot about what makes a quality cleanser good and why it actually is important to use a different product for your face than you use for your body. When I was younger, I used to use an acne face wash and as I got older I switched to just using Dr. Bronners all over. I felt frustrated, this winter in particular, with the way my skin just wouldn’t cooperate, always appearing dry and making it so difficult to apply makeup. After this experiment, I can sincerely say that it does make a difference what you use to cleanse your delicate complexion. So, this year, with the season of spring, I vow to have a cleaner, healthier face, along with a freshly organized flat (and we shall see about the latter). Do you have a fave cleanser? Leave a comment below telling me all about it!