CLAY+essence
  • Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil
    first cleanse,  Klairs

    Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil

    the claim With a fresh, non-oily finish, the Klairs Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil removes all makeup, oil, dirt residue and dead cells and also controls sebum production. Sunflower, Grape, Jojoba and Black Currant Oils keep skin moisturised and balanced while antioxidants and vitamins deliver skin health. Recommended for combination-oily skin.     the ingredients Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Seed Oil     CosDNA returns a favourable hazard rating for the Klairs cleansing oil.     the science Sunflower Seed Oil is a well absorbed, lightweight oil without residue that’s…

  • Self Care
    routine

    The Importance of Self-Care

    Finding joy in the little things Lockdowns, fear and uncertainty have become the norm as we navigate our way through the Covid-19 pandemic. Little things can often have the biggest impact when it comes to maintaining good mental, emotional and physical health during such challenging times. Personally, this translates to reducing the amount of news coverage I follow, practising mindfulness, good diet and exercise (I try!) and doing things that genuinely bring me joy.   One of my passions is of course skincare which is currently doing a lot more than just hydrating, smoothing and firming!   Getting the most from your routine I’ve been practicing Korean skincare for several…

  • first cleanse,  The Body Shop

    The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

    the claim The The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter claims to be a luxurious way to remove all makeup while purifying, cleansing and refreshing the skin for a silky soft finish. Suitable for sensitive skin.     the science Represented at the highest concentration in a relatively short formula of 14 ingredients is Ethylhexyl Palmitate, a mineral oil replacement comprising an ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. Non-occlusive emollient properties help it to reduce water loss and keep skin moist and supple without creating a film on the surface. Next, Synthetic Wax, is derived form a mixture of oils and helps to bind, stabilise and enhance texture.  …

  • J.Estina Crystalline Cleansing Balm
    first cleanse,  J.Estina

    J.Estina Crystalline Cleansing Balm

    the claim The J.Estina Crystalline Cleansing Balm is said to be a melting balm type cleanser that contains tourmaline to cleanly remove heavy makeup leaving moisturized crystal skin.     the science Represented at the highest concentration in the balm is Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, an oily liquid that functions as an emollient to defend against dryness. It also enhances the spreadability of the product. Similarly, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 support emollient function, this characteristic dominating the INCI. These ingredients are able to strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier and help to keep it hydrated by reducing moisture loss. They are also useful to improve overall…

  • Roccoco Botanicals
    first cleanse,  moisturize,  Roccoco,  second cleanse

    Roccoco Botanicals Brand Review

    the brand Jacine Greenwood is a cosmetic chemist and the founder of Australian brand, Roccoco Botanicals. Her vision was to create a safe, plant based range of products that manage skin without the risk of acne breakouts or allergic reactions. The brand philosophy dismisses skin peeling for acne treatment, claiming this causes stress and inflammation, reducing the integrity of the skin barrier. Rather, they rely on the soothing properties of plants and enzymes for gentle exfoliation, since they work on redundant cells, living tissue remaining unaffected. Her fascination for France and its architecture is the inspiration behind the brand name.     the review I was gifted various sample sized…

  • Leegeehaam Life Pure Cleansing Oil
    Dr. Ceuracle,  first cleanse

    Dr. Ceuracle Life Pure Cleansing Oil

    the claim Rebranded from Leegeehaam, the Dr. Ceuracle Life Pure Cleansing Oil is formulated with sunflower seed oil. It claims to gently and effectively melt away makeup and impurities, leaving skin clean and refreshed.     the science Dominating the formula is Sunflower Seed Oil, a well absorbed, light weight oil without residue and rich in linoleic acid and Vitamin E. Essential fatty acids help to maintain the skin barrier and decrease transepidermal water loss, keeping skin supple and soft. Its emollient nature ensures smoother more hydrated skin for longer. Antioxidants provide anti-ageing advantages, fighting free radical and UV damage, thus protecting against premature ageing. Caretenoids make it a good…

  • Benton Tea Tree Cleansing Water
    Benton,  first cleanse

    Benton Tea Tree Cleansing Water

    the claim The Benton Tea Tree Cleansing Water is naturally-derived and said to give a refreshing and calming effect on tired skin while mildly cleansing. The product revitalizes irritated, stressed-out skin with redness and helps to ease acne.     the science Tee Tree Oil  is an essential oil with a fresh camphor scent derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, native to Australia. Aborigines have been using its healing qualities for thousands of years. Tea Tree Oil is made up of around 100 substances, including terpenes which are responsible for the ingredient’s reputation as a remedy. Tea Tree Water is basically Tea Tree Oil dispersed in water, whereas Tea Tree…

  • Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil
    first cleanse,  Klairs

    Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil

    the claim The Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil is easily washable and allows mild yet effective cleansing of dirt and makeup without causing any trouble or irritation. It also maintains skin moisture after cleansing.     the science Taking on the role of spotlight ingredients in the formulation, both Blackcurrant Seed Oil and Black Soybean Oil are anti-inflammatory agents, rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. As such, they are able to soothe skin conditions such as acne, protect against free radical damage and provide nourishment and moisture. Several other oils are included to boost these functions. Jojoba, Sesame, Carapa Guaianensis and Cranberry Seed Oils are gentle, soothing, hydrating…

  • Simple hydrating cleansing oil
    first cleanse,  Simple

    Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil

    the claim The Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Cleansing Oil is made of pure grape-seed oil and enriched with vitamin A and E to dissolve impurities and remove make up, leaving your skin deeply clean and well hydrated.     the science The key ingredient in the formulation is Grape Seed Oil, comprising approximately 70% Linoleic Acid (Omega 6), 16% Oleic Acid (Omega 9), 7% Palmitic Acid and 4% Stearic Acid and small amounts of Palmitoleic Acid, Vitamin E and beta-Carotene. Lighter than coconut or jojoba oil, it’s easily absorbed into the skin, effectively moisturising without leaving an oily residue. Its astringent and antiseptic qualities help to nourish and repair…

  • Nu'trir Nourishing Cleansing Oil
    first cleanse,  nu'trir

    nu’trir Nourishing Cleansing Oil

    the claim The nu’trir Nourishing Cleansing Oil claims to be a botanical and antioxidant rich oil based cleanser that removes makeup, impurities and dead skin cells leaving skin feeling hydrated and nourished. It aids cell renewal with gentle exfoliation and provides anti-ageing properties with an antioxidant rich formulation.     the science A good oil cleanser removes makeup, sunscreen, impurities and general dirt from the face as a first step of the evening routine. This one from nu’trir incorporates many natural oils and extracts in order to achieve this. The one present at the highest concentration is Willow Bark Extract, a source of salicylic acid, a natural exfoliator able to…