10 Cleansing Oils in 10 Days #2: Shu Uemura High performance Balancing Cleansing Oil

2. Shu Uemura High performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Fresh

This has been a staple in my routine for ages now. At first I was hesitant because the predominant oil in the formulation is mineral oil, which some people believe clogs pores, however I can confidently say that not one of my über oily pores has ever been clogged because of this product. No pimples, no blackheads, no eruptions etc. I think this is because it is not a leave-on product, and the actual formulation is designed to remove makeup and oil from the skin, not deposit it. Anyway this is a superior cleansing oil – it really removes makeup, oil, mineral sunscreens etc and it leaves no residue – if used and removed properly. For me this entails applying to dry skin, massaging, leaving on for a minute or two, then wetting with a little water on hands, massaging again to emulsify, then removing with a damp, soft wash-cloth.  As I mentioned in my Aesop cleansing oil review, I prefer to follow the oil ritual with a second cleanse using a non foaming milk or gel cleanser. Beauties, please don’t let the mineral oil content put you off this amazing cleansing oil. It is so effective and gentle and a little goes a very long way – my bottles tend to last months. Just gorgeous.

From David Jones and Shu Uemura.