Cleansing Oil Obsessed (UPDATED)

     When it comes to makeup removal, I am a huge fan of cleansing oils; ever since a friend of mine brought me a bottle of DHC Cleansing Oil from Japan back in college. I'm a longtime fan of Albolene, which is still my favorite travel choice due to the fact that it's basically a solid until you emulsify it; however, it's not really conducive to immediate makeup re-application.

     I purchased another cleansing oil at a local shop. It was cheap, so I figured I'd give it a whirl. It turned out to be mostly mineral oil so it was cheap in more ways than one. I put it on my face and it just sort of stayed there...no makeup removal, eyes stinging, and no rinsing or wiping would take it off. It ended up in the trash. 

    The other day, I stopped in the Marine Corps Exchange for a jug of post-blackout milk (they didn't have any either) during their Glam-O-Rama event when I saw this staring back at me from one of the shelves:

The mother of all cleansing oils

   

There is was: the brand new Purity Made Simple Mineral Oil-Free Facial Cleansing Oil ($21 USD)

It was beautiful. It may have had a halo around the cap. I swear I faintly heard angels singing. Philosophy has finally come out with a cleansing oil! Haaaaaalelujah! Haaaaaalelujah! Halelujah! Halelujah! Haleeeelujah! Then a salesperson appeared with two coupons that I could use together...I took that as a sign.

     It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Philosophy products. They work and there's no "waste of time" to it (ahem, toner). Besides, if you've ever seen Cristina Carlino, Philosophy's founder, she's her own best advertisement. She's like a female Dick Clark...never seems to age. 

     The oil itself is moderately priced, but not cheap, and very luxurious feeling. I used it to wash off my makeup when I got home. It glides on like a dream; a little water, a little wipe with a washcloth and *poof* makeup AND oil were both gone. No stinging of the eyes, no residue.

     The oil was even gentle enough for me to use on my stepdaughter this weekend when she decided to swipe a deep chocolate shade of shadow underneath her eyes. Fortunately, she soon realized that this was not an attractive look. I put a bit of the oil in her hand and told her to smooth it over her face and eyes, then gave her a washcloth to wipe it all off with. It was gentle enough for her face and eyes...no burning, no stinging, no complaints and we were able to reapply something more suitable than the "sleepless nights" look and still make it to brunch on time.

Philosophy is available at finer department stores, The Exchange, QVC, and of course, their website at www.philosophy.com

UPDATE (8/13/2012): 

I'm revisiting this entry due to the fact that Shu Uemura USA is giving away 2,000 samples of its world famous cleansing oil every day until August 27th, 2012 and I am really excited about getting my sample! Shu Uemura was the first to introduce the idea of cleansing oil back in 1967 and hey, if Elizabeth Taylor liked and used it every evening to remove her makeup, then it must be good. Get yours by being one of the first 2,000 entrants between now and August 27, 2012 on the Shu Uemura Magic Oil Experience Facebook Page

 I really like the Philosophy Cleansing Oil, and I have tried others thanks to samples and living in Hawaii (since almost every skin care brand carried in Japan makes a cleansing oil and is available for tourists, even Biore). I got a sample of Lancôme Huile Douceur Cleansing Oil which was also very nice, but took a little bit of tugging to remove my mascara.



Simply stating an opinion, to be honest, I still haven't found anything yet that works better (or is less risky to travel with) than good old fashioned Albolene and a warm, wet washcloth, which you can read all about in this trusty post here . 

I'm almost hoping that I don't like Shu's Magic Oil because with its current price tag of about $77 USD, it would have to last 7 years to make up the price of my Albolene.

Funny You Should Ask!

Facebook fan and apparent mind reader Cathy asks (on my Facebook page):

"This may be a question you have answered in the past and if so sorry for the repeat. Can you recommend a good moisturizer for the face. Thank you."

As most of you know, I am gigantically pregnant right now. I apologize for not posting for a while, but I am almost too tired to type. When I'm not at my "real" job, at doctor's appointments, or getting ready for baby, I'm either napping or between naps, feet elevated over my uterus reading or watching the boob tube. 

Anyway, moisturizers...yes! I have been reading up on them lately because I have dry hair and skin for the very first time in my life thanks to all my hormonal changes. I've also developed a very slight case of melasma. 

"Doesn't smell like horse piss"

I love my Bio Oil for body, especially my nightly belly basting; I don't have any stretch marks yet (knock wood), and unlike another very popular stretch mark cream, it "doesn't smell like horse piss" according to my husband. I married a colorful guy! 

You really can't beat the price point either. I purchased a 2 oz. and 4 oz. bottle combination pack at Costco back in my first trimester for $20 USD and even with daily use, I just cracked open the 4 oz. bottle 2 weeks ago.

I know plenty of people who use Bio Oil on their faces, but it just doesn't work well on my face. It sort of just sits there. I started researching some moisturizing oils for face and hair probably about the same time as Cathy thought to ask about it. Spoooooky! My requirements were:

• can be used on face, hair, and nails (I love cuticle oil, hate hand lotion. I have the world's clammiest hands and lotion makes them 10 times worse)
• safe for baby
• decent price point

 The first thing to show up in my search results was the celebrity favorite, Rodin Olio Lusso.

Olio Lusso is made up of 11 secret herbs and spices and  has apparently changed the skin of Madonna, Halle Berry, all the Victoria's Secret Angels, and Josie and The Pussycats (don't quote me on that last one). I'm sure it's absolutely wonderful; however

• It costs $95...minimum
• Madonna, Josie, and The Pussycats are far richer than most of us and can afford as many syringes full of whatever to smooth their faces than any of us reading or writing this can.
• I need that $95 for diapers and wipes

Moving on to something a little more accessible to the masses, I came across Josie Maran Organic Argan Treatment Oil  on QVC.com. Josie herself is refreshingly real; you can check her out here in her training video which gives details about her Argan Oil and some of her cosmetic line :

The oil itself fits all my requirements plus its quick, easy to use, lightweight and absorbs quickly. Sephora sells a Try Me 0.5 oz. size for $14 online and by what I like to call the register trap (the little maze of trial size favorites in front of their registers). 

I purchased a trial sized bottle and so far am super pleased with just the plain product. It sinks right in and leaves everything nice and soft...even on the ends of my hair. Plus it can even be used on the baby when she decides to make her appearance.


The ingredient list is: Argan Oil. That's it.


You can find an entire line of Josie Maran Argan-based cosmetics and skin care at Sephora and Sephora.com. QVC.com has some great starter sets as well. Shipping from both Sephora and QVC is quick and hassle free.


Hope this helps!