How to wash face properly

There's nothing worse than getting out of the shower and feeling like you're face never was fully cleaned despite using your face wash. Or getting ready to put on your foundation and noticing that your pores looked clogged and dirty.

We wish it was as simple as grabbing the face cleanser and taking 30 seconds to slosh it around your face, but it's not always that simple. Here are some clean face tips to make sure you're getting the most out of your facial cleanser and some extra steps you might want to consider doing for the best outcome.

Use a Makeup Remover:

Your facial cleanser just won't get rid of all of the makeup on your eyes and you'll be left looking like a raccoon. (We know you've been tempted to just smudge that line into your new eyeliner. Don't do it!) Using a makeup remover, either liquid on a cotton ball or a wipe, is the best way to get rid of it all. (Review: Visine eye makeup remover wipes) Start on the top of your lids and wipe down over your lashes, then clean up the makeup on the skin under your eyes.

Some people swear that they have to use a makeup remover before their facial cleanser to simply remove the makeup before they get to the skin that needs cleansing. There is truth to that in my life in certain seasons, but not always. I tend to need a makeup remover more in the fall and winter months, but I don't use it every day. Take it Away Total Makeup Remover.

Pick the Right Facial Cleanser for Your Skin Type: 

You should try spending a full minute cleaning your face. If your skin is oily to combo, use a gel cleanser that will bubble up. If your skin is more normal to dry, a cream cleanser is your best bet. We highly recommend using a wash cloth or muslin cloth to clean your face as it will help slough off dead skin cells. If you want to try something out of the ordinary, try cleansing your skin with cleansing oil. The oil, oddly enough, breaks down the oil on your skin. People who use cleansing oils swear by them. Try Shea Terra Organics: Argan and Rosemary Facial Cleansing Oil.

Exfoliation is Key (Key!) to a Smooth, Clean Face: 

If you want smooth skin, you must exfoliate. Always exfoliate after you cleanse your skin. (How to Exfoliate Your Face) Use an exfoliator made specifically for the face. This can be in the shower with a manual exfoliator or after your shower with a chemical exfoliating wipe that contains AHA's to slough dead skin cells evenly.

Do You Need a Toner?

Toners aren't for everyone, and you'll rarely find us using one on our normal skin, but if you have oily skin, a toner is a great way to get rid of any excess oil and help mattify your skin before makeup application. Apply the toner to a cotton ball and gently wipe over your skin. Pay careful attention to the area around your nose which is an area often overlooked, but very visible.

Never Go to Bed a Dirty Face: 

This is so important. After a long day, your face has makeup, dirt and grime on it; the last thing you want to do is leave it there for another 8 hours. And if you do, it makes the morning cleaning so much harder. If you don't want to have an intensive bedtime routine, simply use a facial cleansing cloth to clean your face.