If you’re anything like me, by the time you get to the end of the day and taking your makeup off to do your skincare regime, you’ll want to get it over and done as quickly as possible.
But in fact, as I found out this week, we should all be taking as long as 60 seconds to wash and cleanse our face — in order to best remove the makeup, dirt, grime, sweat and SPF from the day.
In conversation with Best Picks, leading Aussie facialist James Vivian told me that I should spend “at least” 60 seconds emulsifying the cleanser into my face in the morning and night.
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By doing this, you can help to “soften the skin, clean out pores, and clean off all the pollution, makeup, and sweat from the day”.
“If you focus on areas of congestion or oiliness like the T-zone, you’ll gently be able to work to remove all that gunk and clean out the skin ready to better absorb your products,” James told Best Picks.
So what does the top facialist — who counts some of Australia’s most glossy beauty insiders among his clientele — recommend I, and others, use?
Surprisingly, his choice is wallet-friendly.
Viviology’s Gentle Foaming Cleanser ($45; Adore Beauty), which was made with James’s expert help, promises to clean the skin without stripping it.
Ingredients including aloe vera and calendula are deeply hydrating, while there are no artificial fragrancces or sulphates which might irritate the complexion and cause it to break out.
The cleanser also contains cucumber extract, which is a non-sensitising extract with high quantities of vitamin C and amino acids to nourish and hydrate the skin, as well as glycerin — which is known to draw moisture from the air into the skin.
Finally, the product includes Desert Lime Fruit Extract, which provides antioxidant protection against the harmful effects of free radical damage.
I’ve been road testing this cleanser for a few days now, employing James’s 60-second cleanse, and can say I’m thoroughly impressed.
Typical foaming cleansing washes leave my skin feeling tight once I’ve towel-dried my face, but not this one.
My skin hasn’t been as soft in months, and I think my T-zone might be appreciating the extra cleansing love.
Others online at Adore Beauty also love the affordable cleanser, and it has an impressive 4.3 star rating.
“I have tried so many cleansers and still find it leaves my make up on. This is so gentle to my sensitive skin and really works,” one shopper wrote.
“Good cleanser, I’ve not found a need to double cleanse with this one as it works so well to remove sunscreen,” another added.
A third said: “Best cleanser I have used!
“Recommended this product by the team at James Vivian. So happy to have found an affordable cleanser that feels like it properly cleans my face but doesn’t leave it feeling tight or dry.
“The only problem is that it sells out at times, always have to keep a spare as backup! Viviology cleanser forever”.
For more information and to shop the complete Viviology range at Adore Beauty, head here now.
You can also book an appointment with James Vivian here.