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These Pore-Unclogging Face Washes Are the First Step Towards Clearer Skin

by Lina Clémence July 30, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

For blemish-prone skin, a great skin-care routine starts with the best face wash for acne. We know there’s a dizzying number of facial cleansers on the market, and finding a formula that effectively targets hormonal acne, whiteheads, cystic acne, blackheads, and other blemishes isn’t the most straightforward task. So we (and our board-certified dermatologist friends) are here to help. Those with acne-prone skin, in particular, should be laser-focused on finding an acne cleanser that unclogs pores, gently exfoliates, and doesn’t exacerbate existing blemishes.

So, you may ask, what face washes do dermatologists actually recommend? Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, has some handy, essential guidelines she abides by when shopping for an acne cleanser. She always recommends gentle cleansers over harsh soaps—especially ones with physical exfoliants—to clear the skin of dirt and excess oil. Don’t aggressively rub, scrub, or over-cleanse either (twice a day, morning and night, is perfectly fine) to avoid worsening your skin’s condition and encouraging scarring. With that in mind, read on to pick out one of these eight best face washes for acne to add to your cart and your routine.

Our Top Face Washes for Acne

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Overall: Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser

Tata Harper

Clarifying Cleanser

Allure contributing editor Deanna Pai applying the Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: Red or reactive skin needs a cleanser that won’t exacerbate existing irritation, Tata Harper’s Clarifying Cleanser gives you that deep, satisfying clean, clearing away dead skin, excess oil, and congestion that comforts stressed-out skin instead of stripping it—thanks to a sulfate-free formula that’s loaded up with soothing ingredients such as chlorella, honey, and mint. (Refreshing!) As far as smoothing skin and clearing pores, lactic and citric acids from fermented sugar and salicylic acid get the job done—and very well, might we add.

Pai before applying the Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser

Pai after applying the Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser

Tester feedback from contributing editor Deanna Pai

“I’ve had breakout for years—they’re a fact of life (and hormones). But I’ve found that washing with this cleanser (after removing my makeup with an oil-based formula) really helps dispatch both large cysts and smaller whiteheads more quickly. It smells herbal and fresh, builds to a nice lather, and doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped of moisture. I really concentrate massaging it in around my problem areas, like around my nose, chin, and jawline, and feel like it’s made a difference in my acne’s lifespan and, as important, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (as in, there’s less).” —Deanna Pai, contributing editor

Key ingredients: prickly pear enzymes, lactic acid, citric acid, salicylic acid, chlorella, mint, honey
Who it’s for: anyone who struggles with acne and clogged pores (unless you’re sensitive to fragrance)
Fragrance-free: no

Best for Inflamed Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser

Image may contain: Bottle, Lotion, and Cosmetics

La Roche-Posay

Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser is a do-it-all breakout fighter. It clears blemishes, smooths rough texture, cuts through oil, and helps keep future flareups in check, thanks to a 4% concentration of benzoyl peroxide. New York City board-certified dermatologist Jessica Krant, MD, sums this ingredient up best: “Benzoyl peroxide is so effective and reliable for acne because it works via several different mechanisms at once,” she previously told Allure. “It is both antimicrobial, killing bacteria and other organisms, and an exfoliant, helping to unclog pores and gently debride the surface layer of skin.” So, there you have it: antimicrobial, plus anti-inflammatory, plus exfoliant, equals a powerful acne-fighting ingredient.

The formula also includes lipohydroxy acid (a milder alternative to salicylic acid) to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores, without being too harsh on sensitive skin. Unlike other acne cleansers, it doesn’t leave your face feeling dry or tight—even with twice-daily use—partially due to the addition of glycerin.

Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

Herrick after using the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

Lexi Herrick

Tester feedback from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick

“My skin is both acne-prone and sensitive, so finding the right products can be a challenge. This face wash walks that line perfectly, clearing out my pores without causing too much dryness or damage to my skin barrier. I use this one in the shower (beware the benzoyl peroxide will strip the color from towels) so I recommend a generous lather and heavy rinse. You also can’t beat the price for the size of this, and it truly lasts forever!” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development

Key ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, lipohydroxy acid (LHA)
Who it’s for: those with sensitive skin who are struggling with excess oil, raised pimples, clogged pores, and uneven texture
Fragrance-free: yes

Best Makeup-Removing: SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser

SkinCeuticals

Simply Clean Cleanser

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: If you’re dealing with acne, double-cleansing is non-negotiable. (If you’re not doing it yet, consider this your sign.) While we always recommend starting with a dedicated makeup remover—cleansing balm, oil, micellar water, your pick—SkinCeuticals’ Simply Clean Cleanser pulls extra weight by lifting leftover makeup, grime, and oil in your second cleanse. It’s powered by exfoliating sulfonic acid (an exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells), as well as glycerin for a moisture boost, and chamomile to counteract any signs of irritation from the acid. Word to the wise: It’s strong enough to clear out buildup but can be a bit too intense for sensitive skin.

Wohlner before applying the SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser

Wohlner after applying the SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser

“I can usually tell right away if I’m going to like a cleanser—it has to be super foamy and leave my skin feeling fresh and clean without that tight, stripped feeling. The second I tried this one from SkinCeuticals, I was hooked. It lathers up like a dream, and after rinsing, my skin looked brighter and my pores felt noticeably clearer like I’d just had a facial. It also does an amazing job at removing makeup. I always check with a towel after, and there’s never any leftover residue. Just make sure to really take your time massaging it in so it can work its magic.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

Key ingredients: sulfonic acid, glycerin, chamomile
Who it’s for: those with normal, oily, or combination skin that feels clogged
Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Uneven Texture: Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel

Image may contain: Bottle, Lotion, and Shampoo

Eau Thermale Avène

Cleanance Cleansing Gel

Why it’s worth it: To our dismay, glowy skin can creep into shiny/greasy territory real fast. Eau Thermale Avène’s Cleanance Cleansing Gel curbs shine and keeps it from creeping back. To thank is comedoclastin, a milk thistle extract that helps reduce oil and visibly minimize blemishes throughout the day. Also included are gentle surfactants for foamy suds and Eau Thermale Avène’s thermal spring water—sourced directly from France—to calm irritation and redness. Though the Cleanance line is designed for acne-prone skin, this formula skips the usual heavy-hitters like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, making it a welcome find for sensitive, oily types. We’re constantly reaching for this cleanser post-workout or after a sticky summer commute.

Tester feedback from Wohlner

“I don’t usually deal with tons of oil buildup, but in the summer my skin always looks a bit greasier and my texture gets rough fast. This cleanser has saved my skin, especially during the summer. My skin looks far less oily and, because it cleanses so deeply, my acne has been at bay. My roommate, who’s dealt with every kind of breakout under the sun, saw his skin completely clear up after a few months of using it. We both agree: It leaves our skin feeling truly clean and refreshed after every wash. And with consistent use, our breakouts stay away.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

Key ingredients: comedoclastin (derived from milk thistle), gentle surfactants, thermal spring water
Who it’s for: those with oily, breakout-prone skin
Fragrance-free: no

Best for Dry Skin: Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser

Paula’s Choice

Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: Great for dry, acne-prone skin, this cleanser is packed with glycerin and panthenol to hydrate and soothe while still tackling breakouts. It contains 0.5% salicylic acid—a gentler dose compared to the max 2% allowed in OTC formulas—so it’s less likely to dry out or irritate skin. While it’s not as strong as higher percentages, the salicylic acid in this formula is still super effective for acne and can clear breakouts over time, says board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD.

Key ingredients: salicylic acid (0.5%), panthenol, glycerin
Who it’s for: dry, acne-prone skin; clogged pores
Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: Differin Daily Deep Cleanser

Differin

Daily Deep Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: Even though it was the first prescription acne drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for over-the-counter (OTC) use, Differin is still as reliable as ever. For example, the Daily Deep Cleanser is not only affordable but highly effective at keeping acne at bay (a winning combination!). Of note, 5% benzoyl peroxide is a maximum-strength dose that is “still gentle and generally well-tolerated,” according to Dr. Chang. She also notes that the chemical compound has been shown to reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria. Just take your time thoroughly rinsing off the cleanser, as the acid can stain dark towels.

Key ingredients: benzoyl peroxide (5%), glycerin
Who it’s for: oily, acne-prone skin
Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Drunk Elephant Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser

Drunk Elephant

Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, recommends Drunk Elephant’s Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser for sensitive skin, since it’s a fragrance-free formula that uses a blend of mild surfactants—including a coconut-derived one rich in fatty acids—to cleanse without causing irritation. As a non-irritating backup, glycerin softens skin and locks in moisture. Although it’s especially well-suited for sensitive skin, all skin types can use it thanks to its balance of deep-cleansing yet hydrating properties, Dr. Green says.

Key ingredients: cantaloupe extract, glycerin, marula oil
Who it’s for: sensitive, combination, oily, dry, and acne-prone skin
Fragrance-free: yes

Best Exfoliating: DamDam Snow Mushroom Salt Cleanser

Damdam

Snow Mushroom Salt Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: This 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner from J-beauty brand DamDam is a waterless cleansing bar that’s low-waste, long-lasting, and effective. The minimalist formula includes select powerhouse ingredients: snow mushroom (a hydration hero similar to hyaluronic acid), salt to help clear buildup and gently exfoliate the skin, and plant fiber for a satisfying foam that makes you feel squeaky-clean. For double-duty exfoliation, slip the bar into the included textured glove to gently buff and polish your skin on both your face and body (just make sure to use a light hand here!).

Key ingredients: snow mushroom, salt, plant fiber
Who it’s for: all skin types, clogged pores, dullness
Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients should I look for in a face wash for acne?

Dr. Chang tells us to look out for two powerhouse ingredients: salicylic acid, a type of beta hydroxy acid (or BHA) that “goes deep into the pores to clear them from excess oil and dirt,” and benzoyl peroxide, which guards against inflammation and kills acne-causing bacteria. Milder ingredients include tea tree oil or green tea, which also provide skin-soothing benefits (essential for reactive, acne-prone skin).

Note: Face washes marketed for acne-prone skin can help with blemishes, but Dr. Kim keeps it real, saying they’re not the most critical part of an acne routine since they’re rinsed off. The real heavy lifting comes from more intensive spot treatments and other leave-on products.

What if I’m on an acne prescription?

Dr. Kim knows acne firsthand—he went through two rounds of Accutane himself, which now shapes how he guides patients through prescription treatments. He’s a firm believer that if you’re on a solid topical or oral prescription regimen, you can use just about any cleanser—even one that’s not acne-specific. That said, he notes, “If a patient has very mild acne and is only using over-the-counter treatments, adding an acne-focused cleanser can be helpful.”

So, I used a cleanser…now what?

As for follow-up tips, always apply any acne medications immediately after cleansing to allow the active ingredients to work their magic, which Dr. Chang says can take up to 6 to 12 weeks of continued daily use. And never forget to moisturize. Rather than clogging your pores, a lightweight cream will ensure your skin stays hydrated and protected, especially if you’re using a drying topical medication. Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York, recommends avoiding layering retinoids, as well as products that contain fragrance and alcohol, on top of acid-laced cleansers, as these pairings can lead to dryness and irritation.

Meet the experts

Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City
David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in New York City
Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York
Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best face washes for acne, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: formula, which acne concerns are targeted (whiteheads, blackheads, cystic acne, etc.), skin type, price point, and efficacy. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

July 30, 2025 0 comments

Asian Beauty

Empies: Sunscreen aka the Super Important Skincare Step!

by Lina Clémence June 24, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Happy 2020 everyone, and hope you are keeping well in this time of pandemic! It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, and everything’s fine on my end, other than that I’m doing my best to adhere to the COVID-19 measures in place, such as wearing a mask when in public places, observing social distancing, working from home, etc. – we all need to do our part!. Life has just been busy and that’s why I haven’t been posting. I’m still active on Instagram as @musicalhouses however!

Anyway, since the last time I blogged about my empties (in 2018 too, can you believe that!), I’ve been accumulating a fresh new batch of empties, so here’s a rundown of what I’ve been using since then! And as you can tell from the below photo, I’m starting with the sunscreens first, because sunscreen is one of the most important parts of a skincare routine, and everyone should be using a good sunscreen that works for them!

Sunscreen empties – from the past couple of years so they’ve been piling up!

So without further ado, let’s start going through these empties, as well as my thoughts of each individual product! (And yes, I do plan to move on to the other categories of skincare and makeup empties when I do have time, haha!)

Sunscreen empties, all Bioderma: Bioderma Photoderm Spot SPF 50+, Bioderma Photoderm AKN Mat SPF 30, and Bioderma Photoderm Max Aquafluide SPF 50+

First up, my three Bioderma sunscreens that I’ve recently used up, the Bioderma Photoderm AKN Mat SPF 30, the Bioderma Photoderm Spot SPF 50+, and the Bioderma Photoderm Max Aquafluide SPF 50+. While Bioderma, being an European drugstore brand, doesn’t have all the aesthetics of Asian (particularly Japanese and Korean) brand sunscreens, their sunscreens are still nevertheless pretty good all-arounders for me – while the textures might not be as lightweight or as watery as the Japanese / Korean style of sunscreen, the sunscreens are generally pretty good in terms of actual performance, by which I mean that they last for quite awhile (even when I don’t reapply), they don’t trigger any of my skin sensitivities, and the formulas are usually pretty good as well.

In terms of wear, the textures of all these sunscreens were basically white creams that weren’t overly-heavy on the skin, and they all worked well under makeup for me – they may not dry down as quickly as the Japanese/Korean-style sunscreens do, but they also did not irritate my skina t all (which sometimes the Japanese/Korean-style sunscreens due, which I in turn guess is due to the alcohol content in the sunscreens). As far as I can recall, all 3 of these are alcohol-free, which makes their texture pretty nice for an alcohol-free formula. The Bioderma Photoderm AKN Mat SPF 30, in particular, actually does indeed dry down to a nice matte finish that wears well under makeup and would be good for oily skin. Lasting power was pretty good as well.

Finally, they’re not particularly expensive, so I can slaaaaather my skin in these and not feel guilty that a few dollars is going down the drain each time. (Remember, the recommended amount of sunscreen to apply is 2mg of sunscreen per cm2 of exposed skin area, or, for a more convenient shorthand, a quarter of a teaspoon for your face and neck.) I would definitely consider rebuying these sunscreens.

Sunscreen empties: Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++ and La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Sunscreen SPF50+

Next up, the L’Oreal group brand sunscreens, which in this case are the Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++ as well as the La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Sunscreen SPF50+. I’ve probably mentioned this before on my blog, but L’Oreal group does tend to have pretty nice sunscreens, thanks to the R&D that the group does, so I’m not surprised at how much I liked these two sunscreens. The Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++ was a very nice sunscreen – it is a white fluid, with a very thin, spreadable texture, and dries down nicely, and wears well under makeup. The formula is nice, too – I’ve previously done a review on the Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++ back in 2015, but my best guess is that the formula has since been updated. I think the only drawback to this is that the product is a bit pricey, as Kiehl’s is a fairly upmarket brand.

For the La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Sunscreen SPF50+, this is pretty much a cult product. It’s one of the more popular products from the brand, and for good reason – for what you can get in a drugstore, this is a pretty nice formula. Like the Kiehl’s sunscreen, the product dispenses as a white cream, with a watery texture, and doesn’t leave a white cast. It does last the whole day and wears well under makeup too. The formula also boasts the L’Oreal group exclusive Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX ingredients, so if you’re into sunscreen innovation this is pretty up there. I would probably rebuy this as well!

Sunscreen empties: A’Pieu Pure Block Aqua Sun Gel, Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++ and Astalift Lunamer UV Protector SPF40 PA++

Next, some Asian brand sunscreens! We have the A’Pieu Pure Block Aqua Sun Gel, the Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++, and the Astalift Lunamer UV Protector SPF40 PA++. As you can imagine, these are pretty different from the Western brand sunscreens.

First, the A’Pieu Pure Block Aqua Sun Gel. A’Pieu is a kbeauty brand, and if you’ve been around the kbeauty space, you’ll know that people like this sunscreen. And on the aesthetics side, it’s a win – it’s clear, very lightweight, basically has the texture of water, absorbs fast, dries matte, all that jazz. But it does have alcohol in the formula, and as the second ingredient, too, right after water and before all the UV filters. I know there’s a trade-off to be made when you’re formulating for a sunscreen to be as light as possible texture-wise, but I tend to not like products with high amounts of alcohol. Other than that, this is perfectly reasonable as a sunscreen. I suppose if you don’t mind alcohol in your skincare, this wouldn’t be a problem for you.

Ahhh, another Asian beauty favourite, the Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF 50+ PA++++. This has such pretty packaging for a sunscreen (as do Canmake products in general). Like you might expect from a Japanese sunscreen, this is a watery, light, gel that absorbs fast. The only thing is, I also suspect this has alcohol in the formula. But, again, if the alcohol doesn’t bother you, and if you have oily skin / no skin sensitivities that would be aggravated by the alcohol, why not?

Lastly, the Astalift Lunamer UV Protector SPF40 PA++. Honestly I don’t think I used this too much – my fam stole my tube and ended up using most of it – but, I do vaguely recall that this was much less alcohol-laden than the other two products. That could probably be because Astalift is geared towards a slightly older audience, and you might not want products to be too drying if that’s your target audience. It was a good sunscreen otherwise though, based on my memory.

Sunscreen empties: Fancl SunGuard 50+ Protect UV, The Face Shop Natural Sun Eco Sunscreens Long-Lasting and Dr Benjamin Yim Sunscreen SPF50

Last few sunscreens – more Asian brand sunscreens! Let’s start with the Fancl SunGuard 50+ Protect UV. This is a little pricey, but it’s pretty good in terms of staying power – the formula really STAYS ON ALLDAY ERRDAY for me, and it starts off as a white cream that dries down kind of matte-ish. It did leave a bit of a white cast upon application, but that didn’t bother me too much (I was layering tinted face powder over it anyways), but I imagine that for those with deeper skintones, it could be an issue. Also, I did like the formula – it’s alcohol free, and generally formulated to be usable by sensitive skins (as is generally the case with Fancl’s skincare products). So despite this being a little pricey, and despite the white cast, I would use this again, if I was feeling spendy.

I have mixed feelings over the The Face Shop Natural Sun Eco Sunscreens Long-Lasting, which I reviewed back in 2015 (yes I am a skincare hoarder who hoards skincare products and then has trouble using them up, why do you ask?). I liked the formula (no alcohol, woo!) and the tinted formula was not too bad for me – it didn’t give a match with my skintone, but after applying the rest of my makeup it wasn’t an issue for me (again I imagine this might be an issue for deeper skintones). But, despite the “long lasting” tag, it didn’t quite live up to the name – I did find that this wears off throughout the day, and you do need to reapply. Still, other than that, I liked the product.

Lastly, the Dr Benjamin Yim Sunscreen SPF50. Dr Benjamin Yim is a local aesthetics doctor, and when I visited him a few years back for a retinol prescription as well as a chemical peel (which was also when I got the sunscreen), he was very helpful, and super skilled at applying the chemical peel. I mention this because chemical peels really require a qualified doctor to do it, because that stuff can seriously burn your skin if you’re not careful, and is not something I would ever DIY, so it’s a testament to his skill that it was done well indeed. The sunscreen is one product in his line of products that you can buy from his clinic. The products are a bit pricey, but the sunscreen wasn’t bad – it is a more European-style formulation than a Japanese-style formulation, and I recall it having a slight tint, but not anything that bothered me. I believe his clinic has since merged with IDS (another aesthetics clinic in Singapore), so I’m not sure if this line of products is still available.

So that’s it for the sunscreen empties – whew! I still have a bunch of other categories to go – serums, lotions, moisturizers, etc., and my next posts will be focused on going through each category’s empties!

June 24, 2025 0 comments

Canadian Beauty

Write an title about: The One Skincare Step You’re Probably Skipping—And Why It Matters –

by Lina Clémence June 3, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is:

You’ve double-cleansed, toned, moisturized, and layered on your serums like a skincare scholar. You’ve even gua sha’d at 7 a.m. before a coffee. But if oil cleansing isn’t part of your routine yet—you’re missing a transformative step that could change everything about your skin.

Yes, even if you have oily, acne-prone, or ultra-sensitive skin. Especially then.

What Is Oil Cleansing, Really?

Before you panic at the idea of rubbing oil on your face, let’s break the myth: oil cleansing doesn’t mean clogging your pores with coconut oil and hoping for the best.

The Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) uses non-comedogenic botanical oils—like jojoba, squalane, or grapeseed—to dissolve excess sebum, remove SPF and makeup, melt down pollution, and deeply detox pores. It’s chemistry, not magic: oil attracts oil, lifting away the gunk without stripping your skin barrier.

**Why It Works for Every Skin Type**

Here’s where the skincare gospel shifts. The oils used in oil cleansers are carefully chosen to balance—not suffocate—your skin.

Oily skin? Oil cleansing can actually reduce oil production by keeping your skin from overcompensating.
Dry or sensitive skin? Skip the tight, squeaky feeling from foam cleansers. Oil nourishes while it cleanses.
Acne-prone? Oil removes pore-blocking impurities without disrupting your microbiome. Many who suffer from breakouts report fewer flare-ups and smoother texture with consistent oil cleansing.

🌿 “Oil cleansing is now the cornerstone of my skincare routine,” 
says beauty editor and facialist Anisa K. “It preps the skin better than 
anything else, and my clients can see the difference almost immediately.”

Dermatologists agree: your skin barrier is everything, and most conventional cleansers damage it. Oil-based cleansing respects it.

How to Oil Cleanse the Right Way

Start with dry hands and a dry face.
Pump or scoop a quarter-sized amount of oil cleanser.
Massage gently in circular motions for at least 60 seconds (this matters!).
Emulsify with a bit of warm water if it’s a rinse-off formula.
Wipe away with a damp, warm cloth or rinse thoroughly.

For a deeper clean, follow with a gentle second cleanser—especially if you’re removing makeup or SPF-heavy products. (Yes, that’s the famous double cleanse.)

The Real Glow-Up? Consistency.

In a world obsessed with 10-step routines, the best-kept skincare secret might be this quiet, effective ritual that protects your moisture barrier, prevents breakouts, and preps your skin to absorb all the good stuff that follows.

Still Not Convinced?

Here’s what you’re risking by skipping this step:

Chronically dehydrated skin, even if it feels oily
Incomplete makeup/SPF removal (which accelerates aging)
Inflammation caused by harsh surfactants or over-cleansing

And here’s what you gain:

Better texture
Healthier skin barrier
That “I just got a facial” kind of glow

**Final Word: Skincare Isn’t About More Steps—It’s About the Right Ones.**

Oil cleansing isn’t new. But it is underrated. In a beauty culture that sometimes confuses complexity with efficacy, this one simple switch could be your biggest game-changer.

Don’t let the word “oil” scare you. Let it save your skin. Now go ahead. Wash your face with oil—and watch the magic happen.

Editor-Approved Oil Cleansers to Try

Here are a few that deserve a permanent spot on your top shelf:

Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
K-beauty holy grail, melts like butter, smells like a spa.
Shop here
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Japanese cult-favorite that cuts through waterproof makeup like a dream.
Shop here
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Budget-friendly, minimalist, and great for beginners.
Shop here
Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil
Luxurious, lightweight, and packed with Japanese camellia oil.
Shop here
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Infused with a trio of nourishing plant oils, very luxurious.
Shop here

image: freepik.com

The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Face to Curls is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. You understand and agree that Face to Curls shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.

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June 3, 2025 0 comments

Hair Styling

G-EAZY Hairstyle 2016 – Step By Step Tutorial

by Lina Clémence June 2, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

The Californian rapper G-Eazy (born Gerald Earl Gillum) is producing hits after hits – including collaborations with Britney Spears. The guy’s got an attitude and you frequently see him wearing a cool leather jacket which goes along well with his side-parting slick back hairstyle.

Rapper’s New Fashion

Besides his promising music career, the 30-year-old has taken interest in the world of fashion as he released a collaboration with Rare Panther last fall. G-Eazy himself has also become a fashion icon with his alternative style as a rapper. GQ Magazine even put him on Top 10 of the most stylish people at New York Fashion Week 2016!

Now G-Eazy has found his way to Slikhaar TV and Slikhaar Blog. In this blog post, we’ll give you a step-by-step tutorial on how to pull off his side-parting slick back hairstyle.

Let’s get straight to it guys!

g-eazy

How to get the G-Eazy hairstyle

Step 1: Wash ‘N’ Clean Up

Before getting a haircut it’s always important to wash out all products in the hair. Use shampoo and conditioner like By Vilain Rush to get the hair clean and ultra manageable for the remainder of these steps.

Step 2: Organize Your Fuzz

Form a line backward from your head’s temple on both sides (curving naturally with the head) and connect it with a straight line in the backhead. Comb the hair away from the sectioning using a By Vilain Comb.

Blow dry your hair for a short while beneath the parting and use a By Vilain Skeleton Brush to help locking it firmly in place.

Step 3: Cut Down Low

Trim the lower part of the sides and the backhead and use a scissor when going further and further upwards. Create a gradient from 9 mm to 2 cm on the sides and also 9 mm to 2 cm at the backhead.

Step 4: Top Gradient

Cut a gradient from 10-12 cm at the fringe to 7-8 cm at the top center. The volume of the hair will be boosted by letting the top front hair lean upon the hair in the back.

Step 5: Get Rid Of Half Of It

After creating the gradient you need to use a thinning scissor to make the hair on top of your headless weighty. By thinning out your hair it will also be easier to style when the haircut is done.

Step 6: Time To Blow

This time (in contrary to step 2) you need to blow-dry your hair for a longer time. Blow-dry it backwards to create the slick back effect before the actual styling.

By getting the hair dry you will also be able to assess the final hairstyle much better. Help yourself locking the hair in place by using a By Vilain Skeleton Brush along with the hair-dryer.

Remember to tip the beak of the hair-dryer and shake it a little to both prevent your hair from burning and to speed up the process.

Step 7: Trimming On The Edge

Use the scissor again to trim the hairstyle into its final shape. Consider using the thinning scissor once more if necessary. Continue by using an electric trimmer for the edges. You need to define a nice and sharp line-up along the side-parting via the trimmer.

Move on to outlining both the edges of your neck and the area around your ears. Use a By Vilain Comb underneath the electric trimmer to achieve completely manual control rather than a preset head for the trimmer.

Step 8: Straighten Your Hair

If your hair is not naturally smooth, use a flat iron to avoid ending up with a wavy slick back like Marlon Brando. A straightener will help to lock the hair into a slick position.

Step 9: Wax & Pomade!

Finish the hairstyle by adding both By Vilain Gold Digger and By Vilain Powermade. The Gold Digger wax should be applied first to style the hair into shape and give it extreme hold for the whole day. Afterward, the pomade will give you a nice glossy finish – just like G-Eazy.

Put on a leather jacket on top of your white T. NOW you got attitude!

after

Products & Tools necessary for G-Eazy hairstyle

1. Shampoo and Conditioner, By Vilain Rush US$20 2. Water spray, By Vilain Freestyler US$20 3. Comb, By Vilain Comb US$20 4. Hair-dryer 5. Brush, By Vilain Skeleton Brush US$20 6. Scissor 7. Thinning scissor 8. Electric trimmer 9. Hair straightener 10. Wax, By Vilain Gold Digger US$20 11. Pomade, By Vilain Powermade US$20

G-Eazy hairstyle tutorial

If you want to see it all done in a cool video, look no further! Watch this Slikhaar TV video with our talented hairdresser, Charlotte! What do you think of this haircut? Please write your comment down below.

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June 2, 2025 0 comments