The New Cleansing Oil That’s On Zahra’s Top Shelf
Just when you thought the world did not need another cleansing oil, comes this new launch by American beauty brand Kiehl’s. A recent addition to its cult favourite Midnight Recovery line (which includes the Midnight Recovery Concentrate face oil and an eye cream) is the new Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil.
Now if you know me well, I’ve spoken about my love for Bioderma’s micellar water on the site before. It’s usually what I use to take off all my makeup every night, before slathering on my Midnight Recovery face oil. I don’t wash my face after cleansing, because the micellar water takes care of that, removing every last trace of my long-wear makeup. For lazy girls like me, it’s the solution I absolutely love.
So when the Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil landed on my desk last week, I wasn’t all excited to try it because, a) it was an oil-based cleanser, and b) using it meant I had to wash my face after. Gaaah.
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
However, barely a week into using this super gentle cleanser, I don’t think I can go back to plain old micellar water ever again. (Ok, maybe I’m exaggerating, but seriously, I’m hooked on to this stuff!)
Very easy to use, the cleansing oil has a very thin, watery consistency, which means it spreads all over your face very easily. Dispense about 3-4 pumps into dry hands and apply it all over your dry face and neck. Once you’ve spread it out nicely, work it gently all over your skin using circular motions, before finally using a little water on your fingers to emulsify the oil. The product quickly turns milky (not foamy) when water is added, and breaks down all your makeup effectively.
I wear long-wear, full-coverage foundation every day — and just to funk things up I added two coats of waterproof mascara t0 the mix while testing this out one evening — and the cleanser broke down all the makeup quickly and thoroughly. (However, just to be gentle with your delicate facial skin, I always recommend using a cleanser or micellar water on a cotton pad to remove your stubborn eye makeup. Then go in with a full face cleanse.) Wash your face after you’re done, and you’ll be left with SUPER soft skin and no slickness from the oil.
This mineral-oil free formula contains the botanical lipid Squalane — a superstar ingredient that aides in deep moisturisation and emollience. The product also contains the botanical oil Evening Primrose oil — chock full of moisture and ceramides — which leaves your skin super hydrated, smooth, and non-greasy.
If you’re sensitive to fragrances in your skincare, you might be wary of this one because it has a very strong Lavender scent thanks to the presence of Lavender Essential Oil. While some consider it a relaxing, spa-like experience, for others it can prove to be irritating not just from an olfactory perspective but on your skin as well.
But if that’s not a concern, this soap-free, sulfate-free cleansing oil might just be the nighttime refresher your skin’s been looking for. Even if you are an oily-skin girl like me. Trust!
SHOP NOW: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil (Rs, 3,200) *
* Available at Kiehl’s stores across the country
