Product of the Day: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil

When it comes to cleansing I like a product that feels extremely gentle on my skin. I spent all of my 20s using harsh cleansers and toners in pursuit of perfection and clarity. But today I feel that my skin wouldn’t have been so problematic if I was gentle with it. So now I’m a big fan of emollient cleansing oils, creams, milks and balms…even in the peak of summer. 

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil is a nice addition to my cabinet (which by now is overflowing with balmy, moisturising stuff). It does not contain pore-clogging mineral oil, or parabens, which is a huge plus in my book. The consistency is a bit thinner than other cleansing oils, but that gives it better spreadability. The fragrance is all lavender and herbs - a bit like being in a spa. I like this cleanser because it's really great to use everyday. I also use it in the mornings because it's so easy to use and extremely gentle on my skin. Massage one or two (if you're wearing makeup) pumps into your face and neck. Then take a small amount of water to emulsify the cleansing oil - you will see that it becomes a bit whitish, almost like lotion. Then massage this ‘lotion’ also into your skin before rinsing it off with water. 

While the cleanser does remove makeup, if you have a long wearing lipstick or waterproof mascara on, you may need a second application. Or you can use a separate eye makeup remover to remove stubborn eye shadow. I think the USP of this cleanser lies in it being super gentle, which makes it great for everyday use.