Aveeno

This is a very underrated cleanser. I usually dread washing my face because of how dry, tight, and irritated my skin feels afterwards, but I’ve never had this problem with the Aveeno Ultra Calming Cleanser. Despite the foaming action, it doesn’t leave my complexion feeling stripped at all, and I have very dry skin. Ever since I started using it, my face has been far less red and aggravated, which is a huge win for me in my book. I don’t wear makeup, so I can’t speak for its makeup removing abilities, but otherwise, it’s awesome.

I discovered this a few years ago and have been using it ever since, mostly for my hands. I keep a pump bottle in the bathroom at home, another at my desk at work, a tube in my car and another in my travel bag. It’s great for smoothing the skin and cuticles. For me, it sinks right in and I like that it’s fragrance free. Sometimes scented hand lotions can be a bit much. Highly recommend!

Not good! I had high hopes for the scrub after using some of the other 'Positively Radiant' products which were great btw, but this did nothing for me, it didn't exfoliate properly (the flaky patches on forehead were still there after using) and it did nothing whatsoever for brightening my skin tone after 1 week of using it...which to be honest doesn't really surprise me since it has only one single brightening ingredient in it - soy complex and not much else. I also found it overly drying (SLS!) and if I thought it wasn't possible to dislike it anymore, I just realized it has parabens in it to boot!

Selena x



~ My HG list ~

(As I've sampled many 100s of skin, hair and m/u products over the last decade and a half, I thought it might be useful to share my top 10 must-have products, subject to change if and when I come across something more effective. I love constantly trying out new stuff - usually sample sizes via e-bay, also plenty courtesy of a friend who works at Sephora)


1. Hair Loss Treatment: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Hair Oil
2. Lip Balm: 'Nuxe' - Reve De Miel Lip Balm
3. Pigmentation + Anti-Ageing Treatment: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Facial Treatment Serum
4. Cleanser: 'Paula's Choice' - Skin Balancing Cleanser
5. Concealer: ‘Mac’ - Studio Finish Concealer
6. Lash Growth Serum: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Divinelash
7. Foundation/SPF: ‘Juice Beauty’ - Stem Cellular Repair (warm glow)
8. Face Scrub: ‘Sisley' - Botanical Gentle Buffing Cream
9. Moisturizer: ‘Antipodes' - Rejoice Light Day Cream
10. Hand Cream: 'Origins' - Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment

I try to take all reviews with a grain of salt – especially the ones for skincare! There is no one product that can cater to everyone equally and consumers should come to the realization that our skin needs can vary enormously. Which brings me to my thoughts on this Aveeno Cleanser. While this might not suit everyone, this happens to have become a staple in my nighttime skincare ritual. I’d noticed that my usually normal skin was getting more clogged pores than usual. I was using the Garnier Argan micellar water to remove my makeup and was following it up with Dove soap to wash my face. I felt that maybe the two together were a bit too emollient and that maybe the Dove wasn’t properly cleansing off the oil from the Argan-Micellar water. Since switching to Aveeno a few weeks ago, my skin issues have cleared up. I like how this is foamy and easy to use. The scent doesn’t bother me but it might bother someone who is sensitive to scents. I follow this up with a toner, a hyaluronic acid serum and my night cream. It works well for me but I can understand that someone with very dry or very oily skin may not be into this unless they find the perfect moisturizer to follow up with. I feel like this is the key – you have to moisturize properly after cleansing. My only quibble about this product would be the inclusion of salycilic acid; I don’t see how a cleanser that stays on the face for no more than 15 seconds will have enough time to treat blemishes – which is what the acid is for! I feel like a lot of people may not realize this and Aveeno knows it therefore throws it in there to appeal to those struggling with acne. I find that to be kind annoying on their part so I’ll remove one lippie for that. Otherwise, I like this as a normal cleanser and will definitely repurchase!    

I bought this whilst on holiday in the states, Orlando.
The price was a steal in Walmart and I must say it's the best face wash I've ever used. Had it over a year and I'm hanging into every last drop as we rarely have this product here.
It's great for Brightening your skin after a shower and it smells great. Perfect for sensitive skin.