Jan Marini Bioglycolic Cleanser
I would also advise that you begin using this every other night as you may find your skin is red, dry and flaky at first. Sounds awful, right? This is my wonder product and has been a staple of mine since I suffered from acne as a teenager. It really works to resurface and clean your skin and will help clear any breakouts. It's also good for acne scars and hyperpigmentation (it says it's good for fine lines but unfortunately I have seen no benefit and I've used it since I was a teen!). It claims ''The active ingredients encourage a soft, smoother and more refined skin texture. This formula is non-irritating, soap free, and rinses completely without the need for an astringent or post cleansing toner. It also contains sorbitol, a natural humectant derived from berries, which leaves the skin soft and hydrated.' - I have found it leaves your skin looking more refined and feeling smoother after using for a while, but I have not found it leaves it feeling hydrated. If anything it does leave your skin feeling slightly tight which is why I only use it at night as part of my double cleansing routine.
You apply the product to dry skin and massage in then add water to lather. Massage again and wash face '10-20 times' with water. DON'T use this anywhere near your eyes as it will sting like an absolute mother. If your skin is feeling very sensitive or dehydrated, or you've never used glycolic acid products before it may cause a stinging sensation and your skin may go slightly red - this is normal but as I say do use with caution at first as your skin gets used to it and make sure you follow up with a good moisturiser. Sometimes at the weekends or if I have a 'bumming around the house day' I will also use this in the mornings, but if I need to apply makeup shortly after I wont as it just leaves skin too dry and tight. This is one product you really should follow the instructions for and don't over-use because it will only dry out your skin to an extreme - use a pea sized amount.
I use this either as my first cleanser or after using the Clearasil facewash at night (it really just depends!). It is the much more expensive cleanser and retails at around £30.
Clearasil Daily Clear Vitamins and Extracts Wash Mask
I really love this wash as my simple, cheap and effective go-to cleanser which I use both morning and night. This face wash is a creamy 2-in-1 cleanser containing avocado, pomegranate extracts and Vitamin E. It's bright green and it smells divinely fruity which I thoroughly enjoy! It's a wash and mask so it can be used as a gentle daily cleanser or as a 3 minute mask. I really love this aspect as if I'm in a hurry I still feel like I get all the benefits of using this as a cleanser but I can leave it on and know it's working as a mask as I say, brush my teeth or you can leave it on whilst washing your hair in the shower.
One of the best things about this is that it seems to effectively cleanse and ever so-slightly exfoliate so that my skin feels smooth and my makeup goes on nicely - but it doesn't leave your skin feeling tight and uncomfortable. I genuinely forgot to moisturise the other morning (absolute shock horror) and found that I was able to apply my makeup on the train and it looked and felt bearable - something you wouldn't find with a stronger face wash.
This face wash is essentially the 'upkeep' or maintenance part of my routine. It doesn't perform any miracles, but it doesn't claim to, it's just useful for maintaining healthy, clear skin, is pleasant to use and is a great addition to my bathroom. This is the cheapest face wash and is available nationwide and retails at £3.33
Neutrogena blackhead eliminating scrub
I don't have quite as much to say about this face wash as I only use it in addition to the other two when I feel my skin needs an additional exfoliation. I will use a tiny bit of this just on the area (usually my nose) which needs it mixed with one of the other face washes mentioned above.
I haven't really found that it does anything for blackheads so for it's advertised purpose ('to clear out the blackheads and help prevent new ones from forming'! - are you all picturing Vanessa Hudgens saying this to you whilst swishing her hair and splashing her face in slow motion with water?) I wouldn't actually recommend it -but it is a good, cheap exfoliater which doesn't irritate the skin. It's available nationwide and retails at £4.69