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The 5 Best Face Washes

We all know it’s important to wash your face twice a day, but you may not realize just how important your cleanser really is. Your cleanser can actually help improve the health and appearance of your skin, both immediately and over time. There are face washes designed specifically for each skin type and condition, so it may take some time to find the perfect one for your skin.

What Is Face Wash?

Face wash, or facial cleanser, is a product designed to clean your skin and remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other harmful pollutants from the skin’s surface. Along with cleansing your skin, they can also help to unclog pores, prevent acne, and leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed. It is important to use a quality face wash every morning and night, as a part of your daily skin care regimen.

Top 5 Face Washes

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is an Amazon bestseller and is also one of the “Most Wished For” items because this fan favorite has received rave reviews from both beauty experts and consumers alike. Developed with dermatologists, the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser helps repair the skin’s protective skin barrier and is perfect for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin, because it is gentle, free of fragrances, and is formulated with highly beneficial ingredients. It will remove all traces of dirt, oil, and makeup, including stubborn eye makeup. It will repair and restore the skin barrier, reduce skin redness, and help produce more natural ceramides in the skin.

This non-comedogenic, non-drying, non-irritating foaming facial cleanser won’t dry out your skin, but instead will leave it feeling soft and smooth. It feels like you are washing with a lotion and your skin will feel hydrated immediately after each use. This can be used twice per day, everyday, because it won’t disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier.

TotalBeauty selected this as one of the best facial cleansers and it is backed by unmatched online reviews. You can’t go wrong with CeraVe’s scent-free products. In fact, their hydrating cleanser and moisturizers also top the list of best skin care items for Amazon and several independent review sites. If you need something more hydrating or have sensitive skin, ConsumerSearch, Real Simple, and TotalBeauty recommends the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.

Currently $14.50 on Amazon

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is ideal for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin, and softens as it cleans. The mild, non-irritating, soap-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula gently cleanses the skin and removes dirt, oil, and makeup (even stubborn eye makeup). There are no harmful chemicals, perfumes, or ingredients in Cetaphil products, so it is gentle on the skin and helps skin retain its moisture.

The creamy cleanser was originally formulated for dermatologists and is commonly recommended by dermatologists and pediatricians because the baby-mild product won’t damage or irritate even the most sensitive skin. It is even gentle enough for use on skin with conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, acne, eczema, diaper rash, and severe dryness. The gentle formula rinses easily and will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, like you washed with a lotion. In fact, the daily cleanser can be used with or without water. It can also be used on the hands and body, or on a baby’s delicate skin.

This highly effective cleanser was chosen as one of the best facial washes by Elle Magazine and Good Housekeeping. This drugstore must-have needs to be tried to be believed. You can also pair this with the award-winning Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion for optimal results.

Currently $15.89 on Amazon

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser is an award-winning fragrance-free daily cleanser formulated to gently cleanse, tone, and hydrate the skin. It is ideal for all skin types, even dry and sensitive skin, and offers a one-step process to simplify your morning routine. It can thoroughly remove any dirt, oil, and makeup (even stubborn eye makeup), while leaving your skin soft, smooth, and moisturized. The natural oil extracts help condition the skin, so you will feel like you washed with a lotion. The gently-scented cleanser can be used twice a day, everyday, and will continue to provide great results over time.

This creamy natural cleanser tops the list for the best facial cleansers for About.com, is a Readers Choice Winner for Allure, and is one of the most popular cleansers on Amazon and Sephora. There are a number of award-winning Philosophy facial cleansers to choose from, so you can find the one that best suits your skin. In fact, the Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash has also topped the list of facial cleansers for several independent review sites, including ConsumerSearch.

Currently $33.33 on Amazon

Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub

Coming from the same brand that makes the wildly popular Biore blackhead strips, this Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub can penetrate deep where blemishes start to help treat current breakout and prevent future problems from forming. It can diminish pores and leave your skin feeling clean and soft, after the very first use. It also contains salicylic acid to help fight acne blemishes and blackheads. The spherical beads can gently scrub away impurities, leaving you with softer, smoother skin after every use. It is gentle enough to use daily and is ideal for all skin types, particularly acne-prone skin.

Chosen as one of the best drugstore acne products by TotalBeauty, this oil-free scrub will deep clean your skin to remove every bit of dirt, oil, makeup, and sunblock. Biore offers a number of products to help keep skin clear and healthy, such as the warming anti-blackhead cleanser, charcoal cleanser, and heating one-minute mask. Using these products together can help you create your most beautiful skin.

Currently $4.74 on Amazon

Neutrogena Men Invigorating Face Wash

As Amazon’s #1 best seller in facial cleansing washes, the dermatologist tested, oil-free, non-comedogenicNeutrogena Men Invigorating Face Wash is more than just a great face wash for men; it is the best face wash for men. Not many cleansers target men, which makes this specially designed face wash even more unique. The affordable cleanser for men can deep clean pores and invigorate the skin without over-drying. The cooling lather penetrates deep into the skin to remove excess oil and dirt and can refresh the skin early in the morning. It also has an invigorating scent to leave your skin smelling fresh.

This affordable cleanser is backed by outstanding reviews online and comes from the trusted Neutrogena brand. Consider the Neutrogena Men’s Skin Clearing Acne Wash if you have combination or acne prone skin.

The 5 Best Primers

Primer may seem like an unnecessary step in your morning routine, but professional makeup artists to the stars agree that it is a crucial step if you want picture perfect makeup every time. Many women even wear primer on days when they don’t wear makeup to give their skin that silky smooth feeling and appearance. One primer can be used for the entire face or you can purchase separate primers for the face, eyes, and lips.

What Is Primer?

Makeup primer is meant to be used before you apply your makeup. It is a base for foundation that gives makeup a more seamless appearance and will make it last all day. It can smooth, conceal, and prepare your skin before you apply makeup. It can also blur the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and imperfections, so that you have a smooth, velvety base before you apply your makeup. It also allows your makeup to glide on, so you can apply it perfectly in less time.

Primers are available in cream, gel, liquid, and powder formulas. They can be applied after your serum and moisturizer. Start by just dabbing a small amount on at a time. Some primers (particularly pore erasing primers) specify that you should only apply them to problem areas, rather than on the entire face, so it’s important to read the directions. A small container of primer should last you a long time because a little goes a long way.

Top 5 Primers

Smashbox Photo Finish Oil-Free Foundation Primer

is a cult classic. The silky lightweight formula leaves the skin feeling velvety smooth and instantly minimizes the appearance of pores. The oil-free primer is perfect to apply before your foundation because it stops shine, blurs the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, and makes makeup last all day. The odor-less, colorless primer is ideal for all skin types, including mature skin. The texture is like a gel, but it dries to a powdery finish, which can help minimize fine lines and allow your makeup to glide on evenly.

The blend of vitamins A and E, grape seed extract, and green tea can protect the skin from free radicals and give it a super smooth surface. It can be worn alone or under makeup. It is a beloved favorite with makeup mavens, beauty editors, and professional makeup artists alike because it will ensure your makeup lasts all day. It was awarded the Best of Sephora Award for Best Primer, one of Marie Claire’s “25 Products That Will Change Your Life,” and an InStyle Best Beauty Buy. It is also rated one of the top choices by Vogue, Huffington Post, Glamour Magazine, and Real Simple. This oil-free primer is so beloved that Smashbox offers a range of alternative versions to best fit your unique skin type, like the Blemish Control primer, which can help fight acne.

Currently $34.61 on Amazon

Too Faced Cosmetics Primed and Poreless

can virtually erase pores, soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and perfect your complexion with unique ingredients like mulberry extract, arctostaphylos UVA URSI, retinyl palmitate, cyclodextrin with cavamax retinol, camellia oil, and vitamins A and C. It will leave your skin primed, detoxified, protected, and brightened, and can also help restore moisture, elasticity, and suppleness to the skin. It has a number of youth enhancing skin care ingredients, so it is ideal for all skin types, including acne-prone, sensitive, and mature skin. It has a unique texture, so your skin will absorb it instantly, but it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts.

The skin smoothing face primer can be worn alone or under makeup for a flawless appearance. You will notice immediate results, as well as long-term benefits with daily use. The customized formula will leave you with an airbrushed canvas, so your makeup glides on smoothly and evenly. It is also rated one of the best makeup primers by Cosmopolitan and TotalBeauty. Many reviewers agree that this is a miracle product that feels luxurious going on.

Currently $33.09 on Amazon

Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional

is a cult classic. The silky lightweight balm complements all skin tones and is ideal for all skin types, including dry and oily skin. The oil-free formula has a slight nude color, blends in smoothly, instantly absorbs into the skin, and minimizes the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and imperfections. It can be worn under makeup or alone for a smooth, poreless appearance. You can also apply it over makeup on problem areas.

It is best to start with a small dab of this and pat a thin layer into problem areas. Instructions are also included to help you achieve perfect application every time. The long-lasting results make it a Benefit bestseller, ever-growing in popularity since its launch in 2011. It is a beloved favorite with makeup mavens, beauty editors, professional makeup artists, and celebrities like Rihanna. It is also rated one of the top choices by Vogue, Marie Claire, Huffington Post, TotalBeauty, PopSugar, and Glamour Magazine.

Currently $2.00 on Amazon

Maybelline New York Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

is an affordable drugstore favorite that you have to try to believe. This lightweight primer is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive, acne-prone skin. The non-comedogenic, fragrance-free primer instantly erases the appearance of pores and blurs any imperfections, leaving your skin with a silky smooth appearance. The transparent gel formula goes on clear, so it is ideal for all skin tones. With every use, you will immediately notice the skin tightening and smoothing effects.

Start by applying this to areas with visible pores and never apply more than one layer of this primer or it will build up. It can also be used as an eye and all-over face primer. This has outstanding reviews online and is rated one of the best makeup primers by TotalBeauty and Marie Claire. Many reviewers stated that it instantly blurred pores and gave them a Photoshopped appearance, before makeup was even applied.

Currently $3.79 on Amazon

Mary Kay Foundation Primer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15

is a fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, and non-comedogenic primer ideal for all skin types, including sensitive, mature, and acne-prone skin. The lightweight gel glides on and dries to a soft matte finish. It is clear and odorless so it works perfectly on all skin shades and skin tones. It can fill in imperfections and leave your skin prepared for a perfect foundation application.

The oil-free formula is mineral-enriched to diffuse light, absorb oil, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. It can be used on the entire face and can even prime the eyes for makeup. It can also help protect your skin from the sun, so you may be able to replace your daily face sunscreen with us as well. Some reviewers found that this primer helped maintain their foundation for more than nine hours. It is also rated one of the best makeup primers by publications like Cosmopolitan.