Category: Beauty & Perosnal Care

Cleansing is an important step in your skin care routine, but it can be confusing when it comes to choosing the right type that will work best for your needs and for your specific skin. To minimize the time spent determining the right choice, we’re sharing the best face cleansers for your skin type. 

Cleansers For Oily Skin | Sensitive Skin | Dry Skin | Combination Skin | Normal Skin

Why Use A Cleanser?

Cleansers help to remove dirt, oil, sweat and products like makeup and sunscreen from your skin. Your skin is also exposed to bacteria and pollution throughout the day. Cleansing is necessary to remove the buildup of these factors so you don’t develop breakouts. You can learn even more about the purpose of cleansing in this cleansers 101 guide. 

Cleansers For Oily Skin

Do you have oily skin? If your skin is typically greasy, prone to breakouts and has large pores, you may have oily skin. Your goal is to control the buildup of oil or debris and prevent breakouts. If you’re unsure, here are a few signs that you have oily skin. 

• Greasy to the touch
• Visible, large pores
• Prone to breakouts 
• Makeup gets soaked up quickly, but it also slides off easily 
• Shiny looking

To combat oily skin, Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar as well as our Product Support Representatives recommend the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil or the Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser. The Stone Crop Cleansing Oil gently cleanses and removes impurities. The formula consists of brightening stone crop and supercharged microgreens as well as moisturizing sunflower and jojoba oils. The Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser contains charcoal which draws out dirt and oil to help prevent clogged pores. This cleanser is also formulated with blue matcha which is rich in antioxidants that improve the visible signs of aging (think fine lines and wrinkles). 

Cleansers For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is often genetic, and you’ll know if you have this skin type. Trying new skin care products can be difficult as your skin often becomes irritated, red or itchy. You may react to specific chemicals or ingredients, poor diet or hormonal imbalances.

Sensitive skin can benefit from gentle cleansers including foaming products like our Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser. It features micellar technology and actives that help balance the skin microbiome and protect the skin barrier, an essential for sensitive skin. A blend of pre, pro* and postbiotics improves the skin barrier while kombucha, jasmine, white tea and ginger combine to refresh and balance the microbiome.

Cleansers For Dry Skin

If your skin is rough, flaky or peeling — plus you find yourself constantly applying moisturizer — you probably have dry skin. Both genetics and environmental factors like heating or winter can exacerbate your symptoms.

When your skin is on the dryer side, cream cleansers are a great choice as they help lock in moisture while removing impurities. One of our top picks? The Lemon Grass Cleanser, formulated with a Lactic Acid Complex to remove buildup, gently remove dead skin cells and buff the skin to look smooth and polished.

Combination Skin

Combination skin is characterized by oily and dry skin in one complexion. Your T-zone and chin feel extra oily while your cheeks or other parts of your face get dry. The goal for combination skin is to treat both oily and dry areas for a clear, balanced complexion. 

We recommend the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser which has a Lactic Acid Complex to remove build-up, gently remove dead skin cells and buff the skin to look smooth and polished. Mangosteen, a super fruit, defends your complexion from pollution and other environmental stressors that could dry out the skin.

Cleansers For Normal Skin 

Normal skin types simply need to maintain their balanced and healthy skin. You don’t notice dry or oily patches, nor do you suffer redness or itchiness from trying new products. You might occasionally notice breakouts related to hormones or infrequent cleansing, but your skin is generally balanced. 

Normal skin would benefit from using the Stone Crop Gel Wash. This gel cleanser offers a mild foaming action and leaves your skin feeling refreshed and clean. The stone crop ingredient hydrates and nourishes while chamomile calms the look of the skin. 

If you don’t gravitate to any of the above suggestions, the Stone Crop Cleansing Oil can be used safely for all skin types including normal skin. This non-greasy cleansing oil cleanses and removes impurities after each use. 

Have you found a cleanser that suits your complexion? To narrow your selection down, you can view the full lineup of Eminence Organics cleansers here.

As skin care devotees, we aspire to a daily multi-step skin care ritual. However, on busy days, we sometimes need a quick routine that covers the essentials and prioritizes time. Enter “skinimalism” (skin + minimalism) and the necessity of the occasional simple skin care routine. For those days when you’re on a time crunch, read on to find out how to strip your skin care down to the basics. And, as always, whenever you consider new skin care products, visit an Eminence Spa Partner for the best recommendations and advice.

What Is Skinimalism? | Curating Your Own Routine | Normal Skin | Combination Skin | Dry Skin | Sensitive Skin | Oily Skin

What Is Skinimalism? 

According to CNN, skinimalism is “all about simplifying the amount of skin care products on the face and building a regimen” that helps you achieve healthy, glowing skin. The concept focuses on using just a few multitasking products every day. “You can accomplish a lot by using a minimal amount of products to get maximum results,” agrees Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar, who says three or four well-chosen products cover the fundamentals. You can watch Natalie’s full video here. 

Curating Your Own Simple Skin Care Routine

To start your simple skin care routine, you’ll need to know your skin type. If you’re unsure about your skin type, take our easy quiz here. After determining your skin type, choose these non-negotiables that should be in every pared-down routine:

• A good multipurpose cleanser that ideally exfoliates and cleanses.
• An eye product that targets your main concerns, such as puffiness, darkness or fine lines. Pro tip: If your skin is on the dryer side, opt for an eye product with a thicker, emollient consistency. If your skin is on the oilier side, look for a gel-style lighter-weight consistency.
• A moisturizer to use during the day (ideally combined with an SPF over 30) and at night, a thicker moisturizer. Alternatively, you could use the same moisturizer for both, layering an SPF over the top throughout the day.
• An SPF or skin care product that protects the skin from sun damage (if not already combined with a moisturizer). Natalie loves the Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40, which can be applied over top of your chosen daytime moisturizer. Pro tip: this SPF moisturizer works for all skin types, making it a perfect finishing step for any of the routines below!

A 5-Minute Simple Skin Care Routine For Normal Skin 

Is your skin neither dry nor oily? Are your pores regularly sized? Does your skin mostly behave without much sensitivity? You might fall under the normal skin category of skin types. 

Best Cleanser: Stone Crop Gel Wash 

The Stone Crop Gel Wash is of our most popular products for a good reason. This gel-based cleanser is lightweight and easy to use. Plus, it’s gentle enough for almost anyone to try.

Best Eye Product: Neroli Eye Serum 

Our Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum is easily absorbed, lightweight and comfortable enough to wear through the day or night.

Best Moisturizer: Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream 

One of our favorite moisturizers is the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream. This luxurious cream works to soften fine lines while adding a boost of hydration to the skin.

5-Minute Simple Skin Care Routine For Combination Skin 

A clear sign of combination skin is oiliness through the T-zone area (across the forehead and down the nose and chin) while also seeing dryness through the cheeks. 

Best Cleanser: Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser or the Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser 

The Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser smooths the surface of the skin while the Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser is perfect for those looking to soften the appearance of aging.

Best Eye Product: Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream

Natalie’s favorite eye cream is dual purpose. The metal ball applicator feels cool and refreshing while the formulation works to minimize the appearance of fine lines. 

Best Moisturizer: Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer 

This lightweight moisturizer hydrates as the gel formula melts beautifully into the skin, leaving your complexion looking soft and hydrated.

5-Minute Simple Skin Care Routine For Dry Skin 

Does your face ever feel tight in the morning or after getting out of the shower? Does your skin sometimes appear dry, flaky or red? For dryer types, Natalie suggests opting for products with creamy textures that add longer-lasting hydration.

Best Cleanser: Coconut Milk Cleanser

Highly recommended by Natalie, this cream-based cleanser “will take you on vacation” with its natural tropical scent and leaves dry skin feeling moisturized and replenished.

Best Eye Product: Lavender Night Eye Cream 

The Lavender Night Eye Cream is a beautifully lavender-scented cream with a rich, creamy texture that works to soften dry skin around the eyes, day or night.  

Best Moisturizer: Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer

Lightly scented with dreamy coconut, this rich moisturizer promises to replenish skin through day and night, leaving you with a dewy finish. 

5-Minute Simple Skin Care Routine For Sensitive Skin 

Do you find your skin is particularly sensitive or reactive to new environments or products? Do you see unexplained flair-ups? You could be a sensitive skin type. Natalie recommends our Beyond Organic Collection to relax and calm sensitive skin. 

Best Cleanser: Lemon Grass Cleanser

The lightweight Lemon Grass Cleanser features moisturizing properties that “will satisfy and soothe” sensitive skin.

Best Eye Product: Bearberry Eye Repair Cream

With a texture that sits between a serum and a cream, the Bearberry Eye Repair Cream hydrates and softens the look of the skin around sensitive eye areas.

Best Moisturizer: Stone Crop Whip Moisturizer

Recommended for those with sensitive or combination skin and crafted from water-rich stone crop, this moisturizer softens without irritating the skin.

5-Minute Simple Skin Care Routine For Oily Skin 

Do you suffer from larger pores and extra shine? Do you experience regular breakouts? For oily skin types, Natalie suggests products that help remove oil from the skin. 

Best Cleanser: Citrus Exfoliating Wash 

The Citrus Exfoliating Wash is a refreshing and invigorating gel-based face wash that cleanses the face without leaving residue. 

Best Eye Product: Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum 

One of our most popular eye products, this lightweight eye serum is a great alternative to a richer eye cream.

Best Moisturizer: Stone Crop Hydrating Gel

Light and effective for those who want to reduce shine, Natalie recommends the Stone Crop Hydrating Gel for a hydration boost.

Would you ever embrace “skinimalism” or the concept of simple skin care? If you want to find out more about the right skin care for you, visit our Spa Locator for your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner. And, as always, whenever you consider new skin care products, ask your trusted esthetician at an Eminence Spa Partner for the best recommendations and advice.

There’s nothing quite like a face mask to step up your skin care routine. The right mask is not just an indulgent treat — it can also tackle key skin concerns and conditions, from dryness and dehydration to large pores and acne. Depending on your age, some masks will be more beneficial than others. Read on to learn about the types of face masks, how to apply it and how to choose the right one for your age range and unique complexion. 

Benefits Of Masking | Types Of Face Masks | Face Mask For Your Skin Type | Face Mask For Your Age | How Often Should You Use A Face Mask? 

Benefits Of Masking: What You Didn’t Know About Masks

Just like a serum or moisturizer, a face mask is a skin care vehicle. It delivers highly concentrated actives, vitamins and nutrients to the skin to improve its overall health. The difference? Face masks are occlusive — they create a physical barrier that locks in beneficial ingredients, allowing the skin to absorb more efficiently.  

Face masks are designed to be used intermittently to give your skin an instant boost. Depending on what your skin needs, there is a mask that can do one (or a combination) of the following:

• Hydrates and moisturizes dry skin
• Refines large pores
• Improves skin texture
• Absorbs excess oil and dirt
• Decongests clogged pores
• Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Enhances elasticity
• Improves the look of breakouts
• Brightens dark spots

To help you find your “mask match,” here’s a quick cheat sheet about the different types of face masks on the market.

Types Of Face Masks Available

With so many options out there, how do you choose the right face mask for you? Here’s what you need to know about each type of mask texture. 

Cream 

Think of the texture of a rich moisturizer — that’s the best way to describe the feel of a cream-based mask. These face masks do wonders for adding moisture and nutrients back into the skin, helping maintain a plump and young-looking appearance. Eminence Organics International Educator Brian Goodwin lets us in on a skin care secret: “An insider tip is that most of our cream-based masks can be used as a leave-on treatment.”

One option is our cream-based Bamboo Age Corrective Masque that smooths the appearance of dry, dehydrated or aging skin overnight. Our Coconut Cream Masque works best with dry, dehydrated or aging skin while our Clear Skin Probiotic Masque suits acne-prone and oily skin types. Our Kombucha Microbiome Leave-On Masque is a no-rinse probiotic skin care formula that suits all skin types. It is designed to support the skin’s natural recovery process and maintain the a healthy skin moisture barrier. This rich, slow-absorbing mask provides soothing hydration and comfort to dry, dull skin. 

Gel 

Gel masks, on the other hand, have the consistency of a jam or jelly. With their lightweight texture, they are an excellent choice for oily to normal skin types. Many gel masks include astringent ingredients like raspberries and blackberries which minimize oil and tighten the appearance of pores. Others are formulated with hydrating ingredients like stone crop and honey which replenish the look of dry and dehydrated skin. 

Our Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque is suited for those looking for a firmer-looking complexion. It contains a cocktail of rhubarb extract, avocado oil, leafy greens and citrus. Whichever mask you choose, you can amplify your results with this skin care tip from Brian: Apply your favorite gel-based mask before hopping in the shower to make it an active in-shower treatment. 

Clay 

With its absorbent, exfoliating and astringent properties, clay treats ongoing skin conditions related to acne such as excess oil and inflammation. Pro skin care tip: Did you know a clay mask can double as a spot treatment? Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar recommends using the Acne Advanced Clarifying Masque to treat bumpy and congested skin: “It’s nice and creamy in texture, and you literally need a little bit … Just hit those little areas and let it dry.”

Exfoliating

Exfoliating masks are formulated to remove dead skin cells and enhance your skin’s natural turnover process. This type of face mask may take the form of a chemical peel which employs alpha or beta hydroxy acids to dissolve dead skin cells and clear them from the skin’s surface. The hypoallergenic Radish Seed Refining Peel reduces the appearance of problem skin and the look of fine lines and wrinkles. For pore-clearing exfoliating benefits, our Product Support Representatives recommend pairing it with either the Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque or the Seabuckthorn Balancing Masque. Use the Seabuckthorn Balancing Masque if you have combination skin. For drier skin types, we recommend the Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Masque. 

Warming

Warming masks contain active spices like paprika and cinnamon that make the skin feel warm. They intentionally cause a tingling sensation, and in some cases, the skin may turn bright red. The immediate effects last from 20 – 60 minutes before revealing a healthy, glowy complexion. In the same way that increased energy is a benefit of exercise, invigorating your complexion and increasing your blood flow provides a great workout for your skin. 

However, these masks aren’t for everyone: If you have sensitive skin, you’re better off choosing a cream or gel-based mask that won’t exacerbate your symptoms. 

Notably, our Eight Greens Phyto Masque — Hot has been recognized as a 2020 Allure Best Of Beauty Award winner within the “Clean Beauty” category. Blended from whole plants, seeds and spices, this formula invigorates and rejuvenates the appearance of the skin. 

Watch our In The Mix video below to find out more about our warming face masks: :

Our Turmeric Energizing Treatment is also designed to awaken dull, tired skin. Formulated with turmeric as well as citrine gemstones and zeolite, this mask only needs water to activate a fluffy mousse bursting with energy. 

The Best Face Mask For Your Skin Type

If you prefer to use one mask at a time, it’s important to choose the right face mask for your skin type and skin concerns. To get your wheels turning, here are our suggestions for each skin type:

Dry Skin

Dry skin often means dealing with flaky patches, a scaly skin texture or cracked, itchy skin. Boasting shea butter and grape seed oil, the Strawberry Rhubarb Masque provides important fatty acids to help with the appearance of skin softness and dryness. 

Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by an overproduction of sebum in the skin. Often this excess oil may interact with bacteria and dead skin cells resulting in breakouts. Try the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque for this skin type as it contains the Vitamins C+E to improve the appearance of skin health. 

Combination Skin

It can be frustrating to develop oily patches on your chin and forehead but dryness elsewhere such as on your cheeks. The Snow Mushroom & Reishi Masque helps to balance the look of the skin by firming its appearance and revealing a smooth radiance. 

Sensitive Skin

Those with sensitive skin should carefully read labels and conduct patch tests for any new product before applying it all over the face. If you do have a reaction, you can apply the Calm Skin Arnica Masque to improve the look of redness and irritation. 

Normal Skin

If you have normal skin, then your goal is to maintain your skin’s health. The Stone Crop Masque contains stone crop, lemon and other ingredients that reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the appearance of the skin. 

And, for particular skin concerns and conditions:

The Best Type Of Face Mask For Your Age

Now that you know what product suits you by skin type, you can also filter based on ingredients suited to your age bracket. According to our Product Support Team, here are their suggestions based on different age ranges:

How Often Should You Use A Face Mask?

Now that you’ve learned the basics, how often should you use a face mask? We recommend adding a face mask to your skin care routine once or twice a week. Masking should follow cleansing, toning and applying a facial essence. These steps clear impurities and excess oil, provide a base layer of hydration and prep your skin to better absorb the benefits of your face mask.

Once you’re ready, follow these skin care tips to apply a face mask properly:

1. Apply Mask Evenly

It may be tempting to slather on an inch-thick layer of product, but more isn’t necessarily better. A cherry-sized amount is plenty to achieve the right results. Natalie advises evenly applying this amount in a “pantyhose-thin” layer over the entire face. Pro tip: Use facial massage techniques to amp up the benefits of this part of your routine!

Remember, Eminence Organics face masks contain concentrated amounts of beneficial vitamins and nutrients. We recommend adding two to three drops of water to your product and warming it between your hands before massaging it into your face –— especially if the product is gel-based. This will allow for more slip, easier application and (bonus!) less product waste.

2. Remember To Include Your Neck & Décolleté

That cherry-sized amount is just enough to also include your neck and décolletage. These areas take on the visible signs of age much earlier than the face due to their exposure to environmental stress — and they’re easily forgotten in a skin care routine. Pay these areas a bit of extra attention by including them in your face mask application.

3. Leave On For 5 – 10 Minutes

Most masks can be kept on for five to 15 minutes, but the duration can vary from mask to mask. Some face masks act quickly and can be removed after a short period of time; others can be left on as an overnight treatment to deeply hydrate your skin while you sleep. We always advise reviewing the label directions to apply your particular product so you know just the right time to remove it.

4. Remove Gently With A Damp Cloth

Don’t undo the benefits of your face mask by aggressively scrubbing it off. Instead, be delicate with your complexion. Use lukewarm water to gently remove the mask from your face. If you choose to use a washcloth, ensure it’s clean and has soft fibers that won’t irritate your skin.

Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on how to apply a face mask:

 

Do you have any favorite masks? We’d love to hear about them! Share them with us in the comments below and join the conversation on social media.

This article was originally written in September 2019.

Are there any Eminence Organics products you just can’t live without? With so many fabulous products to choose from, it can be hard to narrow the list (and clear space on your vanity). To help you select your skin care essentials, here are our top Eminence product reviews — submitted by fans just like you!

Stone Crop Hydrating Mist

“I mist this on my face after cleansing and before I apply my nighttime moisturizer or daytime sunscreen and LOVE it! I have pretty sensitive skin that gets easily irritated and itchy, and Stone Crop Hydrating Mist always … hydrates and smooths my skin. It is amazing how much better my skin looks and feels after misting this on! I can’t be without it! Thank you, Eminence!” — Meredith

Facial Recovery Oil

“I call Facial Recovery Oil ‘liquid gold’ – I am obsessed. I’ve been using it for about a year now and credit it for changing the health of my skin. I now use all Eminence products – which are all amazing – but this little bottle prize I can not live without. Ever since I started using it, now when I go get facials, my esthetician can tell under the magnifying light I’ve been using this because my skin looks so healthy … Love this, you will not regret trying it out.” — Jami

Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser

“Love Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser! It felt like a layer of my dead skin was off on the very first use. My skin is glowing! 10/10.” — Isabel

Stone Crop Gel Wash

“This face wash and all the stone crop products have transformed my skin. I have dry skin that is prone to breakouts and dry skin that, in the past, resulted in psoriasis. This helped my skin go from bumpy to hydrated and glowing … It is a legit game changer. — Ashley

Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer

“My esthetician suggested I try this product and, in one use, my dry flaky patches were gone! I now use it morning and night and my skin hasn’t felt or looked better. After one month, my esthetician said the change in my skin was dramatic. I LOVE Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer, I won’t be without it!” — Frances

Bamboo Firming Fluid

“I love Bamboo Firming Fluid. Living in Florida, I’m always looking for something to hydrate without feeling heavy. This does the trick plus it firms and tightens too. I couldn’t be happier and won’t go a day or night without this.” — Patience

Clear Skin Probiotic Masque

“I used the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque and instantly fell in love with it. Within an hour of washing it off, I could visibly see my skin tone was more even, the pimples [looked] smaller and my general appearance was much better. I couldn’t believe it! One 10 minute treatment made my skin go from horrific to looking in the mirror and loving what I saw. I’m going to go back and get some more from this product line! Thank you, Eminence, for saving my skin!” — S.

Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream

“Hibiscus Ultra Lift Eye Cream is amazing in its effectiveness. I carry it in my purse and use it at the end of a long workday before going out. A tiny amount instantly perks up my dragging eyes and removes the lines. Great for morning puffiness as well. This is a can’t live without product.” — Karen

Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant

“Once again I have fallen in love with Eminence! I have used this exfoliant twice and, after only two applications, I can already see and feel a significant difference in my skin. I just washed my face and my mom made a comment about how luminous my skin looks. Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant does a wonderful job at removing the flakier spots on my face, which are usually around my nose and chin, without irritating the rest of my face. My face feels silky smooth after using it. I would highly recommend this to anyone at any age!” — Rosie

Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum

“Best hands down! I’ve been using this 1-2 times per day for under a month and my skin visibly looks brighter, feels hydrated and plump and not oily. My redness has started to reduce. The best part … the texture of my skin is smooth! I absolutely love this serum!” — Lisa

Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist

“So refreshing! I keep this in my handbag! If you have dry skin this is a great addition for your handbag to just refresh throughout the day. I love the smell and the way it gives my skin a dewy glow without feeling greasy or heavy. I also love that because it is a spray there is no transfer of oil from your hands onto your face. It’s a quick burst of moisture and calming scents to boost my mood and day!” —Alex

Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser

“I’ve tried everything for my problem skin – Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser has worked miracles. It must be the organic ingredients because when I try to use anything else my skin breaks out again. Thank you, Eminence!” — Ashlie

Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Body Lotion

“Finally! I have been using Eminence products for over 10 years and have been waiting for more strawberry rhubarb products. Definitely, a thick/hydrating cream, when you apply it, at first it has a slightly tacky texture on the skin, very similar to the face serum, but then quickly absorbs in and leaves your skin feeling velvety and hydrated. Also, smells amazing without being too overpowering.” — Jordan

Stone Crop Body Oil

“Love this! I’ve been using this for several years. Leaves my skin soft, hydrated and glowing! Never want to be without this great body oil.” — jrpells

Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck

“Been using the Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for over two years now. I love it!!!” — 
sanferrick

We love reading the reviews you have left for these and more of our best selling products. Do you have a favorite Eminence Organics product? We’d love to hear about it. Share your thoughts in a product review of your own, and join the conversation on social media.

This article was originally published in May 2018.