Moisturisers and the silliness of 'sneezeweed'

I spotted the LoveLula newsletter topic had the same theme I planned to write about.

When I spotted that the LoveLula newsletter topic had the same theme I planned to write about, I was irritated by the clash.

Then their tip for mature skin-cleanser had an ingredient that made me laugh. The silliness of "sneezeweed" - in John Masters Organics Linden Blossom Face Creme Cleanser (£22 for 118ml) - got the better of me. Apparently, it stimulates cell renewal, if you were wondering.

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My best cleanser picks are from the brands I have been sampling over the past few months: Neal's Yard, Barefoot SOS, Aveda, and S5.

Neal's Yard Remedies offer divine herby smells, and the Rejuvenating Frankincense Refining Cleanser is no exception. It comes in a 100ml squeezy tube that sits cap down on the shelf. Enriched with firming frankincense, antioxidant, essential fatty acid-rich organic baobab, and intensely-moisturising organic cocoa butter (£20 for any skin type, includes a muslin cloth).

Barefoot SOS Repair and Renew Nourishing Cleansing Cream comes in an upright pump dispenser (125 ml, usually £20 - but currently £16). It is a very gentle treatment formulated with rejuvenating Rosa Mosqueta oil, soothing calendula extract, cocoa butter, and purifying rosewater. It helps the skin feel refreshed, toned, and supple. I like that it is non-sticky, so it requires less rinsing.

The Aveda Beautifying Creme Cleansing Oil is available in a 200ml squeezy for £22. This rich cream has a bold uplifting citrus aroma from certified-organic rosemary, lavender, and bergamot, plus olive and safflower oils. I lather it and reach for a damp cotton pad after i have scraped off all my mascara, then rinse. Good value for heavier make-up users, and very reviving on holidays, too.

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S5 do a Nourish Cleaser that I found a bit heavy at first, because I had never used a balm cleanser and it seemed rather laborious. I now realise that, with an extra rinse off (where it goes milky and light after an initial honey consistency), this offers the best soothing aftercare (£32 for a 200ml flip-top bottle that lasts for ages). I also like using S5 Restore Cream straight after.

My own favourite is still Gentle Deep Cleansing Milk by Organic Botanics, for its light consistency and wonderful rosy fragrance. The final application may be left on or splashed off with warm water prior to toning. Made in Brighton, £15.95 for 200ml; smaller sizes are available, plus free delivery, via organicbotanics.com.

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