Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths, $15 (for 30)

Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths are on-the-go face wipes for when you just don't have the time to wash your face (or the sink). They lather up without water and don't need any rinsing, so it would be good for after the gym, after a night out, etc.

The cloth lathered up a lot--it was actually pretty soaked, which is good if you're trying to really get clean. I liked the smell when I first opened it (almost like baby wipes and some sort of witch hazel? I've smelled it before but I can't place it . . . my mom thinks it's the glycerin).

I rubbed the cloth into my face (it says gently wipe, but I basically just used it as a washcloth) and I could feel it tingle and get into my pores, so I could tell it was working. I used it around my eyes to get off my makeup, which probably wasn't the best idea--while the cloth felt soft to my fingertips, it didn't feel so soft around my eyes. And the tingling was starting to sting on some sensitive skin I have on my cheeks. Luckily this lasted only a couple seconds.

At first I couldn't believe that this soaking wet cloth would clean my face and then dry without rinsing. I mean, it's full of soapy liquid. But, lo and behold, a few moments later my skin was completely dry and not filmy at all. Actually, it felt really smooth, clean, and soft. But, the smell started to linger and I couldn't stop smelling it, and I started to not like it. In fact, it started to give me a migraine, and I had to go rinse my face anyway.

Final verdict
Cost: $15 for 30.
Soapy: Unlike some cloths, these are packed full of soapy goodness, so you feel like you're getting your money's worth.
Cleansing: You can feel the product going right into your pores, which is awesome in some areas but maybe kinda burning in more sensitive areas. Probably not best for around the eyes.
Dries clean: When it dried, my skin felt soft and clean--no film left behind.
Smell: I liked it at first, and then it got overwhelming and gave me a headache!
Repeat offender?: I would not buy these because the smell kinda knocked me out. That, and they are a bit pricey compared to drug store brands. I'm not sure if they help clear up your skin, but I do like the clean feeling it leaves behind, so I think they would be good for cleaning on-the-go (that is, if you like the smell and are willing to pay $15 a month if you're going to use it everyday).

-T

Benefit "Honey...Snap Out of It!" Scrub, $28

I was in the market for a new exfoliating scrub so I decided to try Benefit's "Honey...Snap Out of It!" Scrub, a "morning exfoliating facial cleanser " that "exfoliates and vacuum cleans your skin with soft almonds." The scrub is thick and creamy with (what I assume to be) bits of almond for exfoliating. The smell is really nice, very much like the Burt's Bees almond cream but slightly subdued. I was surprised at the size--5 oz. is actually kind of a lot for something you use 2-3 times a week.

The cool thing about this is that you can use it as an exfoliating scrub (obvs) or you can leave it on and use it as a mask:

1. Smooth the product onto your (dry) skin, avoiding the eye area.
2. Chill out, read a book, watch TV, and let your face dry up (Benefit says for 3 minutes, I left it on for, like, 10 minutes).
3. When you're ready to rinse, first moisten your fingers and use them to work the scrub into your skin, moving in little circles. (Note: This part feels awesome--your skin's all tight from the mask and then with the water the scrub gets all creamy. It feels like it's really getting into your pores.)
4. Use a warm, wet washcloth to remove the mask.
5. Rinse with a little warm water to remove any residue.
6. Rinse with a splash of cool water to close your pores.

I can see why they suggest using it in the morning! After using this my skin feels tight, clean, glowing, and not too dry (definitely not irritated). I don't even want to moisturize because it feels all nice and balanced.

Final Verdict
Cost: $28 is a normal price for Benefit products and a pretty mid-range price for higher end skincare. I don't normally spend this much for skincare but maybe I'll think of it as a nice little treat. At-home facials make it worth it! :)
Product: Thick, creamy, smells nice (mmm almonds), and good sized scrubbing pieces.
Versatility: Can be used as a scrub or a mask, and is made for all skin types.
Repeat offender: I would buy this again. It feels really nice while it's on and leaves my skin feeling super clean and fresh. I would buy more products from Benefit--have had good luck so far!

-T

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin, $10

Testimonial: Last August, my skin started breaking out for no reason. And when I say "my skin," I mean everywhere--my face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back. I've always had acne-prone skin (mostly my chin and--yes, I'll admit it--my back), but I had never gotten anything on my shoulders. All of a sudden I had all these little bumps, and they wouldn't go away. I went to a dermatologist, who barely looked at me and gave me all these topical treatments. Nothing worked. My skin was getting worse--breaking out even more and getting extremely sensitive. I was mad. She told me to buy a cleanser that was about $30. It seemed to work okay but nothing magical. One day I left it at my boyfriend's house and I had nothing to use. My brother had some Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin that I never felt like trying but now, I needed something. I'm glad I tried it because this stuff is GREAT.

Cetaphil's Daily Cleanser is clear, thin, and slippery (I know, I know, weird word choice, but you know what I mean!). I use about 2 pumps per area; its thinness makes it easy to spread out a small amount. It foams a little bit but not too much. While I was using it for the first time I thought, "There's no way this is doing anything." It's so gentle and non-irritating--but don't let the gentleness fool you! Right after the first wash my skin felt clean and tight (you know I love that feeling). I had washed my face at night and the next day my zits and pores were smaller (the very next day!). I kept using it and after a week or so the bumps on my chest and shoulders were gone, and my face and back look better than they have in a loooong time.

Cetaphil has greatly reduced my breakouts and made the ones I do get smaller and less lingering. I do recommend using a moisturizer afterward because it leaves your skin kinda dry. I'm also going to try a new exfoliating scrub to add to my routine--while this is an awesome cleanser, it doesn't do much for blackheads, and I feel like I need some dead skin scrubbed off. More on that later!

Final verdict
Cost: $10 for a 16 oz. bottle is a great price, especially compared to high-end brands and that $30 stuff the dermatologist made me buy. And it lasts a long time!
Skin clearing: OMG, my skin is much happier. It soothed my pissed off skin and shrank my pores. But, maybe I'll add a scrub to take care of my blackheads.
Skin type: This one is made for normal to oily skin. I have sensitive combination skin and this is perfect for me. They also have a Gentle Skin Cleanser for very sensitive skin (skin conditions like severe acne, rosacea, or eczema, even for children).
Repeat offender: Yes! If you have troubled skin and nothing is helping, give this a try. I will buy this again and again and recommend it to everyone.

-T

PS, back to makeup: Sephora.com is selling this Smashbox Cream Eyeliner set for only $15! Want want want.