Fight the Frump -Astringent Woes?

I always find all my best ideas, tips and links in my comment section. Why not turn this week's article over to you? I need help with the way I remove my makeup.

This week it is all about how I remove my makeup qnd washing my face. Confession- I have used Seabreeze for sensitive skin astringent for 10 years. According to the dermatologist, I am killing my face because of the alcohol.

Can anyone explain that to me? Is alcohol in my astringent really that bad? I am hooked on using it because it is so easy to use. A bit of Seabreeze and some Vaseline to remove mascara and lipstick and I am a happy frugal mamma.

What do you use to clean your face? I need to know! Educate me, you brilliant Friends of Fussy! HALP.

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Have you noticed Mr. Linky is borked on my site? I'm sorry. Please leave your link in the comment section. I visit every single site, please forgive he lack o' linky! I'll relaunch FussyPants, in a bigger and even more fun way soon and when I do, I will make sure he works again.

Love, Fussy

Comments

[Chrissie]

Hi there! I use Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, and it is the absolute BEST cleanser ever. So easy, very gentle, and yet very effectice in removing everything, including waterproof mascara. No need for an extra make-up remover, and it's very gentle on my sensitive, acne-prone skin. I just follow it up with my BHA and I'm good to go :) (Someone once posted a FTF tip about the book "Don't Go To the Cosmetic Counter Without Me" by Paula Begoun, and it's a great book to answer questions like this!)

[karla]

No suggestions on the face... I'm an astringent abuser.

But I do have some questions of my own for your loverly readers!!
http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/2008/08/q-frump-style.html

[Jen in Jakarta]

I discovered Ella Bache's Floral Oil about fifteen years ago and have used it every day since then. It is a French brand and is available in Australia. I pay AU$60 for a large bottle that lasts me 19 months (using it twice a day).
This is a very light oil that dissolves all makeup and impurities with out leaving an oil slick on your face. It's removed with a warm, damp wash cloth.

I love it!!!!!! and it works out to be frugal- about 10c a day!

The best thing is that it does not need a toner or astringent as a follow up...It's cleanser and then straight to moisturizer.

It is a very quick and simple routine.

I don't know if it is available in the states, it is not here in Indonesia.

Here is the web site link http://www.ellabache.com/

[Michelle]

I'm a Mary Kay girl (and have been since I was fourteen) and love their 3-1 cleanser ($40Aus for a bottle) which lasts me about 5-6 months, using once a day. Then I moisturise. The 3-1 cleans, scrubs and tones. Michelle

[Jo]

Hands down the best out there is Philosophy's Purity. This not only cleans, you don't use an astringent afteward.

This stuff is so gentle I use it to take off my eye make up and it.does.not.burn.your.eyes. And let me tell you, I wear make-up. I don't fiddle around with just a dash of mascara and blush, this is the full monty and this stuff just cleans it off like it wasn't there to begin with.

Your skin will not be stiff and dry after you remove it either.

I buy it from QVC and their website philosophy.com. If you have not tried it before, get it from QVC so you can return it in 30 days if it doesn't work for you. This is not cheap BUT like all good, expensive beauty products, a little dab 'ill do you. You don't need much, about the size of a nickle in the palm of your hand.

I think you'd also like their Grace fragrance line too.

[Beck]

Another happy Cetaphil user - you can use it waterless to remove eyemakeup, or use it with water to wash your face. and although I'm not really prone to dry skin, alcohol of any kind makes me dry up immidiately...

[Nic]

Ah, the astringent makes you more prone to breakouts because it dries your skin out and makes you produce more oil. It also sucks the natural moisture out of your skin and could - in time - make you more prone to wrinkles. It's the same notion that you shouldn't use alcohol on a cut because you'll scar. Stop doing that!

[Nic]

As for what you SHOULD do, try the cetaphil. It works for many but made me break out terribly. I like to use http://www.cosmeticscop.com/ to learn about new products and see what might work best for me AND is cheap.

[Mandy]

Lordy, I can't believe I'm gonna admit to this.....I use baby wash on my face! I got a TON of that stuff when I had my baby and it's ALWAYS sitting there on the side of the tub and it doesn't burn my eyes when I remove my mascara with it. I'm to cheap/lazy to buy anything else. There you have it.

[Linda]

I use Pond's Clean Sweep face wipes. They are very easy to use & the remove makeup. I get them at Costco. http://tinyurl.com/6lugvz Then a few times a week I follow with Clinques Clarifying Lotion #2. It's a toner & helps remove any flaking - http://tinyurl.com/5daae6

[Jezer]

Philosophy's Purity Made Simple. Yes, it's about $20, but it'll last a good six months and it's the best cleanser I've ever used.

[Valarie Lea]

So after trying just about everything under the sun I went back to my teenage days. I started using Noxema again. I pair it with a toner I found a while back and have not been able to find again. Its Ponds Cool gel toner (or something like that) I absolutely love the stuff. Anyway, I have been pretty pleased with my Noxema. As a matter of fact I am going to wash my face now.

http://valarielea.blogspot.com/

[Kim H.]

Fus~

I started using the Oil of Olay Daily Facial cloths a while back. Kinda stumbled across them completely accidentally, but have really liked them. I've never been in to a foofy kinda a skin regimen - so these totally work for me.

I get the hydrating cloths - normal to dry, 30 cloths in a box. And CVS periodically puts them on sale for buy-one, get one or at least with a few CVS dollars back on them if you don't get the BOGO offer. I've even cut them in half - because really, the whole sheet seems kinda big - they're plenty full of cleanser.

It says on the package they contain the cleansing power of a toner, mask, scrub and cleanser in one cloth. I use these and follow it up with my Mary Kay moisturizer and then my usual make-up routine. And they smell really light and fresh - one of my favorite things about using them.

I have to say though too that my husband uses straight alcohol on a cotton ball on his face and he has some of the best skin EVAH! GO figure.

[DeLynn]

I love Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Make-up Remover. http://www.neutrogena.com/ProductsDetails_300.asp
I use it for more than just removing eye make up! It is wonderful and not greasy. I used to use a similar MK product, but found this which is very similar and less expensive. I buy it at WalMart.

[Mahala]

I've been having the midlife zitfest and have been using Witchazel. It's gentler than most commercial stuff and seems to work well. Cheap too.

[catnip]

I use Cetaphil in the mornings - it's very gentle, and Biore Cleansing Cloths at night. I love them both :)

[Carol]

Hi Fussy,

I'm a Cetaphil girl too - but as I a teenager I loved Stridex pads which were probaly 2000% alchol - but they were so easy!! I have very dry skin and I think part of the reason my skin looks like a bit like a tiny baby alligator is because of all that harshness.
I love cetaphil but I'm thinking about trying some of the other cleansers mentioned here. I'm so glad you're staying in Nashville! Although I've just been a lurker on your site, it's a cheap thrill knowing we are in the same town!

[Mrs. Who]

I use the Oil of Olay cleansing cloths. I LOVE them because you don't even have to screw around with water, you just use the cloths to take of eye makeup and all. They also condition your skin and mine looks great right after I use one. They them. You will love them.

[Anjie]

I too use baby wash in the shower....but at night I use Tarjay's pre-moistened cleansing cloths. Like a baby wipe (which also work well in a pinch) but they have facial cleansers on the smooth side, and the other is a bit bumpy for gentle exfoliation. Cheap too!!!

http://abehunin.blogspot.com/2008/08/fight-frump-friday.html

[Darla - UltraBeautyBoutique]

Fussy, alcohol around your eyes will cause some serious wrinkle-age (is that a word?).

Olay facial pre-moistened cloths are your friend.

[Carol]

I use Olay Foaming Face Wash for Sensitive Skin. I have uber-sensitive skin, even Cetaphil makes it freak out, the Olay doesn't. It removes my waterproof mascara and mineral makeup foundation, no problem! Plus its cheeeeap. I think I paid less than $3.50 for the bottle.

[Alli {Mrs. Fussypants}]

{{{taking notes}}}

Wonderful. I knew y'all would be all kinds of supa-fab!

[Colleen - Mommy Always Wins]

I also use Olay Foaming...Sensitive Skin. But I might just have to try out Cetaphil now that so many people have suggested it! (No post of my own this week - sorry!)

[Darla - UltraBeautyBoutique]

My topic is: Venus razors are the favored choice for shaving your legs based on last weeks input.

http://ultrabeautyboutique.com/2008/08/01/feather-your-nest-2-veet-winners/

PLUS I announce the winners for the Veet giveaways.

[Dominique]

I use ZA makeup remover. IT is cheap and good. Another brand which I would recommend would be Loreal.

[mah-meee]

I use olay cleaning pads... it works wonders! I alternate between that and a face cleanser that already has makeup remover in it...

My topic today.... sweat stains... eeewww, right?

[Marcy Massura-The Glamorous Life]

Baby wipes. They're not just for butts anymore.
:)

[What About Mom]

Dove Soap. The End. (Oh, Good Luck, too!)

http://www.whataboutmomblog.com/2008/08/01/recession-haircut-fighting-the-frump-just-got-harder/

[Lisa@blessedwithgrace]

Interesting to see recurring themes: cetaphil, Philosophy's Purity, and Oil of Olay seem to be winning this comment edition. I have used Cetaphil and the Oil of Olay facial wipes. The wipes are so convenient. Currently, I am using a Bare Essentuals (Bare Minerals) product called "Rare Minerals". It works well. I have to admit, with Bare Minerals, you hardly have to wash your face. I am guilty of going to bed with makeup on, sometimes. I know, don't comment back to me about the error of my ways. I am curious about the Philosophy Purity and may have to try it.

My topic today ...Grace's Style Tip Friday- Decorating in Small Spaces.
http://www.blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com

[Tara]

Fight the Frump with lipstick!

http://www.feelslikehomeblog.com/2008/08/great-lipstick-challenge.html

[Jenny from Mommin' It Up!]

oh Fussy-sita!
Please dump the Seabreeze down the twah-let or I'm gonna have to send you to rehab! I use Mary Kay, which is not the most frugal but can be had very cheaply if you have yo'sef a coupla classes a year. Which is what I do! It has made the BIGGEST difference in my FACE and I'll never go back. My BFF does a virtua skincare class at http://iwantmk.com if you wanna chicky-check it out...she does free shipping...

[Steph @ Problem Solvin Mom]

I found some very interesting info from Megan at sorta crunchy here: http://sortacrunchy.typepad.com/sortacrunchy/2008/05/wfmw-facial-cle.html
on the oil cleansing method...which is very frugal! I use it about once a week for deep cleansing, and is GREAT for removing makeup.

On a regular basis, I swear by Noxema. One thing to avoid is anything with Sodium Larel/Laureth Sulfate in it on the face, it dries out your skin and is an irritant. I also love the generic Oil of Olay night fortifying cream, BTW.

[Dawn W]

I use Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Make-up Remover - it's very light and doesn't leave your eyes and face all oily. For cleansing, etc., I swear by Quixtar's Artistry line. See here: http://www.quixtar.com/products/thumbnail.aspx?pid=890&ctg=1105

[Fuzzy]

Hello Fussy!

I have to agree with many of the ladies - Paula Begoun is THE best for information! http://www.cosmeticscop.com/ She actually has her own line, which I LOVE LOVE LOVE. Almost all of my sisters use it, and with great results. I use her face wash in the morning, and use Cetaphil at night, along with the routine she has. Her site is extremely informative, and will help you with your skin type and realizing what you are doing to your face with all that alcohol! I used to be all about ease and quickness, and I used to think that too many steps took too much time, but I can't go to bed without washing and doing the steps. I've tried, and I. just. can't.

You look lovely today!

[Middle-Aged-Woman]

I'm an Olay Facial Wipes girl myself. My doc once told me ONLY water. But that doesn't get the oil and makeup well enough.

http://unmitigated.typepad.com

[JackieW. transplanted Okie (Buried in Legos)]

Arbonne chic here. Bossy has a facial cleanser in her favorite things.

http://tinyurl.com/6ngx3a

http://officiallyunofficialpwfans.blogspot.com/2008/08/fight-frump-with-fussy.html

[Mrs.D]

I use clean & clear moisturizing burst facial cleanses. It's not drying, gets the makeup off, and smells good. If my face seems particularly oily or is broke-out I smear a thin layer of milk of magnesia on it before bed, let dry and then rinse with water to get most of it off- not all, though.(if you don't rinse a little, you'll look like a geisha and your face will be TOO dry.) It works like a mask drying out the blemishes & oil. And is super cheap and lasts forever. It works. I use baby oil for mascara removal. love your blog!
Mrs.D ----- www.dashofcrazy.blogspot.com

[Mrs.D]

Oh and I forgot, my mom must've been right. She always told me not to use strong cleaners and astringent, ect. on my face. Actually, she only washes with water. She says soaps are too strong and only worsen problems (on the face, I assure you she uses soap on the rest of her! lol) but anyway, she is 55 and everyone always thinks she's 45, so maybe she'd right. And I look at least 5 yrs older than MY age. Why couldn't I just listen?????

[Amy]

Another vote for philosophy's Purity Made Simple. I have been using it for maybe 3 years or so and love it! It cleans well without drying or leaving a slick residue behind, and it's just 1 step. Also, it's one of the Nordstrom's Beauty Exclusives right now in their anniversary sale.

[EMama]

I use the fancy stuff in the morning - Clinique. And my face is baby soft since I started it.

Evenings for amkeup removal, I like the walmark brand cloth things and if I don't have those, baby wipes.

[Lori]

No, no, oh no on the astringent! My dermatologist advised me to use Cetaphil daily cleanser and I've done so for over 10 years. It's cheap and easy, like me!

http://www.frontporchlegacy.com

[Rachel]

Um, just water. When I get a shower, about every other, or every 3 days (Hey, I've got 5 dc 8 and under, and a DH working the night shift right now, lol), I use a special bar of olive oil soap.

I have oily, but senisitive skin, and PCOS--and I break out MILDLY *maybe* once every 2-3 mos. MONTHS.

Water and soft washcloth. Usually, cold-warm water.

[StrawberryParfait]

I used Seabreaze for a long time too...

Witch Hazel is much much better. Does the same as Seabreaze but less damaging...and mostly placed I find a whole bottle for less then $1...so much cheaper. It also multipurposes for burns, cuts, etc...works great :)

[Jaci]

About the Sea Breeze--you are sucking all the oils out of your face. The alcohol in that stuff is very drying. Teenagers use it to get rid of the grease slicks on their foreheads, but it backfires--the oil glands kick into overdrive to replace the oil, and they end up with even greasier skin. In adults, it sucks the oil out of our faces and our old, weak glands just lay on the couch and say, "Forget it. I've got nothin' left." Sea Breeze is bad for everyone.

Right now I'm using Target's cheap-o version of Pond's Make Up Removing Towelettes. It gets everything off, even waterproof mascara. Then I wash my face with Clinique bar soap.

I used to sell Clinique, and I had all of their products, but now I'm a SAHM and broke, so I use drug store stuff--but the soap is only $9 and it lasts forever.

Um, sorry for the really, really long post!

[Strawberryparfait]

Forgot to add:

I use a Rite Aide (Eckerds) generic brand of Cetaphil..it works well.

Most of the time though I use a generic (Rite Aide has one) of Pond's Cold Cream. If I'm in a hurry I just wipe it on and wipe it off with a washcloth. If I have time I'll rinse with warm water. It moisturizes your skin...and absolutely gets off even the most stubborn lipstick/mascara....works great!....

I have heard the mask of "milk of magnesia" does work. Also have tried a dab of toothpaste on a blemish...works as well.

[T with Honey]

For general face care a month ago I started using Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Complete Acne Therapy System. It is summer and the oil is flowing and although it keeps me younger looking the acne is not my friend. But it doesn't do so well with removing makeup.

So for that job I'm sticking with Philosophy Purity Made Simple. It works really well and is gentle on my face, thus not advancing the aging process or irritating my already eager to break out skin.

[Toni]

Fussy, I have rosacea and am very sensitive to fragrance and harsh ingredients. I use Paula's Choice skin care and I have been very happy with it. It is fragrance- and color-free. Check out her stuff at http://www.cosmeticscop.com .

[jackie @agsoccermom]

I have used a plain old dove bar for ever. I have extremly dry and sensitive skin and it does not dry out my skin.

[Katie]

The alcohol on your face really is that bad and can really dry out your skin and cause earlier wrinkles. It can also help cause breakouts, because it strips your skin, and your skin responds by over-producing oil.

I will also second the Cetaphil...the facial cleanser takes everything off very easily, is gentle on your skin, and has been recommended by my dermatologist. It's also cheap and available at most any drugstore.

[schmutzie]

You are being featured on Five Star Friday:
http://www.fivestarfriday.com/2008/08/five-star-friday-edition-17.html