Let’s Just Get to the Point:
A modern take on the rich, creamy cold creams our grandmothers grew up with, Kate Somerville’s new Cold Cream ($48) is a luxurious antidote for dry skin and a force to be reckoned with in the makeup-removing department. But unlike the formulas of past generations, which were super thick and often left a film on the skin, this one is lighter and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores—it’s also free of mineral oil and sulfates.
Key Ingredients: White honey and a floral complex of jasmine, rose and daisy
You May Also Like: 6 Not-So-Standard Makeup Removers You’ve Probably Never Tried
If You Want to Know More:
Until about a year ago, I was never really a fan of cream cleansers. I thought they were kind of messy and assumed they were only good for people with very dry or mature skin, and mine is typically combination. However, as I’ve gotten older and begun using stronger skin care ingredients like alphahydroxy acids and retinol, my skin tends to crave extra nourishment. I’ve realized how important moisturizing is, and I try to give my skin as much of it as I can.
This cold cream lets me moisturize while I cleanse, so I can hit two skin care birds with one stone. It also removes all traces of makeup—even many layers of mascara (I don’t usually wear waterproof, but it works on that too)—without irritating my eyes. The scent is feminine and floral, but not overpowering in the least, and a nice update from the powdery-smelling cold creams of the past.
I prefer to use it in the shower so it’s not as messy, but if not, I just put on a sweatband so my hairline is covered before I wash my face. Inside tip: Use a wet washcloth to remove it rather than just rinsing with your fingers so you can make sure you thoroughly wipe away every bit of residue. This will also ensure that any skin care products you apply afterward can penetrate as deep as possible.
The bottom line: One wash and my skin feels cleansed, soothed, hydrated and pampered—it’s the perfect way to take the day off. Now I understand why my grandma loves cold creams so much. I’m sure she’ll be asking me for this one next.
