Tester: Mathilde, 29

“My skin is dry and sensitive. I apply makeup and use makeup remover religiously every night using an eye makeup remover and a facial cleanser. I need a product that can get rid of any leftover makeup and pollution.”

Beauty products put to the test: Gentle foaming cleanser with cottonseed for normal or combination skin from Clarins.
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What is it? A cleansing gel that slightly foams when it contact with water. Its cleaning action eliminates impurities and excess oil from skin. It is formulated with coconut and fatty acids to protect skin balance. This dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic formula is as gentle as cleansing milk and as purifying as soap. It brings out the best and the brightest in all types of complexions.

Verdict: “This product is perfectly tailored to my needs – to thoroughly cleanse my skin. After using the product, I felt that my skin was free of all of impurities of the day. This clean feeling is reinforced by the natural soap that emanates from the product.

Downside: “None. The product is perfectly tailored to my needs.

$20. Available at drugstores and at Sephora. Information: sephora.com

Tester: Rim, 30

“I have mixed skin that tends to be dry without any particular other issues and I use light makeup. I like products that act as both a makeup remover and a cleanser and I need to feel that my skin is well hydrated. Non negotiable: no parabens!"

Beauty products put to the test:
Lise Watier Hydra Smart – 3D Hydration Metamorphosis Cleansing gelée
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What is it?
Cleansing gelée which turns into ultra-fine oil when massaged on skin, and then, into a creamy emulsion upon contact with water. It is a soap-free formula, enriched with antioxidant blue lotus extract and moisturising peptides.

Verdict: “I used this product every night for a month and I found it very pleasant to apply! Its oily texture is soft and silky and I like that the product emulsifies when in contact with water. After using it, my skin felt moisturized and luscious, but I didn’t feel as cleansed as I would have liked.”

Downside: The makeup remover wasn’t effective enough for my skin type.

$24. Available at the Bay. Thebay.com

More beauty products put to the test on the next page…

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Tester: Félicité, 32

“ I have normal to mixed skin, weakened by the frequent use of abrasive products. I tend to get pimples and my skin turns red and easily reacts if I use scented or concentrated product. It’s not easy to find products that suit me!”

Beauty products put to the test:
Supreme cleansing foam from Sephora
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What is it? A foam that removes makeup and cleanses the complexion in one simple step. This cleanser tones skin while removing face and eye makeup. Its formula includes HydroSenn, a natural ingredient proven to deliver immediate and long-lasting hydration more effectively than hyaluronic acid.

Verdict: “I tested this product every night for a month. I thought it made my skin very soft after using it, without any irritation. The mousse was easy to spread and rinse and the light sugary cucumber smell was very soothing. I felt that the product got rid of my makeup properly, but I usually don’t remove my makeup everyday.”

Downside: “Although perfect for the summer, I wouldn’t use this product during the winter as my skin needs a richer treatment when temperatures are very cold.”

$7, available at Sephora. Sephora.com

Tester: Emma, 36

“My skin is normal and a bit sensitive, and tends to get a little red with pimples here and there. Besides applying a moisturizer daily and an exfoliating lotion every month, I don’t use very many products. However, I put on makeup every day. I thus need an efficient makeup remover that thoroughly cleanses.”

Beauty products put to the test:
Gentle exfoliator and oil-free acne wash from Neutrogena.
Neutrogena-Redness-Soothing-Scru.jpgWhat is it? A naturally derived moisturizing product with botanical extracts– aloe and chamomile – to help calm and soothe the skin.

Verdict:
“I like the granulated texture of the gel which softly exfoliates and seems to get rid of impurities. The fresh minty smell is soothing and reinforces the notion that the product is more pharmaceutical than it is cosmetic. Additionally, I feel that I have less impurities since I started using the product!”

Downside:
“Since the exfoliator is granulated, you have to remove your eye makeup using another product.”

$8.99, available at drugstores.

Two more facial cleansers get put to the test on the next page…

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Tester: Catherine, 40

“My skin is mixed with a little rosacea. I barely use makeup but I take care of my skin everyday by using a cleanser, eye cream as well as a moisturizer. I need an efficient product that is gentle enough to use every day.”

Beauty products put to the test:
Soap-free cleanser for problem-prone skin from Avene
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What is it? A gentle gel that regulates sebum secretion while respecting the pH of the skin. Enriched with pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo extract), which helps moisturize and Zinc gluconate and Avène thermal spring water, this product is specially geared towards young, difficult skin.

Verdict
: “This product, with its texture resembling a gel, is easy to apply and foams generously when in contact with water. You have to rinse your skin for a while to get rid of all the product, but it cleanses well and I like its lavender scent.”

Downside: “A tad too rich and concentrated for my skin type.”

$23.50 at drugstores and mass-market retailers.

Tester: Eleonore, 27

“My skin is normal but does get dry during the wintertime. I don’t have acne but I have a redhead’s skin – pale with freckles. I put on makeup every day. Remove makeup and cleansing my skin are my only daily beauty regiments. I thus choose my cleanser with care!

Beauty products put to the test:
Organic angelica cleansing gel from L’Occitane
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What is it? Non-comedogenic gel that foams when it contact with water. The product is enriched with water and essential oil of organic angelica, a plant that helps moisturize. It also preserves the skin’s hydrolipidic film – an essential protector against microbial aggression.

Verdict:
“I really liked this product! The soap is light when applied but seems richer when rinsed off. After using it, it leaves your skin feeling perfectly clean and soft. It has almost no scent which is perfect for me.”

Downside: ”None.”

$24. Available at L’Occitane, loccitane.com

Read more:
Nighttime skin care essentials
The best pore refining products
Foundations for flawless skin