Beauty Bits

I’ve always been a skincare lover and enjoy testing new products in my routine regularly. But over the past few years, I’ve noticed a major shift in how my skin looks and feels even when using my favorite products. As my skin matures, I’ve had to really change up my skincare routine and reevaluate all the products I use. I used to have an oily/combination skin type but it has slowly moved to a more dry and dull skin type as the years go by. I realize that mature skin does in fact have different needs and so I have been experimenting with products to find formulas that really work well for this new phase of my life.

It’s important as we age to find products that nourish and protect the skin. Even with our cleansers which may seem to be such a temporary part of our skincare routine, it’s essential to find formulas that provide extra support and added benefits for the skin rather than just providing a cleanse. And the great news is that there are so many amazing brands and formulations that offer this! In today’s post, I am going to share a round-up of the best facial cleansers that would be perfect for mature skin.

12 Best Facial Cleansers For Mature Skin

Cleansing may seem like an inconsequential step in one’s skincare routine but it can truly make a huge difference in how your skin looks and feels if done correctly. It’s important to find face cleansers that target your concerns and skin type so that you can ensure your skin is well prepped to benefit from the rest of your skincare routine.

Why Is It Important to Cleanse Your Face For Mature Skin?

Boost product absorption

This may be a benefit that you may not think of but cleansing the skin properly allows the rest of your skincare routine to absorb effectively thus getting better results from your products. Your serums, milky essences (my favorite is the Rhode Glazing Milk – full breakdown in my Rhode skin review) and even moisturizers will all work better on cleansed skin.

Remove dirt and environmental damage

While you may only think you are removing makeup each time you cleanse your skin, you are also removing any pollutants on the face. Even if you only swipe a micellar water over your face quickly to remove any dirt and debris, it is better than nothing!

Keep the skin balanced

It’s important to cleanse the skin to keep it balanced. Depending on your skin type, this can involve removing excess oil or helping nourish the skin.

Reduce aging

Even though a cleanser is rinsed off after using, ensuring your skin is clean and balanced contributes to the overall health of the skin. Often the focus is on serums and active ingredients to help address anti-aging concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, but cleansing the skin properly is still one of the best ways to keep the skin looking fresh and glowing.

Prevent breakouts

While I don’t break out as much as I did when I was younger, I still experience breakouts from time to time. Mature skin can still break out so using a cleanser daily is key to helping prevent clogged pores.

Improve skin texture

You don’t have to use an exfoliating cleanser specifically to improve skin texture. Sometimes just massaging a cleanser into the skin can be a gentle enough exfoliation to remove dead skin cells which can help to reduce textured skin over time. Also removing your cleanser with a damp wash cloth is another way to help improve skin texture each time you cleanse.

What Is the Best Cleanser for Mature Skin?

Best Facial Cleanser for Dry Mature Skin

Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm

I’ve been using the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm for nearly 10 years and loved it from my very first use. It’s one of the best cleansers to remove makeup (even waterproof makeup) and leaves my skin feeling nourished, moisturized and soft. None of that “squeaky clean” feeling that often cleansers will leave me with – which often means it has stripped my skin of all the necessary moisture and oils leaving it dry and dehydrated. A really good cleansing balm should give a thorough deep clean without stripping the skin.

What makes the Elemis cleansing balm so effective is its various essential oil and plant oil ingredients that clean the skin while still leaving it balanced and nourished. It is also mineral-oil free and suitable for ALL skin types. There is a scent to it and if that is something that could bother you or your skin, there is a fragrance free version that is a great option.

Tatcha Rice Polish Gentle

This may not be a traditional exfoliating cleanser, but it is one of my all time favorite formulas. The Tatcha Rice Polish Gentle is a  gentle rice enzyme powder suitable for those with dry skin. My skin is only slightly dry, but I like using this one because it feels the best on my skin. It contains licorice root extract to keep the skin calm and prevent tightness or flakiness. It’s not a cleanser suited for removing makeup, but rather a second cleanse or exfoliating step. After you have removed your makeup or done your first cleanse, you would then use the Tatcha rice enzyme powder. The powder is water activated so you will need to mix a bit of water with the powder in your hands and massage onto the face.

This new formulation has a more finely ground form of rice bran in it along with papaya enzymes and Japanese superfoods. The papaya enzymes help to promote natural skin turnover and the Japanese superfoods – green tea, rice and algae work to restore radiance. Additionally the powders have a pH neutral base which means they won’t strip the skin of any moisture or break the skin’s moisture barrier which could leave it feeling dry or uncomfortable.

OneSkin Prep Facial Cleanser (discount code: MAREE15)

I love all of the products from OneSkin and this cleanser is another hit from them! It is a gel texture but feels really unique and silky. In addition to giving my skin a great cleanse, it has gentle enzymes that help remove dead skin cells and impurities. Especially with mature skin, exfoliation is so important to help the skin look and feel its best. Additionally, this formula contains arnica extract which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps stimulate microcirculation. Prickly pear extract provides that gentle exfoliation while Japanese honeysuckle extract provides an antibacterial and detoxifying benefit. This cleanser offers so many great benefits for those with mature skin!

Skinfix Ceramide + Ecotin Gentle Gel Cleanser

This is a gorgeous pH-balanced gentle gel cleanser that gives a really nice deep clean while still maintaining the skin’s barrier and protecting its natural lipids. It’s a gel to foam cleanser that feels super creamy and refreshing while not stripping the skin. It says it can be used for normal, dry, oily or combination skin types but I feel like its a great nourishing option for those with dry skin who still love a gel foaming cleanser.

Experiment Plasma Wash

As someone who LOVES a unique texture especially when it comes to cleansers, the Experiment Plasma Face Wash is favorite of mine. It’s technically a gel cream but has a jelly-like feel to it. It is chock full of super nourishing ingredients to really support those with mature dry skin types. This formula uses glycerin depositing compounds that delivers moisture that remains on the skin even after you rinse. It doesn’t leave a film but it makes the skin feel intensely nourished and supple much like a serum or moisturizer would do. It’s quite a unique cleanser and one that is fantastic for those with dry mature skin.

Best Cleanser for Mature Sensitive Skin

Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm

It says you can use it to remove makeup and while it is effective at doing so, I personally have been using as my second cleanse to really allow the nourishing ingredients to go right on my bare skin. It helps to restore moisture to the skin and replenishes the skin barrier. In fact, it is one of the smoothest and most luxurious cleansing balms I have ever tried. And my skin was left feeling like I had done an entire skincare routine on it. My face felt so soft, so smooth, moisturized and very supple. Though it is designed for those with dry, mature or sensitive skin, I really think other skin types could benefit from using it. It delivers such nourishing results to the skin and maintaining the skin barrier is very important to keeping the skin healthy and balanced.

La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

This cleanser could fall both in the dry skin and sensitive skin category because of how gentle and nourishing it is. It’s a cream texture that feels moisturizing and soothing yet still gives the skin a really deep clean. Some of the key ingredients are the La Roche-Posay thermal spring water which is rich in antioxidant properties. Additionally there is ceramide-3 which is a natural component of the skin barrier and glycerin which moisturizes and hydrates the skin. As someone who really focuses on protecting and strengthening my skin barrier, this cleanser is a must have!

Best Facial Cleanser for Mature Oily/Combination Skin

Colleen Rothschild Balancing Gel Cleanser

This is a staple cleanser for my skincare routine and one that I have repurchased numerous times.  It’s refreshing in scent and texture and really provides a great second cleanse without drying the skin or making it feel tight. It does foam up after adding water but thankfully it leaves my skin actually felt balanced and well hydrated. Since my skin is more dry, all of the cleansers in this category will be great for oily/combination skin but also work well on dry skin since I use and love them all.

Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm

The texture of this balm is much more stiff and not as oily as other cleansing balms such as the Elemis Pro-Collagen. For many that is a major selling point because they may not like the oiliness of the Elemis and this is a great alternative. It is just as effective as the Elemis cleansing balm but isn’t as intensely nourishing. Often those with oily or combination skin types need a cleansing balm to effectively remove makeup, but may not prefer an oily texture so this is a great option.

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

This cleansing balm has an almost identical texture to the Farmacy but is a touch more creamy. Not as oily as the Elemis so my skin doesn’t feel as moisturized afterwards, but still does an amazing job at removing every last stitch of makeup. And it’s a great price point!

Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser

I’m hesitant to put this cleanser under the oily/combination category only because as someone who has dry skin, this gel cleanser is an absolute moisturizing dream! But it also works really nicely for those with oily/combination skin because it really helps to purify the skin and give it a wonderful cleanse. One of the main ingredients is glycerin which is a powerhouse hydrator, while the gentle cleansing complex in the formula helps to remove impurities without stripping the skin.

Tula Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser

Another beautiful gel cleanser that would be great for those with oily/combination skin types but still works well for those with dry mature skin too. Especially if you struggle with enlarged pores or texture, this is a great cleanser for targeting those concerns. The formula contains probiotic extracts which maintain balance, chicory root to nourish and turmeric/white tea/blueberry to improve texture. This is a top seller for Tula and for good reason. It can be used to remove makeup but I prefer to use as my second or morning cleanse.

I went from having almost all powder blushes with one or two cream blushes, to now having almost nothing BUT cream blushes in my makeup bag. Cream blush formulations have come so far over the past few years and there are so many different textures and options now that there is definitely something for everyone. My skin used to be primarily combination so I was always hesitant to use cream blushes because I was worried that would be too creamy or get too shiny throughout the day. Now there are cream blushes for all skin types and they are almost exclusively what I use every single day in my makeup routine.

I’m in my mid 40’s now so my skin is much more dry and textured so I have found cream blushes to work the best and look the best on my skin.  Cream blushes are incredibly easy to use and blend and can give the face a healthy flush without looking like you are wearing too much makeup. Merit Beauty Flush Balms have been on my radar for a long time and I finally got to test the formula and see how it compares to all the buzz surrounding them!

Merit Beauty Flush Balm Review

If you are unfamiliar with Merit Beauty, it’s a relatively newer brand to the market and is a focused on providing products that are easy to use and perfect for everyday wear. They call themselves a modern minimalist brand with products that are “impossible to mess up” and I definitely agree with that. Most of their formulations are user-friendly and moderately pigmented so you will get a very natural makeup look with them. Nothing is too dramatic and the shades they offer are all relatively neutral.

The Merit Beauty Flush Balms have become particularly popular because of their ease of use, chic packaging and lit-from-within finish that they give to the cheeks. I have definitely become a fan now that I’ve been using them for quite a while but I definitely feel they are best suited to the customer who wants a very sheer and natural look. I’ll share an in-depth review of them in this post, who they would be work for and whether I think they are worth adding to your makeup collection.

About the Merit Beauty Blush Balm

The Merit Beauty Blush Balm is a cream blush designed to give a tint to the cheeks and a “lit-from-within” finish to the skin. The texture is very emollient and balm-like so it melts into the skin. Microfine pigments provide a touch of color without covering up your natural skin texture. They claim it is a long-wearing buildable formula that leaves a gorgeous glow on the skin that’s never cakey or heavy. I agree with most of this but I don’t agree that it is a long wearing formula.

Because of it’s exceptionally creamy and balm-like nature, it does move around on the skin and slowly fades throughout the day. This is not a deal breaker for me because I love how it makes my cheeks look and I don’t often need my makeup to last 10-12 hours but it is worth mentioning if you need something to stay put for long periods of time, this may not be the best option for you. The way it makes my cheeks look and the color options are absolutely beautiful so I do reach for it quite often. And as my skin gets older, I prefer a creamy cheek color because it looks healthier and gives me a more fresh-faced look. Here’s a more in-depth breakdown of the formula and how it performs.

Shade Range

The Merit Flush Balm shades are absolutely stunning and there are 13 different options to choose from. From vibrant pops of color, to everyday neutral shades and then classic pink options for those who want a subtle flush. The range is quite inclusive in my opinion but since the shades are quite sheer, they could expand a bit more for those with deep dark skin tones.

Ingredients

This is primarily a makeup product and not necessarily a skincare/makeup hybrid but there are certain ingredients that do help to provide nourishment to the skin. One of the Merit Flush Balm ingredients in vitamin e which helps to condition the skin and is one of the reasons I love it for mature and dry skin types.

Pigment

While the description does state these blushes to be buildable, this really only applies to the shades that are more vibrant and rich in color. Some of the more subtle and paler blush shades are very sheer and won’t provide a ton of color payoff even if you apply it a few times. Also, it’s worth noting that due to the balm-like texture of the blush, it’s best to build up the color when the first application has fully dried down. If you apply it too soon after the first swipe, the color will just move around and not necessarily build up in richness. As someone who has very fair skin, I actually prefer the bolder and more vibrant blush shades because they give the most perfect amount of flush to my cheeks!

Longevity

These are not long wearing in my opinion and often wear off after 5-6 hours. As I shared earlier, this is not a deal breaker for me because I often only need my makeup to last that long but if you do, these may not be the best option for you. For a longer wearing cream blush option, read my Rhode Pocket Blush review and my review on the best cream blush for mature skin.

Texture

As the name implies, these are a balm so they are very emollient and creamy. They are easy to apply and blend out effortlessly.

Skin Type

The Merit Beauty Flush Balms are a dream for those with dry or mature skin types. They look absolutely beautiful. For those with oily or combination skin types, they may be a tad too dewy or creamy on the skin.

Price Point

Merit Beauty is a mid-range beauty brand with price points that are a bit higher than drugstore but still less than luxury brands. The Flush Balms are $30 for .31 oz.

Is Merit Beauty Worth It?

This really depends on what you want out of your makeup and how you want it to perform. All of Merit Beauty’s formulations are best for creating an easy everyday makeup look. All the shades offered are very neutral and subtle, and the focus is on enhancing your natural features while still allowing your skin to show through. They don’t do a ton of new launches and stick to a core group of products that you can use to create a polished makeup look. If this is something you are looking for then I definitely think you will LOVE the entire Merit Beauty line.

How To Apply Merit Flush Balm?

Apply directly to your cheeks

The rounded dome shape of the blush makes it perfect for applying directly to the cheeks.

Blend with fingers or a brush

I always prefer to blend my makeup with a brush but because this formula is so sheer and easy to work with, it does easily blend out using fingers.

Allow the blush to set

Because this is a creamy balm-like product, you need to wait until it has dried down a bit before you apply a second layer if you are trying to build up the color. If you apply product too quickly, it will simply move around on the cheeks instead of building up the color payoff.

Merit Flush Balm Swatches

I love all the shades of the Merit Beauty Flush Balm Cream Blush that I have though I find myself reaching for Rouge the most. It is the perfect pop of color for my cheeks that gives my face the most gorgeous flush. Here is a quick rundown of all the shades available and a description of each:

• Le Bonbon – bright pink
• Lusitano – soft peach
• Stockholm – baby pink
• Rouge – sheer red
• Postmodern – deep pink brown
• Bespoke –  medium pink brown
• Terracotta – warm creme
• Fox – warm taupe
• Persimmon – soft orange red
• Archival – cool mauve
• Beverly Hills – soft peach pink
• Cheeky – cool pink
• Apres – soft berry

Where to Buy Merit Beauty Flush Balm?

• Merit Beauty
• Sephora
• Kohl’s