Forgot To Stock Up On Cotton Pads And Need To Cleanse?

Our skin is a living sponge. During the day it does its best to protect itself, whilst at night it opens its pores so that it can breathe. Our skin's permeable, meaning it sucks up any grime in sight - including traces of make up that we haven't managed to remove. This means that if we don't cleanse, we risk getting spots, wrinkles and bags under our eyes. In other words cleansing both morning and night is a sure-fire to keeping our youthful looks. No negotiation on this one, girls! Seeing as we're banned from using lack of cotton pads as an excuse, you'll be pleased to know that there are loads of suitable cleansers that you can apply with your fingertips.

Cleansing oil: After smoothing it over your face, apply a few drops of water, lather it up using circular movements and rinse off. The oil will dissolve any grime and leave your skin squeaky clean. You can also use nourishing, soothing vegetable oils such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil and argan oil.

Cleansing lotion: Just pour a dollop onto your palm instead of a cotton pad. Massage it over your face, paying attention to heavily made up areas. Rinse well with warm water. This gentle massaging method kick-starts a process called 'hyperaemia' - it slightly raises our skin temperature allowing grime to be dissolved.

Cleansing balm: Put a small amount on your palm and let it warm up until it becomes oily in texture.

Gently massage it on to your face with your fingertips. Use this time to give your face a gentle, stimulating massage. Rinse off with warm water for a clean, soothed, glowing complexion. Massaging boosts water circulation in our cells and helps to oxygenate our skin tissue.

Cleansing gel: Massage on the gel with your fingertips and rinse with warm water so that any impurities are removed. Finish off by applying a toner to close any open pores.

Foaming cleanser: Being water-based these are great for normal and combination skin. They remove impurities and unclog pores. Soap-free and easy to use they can be quickly rinsed off. They immediately dissolve grime without harming skin, leaving it feeling fresh and comfortable.

Cleansing cream: Creamier than lotions or micellar water, cleansing creams are easily applied with your fingertips and nourish skin to leave it soft and glowing. They won't irritate your skin or leave it feeling tight and itchy - a one stop solution for those of us with sensitive or easily irritated skin.

Cleansing glove: A good alternative if you don't fancy using your fingertips, cleansing gloves are practical and easy to rinse. Just make sure it's nice and damp, otherwise you might harm your skin - the idea is to cleanse rather than exfoliate!