CAROLINE HIRONS

How to double cleanse, with

Skin that’s pristinely primed for products is the gateway to a gorgeous complexion, and there’s no one more trusted for her cleansing protocol than skincare expert Hirons

‘People think double cleansing is a chore because you have to do it twice, but it just means making two gestures to skin – one to loosen up the make-up and dirt, the next to sweep it completely away. Lots of women do it instinctively. Say you’re using a make-up remover to dislodge mascara, followed by your favourite face wash – that’s double cleansing. (Using two face wipes doesn’t count, I’m afraid. In fact, wipes are the scourge of cleansing and should be reserved for festivals only!) My personal double cleansing preference – I believe it works for nearly everyone – is to use a balm, followed by a gentle face wash of some sort. Balms are hard to beat, as they need to be massaged in, which stimulates skin, they get rid of make-up – essential! – and they require you to be thorough when removing them. I always recommend a flannel rather than a muslin cloth for this. Flannels are heavier and hold the heat for longer. It means you don’t have to work them as hard, making them gentler on skin, and they feel nicer, too. As balms are so efficient at removing oil, they can be too much if your skin is ever feeling particularly dry or sensitive. In this case, use a cleansing milk, instead. Milks and creams feel old-fashioned but they’re less dehydrating, partly because they require less working off (the harder you have to work to remove something, the more drying it can be) and partly because they leave a ‘protective’ residue on skin. What you do after cleansing is also important. Never pat skin dry – you want that moisture window open for as long as possible. While skin is slightly damp, swipe on an acid toner – one you dispense from a bottle on to cotton wool or a pre-soaked pad – and follow with a good spritz of hydrating facial mist, before applying your usual skincare.’ TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm,

£47, and Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, £24, are both Hiron-endorsed classics. Clarins Cleansing Milk With Alpine Herbs, £21, has the extra benefit of softening and toning plant extracts. Zelens PHA+ Bio-peel Resurfacing Facial Pads, £65 for 50 pads, visibly brighten skin. Biologique Recherche Lotion P50, £45, is available in different formulations to suit all skin types. Balanceme Hyaluronic Plumping Mist, £16, is a beauty editors’ favourite.