black owned fragrance brands

16 BEST CLEANSERS  FOR COMBINATION SKIN, ACCORDING TO DERM

Combination skin can be tricky. You might have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry cheeks, or flaky patches around your mouth but a shiny forehead. Finding the right cleanser is key to balancing your skin and keeping it healthy. Luckily, there are many great cleansers out there for combination skin. Here, we’ll round up 16 of the best, according to dermatologists, to help you find the perfect one for your unique needs.

CETAPHIL DAILY FACIAL CLEANSER FOR NORMAL TO OILY SKIN

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin is a gentle yet effective option for those with combination skin. Dermatologist-tested and formulated to be non-irritating, it cleanses without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This is crucial for combination skin, as it can help control shine in the oilier T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) without leaving cheeks dry or tight. This cleanser’s ability to balance oil production makes it a popular choice for those seeking a solution for their unique skin type.

CERAVE HYDRATING CREAM-TO-FOAM CLEANSER

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is another excellent choice for combination skin. Developed with dermatologists, this cleanser starts as a luxurious cream before transforming into a soft lather upon contact with water. This unique texture effectively removes dirt, oil, and even light makeup without stripping away essential moisture. Unlike some cleansers that leave skin feeling tight and dry, CeraVe’s formula gently cleanses while maintaining the skin’s natural hydration balance. This makes it ideal for combination skin, as it can address oiliness in the T-zone without compromising the comfort of drier areas.

LA ROCHE-POSAY TOLERIANE PURIFYING FOAMING CLEANSER

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser is a gentle cleanser formulated specifically for combination to oily sensitive skin. This fragrance-free cleanser uses a minimalist formula with La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water to soothe and calm irritation. It also contains glycerin to attract and retain moisture, preventing dryness. The cleanser’s gentle foaming action effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural balance. This makes it suitable for those with combination skin who experience sensitivity or dryness alongside oiliness.

NEUTROGENA ULTRA GENTLE DAILY CLEANSER – 16 OZ.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser comes in a larger 16 oz. size, making it a budget-friendly option for those who like to stock up. This fragrance-free cleanser is dermatologist-approved and clinically proven to be gentle enough for sensitive skin. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without leaving skin feeling stripped or tight. Neutrogena’s formula is designed to cleanse without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which is essential for combination skin. This cleanser can help keep your oily T-zone feeling refreshed without exacerbating dryness in other areas.

MA:NYO PURE CLEANSING OIL KOREAN FACIAL CLEANSER

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser comes in a larger 16 oz. size, making it a budget-friendly option for those who like to stock up. This fragrance-free cleanser is dermatologist-approved and clinically proven to be gentle enough for sensitive skin. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without leaving skin feeling stripped or tight. Neutrogena’s formula is designed to cleanse without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which is essential for combination skin. This cleanser can help keep your oily T-zone feeling refreshed without exacerbating dryness in other areas.

ANDALOU NATURALS 1000 ROSES CLEANSING FOAM

Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Cleansing Foam caters to those with combination skin seeking a natural solution. This gentle cleanser is infused with rose water and alpine rose stem cells, which help remove makeup, impurities, and dull surface skin cells. Pomegranate extract works to brighten and even skin tone, while hyaluronic acid and aloe vera keep your skin hydrated. This botanical blend cleanses without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it suitable for combination skin. The rose water base adds a refreshing touch, while the focus on botanical ingredients appeals to those who prefer natural skincare products.

MA:NYO PURE & DEEP CLEANSING FOAM

Ma:nyo Pure & Deep Cleansing Foam is a Korean skincare favorite known for its ability to cleanse combination skin effectively. This cleanser utilizes a 100% vegan formula that gently removes dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping away essential moisture. It contains a unique complex of 10 floral extracts that help soothe and soften the skin. This cleanser’s strength lies in its ability to balance oil production. It can help keep the T-zone shine-free without leaving cheeks or other areas feeling dry or tight. For those with combination skin seeking a gentle yet effective cleanser that caters to their specific needs, Ma:nyo Pure & Deep Cleansing Foam is a popular choice.

SIMPLE KIND TO SKIN MOISTURIZING FACIAL WASH

Simple Kind to Skin Moisturizing Facial Wash is a gentle cleanser designed for those with sensitive skin, including combination skin. This fragrance-free and dye-free formula prioritizes minimizing irritation. It cleanses effectively without stripping away natural oils, making it suitable for even the most delicate complexions. Packed with pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E, and triple-purified water, this cleanser helps keep skin hydrated and comfortable. Simple Kind to Skin Moisturizing Facial Wash is a great option for those with combination skin who experience sensitivity alongside areas of oiliness. It can cleanse the T-zone without disrupting the moisture balance in drier areas.

CURE AQUA GEL

Cure Aqua Gel is designed specifically for combination skin types, offering a balanced approach to skincare. Its formulation aims to address both dry and oily areas without causing imbalance. This product gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells and impurities to reveal smoother and clearer skin. By maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier, it helps to prevent dryness while controlling excess oil production. Ideal for daily use, Cure Aqua Gel provides a refreshing and revitalizing experience, promoting a more even complexion and a healthier overall appearance.

VANICREAM GENTLE FACIAL CLEANSER

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is a fragrance-free and dermatologist-recommended option ideal for combination skin. This cleanser prioritizes a non-irritating formula that cleanses effectively without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This is crucial for combination skin, as it can cleanse the oilier T-zone without leaving cheeks or other areas feeling dry or tight. Packed with ingredients like glycerin and caprylyl glycol, it helps attract and retain moisture, keeping your skin feeling comfortable throughout the day. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is a great choice for those with combination skin seeking a simple, fragrance-free cleanser that caters to their specific needs.

NEUTROGENA OIL-FREE SALICYLIC ACID ACNE FACE WASH AND FACIAL CLEANSER

The Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Face Wash and Facial Cleanser is a highly recommended skincare product that is designed to fight acne. Its potent formula, which includes salicylic acid, is meant to cleanse deep into the pores to clear the skin and even prevent future acne breakouts. Not only does it treat existing acne, but it also helps to prevent new ones from forming. This daily facial cleanser is specially designed to be gentle on the skin while still delivering powerful acne-fighting results. As a bonus, it also includes special skin soothers to prevent your skin from feeling dry after use. The product comes in special Care with Pride packaging and is available in a value two-pack. This facial cleanser is a wonderful option for those with acne-prone skin, designed to leave skin feeling fresh and clean.

YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE SUPERFOOD CLEANSER

Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser is a daily facial cleanser packed with beneficial superfoods. This product, brimming with green tea, spinach, and kale antioxidants, is designed to cleanse, balance, and nourish your skin. It effectively removes makeup, prevents pore buildup and supports your skin’s pH balance without drying or stripping it. This cleanser is also gentle on the skin, making it suitable for oily, normal, and combination skin types. It has been recognized for its excellent performance, winning Allure’s 2021 Best of Beauty Award. Furthermore, this cleanser does not contain sulfates SLS and SLES, making it a healthier choice for your skin. Available in both full-size and travel-size versions, the Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser complements any skincare routine, promoting clean and healthy skin.

SIO MULTIVITAMIN FACE & BODY SCRUB

SIO Multivitamin Face & Body Scrub is a fantastic product designed to rejuvenate your skin. This scrub is aimed at buffing away dull and dead skin while also smoothing fine lines. It contains Ultra-Fine Perlite, a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic microbeads. This component helps to sweep away flakes and rough patches, revealing smoother and brighter skin instantaneously. The scrub is also enriched with Vitamins A, C, E, and B5. These vitamins work together to plump, brighten, hydrate, and smooth your skin. This product is safe to use on the face, body, and even lips. It’s fragrance-free, making it suitable for people who are sensitive to strong scents. The scrub is also versatile and can be used to alleviate dryness and flakiness, leading to softer and healthier skin. Its rich and creamy texture makes the scrubbing process enjoyable while effectively exfoliating the skin. The SIO Multivitamin Face & Body Scrub is a fantastic addition to your skincare routine, helping you achieve renewed, radiant skin.

NEUTROGENA SKIN BALANCING PURIFYING GEL CLEANSER

Neutrogena Skin Balancing Purifying Gel Cleanser is a top-rated product that is perfect for normal to combination skin. The cleanser works effectively to remove pore-clogging dirt and impurities, while simultaneously smoothing and softening the skin. It targets 100% of pore-clogging dirt and impurities, ensuring your skin receives a deep cleanse. What sets this product apart is its ability to condition the skin while cleansing, maintaining the skin’s natural balance. It is a product from Neutrogena, a brand that is recommended by dermatologists and recognized for its commitment to skincare. This purifying face wash is also praised for its softening effects, making it a great addition to any skincare routine. The cleanser is paraben-free, soap-free, and sulfate-free, making it a safe choice for your skin. It comes in a 6.3 oz size, and has received positive feedback from users for its effectiveness.

CLARK’S BOTANICALS HEAL AND HYDRATE B3 CLEANSER

Clark’s Botanicals Heal and Hydrate B3 Cleanser is a wonderful skincare product that promises to purify and revive your skin. This foamy, creamy cleanser presents an innovative formula featuring microbubbles that deeply cleanse without causing any dryness. It is enriched with niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, and vitamin C, which work together to clarify your skin and minimize pores. The result is a bright, revitalized complexion that feels fresh and clean. This product doesn’t just cleanse your skin, it also offers hydration, making it stand out in the skincare market. Moreover, it’s a part of the Clark’s Botanicals range, a brand known for its high-quality skincare products. This cleanser has garnered positive feedback from users, with many praising its effectiveness in deep cleansing and hydrating. The Heal and Hydrate B3 Cleanser is a great addition to any daily skincare routine, delivering a deep clean while ensuring your skin stays hydrated and healthy.

SKINMEDICA AHA/BHA EXFOLIATING CLEANSER

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is an exceptional skincare product that combines alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids to exfoliate and improve the skin’s texture and tone. It is designed to gently scrub away dead skin, providing a deep cleanse that unclogs pores and enhances the appearance of the skin. The product contains round soft jojoba spheres that offer gentle exfoliation, along with lavender extract which tones and soothes inflammation. The cleanser also includes mildly astringent citrus oils that work to minimize large pores. This product is highly rated and well appreciated by users for its effectiveness in improving the skin’s tone and texture. It is recommended to use it as part of your daily skincare routine to achieve a smoother and brighter complexion. With its exfoliating properties and skin-improving ingredients, SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser promises to deliver noticeable results for your skin.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

When choosing a cleanser for combination skin, there are several key factors to consider. You should look for a cleanser that is gentle and won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Lightweight, non-comedogenic (i.e., won’t clog pores) products are typically a safe bet.

If your skin is acne-prone, consider a cleanser that contains salicylic and glycolic acid. Salicylic acid can help clear pores of debris and oils, preventing comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) from forming. Glycolic acid is useful for exfoliating and hydrating dry skin.

Avoid products that are too harsh or drying, as these can exacerbate oil production in the T-zone and further dry out the cheeks. Look for cleansers that effectively remove excess oil but still leave your skin feeling hydrated.

Also, consider the brand’s reputation and whether the product is dermatologist-recommended. Renowned brands like Neutrogena and La Roche-Posay offer cleansers specifically designed for combination skin.

Lastly, remember that everyone’s skin is unique, so what works for others might not work for you. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect cleanser for your combination skin.

HOW TO CLEANSE COMBINATION SKIN

Cleansing combination skin effectively involves a particular process and certain types of products to ensure both the oily and dry areas of your skin are cared for. Here’s how you can cleanse your combination skin:

  • Wet your face with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as it can dry out your skin and stimulate oil production in the oily areas.
  • Using your fingertips, apply a cleanser that’s specifically designed for combination skin. Some recommended products include Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser. These cleansers are gentle yet effective, ensuring your skin is thoroughly cleaned without causing irritation.
  • Use gentle circular motions to massage the cleanser into your skin. This will help to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin.
  • Rinse the cleanser off your face with lukewarm water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent any cleanser residue from clogging your pores.
  • Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing your face with the towel as this can irritate your skin. Also, be sure to change your face towel often to prevent bacteria transfer that can cause breakouts.
  • After cleansing, apply a moisturizer that’s suitable for combination skin. You may need two different moisturizers to hydrate and nourish the various parts of your face. A creamy formula is ideal for dry areas, and a lighter, oil-free moisturizer works well for the oily parts of your skin.

Remember, remember to cleanse your face at least once a day, preferably in the evening to remove the day’s buildup of oil, dirt, and makeup. However, your morning routine can be adjusted according to your skin’s needs. If your skin feels overly oily when you wake up, you can cleanse again. But if it feels comfortable, you might just rinse with water and then apply your moisturizer and other skincare products.

CONCLUSION

Let your skin ‘relax’ after hours of immersing yourself in foundations for combination skin. Finding the right cleanser for combination skin can feel like searching for the Holy Grail. But fear not! With this list of dermatologist-recommended cleansers, you have a great starting point to target both oily and dry areas and achieve a balanced, healthy complexion. Remember to consider your specific skin concerns—such as acne or sensitivity—when making your choice. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find the cleanser that perfectly complements your unique combination skin!

15 BEST NAIL COLORS FOR PALE SKIN

Are you in search of the perfect nail polish color to complement your skin tone? Choosing nail polish colors for pale skin can be challenging. However, even with fair skin, finding harmonious colors is essential. This article will introduce you to the 15 most exquisite nail colors, creating an ideal contrast to highlight the beauty of your nails against your fair skin. Read on!

ESSIE GLOSSY SHINE NAIL POLISH IN BALLET SLIPPERS

This exquisite pale pink nail polish is an ideal choice for those with fair complexions sporting cool undertones, making it among the top nail colors for pale skin. Adored by style mavens and influencers alike, it stands out as one of the finest nail polish shades for fair skin. Its easy application, flawless coverage, and the ability to achieve salon-quality nails at home have made it a favorite. Moreover, the trendy and timeless sheer pink hue can be effortlessly paired with a diverse range of looks. Delicate, pretty, and highly flattering on fair skin, this fragrance-free and streak-free polish is devoid of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, ensuring a gentle experience for your nails and skin.

SALLY HANSEN INSTA-DRI GAIN MO-MINT-UM

This polish effortlessly imparts stunning and luminous mint nails with just a single application. As a cherished brand in the world of nail polish, Sally Hansen consistently crafts products using premium-quality ingredients. Opting for their exquisite mint polish proves to be a stellar decision, especially if your fair skin exhibits cool undertones. Ideal for those seeking a quick manicure, the 3-in-1 formula, complete with a base and top coat, streamlines the application process to just one or two coats, ensuring a swift and convenient experience. The beautiful mint color not only offers a gorgeous hue but also guarantees an application that is both easy and hassle-free.

ZOYA NAIL POLISH IN DREAM (GLITTER BLUE)

Zoya’s dazzling, glitter-infused deep space blue polish is a stunning choice for cool fair skin. Contrary to the belief that fair skin exclusively pairs well with pastels and lighter shades, this deep blue polish, featuring cool undertones, proves to be an excellent option for those desiring a darker hue. Zoya’s glittery offering stands out as the perfect selection for a lively girl’s night out or a vibrant party. This polish not only presents a beautiful appearance but also applies smoothly, leaving behind a glossy and sparkling finish. Moreover, Zoya, a highly-rated brand, prioritizes the creation of a healthy nail polish that is free from all harmful chemicals.

BUTTER LONDON IN LONDON FOG

Gray is a fantastic decision, especially if you have cooler undertones. Timeless and classic, this shade has the ability to instantly enhance the appearance of your hands. This particular selection from the well-regarded Butter LONDON brings to mind the gentle and ethereal essence of London fog. Whether for everyday wear or a significant dinner date, this gray shade is perfect for various occasions. Additionally, Butter LONDON’s shock-resistant polymer technology ensures enduring wear and resistance to chipping. With built-in UV absorbers to prevent fading and diamond power to maintain a bright and vibrant color, this choice goes beyond the ordinary.

ESSIE NAIL POLISH SPRING COLLECTION IN YOU KNOW THE ESPADRILLE

Enhance the beauty of fair skin with warmer undertones by embracing a deep and vibrant yellow, exemplified perfectly in this delightful shade from Essie’s limited-edition collection. Designed for easy application, the polish features a durable formula and an easy-glide brush, ensuring a seamless and even finish. This particular hue stands out as one of the most captivating summer nail colors for pale skin, providing not only a stunning aesthetic but also long-lasting coverage for an enduring manicure. Its vegan and chemical-free composition adds to its appeal, making it an excellent and safe choice for everyday wear.

BEETLES GEL NAIL POLISH IN CARLY CORAL

For a durable and long-lasting option, your top choice should be gel polish, with Beetles standing out as one of the best-selling brands in this category. Specifically, their bright coral nail polish is a stunning match for fair skin with warm undertones, making it one of the finest spring nail colors. Keep in mind that, like many gel polish products, using this polish requires an LED lamp for curing, with each coat needing approximately 60 seconds. The outcome is a magnificent and glossy manicure that remains fresh and fabulous for up to 21 days.

SALLY HANSEN INSTA-DRI NAIL POLISH IN THAT’S A BLAZING!

For a bold and sexy red nail polish that flawlessly enhances your fair skin tone and warm undertones, opt for this vibrant shade. The striking red hue creates a captivating contrast against the lightness of your skin, beautifully complementing your warm undertones and establishing itself as an outstanding nail color for pale skin. Adding a rich vibrancy to your manicure, this nail polish’s 3-in-1 formula, complete with a built-in base and top coat, ensures simplicity in application. 

OPI NAIL LACQUER IN STAY OFF THE LAWN

Having fair skin doesn’t necessitate avoiding darker colors. Opting for a dramatic and bold polish, such as a beautiful deep green, can be an excellent choice. This particular polish from the renowned global brand OPI not only delivers a heavily pigmented dark green lacquer but also boasts being free of chemicals like formaldehyde, DBP, and toluene. The application is made easy with the patented pro-wide brush, providing a vibrant color that dries quickly and leaves a shiny and stunning finish.

DURI NAIL POLISH CLOUD TRUE BLUE

When compiling a list of the best nail colors for fair skin, it’s essential to include stunning pastels. Ideal choices encompass lilac, baby pink, or powder blue, exemplified by this soft shade from Duri. As a boutique brand hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Duri prioritizes the creation of high-quality nail polish and nail care products, specifically tailored for natural nails without acrylics and gel. The pastel blue variant effortlessly glides on with its wide fan brush, delivering full coverage and a glossy finish. Furthermore, its formulation is devoid of formaldehyde, DBP, and toluene.

ELLA AND MILA IN CUP O’LATTE

Ella and Mila have gained recognition for their creation of acetone-free nail polish products, designed to be gentle on your nails and skin, and their Cup O’Latte variant is no exception. This deep nude color is particularly well-suited for accentuating fair skin and neutral undertones, offering a smooth application that exudes style and elegance. Not only is it vegan, non-toxic, and cruelty-free, but it is also formulated with both nail health and the planet’s health in mind. The polish effortlessly glides on and boasts a long-lasting chip-free formulation for extended manicure wear.

ILNP IN TINSEL

Indulging in the allure of glitter polish is a universal joy, effortlessly imparting the ideal shimmer and shine to your nails, either as a standalone choice or paired with another color. Specifically curated for fair skin with neutral undertones, gold or silver glitter polish, such as this one from ILNP in Tinsel, works beautifully. The polish glides on smoothly, and the fine glitter contributes to a sleek and sophisticated finish. With a chip-resistant and long-wearing formulation, this glitter polish is not only vegan and cruelty-free but also remarkably easy to remove, addressing a common challenge associated with glitter polish.

WET N WILD WILD SHINE NAIL POLISH IN BURGUNDY FROST

While dark colors such as black and dark gray have the potential to work on fair skin, they often have the tendency to overshadow lighter skin tones, rendering them paler. Opting for deep reds like burgundy or plum is a more flattering choice for those seeking a darker hue. Wet n Wild’s rich burgundy variant stands out as a fantastic option for achieving a bold and sexy manicure. The polish effortlessly glides on, delivering a high-shine, glossy finish, and maintains its allure for up to five to six days with proper care. To extend its longevity, consider pairing it with a chip and fade-resistant top coat, such as Sally Hansen Dries Instantly Top Coat.

CÔTE NAIL LACQUER IN NO. 52

To evoke a post-vacation glow for your hands, opt for colors that transport you to a beach holiday. Choose bright, creamy hues reminiscent of tropical heat, such as citrusy oranges like Côte’s No. 52 or syrupy yellows. These vibrant shades not only capture the essence of a sunny getaway but also add a lively touch to your nails. On the flip side, opaque pastels can create a stunning contrast, making a tan pop with their airy and refreshing allure. These color choices not only bring a vacation vibe to your nails but, when paired with a durable top coat, can also maintain their vibrancy for an extended period.

SMITH & CULT NAIL POLISH IN TOKYO ECLIPSE 

Opting for deep and dark hues can have the opposite effect, seemingly reducing the appearance of the nail beds. Rich oxblood reds and burgundy shades, exemplified by Smith & Cult’s Tokyo Eclipse, work particularly well against light or fair skin tones. These intense and sophisticated colors not only add a touch of allure but, when paired with a long-lasting top coat, can ensure a polished and enduring look for your nails.

ORLY NAIL POLISH IN PARCS AND PARASOLS

To create the illusion of slimmer fingers, opt for nail polish shades that impart a lengthening effect. Choose subtle hues that not only complement your skin tone but also seamlessly blend with it, akin to the way nude heels enhance the appearance of legs. Finding the perfect nude shade is a personal journey, as it depends on the unique combination of your skin tone and undertones.

CONCLUSION

After providing you with 15 nail polish colors suitable for pale skin in this article, we hope you will broaden your horizons and explore various color palettes to highlight your unique undertones and personal style. From the sophistication of neutral tones to the vibrant sparkle of bright colors, the nail color collection is not only harmonious with your fair complexion but also a starting point for flexibility and creativity. We trust that, through this article, you will have more choices and ideas to create a distinctive and personality-reflecting nail polish collection.