I have quite a few things to tell you on the skincare front, both when it comes to products and my routine as a whole. When I started writing the skincare update, I realised it’s impossible to cover it all in one post with any level of detail. I have therefore broken the topic down into several pieces and first, I’m going to tell you about one of my favourite things ever – cleansers. These are all pricy ones, but there will be a couple of affordable alternatives in the upcoming posts.

1. Omorovicza Hydra Melting Cleanser. This has been on my wish list for a long time, as it sounds exactly like my thing – and it is. The texture is wonderful, it starts out as a gel-cream, turns oliy-balmy on the skin and washes easily off with warm water (I use a flannel, of course). The ingredients are lovely, with many nourishing oils and antiseptic sage and chamomile, although I wonder if the camphor bark might not be that great for the most sensitive skins. I love the slightly medicinal smell and the pump packaging is perfect. It has only two flaws, one specific to my tastes and one universal. First, while it does remove eye makeup, it is not as good at it as my favourite first cleansers. This is not a problem if you use it as a second cleanse or in the mornings, but I usually like this type of cleanser to be my first step. The second, rather obvious, issue is that it’s insanely expensive. You know I have a pretty high tolerance for expensive skincare, but 90 euros/65 pounds for a cleanser really is pushing it. If you are a cleanser addict like me, can afford it and feel the craving, you will probably enjoy it – it really is beautiful. I have used it pretty much every day since I got it, but doubt I will ever repurchase (at least at full price).

2. Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser. This is another cleanser I’ve wanted to try for ages, probably even longer than the Omorovicza one, as that has been around only for a couple of years. Victoria Beckham used to mention Amla as one of her favourites, so of course I took note. The texture is a very liquid gel and it comes in a beautiful glass bottle with a pump. This is definitely a second cleanse for me, as it has acids and enzymes, to exfoliate. It also foams slightly, although this is a level of foam I can tolerate. In any case, this is something I would use on my skin only and not to remove eye makeup. I would also not use it on sensitive or sensitised skin, but if your main concerns are texture, dullness and congestion, this is a great option. The main problem, again, is the price. I got it on Feelunique with 50% off (it was 64 pounds there originally and 71 euros on Net-a-Porter; it’s a bit more affordable in the States, as it’s a US brand) and that, I think, would be the price I would be willing to pay: it is very good, but not exceptional. As things stand, if you want a high-end cleanser that cleans thoroughly, exfoliates and brightens, go with Tata Harper Purifying. It is the same price, more than twice the size and does a better job.

3. Leahlani Pamplemousse Tropical Enzyme Cleansing Oil. Leahlani is a lovely Hawaiian brand that has a nice selection of happy products in pretty colours. The cleansing oil is no exception, it is a stunning bright yellow and smells like some unknown sweet tropical citrus fruit. The consistency is relatively light and I think has a bit of a dry oil feel. I am, however, very picky with my cleansers (I have used so many that my standards are high) and I really want my cleansing oils to destroy makeup and this one doesn’t do that. I’ll get there eventually, but I don’t think one should spend this much time trying to get your eye makeup off. Sometimes I mix it with Leahlani’s Bless Balm to boost the cleansing prowess, but mostly I use it as a morning cleanse these days. It works perfectly well for that. Again, as this is an expensive cleanser (53 pounds on Cult Beauty), I am hesitant to recommend it, despite its pros. However, if you are someone who likes the ritualistic element of skincare and appreciates products made in small batches and using organic ingredients, these arguments might easily make it a right choice for you. I will happily use it up, but will not buy a new bottle.

So in the end, no 100% winners in this round, although if anyone offered me a lifetime supply of the Hydra Melting Cleanser, I would gladly accept. As always, keep in mind that my reviews are informed by my own preferences and peculiarities (it seems that my lashes really like to hold on to every mascara atom) and I tend to be rather critical, especially when talking about pricy products. If you have tried any of these, let me know what you thought. And if you’ve found any amazing cleansers lately, please share!