Cleanser Reviews - Origins, Garnier, Bliss and More

I try out many cleansers during the year here is another group review for five of them

Origins Modern Friction cleansing stick is the first stick cleanser I have ever tried. When I saw it at Marshalls for 12 bucks, I reckon it would be perfect for travelling but I didn't pack it as it was too big and heavy for a 10-day trip. I started using it in spring and found it rather nifty. 

The product is essentially a softened soap in a stick that you can rub onto your face directly - The smell is a little oat-like and there are some grainy particles to gently exfoliate, the particles are sparse and dull enough that I can use it daily without any irritation. I usually just rub it in like a deodorant, add water. It gives a very creamy lather and rinses clean (neither squeaky nor filmy). It's a pretty good product that you can use as first (sunscreen removal) and second cleanser. Pretty good for 12 bucks. 

Ingredients 

The Garnier Skin Active 2-in-1 facial mask and scrub is a somewhat new (it's around 9 bucks but I layered two coupons for it at CVS) - The scrub looks a and feel like sorbet (but isn't cooling) and stays that way as I rub it on my face, neither dissolving or melting like other sugar mask. 

The ground apricot seed is small and round, while it doesn't irritate skin, it's not that effective and the small granules easily get into my eyes.  The scent is exactly like their day time moisturizer with some fake apple-fruity notes. 

Verdict - Do Not Like.

CVS house brand Charcoal and Black Sugar mask -  This is almost identical to Freeman Black Sugar and Charcoal Mask,  a thick, grainy sugar mask that's hardcore but not irritating on face(when used once or twice a week during summer)  - The difference are the scents (Freeman is stronger and more sugary), Freeman seems more self warming and while CVS one is made in Korea, Freeman is made in USA. The regular retail for CVS is near 5 bucks (but I get a 40% off coupon every week) and the Freeman is between 3.5 (Amazon) and 4.5 (at Harmon). So I just buy whatever that's cheaper at the moment. 

Walgreen Micellar Cleansing Water (found it  for 2 bucks on clearance) is something I use to remove swatches of eyeshadow and lipsticks. It's just a teeny bit thicker than regular water and feels slightly moisturizing  (but not yet sticky) on the skin. It does its job fine but isn't amazing (there are thinner more refreshing ones out there). For 2 bucks, not gonna complain. 

Bliss Makeup Melt Gentle Jelly Cleanser with Rose Flower (available at CVS for $12) looks like a slightly cheaper dupe for Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser but the similarity stops at packaging.  

The consistency is a very runny gel like watered down vaseline and it feels thin on the skin. The supposed rose scent is more medicinal than floral and while it's not bad at cleansing, it stings the area around my eyes every time I use it. Consider my skin barrier is usually very healthy during summer, I imagine it will be even harsher during winter. I might end up using it as sunscreen remover on my arms.