Oil-based Cleansers and Why They Work

So we're all a little confused when someone says "oh you have oily skin? Maybe you should use some more moisturizer!" or "try something oil-based!" Seems like it's defeating the purpose, right? If the skin is oily, do we really need to add more oil? I mean it's already keeping it hydrated, right?
Actually, it's true! The way it works is kind of like when you're cooking: if you're adding oil to something water-based, the oil sticks together. You stir it up, it separates, but eventually if you leave it alone, the oil will come back together. It works the same way on your skin! Oil attracts oil, so using an oil-based cleanser will pull excess oil out of your pores, and then when you wipe (not rinse) it away, it will take all the excess oil with it, leaving you with soft, healthy skin. 
Now, here's why you can't just rinse it away like soap-based products: the oil isn't going to dissolve in water the way ingredients in soaps will. It will remain on the surface of the skin, leaving you looking shiny, and you'll feel oily and no one wants that! What I like to do with my oil-based cleansers is to wet a washcloth with really hot water, ring it out until it's damp, and lay it over my face for a few seconds to steam it. Once I feel my pores open up, I wipe the cleanser away with the same washcloth, then I immediately use my toner and moisturizer.
Yes, you still need moisturizer! An oil cleanser is going to leave you feeling more hydrated, but not to the extent that your skin needs. As much as I hate to say it, if your skin feels too oily the first few days, you can skip your moisturizer (but I really, really don't recommend it!).
So here's what I use in my routine:
LUSH's Ultrabland (of course, if you read my blog religiously, you know I've been absolutely obsessed with this stuff.)

It has lots and lots of almond oil, rose water, beeswax...it's basically everything your skin needs to be soothed and beautiful.
Then I use my Eau Roma water toner water from LUSH as well, and I follow with Gorgeous moisturizer!
I was having serious trouble with my skin a few weeks ago and I think it was because I was stressing my skin out with tons of products. I downsized my routine to just 3 products twice a day (I do the exact same routine twice in one day, no product changes) and it has done wonders. If your skin just needs a break, try this routine and see how it works for you!
There are tons of oil-based cleansers out there, you don't just have to use the Ultrabland. Do some research and find out that sounds like it would be good for your skin type! Good luck beauties!

Ultrabland Review

Hi beauties! I have another review for you today for a product that after this week I might just be a little bit obsessed with.
LUSH Cosmetics' Ultrabland!

This stuff has become my beauty holy grail. It is a cream cleanser, which means that it most definitely doesn't lather. How I like to use it: I wash my hands thoroughly and make sure they're really clean. I scoop a quarter-sized amount of Ultrabland into my hands and rub them together, then rub in circular motions from my jawline to my forehead...making sure to wipe over my eyes and remove my makeup.
(Yes guys, this stuff removes makeup better than a makeup remover wipe...in my own opinion of course)
All you have to do from there is take a damp cotton pad and wipe off the excess. I personally love the exfoliating cotton pads that I get from Target, I just feel cleaner afterwards.
It has lots of almond oil, honey, and beeswax to nourish the skin and rose water to soothe. Somehow, this cleanser works for everyone. It was originally created for one of LUSH's founders when she went to Liz Wier (another founder of LUSH) and begged for something that would help with her excema on her face. They came up with Ultrabland on the spot and it has become a LUSH best-seller ever since.
With good reason. I'm giving this product a 1000/10, it has evened my skin tone and cleared up blemishes in a week. I've used this every night for the last 5 nights, and the ridiculous turnaround in my skin is hardly even explainable. I can't thank LUSH enough for making such an insanely beautiful product.
Don't let the texture and thickness turn you off, beauties, at least take a sample of this baby home and take your makeup off with it. Let me know how it goes!