Does it have to be Clarins cleanser and does it matter if I use a different moisturiser?

[TheProvincialLady]

I had a lovely Clarins facial last week and was given some free samples of cleanser and toner, which have done wonders for my skin as well as the bi-serum (or something that sounds like that) which I bought. Until now I have always used a facewash and moisturiser.

So I have nearly used up the samples and will need to buy something soon. Is the massive difference I have found due to the particular Clarins products, or is it more likely just because I have swapped to using cleanser and toner? I can afford the Clarins stuff but if a cheaper product will do the same job I will buy that instead.

And also, do I need to switch to Clarins moisturiser for best effect? I wasn't given a free sample and have been using my usual Estee Lauder daywear. I am wary of trying something new as daywear is the only moisturiser I have ever used that doesn't give me spots, but they must have used Clarins moisturiser in the facial and I didn't get spotty from that.

Sorry for the rambling, but does anyone get what I am on about and know the answer, please?

I'm addicted to products, utterly addicted but I'm done with wasting money if they don't actually work ( might be growing up...)
I've started using the Olay 2 in 1 wash cloths for sensitive skin
They foam when you add water to them and have been miraculous. I didn't want to believe it.

(my friend uses clarins Shea butter cleanser and loves though)

Oh me too. They gave me a free sample of the exfoliating scrub too but it is no better than a soap and glory one somebody gave me a few weeks ago, so I won't be buying that. It's just that I'm new to using cleanser and toner so I don't know if the lovely effect is because it's Clarins or because it's cleanser/toner, IYSWIM.

I know I've been banging on about them but give the Olay washcloths a try...just rinse afterward with warm water
Only a few £

They do sound good. I'm just a bit reluctant to go back to using something with water as that is what I have always done and the difference since swapping to cream cleanser is quite striking.

The Simple products are very good (as a general rule) and cheap enough to try out on a whim. But, if you like the Clarins and you can afford it, stick with it!

Oh, and WRT moisturiser, you can use whatever you like, yes. The only 'danger' is a scent clash.

How are you removing the cleanser? Removing with a muslin (aka Eve Lom method) will boost the results amazingly, whatever cleanser you use.

(must learn to write complete post before posting)

I liked the warm water pat dry scenario! Old Skool
I found Simple too simple ha

I am removing the cleanser with copious amounts of toner. Is that wrong?! I thought that was what toner is for. When you say remove with a muslin, do you mean getting a wet hot mulsin and leaving it on for a moment before wiping off?

Yes, wrong!
You should remove the cleanser with either warm water, cotton wool or a muslin (just the way you said). Toner after that to remove the last traces of cleanser and tone.
If you use foundation you should really do the cleanser step twice...

...unless you're using something to remove your makeup before you start cleansing, of course.

I seldom use foundation and if I did I would use lashings of cheap Boots cleanser first. Thanks for telling me that I am doing it wrong! I do use cotton wool.

Ah, it's not that wrong. Wouldn't do any harm but wouldn't have any benefit either.

You going to stick with Clarins? TBH if it's working I'd be wary to change.

Yes I think I will stick with it for that reason. I have been very impressed. I'm going to have a facial every other month. Hell I'd sleep with the beautician if it meant I looked younger and less haggard again.

Am going to stick with the daywear moisturiser though. I can live with scent clash (none of the products are very scented anyway and they are all plant-y).