Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes – review
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I have a few good beauty habits, and a few no-so-good ones. I am the very proud owner of a Clarisonic, but I don’t use it twice a day. I occasionally sleep with my contacts in, I don’t always moisturize at night and use make-up way past it’s expiration. Don’t judge me, rocks and stone houses and all, something tells me the members of we heart this practice a few beauty don’ts as well. And thanks to the good folks at Simple Skin Care, we have a new weapon in our fight against one of the worst sins of all – falling asleep without a thorough washing.
This is one beauty routine where I earn high marks. I’m diligent at removing any make-up every night regardless of my mental or physical state. I learned the hard way that if I don’t my skin will reward me by breaking out. I discovered the wonders of make-up removing wipes a few years ago and I’ve been addicted to them ever since. I pluck out a wipe and remove my make-up, my skin feels clean and smooth prior to going to sleep and I don’t feel guilty about being lazy in the AM. And of course, the biggest bonus, I don’t have gigantic pimples or yucky blackheads – well at least not more then normal.
When I received the nice little trial packet of Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes I was tickled pink. The people behind Simple are known as the sensitive skin specialists and they have created 100% oil and alcohol free make-up removing (including waterproof mascara) wipes packaged in a handy travel size pouch (5 wipes per pouch). These wipes contain no perfume, no dyes and are dermatologically approved.
I’m giving these cleansing cloths bonus points for the thickness of the wipes and the slightly textured surface, which allows for complete removal of foundation, face powder – even mascara with a bit of time and gentle rubbing.
In business for almost 50 years, this company started off simple (hee) with a few pharmacist-developed offerings, including color-free soap, which was sought after by those with for sensitive skin. As the product line increased, the philosophy remained and Simple never uses harsh chemicals, colors or perfumes in its skin care. They continue to work with the purest possible ingredients to ensure quality products, even for those with most sensitive skin. Top that all off with accessible prices and it’s simple to maintain your daily beauty routines with Simple Skin Care!
One caveat? This European cult favorite (the cleansing cloths are bloody popular in England) may be hard to find in the U.S. Lucky NYC readers, however can check out the line at their local Duane Reade Drugstore.
Testers – are you ready to fly overseas (or take Manhattan) to get your hands on more Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes?
11/16/09 Good News! Simple is on its way to the States. Visit their US site to register and be the first to know when it’s finally here.
So I always start out giving every product 5 stars and if needed I work my way down as I do my trial. Simple Wipes started as a 5 for me – no harsh chemicals, simple (hah) packaging, removes make-up even waterproof mascara as promised. Note that the mascara isn’t just going to come in one swipe of a wipe but it will come off.
I took 1/2 star off because I’d like to see a more substantial travel pack maybe 10 wipes. Reason being that once you whip this dandy little pack out of your purse after a girls night out at least one other person wants one.
However they got 1/2 star back because they stay moist. This is a biggie for me because the line I’ve been devoted to for years actually tells you to flip them upside down in the package so they don’t dry out. I’ve forgotten once or twice and had to throw about 20 wipes away. The brand I love isn’t exactly budget friendly either so the fact that Simple is cost friendly and has more reliable packaging that can withstand being in my make-up bag of my purse is huge.
I love make-up removing wipes, the line I’ve been devoted to for years doeesn’t have a travel size it’s a gigantic baby wipe size pouch and when I travel I either have to take the entire thing or pull a bunch out and put them in a Ziploc bag. Who needs another baggie when traveling?
Sadly I had to take 1 star off for availability in the US. I’d probably buy these at Target once a month if available.
So overall 4 stars from me, just wish I could buy them here in PA.
I am the self-proclaimed master of wipes. Seriously, I think I’ve tried ever brand under the sun, and in my recent attempt to save money, I’ve switched over to fragrance-free baby wipes to remove my makeup/cleanse my face when I’m feeling lazy on the couch in front of the TV at 11:00 at night (oh what a glamorous life I lead!).
So when I received these wipes for review, I was happy because I have a LOT to compare them to.
What I like: They are gentle. No stinging, to dryness after use. I also like that, as suzan mentioned, they stay moist in the package. A HUGE plus. And you know what, they do a heck of a job removing my makeup, including mascara (note: I don’t use waterproof mascara so your mileage may very here). Also, the cloth itself is nice and soft, and I love that these are fragrance free and leave no icky film on your face afterward (more than I can say about certain baby wipes which make your face feel like goo after you use them).
What I don’t like: Lack of availability. Really, that’s about it. If these were available in my local drugstore, I don’t think I could walk by without picking some up. So hopefully they’ll have wider distribution soon.
A solid 4 stars from me.
.-= nouveaucheap´s last blog ..Etsy 4 for Friday – Hostess Gifts =-.
I really liked these face wipes as well! For all the reasons mentioned by our review team, number one being that Simple cloths are scent free – this is the first makeup remover wipe I’ve ever used I couldn’t smell on my skin as I fell asleep. Using other brands, a few times, I’ve had to get up and rinse my face because the scent was keeping me from falling asleep. Kind of defeating the purpose of the face wipe.
I also like that these wipes do not any type of film once your face dries. Your skin dries to a pretty close to washed (and rinsed) feeling. Love it!
Adding in the bonus points to for thickness and the slight texture (to really get into skin) and you have a 5 star product. The SImple Cleansing Wipes did a great job removing my makeup – even when I wored primer, foundation and powder for a big night out. I did cheat a bit on my waterproof mascara (with my sensitive and contact lens wearing eyes, I try to avoid rubbing my eyes). I used a m/u remover first and then used the wipes to clean the rest of my face and pick up all the remnants of my mascara.
Normally, I would remove a star for the lack of availability, but these have so much going for them – and are so reasonably priced – I’m sticking with the 5 stars! (And asking any NYC friends to take pity and throw a few in the post for me!)
.-= Tyna Werner´s last blog ..Etsy 4 for Friday – Hostess Gifts =-.
:cries: It’s only in Europe and NYC??? My hyper-sensitive skin is screaming, “BUY THEM!!!” Do you know how hard it is to find a wipe that is scent-free, oil-free, alcohol-free, non-filmy and okay for sensitive skin? Do you? Do you?! I. Need. These. NOW.
Simple, I command thee to come to the shores of Lake Michigan at once! Preferably in a drugstore like Walgreens.
Katie I am so with you!! I need these now too!! Wow, I hope they do spread to Walgreens one day!! Wish I was still in NYC to head to the Duane Reade!!
I want these too…BAD!! Pregnancy made my skin so sensitive and now that my precious one is here and always right next to my cheek, I’d love to have these oil and alcohol-free wipes at a store near me in Michigan, too!!!
I wish I was closer to NYC! Love the idea of scentless face wipes! Let’s hope they get into the US markets soon. Oh, and cheers to the Leonard Cohen shout out at the end of the post as well – “First We Take Manhattan” is one of my fave Cohen songs.
ack! i’d love to use these as i love the ease and simplicity and have been a big fan of Biore’s Daily Cleansing cloths. Unfortunately the environmental impact got to me as I was using 2-3 a day. I ended up buying 2 dozen cheap Target washcloths so I get a clean, fresh one with every wash. Not nearly as convenient but an easy alternative for others with similar concerns. Not to bust the buzz of an awesome product, just an idea if the need arises.
I hear your crys too, Katie girl! I am just like you.. these sound awesome.. I would love to check them out since my skin is so sensitive. Maybe a trip back east is due! HA!
I’m digging that toner they have too! I may cave in!!
Irene–If you ever happen to hop to NYC, pick up a few and send them to the bitterly cold Midwest for me. Ha ha ha! Until Simple grows legs and comes to the windy Lake Michigan shores, I’ll have to go the old fashioned route with ye trusty cleanser and ye olde washcloth.
SuzJ, I hear you! It is a bit wasteful. If I had these, I’d keep them in my bedside table and use them only on nights when I’m too lazy to wash my face. I don’t think they’d be an every night sort of thing for me. Because you are absolutely right, a washcloth is a fine alternative. We appreciate your comment!
.-= stef´s last blog ..JUARA – a Green Monday product review =-.
Katie, you’re killing me! I what you really need, is a good warm hat and scarf in that cold midwest frost bitten world, called Michigan shores!
I think these would be great if you were going on a long trip and needed to freshen up – or like Stef said, when your to tired to wash your mug and find yourself in bed. I can’t tell you how many times i’ve done that!
Good news ladies! I was just told Simple will be in the US very shortly…
Visit http://www.simple-usa.com/ and you can register to be the first to know when it’s finally here.
Woo hoo! Finally, some good news on a Monday morning! Can’t wait to see the rest of this line.
.-= Tyna Werner´s last blog ..For The Thanksgiving Table – Sweet Potato and Carrot Puree =-.
I received my sample pack of Simple sensitive SKIN specialists CLEANSING facial wipes in my goody bag and was thrilled. I’ll admit it. I’ve become lazy at the end of the day and don’t remove my makeup consistently – like I should. I love these type of products because it’s quick and doesn’t require much effort on my part. I checked out the packaging and it claimed to remove all make-up including waterproof mascara. It also claimed to be 100% oil and alcohol free, no perfume, no dyes and dermatologically approved. Wow, I thought. This is awesome. There was no smell, great. There was actually texture to the product, fantastic. Then I tried it. And – I’m not so in love with it like everyone else seems to be.
I found that the product could remove some of the makeup but didn’t really do a deep clean as I was hoping. My wipes seemed to be a little on the dry side and didn’t feel refreshing on my skin. After using 2 of the sample wipes, I used an Almay Skin Wipe and was able to remove even more makeup. I use an all day makeup and wonder if maybe this product works better with mineral or traditional makeup vs. an all day type? Considering that I use the all day wear makeup, I’m going to have to award this product 2 stars out of 5.
The British are coming! Have you all been seeing the Simple Skin Care commercials on tv lately? Looks like the popular English brand is FINALLY hitting our shores!! Has anyone seen Simple in a store yet? Squee – can’t wait to try more from this line!