Packing for a holiday always gets me going through a ton of skincare – and making tough choices. Which products can’t I live without? What kind of formula will work best in that weather? Is it breakable? And other questions come up when making those decisions on what’s going to fit by vanity bag (and what’s likely to arrive safe and sound at the final destination). That's where Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick comes in ultra handy, as it promises double-cleansing in one go + a tad of exfoliation. Even though I would love to take my cabinet with me, that’s simply not going to happen. One of the best things of going on a holiday is the feeling of detachment, isn't it? Plus, I always regret over packing...
Cleansing is an unavoidable step in whatever weather, so one cleanser at least is a must. After I discovered double cleansing, it’s been hard to justify one-step cleansing for myself. Sure, there are many mornings when I jump into an oil cleanser alone. But in the evenings, double-cleansing is a ritual of passage and care for myself. After a day of exposure to pollution, heating (or airco), wind and everything else, my skin thanks me for taking the time to breaking down wash-time. I credit double-cleansing for having given me peaceful skin. For those with tendency to redness (#me), double cleansing is simply essential. The fact that I use less of each product also seems to do a lot of good for my reactive skin.
Now back to Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick. Neogen is one of my favorite brands because they seem to get real people. Their products are easy to use and contain some of my trusted ingredients. There is no way to go wrong with green tea, fermented extracts, and fruit actives. I’m certainly not the only one to love the brand, they have a huge cult following and are always launching a next cool thing. The cleansing stick is something you might have seen coming from other brands (Su:m37 and Belif have their own versions of this clever ensemble), but the Neogen one was always the cleanser I wanted to try. I was happy to have the chance to bring it to Honeysu and tell everyone who has skincare “commitment issues” about its wonders. Before trying this product, I read multiple reviews mentioning it could be a tad harsh on sensitive skin and that made me hesitate. But it was love at first use and I’m happy to share the results of this lovely discovery.
Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick comes in a large tube of 80g (and it’s much bigger than I first imagined). The texture is almost lip-balm like when you touch it dry. It’s creamy and velvety somehow and that made me confident it would not be a soapy type of cleanser. There are pieces of green tea leaves (one of the brand’s signature), what made me wonder if they were aesthetic or actually had a function there. I’m happy to report that the green tea leaves are actually of very good use. They run that mild exfoliation that helps clogged skin a ton. And the tiny bits of green tea leaves keep things under control. You don’t have to fear scrub effects here.
I enjoy applying Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick straight onto my face (your face needs to be humid for it to work, so make sure to splash some water there). But others have mentioned it left their skin slightly more sensitive, so if you’re not sure how your face is going to react, lather it first on your hand and bring it on. Because of the shape of the stick, you won’t be able to get to those tough corners (and you don’t want to bring it too close to your eyes either). The easiest way for me was to apply the stick onto the large areas of the face (chin, forehead, cheeks, nose bridge) and use my fingers to carry the foam to the rest. I say foam because the moment you start making those circular motions, the balm turns into this beautiful foam. It’s not too bubbly, what’s also a very good sign. This cleanser has a low pH (Neogen reports it’s at 5.5), making it a sure bet for those with sensitive skin.
If you have active acne, I suggest wiping the top of the cleanser before putting the lid back. That will reduce the chances that you’re leaving bacteria in the product. This is valid for everyone, of course, but since this formula is great for oily and combination skin, I wanted to stress that out.
I love how this cleanser performs. I’ve tried many cleansers (haven’t we all?), and it’s hard to see a product that is a step ahead of the curve because most cleansers share commonalities. But Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick is special because it provides an enjoyable experience. Though green tea products can often leave that tight feeling behind, this was certainly not the case here. No tightness at all. That’s due to the presence of multiple botanical oils here (including coconut oil). I know many people cringe when hearing the word “oil” in skincare, but you should definitely embrace it. Good oils are like fat in avocado, it’s good for you! And everyone needs then, including my dehydrated (and dry) combination skin. This cleanser has become a favorite these days and I see myself using it all over summer, especially in the evenings and when away from home.
But there are occasions in which I would go for something other than the Neogen green tea cleansing stick. If I put on makeup (like a solid look), I would rather do a whole double cleansing ritual to get that purification ceremony on my skin. Neogen’s stick is a wonderful short cut, but if what you need is a heavy duty product, stick to your double cleansing routine. I like having both options because my skin is always changing (and so is the amount of time I have), and knowing I can carry this with me and double cleanse anywhere gives me solace.
This product works for all skin types, what must be a first time considering most green tea products aren’t made for dry skin. But again, it’s those natural oils that make this a special type of cleanser, which combines the best of purifying and nourishing agents.
Verdict on Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick : Loved and recommended! Plus, it's a bargain for its price.
