3 minute evening cleansing routine

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Day in the Life

ponds

I had heard of cold cream cleansers before, specifically when my friend Sam told me she uses POND’S Cold Cream Cleanser to remove her makeup and wash her face. I typically use the POND’S Original Wet Cleansing Towelettes to remove my makeup, but wanted to try using the Cold Cream Cleanser to see if it was a bit more gentle and effective around my eyes. I can always get all my makeup off with the towelettes, but I needed to hold it on my lashes to soften my mascara. My thought, and I was proven correct, was that the Cold Cream Cleanser would be a little bit faster and dissolve my eye makeup more effectively.

I remove my makeup every single night, even on light makeup days. On this particular day I had been working on a makeup tutorial that had me wearing a little bit more than usual, so I grabbed the POND’S Cold Cream Cleanser to remove it all in one step!

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It was strange to not moisten my skin first, but as I started rubbing the product in, I could see it turning a little milky as it was removing the foundation.

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A few swipes and rubs around my eyes and my makeup dissolved. I barely needed to work on that section before it all softened right off. And, in case you were wondering, it didn’t sting my eyes at all.

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I moistened a washcloth with warm water and began to wipe the cleanser away. I love that it didn’t leave my skin screaming for moisturizer. The “cream” nature of this product left my skin fully quenched!

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Before bed I always apply eye cream. On days when I wear a lip stain or long-wear lip color, I like to exfoliate my lips and then apply a super rich lip balm.

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Contacts out, teeth brushed, and I’m ready for bed. Now if only I could fall asleep as fast as my husband does. There are times, more often than not in fact, that he’ll fall asleep mid sentence. That’s a gift I tell you!

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Don’t let a lengthy, 17 step nightly routine keep you from cleansing your skin before bed. Keeping it really simple and quick, but still effective, is still much better for your skin than skipping cleansing altogether!

This post was created in partnership with POND’S!

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Beth says · 10.22.15

Suggestions for a rich lip balm ?

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Melissa G says · 10.22.15

Jack Black is awesome!

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Amy says · 10.22.15

She’s mentioned before that she uses the Bite Agave Lip Mask. I bought some a couple of months ago and I’m hooked!

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Melissa G says · 10.22.15

I used to use Ponds. Then I switched to the wipes. Then I heard Cetaphil was so good, so I have been using that. However, I might try the Ponds again! I always use eye makeup remover…Equate brand gets mine off better than all the expensive brands I’ve tried. I love Mary Kay’s too, but it’s harder to get.

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Ashley Turner says · 11.02.15

I sell Mary kay πŸ™‚ love the remover ! also, I offer free shipping always on my customers order πŸ˜‰ let me know if you would interested. email me @[email protected]

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Kaya Miller says · 10.22.15

My husband does the same thing!! It must be a military thing… He can fall asleep anywhere and so quickly!!

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Debi says · 10.23.15

Mine too! He says it IS a military thing.

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Deb Cadovius says · 10.23.15

Mine, too! He’s a Naval Submariner and trust me…can sleep anywhere anytime anyplace. πŸ™‚

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Brittany says · 10.22.15

Any suggestions on finding a trial size of Pond products? I’d like to try them, but don’t want to commit to a big jar. I’m loving Neutrogena Naturals, but my sensitive skin begs for moisturizer after washing.

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Kate says · 10.22.15

Maybe look into the return policy from the store you would buy POND’S from?

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DG says · 10.23.15

Trust me. You can return any product w a receipt and a reason…like an allergic reaction..;)

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Karen says · 10.22.15

They have little trial sizes at Target in the travel size section.

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Heather says · 11.30.15

I know this was almost a month ago, but just wanted to chime in that I have very sensitive skin (neutrogena naturals breaks me out) but this ponds cream cleanser has vastly improved my complexion in only a week or so of use. It’s heavy, so it does the job of moisturizing but didn’t break me out. Plus, it’s only like 5 dollars at target. And like they said, if you dont like it return it! I think you’d like it though:)

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Christen says · 10.22.15

When I studied theater in college, my stage makeup case ALWAYS had ponds cream in it. It is the fastest, gentlest way to get makeup off! My mother has used it for as long as I can remember as well! And golly, you look beautiful without makeup!

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Kate says · 10.22.15

oh wow! And thank you for your sweet words!

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Chrisandra says · 10.23.15

Stage Makeup is where I first starting using Ponds too and then i sort of forgot about it. I just tried using it again last night and my face LOVEs me for it!

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Leann says · 10.22.15

My husband can fall asleep instantly too! Ahhhh..if only I could. Can’t wait for the make up tutorial to find out the lip color your wearing before you took your makeup off! Love that your willing to go bare faced on your blog, makes you more real!

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Jeri-Lynne says · 10.22.15

What eye cream are you using? I’ve been wanting to find one to start using.

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Summer says · 10.22.15

I’m intrigued! I used to use Ponds Cold Cream in my early teens because my mom did. I’d be interested in trying it again but it seems so weird to me to not use a separate eye makeup remover, not sure I could do it!

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Laura says · 10.22.15

I love Pond’s! The one-step cleanse makes things so easy:)

Laura
http://www.24-7style.com

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Lisa says · 10.22.15

What nail polish are you wearing? Such a pretty color! Also, what lip balm do you use?

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Sarah says · 10.22.15

I really like the Ponds moist wipes, too. They’re great quality at a good price. I’ll use one of them to take off my makeup, and then massage Cetaphil all over my face, and then rinse. The wipe alone isn’t enough to get my face completely clean. During the winter months, I might have to try the Ponds cold cream cleanser, since it appears to be more moisturizing.

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Kerri says · 10.22.15

If you use Ponds at night to get your make-up off, what do you use in the morning to wash your face?? I am currently using the same soap morning and night. I would be interested in trial size Ponds cream also do you know where I can get one??

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Kate says · 10.22.15

I usually just splash water on my face in the morning πŸ™‚

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Beth says · 10.22.15

Yep, going to have to try it. Looks so rich and creamy. πŸ™‚

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ValΓ©rie says · 10.22.15

Am I the only one that find Ponds to be very greasy. After I use it I am having issues removing the greasy coat it creates on my skin !

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Katy C. says · 10.22.15

I was wondering about this. My skin is so oily in the morning…wondering if this would make it worse…

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Susannah says · 02.27.16

I’ve been using the Ponds for a year now and follow it up with witch hazel and rosewater from the natural food store… I can’t remember the brand – Dickenson’s maybe. Anyway, just moisten a cotton pad with that and swipe all over your face after you remove the Ponds and dry your face. Let the witch hazel dry, and then apply moisturizer. I’ve been doing this during all four seasons (including summer when I’m more oily) and I have had no breakouts! None! Just make sure you get pure witch hazel (and of course mine is mixed with rosewater) – just avoid anything that has any alcohol or weird ingredients. (Also filling up a misting bottle with witch hazel and keeping it in a cool place is incredibly refreshing during the summer months.)

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Katie says · 10.22.15

When I was doing theater, we always used Pond’s to remove our makeup- and you KNOW you over do it with makeup for the stage! I loved it- so moisturizing, but more importantly, EFFECTIVE!

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April says · 10.22.15

I was in my local Dollar Tree (Charlotte area) yesterday and swear I saw full size jars in there for $1. I’ll have to go back today and check it out to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. If I see them, I’ll definitely pick one up and try this out!

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Shannon says · 10.22.15

What do you about your towels when wiping off? Do you use cleaning rags (on your face!?)? Wouldn’t want to stain good towels. Will it rinse off cleanly just using water and your hands?

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Kate says · 10.22.15

I don’t use cleaning rags! I use washcloths and wash them after they are used!

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Sonja says · 11.03.15

I am glad I am not the only one who uses washcloths to take the cream (and make-up) away πŸ˜€ I rinse the cloth after use, and cream and make-up come out pretty well, so I re-use the same cloth a few times. Also, I never observed any stains after washing them, so no worries about that, Shannon πŸ™‚

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allison says · 10.22.15

I know this is a beauty blog, but I must know…..where did you get the decorative mirror in the background of your pictures??

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Melissa says · 10.22.15

Ponds Cold Cream was the very first facial cleanser I used when I was like 11 years old. πŸ™‚ Before I switched to Noxzema to deal with acne. πŸ˜› The classics are still around for a reason! Because of the strange nature of my skin I do a double-cleanse at night when I wear makeup. I start with the Boscia cleansing oil, which I LOVE – it removes the surface layer of foundation and loosens up whatever is in my pores. Then I go in with cleanser, and my face gets sooooooo clean but feels so incredibly soft. I cleanse with my fingers at night, and with a spin brush in the morning. Only in the past year people have been complimenting my skin and saying they wish they had it. You gotta do the work. Cleanse and moisturize twice a day, every day, with products your skin loves. πŸ™‚

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Natalie says · 10.22.15

What do you use to exfoliate your lips? And which lip balm is your favorite?

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Amy says · 10.22.15

Thanks for sharing, Kate! What eye cream did you use?

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Kristine Helms says · 10.22.15

I have used Ponds and I really like it! It’s great for removing makeup! What foundation do you use?

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Katie McGrath says · 10.22.15

BITE lip mask is my favourite, specially in the fall/winter time. It has truly saved my bad cracked lips. That ponds product looks interesting I will have to check that out, thanks for sharing a great post !

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auntsarie says · 10.22.15

AHHH!!! My husband is out the minute his head hits the pillow. I secretly despise him for it. However, I do sleep more soundly & longer, so I guess it evens out. I’ve just recently switched to the Pond’s Cucumber cleanser for removing eye makeup. Just like you do here, but instead of a washcloth, I use a witch hazel soaked cotton pad–slips right off my eyes! Then I use the Pond’s wipes, followed by the Pond’s moisturizing cream (because I live in Colorado and HELLO dryness.) And YES! What eye cream do you use?

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Natalie says · 10.22.15

Hey Kate!
Semi-newish reader who is looking to put more work into my beauty routine. I’ve always been just a standard beauty product wearer, never going out of my Clinique comfort zone. Your blog helps me out! So I’m curious as to why you use eye cream? Does it help with dark circles? Eye cream and eye corrector are two things I want to add to my routine but am unsure of exactly how to use them.

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Whitney @ Come Home For Comfort says · 10.22.15

I use the Ponds makeup remover wipes and their rich moisture cream that comes in the similar jar. I haven’t tried the cold cream makeup remover, but now I’m intrigued! I always follow the wipes with a damp washcloth to get the rest of my full coverage face, and this seems a little less abrasive.

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Beth says · 10.22.15

I have SUPER sensitive skin & Pond’s (especially the wipes, or any kind of wipes for that matter) can be irritating. I use coconut oil in exactly the same way – dissolves makeup & mascara – and it’s significantly less expensive.

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Kimberly says · 10.22.15

No matter how you do your hair, it always looks so cute! I know your hair is really long, but would you be able to do some kind of a tutorial on how to do a messy bun for shorter hair?
Thank you!

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Dominique says · 10.22.15

This product looks awesome. I like how easily it dissolved your eye makeup! I use purity by philosophy and I am way to scared to change my routine.

http://www.writingmotherfashionista.com

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Diana says · 10.22.15

So this really works for eye makeup?? I’ve been using a neutragena eye makeup remover to great frustration. It NEVER takes off all my eye makeup and I need a new product.

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Kate says · 10.22.15

yes! You can see all the black from it being cleansed off my eyes!

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Megan says · 10.22.15

What kind of eye cream do you use?

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Kat says · 10.22.15

I use coconut oil for my eye makeup, but I have to be careful that it doesn’t go into my eyes because it makes my vision blurry… Although it doesn’t hurt so no big deal.

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sahara says · 10.22.15

Oooo cool I have to try that cold cream from PONDS!

http://www.sahara-desert.com

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Bonnie says · 10.22.15

I love your messy bun in this pic! How do you get the pouf in it? I try to “back mine off” a little after I grasp it, but it never looks anywhere near as good as yours does here. But, then, I am not a trained professional.

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Kendra says · 10.22.15

I’m buying ponds tonight and giving this a try!

Couple questions though.
1. I usually wash my face every night with a gentle cleanser and then use a cold cream when I hit the sack. Would this basically melt the two steps into one? Or would you recommend still using a night cream? I use Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream Anti-Age + Anti-Fatigue Night Cream to try and fight aging before it even starts (I’m 24). I’m worried that the pods and then sleeping cream would be a bit over kill.

2. What kind of eye cream do you use and what for? I’ve been putting on coconut oil under my eyes every night to try and keep moisture there but would love some other suggestions.

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Lindsay says · 10.22.15

Totally going to have to check this out! Question though, what eye cream do you use? I am new to that world and don’t know where to begin. Thanks!!

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Lauren says · 10.22.15

My sister swears by PONDS…I’m intrigued! Kate, what lip color are you wearing before you took your makeup off, it looks like the perfect color!

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Jenn says · 10.22.15

looooooove cold cream & use it every day to remove my makeup. I feel like it moisurizes my skin at the same time, so I’m a step ahead in my nighttime face routine (which is about 10 steps anyways!)

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Abi says · 10.22.15

Have you ever tried Norwex Body Cloth? Simply add water and it cleanses your face! Not only is it an amazing cleanser, but it also removes every trace of makeup. With just water. It is gentle on the skin too. When the rag is dry, it exfoliates and when wet, is gently cleanses and removes makeup (even the waterproof stuff!). You can buy a 3 pack on Amazon for $25. Totally worth it. πŸ™‚ I’m a believer!! Would love for everyone to give it a spin.

On a random note… What, if any, products do you recommend for acne scarring?

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Jen Linker says · 11.23.15

Hey Abi! Have you heard of Unblemish from Rodan and Fields? It’s the #1 premium acne line and awesome for scarring! I’d be happy to help you more if you’d like. My email is [email protected] or feel free to look me up on FB. Jlinker.myrandf.com

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Debbie says · 10.22.15

Hi Kate! Yes please what eye cream are you using?! I have been using the ponds and aging cream that you had a post on a while back. I will definitely give the cold cream a try for removing makeup. Let us know your eye cream too! ?

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Emily says · 10.22.15

When I did theater, we used that to take makeup off backstage! It was great for removing thick stage makeup quickly, so we could put on other makeup during a scene change. I forgot about that stuff πŸ™‚

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Debbie m says · 10.22.15

I have been slowly making the switch over to natural skin care and make up products for cancer reasons,, but ponds has been around for so long I wonder what kiND of chemicals are in it. I try to stay away parabens, colors, phthalates ,and sulfates.

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Martie says · 10.22.15

I love Ponds! It smells like my Grandmother. I’m rotten though…usually don’t even bother to wash off my makeup. I guess that’s why my pillowcase has mascara stains on it. ? thanks for the reminder!

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Holly Housewife says · 10.22.15

Is it ever a gift!
My husband is the exact same, must be a man thing! πŸ˜‰

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Beth Schmidt says · 10.22.15

I started using ponds cold cream last December after you reviewed it. One small jar lasted me 6 months. I wear a color stay foundation and this is the first cleaner that gets the makeup off the first time without scrubbing. I love it when you re on end drug store products….I can’t spend a ton of money on high end beauty products.

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Jaime Franklin says · 10.22.15

Gosh, you are a natural beauty!!

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Laken Hayes says · 10.22.15

Try the makeup eraser!! Removes all makeup with just warm water! Only $19.95 on my website. Fantastic product!! Just wash it once a week and has up to 1,000 washes.
Lakenhayes.makeup eraser.com

Please try it out!!!

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Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says · 10.22.15

You look super cute!

Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com

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Anna says · 10.23.15

I may have thought it 100 times before but boy am I glad and thankful that you post so regularly. I can only imagine how much work that must be.
In your most recent “Day in the life” I could see how full your day really is and that is without any blog activity. So Thank You!

Every day when I sit down in my office, I prepare some coffee and made it a kind of ritual to visit your blog before I start my work day. πŸ™‚ And I do enjoy it oh so much!

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Anna says · 10.23.15

Ps. the time stamp of this post must look really really weird. πŸ˜€
European time, that’s why.

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Jillian says · 10.23.15

I have dentifrice skin. Will this make me break out? I usually use a cream cleanser from Clinique but I’d like to try this. I recently used a foam cleanser from neutrogena and had a horrible break out all along my chin. I’m lazy about taking. Off my makeup and washing my face sometimes. This seems easy enough!

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Jillian says · 10.23.15

And that is supposed to say “sensitive” skin. Haha

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Leah says · 10.23.15

I use the Pond’s moisturizer and I love it! I have tried the Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser in the past too, but I’m wondering do you also moisturize after using the cleanser?

Leah

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Laura says · 10.23.15

I am so excited to find out that you use Ponds! I stumbled upon the cleansing clothes for a medical mission trip to the Amazon jungle a couple weeks ago and for the 1st time in my life stopped breaking out despite the 100% humidity and constant applications of Deet. Now I’m sold and looking into their other products πŸ™‚ I got them initially since they were cheap, packable and convenient when the showers were occupied by abnormally large insects.

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Nicole says · 10.24.15

Great post! I got some yesterday and used it for the first time last night. I love it and never would have thought to try it otherwise.

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Vicki says · 10.25.15

I bought this today after seeing your post and I love it. Gently removed stubborn eyeliner and my skin feels great.

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Anna says · 10.26.15

Thank you for the recommendation! My skin is really sensitive and there are a lot of cloth-type cleansers I can’t use, so I’ve been using the Philosophy Purity cream for ages, but this is so much less expensive! I can’t wait to give it a try.

xoxo Anna
[email protected]

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Rebecca says · 10.27.15

I love the cold cream cleanser but how do you keep it from ruining your washcloths and towels?

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SaraS says · 10.28.15

Great post. I usually use Aveeno Daily Cleansing pads first to remove all makeup, and only use a cleanser afterward if I still feel oily. Oil of Olay on cotton swabs for eyes. It’s really worked for me.. but I will try the Ponds! Interesting.

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Gina C says · 10.28.15

do you still need to use or do you use a moisturizer at night after using the ponds cold cream?

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Lily says · 10.28.15

What is the font that you use? I love it!

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Danielle Smythe says · 10.31.15

This post was wonderful Kate! Thank you so much for sharing. I wanted you to know that I mentioned you in my blogpost :https://hungrysojourner.wordpress.com/2015/10/31/october-favorites-five-things/
thanking you for introducing me to this wonderful cleanser!
Have a beautiful day!

~ Danielle

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Deanna says · 11.01.15

A number of years ago I heard about waterless skin care using a tissue-off cream cleanser. It seemed odd but I gave it a try and my skin never looked better. The products I was using were from a small company owned by a French woman. Sadly, she had health problems and closed her business. It is almost impossible to find waterless cleansers so I finally ended up with Ponds. I am not totally thrilled with all the ingredients (the French cleanser was all natural and used essential oils) but it is the best alternative I have found.

And my husband can literally fall asleep within three breaths of putting his head on the pillow. How do they do that??

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Donna says · 11.07.15

Wow, I remember as far back as the 60’s when Ponds Cold Cream was always on my Mom’s dresser or nightstand. When I married my husband 76, I learn that the only skin care product my husbands mother used was Ponds Cold Cream. She’d rub it all over her face and wipe it off with a tissue, then reapply it for moisturizer in the morning. She always had nice skin, and even today at age 85, her skin still looks pretty good. Not only has it been around since then, but Ponds has been around since the 1800’s and the Ponds Cold Cream was launched in 1914. I may have to buy a jar of it now and check it out. πŸ™‚ I do want to add, if you haven’t tried it yet, I love using organic unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil for cleansing make-up off my face, then as a nighttime moisturizer. I typically buy a large jar at Costco, then fill a container to put in my bathroom. The rest is used in the kitchen for cooking. It has great health benefits and good for the skin.

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Windi says · 11.13.15

Like some others commented, coconut oil is great for removing makeup. I simply apply the coconut oil to my eye area and lips if I used a tint and then wash with Cerave. The makeup comes off completely, leaving me with clean but not dry skin. I’ve never tried just wiping it off, but that may work, too. CeraVe is a very gentle cleanser; the best price I have found is through the Amazon Subscribe & Save program. The coconut oil is also a great moisturizer, so I sometimes reapply it to my face and neck after using a toner by Paula’s Choice (unless I decide to do the works – toner, exfoliator, retinol cream, moisturizer).

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Neesie says · 04.02.17

I absolutely love Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser! Though they changed the formula about 5 years ago adding more chemicals, it still smells the same and does a great job! The proper way way to use it to ensure a thorough cleansing and removal of product is to apply it on a dry face, and smooth it all over rubbing in a circular motion. Then take a damp, warm washcloth to remove the product. It will totally remove any make up while it cleanses your skin leaving it moisturized, soft and supple without feeling greasy. It has been around for generations for a reason, because it works! I love your blog and am new to it.

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Alex Moore says · 01.30.18

This article totally speaks to me and how I am!!! I am not the type of girl who can keep up with a multi-step nightly skincare regimen. For lack of better words, I’m kinda lazy. But cold cream type products are the best for me. I used to use the ponds one but lately I’ve absolutely loved Albolene’s Moisturizing Cleanser. I really prefer not to use soap and water on my face because it dries me out. So Albolene is perfect because I just put it on a towel and wipe my face with it. Cleans deeply and leaves my skin moisturized so I can go to sleep knowing my skin’s taken care of

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Wendy says · 02.23.19

I wish the cold cream was fragrance free.

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Olivia says · 10.29.19

I actually recently switched to Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser because I felt like it left my skin a little more moisturized than Ponds did. But both are amazing at removing all my makeup which is so hard to find these days. Most products now have so many chemicals in them and leave my skin breaking out and so dried out.

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Tiff says · 02.03.21

Walmart usually has a small travel size in the beauty travel section.

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