Founded in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc. is widely heralded as one of the best corporations for women to work for, as well as one of the most admired companies in the United States. Although used by millions of women around the world, there is an unfortunate stigma attached to the brand in certain circles. Perhaps it's the association with direct marketing, or perhaps we've all made a few too many jokes about the instantly recognizable pink Mary Kay Cadillac. I personally might never have given Mary Kay cosmetics and skin care a chance had it not been for a close friend who became involved with the company as an Independent Beauty Consultant. Now that I've sampled quite a few of the products, I can say with confidence that there are some real workhorses and winners within the Mary Kay line, products which hold their own against those of such cosmetics untouchables as Chanel, Lancome, and the like. I've had my best luck with some of the skin care products, of which Creamy Cleanser 2 is one.
Packaging and Appearance:
Packaged in a simple, white bottle with dusty rose and steel grey lettering and the classic pink top, Creamy Cleanser 2 doesn't particularly add cache to my collection of skin care products, but neither is it obtrusive and offensive. The plastic of the bottle makes it sturdy and durable, not to mention appropriate for travel.
Within this rather basic bottle is a wonderfully creamy, white lotion that is virtually without scent. While it certainly removes oil, makeup, dirt, and grime like a cleanser should, its consistency is that of a light lotion, and that put me off a bit at first. Heretofore, I had always preferred abundantly foaming cleansers, but Creamy Cleanser 2 changed my thinking about that, at least inasmuch as when I'm using this product. This cleanser does foam very slightly, but as the name states, its definitely as much cream as cleanser.
Product Claims and How They Fare:
~ Dry areas feel softer and conditioned, oily areas feel drier and fresher as it thoroughly cleanses
~ Leaves no greasy of dry afterfeel, but a moist, comfortable and balanced feeling
~ Helps restore and maintain optimum moisture balance
~ Removes makeup, surface oil and impurities
Formulated for normal and combination skin types, Creamy Cleanser 2 is a rare find in the cosmetics world: a cleanser that thoroughly removes the undesirable (makeup, oil, dirt, grime) while leaving the desirable (soft, smooth, refreshed, hydrated skin). Certainly, it doesn't replace a good moisturizer, but after cleansing, I find that my skin is not so dry and tight that I am truly uncomfortable until my moisturizer is applied.
And as far as balancing out oily areas, the product does a fine job, and if anything, it reduces my tendency toward infrequent acne breakouts. Created to be both non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, its unlikely to irritate most normal and combination skin types. It is, in fact, a beautifully balanced, mild yet effective cleanser, appropriate for morning and evening use.
Key Ingredients and What They Aim to Accomplish:
Propylene glycol: A humectant which promotes skin moisture retention.
Mineral oil: A lubricant which helps dissolves makeup, as well as conditions and protects the skin.
Directions (from product packaging):
Apply over face and throat with fingertips, gently working in an upward, outward motion. Rinse off or remove with a warm, wet facial cloth.
Other Details (from product packaging):
~ 100% fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin.
~ Non-comedogenic.
~ Clinically tested for skin irritancy and allergy by an independent research laboratory under a leading dermatologist.
Other Mary Kay Cleansing Options:
Mary Kay offers four basic cleansing options (not including the newer Timewise line): Gentle Cleansing Cream 1, Creamy Cleanser 2, Deep Cleanser 3, and Purifying Bar. I've also used the Purifying Bar and found it to be an excellent product.
Availability:
Mary Kay products are available exclusively through Mary Kay's Independent Beauty Consultants. Although Mary Kay hosts a comprehensive website (and each Beauty Consultant has the option of hosting his or her own customized site), you must go through a consultant (either online, by phone, or in person) to order. Find a consultant at the following link: http://www.mymk.com/main/locator/search.asp
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