mind-blowing cleanser I discovered this week

​You know how sometimes you’re generally content with your skincare or makeup routine, but you wonder if maybe there’s something better out there? It can be a little daunting to switch up a routine that you’re largely at ease with since it would be a shame to rock the boat, but I took a miniature leap of faith and tried a different cleanser that was suggested to me years ago that I passed up at the time.
 
I love all my CeraVe products, but sometimes I feel like I could stand to use something just a little bit… harsher. Since my post-Accutane skin is combination, I tend to get a little oily by the end of the day.
 
After doing some research on the ingredients and brand, I took the plunge and bought La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser. La Roche-Posay is a French pharmacy brand, and Effaclar is its acne-specific line. The cleanser contains 2 percent salicylic acid and micro-exfoliating LHA and is formulated to decrease oiliness throughout the day.
 
I’ll admit, I was skeptical (albeit slightly dazzled by the whole “French pharmacy” thing). Since the product was only $14.99, I ordered one on Amazon and gave it a shot.
 
I have to say, it’s incredibly impressive. Within a few days, I noticed my skin felt smoother. Before using this product, my skin would get very small bumps around my chin and cheeks from excess oil and clogged pores. Since the bumps never turned into real blemishes, I figured they were just something I’d have to deal with.

When you wash your face with it, it feels slightly tingly, but not to the point where it's gimmicky and intentional. Afterward, pores are visibly diminished and the surface texture of the skin looks soft and even. 
 
After only a handful of uses, I saw a noticeable decrease in the tiny bumps and an overall, more even tone. Although it’s pretty impossible to actually change your skin in a number of days, I think the cleanser agrees with my skin and just generally improves its appearance.
 
Since the product isn’t too expensive, I highly suggest giving it a try next time you need to replace your cleanser. Effaclar is a line of products, so after I finish my current moisturizer and serum, I’ll probably purchase the Effaclar Duo since it functions as a dual moisturizer/serum product. If I'm impressed, I’ll do a little review on it (and if not, you’ll hear about that as well).
 
Effaclar also just launched a blurring pseudo-foundation product called Effaclar BB Blur, and I’m really excited to give it a try once my current foundation runs out (Chanel Perfection Lumière Velvet, $48), since it’s wonderful but not very economical. If you beat me to it and give it a shot, let me know how you like it! So far, its online reviews seem promising. 
 
Thanks for reading!