Wondering if you’re cleansing your skin correctly? While cleansing is one of the simplest steps in a skincare routine, over-cleansing, under-cleansing, and using the wrong products can all contribute to dryness, sensitivity, congestion, and breakouts. In this edition, we explore common cleansing mistakes, whether you really need to cleanse in the morning, and easy ways to make your skincare routine more manageable.

You’ll also find our thoughts on Rare Beauty’s new fragrance collection, makeup artist Prunela Castelino’s tips for making brown skin glow, and a closer look at a new Australian skincare brand that’s making cleansing easier than ever.

The New Rare Beauty Fragrance Line is Really, Really Good (Especially The Layering Balms)

Rare Beauty’s Rare Eau De Parfum, From $50.00

Don’t dismiss this scent as another “typical” gourmand or celebrity fragrance (although we’re not against that at all).

Rare Eau De Parfum is warm and decadent with a gourmand twist, opening with sweet caramel and pistachio, melting into rich vanilla and a kick of spicy ginger.

As it dries down, earthy sandalwood lingers beautifully on the skin.

Read more: Rare Beauty’s New Fragrance Range Has Landed– And It’s Only at Sephora

Shop: Rare Beauty’s Rare Eau De Parfum, From $50.00

Rare Fragrance Layering Balms, $32.00 Each

The fragrance layering balms are completely non-greasy, and although they do have a silicone-y feel, it’s not in the way that makes your skin crawl.

They’re very comfortable to wear and weightless, which helps you forget you’re wearing them after application.

Here’s the current types:

• Amber Vanilla – Sweet and creamy with a cosy warmth
• Floral Peony Blossom – Soft, floral with a fresh twist (our favourite)
• Fresh Bergamot – Crisp, bright, and energising
• Woody Oak – Rich, earthy, and grounding

Read: Fragrances I Can’t Stop Reaching For: My Mid-Year Fragrance Favourites 2025

How to Make Brown Skin Shine With Makeup

Professional makeup artist Prunela Castelino shares her favourite foundations right now, and her tips to make brown skin radiant with makeup- not lighter.

Her tips:

• Matching your foundation is the most important step. “Lightening your complexion with the wrong foundation shade won’t make you look “brighter,” it will just look mismatched and unnatural. I try to gently guide them towards radiance over fairness.”
• Don’t wash out your complexion by using dusty or pale shades. “Brown skin looks incredible with bold blushes, rich lipsticks & vibrant eyeshadows.”
• Yellow or peach toned setting powder will look great on you. “Using white and translucent powders can leave a white cast. Instead of those, opting for a tinted or banana powder works wonders! Also, please blend your neck!”

Read: Professional Makeup Artist Prunela Castelino Tells us How to Make Brown Skin Shine With Makeup

Her foundation picks? Prunela is currently rotating:

• Maybelline Dewy + Smooth Foundation – Soft Tan in summer, Natural Buff in winter
• MAC Studio Fix Foundation – NC43.5 in summer when I really tan
• Huda Beauty Easy Blur Foundation – 400G Macchiato

Why Does Cleansing Matter so Much?

Cleansing makes or breaks your routine. If your skin is acting up, over or under cleansing might be the culprit.

Under cleansing is when your cleanser isn’t getting off all the gunk from the day. Build up causes congestion and your skin to look dull.

Left over makeup and pollution from the day makes skin become more sensitive, and you might get breakouts or redness.

Over cleansing isn’t great either. That’s when you cleanse for too long, or with products that are too strong, and strip away the natural balancing oils our skin needs to regulate itself.

You may also notice redness, alongside dryness, itching and flaking.

The right amount of cleansing gets all the gunk off your skin, but doesn’t damage your skin barrier.

Read: Here’s AM And PM Cleansing Made Simple

Should You Cleanse in the Morning?

Gently cleansing in the morning is a great way to start your day and routine, even if you have sensitive skin.

Overnight, dead skin from your bed, dust, drool, eye-crusties and oil build up can leave us looking a little meh.

Although it isn’t an essential step, many people benefit from a gentle cleanse. If you’re not ready to commit to an AM cleanse, try a splash of water on your face.

Too Tired to Wash Your Face? We’ve Been There

Your skincare routine should work around you, and cleansing is one of the three essential steps for skin health.

It’s important to make your essentials as easy as possible. That might mean keeping a cleanser in the shower, or opting for a no-rinse option.

New skincare brand SAMI has a Hydrating Cream Cleanser that’s no-rinse, meaning it doesn’t need to be washed off your face, it’s non-stripping (doesn’t stress out or tighten your skin) and has ingredients that your skin will appreciate staying around like Hyaluronic Acid and Centella.

Shop Australian & Women Owned: SAMI Hydrating Cream Cleanser

Read: Cleansing Your Face and How to Do it Right

This Months Winner of The $100 VAMS Beauty Gift Card: 🎉 Tammerly .S. 🎉 We’ve emailed you! Please check your inbox.

Shop: Award Winning Australian Beauty & Wellness Brands at VAMS Beauty

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This article originally appeared in the White Rabbit Social Beauty Newsletter, our monthly roundup of beauty news, skincare discoveries, product recommendations, and community favourites. If you’d like future editions delivered directly to your inbox, you can subscribe for free or explore previous newsletter editions in our archive.