3. Setting the Stage: TOOLS & EQUIPMENT - Face Cloths and More

The most important (and maybe only) tool you need is something to wash your face with. I'm a firm believer in a good old fashioned face cloth (a flannel, a wash cloth, etc.). Some people prefer to use muslin cloths, or halo cloths or microfibre. Use what works for you, but, whatever you use, please, for the love of God, it must be: CLEAN!

Anyone serious about Skincare knows that cleansing wipes are not to be used except in an emergency (or possibly to remove a full face of makeup before cleansing) but if you don't use a clean cloth as part of your routine every day you're just swiping bacteria and yesterday's grime all over your face. Yuck.

Invest in a set of cloths, it's better value than any product.

They don't have to be fancy. In fact, fancy ones are often too fluffy and soft. I prefer a slightly rougher texture (although if your skin is very sensitive, fluffy might be better). However, if you do want to get fancy there are lovely organic hemp and linen cloths available. These materials have anti-bacterial properties, dry faster, aren't chemically dyed, and look gorgeous on your towel rack. They also last forever, so if you're looking to invest, that's a good place to do it.

Other tips for purchasing face cloths:

- Cheap ones from the grocery store or IKEA in a big bulk pack are perfectly fine.

- There are two schools of thought regarding the colour: some like white because they want to see the grime coming off, some like dark because they don't. I don't really care either way because these aren't my *for good* cloths. They are only for my face and I have a ton in all different colours. If you do get darker ones then keep in mind that the dye may come out when you first start to use it.

- Have enough that you never have to worry about doing a load of laundry to get a clean one. It helps if you wash them on hot, especially if you use an oil cleanser, but it's not strictly necessary with modern equipment. Make sure that they are completely dry before storing them away - that bit is strictly necessary. I have about a thousand cloths, roughly.

Some people like to have a dedicated set that are a different colour