I spent years thinking oil and my face should never meet. Like, why would I add more grease to a situation that already looks like a pepperoni pizza by 3 PM? But then the K-beauty world collectively shouted "double cleansing" at me until I finally folded. I picked up the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil because I was tired of those little gray dots on my nose that refuse to pay rent and I wanted to see if the hype was actually real or just really good lighting.
The Slippery Slope to Smoothness
First off, the packaging is very "clean girl" aesthetic—it looks chic on a vanity and doesn't feel like it's going to leak all over my life. The texture is surprisingly lightweight. I was expecting something heavy and suffocating, but this feels more like a silky serum than kitchen oil. It has a very faint, herbal scent—think rosemary and green tea—which makes the whole process feel like a mini-spa moment before I dive into my actual pajamas. When you massage it onto a dry face, it just glides. No tugging, no aggressive scrubbing, just a smooth slide over the day's poor decisions.
The Post-Concert Face Meltdown
I put this to the ultimate test after a night out where I was wearing three layers of waterproof mascara and enough setting spray to keep a wig on in a hurricane. I massaged the Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil into my dry skin for about two minutes, focusing on my nose. Is it gross that I find it satisfying when I can feel the little "gritty" bits of sebum coming out? Probably. Once I added a splash of water, it emulsified into a milky liquid that rinsed off without leaving a film. I followed up with my usual water-based cleanser, and for the first time in months, my pores actually looked like they could breathe.
- Makeup Removal: It melted my Maybelline SuperStay lipstick like it was nothing.
- Eye Comfort: Zero stinging. I could actually open my eyes mid-wash to find my towel without crying.
- Pore Impact: My sebaceous filaments were significantly less noticeable after three days of consistent use.
- Hydration: My skin felt soft, not "squeaky" or stripped.
The Final Verdict
At $17.69, this is a total steal for the quality. It actually does what it says on the bottle, which is a rare feat in the world of viral skincare. It didn't break out my sensitive skin, and it made the whole "glass skin" goal feel like something I could actually achieve without a 12-step routine and a prayer. If you struggle with blackheads or just want your makeup to disappear in seconds, this is a permanent resident in my bathroom cabinet now.
Who Should Buy This:
- Anyone with stubborn blackheads or clogged pores.
- People who wear heavy, waterproof makeup or daily SPF.
- Sensitive skin types looking for a gentle way to deep clean.
Who Should Skip This:
- Anyone who absolutely hates any hint of fragrance in their skincare.
- People who aren't willing to do a second cleanse with a water-based soap afterward.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Lauren