Hands up if you think this is a funny question 😀
I thought so too but its one I had been thinking about because I have realised that people have very set preferences for the most simple and basic of things. Facial cotton pads being one of them.
What say you, do you have a favourite facial cotton pad? The one that you think is THE. BEST. COTTON. PAD. EVER. MADE!
I actually don’t haha! But I’ll tell you about a few I’ve tried and what I think of them and the one I keep buying over and over again for a practical reason; and maybe you could tell me what your favourite is and whether we should all go out and buy that one instead 😉
Here are 3 packs of facial cotton that I have on me at the moment. I had a couple more boxes – one from Daiso because I’d read that they were affordable for the quality, and another by Muji which was some popular cotton puffs.
The weirdest one I’d ever come across is the Watsons Air-laid Facial Puffs you see in the box. They are supposed to be lint free but they have the weirdest texture. It feels like paper to the touch and feels like sandpaper on my skin. Yucks! I have a whole box of it so I use it for things like removing nail polish (when I wear it) and removing swatches from my skin. Otherwise, its just a waste of money. Don’t buy 😛
I also tried a couple of boxes of various Daiso cotton pads that come in boxes. The cotton pads from Daiso came with sealed edges that I know many people like. I didn’t like the texture. I found it too rough against my skin especially when I use it to remove makeup at the end of the day. I think it would be fine for removing nail polish but on skin, nope. I wasn’t impressed. Its not that cheap either when I think about it. RM5 for a box of about 100 pieces when I can get my usual for RM10 for 3 packs of over 600 pieces! 😛
Yes, you might have guessed that my usual brand of facial cotton I go for is the one from Guardian pharmacy. They often come in value packs of 3 with 50% extra a pack at about RM10 or so and when I see them go on offer, I just pick it up and it can last me a while. I don’t get the ones from Watson’s though. I didn’t like them as they separate and leave bits all over my face. The ones from Guardian feel softer on my skin and doesn’t come off on my skin when I run it over my face. These days, ever since I restarted using a toner/lotion and cleansing water for makeup removal, I find myself running through cotton pads fairly quickly so something cheap that works well does the job perfectly for me.
I tried the Muji Cotton Puffs which have sealed edges are are a mesh cotton pad but I didn’t like them either. I was sort of glad about that because it would have been really pricey otherwise!
The Muji Peelable Cotton however is a good one to have on hand. I don’t use it to remove makeup or apply toner, but its great for doing a quick at home mask! Each piece of cotton peels off into 4 thinner pieces so you just have to soak 1 piece in your favourite lotion, peel them off, put them on your skin and relax for a few minutes for a quick pick me up. Perfect! It costs RM10.90 a pack which isn’t cheap, but you don’t use it daily so its ok.
I’ve also tried cotton pads from Kanebo and they are very nice too. They are thick and plush with 2 different sides, so one side is a softer cotton while the other side is a mesh for exfoliation. They are pretty pricey though so when I get samples, I hoard them like crazy. Haven’t been far too inclined to pay over RM20 for a pack of cotton pads yet 😛
I’ve tried a few from various Korean brands too but I find them too thin and too rough. Sealed edges to a cotton pad is a good idea to stop them from separating as you go, but I’ve never had that problem with my el-cheapo Guardian ones so I’m not sure I understand the problem. I sometimes find that the sealed edge, if not well done, can actually hurt your skin if you aren’t careful.
I’ve heard that Shiseido cotton pads too get lots of raves but every time I think of buying a pack to try, my wallet screams at me audibly “ARE. YOU. MAD?” so I meekly put it back and walk away. Some day, I’ll ignore the screaming and try it but its not happening yet haha! 😀
Do you have a favourite brand of facial cotton pad? What the best one you’ve ever used?
So that’s me. I buy cheap cotton pads in value packs that do the job well enough for me, without leaving bits of cotton all over my face. I go through a few pieces each time so its a good thing I don’t have expensive tastes when it comes to something as basic as this 😛 You?
Paris B
Maple says
July 16, 2013 at 12:28 pmMy favourite ones has got to be make up pads from Swisspers, but too bad I can only get them whenever I visit Australia. I’ve tried those sealed square cotton pads from Guardians, and other drugstore brands, but I just don’t like them. I guess I really like those round sealed cotton pad, cause the normal square cotton pads tear up easily whenever I soak them in toners or make-up remover. Thankfully, I recently found a really good one from The Body Shop, it’s the Organic Cotton Rounds, the only down side is the price, it’s around 15MYR.
Paris B says
July 18, 2013 at 3:56 pmI have noticed that round cotton pads aren’t popular locally but they’re really popular overseas! I never really had a problem with cotton pads tearing or separating but perhaps its how I use them or how I hold them so they don’t come apart so easily? Still, hard to say eh? We all have our preferences after all! 😉
Parita says
July 16, 2013 at 1:10 pmGuardian ones were my favorite too when I was in KL..now that I am in India cotton pads are not so easily available here..so just use the regular cotton balls 🙂
Paris B says
July 18, 2013 at 3:56 pmThat’s very interesting, Parita! Do you know why cotton pads aren’t as popular in India? Do people not use them? I never got the hang of using cotton balls actually. Didn’t know just how to use them at all! LOL!
Swati says
July 16, 2013 at 2:59 pmhey Paris….first i did think the ques was funny but then i remembered people getting organic cotton pads from TBS over here and i was like its fine to splurge on cotton! i use the medical grade cotton only. its a bit rough on the skin for sure so i take care when i use it near the eyes otherwise its ok, kinda exfoliating on face but it saves my pocket to me happy 🙂
Paris B says
July 18, 2013 at 3:58 pmMedical grade cotton? Which type is that Swati? Do you mean the type that come in a roll? I remember we used to have a roll at home and my Dad would use it to clean our wounds as kids. Yeah, I fell off my bike a lot LOL!
shuaddict says
July 16, 2013 at 3:32 pmThe Guardian ones are the best though i get the ones in the box. During sales they have great deal on 3-4 boxes in a set. They’re layered and not super thin unlike other drugstore brands tried. Heard the Shiseido ones are HGs for many but yet to try them.
Paris B says
July 18, 2013 at 3:59 pmAnother fan of the Guardian box cotton pads! I just saw them on offer yesterday and hesitated because I wasn’t sure if I was ready to commit to 4 boxes LOL I think I’ll give them a go.
casey23 says
July 16, 2013 at 3:44 pmI would have thought this question funny too if it was 3-4 months ago 🙂 Yes I do have a favorite cotton pad, Sephora! The other I used are either too thin or too thick!! But their pad is just the right quality for me.
Paris B says
July 18, 2013 at 4:05 pmHehe see, so many of us actually have faves! 😀 I haven’t tried Sephora cotton pads but hey, maybe I should eh? 😉 btw, there’s a reader asking where to buy Bioderma in Turkey. Maybe you could help her out? Her comment’s here.
casey23 says
July 18, 2013 at 5:17 pmParis I did try to reply her but WordPress says I have “too many urls in my comment” how can we solve this?
Paris B says
July 18, 2013 at 5:20 pmOops! I’ve reset the settings so it should allow links now but might end up in spam. I’ll rescue it, not to worry!
casey23 says
July 18, 2013 at 6:25 pmOk sent the reply but it can’t be seen on the page right now, I believe it’s in the spam 🙂
Mandy says
July 16, 2013 at 8:11 pmI shop at Watsons often so I keep buying from them. I buy the 6 pack jumbo set and they last me for a year or slightly less. Price is important to me cos I use it for toner and eye make up removal daily, plus the occasional nail polish removal. I think I wasn’t too particular about it as long as it wasn’t scratchy, but now that you mentioned it, Watsons’ does leave lint on my face sometimes. I will try Guardian’s when my current stock runs out
Paris B says
July 18, 2013 at 4:07 pmI’m the same as you Mandy 🙂 I use mine for eye makeup removal, face makeup removal and also for toner so it was important that it be cheap and effective. Guess we’re all of a similar mindset! 😉
lisa says
July 16, 2013 at 8:33 pmMy all time reliable favourite is the “large facial pads” from Guardian. I don’t even look at other cotton pads anymore. It comes in a ziplock bag. 80 large pieces. It’s my favourite really and i’m afraid it might run out one day so i do stock up an extra pack or two.
Paris B says
July 18, 2013 at 4:08 pmHmmm how is it I’ve never seen those?! I have to look the next time I’m in Guardian!
Jennifer says
July 16, 2013 at 10:22 pmHaha, good topic! I am one of those el cheapo who would mind paying extra for cotton pads because they’re disposable products to me…But I do not stinge on cotton buds because the cheap ones are lousy and can be hazardous. Once, the cotton got dislodge easily from the soft and bendy stick and then got stuck in my ear. I almost fainted with fear and thought that I will be deaf forever. Yes, I am drama like that 😛
I do not use many cotton pads as I was using the Hada Labo cleansing oil to remove my make up and lotion which required patting. I love these good products which do the job easily without having to use cotton pads. As I read more beauty blogs, I learnt that using a separate product to remove eye make up is good.
All this while I have been buying the economical pack of thin Premier cotton which was not so great to use. Then I discovered the new design with sealed edges. I have since bought those and have been happily using them. The texture is still slightly rough not unless I soak them thoroughly with more products. The rough texture does make me worry that I am damaging my skin in the long run.
Paris B says
July 18, 2013 at 4:11 pmOooh you have an excellent point there Jennifer! Cheap cotton pads or not, the worst they can do is leave lint all over our faces, but a poorly made cotton bud could be disastrous! You have a point too about rough cotton pads and our skin. I’m not sure if they’ll damage our skin per se, but it might be abrasive especially if we use them a lot. I found that many of those with sealed edges tend to feel a little rough compared to those with unsealed edges. But then, maybe that’s just me 😛
Candy says
July 17, 2013 at 12:01 amLike you, I prefer the Guardian facial cotton pads over the Watsons ones! They’re affordable, and perfect for removing manicures 🙂 For my face though, I like to pamper myself occasionally with the Body Shop facial cotton pads. They’re expensive, but feel real soft and nice on the skin
Paris B says
July 18, 2013 at 4:12 pmAnother Guardian cotton pad fan! LOL You’d never have thought we could be so loyal to something so basic! 😉
EL says
July 17, 2013 at 7:24 amThese suzuran cotton pads are favourite –
suzuran lily bell cleansing cotton wipe (green box)
They don’t absorb too much and exfoliates slightly. I only buy these when I go to HK from sasa or bonjour.I split one piece into 2 most of the time with the cleansing waters
Paris B says
July 18, 2013 at 4:15 pmI had to look it up, EL! LOL But when I did I remember seeing them in HK when I was there. Never thought to try it! Perhaps I should – any idea if they are sold locally too?
Ting says
July 17, 2013 at 10:32 amI usually grab one that has sealed sides as I don’t like fiddling with those that stick together or come off with uneven thickness (yep… irritating virgo I am). Try picking up those un-sealed sides when your hands are not 100% dry and you’ll know what I mean. :p
And I go for one that is baby-friendly. A picture of a baby on the package is really reassuring. :p
Paris B says
July 18, 2013 at 4:25 pmLOL! I totally get you to be honest. The ones with sealed sides are much easier to grab and go but thankfully the ones I use are generally even in their thickness and don’t separate so easily else I’d probably be sold on the sealed edges too! LOL! And baby! HAHA! It does make sense to be honest, although I’ve never see cotton pads with babies on them… that said, I do prefer to buy baby wipes as opposed to regular wipes. I get better value for money, and bigger pieces!
Ting says
July 18, 2013 at 4:32 pmI’ll have to whatsapp you the picture of baby on tha packaging, not on cotton pad itself, oh no!
Jaime says
July 17, 2013 at 6:12 pmI like the one from naruko, big square piece of cotton , 30 pieces for rm8.. Expensive but good as it is bigger in size and better quality .. But I used up quite fast .. Not a good thing at all for my wallet 🙁
Paris B says
July 19, 2013 at 6:11 pmMmm didn’t know Naruko sold cotton pads too! Maybe you could cut it into half? Is it big enough?
espenine says
July 19, 2013 at 6:22 amYes, I do have THE BEST COTTON PAD EVER and it’s called Leed Beauty Puff. The softest cotton pad ever, the more water efficient cotton pad ever because it doesn’t soak up all the toner and leaves my skin with nothing, the thinnest cotton pad ever which can double up as mask. Ok, I think you get my point so check it out if you get a chance. 🙂
Paris B says
July 19, 2013 at 6:46 pmWow that does sound like the best cotton pad ever! 😀 Where do you usually get it?
espenine says
July 19, 2013 at 9:22 pmIsetan in Singapore! 🙂
Paris B says
July 20, 2013 at 4:57 pmThanks! I hope to remember it the next time I’m down 🙂
Amanda says
July 19, 2013 at 4:07 pmI don’t use cotton pads as I find them a little bit harsh to my skin, maybe it’s just me 🙂 I use a big piece of 100% cotton from DM brand. They’re softer and cheaper than the cotton pads.
Paris B says
July 19, 2013 at 6:52 pmHehe 6 months ago I’d have wondered what DM was… and now I know! Woot! 😉
Angela says
July 21, 2013 at 3:56 amIt’s definitely the Shiseido facial cotton for me, super soft! 🙂 I tried those normal ones from Watson and also the pricier ones from The Body Shop, but none of them is as good as Shiseido’s because the texture is pretty rough for my skin.
Paris B says
July 21, 2013 at 7:02 pmI’ve heard so much about the Shiseido cotton pads! I’m sure they deserve their accolades. One of these days I should give it a go. Let me muzzle my wallet first 😉
Yue Rain says
July 21, 2013 at 11:42 ami do know that Pan Mate cotton pad is soft. At first, i thought that all cotton pads is just the same and there is nothing special until i tried some rough cotton pad(can’t remember which one) and my face turned red.
Paris B says
July 21, 2013 at 7:05 pmMmm another vote for Pan Mate! I must investigate this one 😉
JennyKSH says
July 25, 2013 at 4:58 amHi Paris, it’s been a while since I’ve left comment on ur blog. How are you? This topic abt cotton pads caught my eye hehe. Been busy lately since moving to a new home, since cny and imagine that I’m still unpacking? gosh… *faint*
Okays I’ve seriously tried a lot of brands you can just name it. Giant, Guardian, Watson’s… I had a fave once which is the Suzuran attirer puff that you can buy from Sasa. It’s rm9.90 for 240pcs, lint free. It used to be only RM4.90 for 240pcs and was thicker too. Since the price increase I have been looking for other brands. I then tried the Shiseido brand, the texture and thickness had been the same for RM12.90 a pack and yes, I did something crazy haha I actually counted how many pcs they were inside a pack, which is almost 300 pcs :p . I actually cut them into half coz they are so thick, and I only need so little for my face. Yea, so I get to save a lot. Then I tried the Watson’s side sealed facial puffs which is 3 boxes of 100’s for RM12.90, they are fine, not too scratchy and lint free.
and… jeng jeng… my fave is still Kanebo 🙁 sadly it’s so expensive omigosh? When I first bought it, it was only rm10 a box, yes I still cut to half coz it’s so thick! When they started increasing the price I was like… ok… byebye to favourite cotton pad. 🙁
Paris B says
July 26, 2013 at 5:37 pmHiya Jenny! I’ve been good and it sounds like you are too despite the big move! You know, sometimes, years after moving house, I’m STILL discovering things that I should have discovered a long time ago 😛 its one of those things. If you don’t sort out everything the minute you move in, it’ll still be there and with our busy lives, it’ll take us ages! I can’t imagine having to move again HAHA! Thanks for sharing about Kanebo cotton. Like you, I too love it. Its so plush and just holds together so well doesn’t it? But I can’t justify the price because I go through so much of them 🙁
JennyKSH says
July 29, 2013 at 4:31 amHi Paris, thanx for the reply 😀 Unifi has given probs arghh… fed up 🙁 anyways congrats again on your appearance on NHK! Yay! hehehhe Yes I do agree on moving, omg I just wanna throw everything but sometimes going through packing n unpacking you just can’t do it! hahaha you will suddenly get sentimental and the memory hits you 😛
So sad abt the Kanebo cotton 🙁 Do try out the Suzuran or Shiseido, you can find them at Sasa 😀 you might find your new love!
Paris B says
July 29, 2013 at 4:32 pmOMG I may be moving soon so yeah, I’m so not looking forward to it! Can’t imagine packing up the years of junk I’ve accumulated 😛 But what a great excuse to really throw things out and give them away because you don’t really want to carry junk from one place to another either right? 😉 Good luck with the unpacking! I’ll definitely keep an eye out for the cotton pads at Sasa 🙂
Natalie says
July 27, 2013 at 2:30 amI just use Daiso El Cheapo ones as well. But then I only use them to blot mascara off, rather than ‘removing’ it though. Actually I came here because of that Diptyque candle.. it was like an imaginary fragrance that was drawing me! 😀 Fine taste Paris!! That must smell good 🙂
Paris B says
July 27, 2013 at 11:50 amHaha I love Diptyque candles and yes, it smells amazing! I’m trying to save up for another. I was lucky to get the mini one as a gift but I’ve found that the mini ones don’t give off as lovely a scent nor cover as wide an area as the full size ones.
siti kaori says
September 22, 2013 at 9:30 pmBefore this, my mom always bought me the premier one. I did’nt like it 🙁 but now i’m a big girl XD i buy my own cotton pads. I always buy one from korea. The brand called 3 Concept Eyes. I don’t know but i’m obses with korean cosmetics =,=”
Cindy Tong says
October 27, 2013 at 7:34 pmim using etude house one…find it ok…but i bought ones from daiso surprisingly is softer than the etude one…never like those cotton that is not sealed…it separate and leave the cotton stick to my face!