Review: Olay Fresh Effects Shine Shine Go Away Cleanser

I snagged my sample of Olay Fresh Effects Shine Shine Go away cleanser from an online sample giveaway.  First, I must say, one of the most awesome things about this sample was its generous size.  

This is a picture of my actual Fresh Effects sample from a previous sample haul post.  See how big it is compared to others?

Many skincare samples are single-use, and while that does give you some idea of how a product performs, it is much easier to decide if you like a product after a few uses.  So, kudos to Olay for the ample sample!

What Olay says about Shine Shine Go Away:

Add this cleanser to your morning regimen for a fresh and deep clean:
• Removes 2x more dirt, oil and makeup vs. basic cleansing
• Kaolin clay lifts away impurities and helps minimize shine
• Deep cleansing action for a fresher feel 

What I say:

Well, when I requested this sample, I noticed the Olay facial cleanser part, but failed to notice the "Shine Shine Go Away" part.  My skin is normal, but slightly sensitive.  When I use products that are too moisturizing or too drying my skin gets mad at me.  I was disappointed when I recieved the sample and realized it was a product geared towards oily skin.  Even though I was slightly concerned that it would be too drying, I was still eager to give this product a try.  Olay has a good name in skin care.  I have heard that their anti-aging products often rank up there with high-end skin care lines, and that their clinical research is well-regarded among dermatologists.  Since it was the start of summer, which is a hot and humid time here in Philadelphia, I figured it was the perfect time for a cleanser called "Shine Shine Go Away".

The cleanser comes out of the tube in a thick and silvery cream, very much like my Missha Strawberry Latte Cleanser.  Ever since spending time in Korea, I have fallen in love with Korean skincare products.  Korean facial cleansers produce the thickest and most luxurious foam.  I'm hooked and I've brought back a good supply, so, I am very prejudiced when it comes to facial cleansers from the US.  To my surprise, the Olay cleanser not only looked like my Missha cleanser coming out of the tube, but it also made a comparable thick sudsy lather. The Olay still fell slightly short compared to Korean lather, but it came pretty darn close! Impressive.  The scent was fresh and pleasant.  My skin felt clean and it did not produce the tightness or dryness I worried about.  The sample lasted over a week, so I was able to see how my skin reacted over time.  I was completely satisfied with this face wash.  In the end, I found that the Olay Fresh Effects was probably even gentler on my skin than my beloved Missha Strawberry Latte face wash!  (It didn't smell nearly as good or foam up quite as luciously, though.) 

My verdict is that this is a good little face wash for anyone with normal-oily skin.  Don't be afraid to give it a try.

So what is your current favorite facial cleanser?  What is the most important feature in a cleanser for you?