I've been using cleansing oil for some time but I recently read that after using it, you still need to follow up with a foam cleanser to clean up the "traces" of cleansing oil. How true is this?

Pearlyn: I'm not sure if by "traces", you mean the sheen or film left behind on skin after rinsing. That's supposedly a protective, moisturising layer - a sensation some cleansing oil users love (probably on drier skin!).

Shu Uemura's trainer Nora Soho tells me while some cleansing oils need to be followed up with a cleansing foam, the brand's signature cleansing oils are made to remove both dirt and makeup so you don't have to cleanse further.

On the other hand, Elaine Low, Fancl's senior trainer, says that the brand's Mild Cleansing Oil should be used with a facial cleanser like its Facial Washing Powder. "A makeup remover and facial cleanser can be likened to a shampoo and conditioner. It is always recommended to use them separately; i.e. different products for different purposes. Cleansing oils are designed to remove makeup thoroughly, while facial washes or foam cleansers are designed to  clear impurities such as dirt, dead skin and excess sebum."

But I think there are no hard and fast rules: your cleansing routine can be personalised according to what you like. Some of us like a squeaky clean face (so use both a cleansing oil and a facial foam if it makes you feel cleaner! I use two toners, a facial foam and a scrub every day!) whereas others may not like the feeling of over-cleansed skin.