To foam up a facial cleanser with a foaming net, wet the net and squeeze it until damp, put a small amount of cleanser on it, and rub the mesh against itself between your palms while adding a few drops of water. In about 20 to 30 seconds, it whips into a dense, fine foam. Squeeze the foam off into your hand and wash your face with the foam, not the net. A thick foam spreads cleanser evenly and cushions your fingers, so there is less rubbing on the skin.
Why foam the cleanser first?
- Less friction. Your fingers glide on a layer of foam instead of dragging on the skin.
- Even coverage. Foam spreads over the whole face, including the sides of the nose.
- Less product. A pea-sized amount makes a handful of foam.
- Easier rinsing. Well-aerated foam rinses off cleanly.
The method is a staple of Japanese and Korean cleansing routines, where a dense, creamy foam is the aim.
How to do it, step by step
- Wash your hands.
- Wet your face with lukewarm water.
- Wet the net and squeeze it. It should be damp, not dripping.
- Add cleanser. About a pea-sized amount of paste or gel cleanser, or rub a bar of facial soap on the mesh three or four times.
- Rub the net together between your palms in a circular motion.
- Add a few drops of water and keep rubbing. Add air by opening and closing your hands around the net.
- Stop when the foam is dense and holds its shape, with bubbles too fine to see individually.
- Collect the foam. Pinch the net at the top and slide your fingers down to squeeze the foam into your palm.
- Apply to the face. Start at the forehead and nose, then the cheeks and chin. Move the foam in small circles with your fingertips, for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, including the hairline and jaw.
- Pat dry and continue with your skincare.
How do you tell good foam from weak foam?
| Foam | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Large, loose bubbles that pop | Too much water | Squeeze the net drier, and add water by the drop |
| Thin, sparse foam | Too little cleanser, or not enough rubbing | Add a little more cleanser and keep going |
| Sticky paste, no foam | Too little water | Add a few drops |
| Dense, creamy, stands in a peak | The right balance | Use it |
Which cleansers foam in a net?
- Foaming paste and gel cleansers: yes. These are what nets are made for.
- Facial soap bars: yes.
- Cream or milk cleansers: little or no foam. Apply these with your hands.
- Cleansing oils and balms: no. They are not meant to foam.
- Micellar water: no.
A net in several styles
The Uexim foaming bubble net soap bag is a mesh net that helps create a rich lather from bar soap or facial cleanser. The listing describes it as compact and easy to use in the shower or bath. It comes in six styles: thickened, small, small flower, pocket, large and pull rope. A pocket or pull-rope style can hold a soap bar inside. The others are used by putting cleanser on the mesh.
How do you keep the net clean?
- Rinse it under running water after every use until no foam comes out.
- Squeeze it and hang it to dry in open air, away from the shower spray.
- Wash it weekly in warm soapy water, and dry it completely.
- Replace it every month or two, or sooner if it frays, discolors or smells.
- Keep a separate net for your face. Do not share it with body soap.
A net that stays wet can harbor bacteria, and it is being used to make something you put on your face. Drying it properly matters.
Common mistakes
- Rubbing the net on the face. The mesh is for making foam, not for scrubbing.
- Too much water at the start.
- Stopping too early. Give it the full 20 to 30 seconds.
- Using too much cleanser. More product does not mean a better clean, and it can leave skin tight.
- Leaving the net wet on the sink.
Frequently asked questions
Does foaming cleanser first make a difference?
It makes cleansing gentler in feel, with less rubbing, and uses less product. The cleanser itself is the same.
Is a foaming net suitable for sensitive skin?
The foam is, since it reduces friction. Keep the mesh itself off your face, and choose a mild cleanser.
How much cleanser should I use?
About a pea-sized amount. Add more only if the foam stays thin.
Can I use the net for body wash?
Yes, though a larger pouf suits the body better. Keep the face net separate.
The bottom line
Damp net, a pea of cleanser, a few drops of water, and 30 seconds of rubbing. Wash with the foam, rinse well, and hang the net to dry.
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