I’m not sure which is more satisfying, taking your bra off after a long day, or taking all of your makeup off. As much as I love wearing makeup, I know how detrimental it can be to my skin if I’m not properly cleansing. When it comes to taking my makeup off I have a rather extensive routine and at minimum do a double cleanse, sometimes triple.
Cleansing balms are a solid oil formula that break down makeup, dirt and oil and even sunscreen while leaving any dry patches moisturized. One might think that if you have oily skin you shouldn’t use a cleansing balm, but just the opposite. Oil grabs onto oil and takes it away.
Cleansing balms are also particularly great for breaking down heavy cream products such and liquid lip stains and heavy cream bases and paints.
The first step in my makeup removal arsenal is always a cleansing balm. While great for every skin type, they’re especially helpful for those with sensitive or dry skin as they don’t leave your skin stripped.
Favorite Cleansing Balms
The Eve Lom Cleanser is by far my favorite cleansing balm. It comes with a reusable muslin cloth and provides a deep cleanse and exfoliation at the same time. Its Egyptian chamomile oil softens and soothes, clove oil encourages clarity, eucalyptus oil decongests, hops oil tones and cocoa butter conditions.Great for an at home spa day.
2. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
This is a great cleansing balm for every day use. It transforms from a solid balm to a silky oil upon application, cleans thoroughly and rinses off completely.
Hungarian Moor mud, rich in calcium and magnesium, to draw out impurities. This gentle black balm cleanses without stripping, removing all make-up, even waterproof mascara, to leave skin feeling soft and hydrated.
4. Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup Melt
Gentle enough to be used around the eye area, it quickly transforms from oil to milk upon contact with water. Great for removing dirt, oil, makeup. Formulated with antioxidant-rich fruit extracts and oils to help soothe, plus a nourishing African oil blend of marula, baobob, kalahari melon, mongongo and ximenia.
5. Albolene
Not what you would typically think, but it does the job in a pinch. I keep this in my bag along with makeup wipes. Not only is this great for a quick break down before a workout, you can use it on your body with a sweat belt to increase water weight loss.
