The Cleansing Balm You Shouldn’t Wash Your Face Without
My first cleansing balm (cleansing oil) experience was Mac Cosmetics. The company I worked for was creating their own cleansing oil; I couldn’t get my hands on our formulation, so I purchased Mac’s.
I didn’t know makeup could melt off my face that fast. Everything dissolved away and rinsed right down the sink. The next morning, there were no raccoon eyes from yesterday’s mascara. My face looked a little cleaner and fresher.
I was hooked. Cleansing oils were no myth and my refreshed skin proved it.
HOW DO CLEANSING OILS AND BALMS WORK?
Cleansing oils and cleansing balms work on the principle that like attracts like. There are waxes and oils in your makeup that a cleansing balm attracts, bonds with, then lifts off your skin.
That same attraction happens with the excess oils in your skin—making cleansing balms and oils ideal for oily-prone skin types, too.
WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Cleansing oils and balms should be used with extreme caution around the eyes and over lashes. I’ve used some (who shall remain nameless) that left a flimy feeling over my eyeballs, which they absolutely shouldn’t do.
WHO’S THE ONE?
My life-long favorite cleansing oil has always been Dermalogica’s PreCleanse: made with Vitamin E, Rosemary, and Rice Bran (a natural brightener) this liquid oil packs skin benefits with makeup removal for a one-two punch.
Dermalogica PreCleanse
Oil-based liquid cleanser that removes makeup and is good for your skin
In searching for a more affordable, travel-friendly option (not that I’m going anywhere anytime soon, but still), I found Farmacy’s Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm.
As the Farmacy website says, it holds its shape as a “sorbet-like solid.” Using the enclosed spatula or your finger to break the balm is an ASMR experience.
Just a bit of warmth from your skin liquefies the balm into a rich oil (making it mess-free and travel-friendly). Its slips easily over skin—no excessive rubbing or tugging is needed to help this product dissolve oil and makeup.
It rinses away and takes all your makeup with it. With all that build-up from the day down the drain, you can actually clean your skin with your cleanser.
REASONS TO LOVE
Great price point ($34) and comes in a sizable, 100% recyclable jar
A little goes a long way so it lasts an entire season or more
Doesn’t leave a film over your eyeballs and rinses away clean
Quickly dissolves makeup, mascara, and sunscreen
Feels hydrating and nourishing; has never left my skin feeling dry or tight
Tip: do not use on eyelash extensions
Fear of Running Out (FORO) Score: 5 out of 5