I think we’re all looking for the best thing to cleanse our skin. As someone who usually applies a full face of make up every day, I am always looking for products that will get rid of every trace of make-up, leaving my skin feeling clean and soft. I have quite dry skin so I’m always looking for something that won’t dry me out, but I am also prone to redness so I don’t want to cause any irritation. Here are some cleansing balms that I have been loving recently.
I have looked at two types of cleansing balms here. The first two are massaged into the skin and then turn into a more milky substance when water is added, gently dissolving away the dirt. The other three are hot cloth cleansers and are followed up with a hot (although not too hot of course) cloth to exfoliate the skin, lifting away dead skin cells and leaving the skin soft and clear. I like to do the ‘double cleanse’ method – using one cleanser to remove the make-up and then going in with a second to really clean and treat the skin.
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm from Elemis
This balm is like decadence in a pot, it is absolutely stunning. The texture is very smooth, almost gel-like – and it does feel incredibly nourishing and luxurious. It feels like a treat on the face. Sadly, as this can’t be used on the eyes, I don’t tend to use this to remove my makeup but use it as a second cleanse, applying it to my face and working it in, then adding a little water so it turns milky and washing it off with a cloth. I also love leaving this on for a while as a mask for more intense hydration. This cleanser also contains anti-ageing algae, Padina Pavonica, nourishing Elderberry, Starflower and Optimega oils, along with luxurious Rose and Mimosa waxes. It’ll leave your skin glowing and smells gorgeous!
Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter from The Body Shop
Watch as the make-up melts off your face with this. It’s described as a ‘butter’ and it does look a little like that, but I don’t think that it is oily or greasy, just very easy to apply and very smooth. This is another gentle yet effective cleanser, perfect for sensitive skin with a very subtle scent. The Camomile will soothe the skin – it is also hypoallergenic so great for sensitive skin. This has been a favourite of mine for years, it makes a really great first cleanse to get rid of your makeup and is one of the products I will regularly reach for as it never lets me down. It leaves your skin clean without feeling dry. We have also reviewed the cleansing oil in this range and loved it too! Read that review here.
Find it for £10 from The Body Shop
Soap and Glory The Ultimelt Deep Purifying Hot Cloth Cleanser
I absolutely love the scent of this one and it does the job wonderfully. It’s gentle enough that I can use it on my eyes even though it has a scent to it. This cleanser contains essential oils including orange, lavender, clary sage, rose and geranium, along with sweet almond and coca seed butter oils to purify and nourish the skin. The balm itself is also quite thick and creamy, making it easy to smooth across the skin. This doesn’t have a pump, as many hot cloth cleansers have, but this packaging also means you can squeeze out the exact amount rather than having to use the pump to distribute the product.
sadly – discontinued!
Hot Cloth Cleanser from REN
This cleanser is very gentle and would be great for someone with sensitive skin and this particular range doesn’t have a scent. This might not be for you if you’re using it to remove heavier, darker make-up, but it is gentle enough to be used on the eyes. This hot cloth cleanser has quite a thin consistency, quite close to the texture of a day cream. It contains Tannins from Cenifolia Rose petals to sooth and tone the skin, along with cocoa butter leaves to keep the skin nourished.
Find it for £16 from Look Fantastic
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
This one is an absolute cult classic and is one of the most famous hot cloth cleanser around. The original Liz Earle cleanser smells quite strongly of rosemary. It is thick, luxurious and removes make-up very well – it can even be used on the eyes without causing any irritation. It has more of a thick texture, more like a very rich night cream (it holds its shape when squeezed out of the pump). This cleanser is enriched with cocoa butter to smooth and moisture, along with rosemary, chamomile and eucalyptus to tone, soften and purify the skin.
Jessica
[…] Read the full review here. […]