We’ve had oils, micellar waters and wipes, but cleansing got serious when balms, previously used mainly in facials, hit the mainstream.
They have the ability to cut through the heaviest of makeup and leave skin so fresh and clean, providing the best base for skincare. The trick? Thick, solid oil formulas that melt when massaged into the skin, adding the element of richness so there’s no ‘stripping’ when it comes to cleansing. And if you’re worried about removing all that oil, the addition of a flannel or muslin cloth makes sure all traces are removed.
Here are some of the best cleansing balms for nourished, healthy skin...
ESPAWith rose oils at its heart the softness of ESPA Nourishing Cleansing Balm, £39, which also contains beeswax and a blend of rose geranium and rose damascena transforms into a rich cream when massaged in with water.
Emma Hardie If you have oily skin and therefore avoid oils you may want to try the balancing qualities of the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm with Cleansing Cloth, £39. There’s a rich mix of oils in this balm; grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, moringa seed extract, wild sea fennel, vitamin E, orange, neroli and mandarin for a sweet-smelling, skin-loving balm.
Darphin The Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm, £33, transforms into a milk when mixed with water, which makes it easy to wash away, but it’s the mix of marula oil, sage, ylang ylang and rosewood oils that combine to act like magnets to get rid of all traces of impurities and makeup.
Pixi The combination of a balm and cream in Caroline Hirons x Pixi Beauty Double Cleanse, £24, mans you can cut through heavy makeup with the balm-to-oil first step, then softens and cleanses readying skin for skincare.
Clinique The balm formula of Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, £23, transforms into a light, silky oil so skin is not only cleansed but is also softened and nourished too.
Sunday RileyThe balm-to-milk texture of Sunday Riley's Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm, £46, skin-soothing cleansing contains a nourishing mix of plant oils and essences to gently yet effectively cleanse your complexion of all traces of makeup and dirt, without stripping the skin.
ElemisExpertly formulated with a 100% base of natural oils (all of which are grown in the UK), Elemis Pro Collagen Cleaning Balm, £39, offers a deep cleanse and boost in nourishment, thanks to the inclusion of starflower, elderberry, optimega oils and anti-ageing padina pavonica. One use and you’ll be hooked.
Eve Lom One of the original balm cleansers the Eve Lom Cleanser, £55, is a thick balm with the signature scent of four aromatic plant oils that suits all skin types. A little goes a long way and the best way to remove all traces, while also exfoliating is with the muslin cloth that comes with the balm. Oh, and there's a balm/gel hybrid hitting the shelves mid August, so keep your eyes peeled.
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