Positively balmy
Balms are something that have become part of my double cleanse for a few reasons lately.
The first one being that my skin is aging and unable to take miscellar waters and harsher products like wipes.
I have, for many years, been an advocate of double cleansing because quite simply you need to remove makeup and pollution and then actually clean your skin.
The reason a balm appeals to me so much is that you can just scoop out a small amount and warm it in your hands and apply it directly to your skin.
With balms there is no waste at all, because you have no pumps; you just squeeze or scoop and it gets working on the skin immediately.
If your eyes are sensitive, you are better off using a milder eye makeup remover than a balm as I do find that they can sting a little although most of them claim to be suitable as eye makeup removers. My other tip is to ensure that you use tepid water only. It drives me absolutely balmy when I see companies advertising hot cloth cleansers - too much heat can cause dry, tight skin. Finally, I’d always use a balm as part of a double cleanse only.
Here are some of my absolute favourites right:
Pestle and Mortar Erase Cleansing Balm (€45) - this cleansing balm is packed with enzymes and nourishing oils for a brighter, younger-looking complexion. It starts as a solid in the tub but quickly changes into a luxurious balm once warmed up and applied to the skin. Erase is a makeup removing balm for calm, balanced skin. This removes all traces of makeup (even stubborn eye makeup) and SPF while priming skin for your nightly routine. A nourishing blend of cold pressed meadow foam, pumpkin enzymes and prickly pear seed oil promotes cell turnover, fights free radicals and gives skin the ability to retain moisture.
Elemis Pro Collagen Balm (€56) - this powerful, deep cleansing balm dissolves makeup, daily grime and pollutants. Skin is intensely cleansed, nourished and renewed for a glowing complexion. Luxurious rose and mimosa waxes are infused with nourishing elderberry, starflower and optimega oils and supercharged with anti-ageing algae, padina pavonica. Skin is intensely cleansed, nourished and renewed for a glowing complexion whilst essential oils of lavender, eucalyptus and geranium uplift and soothe the senses.
Jo Browne Facial Cleansing Balm (€34) - give your skin the nourishment it deserves with the Jo Browne Facial Cleansing Balm. This opulent balm contains organic camellia oil which is renowned for its healing and beauty benefits. Transform dry and delicate skin after one use. Simply melt the balm between your fingertips and massage onto your face. Cleanse off with a warm facecloth (I love the Jo Browne bamboo facecloth). It will remove all traces of makeup and eye makeup.
Dermalogica Pre Cleanse Balm (€49.50) - achieve cleaner, healthier-looking skin with the double cleanse regimen that begins with PreCleanse Balm. This water-activated, balm-to-oil version of its top-selling oil cleanser deconstructs layers of excess sebum, waterproof makeup, environmental pollutants and residual product build-up such as waterproof SPF on skin. Use the included cleansing mitt to thoroughly cleanse debris from the skin’s surface, allowing your recommended cleanser to deliver more effective cleansing results. Ideal for normal to dry skin, I personally think it would be too heavy for oily skin.
Ideal for use on-the-go, Urban Decay's Meltdown Makeup Remover Cleansing Oil Stick (€24) expertly dissolves even the most stubborn waterproof makeup. Its travel-friendly design will leave you with a soft, clean and fresh complexion no matter where you are. I used this one on holidays with a cleanse-off mitt as my makeup remover and it was incredible.