I was a dedicated lover of a foamy face washes for the past decade – I liked how they removed my makeup and made my skin feel super clean. But this year my skin has really changed and I am so much more sensitive than I had ever been – so I went looking for products that cleanse my skin, gently.
Reading up on all the advice out there – I thought I would try a cleansing balm. And I wanted to find the best cleansing balms for sensitive skin.
Now, what is a cleansing balm?
They are cleansers that are usually thick and require ‘warming up’ in your hands before you apply them to dry skin. They are multi-tasking wonders as they not only remove dirt and impurities from your skin, they protect your skin’s balance by restoring moisture. Made with oils, they never strip your skin but instead leave your skin noticeably softer and more balanced – even after the first use.
I’ve noticed because of these properties, my skin is breaking out less and feel super soft and hydrated.
What is the best part about cleansing balms?
Instead of using quite a lot of foamy face wash (I used to go through one bottle per month), you really need such a small amount to cleanse your whole face. So even though cleansing balms can have higher price points, they really do last a long time.
How do I use a cleansing balm?
Instead of applying to a wet face like you do with most other cleansers, you scoop or pump a small amount into your dry hands and then ‘warm’ the cleanser between your hands until it softens. When it has ‘melted’ you gently smooth the balm all over your dry face and eyes/eye makeup. Then, using a hot, wet muslin or microfibre cloth, press and hold the cloth over your face for five seconds. Rinse your cloth and repeat – making sure the cloth is hot. By the third rinse, your makeup has vanished and your skin is clean. The final step I like to do is to run the cloth under very cold water, then press and hold on my face for five seconds. Using a cloth like this is great as it also acts as a gentle exfoliator and improves skin circulation.
Now, if you double-cleanse, a balm is your first step, followed by a water-based cleanser to get that next level of clean.
This all might sound like quite the process (you might be saying, ‘M, who has got the time?’), but after the first week, I got used to it and now enjoy this time to pamper myself.
Let’s talk about my favourite cleansing balms in 2020.
Indeed Labs Watermelon Melting Balm – $22.99
This is a brand new release from one of my favourite skincare brands on the market – Toronto-based, Indeed Laboratories.
What makes this cleansing balm so great is:
A) the packaging (mess and contamination free)
B) how little you need for the cleansing magic to happen
C) the price
Incorporating watermelon and hemp seed oils, plus vitamin A and E, the watermelon cleansing balm from Indeed Labs is designed with sensitive skin in mind. This product also contains bisabolo, which is a ‘natural remedy for sensitive and easily inflamed and irritated skin”. Sensitive skin, acne prone skin, aging skin…this cleanser is for you.
Eve Lom Cleanser – $166
Some may say this is the O.G balm. A cleansing icon. And I would AGREE.
This is the cleansing balm that converted me to a balm-cleanser type of gal.
There is something truly magic about this balm from Eve Lom. First – its pretty luxe. The smell makes you feel like you are at a high-end spa and it works incredibly well. I found a smaller size at WINNERS (bless a bargain) and thought I’d give it a whirl.
Yes – this is pricey. Like PRICEY – but I will tell you I have had the sample size now for three months and still have plenty to use.
Rodial’s Pink Diamond Cleansing Balm – $62
You know I am a fan of Rodial products, and this new Pink Diamond cleaning balm does not disappoint!
The generous travel-size sample came as part of my Rodial 12-Days of Red Carpet Glam Advent Calendar and I have nearly squeeze the last squeeze of this product – I love it so much.
This balm is infused with vitamin E to nourish skin and the Rodial signature diamond powder – to brighten and and even the complexion. It is silky smooth, a little goes a very long way, it smells of delicate roses and removes every single bit of makeup. It is non-drying, like all balms it doesn’t strip your skin and it comes with a muslin cloth to help remove the product while exfoliating.
How do you cleanse your face? I’d love to know your favourite cleanser – pop your comment below or follow me on @immfab and get engaged.
M Fabalm.com
