When it comes to cleansing or makeup removing, a melty balm cleanser really does take some beating. A thick texture to start with that melts into the skin, dissolving and helping lift any makeup or grime away from the skin. Adding in some water to emulsify and change the texture again and making it easy to remove. Taking all the dirt with it. I love a balm and talk about my favourites a lot – so wanted to do a round up of the best balm cleansers for you.
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But what makes a good balm cleanser? A few things, a texture that is easy to work with. Doesn’t take much work to massage into skin. One that feels it’s really melting and removing – rather than sitting on top of skin. One that then disolves easily with water and lifts away leaving no residue behind. Extra bonus points if it has a gorgeous fragrance too. So let’s take a peek at the best balm cleansers on the market right now.
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Back in the day this was a bit of a hidden product, languishing on makeup counters in the hidden drawer at the bottom. I remember being in Harrods once (many years ago) and specifically going to the counter to ask for it and they looked at me like I was asking for an alien on toast….But then a few vocal influencers and beauty industry voices piped up to share how ace it really is. This balm simply does the job. It takes the day off your face. I’ve talked about it many times before. You can read more about the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm in THIS post as it’s THAT good I gave it a full dedicated post. I couldn’t do a post on the best balm cleansers and NOT include this absolute classic.
It is just one cleanser in Clinique’s ‘Take The Day Off’ range, I have both the balm and the oil in my day to day skincare routines at the moment and hop between the two purely on preference. The balm really is ace though and very much lives up to the hype. In fact, Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is the number one prestige makeup remover on the market and there’s one sold every two minutes. That’s a lot of cleansers.
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Another ‘OG’ classic product that is worth the hype. So popular that they have launched various versions. Including difference fragrance options (I am still undecided over the original or rose as my favourite). They often do good value versions. The texture of this makes it really special. Just such a soft and creamy feeling balm. It takes zero effort and just feels like a treat from first scoop (oh and how satisfying that first scoop is).
This is one of the most popular Elemis products out there and for good reason. It really is one of the best balm cleansers you can find. They actually have another limited edition neroli version out now too that I’ve not tried but I do love the scent of neroli so can imagine that would be a dreamy morning cleanser option. It’s amazing the impact fragrance can have on your mood, so sound like the perfect way to start the day.
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I’ll admit, for some reason I wasn’t expecting this to be as incredible as it is. I had it applied when I went to experience a treatment from Temple Spa at the Soho Hotel and it really blew me away. The balm melts but the best bit is that unlike the other two is that the texture has some gentle exfoliating ‘crystals’ to it that become more obvious as you massage it in. Where most balms have three ‘stages’ this one feels like it has the extra of one that gently polishes the skin too. But as you massage the beads also melt away. You have to try it to believe it – it’s a special one. Easily feels like a multi-step facial in a single product.
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My most recent balm ‘discovery’ and it’s a good one. Budget friendly and a tube packaging style as opposed to the more typical pot style makes this stand out on first look. On using it, that’s when it takes on a life of it’s own. It comes out in a smooth balm and so easily just melts into the skin – the packaging suggests you can leave on for 10 minutes as a nourishing face mask. I haven’t tried this myself yet, but can see why that would work a treat. I just take the time to massage it into skin really thoroughly before adding a little water to let it emulsify and remove with a flannel or muslin cloth. This one is ideal for sensitive skin types thanks to the soothing oat and ceramides to help protect your skin’s barrier.
The biggest plus points of The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm are the packaging – a tube is less messy to use and easier to travel with (as the time comes). It’s 150ml and a little goes a long way with this so it will last pretty well. The price though – just £9.99 – so easily the cheapest of the selection here. If you’re after a budget friendly option for a cleansing balm. This one has to be your choice.
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I’ve only tried the Clarins balm, but love it for the occasional cleanse where I need something to really work and melt off my makeup! Fab post xx
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One of my all time favourite cleansers is the Clarins Pure Melt one – I think it got discontinued recently which was pretty devastating!