Forget the days of soap and water; cleansing got complex. With a plethora of cleansing options on offer – from micellar waters to foaming washes and sulphate-free cleansers – it’s tricky to figure out where to start. As baffled as we are? Allow us to introduce you to cleansing balms.
Balms offer a delicate and nourishing yet effective way of removing your makeup and impurities. Usually formulated with soothing and calming ingredients, the lightly textured balms tend to come with a soft face wash cloth or muslin to gently polish the skin.
Whether you’re after a luxury experience when it comes to facial skincare or a balm that will do the job in quick time, there’s a balm for all sorts of specific skin conditions and routines.
Even if you’re not a huge fan of the 10-step K Beauty routines, the main steps we’re all too familiar with stand firm: cleanse, tone and moisturise. Don’t forget to check out the best toners and moisturisers that come highly recommended too.
Once you’ve chosen your favourite from our guide below, Emma Hardie Director, Jane Foulston, has shared her definite guide to using it…
“Cleansing balms are very effective at dissolving heavy eye and face makeup as well as all traces of dirt that has built up throughout the day or night. Balms are suitable for both a morning or evening routine as well as either a first or second cleanse; they are very versatile. Many balms also contain nourishing ingredients such as Vitamin E and essential oils so they don’t strip the skin and leave it feeling tight in the same way that other types of cleansers might.
“When cleansing with a balm use the opportunity to practice some at-home facial massage and lift and sculpt your eye area, cheekbones and jawline. Support the skin with one hand and use a microfiber cloth to gently buff the skin, using short, linear strokes to work with the natural grain of your facial tissues. This will improve circulation and lymphatic drainage and encourage healthier and younger-looking skin. If skin is feeling particularly dry use a nourishing cleansing balm as a simple face mask by leaving it on clean skin for 10-15 minutes and then remove with a warm cloth. Or use it as a lip balm, on cuticles, or on any other dry areas.” says Jane.”
