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 micellar waters and harsher products like wipes. I have for many years been an advocate of double cleansing because quite simple you need to remove make up 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 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 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 make up removers. My other tip is to ensure that you use tepid water only. It drives me absolutely balmy ( pardon the pun) when I see companies advertising hot cloth cleansers, too much heat can cause dry, tight skin. And finally, I would always use a balm as part of a double cleanse only. . A reluctance to try balms usually lies with a psychological need for foam completely understandable, if you’re naturally oily and find balms leave your face with an oily or sticky residue.Not everything you use needs to be massively active. A balm is a decadent way of doing skincare.
Here are some of my absolute favourites now and why. Two of them are Irish as well something that makes me immensely proud.
Pestle and Mortar Erase Cleansing balm €45. The cleansing balm is packed with enzymes and nourishing oils for a brighter, younger-looking complexion. This balm 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. It washes away quickly and they have a second step Renew if you like a gel cleanser as step two.
Elemis Pro Collagen Balm €56.00 To be the spa home why not try an Elemis product. This powerful, deep cleansing balm dissolves make-up, 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. Elemis is one of the most popular spa skincare brands I am really loving the scent. The brands ethos centres around keeping the skin barrier in good condtion and that it certainly does.
Jo Browne €34.00 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. Other ingredients include bergamot oil, neroli oil, palmarosa, frankincense oil, geranium oil, grapefruit oil and rosemary oil. 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 make up and eye makeup. This is defintely one of the gentler ones for round the eye area. I adore beragmot and the scent is real luxury with this one.
Dermalogica Pre Cleanse Balm €49.50 Deep-cleansing balm-to-oil melts away impurities and make-up from skin. Achieve cleaner, healthier-looking skin with the Double Cleanse regimen that begins with PreCleanse Balm. This water-activated, balm-to-oil version of their top-selling oil cleanser deconstructs layers of excess sebum, waterproof make-up, 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. The Natural Biolipid Complex locks in hydration and reinforces the skin barrier while Apricot Kernel Oil helps nourish skin. I love the practicality of this one being in a tube. Ideal for normal to dry skin. Safe for use around the eye area. I personally think it would be too heavy for oily skin.
GlamityJane 