My obsession with cleansing is never ending. Over the last few years I've really seen the positive impact a great routine and a fabulous product can have on the texture, radiance and suppleness of my skin - so much so that even the thought of a face wipe alternative leaves my knees trembling. I've tried hundreds of different cleansers over the years, but in 2015 I think the offering is the best it's ever been. There are a huge number of effective products available for an affordable price point, offering an indulgent experience in your bathroom to cherish every evening. Because what better incentive to effectively cleanse every night than an invigorating and beautifully scented formula? (Have a read of my post on why double cleansing is so important here.) Right now I've been flipping between five different cleansing balms, oils and creams that really leave my skin feeling squeaky clean - without causing that tightness that's so familiar with foaming products. Here's the lowdown on each and why they're definitely worth a try.
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1. Caudalie: Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil (£18.00)
The newest addition to my cleansing line-up, I don't know why Caudalie haven't been a go-to brand for effective cleansers before. This 100% natural and incredibly lightweight oil contains sunflower, castor, sweet almond and grape seed oil - meaning it smells amazing. It's an incredibly gentle yet effective cleanser, which leaves the skin feeling perfectly cleansed, refreshed, soft and moisturised. I love this as a second cleanse as much as a first, proving its value in any skincare routine.
2. Balance Me: Cleanse & Smooth Face Balm (£20.00)
Formulated with arctic cloudberry and polishing oatmeal, this rich balm leaves skin looking brighter and feeling comfortably clean. Roman chamomile and red mandarin smooth away daily grime, while gently polishing oatmeal buffs away dead skin cells and encourages cell renewal; the result is a supple complexion that practically glows. I do find that this tends to leave a touch of residue behind, so just make sure you follow with a toner to remove any excess before applying your night cream.
3. MeruMaya: Melting Cleansing Balm (£15.50)
This is a great starting point for anyone looking to up their cleanser game, thanks to the easy-to-use formula and effective results. MeruMaya are known for their incredible formulas and affordable price points, and their Cleansing Balm is a perfect example of that; the formula contains sweet almond and echium seed oil for a nourishing result that simultaneously removes that day's build-up. When you mix the balm with a little water it instantly turns to a milk, allowing you to massage the formula into every area of the face.
4. HerbFarmacy: Exfoliating Cleanser (£17.50)
Made by hand using organic ingredients grown on the HerbFarmacy Farm in rural Wales, this beautiful cleanser features soothing marshmallow and apricot kernel oil to leave skin feeling thoroughly cleansed and hydrated. It also contains jojoba beads and white clay to gently exfoliate and lift away any dead skin from the surface, providing a thorough experience that's perfect for daily use. The exfoliating beads are incredibly gentle, leaving skin feeling clean not stripped.
5. Trilogy: Makeup Be Gone Cleansing Balm (£19.50)
Enriched with mango butter and coconut oil, this cleanser effortlessly lifts away impurities to leave your skin feeling fresh, clean and supple. The rich balm melts upon contact with warm skin, easily dissolving even the most stubborn of makeup; many other balms are great at removing the initial layer, but struggle with mascara - Trilogy have created something that rids you of everything in a jiffy. This could possibly be my new favourite.
Have you tried any of my five current favourites? Do you have any other cleansers you can't live without?
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All the products featured are available online and in stores now.
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1. Caudalie: Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil (£18.00)
The newest addition to my cleansing line-up, I don't know why Caudalie haven't been a go-to brand for effective cleansers before. This 100% natural and incredibly lightweight oil contains sunflower, castor, sweet almond and grape seed oil - meaning it smells amazing. It's an incredibly gentle yet effective cleanser, which leaves the skin feeling perfectly cleansed, refreshed, soft and moisturised. I love this as a second cleanse as much as a first, proving its value in any skincare routine.
2. Balance Me: Cleanse & Smooth Face Balm (£20.00)
Formulated with arctic cloudberry and polishing oatmeal, this rich balm leaves skin looking brighter and feeling comfortably clean. Roman chamomile and red mandarin smooth away daily grime, while gently polishing oatmeal buffs away dead skin cells and encourages cell renewal; the result is a supple complexion that practically glows. I do find that this tends to leave a touch of residue behind, so just make sure you follow with a toner to remove any excess before applying your night cream.
3. MeruMaya: Melting Cleansing Balm (£15.50)
This is a great starting point for anyone looking to up their cleanser game, thanks to the easy-to-use formula and effective results. MeruMaya are known for their incredible formulas and affordable price points, and their Cleansing Balm is a perfect example of that; the formula contains sweet almond and echium seed oil for a nourishing result that simultaneously removes that day's build-up. When you mix the balm with a little water it instantly turns to a milk, allowing you to massage the formula into every area of the face.
4. HerbFarmacy: Exfoliating Cleanser (£17.50)
Made by hand using organic ingredients grown on the HerbFarmacy Farm in rural Wales, this beautiful cleanser features soothing marshmallow and apricot kernel oil to leave skin feeling thoroughly cleansed and hydrated. It also contains jojoba beads and white clay to gently exfoliate and lift away any dead skin from the surface, providing a thorough experience that's perfect for daily use. The exfoliating beads are incredibly gentle, leaving skin feeling clean not stripped.
5. Trilogy: Makeup Be Gone Cleansing Balm (£19.50)
Enriched with mango butter and coconut oil, this cleanser effortlessly lifts away impurities to leave your skin feeling fresh, clean and supple. The rich balm melts upon contact with warm skin, easily dissolving even the most stubborn of makeup; many other balms are great at removing the initial layer, but struggle with mascara - Trilogy have created something that rids you of everything in a jiffy. This could possibly be my new favourite.
Have you tried any of my five current favourites? Do you have any other cleansers you can't live without?
All the products featured are available online and in stores now.
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.
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