I’ve been writing about my skincare routine for the past few weeks. If you missed the first post, my simple daily routine, you can catch up here.
My skin care routine at 43 years old
This post also explains a little about my face at 43 years old and what I do or don’t do with it. This is a solid article to refer back to next time you wonder if you really need an 8-step skincare routine. (Answer: No, unless it’s your bag and you prefer a long process.)
What this post doesn’t include, and this is kind of intentional, is a complex list of products recommended for each step of the routine. I didn’t want to go off topic every 30 seconds and end up with an even longer post about this favorite serum or that top retinol cream.
So over the next few weeks, I thought I’d dig a little deeper, looking at the individual skin care categories I use most often and some of the best products available on the market. This week’s top cleansing balm. All of them cost about $10, except for the plot twist.
Cleansing balms are my form of cleanser of choice. I love that the solid balm feels so luxurious when applied and massaged into the skin and effectively removes everything from eye makeup to long-wear foundation. I think this is a really surefire way to deep and thorough cleansing. It removes everything easily, but the flannel doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry or tight when you remove it all. It also leaves no oily residue.
Honestly, if you have skin issues and are currently using splash-off washes, wipes, or micellar water to cleanse at night, it’s worth swapping out for a good balm cleanser before making any other changes. I think so. Other than that. Suitable for all skin types, even oily skin. If your skin typically feels uncomfortably dry, tight, or itchy after cleansing, switching to a cleanser that respects your skin’s barrier and nourishes your skin rather than stripping it of oil can make a world of difference. You won’t believe it. .
You can get amazingly expensive cleansing balms. A cleansing balm will set your soul on fire just because of how beautiful it smells, feels, and how gorgeous it looks in a fancy pot. But all of the cleansers we’re going to discuss are cheaper and still do exactly the same job. You may be able to thank me later.
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Cleansing balm recommendations:
Is this the option I chose? That’s a difficult decision. This unscented balm has a grainy texture, but the granules dissolve into a smooth, wonderfully effective oil.
In short: great price, high performance, no-frills packaging, and a huge amount of product.
Buy Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm*
Oops. Another great way to get a ton of product for nearly $10. There was a time, not so long ago, when it was hard to find just one good cleansing balm at an affordable price. Mainstream high street brands are generally new to this type of cleanser. I’m really happy to be able to recommend a few.
It is very similar in look and feel to one of the most famous original products, Clinique’s Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm. It currently retails for £34. I’m pretty sure it was around 18 pounds when I first started writing about it (though I could be wrong).
Anyway, ELF: Unscented, very simple looking, comes in a not too harsh plastic pot, but has the cleaning power you need. It just melts things. By turning off the flannel, it gives your skin a supple feel without any stickiness.
Buy Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm*
Hooray, scented one! I know I’m not a big fan of scents because they’re said to have no use in skin care, but I love scents. I find the practice of not using scents to be completely soulless, and when someone launches a product that not only does what it says on the tin, but smells lovely, I inwardly jump. I’m happy. (I’m still reeling from the news of Mr. Darfin’s death. Mr. Darfin made the most amazing face oil in a tiny bottle.) It was all so uplifting that you could apply it to your face rather than do some perfunctory training. It made me want to do something.)
Anyway, this scent doesn’t make me swoon, it’s more of a pungent, fresh scent that grapefruit tends to have, but still. Nice. Stimulate your senses and move into action. This is very similar to oat balm, but I think in very warm temperatures (e.g. if placed right next to a hot faucet) this will separate. Store it in a slightly cooler place if possible.
Buy Grapefruit Cleansing Balm*
Here are some alternative cleanser options. These work the same way as balms, but have a slightly different texture. Just as rich, just as decadent in feel, but without the “oil-melting” aspect. Because, I get it, not everyone likes the same buttery, massage-like texture.
I don’t think cream or gel cleansers are half as good at removing eye makeup as balm cleansers, but if you tend to remove your eye makeup separately beforehand anyway, this probably won’t be much of an issue .
A soothing and gentle cream formula that leaves skin soft and moisturized. It is fragrance-free, so even those with slightly sensitive skin can use it comfortably.
Buy Nip + Fab Hyaluronic Fix Cleansing Cream*
Anyway: As mentioned above, it’s a soothing and gentle cream. This is absolutely true. It smells great, does its job of cleansing well, and doesn’t leave a sticky residue, even when you go in with kid gloves or press a soft washcloth against sensitive skin rather than scrubbing with a flannel.
Buy Super Facialist Rosehip Creamy Cleanser*
Buy regular squalane cleanser*
Tune in next week as we explore more about “super-powerful skin care serums and treatments that won’t fall off your face.” I need to think of a more clever title, but it’s currently in development…
