Along my beauty journey I have used products that I love and hate but, I have also learnt techniques that I love and hate. Unfortunately,  as I am constantly trying new brands I am often found giving brand reviews on my blog which is frustrating to me as that’s not why I started this blogger life. Don’t get me wrong I really love trying new products and brands but what I really want to share with you all, is the knowledge I have learnt along my way and explain about the products and techniques I use and why.

I have been wanting to give you all my take on balm cleansing for ages so here goes ...

Balm cleansing is a new love of mine ad my favourite skincare ritual. Being an oily skinned gal, I was very nervous to try this technique as balms are oil based products, so I then convinced myself I was going to break out and look more Nanny McPhee than a fresh faced beauty. This just showed my lack of knowledge on balms and after some research and a few product testers I am now a total convert.

Cleansing with balms is most effective when cleansing away a full face of makeup and really not necessary for everyday cleansing. I am about to tell you why……

Imagine this, a full face of makeup, small amount of balm. Rub the balm gently all over your face (including your eyes, as the balms are so gentle they cleanse away eye makeup including waterproof mascara) then watch as your makeup literally melts as it is lifted away by the balm along with any excess oils and dirt. Using a warm muslin or flannel wipe it all away. You are left with baby soft, clean, nourished and purified skin. I cannot tell you how much pleasure I get from this technique it gives me as much satisfaction as a new handbag every single time!!

As well as cleansing you can also use these balms as overnight masks by applying a small amount all over the face. Prepare to wake up with hydrated, healthier, radiant and younger looking skin. Whilst you get your beauty sleep the balm has worked its magic by deeply cleansing the pores and removing any traces of impurities whilst the skin has absorbed all the nourishment from the product.

These are some of my favourite masks:-

Emma Hardie Moringa Balm

I do love all my balms but this one remains my absoltue favourite. What makes it stand out to me from all the rest is the uplifting scent. It smells so bloody gorgeous. Along with it’s gorgeous scent it has very good hydrating properties, can calm and reduce blemishes and leaves skin looking radiant. After using this balm you are left feeling like you have had an invigorating spa treatment.

After an overnight treatment my skin always looks super glowy, calm and balanced.

RRP £10 - £47 depending on size of pot.

Available from M&S, Cult Beauty, Lookfantastic & Feelunique

Sunday Riley Blue Moon

This balm comes from an American brand that has taken the world by storm. Sunday Riley is a cruelty free brand and is so innovative it is used backstage in fashion shows. Their ingredients are said to be some of the purest used alongside amazing formulas to give fast and long lasting results.

Comprises a non-scented balm with a gentle exfoliating property. It melts into a milk on the skin whilst gently cleansing and exfoliating with its soft sugar base.

Contains moisturising cocoa butter, soothing chamomile and sweet bitter orange oils to help relax the mind.

RRP £46.00 (100ml) Available from Space NK, Harrods, Selfridges & Cult Beauty

Eve Lom Cleanser

This is my least favourite. Still very effective but I find the aromatic scent over powering. Though Vogue claim “it is the best cleanser in the world” so you know who am I?

The strong aromatic scent is a signature blend of hops, Egyptian Chamomile, Clove and Eucalyptus.

This balm has an exfoliating property which gently cleanses away the dead skin cells leaving skin with better circulation, appearing more toned and radiant.

RRP £55.00 available from John Lewis, LookFantastic, Cult Beauty & Harrods

Lyons Leaf Beauty Balm

An award winning balm hand made right here in the UK with 100% natural ingredients and created by a cruelty free brand.

This balm is gorgeous! Hydrates and plumps the skin, rebalances oily/ combination skin, calms skin prone to breakouts and gentle for sensitive skin types.

A little of this product really does go a long way.

Contains Jojoba oil, shea butter, almond oil, rosemary oil, calendula flower extract and vitamin E oil.

In my opinion best used alongside their organic muslin cloth.

RRP £12.95

Available from www.lyonsleaf.co.uk

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup

A light citrus scented balm from American Brand IT Cosmetics that specialise in products that enhance your natural beauty. This product is paraben, cruelty and sulfate free. Consists of a gentle three in one balm that hydrates, purifies and includes an anti-ageing, skin softening serum.

Contains hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, Moisturising Shea Butter and wrinkle smoothing Collagen.  

RRP £30.00 Available from Boots and Selfridges

I hope you have enjoyed my insight into balm cleansing and hopefully for those that have never used this method before I have enlightened you to give it a try. I would love to know about your experiences using this cleansing method and your favourite balms.

Kisses

Nicola xxx

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