Hi!
Nowadays there are so many makeup removers that you don’t know what to expect when buying a new jar. I just got used to micellar waters and cleansing oils when suddenly the waterless face cleansing method blew into my life. Is it truly waterless?
Almost.
My skin is highly sensitive and I always have allergic reactions like red spots and itching after I wash my face with tap water. My face wash has nothing to do with that, I definitely know it’s my skin's reaction to the tap water.
When I was looking for information about waterless face cleansing, I came across positive reviews of this cleansing balm and even though I’m skeptical about this brand, I bought the balm, and with a 50% discount.
The balm comes in a beautiful jar with a screw top. I don’t know what attracts me to this package, but it’s like a decoration in my bathroom. I adore such gentle girlish colors, and at the same time, the design is quite classy.
I have no idea why they named this substance ‘balm’, because I think it’s a real base oil, you know like coconut oil or shea oil. It’s white, solid and melts when in contact with warm hands. The only difference is that unlike regular oils, this balm spends quickly. In terms of its qualities, this balms resembles a cleansing oil. Actually, it is a cleansing oil, because it turns into white milk which must be washed off.
But as I’ve mentioned before, I use this balm in a different, ‘waterless’ way.
First I apply it onto dry skin and massage into my face. Then I remove the rest of my makeup with a towel moistened with warm water. I leave it on my face for a few seconds, so that my makeup comes off easily.
You can buy special face towels which are designed for makeup removal, they are easy to wash and dry. However, I use an ordinary bath towel.
The makeup comes off marvelously, this balm is capable of removing any formula, including setting sprays and fatty products.
But I had issues removing mascara. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t remove it without rubbing my skin. I used another mascara, but the result was just the same.
I realized that it isn’t an eye makeup remover and that I should use a micellar water in that area.
And a few words about micellar water. Any oil-based product should be removed from the skin. First of all, it creates a film on the skin, which is a giant plus in my case, because this film protects my skin from dehydrating. Second of all, such products often contain anionic surfactants which must be never left on the skin.
I remove the rest of the balm not with tap water, but with a micellar water, and also remove my makeup from areas near my hairline and ears, which are hard to access.
My skin feels fantastic. There is no stickiness and no horrible redness. So it’s a kind of two stage process: first the balm gently removes my makeup, and then a micellar water does the rest.
Do you think my makeup removal process is over? Nope. I also use a face lotion after micellar water in order to remove it and normalize my skin’s PH level.
My opinion of this balm is quite controversial. On the one hand, it’s really pleasant to use, gentle and fragrance-free. Also, it purifies my skin pretty good. On the other hand, the balm does not remove long lasting mascara as it claims. I can forgive that because I really appreciate the feeling it gives, but will a person with oily skin feel the same, I wonder. Pondering over this I realized that the method of cleansing should be based on the skin type. For example. soft oils for dry and dehydrated skin, and cleansing milk for oily etc.
This balm will go for dehydrated skin, because it doesn’t dry it out.
Which skin type is it good for?✔ Normal✔ Oily✔ Combination✔ Dry✔ SensitiveWhat it is:A transformational, lightweight makeup remover that goes from balm to oil to milk to melt away every trace of eye and face makeup and sunscreen.Solutions for:- DrynessIf you want to know more…This makeup remover effortlessly dissolves even the most tenacious makeup and sunscreen. Its non-greasy, non-drying, lightweight formula nourishes skin, cleanses thoroughly, and rinses off completely, so all that’s left is a fresh, dewy glow.What it is formulated WITHOUT:- ParabensWhat else you need to know:This product is allergy and ophthalmologist tested, non-acnegenic, appropriate for contact lens wearers, and 100 percent fragrance-free.
So, let me sum up all pros and cons of the Clinique Take the Day off Cleansing Balm:
Pros:
- removes my makeup really good
- doesn’t dry out my skin
- economical
Cons:
- sucks at removing mascara
The product is not for everybody. However, after 3 weeks of waterless face wash method I saw good results: pure skin, clean pores and the most importantly, my skin doesn’t become red.Price: about $30 for a 3.8 oz bottle.
