Why I’m Stingy When It Comes to This Famous Cleansing Balm
Main Image – Courtesy of writer
If there’s one thing I love in skincare, it’s a cleansing balm. The silkiness, the glowiness, the all-round luxury of it all. I have yet to meet a cleansing balm I don’t like.
So, imagine my excitement when I finally got to try Balance Me Super Berry Cleansing Balm (£39), a 100% natural cleanser that promises to smell like a spa in a glass jar.
Here is my honest review.
The product details
Balance Me Super Berry Cleansing Balm comes in a 100g glass jar. The ingredient highlights are raspberry seed, blackberry and arctic cloudberry oils, jojoba and rosehip oil, holy basil, and lavender. Need I say more?
The balm aims to remove dirt (face and eyes) and purify and rebalance all skin types, morning and evening.
First impressions
The jar comes with a wooden spatula but, honestly, I’d rather go in with my fingers. I’ve done the spatula thing before and it adds zero value, except for perhaps making it slightly easier to break the balm’s initial seal. Just make sure your hands are clean if you are going to use them!
When I opened the lid of the jar and enthusiastically took my first sniff, I was not disappointed. My goodness. Close your eyes and you could literally be in a spa. The aroma instantly fills you with a sense of calm, as well as the need to just slather the balm all over your face.
And so I did! The instructions tell you to warm a scoop in between dry hands, then apply to dry skin. I used an amount slightly bigger than pea-sized which was plenty to cover my entire face.
I got a taste of the smooth, luxurious feel of the balm in my hands before it even went onto my skin but as I massaged it around my face, it felt like warm butter. It, quite simply, melted into my skin and the smell beautifully intensified too.
It was around this point that I realised this was the nicest cleansing balm I had ever used, and I hadn’t even seen the results yet. I also knew this definitely wouldn’t be one I’d use twice a day – no way. But more on that later.
Image – Courtesy of writer
Next, I added a little splash of water to emulsify the balm, as instructed. This loosened it a little and it became less like a balm, more like a cleanser. Still as smooth as butter though.
It was gentle enough to use on my eyes too, only I did have to go over them later with my eye makeup remover as the balm didn’t quite remove every scrap. I do wear quite a lot of mascara though, so this all depends on the user.
Then I removed it all with a warm flannel – again, as instructed. You could easily remove it without one, but the flannel gives the balm a little extra manpower to budge (as does warm water as opposed to cold) as it layers on quite thickly.
Once dry, my skin felt hydrated and fresh, and it had a slight radiance to it. And zero greasiness too which is a bonus for an oily skin type like mine.
To be honest, it wasn’t any different to how other balm cleansers make my skin look and feel, but it had done its job, it made me feel good and I’d enjoyed using it – that’s all I cared about.
My results (and some advice)
Despite the instructions saying you can use this morning and evening, I would recommend seriously thinking twice before you decide to do this. First of all, this jar of balm is not cheap, nor is it very large so using it twice a day makes me feel like it would go down pretty quickly.
Secondly, in my opinion, it’s just too good to use as your daily cleanser. It needs to be saved for when you’re really taking the time to pamper yourself. You know, on those days when you do actually have time to run yourself a long hot bath, use ‘the good’ bath oil and shave your legs.
This cleanser isn’t a wash ‘n go kind of cleanser, despite what Balance Me wants you to believe. Don’t get me wrong – you could probably use it three times a day and your skin would reap the benefits. But I feel it’s one to be enjoyed, inhaled and applied properly. Because, let’s be real, 50% of its beauty is in how it smells.
I know that sounds ridiculous but why put soothing, relaxing lavender (for example) in a product that’s meant to be applied when you’re quickly rushing out of the door? It seems a bit of a waste to me.
So, I’ve decided that this is my luxury cleanser. The one I save for those evenings when I’ve got the time to really appreciate my best products. It would be a crime to just use it on-the-go.
Image – Courtesy of writer
What other users are saying
When it comes to skincare reviews, there will always be conflicting opinions. After all, everyone’s skin is different.
Linzi B says, “It smells gorgeous and feels lovely to apply but it caused my normally controlled rosacea to flare up.” This is why a patch test is always recommended, particularly if you have sensitive skin. She continues, “it doesn’t emulsify as specified and I found it hard to remove. You definitely need to use a cloth and hot water.”
I agree, the balm goes on heavily and a flannel really worked for me to remove it but you could also try using less balm in the first place if you’re really struggling.
Soledad on the other hand gave it five stars. “Since I started using it, I have seen a huge difference in my skin. I have not had one breakout, my skin feels healthy and I look forward to using it every night.” This is how you should feel about all of your skincare!
And Kate M agrees. “It is rich and luxurious yet leaves your skin feeling moisturised without being greasy. An amazing product which smells and feels fantastic.”
Image – Courtesy of writer
Overall value for money
£39 is a lot to spend on your cleanser. If you’re feeling the pinch, do as I suggest and don’t use it for every cleanse. At this price, it’s the perfect addition to something like a birthday or Christmas wish list or if you can treat yourself to something special.
The takeaway
My advice is to keep this one for best. When you’re away for a special weekend, when you’re in need of a pamper or if your skin needs more than your regular foaming cleanser. You’ll know what I mean when you feel and smell it.
It’s not a ground-breaking, game-changing cleanser. It does its job well but it isn’t really any better than the other cleansing balms I’ve used. But the smell and the feeling of luxury when you’re using it are second to none.
So take my advice – don’t waste it on your morning cleanse. Your skin and senses will appreciate it even more if you make a real fuss of it.
Get Glowing!
