This Unexpected Product Completely Changed the Way I Cleanse My Face

Of all the practises that make my little beauty editor heart skip a beat, cleansing my face tops the list. Years of regularly falling asleep with my makeup on in my early twenties (so cringe, I know!) have lead to my near-obsession with thoroughly removing every stitch of gunk and goo from my skin at night, and for me, that means double cleansing is my go-to method. Only, I don't always reach for the traditional first step, oil cleansers. I often reach for cleansing balms instead. I know some of you might be clutching your pearls right now, so allow me to explain.

Straight oils are great for many skincare purposes, but the truth is they can be a bit messy, and portion control can be problematic. Cleansing balms are an excellent alternative since they deliver makeup-melting oils in a solidified form that break down everything from mascara to sunscreen with ease. The balm that changed my life forever is Farmacy's Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm (£32). It uses sunflower and gingerroot oils along with turmeric and moringa extracts to dismantle anything and everything lingering on my face and papaya enzymes to naturally exfoliate my pores. It's a dream to use. I just warm up a small scoop on dry skin before adding a little water to activate a luxe, milky lather.

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(Image credit: @court_higgs)

Although this particular balm rinses away without leaving any residue behind, I still follow up with my beloved IS Clinical Cleansing Complex (£36), which is the perfect second step. Since I committed to this double-cleanse combo, my skin has remained smooth, glowy, and free of congestion. It's a match made in heaven.

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

So are you ready to commit to that balm life? I hope so! To get you started, I've rounded up the best cleansing balms out there for your double-cleansing needs. And since I'm a rigid completionist, I've also included the water-based cleansers perfect for rounding out your face-washing routine. Happy scrolling!

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

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Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser

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Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

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Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

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Evolve Organic Beauty Gentle Cleansing Melt

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Sunday Riley's Blue Moon Tranquility Cleansing Balm

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(Image credit: @symphanisoto)

Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm

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One Love Organics Botanical B Cleansing Oil Solid

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Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm

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Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm

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Associate Beauty Editor

Courtney Higgs is a Cancer sun, Libra rising beauty enthusiast with about six years of experience in the editorial space. She was previously Who What Wear's associate beauty editor after spending many years working on the West Coast edit team at InStyle Magazine. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in communication studies and pivoted to editorial after spending her college years working in the legal field. Her beauty philosophy is simple: She believes there are no wrong answers and that discovering our favorite beauty products and rituals is a journey, not a sprint. When she's not geeking out over products, she can be found adventuring around L.A. with her fiancé; watching reality TV with their French bulldog, Bernie Mac; or relating way too hard to astrology memes.