The options for facial cleansers are almost endless: gels, wipes, bars, creams—virtually anything that has decent sudsing action. Our current obsession? Cleansing balm. Here's what all the hype's about.
What is it exactly? Cleansing balms are thick, creamy, oil-based formulas that deep-clean pores without leaving your skin feeling dry as a desert. (We love the ones from Clinique and Estée Lauder.) Unlike other cleansers, you can use balms around your eye area because they're often made with natural ingredients that won’t irritate sensitive skin. In fact, balms are fantastic for every skin type. And since they're oil-based, they cling to dirt like no other. Why? Oil loves oil. Trust: It works.
How do I use it? Warm a small amount between your hands and massage onto your face in a circular motion. Then, remove it with warm water or, for a more thorough result, with a damp muslin cloth. (Try the cult-favorite Eve Lom Cleanser to get a cloth included with the balm.)
Anything else? You bet. In addition to dealing with nasty sebum, cleansing balms are excellent makeup removers, so you don’t have to double-cleanse. Some (like Goop by Juice Beauty's Luminous Melting Cleanser) also smooth skin, even tone and minimize pesky fine lines.
