The Grinch and Scrooge had it right: Winter sucks. Sure, you can pull out your cute puffer coat, but then you get all sweaty underneath those down feathers when you actually start moving. Yes, you have more of an excuse to stay in on the weekends, but then you’re, well, alone. And what about all the hangovers from drinking wine as you binge Netflix shows and avoid the cold? We say bah humbug to it all.
But the thing we really hate about winter is our dry skin. The brisk weather turns our face into a flaky, red mess. The good news: Unlike some of the other wintertime woes, for this, there is relief. We’re talking about cleansing balms. This innovative product melts onto the skin and effectively removes dirt and makeup without over-drying it.
"The ability to use a product that basically melts like a butter when it comes in contact with body temperature creates a very unique experience that my patients love," New York-based dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD, tells Refinery29. Although an effective breakthrough, Bowe does suggest seeing what works for you and tweaking your regimen to the cleanser as they all work differently on varying skin types. "I have found that some are more drying while others are highly moisturizing. So, not all balms are created equal," she says. "Read the reviews, test it yourself, and tweak the way you use it based on your skin-care ritual."
So, if you’re tired of looking like a dementor sucked the life out of your face this season, ahead are 10 cleansing balms worthy of your regimen that will not only clarify, but also give your skin the moisture it needs as we wait for springtime to roll around.
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This cleaning balm has been flying off virtual shelves at Amazon; in fact, one is sold every three seconds. The best part is that it comes in four formulas — Original, Purifying, Revitalizing, and Nourishing — for whatever your skin concerns might be. If you’re looking to snag in person, it’ll be available at CVS drugstores this March.
Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original , $15.48, available at Amazon
If you’re a fan of the Pond’s Cold Cream, the brand recently created a cleansing balm remix to the cult-classic product. One of the things we love about cleansing balms is that most formulas (be sure to check labels), like this one, can be rubbed in the eye area to remove makeup without burning or causing excessive redness.
Pond’s Cold Cream Facial Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover, $9.99, available at Target
A cleansing balm is the ideal first step in a double cleansing routine, because the oils melt makeup. When creating this product, Charlotte Cho, the founder of Soko Glam, wanted people to experience a luxurious and intentional skin care routine, inspired by the concept of jeong. When paired with the brand’s Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel, your skin-care routine will be transformed into a mini-meditation session.
Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm, $38, available at Then I Met You
This rich balm will leave your skin feeling extra refreshed, or as one of the reviews said, "It’s like a luxurious facial." You won’t dread washing your face in the evening, even if you’re doing it at 2 a.m.
Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse, $59.5, available at Nordstrom
Not only does this balm serve as a cleanser, but you can also leave it on for 20 minutes as a mask. This sugar-based formula also won’t disrupt your skin’s natural oils, which makes it ideal for all skin types.
Sunday Riley Blue Moon, $50, available at Barneys New York
This cleansing balm does it all, from tackling pollution residue to acting as a natural exfoliator, and of course, taking off your makeup. So, if you’re not a fan of a 10-step skin-care routine, this product was made for you.
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm, $34, available at Sephora
Speaking of a formula that packs a punch, this 3-in-1 not only cleanses and removes makeup, but also leaves a serum-like moisture on the face. You just gently massage the balm onto dry skin, and rinse with water. For a deeper clean, leave on for one minute.
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, $38, available at Sephora
When it comes to skin care, we’re prone to splurging, and we’re not the only ones. This $60 balm cleanser sold out twice at Bloomingdale’s and went out of stock on the brand’s site. Its cocktail of ingredients is what makes it worth all the hype: lightweight oils and moisturizing components like vitamin E leave skin soft and nourished.
Pestle & Mortar Erase Makeup Removing Balm, $59, available at Bloomingdale’s
Waterproof mascara and sunscreens won’t stand a chance against this balm formula. Pro tip: If you have oily skin, Dr. Bowe suggests following up your balm with a hydrating skin-care routine. "I recommend using a water-based cleanser as a second step to remove the oils from the balm," she says. "Follow with a very hydrating skin-care ritual; ideally, layering a serum under a moisturizing cream."
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, $29.5, available at Sephora
This unique product comes with a reusable, coconut-infused sponge for a deeper clean that won’t strip the skin. And based off the reviews, it’s perfect for moisturizing in the winter.
Yes To Coconut Oil Cleansing Balm , $7.99, available at Target
This best-selling balm instantly gives you that spa-like feel with its nourishing formula of nine essential oils that glides right onto the skin. Be warned that you might forget you’re standing at your bathroom sink for a few minutes due to the aromatherapy scent — enjoy it while you can.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, $64, available at Nordstrom
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Source: Refinery29 – Thatiana Diaz