I need to confess that initially I wasn't into the whole idea of cleansing balms, because it was a definite change to what I had known about cleansing all these years. But in the end, I had to buy one to see what the fuss was about.
Here I have to say that I had wanted the Emma Hardie one for months now. Everyone and their mother got it and loved it. I didn't get it for the sole purpose of the bad packaging quality that made the product leak. It is (was) summer, so boiling hot in Greece and I don't like stuff leaking, especially when we're talking about luxury pruducts. Also, I had no way of trying it out first, so I said no and continued with my life.
One beautiful sunny afternoon, I was at Hondos Center and Caroline Hiron's review came back to me, so suddenly there I was at the Clinique counter asking for the balm in the purple container.
The thing that struck me was that this balm is hidden in their very back shelves. I don't know why they hide it like that from the public.
The packaging is very simple: a plastic purple tub with a shiny silver lid. It surely doesn't have the wow factor. It's a pretty big one too, it contains 125 ml and is going to last me for a good 5-6 months with daily use. It doesn't have any scent whatsoever and has a soft oily texture when it comes in contact with the skin.
It doesn't contain mineral oil, but plant oils to dissolve makeup.
I finger scoop it out and gently massage it to dry skin, then wash it off with a washcloth/muslin cloth. I've used it on SPF and very heavy makeup and it removed everything. It has even dissolved hardcore waterproof mascara successfully.
My skin (dry, dehydrated, sensitive, clogged pores on nose) is very picky and liked this. Not only I felt cleansed, but also it wasn't that sqeaky clean feel where I know that in 2 minutes, things will start feeling tight if I don't apply my other skincare stuff.
For the time being, I use it at night time only and use my Nuxe gel in the mornings, but I see myself loving it in the winter where I can use it day and night. Also, I haven't found anything better for using in the Tanaka massage I do every night, because oil is too heavy and cream, I have to reapply more often.
It's great for travelling, because you can scoop out a little bit in a jar and even take with you in your carry on at the airport, as it's solid and won't melt.
It's not a luxury product for me, it doesn't feel like that on my skin. It's very simple, yet very right. In Greece it retails for 31 euro, which makes it kinda luxury, but thankfully there is always some deal going on around here these days.
Have no hesitation in buying this balm. I will purchase more different brands to compare, but I'd definately have this in my stash.
