Merumaya Cleansing Balm

 I love testing out new skincare, especially natural, British and award winning skincare! So I was excited when I received a package from the lovely people at Merumaya. I was kindly sent the *Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm (£16.50, 100ml). I haven't tried anything from this brand but I always read positive reviews about their products.

The cleansing balm contains sweet almond oil and omega 3, 6, 9 as well as antioxidants. Firstly, I like the packaging although I think it could be improved to look more modern however since the first use, I have been loving this cleanser. I have tried solid cleansing balms and I love them but this one has a texture that is like a hybrid between a cleansing balm and a creamy, gel cleanser.

The cleansing balm has a smooth, rich and luxurious texture - it doesn't irritate my eczema prone skin at all which is fantastic. It removes makeup easily, although I haven't tried it on any eye makeup. It leaves my skin feeling so smooth, soft and moisturised. It doesn't leave a residue and it doesn't make my skin breakout.

Overall, I think the price is fantastic for such a fantastic, basic cleansing balm. It feels like a luxurious product that gets the job done and that leaves my skin incredibly smooth, soft and moisturised, to an extent. It doesn't irritate my sensitive, eczema prone skin or cause spots. I am definitely interested in trying more from the brand! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you tried anything from this brand? 

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Skin + Tonic Steam Clean Cleansing Balm

I have only tried a couple of cleansing balms, the Boots Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm and the RMK Cleansing Balm, both of which I love. However, until now I hadn't tried an all natural cleanser or cleansing balm so I was so excited to try out the *Skin and Tonic London Steam Clean Cleansing Balm & Organic Cloth (£27, 50g) from Naturisimo which is an amazing online store full of natural, organic and green beauty products - they have free worldwide shipping too! 

The cleansing balm is made with only six ingredients including:  beeswax, grapeseed oil, thistle oil, borage oil, eucalyptus oil and spearmint - five of which are organically certified ingredients. The products are cruelty free, handmade in Britain which supports local farmers and producers and the products are preservative free. The latter point did make me think the cleanser wouldn't last very long however it has a 12 month shelf life. If you needed any more reasons to love the brand, then they donate 10% of the profits to charity. 

I love the packaging, it is so cute, simple and colourful and the product itself smells so nice. The balm is thick however when distributed in the hands it melts into a smooth luxurious oil. I have been using the cleansing balm at least once a day for the past couple of weeks and it is so easy to use. I use a pea sized amount (a little goes a long way) and distribute it between my hands before massaging gently onto dry skin - even over makeup for a minute or two. I then use the organic cloth included with the cleansing balm, soak it in hot water, ring out and hold against the skin for a few seconds and repeat. I gently buff the cloth on the skin to remove any excess cleanser and pat the skin dry. If I'm removing makeup then I will buff away the cleanser first, then steam the skin. 

Yes, it does feel very greasy and oily on the skin but it breaks down makeup so well. The cleansing balm melts away foundation, concealer, contour/powder and brow products effortlessly - also your skin gets a mini massage in the process which is great for your mood as well as preventing wrinkles as it is a stress relieving process and even reducing allergy symptoms such as congestion of the sinuses (for more information, click here). The cleansing balm doesn't work as amazingly well on waterproof mascara but I usually always use a micellar water before cleansing so it doesn't have to deal with most of the mascara anyway on a daily basis. I haven't experienced any negative effects or irritation with this cleansing balm and it leaves my skin feeling super clean and smooth. I wouldn't say that this cleansing balm is great for a deep clean but on a daily basis it's great! 

Overall, I have been loving using the cleansing balm over the past couple of weeks and for the past few days when I haven't been using it due to being ill I have noticed my skin isn't as clean/clear. I'm very happy with the cleanser and the cloth, I would recommend it for normal, dry and combination skin types as well as sensitive skin types although keep in mind that everyones skin is different. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5!

Have you tried anything from Skin + Tonic London? Have you tried a cleansing balm?

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Birch Box: March 2013

Here is what I received in my March Birchbox. The birch box beauty box subscription is £10 (+postage) each month and in my opinion it is definitely worth the money! I have read a couple of blog posts about this box, before I received my box, and some people received a beauty blender in their box - so while I was opening my box I was chanting 'please let there be a beauty blender in the box, please let there be a beauty blender in the box'! Unfortunately I didn't get one in mine but this is what I received!

1. Sanctuary Spa 30 Day Thermal Transformation Duo: I have received this a couple of times before in beauty boxes and I haven't used any of them as my skin does not get along with Sanctuary skincare so I will be giving this to my auntie again. This is one of the beauty extras with this box.

2. Yu-Be Moisturising Skin Cream: This product is apparently one of the best selling skincare products in Japan since 1957. It is yellow in colour and I have only used it once/twice on my lips and it is a really nice product. It can also be used on the face and other dry areas. 

3. Molton Brown Valbonne Fragrance: I tried this yesterday and I really like this fragrance, it is a bit unusual. To me it smells like a musky floral scent - I know that sounds really generic but this perfume is very unique! It smells so elegant, mysterious and a little bit old fashion but I really like this scent. 

4. La Sultane De Saba: I tried this body lotion last night after a shower and I really like this product! It smells quite herbal, musky and unique. The body lotion has a very smooth silky texture and it applies really well. It absorbs incredibly quickly. The scent and using this product makes me think of a arabian evening or something like spices/herbs from the middle east!

5. Laura Geller Inkwell Waterproof Gel Liner: I tried this yesterday and it is great (although not as good as my Clinique gel liner). The liner is very black, the brush is in the lid so it applies easily and quickly and it is just so easy to use. 

6. Lindt Heart Tin Filled with chocolate truffles: This is another extra with this box. I do love lindt chocolates but I am going to give these to my sister. 

7. RMK Cleansing Balm: I was excited to received this in my box, I have been loving my Boots cleansing balm for the past two/three weeks so I am excited to try a new one. It smells of roses which is really nice. 

Overall, a great box I especially love the RMK Cleansing Balm, The body lotion and Laura Geller liner. But I am disappointed that I didn't received a beauty blender. Are you subscribed to BirchBox, if you are what dis you get? 

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