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!
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?
