little white truths

I feel like I've been ignoring the review posts too much lately so I'm back today with one that I need to write sooner rather than later because I've almost finished the product.

As you may know, I received a bundle of Clinique samples last year and I posted on those a month back (gosh, was it that long ago?!), letting you know that I would be testing and reviewing them in the coming weeks.

First up is this fabled cleansing balm. And guess what? I like it as much as everyone else seems to. Hip hip hooray.

Verdict

I must confess, I was a little anxious about trying this because it's so well-loved in the beauty community that I'd half-expected to be disappointed: it's hard for products to live up to their hype sometimes, but this one did so yay.

It's a white balm that goes on clear when applied and it has no scent so it should suit those who don't like fragranced products. It's solid in the tub but it melts onto the face when applied and also spreads very easily, and I've learned that a little goes a long way so the product should last a good while.

Indeed, my sample is only 15ml but I've been using it daily for almost a month now - so I can see the 125ml full-size lasting me for at least eight months. Therefore I reckon the product is a good investment and I think you're getting value for your money.

I've been using this mostly in the evenings to remove my makeup, and it does work beautifully for that purpose. I apply a little and massage it over my face before removing it with a damp face cloth, and I've found that it deals with stubborn makeup and dirt very well. I do prefer to go in with a second cleanse afterwards, however, just to ensure I've removed the slight residue this product leaves behind (although I always double cleanse anyway, so that doesn't bother me).

I've also occasionally used this as my first cleanse in the morning. As you may know, with my dry skin I like to throw on a cleansing oil or balm as soon as I get up and I leave it there for 20 mins (often more) as a kind of mask while I'm rushing around getting the kids organised, before going back later and completing the cleansing process. I will say that I prefer this product as a makeup remover: it doesn't operate as well as a mask as other balms/oils I've tried do, and I also think that it works so well for makeup-removal that it's probably better to use it for that anyway.

Overall I think this is an excellent product that generally meets its claims, and although it's not cheap, I do think it's good value because the tub should last a good while. 

Worth noting, though, is that if I had to choose between this and Bobbi Brown's Soothing Cleansing Oil (reviewed here), I would pick the Bobbi Brown. Yes it's a little more expensive ($67 AUD) but you do get 200ml so it's better value, and I also personally found it to be slightly better for my dry skin. Both products perform equally well, but there's something about the Bobbi Brown that my skin really loves.

Still, this Clinique balm is wonderful and I reckon it deserves the hype.