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Going to bed with make-up on stands no chance
“Take off your make-up.”
“Don’t go to bed with make-up.”
“Always double cleanse.”
You may have been at the receiving end of these suggestions on multiple occasions and the reason is fairly simple. “Make-up can trap dirt and environmental pollutants inside the skin, and this type of environmental stress can result in increased free radicals which can cause DNA mutations, collagen degradation, and, over time, can result in premature ageing,” Dr. Sue Ann Wee of Schweiger Dermatology Group, New York City, told Byrdie. The after-effects of leaving make-up on the skin makes a perfect case for acne, congestion, sudden dryness or oiliness and even inflammation and redness born out of irritation or allergies. Make-up removal, then, is non-negotiable. The process has also become easier and more environmentally friendly, thanks to the emergence of cleansing balms that take off the last trace of product sans cotton pads or Q-tips. Oil-based cleansing balms also make for the perfect first cleanse, effective for all skin types.
If you’re looking to make this worthy addition to your skincare shelf, consider these picks we’ve tried, tested and loved.
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Melting Balm Cleanser, AMINU
If you enter a state of panic when you have to take make-up off your hyper-sensitive skin, give this balm from homegrown brand AMINU a shot. The margarine-textured cleanser features a balm-to-milky formulation that begins to emulsify as soon as it comes in contact with your skin, levigating the make-up in no time. The blend of ingredients is as skin-first as it can get with manuka oil, vitamin E, Moroccan argan oil and Myrrh (great for sensitive and maturing skin) to ensure that the skin feels calm and nourished post-use.
Priced at ₹ 1,200
Shop here
Image: Instagram.com/aminu.life
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The Cleansing Balm, Augustinus Bader
Don’t want to give luxury a miss even at the make-up removal step? This cleansing balm’s solid texture melts into the skin like a dream, dissolving make-up and impurities without stripping off natural moisture. Vegan and non-comedogenic, it contains a slew of skin-loving ingredients like avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, Bisabolol and squalane to maintain the skin’s suppleness and protect the barrier.
Priced at ₹ 5,200
Shop here
Image: Instagram.com/augustinusbader
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Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm, Clinique
If you’ve enjoyed the original Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm from Clinique, this upgraded version employs detoxifying charcoal to purify your skin besides getting rid of make-up. The jar will last you for longer than you think since you only need a tiny scoop of this hard-working formulation. In addition to charcoal, this anti-acnegenic product has linoleic acid-rich safflower seed oil and vitamin E to keep your skin soft and supple.
Priced at ₹ 3,600
Shop here
Image: Instagram.com/clinique_in
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Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, e.l.f. Cosmetics
Comprising three of the most efficacious moisture-boosting ingredients namely ceramides, hyaluronic acid and peptides, this cleansing balm is a perfect match for those who hate the taut after-cleanse feeling on the skin. The lightweight texture doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, and thaws make-up without disturbing the barrier.
Priced at ₹ 1,290
Shop here
Image: Instagram.com/elfcosmetics
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Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm, Farmacy
Packaged in a 100 per cent recyclable jar, this product contains sunflower oil, ginger root oil, turmeric, moringa extract and papaya enzymes that slough away the most stubborn make-up and sunscreen and provide gentle exfoliation for fail-proof cleansing. Besides the key ingredients, it is enriched with a bunch of other botanical oils that help break down the make-up instantaneously. It doesn’t leave the skin dry at all, instead refreshes the skin with the revitalising fragrance coming from bergamot, lemon and orange essential oils.
Prices start at ₹ 2,400
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Image: Instagram.com/farmacybeauty
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All Clean Balm, Heimish
A true beauty enthusiast will always vouch for the efficacy of this cleansing balm from K-beauty brand Heimish. The pristine white-hued balm gets converted into a creamy remover to rid your skin of dirt, grime and make-up while keeping it conditioned and comfortable. In go ingredients like shea butter, coconut fruit extract and a rich complex of botanical oils, rendering it good for your skin too. .
Priced at ₹ 850
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Image: Instagram.com/heimish_cosmetic
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Oat Cleansing Balm, The INKEY List
Viral on TikTok and Instagram beauty channels, the Oat Cleansing Balm is amongst the brand’s bestsellers. Best suited for dry and sensitive skin, this thick, coarse-grained balm is supercharged with a bunch of moisturising ingredients like oat kernel oil, colloidal oatmeal, sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil and vitamin E that, cohesively, melt the make-up and other debris settled on the skin over the day. The tube will last you for a good 100 uses, claims the brand. However, its thick texture can leave a blurry cast on your vision, so make sure to rinse it out thoroughly.
Priced at ₹ 1,120 approximately
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Image: Instagram.com/theinkeylist
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Living Cleansing Balm, Then I Met You
Besides the mango sorbet-like texture of this cleansing balm, it does its job extremely well. The formulation of this multiple award-winning balm comprises sea buckthorn, olive oil, grape seed oil, vitamin E and a bunch of other botanical oils. Needless to say, the texture and fragrance of the balm make it a sensorial treat.
Priced at ₹ 3,100 approximately
Shop here
Image: Instagram.com/thenimetyou
Also Read: 5 experts share eye make-up removal tips that actually work
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Also Read: 8 cleansers that mattify and balance oily, acne-prone skin