Then I Met You living cleansing balm
Like all balm cleansers, this is designed to be massaged into a dry face, as it melts into an oil to break down make-up and SPF, before being rinsed off with a flannel or splash of water which emulsifies the formula.
We’d always recommend using a flannel or cloth to avoid any product residue being left on the skin and our go-to is the Face Halo make-up remover pad (£7, Boots.com) for effortless cleansing.
Described as the first step of your double cleanse – which involves using an oil-based cleanser to remove make-up, followed by a gel or milk cleanser – according to the brand, it’s made for all skin types, with a vegan formula packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamin E.
There’s a lengthy list of oils within it too, including grape seed, olie and seaberry, with added rosemary, persimmon and grapefruit to create an aromatic scent. Thankfully this isn’t overpowering or too heavy, in fact, you’ll barely notice it when applying it to skin.
We love the fun, colourful packaging that boasts an ombre blue and a sunset yellow. It comes with a plastic spatula, as many balms do, designed to scoop out the product without using your fingers, though it’s not necessary to get the most from the products.
Using a ten-pence size piece, it’s everything you would hope for in a cleansing balm, melting into a buttery soft texture that feels like a real treat for the skin. The formula maintains its yellow colour while massaging into skin too.
We were wearing a full coverage foundation, waterproof mascara and bright red, matte lipstick when trying this out – all textures that can take a little more work to remove, but it did an absolutely stellar job melting it all away in seconds.
Read more: 10 best make-up removers that tackle long wearing products
It feels luxurious while being incredibly fast-working and after a hot, sticky day on the tube, it was the perfect antidote to tired skin and felt like a mini pamper and face massage in one.
There’s no tacky or tight feeling once it’s removed either and not a scrap of make-up or oily residue was left lingering on the skin.
If you have oily combination skin, it’s important to ensure you’ve removed a cleansing balm entirely, otherwise any leftover oil residue can clog pores and lead to breakouts so we were pleased to report there was not a single bit of product, make-up or SPF, left on our skin.
The verdict: Then I Met You living cleansing balm
This is the ultimate indulgence, and while it’s undoubtedly expensive, it’s a very good cleansing balm, we’d go as far as to say it’s the best we’ve ever tried. We’re very impressed and left unsurprised that Hirons is such a huge fan.
It removes a full face of make-up swiftly and efficiently, and has a gorgeous buttery-soft texture.
If you do have the budget, it’s a beautifully soft formula that’s a joy to use, so if you’re looking to splurge and treat yourself, this is the perfect present.