A juicy cleansing balm for all skin types

Getting makeup off properly is really important and whilst double cleansing may seem like a chore, it’s one of the best things that you can do for your skin. Start your skincare ritual on the right foot, and the products you apply thereafter will be able to absorb and work so much better. I have always found that oil based cleansers are the best at removing makeup. You can use either a plain oil like jojoba oil, a bi-phase cleanser or a cleansing balm. Oils do the hard work for you so that you don’t have to scrub and wipe vigorously to get everything off (I’m looking at you makeup wipes). I have taken a liking to cleansing balms so in this post I will review my favourite one from Australian company Skin Juice.

Skin Juice was founded by Joanne Dampney in 1996. She trained as a beauty therapist and had her own salon for 8 years, but back then she couldn’t find natural skincare products to use on her salon clients. What did she do? She made her own, of course. I loved reading about her story on the Skin Juice website and it’s always nice to get to know the person behind the brand. Skin Juice now boasts a full range that caters to all skin types and includes cleansers, serums, a sunscreen, moisturisers, masks – the list goes on. They are all well priced, beautifully packaged, made with natural ingredients and 100% Australian made and owned.

A friend of mine recommended the Smudge Budge face and eye cleansing balm to me a few months ago and warned me that I may be tempted to eat it because it smells so good. She was right. The sweet orange oil adds a delicious, fruity scent whilst fruit and vegetable based ingredients help to melt away make up. Some of these include Sunflower Oil, Mango Seed Butter, Coconut Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, Tomato, Cucumber Oil, Fennel Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil and Carrot Seed Oil. This concoction of oils and butters is suitable for all skin types and is full of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, anti bacterial and soothing properties. It really has something for everyone.

I scoop out roughly a fingernail amount and rub it between dry hands to melt the balm before massaging onto dry skin, over the eyes and lips. The texture is very smooth and luxurious and easy to spread around when warmed up. I wet my hands with warm water, keep on massaging and finally remove it with a warm flannel or face washer. I think that on average we don’t spend nearly enough time working cleanser into the skin so I recommend that you take at least one minute for this step and another minute for your second cleanse (you can either repeat the step with the cleansing balm, or another cleanser of your choice).

Smudge Budge removes makeup so well, even long lasting foundation and waterproof mascara. After I have used it, my face feels soft and clean but not dry or tight. It’s super gentle on the thin skin around the eyes, and it doesn’t sting them at all. I like that I don’t have to use a cotton pad and that it encourages facial massage which is good for stimulating blood flow and fighting the signs of ageing.

This cleansing balm is a standout product in my books. Usually, I aim to try something new every time I finish a product but this one was just too good not to repurchase. It’s AUD$35.00 for 50ml, it lasted for 3 months and I purchased it from The Beauty Edit.

I hope that you enjoyed this review of my favourite makeup remover. How do you like to remove your makeup? Leave me a comment below, send me an email or get in touch on Instagram.