So you're a grown-ass woman, but your skin didn't get the memo? Rodial Bee Venom Cleansing Balm, $59, is a great cleanser for those prone to breakouts. Almond, jojoba and wheat germ oils lightly moisturize, while salicylic acid unclogs pores, vitamin C lightens hyperpigmentation and water lily extract reduces inflammation. In other words, this cleanser is the best of all worlds: not too oily, not too drying, not too mild, not too harsh. Thinner than most cleansing balms, it goes on and rinses off easily.
NYX makes some of our favorite affordable dupes for high-end products, which is why we were so amped about the launch of NYX Cosmetics Stripped Off Cleansing Balm. At just $14, this is one of the least expensive cleansing balms on the market, not to mention one of the few drugstore cleansing balms. It also contains skin-loving antioxidant ingredients like grapeseed oil, green tea extract and vitamin E. A word to the wise: Pass on this product if you have acne-prone skin, since vitamin E and mineral oil (the first ingredient on the list) can trigger breakouts.
Cleansing balms remove dirt and makeup -- even eye makeup -- from your face in one fell swoop. But not everyone loves the dewy (read: oily) look and feel that most cleansing balms leave behind. Missha Deep Clear Cleansing Balm, $20, begins as a balm, melts into an oil in your hands, and becomes milky on contact with water before washing away completely -- no residue whatsoever. You get the makeup-busting power of a balm and the clean-rinsing feel of a traditional face wash. This surprisingly affordable balm also contains a nice array of vitamins and antioxidant botanical extracts, including sea buckthorn, camu camu, green tea and moringa seed.
Cleansing balms are awesome for the dry-skinned, and Nyakio Sweet Almond Cleansing Oil Balm, $28, might be the mildest, most hydrating of them all. Most cleansing oils and balms emulsify and rinse off with water; this no-lather cleanser clings to skin, leaving it moisturized, plump and glowing long after your shower is over. In fact, the water part is totally optional with this balm; you can just wipe off the cleanser with a tissue or washcloth. The ultra-emollient ingredients, like shea butter, almond oil, and castor and coffee seed oils, can make any makeup (even waterproof stuff) disappear.
Certain Total Beauty editors swear by the double-cleansing method. Pestle & Mortar Erase & Renew - The Double-Cleansing System, $109, was made for the cleansing overachievers among us. The first step is an oil-based, nourishing cleansing balm, Erase. The slightly gritty texture gently exfoliates while ingredients like prickly pear seed, pumpkin seed, meadowfoam and grapeseed oils whisk away makeup, dirt and sebum. The second step, Renew, is a light gel cleanser that chemically exfoliates, unclogs pores and fights wrinkles. There's even a double-sided cleansing cloth for each step of the process. Being high maintenance never looked (or felt) so good.
