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.
It Cosmetics makes some of our favorite multitasking beauty products. And by multitasking, we mean they're perfect for us lazy people. And by lazy, we mean hungover. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Balm, $38, is another winner for those DGAF days. The balm's texture isn't too greasy, which is really saying something for such a stellar makeup-remover balm. When the cleanser hits your skin, it forms a serum-like hydrating barrier (the proprietary Skin-Softening Serum Concentrate) so you don't even need to apply moisturizer afterward.
The cult-status Eve Lom Cleanser, $80, is the cleansing balm that sparked an industry-wide trend. This product elevates the act of washing your face to a spa experience. First, you apply the waxy, smooth, powerfully scented balm, akin to a thick face mask; then, you wipe it away with a hot, damp muslin cloth (included in the package), taking perverse pleasure in all the dirt and makeup that comes with it. Those with dry, delicate or mature skin will love this mild-cleansing, intensely oily balm. For best results, we suggest buying extra cloths or keeping plenty of fresh washcloths on hand so you can start with a clean towel every time.
