March Hauls

lavlilacs March 2018 hauls

March Madness has a completely different meaning to me. I am no sports girl or basketball fanatic. Madness in my case refers to the obscene amount of spending simply because of the words birthday and sales. The endless list of brands who's newsletters I subscribe to offer such enticing coupons and deals for that special month of the year that is supposed to be all about me. As it is also the corner of a new season, there is also a slew of sales and new releases dropping left and right.

I know, I know. That is how they get me and all my monies. But a good deal nonetheless.

lavlilacs March 2018 haul - Bloomingdale's Jo Malone

The luxury impulse purchase: Jo Malone's Poppy & Barley Cologne (USD $70) from their recent limited edition English Fields Collection. I am not one to get sucked into fragrances. The price tags of most scents keep me far far away. I've heard great things about Jo Malone though and felt this was a great excuse to finally dip my toes into the vast pool of perfumes they offer.

If money was no issue, I would have bought the entire English Fields range purely for the aesthetics. The mostly pastel bottles with touches of "stone" are a beauty. Good thing I took a whiff of all five scents at Bloomingdale's because I definitely favored Poppy & Barley, which was light and sweet, over the others. If I remember correctly...Oat & Cornflower gave me a bakery feel, Honey & Crocus had a deep sweetness, Green Wheat & Meadowsweet smelled of grass, and I have no recollection of Primrose & Rye.

Since the English Fields collection only comes in the 30ml bottles and is limited edition, I probably will be using my new perfume very sparingly.

lavlilacs March 2018 haul - Peach & Lily

The K-beauty birthday reward purchase: Olivarrier's Fluid Oil (USD $40) from Peach & Lily during their "Best of K-Beauty Awards" promotion. All orders with at least one item from their Best list would receive free shipping.

I ran out of The Ordinary's 100% Rosehip Oil months ago but never got around to trying anything else. Squalane is another facial oil that received a lot of attention in the beauty world the last winter season. Since I had purchased the entire Olivarrier range minus the oil during the Peach & Lily sample sale, I thought I'd give the brand's version a try.

Now, to be completely honest had it not been for the ability to buy just the one item whilst getting free shipping AND if I did not have 200 Peach points to redeem (i.e. USD $20 coupon, 50 points given purely for my birthday)...I most likely would have gone with a less expensive version of squalane.

The Peach & Lily brand masks came as GWP.

lavlilacs March 2018 haul - Sephora

The Sephora birthday reward purchase: Sephora's Beauty Amplifier (USD $7) and BITE Lip Set.

Making a purchase isn't a requirement, when in-stores, to redeem Sephora's birthday gift. Yet that is a habit I can never seem to snap out of. I didn't particularly need anything full-sized and at full-price, but I didn't want to stand on their long lines with nothing to purchase just redeem a freebie. The mini Beauty Amplifier seemed to be a good compromise as I've missed the pearlescent base makeup look and it's a size I can see myself completing.

lavlilacs March 2018 haul - misc

The miscellaneous purchase and gifts: Tonymoly's Dr. LOGY Blemish Pair Mist (USD $21) from Urban Outfitters and Clinique Sculptwear Lift and Contour Serum for Face and Neck (USD $120), a present from my Aunt.

Urban Outfitters isn't the first place that comes to mind when I want to purchase skincare. But when given a $5 UO Rewards coupon to use and a will to only get something I would definitely use well, the skincare section was where I found myself circling. I'm glad that UO is curating Korean brands as well as indie American brands. There were a few things that caught my eye but I decided to play it safe with the Tonymoly mist. Plus, UO's website listed it on sale at $14.99. I ultimately paid 50% of the listed price after in-store price adjustments, coupons, and taxes.

I am not sure whether to be thankful to my Aunt or be offended by her (extremely generous) Clinique gift. On one hand, it is a step into anti-aging...prevention is always better than treatment. It is also the most expensive skincare product I have ever owned. On the other, do I have a lot of skin to lift at 25? She told me she used it as a moisturizer and it was too lightweight for her dry skin during the winter. I'm still debating on if I should at least give it a try and if so when.

Basics with CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser, PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, and Eye Repair Cream

lavlilacs Basics with CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser, PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, Eye Repair Cream Review

I think the last time I shopped at CVS, Walgreens, RiteAid, or Duane Reade for beauty products was in 2014...a whopping 4 years ago! I hadn't found any beauty product I genuinely loved and would repurchase even once during that 4 year period. Yet it took me only one visit to the drugstore last year to find that item I would repurchase not just once but a total of six times thus far. A single lotion got me being a product loyalist for almost a year. Naturally, I grew curious about any other possible skincare gems the brand might have.

CeraVe has products in three main categories: cleansers, moisturizers (lotions, creams, and balms included), and sunscreen. Their entire brand is based on ceramides—3 to be exact...1, 3, and 6-II—claiming to "keep skin soft all day" with their patented technology. They want to help replenish the ceramides (lipids/fat naturally "gluing" our skin together) back to essentially re-strengthen the skin's barrier. It is a mighty claim to make but it seems to work well for many as I have found in the beauty subreddits.

I guess this isn't a true "Basics with CeraVe" post. I chose not to try any of their sunscreens. In my defense, I read reviews and searched swatch photos and many said the mineral-based UV protectors gives an unfortunately intense white cast despite the "InvisibleZinc" technology. But in terms of trying a different variety of skin care products CeraVe has, a Hydrating Facial Cleanser, a PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, and an Eye Repair Cream isn't a bad representation of the necessities.

***Testing this new combo-review format out. I am not sure I quite like how long it is, but couldn't figure out how to group things to logically make sense while being condensed for this style of post.

lavlilacs CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser packaging - ingredients, descripion

CerVe's Description:

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, effectively cleanses and hydrates without disrupting the protective skin barrier. This non-foaming lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, gently removes dirt and oil while increasing skin hydration after just one use. Fragrance free formula is suitable for sensitive skin.

MVE® Delivery Technology
Controlled release for 24 hour hydration

Hyaluronic Acid
Helps retain skin's natural moisture

Non-Comedogenic
Won't clog pores

Ceramides
All CeraVe products contain the vital ceramides healthy skin needs to help restore and maintain its natural protective barrier.

Fragrance Free
To avoid fragrance irritation

Type of skin
Normal to dry

Areas of concern
Dry skin, facial cleansing, itchy skin, National Eczema Association accepted, psoriasis prone skin care

Directions
Wet skin with lukewarm water. Massage cleanser into skin in a gentle, circular motion. Rinse.

Ingredients
PURIFIED WATER, GLYCERIN, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CERAMIDE 3, CERAMIDE 6-II, CERAMIDE 1, HYALURONIC ACID, CHOLESTEROL, POLYOXYL 40 STEARATE, GLYCERYL MONOSTEARATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, POLYSORBATE 20, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, CETYL ALCOHOL, DISODIUM EDTA, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, CARBOMER, XANTHAN GUM

Cleanser 355 ml / 12 fl oz

CVS & Walgreens: USD $13.99
Amazon: USD $12.39+
Target: USD $10.99

lavlilacs CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser swatch

Packaging

Opaque white bottle with a pump. Nothing extraordinary, just gets the job done. I would prefer if the packaging was a tad more translucent if not clear so that I could physically see how much product is left in the bottle. The biggest gripe I have with it is when dried-up cleanser clogs the pump opening, it will cause the product to fly in unpredictable directions during the next squirt.

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

Translucent gel-lotion type cleanser that spreads very easily and doesn't have a scent. It is very lightweight and washes away with little to no effort on clean skin. This is not a foaming cleanser. There is no lather whatsoever so skin never feels tight or dry.

How I Apply

Use mostly in the AM after I wake up (when I still washed with cleanser in the mornings). When in the PM, after a cleansing oil or balm.

With wet hands, pump 2-3 times. Rub the product around in my palms first. Then gently massage my face with my hands. Rinse well with water.

Thoughts & Recommendations

I don't think I am ready for non-foaming cleansers. I understand why the Hydrating Facial Cleanser is so beloved by sensitive and drier skin people. It isn't stripping and makes my skin feel soft after a wash. It isn't irritating to rub the product around either.

My brain's connection to "clean" is too strongly linked to lather and bubbles, even if just a little bit. Whenever I use the CeraVe cleanser as a second-step cleanse, I always feel the need to follow up with a cotton round and toner to wipe off "residue". I say in quotes because there isn't ever anything on the pad. Then again...cleansing oils and balms never failed me before; the second-cleanse is just to remove possible oil/balm residue.

Since switching back to a foaming facial cleanser, I have been using the Cerave Hydrating cleanser as a hand cleanser instead for the past few months. My hands get unbearably dry every winter. Using foaming soaps too often only exasperates the crackly tight skin. The biggest challenge I face with the Hydrating Facial Cleanser is against water resistant (mineral) sunscreens. The gel seems to help to unglue the sunscreen from my hands but the lack of a foaming agent means the sunscreen doesn't really lift off from my skin and therefore doesn't wash away with water. If this makes any sense. It is like I rub something that doesn't sink in to my skin around (vaseline-lotion-esque) and then expect it to rinse cleanly. Just doesn't work that way. I always have to thoroughly wipe the remaining residue off with a towel.

That being said, I don't completely hate the product. It just isn't my favorite. I have found a use for it but probably won't run out to the store and stockpile if the bottle is gone.



lavlilacs CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion packaging - ingredients, descripion

CerVe's Description:

CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion effectively moisturizes and helps to restore the protective skin barrier of the face and neck. This lightweight, non-greasy lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, provides all day hydration after just one use. Fragrance free formula is suitable for sensitive skin.

MVE® Delivery Technology
Controlled release for all night hydration

Niacinamide
Helps calm skin

Non-Comedogenic
Won't clog pores

Ceramides
All CeraVe products contain the vital ceramides healthy skin needs to help restore and maintain its natural protective barrier.

Type of skin
Normal to dry

Areas of concern
Acne prone skin care, dry skin

Directions
Apply liberally to face and neck at night, or as directed by a physician.

Ingredients
PURIFIED WATER, GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDES, NIACINAMIDE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CERAMIDE 3, CERAMIDE 6-II, CERAMIDE 1, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, HYALURONIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, DIMETHICONE, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, CETEARETH-20, POLYGLYCERYL-3 DIISOSTEARATE, CHOLESTEROL, XANTHAN GUM, CARBOMER, DISODIUM EDTA, DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN


Lotion 89 ml / 3 fl oz

CVS, Walgreens, & Target: USD $16.49+

lavlilacs CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion bottleslavlilacs CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion back of the bottles

lavlilacs CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion depotted

Packaging

Opaque white bottle with a twist-to-lock pump. I've bought a few bottles of these and some had a white neck and others had a blue one. I am not sure if that is because one is a newer packaging or not.

Again, like the cleanser bottle, it is impossible to see through the packaging (even when held up to the light). The pump dispensing tube doesn't fully reach the bottom either. The only way to find out how much is leftover at the bottom of the bottle when nothing pumps out anymore is to cut it open. Luckily the plastic isn't too difficult to hack through with a box cutter knife. Nonetheless, I am just glad this isn't sold in a jar format.

A bottle lasts me around 1-1.5 months with twice-daily usage.

lavlilacs CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion swatch

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

White cream straight out of the bottle; becomes clear as it is worked into the skin. It is very lightweight and has a slippery quality to it (possibly from the dimethicone). Once the lotion is absorbed, it leaves behind a matte-ish finish in the sense that there is no residue or tack but not in the sense that it is completely shine-free.

The lotion leaves skin wherever it is applied to immediately feeling soft. There isn't any scent to the lotion; the ingredients list doesn't show any added fragrance or essential oils.

How I Apply

Squirt 4-6 pumps' worth of lotion (more or less: a pump for each cheek, forehead, chin, and two for my neck) into my palms or directly onto my skin. Spread evenly and then pat.

Use as a hand lotion.

I apply the moisturizer both day and night. There doesn't seem to be any ingredients in it that are sunlight sensitive so I don't see why it can't be used in the daytime as well. Plus, I prefer to use a separate sunscreen so I know for sure I sufficiently cover my face with both cream and SPF.

Thoughts & Recommendations

CeraVe took me by surprise, 100%. Even though I bought it knowing it is a dermatologist recommended product, I have always felt a little indifferent towards drugstore-only skincare.

This lotion doesn't have a particularly captivating design and has a rather simple ingredients list; the standouts are obviously niacinamide and the variety of ceramides. But it also lists a silicone and a fair amount of parabens that we've been told are supposedly "bad". Some say those components are pore-clogging and/or could cause cancer. Some say they have received a bad rap and the quoted studies are old or not well supported. For me, I generally tend to avoid both silicones and parabens but I don't completely ban myself from them either.

Aside from the maybe "harmful" ingredients, I have nothing but nice things to say about the CeraVe PM lotion. My skin has never felt softer, even after I cleanse in the mornings with a foaming cleanser. That is saying a lot to how deeply the moisturizer works. I survived a nearly 2-months long cold, nose rubbed raw and all, thanks to the lotion.

I also think the niacinamide helps a lot with keeping my pores less clogged, especially around the nose and right below the lip. I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my overall skin texture after the many months of using the moisturizing lotion. This isn't to say I am completely blemish-free though, but it is at a much better place than it has been in many years.

However, I don't feel like it is as good for dry skin as CeraVe describes it to be. People with very dry skin may find it too lightweight and the moisture not very longlasting. My skin does an ok job at holding onto the lotion for most of the day but once it gets later a night (6pm+) and/or I've been beaten by strong winds, dry patches really shows through and makes my makeup very cakey. I find myself having to layer other products to compensate, especially on my chin area where the flakes are the toughest.

Since I first bought this at CVS last year around May, I have noticed that the PM lotion has increased by USD $1 (USD $15.49 to $16.49) in my local stores. Target also used to list it at about half of CVS' price (~USD $9) but my most recent search shows it is only about ~70% less now. The brand is recently airing more TV commercials and expanding into newer markets (i.e. into the UK) so I guess it may account for some of the new marketing spendings. Luckily the stores that carry CeraVe has frequent deals and manufacturer's coupons.


lavlilacs CeraVe Eye Repair Cream packaging - ingredients, descripion

CerVe's Description:

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream helps to restore the protective skin barrier of the delicate eye area. This fast absorbing, non-greasy lotion, with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness for brighter, smoother looking skin. Fragrance-free formula is suitable for sensitive skin.

Marine & Botanical Complex
Helps reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness

Ophthalmologist Tested
Recognized as safe for use around the eye area

NEA Seal of AcceptanceTM
Accepted by the National Eczema Association

Ceramides
All CeraVe products contain the vital ceramides healthy skin needs to help restore and maintain its natural protective barrier.

Type of skin
Normal to oily, normal to dry

Areas of concern
Dark circles, dry skin, National Eczema Association accepted

Directions
Apply liberally to face and neck at night, or as directed by a physician.

Ingredients
PURIFIED WATER, NIACINAMIDE, CETYL ALCOHOL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, GLYCERIN, PROPANEDIOL, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, JOJOBA ESTERS, PEG-20 METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, DIMETHICONE, METHYL GLUCOSE SESQUISTEARATE, CERAMIDE 3, CERAMIDE 6-LL, CERAMIDE 1, HYALURONIC ACID, ZINC CITRATE, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (ALMOND) OIL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, CHRYSANTHELLUM INDICUM EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, EQUISETUM ARVENSE EXTRACT, ASPARAGOPSIS ARMATA EXTRACT, ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM EXTRACT, PHENOXYETHANOL, CARBOMER, BEHENTRIMONIUM METHOSULFATE, SORBITOL, TRIETHANOLMANIE, LAURETH-4, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL, TETRASODIUM EDTA, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM LAUROYL LACTYLATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, CHOLESTEROL, XANTHAN GUM

Lotion 14.2 ml / 0.5 fl oz

CVS & Walgreens: USD $16.99+
Target: USD $14.99
Amazon: USD $13.99

lavlilacs CeraVe Eye Repair Cream Reviewlavlilacs CeraVe Eye Repair Cream back of the tube

lavlilacs CeraVe Eye Repair Cream tube opened - dispense nozzle

Packaging

Opaque squeeze tube with a twist off cap and a precision tip nozzle. I don't mind the lack of transparentness since the packaging is malleable. I easily can feel how much product is left by utilizing the tube squeezing contraptions.

I have come to appreciate the fact that an eye product comes in a tube format and not a jar. I also love the pointed tip as opposed to a typical blunt end found in other tubular container goods.

lavlilacs CeraVe Eye Repair Cream swatch

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

Following the theme of all other CeraVe products...their eye cream is also a bit white but the translucent stiff cream eventually blends out clear. There is no scent and is also very lightweight.

The cream can come out sort of curdle-y. Sometimes there are spots in the tube where the formulation is a little separated and bits of liquid squirts out along with the lotion.

How I Apply

Squeeze the cream directly onto my undereye area, following the dark circle U shape. Use my ring finger to lightly press down on the cream to break it down. Gently rub and tap the product in.

Thoughts & Recommendations

The Eye Repair Cream is, disappointing to say, just average. It is a very bare-boned eye cream and great for those who just want an extra layer of hydration under the eyes, but I don't think it does what the brand says it would do (reduce dark circles, brighten, and smooth). Granted, I did not decide to buy this eye cream because of the promised benefits. I just wanted something moisturizing for the under eyes. Even still the amount of hydration isn't mindblowing. Okay not great. Definitely not enough for very dry skin types.

For the price, I think the PM Lotion does an equally good job and costs the same if not less (depending on the vendor) while offering more product. The texture isn't the best either. The biggest thing it has going for it is the packaging. An overall pass from me.

heimish All Clean Balm

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm Review

Good thing I was patient. Good thing I gave this a second chance. The heimish All Clean Balm has become my favorite cleansing balm tried to date. But credit should be given in part to the company for tweaking the packaging (and possibly formulation) of a beloved product of many to be even better.

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm packaging

memebox's description:

Aromatic and free of parabens, fragrace, or artificial pigments, Heimish's hypoallergenic All Clean Balm will relax and de-stress you as you massage your day's makeup and buildup away. Infused with Coconut Extract and Shea Butter, the balm melts into your skin and emulsifies with water to wash away dust, dirt, and even your heaviest makeup without an oily residue. It also moisturizes and soothes skin with natural botanical extracts like Freesia and Iris, so you won't be left tight and dry.

Directions
Step 1. Spread 3-4 scoops on face with DRY hands
Step 2. Massage in a circular motion with fingertips on point makeup
Step 3. Wash it off with tepid water like rubbing

Ingredients
ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE, PEG-8 ISOSTEARATE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) FRUIT EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIFOLIA (LIME) FRUIT EXTRACT, FREESIA REFRACTA EXTRACT, IRIS VERSICOLOR EXTRACT, JASMINUM OFFICINALE (JASMINE) EXTRACT, LILIUM TIGRINUM EXTRACT, LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM EXTRACT, NELUMBIUM SPECIOSUM FLOWER EXTRACT, NARCISSUS PSEUDO-NARCISSUS (DAFFODIL) FLOWER EXTRACT, ROSE EXTRACT, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) PEEL OIL, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA (LAVENDER) OIL, PELARGONIUM GRAVEOLENS FLOWER OIL, AMYRIS BALSAMIFERA BARK OIL, CITRUS PARADISI (GRAPEFRUIT) PEEL OIL, EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF OIL, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA (TEA TREE) LEAF OIL, JUNIPERUS MEXICANA OIL, BOSWELLIA CARTERII OIL, CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA (BERGAMOT) FRUIT OIL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CITRIC ACID, PHENOXYETHANOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN

Balm 120 ml

Heimish (Korean retail): ₩18,000
oo35mm: USD $20.99
OHLOLLY: USD $19.00
StyleKorean: USD $18.50
Jolse: USD $18.00
YesStyle: USD $17.16

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm renewal

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm old versus new tubslavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm new lid closeup

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm spatulas

Packaging

Opaque white tub with a flip top lid. The diameter of the jar is larger than average but has a shallow height; this is a design choice I appreciate as I would rather have the option to comfortably use my knuckles to scoop over my fingertips and nails.

Not long after I bought my first jar of All Clean Balm to try, heimish re-released it in this current packaging. I had mentioned how I would love to see a brand incorporate a flip-top lid in my Banila Co. cleansing balm review and lo-and-behold someone finally did it! Not that it had anything to do with my sole comment; these small changes probably take ages to plan and execute. But still, I'm sure enough people voice their thoughts that heimish decided they had to take action. I can say this is my favorite cleansing balm, to date, based solely on the packaging. There's no more fuss over handling a jar, a separate lid, and a spatula while juggling a scoop of balm in my palm.

Besides the most obvious change, heimish also switched up the spatula as well. The newer one, left in the photo above, is a tiny bit longer and the scoop portion is a larger, more circular paddle shape instead of the lean and oblong one from before. The new touch lets me scoop out more product in one go.

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm new balm closeup

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm swatch old versus new

Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent

The cleansing balm, old and new, is white. Both have a solidified coconut oil-like consistency; the new one is much smoother straight out of the tub than the older balm though. After body-heat is added in and some massage action takes place, there is no discernable difference.

I was the most turned off by the scent of the original All Clean Balm—some days it smelled citrusy, some days it stank like smelly feet. After months of using the older tub, the latter scent was a more prevalent than the former. Due to that one reason alone, I never thought I would repurchase this product ever again. Luckily, the newer version doesn't have that rancid smell at all. It doesn't have a scent period.

 I am not sure what it was since the ingredients list seems to be the same. Maybe they adjusted the essential oil amounts? Maybe I got a dud? Then again...Bestie C used the older version of the cleansing balm as well and said she never thought it smelled bad, let alone stink like feet.

lavlilacs heimish All Clean Balm before and after

How I Apply

1. Scoop an appropriate amount (varies depending on how much makeup I had put on my face).
2. Massage it gently all over. Focus on crevices and areas with higher concentration of colors.
3. Sometimes wet my hands a little and emulsify the balm.
4. Continuously splash my face with water to fully rinse dissolved makeup and balm away.

Thoughts & Recommendations

Had I not tried the renewed version, I would have recommended people to steer away from this product. The smell was that bad and that persistent. However, the scent is a non-issue now and I only have good things to say about the cleansing balm.

  • The price point is good. (around USD $20 plus or minus)
  • Amount of product is highly generous. (80ml is standard, 100ml is generous, 120+ml is abnormal)
  • The flip-top lid is very convenient. LOVE!
  • Works well without stripping my skin. Doesn't leave a film.
  • Potentially good for sensitive skin; formulated without mineral oil, color, parabens, and fragrance.

There are only a few things I could see being a nuisance to people.

  • Isn't the best at removing fresh waterproof pen eyeliner or lip products that stain. I won't hold that against it because the balm works well enough on worn-out makeup at the end of the day. Even the highly popular Banila Co. Clean It cleansing balm didn't work against the same eyeliner and tint.
  • Can give me cloudy eyes but I find that unavoidable since the balm emulsifies once it meets water and my eyeballs aren't dry. The cloudiness goes away after some rinsing.
  • Has a ton of essential oils. Some people are reactive to it. I did not to this product.

The chances of repurchase, again, is very high with the packaging change and scent-free formula. It is inexpensive for the amount given and most importantly, effective. I've shopped around for new cleansing balms to try next and didn't realize how much less product most other brands offer for sometimes double the price or with less expensive ingredients as bases (such as mineral oil). I think all skin types would like this but may not be right for those sensitive to essential oils.
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