Would it be difficult to believe that the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is the first thing I tried from this ever so trendy brand? From their millennial pink to their esthetic packaging and showroom, beauty lovers everywhere can't get enough of their emphasis on natural, barely-there looks and great skin. I was surprisingly more interested in their colored makeup items (i.e. cloud paints and haloscope) but couldn't miss trying what seems like their most popular skincare item at least once.
Glossier's description:
This is the ultimate daily face wash: use on dry skin to dissolve away makeup and grime, or on wet skin as you start your day. The pH-balanced, creamy gel formula is made with a blend of five skin conditioners so your face is left feeling healthy and soft, never tight. Its cleansing power comes from the same gentle cleaning agents found in contact lens solution, so it’s tough on impurities and still safe to use on your eyes. You’ll see.
Good to know: hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, safe for the eye area, ophthalmologist tested, appropriate for all skin types, soap free, paraben free, sulfate free, cruelty free, non-comedogenic, vegan
Poloxamer: A strong yet mild cleansing agent used in contact lens solution.
Rosewater: We replaced 1/4 of the H2O content with soothing rosewater (bonus: smells great!).
Comfrey Root Extract: Contains allantoin, which heals dry, stressed skin.
Aquaxyl: Refills skin’s water reserves and improves its barrier to prevent dehydration.
Pro-Vitamin B5: Powerful, natural moisturizer found in mushrooms and cheese.
Directions
To start your day—massage 1-2 pumps onto wet skin (keep it in the shower!) and rinse.
To remove makeup*—on dry skin, gently and thoroughly massage 2-3 pumps directly onto eye area to melt away mascara; add water, massage over the rest of your face, and rinse.
*unless it’s waterproof, in which case you should first remove with Milky Oil, and follow with Milky Jelly Cleanser for complete clean.
Ingredients
WATER/AQUA/EAU, ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER WATER, PEG-7 GLYCERYL COCOATE, PROPANEDIOL, ISOHEXADECANE, POLOXAMER 184, ACRYLAMIDE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE COPOLYMER, XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE, BETAINE, ALLANTOIN, GLYCERIN, PANTHENOL, SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE ROOT EXTRACT, SODIUM HYALURONATE, ANHYDROXYLITOL, POLYSORBATE 80, XYLITOL, AMMONIUM POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, BENZOIC ACID, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Cleanser 177 ml / 6 fl oz
Glossier: USD $18.00
Cleanser 60 ml / 2 fl oz
Glossier: USD $9.00
Packaging
A translucent plastic white bottle with a pump dispenser. The cleanser did not come inside another box packaging nor were there any extra security seals. However, it is easy to tell if the bottle is new since the first several pumps will provide no product.
I am not sure this is the right packaging choice for the consistency of the cleanser (in the long run). Even though I can see very clearly how much product remains in the bottle, I don't think the tube inside is long enough to dispense every last bit of the gel. It would be hard to shake out or liquify the cleanser with some water since it is such a thick consistency to begin with.
(Perhaps I stand to be corrected when I actually reach the end myself. This is just the thoughts I have right now.)
My biggest gripe is probably with the short pump design. Not much cleanser is dispensed each pump. Since the gel is so thick I cannot easily spread just one or two pumps across my entire face and neck. It forces me to use more product than I would like to at once.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
The gel comes straight out of the bottle a cloudy/milky white but is clear and colorless once spread around. It feels very thick, heavy, and requires a little too much effort to spread for my comfort; it is not watery like one typically associates with gels. The product doesn't foam or lather yet it also doesn't sink into the skin. Adding water doesn't emulsify it either. My skin doesn't feel dry or tight afterward, just soft. There is a very strong rose scent as long as the cleanser is on the skin.
How I Apply
After a cleansing oil or balm. Pump 3-5 times (depending on if I only want to cleanse my face or face + neck). Massage thoroughly. Rinse off with water.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Maybe I am too biased toward cleansers that foam? I was not very impressed with the Milky Jelly Cleanser.
My feelings for the Glossier cleanser would probably be a world's difference had it been easier to spread and wash off (unlike the CeraVe cleanser in that sense). Tugging and wrongly massaging the skin supposedly contributes to or at the very least encourages wrinkling; I feel like the consistency of this particular cleanser encourages me to rub too much to clean my face AND clean the product off. It just loves to stick to the skin unless it is practically powered washed away with water. The choices I am left with are to spend what feels like an eternity at the sink rinsing my face or cleansing in the shower with a water stream that is typically too strong and hot—neither of which are appealing.
While I am not the biggest fan of the rose scent in beauty products, it also doesn't bother me that much either. The most important point is the smell isn't strong or lingering enough to give me a headache. I know there are people out there who love this kind of scent.
I am most thankful for the product not breaking me out. I did enjoy that my skin never felt tight or parched after use. If it is rinsed well enough, there is no residue left behind either. While I didn't trust the cleanser completely to use for removing a full face of makeup, it does work to wash off sunscreens.
Overall, this was worth one try. I can't always be so single-minded about the cleanser types I use. I would probably recommend the CeraVe cleanser over Glossier's purely because it is larger, cheaper, and easier to use. Keep your monies to try some of Glossier's other products.
Banila Co.'s update to the Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm line had me nervous at first. The saying goes: if it isn't broke, don't fix it. Some customers wanted to see all the balms be mineral oil-less yet it was beloved by so many regardless of it having mineral-oil. Heck, they used to have a mineral oil-less version alongside the others so changes didn't seem that necessary in my eyes. Sometimes reformulations don't always end up being better; in this case, however, I think Banila Co. put my worries to rest to say the very least.
Banila Co. 's Descriptions:
Clean it Zero 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm + Nourishing is a hypoallergenic cleanser that transforms from a sherbet-like balm texture into a smooth oil when applied to skin. Developed to remove even waterproof makeup and all of your skin’s impurities in just one step. Zero Balance Technology with Ginseng Berry & Royal Jelly deeply cleanses and gently exfoliates without stripping the skin, leaving it hydrated and moisturized.
ZERO BALANCE TECHNOLOGY – A proprietary blend of actives that effectively cleanses skin deeply without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Added Ginseng Berry and Royal Jelly for an intense rush of moisture for supple glowing skin.
Formulated without:
•Parabens
•Sulfates
•Phthalates
•Mineral oil
•Alcohol
•Artificial coloring
Directions
Use spatula included to scoop balm. Gently massage in circular motions onto dry skin using your fingertips. Rinse well with lukewarm water or wipe off with face cloth or tissue. Pat skin dry.
Ingredients (translated from packaging)
ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, CETYL ETHYLHEXANOATE, PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE, PEG-10 ISOSTEARATE, SYNTHETIC WAX, CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS (SAFFLOWER) SEED OIL, PANAX GINSENG BERRY EXTRACT, OENOTHERA BIENNIS (EVENING PRIMROSE) OIL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, SQUALANE, PHENOXYETHANOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, FRAGRANCE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, PANAX GINSENG ROOT EXTRACT, ROYAL JELLY EXTRACT, WATER, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, BAMBUSA VULGARIS LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, ASPALATHUS LINEARIS EXTRACT, ANGELICA ARCHANGELICA ROOT EXTRACT, MALPIGHIA GLABRA (ACEROLA) FRUIT EXTRACT, ZEA MAYS (CORN) OIL, BETA-CAROTENE, POLYDIETHYLENEGLYCOL ADIPATE/IPDI COPOLYMER, TOCOPHEROL, ACRYLATES/AMMONIUM METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER, ACRYLATES/METHOXY PEG-15 METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER
Balm 100 ml
Banila Co. (Korean retail): ₩22,000
Banila Co. (US retail): USD $24.00
RoseRoseShop: ₩22,000
SOKO GLAM and Peach&Lily: USD $24.00
oo35mm: USD $27.99
Packaging
A sturdy, yet lightweight, plastic tub with a screw-on cap. It isn't see-through but that wouldn't be a problem as you can open the jar to clearly see how much product is left. The included spatula has a nice large round paddle for easier handling and scooping. New balms come with an inner security seal and authentication seal.
Even though on the outside it looks as if the body of the tub is larger than the opening, I appreciate the fact that the inside of the jar is straight up and down. This results in an easier time when scooping without having to dig under the rim of the jar lip. It is bad news for those who dislike excess plastic usage. The packaging would have been better had it incorporated a flip-top cap for even easier one-handed access.
Color, Texture, Finish & Scent
A faint pastel yellow color cleansing balm with a soft, mushy "sorbet" feel. It rubs into the skin easily and smooths into a lightweight consistency. The balm emulsifies and rinses away quickly without requiring a ton of rubbing. It did not leave behind any residue or film nor did it make my skin feel tight. The sweet, floral scent isn't strong or lingering.
The brand currently focuses on essentially providing the same cleanisng balm base with just varying ingredientns that give Original, Revitalizing, Purifying, and Nourishing their "flavors" or "scents".
How I Apply
The amount I use varies greatly depending on how much makeup I wear but I find a scoop of product with the provided spatula is usually enough for an average day's worth of makeup.
I rub the product between the palms of my hands prior to applying it to my face. Then I will lightly massage all around, including over my eyelids and lips. When I feel like I've thoroughly worked it into every corner of my made-up face, I'll wet my hands a little to start emulsifying the balm. After which I generously splash my face until most of the product is washed away.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I cannot say for sure how the ones now fair against the previous generation because I had only tried their mineral oil-less, "Purity", version in the past. But I would say this current formulation works just as well I remembered.
The Clean It Zero balm is easy to spread and massage. It doesn't feel overly suffocating and sticky on my skin. All the makeup is generally removed very well, granted I massage thoroughly. I did not ever break out from using the product nor have irritated eyes if I work it in that area. The main point that still blows my mind is how long I could go prior to moisturizing without feeling tight and parched...even when I use the cleanisng balm alone! Perhaps that is the "nourishing" elements at work?
Even though the renewal is meant to be more sensitive-skin friendly, ingredient-analyzing websites do show that the Clean It Zero Cleansing Balms still have some potentially non-oily/non-fungal acne friendly ingredients. Fragrance is in all the versions too; it is quite high on the ingredients list, despite it being a sensitive-skin trigger for some.
My biggest wish now would just be for Banila Co. to offer a jumbo size (180ml for $27 v. 100 ml for $24) in all versions rather than just the "Original". I tried the "Nourishing" one first and love it yet cannot benefit from the value size and price. I guess I have to give the "Original" version a try now to see how it compares. Otherwise, I would gladly repurchase and continue to use the reformulated Clean It Zero Cleansing Balms.
Even though I have only attended 3 of the 5 Peach & Lily sample sales, August is now a month I look forward to every year purely because of their mega-discounts. I was surprised by the products and pricing last year (as opposed to the year prior) but everything felt very familiar this time around. The location was the same. The layout was identical. Most brands and products offered last year were available this year and at the same prices. The biggest difference was probably in the manpower (in terms of check-out speed and frequent restocking).
I typically go to the sale hoping to get some new products to try. Since I have tried so many of the things they stocked at the sale this year, I found myself repurchased items that I enjoyed using. The biggest unexpected splurge was in the amount of makeup I picked up; Peach & Lily tagged them at $5 each in commemoration of their sample sale's 5th year anniversary. This included liners of many styles, palettes, lipsticks, and more. Plus, 90% of it was JUNGSAEMMOOL which on average retails ~$30+ each.
Peach & Lily's 5th Annual Sample Sale (*Repurchases)
$1 Goodies:
Abib Gummy sheet mask Madeca sticker x3 Orig. $4
$2 Goodies:
Abib facial soap ivory brick Orig. $19
Abib facial soap grey brick Orig. $19
$5 Goodies:
aromatica Orange Blossom Toner Orig. $34
CREMORLAB O2 Couture Hydra Balancing Toner Orig. $29
$10 Goodies:
CREMORLAB O2 Couture Hydra Intensive Cream Orig. $40
*Abib Hydration gel Orig. $42
*Abib Hydration creme Orig. $42
$15 Goodies:
*Olivarrier Emollient Extra Comfort Cream Orig. $36
Eco Your Skin No. 15 Cream Orig. $55
*aromatica Orange Cleansing Sherbet Orig. $35
$20 Goodies:
Abib Hypoderma SP1-2GF SErum Orig. $92
$30 Goodies:
*Femmue Lumiere Vital C Orig. $88
$5 Makeup Grabs:
JUNGSAEMMOOL Refining Multi Eye Drawing - All Black x2 Orig. $23
JUNGSAEMMOOL Refining Multi Eye Drawing - Maple Brown x2 Orig. $23
*JUNGSAEMMOOL Artist Concealer Palette - Blend Orig. $45
JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Star Zone Brightener - Rose Orig. $29
JUNGSAEMMOOL High Color Lipstick High Matt - Ginger Brown Orig. $29
JUNGSAEMMOOL High Tinted Lip Laquer - Extreme Red Orig. $23
JUNGSAEMMOOL Essential Glow Base - Pink Glow Orig. $32
W.Lab Real Fit Brush Eyeliner - Real Black Orig. ??
Glow Recipe also surprised with their own sample sale earlier in August but for very different reasons than Peach & Lily. The brand was trying to rid their non-brand items to focus on their new business endeavors. Discounts weren't nearly as steep and surprisingly there was a limit per item. As the sale came closer to an end though they tacked on extra discounts for buying quantity (i.e. Buy 4 items 20% off, Buy 6 get 25% off, Buy 8 get 30% off).
To be honest, I wouldn't have gotten most of the things I got had it not been the bonus discount. I was only very interested in the YURIPIBU and leegeehaam ampoules. It was surprising to see the Glow Recipe Avocado mask but later found out they were releasing their newly reformulated Retinol Avocado mask the same day/week so it made sense for them to try to rid old stock.
Glow Recipe's Sample Sale:
YURIPIBU Asiatica Calming Ampoule $25
leegeehaam Glow Vita Propolis Ampoule $18
make p:rem Peel me. Radiance peeling sleeping pack $18
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask $23
common labs Ggultamin B, C, and E Real Ampoule Mask $3 each
This summer in general seemed to be the time forpop-ups from the various Korean e-businesses based in NYC. June and July were Krave Beauty and Then I Met You. August was Soko Glam, Glow Recipe, and Peach & Lily. With Soko Glam's residency in Soho being a full month long with abundannt IG story mentions, I couldn't not stop by even once.
I love being able to see some of the stuff they curate in person. There isn't anything like being able to touch and smell the product before deciding to purchase. They even had a sink available for visitors to get the full experience of the makeup removers and cleansers which I think all beauty/skincare shops should offer.
I visited a week too early and missed out on the end-of-pop-up discounts. But perhaps it was for the better because I controlled myself better and only allowed for a small purchase of a cleansing balm to replace my current, almost empty, tub.
Soko Glam's NYC Pop Up Shop:
E NATURE Moringa cleansing balm $23
