Photo: Courtesy of Banila Co
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The last thing I want to do at the end of a long day (or any day, really) is remove my makeup. No, I’ve never committed the beauty cardinal sin of sleeping in it, but it’s an effort to muster up the energy to tackle stubborn mascara or lingering lip stains when all I’m thinking about is curling up in my heated blanket. But one product (literally) melts those concerns away: Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm, which makes getting unready feel less like a chore and more like a relaxing ritual.
After scooping the rich balm with the provided mini spatula and applying it to my dry skin, I massage it into my face, allowing it to quickly melt into an oil-like consistency that dissolves makeup — even my waterproof mascara — with ease. When applied in circular motions, it gently breaks down my eye makeup without leaving my sensitive eyes red or irritated. I do end up looking like the Matchmaker from Disney’s “Mulan” for a moment, but it’s well worth it: My makeup slides right off with the help of a dampened microfiber cloth, and it’s ultra-gentle, since it doesn’t require any additional scrubbing or a pile of makeup remover wipes. Not bad for a modest $21.
I also love how moisturizing the formula is — which makes it especially appealing as we shift into the cooler, drier months. But its skin benefits don’t end there: It’s also spiked with brightening and antioxidant-rich ingredients, like acerola and cranberry extracts.
The balm is cleansing enough to be used alone, but I use it as the first step in my double-cleansing routine, following it up with a water-based foaming cleanser. Though I’m partial to the OG, Banila Co’s Clean It Zero family offers multiple versions to address a variety of skin types and concerns: Pore Clarifying with tea tree extract, Calming with cica, Nourishing with ginseng root extract, Revitalizing with grape seed extract, Brightening with Mandarin-C, Firming with moringa ceramide and Enriching with avocado.
I’ve tried other cleansing balms in search of a superior option, but I always find myself returning to the velvety, hydrating formula and candy-pink packaging of the original. Given how often I end up scraping each jar clean, I’ve found myself reaching for the supersized jar (and the mini travel size, too, so we’re never apart).
Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm, $21, available here.
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Source: Fashionista.com