I do not like to put on make-up every single day, because the minute I get dolled up, I instantly dread how I’ll get the make-up off my face with out irritating my pores and skin. For so long as I can bear in mind, make-up removers I’ve used that comprise alcohol and different chemical substances depart my delicate and eczema-prone pores and skin feeling parched. It is not definitely worth the problem of placing basis or mascara on within the first place.
Fortunately, FaceGym’s new Surprise Cleaning Balm ($55) has been the make-up remover I have been on the lookout for all alongside. This creamy, dreamy balm sloughs away the day’s dust and particles effortlessly, with out irritating my pores and skin within the course of. The truth is, it provides it a dewy glow post-wash, not an eczema flare or patch in sight.

FaceGym, Energetic Collagen Surprise Cleaning Balm — $55.00
Key elements: Glycerin, sunflower seed oil, buriti oil, and ylang ylang
Dimension: 2.64 oz
- Sturdy however mild
- Infused with collagen for pores and skin assist
- Infused with sunflower seed oil for soothing
- Leaves pores and skin hydrated and dewy
- Vegan and sensitive-skin-friendly
- Expensive
- Doesn’t work fairly as properly at eradicating thicker particles, like SPF
The way it works
Cleaning balms are typically made from an oil-based method that helps to interrupt down particles and get your face squeaky clear. In FaceGym’s case, the balm is powered by two key elements: buriti oil and ylang ylang. “Buriti oil is nice as a cleanser as a result of it’s a pure supply of beta-carotene and unsaturated fatty acids,” says Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based mostly in Dallas, Texas. Due to the fatty acids, the balm is especially efficient at eradicating basis, blush, and different complexion merchandise. The balm “accommodates nutritional vitamins E and A, which promotes nice emollient properties to rebuild, moisturize, and rehydrate pores and skin cells,” she provides.
Dr. Houshmand says that the buriti oil pairs properly with ylang-ylang oil—an oil derived from a yellow, star-shaped flower sometimes present in Southeast Asia—as a result of it has anti-microbial properties that keep off micro organism. “Like buriti oil, it’s a nice moisturizing agent for the pores and skin and works on superb strains and wrinkles,” she says.
My assessment
Studying the directions, FaceGym Surprise Cleaning Balm regarded fairly simple—you simply scoop some out, lather up, and wash away. It appeared easy sufficient, however may it really get all my make-up off? And not make my pores and skin freak out within the course of?
I made a decision to check the cleaning balm individually on two merchandise—Typology’s Tinted Serum ($41) and Ilia’s Serum Pores and skin Tint ($48), two barely there pores and skin tints I will use once I wish to give my complexion a little bit enhance. Upon opening the package deal, I used to be stunned to discover a washcloth included with the balm. I moist stated fabric below heat water and scooped a beneficiant quantity of product onto it earlier than making use of it to my face. Instantly, I could not imagine how mild it felt because it lathered richly into a pleasant, flowery scent (the ylang-ylang smells wonderful!)
When examined on Typology’s serum, the product got here off simply with out me having to vigorously scrub my face, and I liked the best way my face felt and regarded afterward. The product left a dewy sheen on my pores and skin which felt hydrating and gave my cheeks a wholesome glow. That is all due to the vegan collagen, which Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of beauty and medical analysis in dermatology and affiliate professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, says “varieties a protecting, breathable seal over the pores and skin to hydrate and preserve a wholesome pores and skin barrier.” I used to be impressed with the moment outcomes the product delivered, to say the least.
Better of all, however I discovered that the method did not irritate or dry out my pores and skin in any respect. In contrast to different make-up removers I’ve tried prior to now, Surprise Balm is wealthy in hydrators like glycerin and sunflower seed oil, each of that are beloved by dermatologists, particularly for these like me who’ve delicate pores and skin. “Sunflower seed oil has proof to counsel it’s really an incredible selection for eczema-prone pores and skin,” Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based mostly in New York, beforehand informed W+G. “It’s anti-inflammatory and calming, and it could possibly actually assist lower among the discomfort that comes with eczema.”
Now, with Ilia’s Pores and skin Tint, I discovered it tougher to clean away. I ended up having to double cleanse—the method wasn’t sturdy sufficient to get all of the product off my pores and skin. After, my pores and skin felt simply as wholesome and hydrated because it did with the Typology serum, however observe that it the balm might not be very best for thicker formulation with SPF.
Who ought to use FaceGym’s cleaning balm?
When you apply make-up each day or every so often, I might positively suggest FaceGym’s Surprise cleaning balm. For the reason that product is formulated with hydrating elements like glycerin and sunflower seed oil, I might additionally suggest individuals with eczema-prone and delicate pores and skin to attempt to patch check this product in lieu of utilizing make-up wipes.
Last ideas
I am so relieved to lastly have discovered a make-up remover that will not trigger my eczema to flare and that leaves my face feeling like 1,000,000 bucks with only a wash. Thus far, I’ve primarily used FaceGym Surprise Cleansing Balm at night time to take away the itty bitty little bit of tinted serum I might need on throughout the day, proper earlier than my skin-care routine (utilizing toner, making use of serum, and moisturizing.) The Surprise cleaning balm suits proper in. And whereas it is nonetheless not sufficient to make me put on a full face of make-up every single day (who has the time?!), it is sufficient to get me to ditch different makeup-removing oils and wipes for good.
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