by If putting on your makeup before bed is a real challenge, we are here for a solution. Instead of sleeping with your makeup on (I was there) or using disposable makeup wipes (which are not exactly environmentally friendly), sleep with a cleansing balm and a soft cloth near your bed. Marisa Garshick, MD, a certified dermatologist in New York, says you do not need water to remove a cleansing balm, making it the perfect nightstand product.
“Often people forget to wash their face at night or are too tired to get up to go to the toilet,” says Dr. Garshck. “So a water-free cleansing balm can be a useful option to keep it on your nightstand, allowing you to remove makeup and build-up without leaving your bed.”
Cleansing balms are oil-based products that help break down and remove makeup, sunscreen and general dirt from your face. While making a great first step in a dual cleansing routine, you can also use a cleansing balm on its own on dry skin.
“Cleansing balms often do not require a wet face to be effective and are often recommended for dry skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “As the thickest balm turns into a milky cleanser, it acts to effectively remove any buildup without causing dryness or irritation.”
All you need is a clean, soft cloth, like this one from this seven-day set of makeup gum ($ 25), a cleansing balm, and 10 free seconds before you go to sleep. Not only is this procedure effective, but it is also much more sustainable (and skin-friendly) than standard bed wipes that go straight into the trash.
Bonus: You do not need to rinse off this oil that leaves the balm on your face. “In many cases, this residual oil can be moisturizing to the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. Buy 9 options below.
Wander Beauty BOM Voyage – $ 34.00
“This transformative cleansing option is converted from balm to oil and rinsed off like milk, helping to eliminate makeup, dirt and sunscreen without leaving the skin feeling dry or irritated,” says Dr. Garshick. “It also contains evening primrose oil, jojoba seed oil and pear fruit and together it helps to balance and nourish the skin.”
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Remover Balm – $ 22.00 to $ 34.00
Truly one of the best cleansing balms available, this fragrance-free formula leaves your face clean and hydrated. Uses sunflower root and ginger oils to melt makeup. turmeric and moringa extract to remove dirt and sunscreen residues and combat the effects of pollution. and papaya enzymes to exfoliate the pores.
Drunk Elephant Slaai Melting Butter Cleanser – $ 34.00
“Not only does it help remove makeup, but this butter cleanser is rich in antioxidants and nourishing oils such as lettuce, cantaloupe and mongongo,” says Dr. Garshick of this Drunk Elephant balm. “It helps provide extra moisture to the skin, so it does not leave the skin dry.”
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Milk Makeup Hydro Ungrip Cleansing Balm – $ 36.00
Milk Makeup cleansing balm uses blue agave extract, soybean oil and sunflower oil to thoroughly cleanse and melt makeup without removing the skin. It also contains hemp seed extract derived from hemp, hyaluronic acid and aloe to help hydrate and soothe the skin.
Keys Soulcare Nourishing Cleansing Balm – $ 30.00
Bamboo charcoal is the key ingredient in this Keys Soulcare balm. Helps remove impurities, dirt and excess oil from the skin. Also includes shea butter, sunflower oil, macadamia seed oil, camellia oil and Manuka honey to nourish, hydrate and soften the skin.
Ponds Cold Cream Cleansing Balm – $ 14.00 to $ 18.00
“This cleansing balm leaves the skin looking and feeling soft and smooth,” says Dr. Garshick, “as it contains a blend of oils and cleansers that form into a solid-textured balm that turns into a silky oil that helps soften removing makeup and impurities without leaving the skin dry or bare. ”
Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm – $ 66.00
“This product feels good as a nourishing cleansing balm for not only cleansing but also hydration,” says Dr. Garshick. “Containing a mixture of oils and waxes, it easily removes makeup, leaving the skin soft and smooth.”
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