The intrigue got to me - I mean everyone and their mother seems to adore Emma Hardie's Cleansing Balm and as I was fresh out of both Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel and Aurelia Cleansing Balm I had the perfect excuse to take the plunge.
Basically the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm is like any other product of this kind, a somewhat firm and oil based solid that firstly softens with the heat (skin contact) and then emulsifies with contact of water so for that reason you apply to dry skin. I'm probably vastly in the minority here but I really don't like the strong fragrance of the balm - it is overly floral and not at all to my taste but given it's purpose I can indeed shut up and put up. Now being an oil based formulation you really do only require a tiny amount each time you use the balm - I tend to go for a blob the size of ten pence coin which is more than sufficient for my face and neck.
As you have most likely gathered this is a product that relies heavily on natural oils such as Grapeseed Oil which is know for its anti-oxidating properties as well as having superior hydrating properties, it also features Sweet Almond Oil which nourishes, soothes and moisturises the skin along. Given the name of the balm it only makes sense that it of course includes Moringa which is noted for being one of the most desired oils in the formulation of skin care and often chosen for its many antioxidants and documented skin-rejuvenating properties. These antioxidants do wonders for ageing and nutrient-depleted skin. Due to the high concentration of natural oils present this formula may not be for everyone - if you have a tendency to react adversely to natural oils maybe skip this.
Fragrance aside this is an utter joy to apply it glides on the skin and quickly dissolves into a light, slippery oil which allows itself beautifully to a facial massage which you can achieve at home with the instructions provided. I don't tend to bother with such steps and just massage it into my skin as I see fit but I can vouch that it gently and effectively removes all traces of dirt and make-up and despite being an oil it is effortless to remove too. Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm is highly nourishing and hydrating so much so that some don't recommend it for oily skin - to that I say nonsense I have used this for the last two months as soon as I get home to remove a full days make-up and it has yet to irritate my skin. No I don't recommend moisturising straight after use if you have oily skin but otherwise it has not encourage my skin to produce excess sebum rather the opposite I would go as far as saying it has helped to balance my complexion somewhat.
This balm can also be used as a rescue balm of sorts a little like Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Cream to nourishing dry areas of the body such as the knees, elbows and so on or left on the face for up to 15 minutes as an intensive moisturising mask. Truthfully I haven't tried either method as I don't have any dry skin on my body at the moment and as we have all come to know my skin doesn't really require intensive moisture. However it is good to know and it may just be the very thing when winter unleashes its ravishes on my skin. I'll certainly keep you posted either way.
A huge thumbs up from me, should Emma Hardie ever launch an unscented version (most likely impossible) I would be all over it like a tramp on chips!
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm currently £28.80/100ml via Feel Unique - link
I've never tried a Emma Hardie or cleansing balms, so a great intro for me to this brand and product perhaps :o). Xx
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I use the Eve Lom cleansing balm but when it finishes I really want to try this!
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I've been so curious about this- thanks for the review! xo
ReplyDelete-Jen
www.vibrantbeautyblog.com
cleansing balm? never heared :)
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I really like this and the Sarah Chapman Ultimate Cleanse but my skin is really reactive at the min, the essential oils aren't making my skin very happy so think I'm going to have to go for the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm as it's fragrance free.
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Is the clinique take the day off balm any good? Heard loads of great reviews for it...dumb question but do you use this as a cleanser morning and night or literally just to remove make up? :) sorry for questioning lol :)
DeleteClinique Take the Day Off is next on my hit list ;)
DeleteHmm this pot is a whole lot smaller then I thought it was the picture on feel unique is very misleading always imagined it to be bigger....
ReplyDeleteGreat review though I've been waiting for an combo/oily skin review for this, the essential oil does but me off slightly not sure how my skin would take to it it can be sensitive I wish they sold this close to me would get a sample....
Eeekk I think I'm one of those weird people who always gets excited for Autumn ....jumpers ...boots...hot chocies, pumpkin scented candles ..:D I can't wait there's just something kind of cosy about Autumn/fall
http://subjectbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/
I wonder if the image they use is for the huge pot - I know there is a bigger size than the 100ml it might be 300ml I can't remember haha! Ah me too my favourite season :)
DeleteThanks for the review. How long do u think this would last? I really want to try a balm cleanser and have read rave reviews of this one and the Clinique one. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI've had this for 2 months and I have around 2/3rds left but I do only use it once a day. I would say 3-4 months for the average user :)
DeleteI hate this stuff, i hate the smell, I hate the tub and i hate that it broke me out. I suppose it just isn't for everyone haha x
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I absolutely loved this when i tried it! One of the main things i liked about it was the scent, i thought it smelt lovely!
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I need to get my hands on this! Everyone raves about it and I feel a little left out of the circle!
ReplyDeleteLucy | a little of lucy
I just ordered this today. I have sensitive skin, prone to break outs but I've yet to work out what I'm actually sensitive to. Hopefully nothing in this :-) Thanks for the review x
ReplyDeleteThis has been on my wish list for so long!
ReplyDeleteSophie
http://what-sophie-said.blogspot.co.uk/
xxx
I would love to try this cleansing balm, but I had very bad experiences with Clinique Take the day off Cleansing balm, it irritated my skin and my eyes. I think that fragrances in EH cleansing balm would be even worse for my sensitive skin.
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