Is it weird that I gravitate towards Sunday Riley products because we share a similar brand name? Probably is the answer but as I love skincare and new innovation, the purchase of Sunday Riley Blue Moon Cleansing Balm was bound to happen - even if this blog was called something else. I may not have enjoyed the now iconic Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Oil, but the equally blue Sunday Riley Blue Moon Cleansing Balm has won me over.
As you can see Sunday Riley Blue Moon Cleansing Balm comes presented within a huge 100g plastic tub which manages the impossible - looking chic while being plastic. Kudos Sunday Riley...kudos indeed. As it is a plastic container it is of course sturdy (great for using when you have wet hands), less than likely to shatter or break if dropped and ideal for travel - well maybe not in size or weight but otherwise perfect.
So yes, much like the name suggests Sunday Riley Blue Moon Cleansing Balm is indeed a blue tinted balm - not quite as deep as I had anticipated but visually striking none the less. The fragrance is also not what I expected either, I assumed that it would share a similar scent to the Luna sleeping oil but as the ingredients differ, that is of course not the case. The Sunday Riley Blue Moon Cleansing Balm has a light, almost chocolate orange fragrance that is pleasant both day and night - it is not overly sweet and is oddly familiar and enjoyable. My real struggle was getting to grips with the texture, my gosh is it firm, so firm that I have found myself chipping away at the balm rather than scooping up a little with my fingertips. It goes without saying that you must warm the Sunday Riley Blue Moon Cleansing Balm with your hands before applying to your face; on the plus side this does mean that it is less likely to melt if you keep your cleanser in the bathroom - apparently the cocoa butter within the balm helps create and maintain a solid texture.
On the skin this feels glorious, cooling and a lot less oil based than other cleansing balms I have used which is odd as one of the core ingredients is Moringa Butter (yep a lot like the iconic Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm) but more on that in a minute. As a cleanser it gently yet effectively removes all traces of make-up including heavier foundations, sunscreen and even mascara without tugging or pulling at the skin. Once removed (I use and recommend a muslin cloth) my skin felt soft, refreshed and all without any greasy residue; as far as balm based cleansers go this is by far one of the easier to remove and ideal for those who like a quick and easy make-up removal option.
Now for the ingredients for this sugar based cleanser (apparently this why it is so gentle), well the core ingredients at least: Moringa Butter to protect the skins hydro lipid barrier (what the skin relies on to protect natural moisture levels), Cocoa Butter again this protects the skin with natural anti-oxidant properties (great for environmental damage) to shield against the heat, cold and general irritation. Much like Sunday Riley Luna Oil this contains Blue Tansy, coupled with Chamomile oil to reduce redness and calm skin irritation, along with orange and tangerine essential oils to tine the complexion. So in a nutshell Sunday Riley Blue Moon Cleansing Balm gently removes the day's impurities, while somewhat toning, moisturising and soothing the skin as it goes - it is fairly impressive.
I have used a few Sunday Riley products over the last few years and will go on record in saying that this is my favourite to date. Yes it is pricey but as a little goes a long way and as it delivers, all without irritating my acne prone skin I will happily recommend it to all that will listen. If you try one Sunday Riley product let it be this.
Sunday Riley Blue Moon Cleansing Balm £46/100g via Space.NK - link.
I won't use anything other than balm, cleansing oils or creams on my face for that very reason! I want my lipid barrier to stay put ;) its a big tip to getting that glow back along with AHA/BHA's :D
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I was on the fence about trying this out, but now I really want to. Adding it to my list now! Thank you for the review.
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Serein
http://sereinwu.com
Everything you write about i want to try.. This sounds lovely
ReplyDeleteI used to love cleansing balms, I'd forgotten about them actually. I always used the Ren one. This sounds amazing x
ReplyDeleteWonky Lauren
I had read a few negative reviews of this cleanser, saying that it had an odd, difficult to work with texture, which had put me off purchasing it. I have very dry skin though, so the ingredients list sounds heavenly to me. I think I'm just going to bite the bullet and make a purchase, to see what I think for myself!
ReplyDeleteAlice / Alice Grace Beauty
x
I love Luna Oil, but feel like I wouldn't splurge as much on a cleansing balm
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Have you found it has an almost faintly fine gritty texture at first? That's one thing I've run into with it, but I assume it's largely from a need to warm it up more. I think this is a great addition to the Sunday Riley range, if not a bit of a hit to the wallet. :P
ReplyDeleteSounds amazing! Definitely noting down that I want to try this! x
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This sounds gorgeous and it's such a pretty colour :)
ReplyDeleteJess xo | The Indigo Hours
I never tried any cleansing balm but this looks interestins. Your review is detailed enough and I really like it :)
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Claire
notebookofclaire.blogspot.gr
I do really like Luna so always intrigued by this - I've heard mixed reviews but if it smells good I'll take it!
ReplyDeleteLauren x
Britton Loves | Lifestyle Beauty Wellbeing
This sounds lovely! I've yet to try anything by Sunday Riley but this sounds right up my street so I'll be checking it out.
ReplyDeleteGemma x
Gemma Means Jewel - A UK Beauty Blog