Sunday Riley Blue Moon Cleansing Balm Review

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.

Sunday Riley Blue Moon Cleansing Balm Review

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.

Sunday Riley Blue Moon Cleansing Balm Review

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.

Sunday Riley Blue Moon Cleansing Balm Review

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.