I started using Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm a couple of years ago and fell in love with it. Rubbing it over my make up felt very weird, but using a warm flannel to massage my face on top of the balm, was far more effective and gentle at removing my make up than my usual harsh face wipes. But as Clinique is now one of the products I’m trying to avoid, I need a cruelty free alternative.
As it happened, I actually already had one in my cupboard EVE LOM Cleanser. I started using it and found the results similar to the Clinique so was initially very happy, until I went to buy more and found out it was £85! Where did I even get this from? Must have been a present. Anyway, as lovely as it was, it’s a little too pricy for me so I thought I’d have a go at making my own, I mean, how hard can it be? Turns out it was easy, so I’ve been using my homemade balm for three months now with similar results to the above products, for a fraction of the price. So I’ve made some more and this time, I took some pictures for you and wrote down the recipe in case you fancy having a go yourself. I used lavender, lemon and forget me not to fragrance my cleanser but you can use any essential oils you like.
1. In a bain-marie, heat all the ingredients apart from the essential oils until the wax has melted stirring occasionally with a teaspoon. This should take about 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, sterilise a jar by pouring boiling water carefully over it drying with a clean tea towel.
1. Scoop out a coin sized amount and rub in-between your fingers to loosen up a bit.
2. Apply to your face bare or on top of make up in small circular movements. Work the product into your skin for about a minute.
3. immerse a clean flannel into a basin of warm water, rinse and hold over your face for three deep breaths. Wash and rinse the flannel and then using circular motions, carefully remove the balm from your face. Rinsing the flannel as and when needed. Lovely.
But if you can’t be bothered… you can always ask me nicely and I might make a pot for you for £20. Failing that, one of the below products should do the trick. To my knowledge they’re all cruelty free which is rather marvellous.
If you enjoyed this post (or even if you didn’t) I’d love to hear from you @corrieheale corrie.heale@gmail.com.
This is such a good idea, I love making my own cosmetics masks etc but I’ve never thought about making a cleanser myself. I’ll definitely be giving it a go!
Well done on going cruelty free as well!