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If taking off your makeup before bed is a real challenge, we’re here with a solution. Instead of sleeping in your makeup (been there) or using single-use makeup wipes (which aren’t exactly eco-friendly), sleep with a cleansing balm and a gentle cloth near your bed. Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says you don’t need water to remove a cleansing balm, making it the perfect nightstand product.
Experts in This Article
board-certified dermatologist at Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York
“Often, people forget to wash their face at night or are too tired to get up to go to the bathroom,” says Dr. Garshck. “So a cleansing balm that doesn’t require water can be a helpful option to keep on your nightstand, allowing you to remove your makeup and build-up without leaving your bed.”
Cleansing balms are oil-based products that help break down and remove makeup, sunscreen, and general grime from your face. Though they make a great first step in a double-cleansing routine, you can also use a cleansing balm by itself on dry skin.
“Cleansing balms often don’t require a wet face to be effective, and it is often recommended to apply to dry skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “As the thicker balm transforms into a milky cleanser, it works to effectively lift away any buildup without causing dryness or irritation.”
All you need is a clean, gentle cloth, like one from this MakeUp Eraser Seven-Day Set ($25), a cleansing balm, and 10 spare seconds before you fall asleep. Not only is this process effective, but it’s also far more sustainable (and skin-friendly) than your standard by-the-bed makeup wipes that go straight into the trash.
MakeUp Eraser Seven-Day Set — $25.00
Bonus: That oil that the balm leaves behind on your face doesn’t need to be washed off. “In many cases, this residual oil can be moisturizing on the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. Shop 9 options below.
Wander Beauty B.O.M Voyage — $34.00
“This transformative cleansing option goes from a balm to an oil and rinses off as a 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 helps to balance and nourish the skin.”
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm — $22.00 to $34.00
Truly one of the best cleansing balms out there, this fragrance-free formula leaves your face feeling clean and moisturized. It uses sunflower and ginger root oils to melt makeup; turmeric and moringa extract to remove impurities and sunscreen residue and fight the effects of pollution; and papaya enzymes to exfoliate pores.
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser — $34.00
“Not only does it help to remove makeup, but this butter cleanser is rich in antioxidants and nourishing oils including marula seed, kalahari melon seed, and mongongo,” says Dr. Garshick of this Drunk Elephant balm. “It helps to deliver extra moisture to the skin, so won’t leave the skin feeling dry.”
Milk Makeup Hydro Ungrip Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm — $36.00
Milk Makeup’s cleansing balm uses blue agave extract, soybean oil, and sunflower oil to thoroughly cleanse and melt away makeup without stripping skin. It also contains hemp-derived cannabis seed extract, hyaluronic acid, and aloe to help hydrate and soothe skin.
Keys Soulcare Nourishing Cleansing Balm — $30.00
Bamboo charcoal is the star ingredient in this Keys Soulcare balm. It helps remove impurities, dirt, and excess oil from the skin. It also includes shea butter, sunflower seed oil, macadamia seed oil, camellia sed oil, and Manuka honey to nourish, moisturize, and soften 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 cleansing essence formulated into a solid textured balm that transforms into a silky oil that helps to gently remove makeup and impurities without leaving the skin feeling dry or stripped.”
True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm — $48.00
This cleansing balm uses yucca extract, turmeric, and mango butter to remove makeup from your skin while lactic acid and azelaic acid gently exfoliate, revealing brighter, more radiant skin.
Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm — $66.00
“This feel-good product serves as a nourishing cleansing balm to not only clean, but also moisturize,” says Dr. Garshick. “Containing a mix of oils and waxes, it easily removes makeup, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth.”
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