Hi Guys!
So, the first product i'm going to review is Secret Keys Skin Save Cleansing balm!
I've been using this product for nearly a year now (not that often mind you as I don't really wear make up much anymore), and this is the first cleansing balm I've used. Back when I ordered this (which feels like some time ago) there weren't that many cleansing balms about from what I could see, especially here in the UK. However some have started popping up here from Brands such as Emma Hardie, Pure, Pixi to name a few. I wasn't really that convinced about the benefits of using a cleansing balm since I already use cleansing oils and foam cleansers but needless to say I was quite surprised!
So what is a cleansing balm?
Cleansing balms are creamy, rich cleansers that do double duty by removing dirt, make up and impurities on the skin while also protecting the skin's moisture balance. Particularly suited if you have dry or sensitive skin as these cleansers won't dry your skin out. A good cleansing balm will help restore moisture and keep your skin hydrated, smooth and radiant whilst being very thorough!
So we'll start with the basics shall we?
The cleansing balm comes in a clean crisp white box, with the ingredients on either side and directions on the back in both Korean and English.
The Ingredients for this product are:
Cocos Nucifere (Coconut) Oil, Lanolin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Microcrystalline Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Argania Spinosa, Kernel Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter.
So it comes in a sleek white circular container with a screw cap, with information printed on the back in Korean (it's sometimes best to keep the original packaging incase you find that the product itself doesn't have English instructions printed on it, so you have the information ready at hand should you need to refer back to it at any point!)
So my first impressions were that it kinda looked like a big tub of Vaseline. However, I was happy to see that the product is full to the brim (i'm used to living in a world where if people can get away with selling you air, they will) which is why I like Korea products as your 99% of the time paying for the full product and don't have to worry about giant gaps of air.
Now, the second thing I noticed, is that It also has a slight perfumed scent. That if I had to try my best to describe it, it'd say it has a herby/antiseptic type smell (think of the smell you would probably expect when you open a box of first aid products) with a slight hint of something sweet, like sherbet?
Albeit an unusual smell to describe, it isn't very powerful but is definitely noticeable. I would suggest not inhaling it too much as it may give you a headache haha! 😅
So, this is something to keep in mind if you're not a fan of your products having a noticeable smell!
I usually use this product after a long day of wearing make up, as i'm a bit conscious of any make up lingering on my skin. I mentioned previously that it looks like Vaseline, and the texture itself is also quite similar, if not thicker. Actually, the consistency is probably the same as chocolate spread.
Now, when you put it on your skin (and you won't need a lot), that's when you'll see and notice a difference. The product starts to melt and become runny almost immediately, however this allows the product to be easily spread across your face, removing make up (or any that may have been missed if you've used anything beforehand) and impurities. Due to it containing a whole list of natural oils (coconut, jojoba etc) you can be sure it won't dry your skin, but as these are oils you will feel like you've just rubbed a load of goose fat on your face 😆
If you've never used cleansing balms (like myself when I first used this) it'll probably feel like a whole new experience, particularly if you're used to your products easily being washed off with warm water. The directions for this product as stated on the packaging are:
"Smoothly and evenly apply cleanser onto your face and add water as you massage with your fingertips to remove makeup. Wash off with lukewarm water."
I found that this product can't easily be washed off with warm water like it states on the packaging sadly, not surprisingly due to the ingredients contained within. I found with this particular cleaning balm, you have two ways you can remove it.
[A]
Wash your face with warm water to take off the main layer, then use a cotton pad (or cloth) to remove the excess and then proceed to use a foam cleanser to remove any remnants (if you wish)
[B]
Wash your face with warm water to take off the main layer, then rub a bar of soap between your hands with warm water to lather it up, then proceed to apply to your face to take off the rest of the balm. Then use a foam cleanser if you wish.
Whichever method you choose is up to you, as I go through a lot of cotton pads on a daily basis I'm a bit reluctant to use them in this instance. So I usually just use a bar of soap to create a lather then just quickly sweep my face and wash it off with warm water, as i'm not a fan of the greasiness left behind. I find it a better option incase you forget to take cotton pads into the bathroom and it'll save you having to go back to get them halfway through haha! Plus if you use a cloth, option B may probably save you having to buy and launder them regularly if you intend to use cleansing balms a lot.
However, it's completely up you how you choose to remove it!
 |
| Img Credit: yesstyle.com |
My first time using a cleansing balm was definitely an experience, and everything has pros and cons, so here are mine listed below based on my experience using this product.
Pros:
It's good for Dry/Sensitive skin
If you find that you have dry or sensitive skin, this may be worth a try as the combination of ingredients inside are designed to make sure your skin is both cleansed and moisturised afterwards. My skin felt noticeably softer after using it, especially my cheeks which tend to be the drier parts of my face.
Quick & Easy to apply
Simply scoop the product out and apply to your skin in a circular motion (with or without make up on) and you'll see the product melt quickly, removing the dirt and make up from your skin!
Long Lasting
Since you don't need to use a lot of this product, you'll find it actually lasts quite a while! and a little definitely goes a long way! I've been using more lately over the past few months and a still have a lot left, so you do get your moneys worth!
❤
Cons:
Not as Easy to Remove
It's pretty easy to apply, but on the other hand it can feel like a chore to remove. If you're feeling particularly tired after a long day you might not feel like the double process to remove the balm and the greasy residue it leaves behind.
The Perfumed Smell
The balm does have this herbal/antiseptic type smell attached to it. For some (like myself) i'm not too bothered by it as it isn't powerful. However, if you're not keen on your products having noticeable distinct smells regardless, this probably isn't for you. Either way it's something to bare in mind!
-
Overall, I remember paying about £10 for this cleansing balm, so quite an affordable price compared to other brands out there. If you just want a cleansing balm that does what it says on the tin, aren't put off by the perfumed smell and you have dry/sensitive skin then this may be worth trying out! I also recommend cleansing balms if you tend to wear make up on a regular basis so you can be confident that at the end of the day you've dispelled every last drop of make up!
Sadly I can't include any links for this product as most credible websites either have it listed as out of stock/unavailable for the time being. I'll update this review if it becomes available again!
- Thank you for reading this review! -
Have you used this product? What do you think of cleansing balms?
lemme know in the comments!
Pros:
It's good for Dry/Sensitive skin
If you find that you have dry or sensitive skin, this may be worth a try as the combination of ingredients inside are designed to make sure your skin is both cleansed and moisturised afterwards. My skin felt noticeably softer after using it, especially my cheeks which tend to be the drier parts of my face.
Quick & Easy to apply
Simply scoop the product out and apply to your skin in a circular motion (with or without make up on) and you'll see the product melt quickly, removing the dirt and make up from your skin!
Long Lasting
Since you don't need to use a lot of this product, you'll find it actually lasts quite a while! and a little definitely goes a long way! I've been using more lately over the past few months and a still have a lot left, so you do get your moneys worth!
❤
Cons:
Not as Easy to Remove
It's pretty easy to apply, but on the other hand it can feel like a chore to remove. If you're feeling particularly tired after a long day you might not feel like the double process to remove the balm and the greasy residue it leaves behind.
The Perfumed Smell
The balm does have this herbal/antiseptic type smell attached to it. For some (like myself) i'm not too bothered by it as it isn't powerful. However, if you're not keen on your products having noticeable distinct smells regardless, this probably isn't for you. Either way it's something to bare in mind!
-
Overall, I remember paying about £10 for this cleansing balm, so quite an affordable price compared to other brands out there. If you just want a cleansing balm that does what it says on the tin, aren't put off by the perfumed smell and you have dry/sensitive skin then this may be worth trying out! I also recommend cleansing balms if you tend to wear make up on a regular basis so you can be confident that at the end of the day you've dispelled every last drop of make up!
Sadly I can't include any links for this product as most credible websites either have it listed as out of stock/unavailable for the time being. I'll update this review if it becomes available again!
- Thank you for reading this review! -
Have you used this product? What do you think of cleansing balms?
lemme know in the comments!
0 comments