I smeared a full face of waterproof mascara and SPF 50 just to test this.
The real question: does a balm actually dissolve the day, or just smear it around?
It’s a $48 cleansing balm from Then I Met You. The claim? A first cleanse that rinses clean, no residue.
The Texture
Starts as a solid, melts into a silky oil on contact.
The Scent
A subtle, real tangerine—not a chemical fruit bowl.
The Finish
Supposedly rinses with water alone. We’ll see.
Photo: kevin laminto / Unsplash
It’s not just scented Vaseline. The base is a blend of plant oils and esters designed to emulsify. That’s the magic word.
- Meadowfoam Seed Oil: Lightweight, mimics skin’s natural oils
- Squalane: Hydrates without clogging
- Sea Buckthorn Oil: Antioxidant-packed, gives it that orange hue
- Japanese Tangerine Peel Oil: The scent, with a slight astringent kick
Photo: Siora Photography / Unsplash
It feels luxurious—like a facial oil, not a waxy balm. Transforms instantly.
Surprise: it didn’t sting my eyes. At all. Most balms make me look like I’m sobbing. This one? Zero irritation.
My makeup came off faster. My skin felt softer, not stripped. But it didn’t magically shrink pores or cure breakouts.
Double cleansing isn’t a myth—it works. This balm makes the first step feel less like a chore and more like a 60-second treat.