I bought into the hype. My sink was a graveyard of single-use cleansers that left my pores clogged and my spirit crushed.
The real issue? Sunscreen and city grime. A single cleanse wasn’t cutting it — I could feel the film left behind.
A $48 first-step cleansing balm from Then I Met You. The claim? It melts everything off without stripping your skin, making the second cleanse actually effective.
Sorbet Texture
Starts as a solid balm, warms into a silky oil on contact.
No Blur Vision
Rinses completely clean with water — no oily residue.
Scent Story
A subtle, herbal citrus — not the usual overpowering spa smell.
Photo: Laura Chouette / Unsplash
It’s a cocktail of oils and emollients designed to dissolve, not just coat. The hero is a Japanese sweet potato ferment — sounds weird, but it helps break down makeup bonds.
- Squalane: mimics skin’s own moisture
- Japanese Sweet Potato Ferment: helps dissolve stubborn makeup
- Sea Buckthorn Oil: antioxidant-rich, gives it that orange hue
- Olive-Derived Emollients: rinse clean without a trace
Photo: Felipe Vieira / Unsplash
It feels luxurious — like spreading melted sherbet. Transforms from balm to oil to a milky emulsion in seconds. No tugging.
By week three, my second cleanse foamed up better. The real surprise? My skin felt softer *before* I even applied moisturizer.
My blackheads on my nose are less pronounced. Not gone, but visibly softer. My makeup wipes come away clean now — proof it was leaving stuff behind.
Double cleansing works. This balm makes it a pleasure, not a chore. Is it magic? No. But it’s the best first step I’ve tried.