My bathroom sink looked like a crime scene. Black mascara streaks everywhere — except my face.
That’s the real test. A first cleanse should actually *remove* makeup, not just smear it around.
It’s a $48 cleansing balm from Then I Met You. The claim? It melts into a “living oil” that dissolves everything without stripping.
The Texture Shift
Starts as a solid balm, melts on contact.
The Scent
Subtle, herbal tangerine — not a synthetic punch.
The Rinse
Emulsifies with water into a milky rinse. No major residue.
Photo: Laura Jaeger / Unsplash
It’s basically a fancy oil blend. The “living” part means unrefined, cold-pressed oils that retain more nutrients. They’re there to dissolve sebum and sunscreen.
- Sea Buckthorn Oil: Antioxidant boost, gives it that orange color
- Mango Seed Butter: Softens skin while cleansing
- Olive Squalane: Mimics skin’s own moisture
- Japanese Licorice Root Extract: Brightens over time
Photo: Anthony / Unsplash
Feels like smoothing warm butter over your face. It dissolves a full face of makeup in about 30 seconds flat.
After two weeks, my skin felt softer *before* my second cleanse. A surprise — I expected it to just be a pre-wash.
My pores looked clearer. Makeup removal became a non-issue. But it didn’t magically cure my hormonal breakouts — no cleanser does.
Double cleansing isn’t a myth — but this balm proves the first step matters. It’s not just a trend; it’s a better way to clean.