Double cleansing dogma says you need an oil first. I call BS.
So I tested a cult balm to see if the texture even matters. The real test? My waterproof mascara and a day of city grime.
It’s Then I Met You’s Living Cleansing Balm. $40 for 3.7 oz. The claim? A transformative first cleanse that rinses clean.
The Melt
Goes from solid to silky oil in 5 seconds flat.
The Scent
Subtle herbal citrus — not a fake spa smell.
The Finish
No oily film. Just soft, prepped skin.
Photo: Viktoriia Muzyka / Unsplash
It’s packed with oils, but they’re smart ones. The hero is sea buckthorn oil — it’s a bright orange antioxidant bomb. Not just slick.
- Sea Buckthorn Oil: Fights free radicals, gives that orange glow
- Olive Squalane: Mimics skin’s own moisture
- Japanese Peppermint Oil: A tiny tingle, not a burn
- Papaya Enzymes: Gentle exfoliation as you massage
Photo: Karly Jones / Unsplash
Texture is divine — like smoothing warm honey over your face. It doesn’t drag.
After two weeks, my surprise? It didn’t magically clear my pores. But my second cleanse lathers up way better now. The foundation comes off easier.
Photo: Linh Ha / Unsplash
My makeup removal is 10/10. No red, tight feeling after. But my blackheads? Still very much present.
Photo: Content Pixie / Unsplash
It’s a fantastic balm. But does it prove you *need* a balm over an oil? No. The ritual is the upgrade.