My sink looked like a crime scene. Black mascara streaks everywhere.
That’s the real test of a cleansing balm — can it handle a full face of waterproof makeup without a fight?
The Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm. $38 for 3.7 oz. It promised to melt makeup and leave skin hydrated — not tight.
The Texture
Starts as a solid balm, transforms to a silky oil on contact.
The Scent
A subtle, fresh citrus-herbal vibe — not a perfume bomb.
The Rinse
Emulsifies with water into a milky liquid, no harsh scrubbing needed.
It’s basically a fancy salad for your face. Oils and extracts that dissolve gunk and calm skin.
- Sea Buckthorn Oil: Antioxidant-rich, gives it that orange color
- Papaya Extract: Gentle enzymatic action
- Japanese Turmeric Root: Anti-inflammatory
- Sunflower & Olive Oils: The workhorses that lift makeup
It feels luxurious — like spreading warm honey. My sunscreen and eyeliner dissolved in 20 seconds flat.
After two weeks, my skin felt softer. The surprise? My flaky chin from tretinoin smoothed out. No extra moisturizer needed.
My pores looked clearer. Makeup removal became effortless. But it didn’t “transform” my skin — no product does that.
Double cleansing isn’t a myth — it’s just thorough cleaning. This balm makes the first step a genuine pleasure.