I did the two-step cleanse for a month. My bathroom sink got oily. My skin? Let’s talk.
The real test wasn’t removing makeup—it was the grit that comes out after a sweaty day.
It’s Then I Met You‘s Living Cleansing Balm. $38 for 3.7 oz. They claim it melts everything and leaves skin hydrated—not stripped.
Scent
A subtle, herbal citrus—not a dessert shop.
Packaging
A heavy, satisfying jar. You will drop it.
Texture
Starts waxy, melts to a silky oil in 5 seconds flat.
Photo: Victor Meza / Unsplash
It’s a cocktail of oils and emulsifiers. The hero is sea buckthorn oil—a bright orange oil packed with omegas. It’s why the balm is that sunset color.
- Sea Buckthorn Oil: Antioxidant & nourishing, stains washcloths orange temporarily
- Japanese Camellia Oil: Lightweight moisture, mimics skin’s lipids
- Olive-Derived Squalane: Hydration without clogging pores
- Papaya Enzyme: Gentle exfoliation—you feel a slight tingle
Photo: Rosa Rafael / Unsplash
It feels like spreading warm butter. Transforms on skin, rinses clean with water—no greasy film. My face felt soft, not squeaky.
Surprise: my stubborn sunscreen (the waterproof kind) finally came off completely. Blackheads on my nose looked less… present.
Photo: Bailey Burton / Unsplash
My makeup wipes are now dusty. Skin is smoother, less congested. But it didn’t cure my hormonal breakouts—nothing does.
Photo: Tariq Iqbal / Unsplash
The trend is legit. This balm makes the ritual enjoyable. It’s not a miracle, but it is a massive upgrade.