My bathroom sink looked like a crime scene. Black mascara smears everywhere.
That’s the real test of a cleansing balm — can it handle a full face of waterproof makeup without a fight?
It’s Then I Met You’s Living Cleansing Balm. $40 for 3.7 oz. They claim it melts everything and preps for a second cleanse.
The Texture
Starts as a solid balm, warms into a silky oil on contact.
The Scent
A subtle, herbal citrus — not the usual fake spa smell.
The Rinse
Emulsifies with water into a milky liquid, no greasy film.
Photo: kevin laminto / Unsplash
It’s a cocktail of oils and emulsifiers. The hero is sea buckthorn oil — packed with omegas for barrier support.
- Sea Buckthorn Oil: Antioxidant-rich, fights free radicals
- Olive Squalane: Mimics skin’s natural moisture
- Japanese Tsubaki Oil: High in oleic acid, deeply nourishing
- Papaya Enzyme: A gentle exfoliant you wouldn’t expect here
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
Feels like spreading warm honey. It dissolves sunscreen globs in seconds — satisfying.
By week two, my skin felt softer before my second cleanse. The surprise? It didn’t break out my congestion-prone chin.
Photo: Element5 Digital / Unsplash
My makeup removal is faster, with less tugging. Skin feels balanced. Did it transform me? No. But it made a tedious step enjoyable.
Double cleansing isn’t a myth — it works. This balm is the luxurious gateway drug. But you don’t *need* this specific one to get the benefit.