Best cleansing balm ever 🤌

You know that feeling when you finally discover a product that solves a long-standing skincare struggle? For me, it was finding the perfect cleansing balm, especially as a contact lens wearer! My initial article touched on how amazing the F91 Corrective Cleansing Balm is for avoiding blurry vision and irritation, but I wanted to dive a bit deeper into why I truly believe it's the best cleansing balm ever for so many reasons, and how it's transformed my entire cleansing routine. First off, let's talk about why cleansing balms, in general, are a total game-changer, not just for contact lens users, but for anyone looking for a thorough yet gentle cleanse. Before I switched, I used micellar water or foaming cleansers, and while they did the job, they often left my skin feeling stripped or didn't quite cut through stubborn mascara and sunscreen. Cleansing balms, with their oil-based formulas, work on the principle of 'like dissolves like.' This means they effectively break down oil-based makeup, SPF, and daily grime without harsh rubbing or drying out your skin. My skin feels incredibly soft and nourished after, which is a huge plus, especially during colder months. For those of us with contact lenses, the struggle is real. Traditional eye makeup removers can sting, leave a greasy film, or, worst of all, get into your contacts and make your vision cloudy. I used to dread washing my face because it meant carefully trying to remove makeup with my eyes squinted shut, or taking my contacts out first, which adds another step to an already long evening routine. What I love about a well-formulated balm like the F91 is its ability to emulsify beautifully with water. It transforms into a milky texture that rinses clean without leaving any residue that could irritate my eyes or fog up my lenses. Being able to open my eyes while cleansing mascara off is a freedom I never knew I needed! Beyond just makeup removal, many of us are also looking for a cleanser that can tackle other skin concerns. If you're like me and sometimes struggle with blackheads or congested pores, a good cleansing balm can actually help! The oil base can get deep into pores to dissolve sebum and impurities. When I massage the balm into my skin, especially around my nose and chin, I feel like I'm giving my skin a mini-facial every night. Look for balms with ingredients like olive oil (which is often associated with brands like #olivedaofficial or #olivetreepeople, as seen in the original post's hashtags), sunflower oil, or even gentle exfoliants if your skin can handle it a few times a week. The consistent, gentle massage with a balm helps to dislodge those pesky blackheads over time, leading to a smoother complexion. My top tips for using a cleansing balm to maximize its benefits, especially for contact lens wearers: Start with dry skin: Apply a small amount of balm (a pea-sized amount is usually enough) to your dry face. This allows the oils to effectively bind with your makeup and impurities. Massage gently: Spend at least 60 seconds massaging the balm into your skin in circular motions. Be extra gentle around the delicate eye area. This is where you can really work on dissolving stubborn mascara and helping with blackhead concerns. Emulsify with water: Add a little warm water to your face. The balm will turn into a milky emulsion. Continue massaging for a few more seconds. This step is crucial for ensuring it rinses off cleanly. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your face with warm water. I like to use a soft, damp washcloth to ensure all traces of the balm are removed. Follow with a second cleanse (optional but recommended): If you're into double cleansing (which I highly recommend for a truly clean feel), follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser. This ensures your skin is perfectly prepped for your serums and moisturizers. Embracing a cleansing balm has been a revelation for my skincare routine. It’s effective, gentle, and truly makes the nightly ritual feel a bit more luxurious. If you haven't tried one, or if you're a contact lens wearer still struggling with makeup removal, I can't recommend giving a high-quality cleansing balm like the F91 a try enough!