REVIEW: EVE LOM Cleanser

OK I'll be honest, I initially had inquired at a Mecca store whether or not they stocked the Emma Hardie Amazing Face cleansing balm. To my surprise, none of the assistants had even heard of the Emma Hardie skincare line to begin with! I mean, it was all the rage and all over youtube! LKWETNFAKDLFNA

Since the store did not stock the Emma Hardie skincare range, an assistant directed me to the EVE LOM range. Fun fact#101 the EVE LOM cleanser is known in the beauty industry as the the original balm cleanser; it cleanses, decongests, tones, exfoliates, and removes even the most stubborn waterproof makeup AND is a multi-award winning product.  OK - she totally got me hooked at that point.  I decided to fork out the big bucks ($172 AU) and purchased the biggest possible tub (200ml 6.8floz) as it came with a muslin cloth and I justified (in my head) that the tub should last me quite a while.

Naturally, I couldn't wait to tick off work so that I could rush home and try this cleansing balm (first cleansing balm I had ever purchased = excitement overload). I read the instructions probably 5 times over before I really understood what I was meant to do. So you're meant to massage a small amount directly onto dry skin over the grime & makeup, run the muslin cloth under hot water, wring it out, "steam" your face with it and then in circular motions, rub around the face to remove all traces of the cleanser and makeup. Repeat three times.  HUH?! This was totally bizarre to me as I had always religiously taken off my makeup using makeup wipes before going into my actual cleansing routine.

(Above: The 200ml tub of Eve Lom cleansing balm comes with a muslin cloth which is key to the cleansing routine. The balm is quite thick in consistency and only a small amount is needed each time) 

The initial feeling I had was "this feels as though I am just moving makeup around my face with grease - EW". But to my delight the 5-10 minute routine is super relaxing and is more or less like a facial spa treatment in the comfort of your own home. In addition, the cleansing balm removed all traces of my makeup - even the heavy duty waterproof mascara that I use (I pretty much use waterproof mascara exclusively). I even did the toner test and again, I was thrilled with how well the cleanser performed as there was no remaining residue on the cotton rounds. My skin did not at all feel tight or greasy. It just felt super clean and super supple. 

I use the EVE LOM cleanser to remove my makeup only on nights when I'm sporting quite a heavy makeup look. Due to the cleansing balm containing mineral oil as an ingredient, I avoid using it as an everyday cleanser as I'm weary it may block my pores. Some reviewers have noted that the mineral oil content isn't high, thus it shouldn't affect the skin too much - but I'd rather be on the safe side of things. So would I repurchase this product again? Hmm...it definitely is a luxurious product, but I'm not too sure if it's worth the money because I feel as though there are other cleansers that do the same job just as effectively minus the hefty price tag. I really want to try other cleansing balms that are out there on the market (that don't contain any mineral oil) before I decide whether or not I want to repurchase this again. I'd give it a 7/10 - which means I do like it and it does work, but I can't say it has HG status for me.

Love, Twin #1