Cleansing balms: gentle, nourishing, luxuriant. For me, the cleansing balm has superseded cleansing gels, foams and lotions, providing all the rich nourishment of an oil, but with none of the mess or inconvenience of the oil squirting erratically out of the bottle and dribbling everywhere. I simply adore a cleansing balm. A couple of years ago, I tried the famed Emma Hardie moringa balm, and I was hooked.
Today I am reviewing the new Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Intensive Cleansing balm.
What is it?
Shu Uemura describe their cleansing balm as:
"a 2-in-1 intensive cleansing balm that goes beyond a superior cleansing ability to deliver visibly renewed skin. With continuous use, the skin feels soft yet firm, plumped and moisturized. Like magic, the cashmere-like balm melts instantly into a cocooning cleansing oil and wraps your skin gently in a light, fluffy veil. It is elaborately designed as a massage balm thanks to the cushioning feel of the texture between your skin and fingers. This luxurious balm delivers just the right amount of cushioning feel between the fingers and skin, making it ideal for quick renewing massages for busy lifestyles."
I'd agree. The description of the product may seem a little hyperbolic, but in my opinion, every word is true. It is heavenly.
What is in it?
A full ingredient list (I.N.C.I.) coming soon. Shu's claim that the 'Mother of Pearl protein' in the balm 'preserves [...] skin elasticity' is not supported with much clinical research, and so I personally am choosing to disregard this claim. However, the patented Pro-Xylane is a nice blend of emollient ingredients, used, I believe by L'Oreal. The brown algae extract within the balm acts as a thickening agent, while also holding antioxidant properties to defy premature aging. Primarily, the effect of the algae on the skin will be felt in the form of hydration.
Usage
A dream. I simply adore using cleansing balms, and this new product was no exception. Unbelievably soft, with an almost buttery consistency (in the best possible way). The tiniest piece of the balm spread easily over the face and neck, melting instantly into a luxuriously thick oil. I used a warm, clean, damp flannel/washcloth to remove the balm. This is my preferred method of removing all cleansers, but especially balms. I find that this method has reduced the number of blemishes and breakouts I encounter on my skin.
The cleansing balm left my skin feeling soft, supple and nourished; not at all dry or tight.
A really beautiful product. A significantly cheaper alternative is the Emma Hardie balm. For me, the Hardie one is unbeatable; the fragrance is divine, and the balm leaves your skin as soft as silk. The Shu Uemura one is a great alternative, especially if you like their Ultime8 cleansing oils. In my opinion, better than the famed Eve Lom cleanser, which is too waxy for me.
Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beuaty Intensive Cleansing Balm: £60.00 for 100ml at Liberty, SpaceNK, and Shu Uemura USA. Not yet available on Shu Uemura's UK site.
ALEX
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